Thankful Thursday - End of the year

 I took last week off from the "thankful Thursday" post in order to really focus on the true meaning of Christmas; the Greatest Gift ever, Jesus!  Come to Earth as a baby yet didn't stay in a manger, He grew, was fully human without being any less fully God so that He could show His love by dying on a cross to take our punishment - to face God's wrath for our sin - so that we could have a relationship with Him, to have the presence of God in us - Emmanuel, God with us! Every day of our lives and for all eternity.  As I look back on 2020 it was a very tough year and one that I'm thankful I don't have to re-live.  However, there have been many things that I'm truly thankful for; even some very hard things.  Here are just a few of those things:

1) As mentioned above, I'm SO thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ.  For His love, His sacrifice and His presence in my life.  I'm SO thankful for the wonderful, merciful, worthy, sovereign, unchanging, all-knowing God who, even though He is all those things, sees me, hears me and cares about the deepest sorrows and joys of my heart.  

2) This year has been one of a lot of family time. It has mostly been just the 8 of us since March.  We now have a "pod" of people that we see but that is still limited.  While at times this has been challenging as we all miss the relationships we have outside of our home it has also given a lot of time for making memories.  Extra bike rides, walks, talks, games and puzzles.  

3) I'm thankful for the lesson this year to live each day one at a time.  So much changed from day to day that we truly had to slow, clear the calendar and take one day at a time, relying on God for the details of each day.

4) I'm so very thankful for Matt & the kids.  I have said several times that the hardest decisions we make are those that affect our kids.  Feeling the responsibility of the task God has given to us to seek to raise our kids to love and depend on Him.  I'm thankful for a marriage where we work together in those decisions. There have been some tough days for us all but the kids have truly been amazing,  They have showed grace to me during tough days, they have been open about their own struggles and they have adjusted to the ever-changing guidelines.  

5) I'm also thankful for our church family.  When we weren't able to meet in person we connected over Zoom, there were phone calls from leadership to check in on how we were doing.  Mother's Day brought a special delivery (small plant) to each lady's door.  They have worked tirelessly to connect with people, to make sure that when we did start meeting in person again that it was as safe as possible.  All while also still reaching out to show the love of Christ to our community too.  

There's a saying that "God is good all the time and all the time God is good."  That has certainly been shown so many times this year.  I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for 2021.

What are you thankful for as we close out 2020?

I wanted to share this song because it's another one that I just love.  God really is our God "Through all of it"  No matter what we face, God is still our Emmanuel, God with us!  He is still the Great I AM, Yahweh the covenant God Who is Faithful and True!

Thankful Thursday - December Edition

 Another week! I am reminded of the verse that speaks of redeeming or making the best of the time we have (Ephesians 5:16).  Time marches on and even in this crazy year of 2020 we need to be aware of how we are using our time.  Things are different, in many ways slowed and more focused.  So how will we use these last days of 2020?  Let's continue to focus on gratitude and the One from where all good gifts come from (James 1:17). Here are a few things I'm thankful for this week.  Feel free to share yours in the comments.

1) For God's Word and the reminder this week (in the book of Hebrews) of what an awesome High Priest we have who has covered us by His blood and sacrifice.

2) For snow and the outdoor fun it brings.

3) For the reminder that God gives peace and strength as we step out in faith.

4) For good books to read.

5) For fun times and the gift of friends to laugh with.

6) For new songs, here is one I was introduced to this week.  

Thankful Thursday - December Edition

 This week has been a bit tough but I'm SO thankful that there are always blessings to count.  Here are a few from this week:

1) Celebrating a special someone's birthday.  

2) That we are all healthy.  

3) While Christmas plans look very different this year we are still finding joy and able to do some of our regular traditions.

4) Thankful for Christian friends who listen, pray and encourage.

5) Lastly I'm thankful that my first attempt at "freestyle" crochet is going well.  I found a poncho pattern that I loved the shape of but wanted a different motif so I decided to try and combine them.

Progress so far: 

A closer look at the dragonfly motif:

What are you thankful for this week?

Thankful Thursday - Christmas Edition

I'm going to try this again...I'm hoping to put up a Thankful Thursday post each week this month highlighting some Christmasy things I'm thankful for; here are two of them:

1) This Advent Storybook: I found this book several years ago at a used book store.  The book has Mama Bear sharing a story each night with Benjamin Bear.  They follow Little Bear's journey to Bethlehem. After each story Mama Bear shares a moral reminder or a specific truth about God.  The stories are short enough to keep the attention of the youngest and also allow some beginner readers to read the stories.

One thing I was disappointed to find out was that there is no corresponding advent calendar to go with this book (despite the fact that each story begins with Benjamin Bear opening a door each day on his advent calendar).  So, my goal this year was to build one myself.  There are some odd items listed in the book (a beggar, thief, wolf, etc) so I couldn't use any traditional advent calendars.  While poking around online I found a seller on Etsy that sells silver charms.  She had every single item I needed in her inventory!  Another quick look around online and I found this cute light up advent calendar with drawers.  The drawers are large enough to hold the charm and a Lindt truffle candy.  So far it's working great and I'm so thankful to finally have an advent calendar to match this book. 

2) Today we also made one of my favorite cookie recipes.  They are a bit more involved since they require making brown butter, chilling the dough and then rolling them in sugar.  My three little helpers had fun with the rolling.  The picture below shows off their different personalities. I've also included the link to the recipe for these yummy Brown Butter Chewy Ginger Oatmeal cookies.  One note I would make is that the dough needs to be chilled for much longer than the 15 minutes to insure that the cookies don't melt too much. 

Cookie Recipe:

https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/brown-butter-chewy-ginger-oatmeal-cookies/

Stay

 I joke that Proverbs 16:9 has been the theme verse for 2020.  So much of what we had planned changed, and we have been forced to truly slow down and trust God for what each day, sometimes each hour, will bring.  In my last post I talked about faithfully following God: stepping out, keeping our focus on Him and not comparing to what He is doing in the lives of others.  As hard as following can be, I think that can be the easier of the two between action and what we see as inaction.  We "get" busy.  We are all busy.  The world around us places a high value on busyness, productivity, and reaching goals.  Those things aren't inherently bad but we understand that thinking.  What can often be harder is when God says "stay", be still, because in our minds that seems like we aren't doing anything we think nothing can happen if we don't get moving; getting something done.  

A couple months ago I saw a post on Instagram. I wish I had made a note of who wrote it, but unfortunately I didn't.  It was a post that I read and thought "Oh, that's cool. I've never thought about that before," and moved on; yet it has stuck with me and become one of the truths that I'm clinging to when I just don't get what God is doing.  The post was about Jarius.  In Mark chapter 5 we meet Jarius, a man desperate for healing for his daughter.  As soon as Jesus returns from across the sea, Jarius is there, asking Jesus to heal his daughter. Jarius knows Jesus can heal her.  How thankful Jarius must have been to have Jesus immediately start following him to his house!  But here's where the story gets hard.  Someone else needed healing from Jesus that day too.  A woman, who we are told has had a bleeding issue for 12 years, touches the hem of Jesus' garment and is healed...and Jesus stops!  He stops and turns to the crowd to ask who touched Him.  From our view, we know that Jesus already knew who had touched Him.  She was healed so why delay?  Jesus (for several reasons I may blog about in the future, but won't get into here) knew that He needed to publicly acknowledge her healing.  But where was Jarius in all of this?  He was right there...he stayed.  Then, after Jesus heals the woman, someone comes from Jarius' house to tell him that his daughter has died.  How hopeless Jarius must have felt...how angry that Jesus didn't move faster. "Why did Jesus have to stop?" Jarius must have thought.  But Jesus responds with, "Do not fear, only believe." (vs 36)  

So what does this have to do with us?  Notice the example of Jarius, he doesn't rush ahead of Jesus, and he doesn't interrupt and pester or complain about Jesus tending to the needs of the woman.  Jarius simply stops when Jesus stops, and stays.  He is still with Jesus when the messenger from his house comes.  So often we don't understand Jesus' timing.  We get impatient and want to move ahead, thinking He somehow needs our "help."  We get restless; we think He's forgotten or that He has become unfaithful to His promises.  It's SO hard to wait, to sit, and to trust; especially when we are facing a situation that affects those dearest to us.  I'm going to somewhat contradict an earlier statement I made, but hear me out...earlier I mentioned how we aren't to be looking around at what Jesus is doing in others lives, BUT that admonishment is given for the times when we look around and start comparing ourselves to that person; when our focus is on the person and not on Jesus.  We DO need to look at how Jesus has worked in the lives of others because in those times we are reminded that He is faithful, that He does keep His promises and that we are to care about others as He does; not with jealousy or contempt but with love and care.  Just as we look back in our own lives, not to dwell there but to be reminded of all God has done in our lives.  So here we see Jesus, reaffirming to Jarius that He does heal, that faith in Him makes people well and then Jesus reminds Jarius to (just like this woman) only believe.  Believe not only that Jesus can fulfill His promises but that His timing is always perfect.  

A few years ago there was a heavy burden on my heart.  God used time at a women's retreat to speak to me in a very powerful way.  I shared that burden with a few of the women at that retreat and asked them to also pray.  That weekend God gave me two verses to hang onto; the first is Psalm 27:13-14 "I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" the second is Psalm 20:4-5 "May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans! May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!"  Waiting is hard!  But we can be sure that we will see God's goodness.  We can trust that God does hear our petitions, even when it seems like He's not listening.  We may not immediately see results but we need to believe, have faith and be reminded of Who Jesus is.  When He stops, we need to stop and stay for as long as He does...and that my friends is hard. 

Jarius' daughter was healed! He believed, just as Jesus had said. Jesus was faithful to fulfill His promise to Jarius...to grant Jarius' "heart's desire".  And yes, Jesus answered my prayers too...it took longer than I wanted and there were days when I clung so tight to those words and though my emotions were of doubt, I chose to trust that Jesus would be faithful to grant my petition in His perfect timing.  Now, with each new burden I can cling to those lessons. In those hard times of waiting, when Jesus stops, remember to stop, stay close to Him, "Do not be afraid, only believe."  Because when it seems that we aren't "doing" anything remember what Jesus told Martha when she complained about Mary sitting at His feet "Mary has chosen the good portion." (Luke 10:42). He makes everything beautiful in His timing..which is always the right time! (Ecclesiastes 3:11). 

"You Follow Me!"

 

In my last post I mentioned that I had recently attended a one day women's conference.  The conference included video presentations from several different speakers who each spoke on a different portion of Romans 8.  The variety of speakers, by age, style, etc was wonderful and to see God work through each one to bring a complete message was an important reminder and encouragement that when we put God first and desire for Him to lead He brings it all together.

One of the speakers was Sadie Robertson Huff; several attendees were familiar with her from Duck Dynasty but having never seen the show I was not.  Sadie is newly married and in her early twenties; it was so cool to see her heart for God and her session is one that has stuck with me these last couple weeks.  During her session she went to the passage in John 21 and the interaction that Jesus had with Peter on the beach.  Specifically verses 20-22:

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”  

Over the past few weeks I keep coming back to this passage and the fact that so many things can distract us from following Jesus.  As in this passage, comparison or even jealousy over what Jesus might be doing in someone else's life can take our focus of Jesus.  In this case, Peter was wondering if John was going to "get more" from Jesus than Peter himself was getting; but I think there are a couple other ways that we can be just like Peter.  

Often times when someone wrongs us we wonder if Jesus will "give them enough" punishment.  We look at people, even other believers, and don't see remorse; they seem to be getting away with sinful behavior and we wonder if Jesus sees how we've been wronged...if He sees our hurt. He has the same message for us as He did for Peter "what is that to you? You follow me!".  So many Scriptures assure us that He DOES see us, He cares deeply when we are hurt but He also knows that the most important thing we can do when other's fail us is to keep following Him.  Trust that He is working in all things even though we may not see it.  One step to following Him when we have been hurt or betrayed is to pray; pray for the situation, pray for the person and then leave them in the hands of Jesus.  Simple..yes...Easy..not at all!  This step of not turning to look at others, but keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, takes trust and humility.  It takes a heart that is surrendered to letting Jesus have control and not trying to "fix" things ourselves.  

As a mom, I've found another distraction can be my kids; and concern for their futures.  I pray for them; I know they are His and yet as they get older I have to remind myself more and more that just as they are unique, their journey with Jesus will be unique.  My responsibility as their mom is not to control or fix everything but to keep following Jesus, to be an example, to pray for them, to lead them as best I can but ultimately to recognize that they are in Jesus' hands not mine and that is a much better place for them.  

This doesn't mean that we don't talk to people that God may be leading us to speak to; or that we just ignore everything going on around us, or that we get lazy in our parenting.  What I think it does mean is that anytime we feel something tugging at us to pull our focus off Jesus we turn back to Him; we make sure that we are still following Him not looking back or around at things He has not asked us to do or things that He has asked us to hand over to Him. 

Another way that we can get distracted is by things.  I think of the rich man who when Jesus called for Him to sell all and follow Jesus (Luke 18:22)  was sad and walked away because the man loved his riches more than Jesus.  

To follow Jesus will mean turning away from other things.  Sometimes from tasks, as with the case when He called the disciples (Matthew 9:9, Mark 1:17), other times it will mean turning from things (Luke 18:22, Mark 10:21) but Jesus promises everything that truly matters to those that will "...deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23) Does He promise it will be easy; no (John 16:33) but He has said it is as simple as choosing to believe and trust Him (John 3:16).

So this week when people or circumstances try to distract you remember Jesus' words "what is that to you? You follow me!"  

Savoring Sundays

As long as this year has seemed it's still hard to believe that it's November already.  As the verse below reminds us we can make plans -- like keeping up with blog posts -- but God ultimately directs our steps and days.  Looking back I see that my last post was in mid-September; which seems crazy to me that it's been that long. 

Since my last post the kids have started school remotely.  So far the school year has gone very well for them.  Over the next several weeks they will all be transitioning to a hybrid schedule which means they will be home three days with remote learning and in school two days.  I'm thankful for the great teachers that are flexing with all of this too and have done an excellent job keeping the kids engaged, learning and still having some fun.  

We've also been enjoying the start to the fall season at church.  Even with the COVID restrictions and guidelines we are able to do some really cool things.  One of these was a ladies one day conference at the church.  It was such a blessing to meet with other women and be encouraged by several different speakers as we watched several sessions from IF: Gathering 2020 (which was filmed in January of 2020) and to see how fitting the messages from Romans 8 were for all we would face this year.  

As this season of Thanksgiving is now here I'm hoping that even with the busyness of the holidays I'll have some time to sit down and blog a few things that God has used to teach and encourage me recently.  I'm also hoping to keep up with some thankfulness posts.  

I'll end with a couple things I'm thankful for today; a slow, relaxing weekend.  After our first snowstorm on Friday we had a cozy day at home yesterday baking and crafting.  Today we went to church and then I was able to order our Christmas cards (crazy that it's that time already!) and put together some Spotify playlists for both the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.  

Thankful...Friday?

 A day late but since it's always good to find things to be thankful for I thought I would still share a few things I'm thankful for this week.

1) A good first week of remote schooling for the kids; a few technical glitches but overall they did really well.

2) Starting a new study..in person!  at church.  We are reading through and discussing this study.

3) That God is always in control and because He is good and has perfect knowledge we can trust Him even when we don't understand all that is happening.  

4) A visit with family that I don't get to see often.

5) Answered prayers.

6) Encouraging podcasts.

What are you thankful for this week?

Thankful Thursday

 Here are a few things I'm thankful for this Thursday:

1) A fun Monday celebrating someone special..and bonus that it was a holiday. (also why I didn't get the Miscellaneous Monday post up)

2) That God is the same ALWAYS..He does not change even when our circumstances change; He is the same...yesterday, today and forever.  

3) A great "older" (it is copyrighted 1978) Bible study on the attributes of God. It's a small book but one I'm making my way through slowly as there is a lot of Scripture and great truths to meditate on, digest and rejoice in.

4) That despite the very different school year the kids are looking forward to starting their year.

5) Yummy vegetables from the garden

6) A church where hard questions are discussed, God's Word is shown to have all the answers (and how we can apply them to these questions in our everyday interactions with people around us - Yay for practical applications) people are truly our church "family" and where we can worship together. 

What are you thankful for this week?  

Thankful Thursday - How much more...

I'm going to try to do these two posts each week or so; Miscellaneous Monday and Thankful Thursday.  Even in this time of having to live a bit differently, because of the pandemic, there is still so much to be thankful for.  No matter what is going on in our world these words are still true: 

"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us

 rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24.  

The sun still rises and sets because God is still faithful and in control.  In Jeremiah 33 God even uses the sureness of day and night as a sign that His covenant to Israel will not be broken.  

So, here is what my thankful thoughts are for today...How Much More...  A few years ago I did a Bible study in which five "recalibrating" questions were presented.  These questions were based on ones that God asks in the Bible.  The very last question was How much more?  This question is posed by Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount; recorded in Matthew 7. 

"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,

 how much more will your Father who is in heaven give

 good things to those who ask him! ~ Matthew 7:11

In Luke 11, Jesus, after teaching the disciples how to pray, tells us just What that gift is... 

"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, 

how much more will the heavenly Father 

give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! ~ Luke 11:13

An adorable picture recently reminded me of the greatness of that gift of the Holy Spirit and just "how much more" God truly does love us.  

While flipping through a website I saw the picture below...

I wondered if the picture was real so I did a bit of digging.  This is, in fact, a real picture of a tiny harvest mouse asleep in a flower.  According to an article that Ranger Rick magazine had on harvest mice, "These mice are no bigger than an adults thumb.  They are the tiniest rodent in Europe" One photographer who has several pictures of these tiny mice wrote "The mice love the smell of the pollen and climb inside the flowers to eat the stamen, often falling asleep inside the flower." ~Miles Herbert.  How very much in character with who He is for God to provide not only such a beautiful and comfortable place for the tiny mouse to rest but also have it be one of their favorite places.  

Going back to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount we see how that Jesus Himself reminds us to look at how He cares for nature.  

"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and

 tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you,

 O you of little faith?" ~ Matthew 6:30

Notice again His use of the words "much more". The greatness of God's love for us is something we can only understand so much, this side of heaven, yet He proved how much more He loves and cares for us by sending Jesus to die on the cross so that we can have the greatest gift of all....His presence continually with us...through the Holy Spirit in us.  How much more we truly are provided and cared for as His Spirit in us guides, works and teaches.  How much more we can rest knowing that He is here with us.  I'll end with a quote from the devotional I'm currently working through.  It's an "older" book titled "Behold Your God" by Myrna Alexander; the study is a wonderful look at the attributes of God.  In the chapter titled "God is All-Powerful" she reminds us that 

"it is just as easy for God to speak a universe into being as it is

 for Him to provide you with a needed new coat.  It is no more 

difficult for God to transform a person characterized by hate into a

 disciple of love than it is for Him to get you through a particularly 

hectic day effectively and peacefully.  There are no bounds to God's effortless power." 

How much more!  Thank you Lord for the greatest gift; the sacrifice of Jesus that we might have the Holy Spirit...Your constant presence with us. And thank you Lord for the reminders you place throughout all of creation of how much you love and care for what you have made and how much more precious we are to you!  

"From the rising of the sun to its setting,

the name of the LORD is to be praised!"

Psalm 113:3

Miscellaneous Monday

I've wanted to get this post up but my computer decided to die last week.  I'm hoping to get it fixed soon but now I'm adjusting to using a different computer that doesn't have all of my pictures, etc. saved.  We've also been pretty busy around here doing some house projects and just life in general.  

As I mentioned in a previous blog post, being home so much has gotten me back into crafting a bit.  I have continued to crochet and learned a new technique.  I made a Toy Story themed "graphgan" for a friend's new baby and I also finally crocheted a shirt for myself.  I have had the pattern for the shirt pinned on Pinterest for a couple of years so it was nice to finally make it; I've also tried my hand at blocking my completed projects and really like the more finished look that blocking gives these crocheted pieces.  Right now I'm working on some fun bumblebee pajama pants; we'll see how they come out as I took a shorts pattern as the base and then made my own changes to it to make pants with a fun cuff detail.

                                            

                                                            

The other thing that this stay-at-home time has us doing is gardening.  At our  last house we had a very small yard so we did a couple small raised beds some years but could never have a "real" garden.  This house has a larger yard with a garden area so this year we planted our first garden here.  We're already planning how to expand the garden for next year as we're really enjoying the beans, peppers, zucchini and tomatoes we have been harvesting.  We have also been blessed by friends with zucchini and hot peppers so I have been canning again also. So far I've made zucchini relish (shown in a previous post) and jalapeno pepper jelly.  

Lastly on this beautiful Monday I wanted to share another "new to me" song that has been a great encouragement lately.  Enjoy!

God has plans...

 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

How many times have you seen that verse on t-shirts, posters, coffee mugs, etc.  Yet, like all of Scripture, it is SO important to look at the context of this verse.  In my reading thru the Bible this year I have hit the book of Jeremiah; I've been intrigued by the parallels of what Israel was doing and what is happening in our own country.  Now, disclaimer here...I am NOT saying I know the mind of God or that I'm making some statement on what exactly He is doing in our world right now.  But, I am going to share some thoughts that have been on my mind and some Biblical truths that I think are important to remember.  

From the very start of creation and all throughout time God has instructed us to put Him first.  The Israelites were promised their land and prosperity if they kept God's commands.  In Jeremiah, when God says that Israel will be taken captive and lose, for a time, that land and prosperity He reminds them that it is because of their disobedience.  God is a God of truth and covenant; He will always fulfill His word; whether for blessing or discipline He cannot lie.  Just like Israel, our country (and in some ways the church) has turned away from God and is looking to man's wisdom and earthly pleasures.  

So, Israel is taken captive by Babylon.  They are in this foreign land and just trying to get through it.  Just like right now we just want things to go back to normal; I'm sure they were just trying to endure also, but that is not what God says for them to do.  God, in His lovingkindness, gives them comfort even in their discipline.  Reading through the entire chapter of Jeremiah 29 God instructs them to build houses, have their children marry, raise children, look to make Babylon a better place "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare" Jeremiah 29:7  It's like God is saying, Look, you messed up and so I'm moving you out of the promised land, you're going to be in Babylon awhile but use this time to rebuild the Israelite nation, multiply and as you raise up this next generation teach them to be a generation of prayer.  This city where you are is an unbelieving city, a foreign land but be a light here.  Your prayers will lead to an easier time for you as I work in this city...because you are here...I am here..and I love you and will care for you...even in this foreign place. 

In verse 10 God reveals that the Israelites will be in Babylon for seventy years!  Yep, the verse right before the one so often quoted where God promises that His plans are for their good He reveals that they will live away from their homeland for seventy years; meaning many will never see their homeland again.  How can this be good?  The answer is in the verses following; verses 12-14 "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."  As so often shown in Scripture, God brings them out of their place of comfort, out of their place of complacency towards sin, their place of rebellion, so that they will realize again that it is ALL about Him.  That He is a God of truth.  That God's ways are always best.  God loves them (and us) too much to let us continue down a path of self-destruction.  He will get our attention!  This time in Babylon was meant to reteach the Israelites that God is the one who deserves all their honor, worship and praise and He is the one that provides. All they have is from Him and just like Job 1:21 says "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away"  This time is a time to tear down pride and restore a right attitude of humility.  God cares for our hearts; He will bring us, if necessary, to very uncomfortable places so that He can draw us away from destruction and back onto His paths.  Proverbs 14:12 says "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." and Proverbs 3:5-7 reminds us to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil."

So, how about us today?  Again, I'm not saying that I know what God is doing but let's use this time, this very uncomfortable time to draw close to Him, to make sure that our hearts are clean, that we are relying on Him for answers. Have we been looking to things other than God for our provision, comfort, joy or satisfaction? And rather than just trying to endure and get through this time let's seek God, for how He would have us use this time.  We have no idea how long this will last but what we do know is that God is still here; He is still working.  Just like He commanded the Israelites to pray for Babylon we are also commanded in the New Testament to pray for all people; including those in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1-5 says "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."  We as believers have the Holy Spirit in us, we have access to the God of the universe, we can go boldly to His throne knowing that he loves us and he hears us.  Let's use this time to pray.  Pray for those around us, for those in decision-making positions, pray that God would bring salvation to many and revival to His church.  May we use this time to be sharing Jesus with others; sharing the hope and peace that is only found in Him.  Call upon God.  Seek Him. He hears us. 

Relish, Reading and Resting

Even with all that is going on in our world; time marches on.  While the days may be uncertain the rising and setting of the sun, is a constant reminder that God is faithful and is still in control of this Earth.  

The other day I was challenged by the thought of finding things to be thankful for even in this time; it's an exercise I've tried to do throughout this time.  It's hard to see those you love have a hard time, have their world turned upside down and try to navigate this new "normal for now"; while in reality very little is "normal".  Throughout history, more recently that of our own country, almost every generation has had to deal with some upheaval, whether economic, war, pandemic, racial animosities (yes, even these have happened before), etc.  and each has found a way to weather that upheaval and carry those lessons to future generations.  

Last week I was given a very large zucchini; and I knew immediately what I would do with it.  My grandmother, who was born in Canada in 1923, made a delicious zucchini relish.  This is one of the "tastes of my childhood"; we would look forward to when she would share a couple jars with our family.  This week I pulled out my gram's recipe and made a batch of this relish.  Once again, the taste transported me back to my childhood.  I was thinking how that so much is handed down generation to generation from stories to recipes and there is such a comfort in the continuity of that; my kids will now know the story and taste of that recipe...another reminder of God's faithfulness.  A little thing, yes, but it's easy to overlook those blessings and reminders in the "big things" that can overwhelm us.  Stepping back and focusing on those opens our eyes to so many other "little" things that God gives each day to show Who He is. 

Another blessing that I'm focusing on in this time are the books that God has brought into my life.  Each summer the ladies at our church read through a book.  It's a much more informal time of just reading and checking in to share thoughts on Facebook.  This year we had four books that we were considering; after praying and looking through all four we chose the book "Humble Roots" by Hannah Anderson; honestly, all the books looked great but we chose this one because the number of chapters best lined up with the number of weeks.  I love seeing how God orchestrates even details like that; this book has certainly been very timely.  From the theme of finding rest to the lessons of humility, listening to others, and recognizing who we are and Who God is.  

Another book that I read is "Jesus Over Everything" by Lisa Whittle.  This is one of those "good hard" books and definitely one I want to go back to and review.  In putting Jesus over everything we learn to let go and again find rest in trusting Him.  

 

The latest book that I have been reading is not a study book but I'm finding it is another important book.  It's called "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isobel Wilkerson and is about the Great Migration of blacks from the Southern US to points North and West.  There is not an in-your-face book; but it is powerful.  While threading history and other personal stories through the book the author follows the lives of three of the people who migrated; one to Los Angeles, one to Chicago and one to Harlem.  It is an eye-opening look at the tough and complicated issue of race relations even through a good portion of the 20th century.  To see the issues caused by stereotypes and misunderstood motives; again an important reminder to listen to others, to honor their experiences (even and especially when they are so very different from what ours may have been) and to strive to see everyone as made in God's image; worthy of value.   

And through all of this I'm asking God daily for reminders of all He is and all He is teaching me...to find rest in this time by seeking Him for all the answers and seeing His faithfulness in each day.   

El Roi - the God who sees

Awhile ago I listened to a podcast series by Beth Moore on the names of God.  I learned so much from her teaching; she delves deep into the Hebrew words.  To try and wrap God up into a name or many names, is really impossible; but to focus on His attributes as He has revealed Himself in Scripture gives such a deeper understanding of just some of Who He is.  

With all that's going on in the world around us; there are so many things I'm thankful for about who God is; He is in control, He is loving, He is all-knowing, all-wise...but the name that keeps coming back to my mind is this one...El Roi; the God who sees.  Hagar declares this name of God when God meets her at her lowest; wandering in a desert, alone, pregnant, abused and abandoned by those she belonged to, in a foreign land.   I was recently reading another blog and it was pointed out that Abraham and Sarah never refer to Hagar by name in Genesis 16.  Moses gives us her name but Abraham and Sarah only refer to her as "my servant" and "your servant".  Yet, in verse 8 the very first word God says to her is her name; Hagar.  He knows her by name and cares for her; at her deepest time of need God is there and He promises that her child will grow and prosper; "I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude" ~ Genesis 16:10.  Verse 13 says "So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, "You are a God of seeing." for she said.  "Truly here I have seen him who looks after me."  She understood that God seeing her was not a one time thing.  God had given her promises and He would look after her and faithfully fulfill those promises.  You see, the other name for God given in this verse; here translated as LORD, is Yahweh; the covenant God of Israel. The name He gives when making a covenant or promise.  

Hebrews 6:13 says "For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself."  Genesis 12:7 is the verse referred to here in Hebrews and if you look at that verse the name given for God is also translated as LORD and is the Hebrew word Yahweh.  

Hagar, an Egyptian slave, is seen by God and He promises to look after her.  How much more are we; His children who have His Spirit living in us, seen by Him.  When things seem overwhelming; He is there,  He has not forgotten you...He sees you always; and He sees everything that is going on around you.  When all seems out of control, God is not!  

I was blessed by this song today and hope you are too; it's a bit longer than a traditional song but it also includes spoken word and is such a beautiful reminder that El Roi has been working throughout history and is still at work today.  HE SEES YOU! 

It's a process...and that's okay.

"It's a process", a phrase we often say with a sigh.  Learning a new skill, unlearning a long entrenched thought, breaking a habit, or starting a new one.  We live in a world where busy is celebrated, instant gratification is expected whether by searching the internet for an answer or ordering something we need (or want).  More than 2 days to receive either seems like a lifetime.  But as I get older I'm learning (or trying to learn) to embrace the process. 

Every aspect of our lives is an opportunity for growth.  Parenting is definitely a process; and I'm not just talking about potty training, reading or one of the untold number of things we teach our children.  I'm talking about the personal growth that comes in parenting.  There's nothing like having your own kids to learn more about yourself.  Marriage is also a process; as you learn to give space for another, for their thoughts, feelings, desires, dreams and goals and to come together to find mutuality in those spaces.  More recently I've been learning and thinking how that spiritual growth is so integral to each area of our lives and how that the process of spiritual growth; while often hard, is also important to embrace.

Let me share a personal story here:  In 2012 I decided to start running it had been 2 years since I'd had my last baby and I knew I needed to do something to be healthier.  It was great; a friend started about the same time; we trained together, built our friendship and had a lot of fun.  Fast forward to 2016, I had been struggling for a while with some physical pain but had pushed through.  I wasn't enjoying running as much and all the training time was something that had started nagging in the back of my mind...was I really prioritizing things right?  I had run two half marathons and had decided to train for my first triathlon sprint; I took swim lessons at a local gym and was excited to check off another thing where I could say "I did it".  In June we went on vacation...and God got my attention...He literally stopped me in my tracks.  I was out running, tripped on a curb, landed wrong and fractured my ankle.  I was so upset.  I cried but still wasn't ready to give up on the triathlon.  Yes, I couldn't run it but I still had several weeks and figured I could still do the swim and bike and just walk the 5k part; I told everyone I was still going to do it..I was going to push through.  We camped near the event the night before.  That night I came to understand the passage in Scripture that said "Jacob wrestled with God" because I wrestled with Him almost all night.  I prayed and prayed asking God to help me do the triathlon and I felt worse and worse. I cried, I didn't want to disappoint others or myself, I needed to prove that I could do this.  About 2am Matt woke up and asked if I was okay; I asked him if he'd be disappointed if I didn't do the triathlon; his response "No, I don't think you should do it."  I told God I wouldn't do it, I had heard him and He had affirmed what I had been fighting against in those few words from Matt. I had such a weight lifted from me and finally fell asleep.  

Since then I have tried running and each time after a few runs my ankle acts up (I had broken the same ankle when I was a kid and the orthopedic told me it may never be right again since I'm older now.).  I'm learning that it's okay to choose what works now; I'm currently doing yoga.  God has been working on me a lot over the past few years and this is just one example of how He has and is showing me that everything is a process.  Learning to run, learning to let go of running like I used to, learning to value what He says and thinks about me more than what others say, think and expect of me (or even that I think and expect of myself), learning to adjust to the different seasons in parenting, marriage, and every other area.  It's all a process and the growth in those areas takes time, takes trust, takes faith and most of all takes putting God first in each area knowing that HE is in each process.  I still have very far to go but I'm so thankful for each time I look back and see even more places where God has worked and where I can say "God was there and He is still here with me; even in this part of the process."  Yes, life is a process...but that's okay...and you know what? That triathlon that I was so determined to do; I was there to cheer on my friends who did complete it as their first triathlon and they encouraged me that my decision (really God's decision) not to do the triathlon, was the right one.  

Following God's ways...even when it's uncomfortable

As I look around at our world and all the evil that is so boldy being proclaimed; both verbally and in action, these verses have been coming to mind a lot.

Proverbs 27:6 “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”

Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

Ephesians 4:15-16 “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

James 1:14-15 “But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

We as believers so often excuse sin; whether because we are afraid of conflict or think “but they are happy” we shy away from speaking truth. Yet, we are commanded to speak the truth in love so that the whole body can work together in unity...as we were designed (see the rest of Ephesians 4 for a reference). Yes, it may be hard to speak the truth to our friend when we see them making sinful choices; especially if they seem happy on the path they have chosen. But the Bible says there will only be true joy and life when we are faithfully following God. Proverbs 16:20 says “Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” This is just one example. If you Google Bible verses on happiness you will find that ALL of them point to true joy only being found in following God’s Word and living for Him. As James 1 says; sin will ALWAYS lead to death.

The world tells us to “follow your heart” but Jeremiah 17:9 says “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” and 1 John 3:20 says the way to overcome our deceitful hearts is to trust the One who is greater “God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” I get it, it’s easy to get caught up in the emotions; to think that the world is right...because it “feels” right..and you know what? God knows too! He knows everything! We can often logically explain the sin; why it “makes sense” but here’s the thing...WE ARE NOT GOD! Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 46:9b-10 also reminds us that God knows the end from the beginning “for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’” We DO NOT understand, we DO NOT see...but God does...He knows the end of that path; so if He has declared something sin than we need to trust that whether or not we understand His reasons and no matter how we may feel, we MUST follow God’s way. Society says that our emotions determine truth but God says HE is the ONLY One who can be trusted for what is true. He is not a hard taskmaster but a loving Father Who wants the best for us ““Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:7-11 and when we delight in Him..when our hearts are tuned to His will he promises changed hearts… and desires that He can and will grant “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

This is not an issue to take lightly or pridefully but to humbly pray and seek God; asking Him to search your own heart for any wickedness “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24) but it is also not an issue we should neglect 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 reminds us that we are one body interdependent “that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” So, as we seek unity may we be bold to encourage each other but also to admonish each other, IN LOVE, to faithfully serve God and not excuse sin.

Crafting again

I recently found the subreddit on reddit.com com for crochet.  Looking through the projects and posts I was inspired to start crocheting again.  These are my two most recent projects.  The first is an elephant lovey that I made as a baby gift.  The second is what I'm calling my "awesomely ugly stashbuster blanket". It's lap blanket size. I used up a lot of scraps of yarn and used this project to practice a corner to corner crochet pattern; I had made a C2C (corner to corner) blanket for Amy when she was born but haven't done one since.  I have a planned gift project that also is worked C2C so I wanted to practice.  It's not the prettiest blanket but definitely more useful than the yarn sitting in a tote; and it kind of makes me smile because it's just so crazy with the colors.  The edges are also a bit wonky because some of the yarns were different weights.  I may add a border at some point to hide this a bit, but for now it'll stay wonky. 

Savoring Sundays: Seeing Jesus in times of Sorrow

I shared this in a Facebook group yesterday and wanted to share here as well.

I have been reading through the book Humble Roots by Hannah Andersen, with 

some other women.  Hannah uses beautiful illustrations from agriculture and the

plant world to share Biblical truths.  She often quotes directly from Jesus; such as

where He instructs us to take His yoke.  Yesterday as I sat at a funeral for a man I 

never met I was struck by how the Pastor giving the message also used an 

illustration regarding plants/seeds. 

Matt and I attended a funeral today for the former administrator of the school 

where Matt graduated from high school. The Pastor who spoke 

gave a beautiful message and as part of his message shared the 

poem below. One he had written himself. I grinned as he read 

and explained it as it so beautifully reflects some of what we 

have been learning in Humble Roots; another example of how God 

speaks his truth thru the plants and growing processes around us. 

I hope it's an encouragement to you and another word picture to remember.

"Tiny "chutes" drifting in

brought to life by the wind

Mini-invasion from above

This is how the kingdom comes

Frail though it seems to be

Spreading roots bring divinity

A forest of forests in each seed

A harvest of love from our deeds

So never doubt, humble pod,

From you shines the face of God

People hunger to be fed

Be to them the living bread

To the earth sink down low

That's the way to make things grow

If you'd turn water to wine

Jesus calls, "Come and dine"

~ Pastor Bob Emberley

• he explained that he used this form of chutes to bring to mind parachutes. Seeds, like soldiers, being dropped into often dangerous and inhospitable ground to grow. We are the seeds that God has used to "invade from above" to build His kingdom here on earth. A life well lived in our "humble pods" can reap a forest of forests...generation upon generation of growth for God's kingdom. But it is only in sinking into the ground and dying to ourselves that we truly live and bring forth fruit.