Toddler Stage

I just spent a week with all of my granddaughters at Lake Tahoe. The almost two year old gave me quite a scare. She is known in the family as “Lil’ Al” for her lack of fear and multiple injuries including a broken arm and a black eye. If you ask her if she is a baby, she will immediately correct you and announce that she is a toddler. Remember the toddler stage? Unsteady but moving at breakneck speed? We stood at the top of a flight of stairs and she insisted on heading down all by herself with no help from me. She stumbled on the top landing and I had visions of her falling headfirst down that whole flight but instead she sat down on her bottom and all was well. At that moment her guardian angels were working overtime and I could only breathe a huge sigh of relief that the danger had passed with only an enormous scare for Nana. Later as I thought about the incident, I thanked God for protecting my sweet granddaughter. But, I also recalled many times when I wanted to do things all by myself and had no idea of the danger ahead. Maturity helps steady little feet. The same holds true for us when we spend time at the feet of Jesus. He teaches us His ways and helps us grow up in Him. We may be a little shaky at times but He is always there to support us as we take one step at a time. Isaiah 33:6 (CEV) says, you are the foundation on which we stand today. You always save us and give true wisdom and knowledge. Nothing means more to us than obeying you. Allie is growing up so fast and soon will be running down those steps. You will, too.

Come Away

And He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while." (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) Mark 6:31 (NASB)

It has been a crazy busy few weeks – pack, move, unpack, let workers in, let workers out, shop, delivery, shop, drop. I’m ready for a little rest and relaxation with family and friends. The timing of this vacation was planned a year ago and only God could have known how much I would need a break. I am learning to appreciate the beauty and quiet of the desert and mountains outside my windows but I can hardly wait for the familiarity of the Sierras and lakes of California. There is something about the majesty and serenity of that area that always soothes my weary body and soul. Jesus noticed that his disciples needed to get away after a busy season and so do we. Take a few minutes for a breather at Starbucks and enjoy your favorite coffee. Stop in at Borders and wander through the stacks of books. It is good to “come away.” Bags are packed – see you in a few days.

"Character" Part 3

“Good character… is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece-by thought, choice, courage and determination.” ~ John Luther

We attended a candidate forum last night. Men and women of character are often hard to find these days in the realm of politics. However, as citizens it is our duty and responsibility to cast informed votes. New to the state of Arizona and unfamiliar with the candidates, I wanted to hear and see first hand the men and women who wish to represent me. Are they people of character? Will their decisions on bills be based on personal gain or for the good of the electorate? Are they running for the power attached to the office or for the passion of their beliefs? Do their priorities coincide with mine? Corruption by politicians is a big story that has been exposed by every media source and it is easy to become cynical and jaded about the character of anyone willing to enter this arena. However, there are some very good men and women serving our country. In other seasons of my life, I have worked hard for candidates and was confident they would win but it did not always happen. I learned that God’s ways are not always my ways – He knows the end of the story. Politicians may think they have the power and ability to make important decisions but God is the one in ultimate control. It says in Daniel 2:21 (NLT), He determines the course of world events; he removes kings and sets others on the throne. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. I gained new insight into the people who will be on my ballot. I pray that God’s choice will be the winner.

Roaring Lion

Again, our security is shaken with the latest news from Great Britain. The terrorists continue their efforts to take the United States down but this time they were thwarted in their efforts. Box cutters, sports drinks, flash cameras, who knows what next? They would be easier to catch if they were blatant with their tactics. However, they are subtle using everyday items so that they can slip through undetected. Beware – we have a greater enemy stalking us. The Message says in 1 Peter 5:8-9, Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. Have you watched how cats work? They sit and survey their target – waiting for the best time. Next, they prowl around checking out the area before they zero in and silently pounce on their prey. No wonder Satan is referred to as a lion because he, too, is crafty and cunning using everyday situations to ensnare us – no red suit or pitchfork to give him away. He wants to destroy those he cannot control – who do not give him their allegiance and loyalty. Sounds like the terrorists. However, we rejoice because Christ defeated Satan through His death and resurrection. It will take some time to regain that peace of mind crushed today by those seeking to destroy us. But, He is the ultimate victor. Don’t be afraid!

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NIV) I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (NLT)

Keep on Trekking

We spend a lot of time waiting for God to show us what He wants us to do…that one step at a time trek. Yet, I am both delighted and surprised to see the unexpected hand of God move in my life. I don’t believe in chance because I know that God controls each moment of my day so when I “happened” to turn on the car radio traveling home last week, I certainly did not expect it to set off a chain reaction of divine circumstances. While driving, I listen to talk radio. New to the area, I began punching buttons to find something interesting to listen to on the long ride up Oracle Blvd. On this particular Sunday afternoon I caught a program called Do it Right Radio! The host was in the middle of talking about several points that would help your business grow. Normally, I would skip to the next button but something caught my ear and I listened all the way home. I missed a couple of points when I ran into the grocery store so pulled up the radio station on the computer to see if there was a website. Long story short, the host and his wife moved last May to the same community that we now live in. His background includes mission work, radio production, and now a life coach. Mark and I arranged to meet him for tea and developed an immediate friendship. As we talked and shared our dreams and passions, the gifts and strengths of each was quickly woven into the tapestry of God’s plan and we all left with renewed enthusiasm for God’s direction. I am excited about the future and the way God is stretching us. I don’t know tomorrow’s game plan but I am thankful for today’s Light and…will keep on trekking. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Follow the Leader

I encourage you to pick up a copy of My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers for your personal study. Around since 1935 but updated in 1992, this devotional constantly challenges me with either new teaching or rethinking of long held beliefs. I have been mulling over a recent entry that urges us to get out of the way so God can work. God’s still small voice is stifled by our noisy instruction of what we think He is saying. “We must learn to keep our mouths shut and our spirits alert.” The apostle Peter was great at blurting out ideas without thinking … much like we all do … but God reminded him in Luke 9:35 (NIV), A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." We watch the fighting in the Middle East and see soldiers prepared for battle. We, too, need to be ready for the daily trials that come our way. Our "battle" plan includes reading His word, becoming alert to people and their needs, and waiting for God’s nudge – otherwise we only add noise and confusion and give the enemy a foothold. We have our marching orders – listen to Him – but we must be quiet in order to hear Him and not try to “help.” He has our backs and knows what terrain is ahead. So, pay attention, trust Him, and follow the Leader.

Giant Flashlight

James 1:5 (NLT) If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. God is very specific in his instructions to us. However, I am the one that blows it by fretting and trying to figure out how to run my life my way. I would rather focus on the finish line, but God is more interested in the process than the ultimate goal. He wants us to learn to turn to Him the entire time – not just at the beginning when we want something or at the end when we might remember to thank Him. He wants to teach us how to trust Him each step of the way, whether it is over the jagged rocks or along the smooth path. He will never overstep the boundaries we put up but patiently waits for us to invite Him into the process. So don’t forget to consult with the Master the next time you need some help. He has the giant flashlight!

Character Part 2

Go with the flow, don’t make waves, just let it go, no big deal – sound familiar? Maybe you have even said or thought it yourself occasionally. It is easier to follow the crowd to make a problem disappear than to take the lonely hard position. However, character stands up when tested – even to the point of pain. Gen. Charles C. Krulak, Commandant of the Marine Corps got it right when he said, “The true test of character comes when the chips are down, when your gut starts to turn, when the sweat starts to form on your brow, when you know the decision you are about to make may not be popular ... but it must be made. That's when your true character is exposed.” We don’t have the same luxury enjoyed by previous generations where moral conduct, good manners, and respect for the law and property are supported by parents, neighbors, churches, and even the government. Our children and grandchildren’s security and future compel us to get involved. I encourage you to pay attention to the local news, go to a school board or town council meeting, attend a candidate forum, and don’t forget to vote. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT) reads, Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. It is not easy or fun but character demands it and then you, too, will make a difference.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)

Character Part 1

One thing often leads to another when you are doing a google search on the Internet. I was looking for a particular quote on the subject of “character” and in the process found many more and it started me thinking. The one I was looking for is, “One test of character and virtue is what a person does when no one else is watching” by ethicist, William F. May. Yet Theodore Roosevelt’s comment that “Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike” resonated as the turmoil in our world plays out on the TV. So what is “character"? Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. Most of us are unable to do anything about the events in the Middle East other than pray. Each morning we get a new quota of 24 hours to spend yet how we choose to spend these hours reveals our character. Many will do just about anything to make more money, gain prestige, and have the good life. However, it is impossible to buy more hours in a day to do it. God describes how he looks at what we do every day in 1 Corinthians 3: 12-13 (NLT): Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. I want my time to count for the kingdom and not be wasted. The frenzied hustle of the move is beginning to wind down and I have a few moments to think about choosing activities of the gold, silver, and jewels quality. Summer is half over and the Fall brings new opportunities. Any plans?

Gerry's new pic