precious in His sight...

God gave me this passage this morning for myself, and I thought I would pass it along to you. It brings encouragement to my spirit and my mind, and I hope it does for you as well... just insert your name into the brackets, as I'm sure God already has!

Isaiah 43:1-5
But now, this is what the LORD says—

he who created you, O [your name here!],

he who formed you, O [your name here!]:

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD, your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
you are precious and honored in my sight,

and I love you…
Do not be afraid, for I am with you...

accentuate the positive...

I don't know about you, but I seem to be in a constant battle to keep my thoughts on positive rather than negative things. God's Word tells me I need to be keep my thoughts focused on good things, on His perspective, on truth.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ~Philippians 4:8

And it also instructs us to "take every thought captive to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5)

I don't think it's about being a Pollyanna but I do believe we are to be obedient in these things in order to develop hearts and lives of gratitude...and lives that bring joy to others and glory to God.

I was reminded of this song the other day, and I thought I'd share the words with you for fun...

Accentuate the Positive
Words and Music by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer

Gather 'round me, everybody
Gather 'round me while I'm preachin
'Feel a sermon comin' on me
The topic will be sin and that's what I'm ag'in'
If you wanna hear my story
The settle back and just sit tight
While I start reviewin'
The attitude of doin' right

You've got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
And latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In-Between

You've got to spread joy up to the maximum
Bring gloom down to the minimum
Have faith or pandemonium's
Liable to walk upon the scene

To illustrate my last remark
Jonah in the whale, Noah in the ark
What did they do just when everything looked so dark?

(Man, they said "We'd better accentuate the positive")
("Eliminate the negative")
("And latch on to the affirmative")
Don't mess with Mister In-Between (No!)
Don't mess with Mister In-Between

(Ya got to spread joy up to the maximum)
(Bring gloom down to the minimum)
(Have faith or pandemonium's)
(Liable to walk upon the scene)

You got to ac (yes, yes) -cent-tchu-ate the positive
Eliminate (yes, yes) the negative
And latch (yes, yes) on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In-Between
No, don't mess with Mister In-Between

That's it... accentuate the positive... eliminate the negative... and LATCH ONTO the affirmative! What wise words for living a grateful life!

a plan larger than our own...

In pain,

we learned the value of joy

-- in falling down,

we learned the value of standing

-- and in trust,

we will learn the value of a plan larger than our own.

~Laura Teresa Marquez

acceptance of life...

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change,

The courage to change the things I can,

The wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting the hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things

right if I surrender to His will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.

~Reinhold Neibuhr

Hmmm. I don't believe I've ever seen this poem in its entirety before. We usually only hear the first part quoted--as an acceptance of life as it is, the good and the bad. I really love the last half ...so powerful...so very true...with the focus being not on ourselves so much as it is on Him.

difficult circumstances

Often times God demonstrates

His faithfulness in adversity

by providing for us what we need

to survive.

He does not change

our painful circumstances.

He sustains us through them.

~ Charles Stanley

please pray for Elijah's family...

Two weeks ago, I wrote my Saturday post about a little boy named Elijah who has cancer, and I asked for you to pray for him. I do appreciate those prayers that were sent up to the Father on his behalf. Elijah left his earthly home and went to be with the Lord today. I'm sure he's hanging out with Jesus and with the angels and is probably wearing the same great big smile on his face as in the photo above.

And, though his parents are secure in the knowledge that Elijah is in heaven and no longer in pain nor suffering, their hearts are broken with the loss of their little boy. I would appreciate it if you would pray for them and for his brother, Gabriel... that God would give them peace beyond their understanding and comfort for their broken hearts.

It's never easy when a child dies, and it doesn't make sense to us. But our Father does promise He will be with us in these dark times and will walk through them with us........

My friend (who was good friends with Elijah's mom and dad) sent the following today in memory of little Elijah...

In an instant of time, you arrived
And just as quickly you have now departed.
We can’t make sense of it, nor understand,
the immense sadness, as our newest friend.
Your smile so bright, your eyes aglow…

E- Every moment was a blessing to have with you
L- Life is precious, and there is joy in knowing yours continues
I- Into peace, you have begun…
J- Jesus holds you now in the best place you’ll ever know
A- Always in our hearts
H- How wonderful it will be to see you again…

Thank you for your prayers.

choosing joy...

Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world.

We cannot cure the world of sorrows,

but we can choose to live in joy.

~Joseph Campbell

please pray for Elijah...

Don't let that happy little smiling face fool you... this is a very serious Saturday post.

This little boy is Elijah. He is six years old and has been diagnosed with cancer--an inoperable brain tumor. Elijah has been through chemotherapy and radiation, and he is not doing well. During the period of radiation treatment, his tumor grew to almost three times its original size. The doctors have stopped radiation and have basically said that he will not survive. His parents, Rick and Melanie, have not given up hope and are praying over him.

There is an institute in Houston, TX, where they are trying to get him into a clinical trial. The treatment is going to cost about $150,000, and it is not covered by insurance. His parents have about $60,000 to get him there and get the treatment started but are desperately trying to raise the additional $90,000.

This family are direct friends of dear friends of mine and are asking for as many people as possible to pray for Elijah-- and also for his mom and dad and brother, Gabriel (8). They need a miracle and would love for others to pray as well.

Though I don't normally do this kind of post, this is all God's work, and I wanted to share this urgent need with you. I've been posting much lately about miracles, and this is one of those big ones... and, we know that NOTHING is impossible for God! Please pray for Elijah and his family. If you would like more information about Elijah, to see more photos of him, or if you have a desire to donate in any way toward his treatment, please visit the site set up by his family. (every $1 adds up... and think "loaves and fishes"! God is in the business of multiplication!)

Our dear heavenly Father, we thank You for this precious life! We pray You would give him and his family a miracle-- that You would heal his little body! We ask for finances for whatever treatment may be available, for wisdom of doctors, for peace and comfort for his family, and for all the glory to go to You for this miraculous provision! Thank You, Jesus, that You love Elijah! Thank You for miracles!

once again...it's a matter of perspective...

I had fun plans for today. Sleep in a bit. Meet a friend of mine to go watch her son's baseball game. Pre-birthday dinner with friends. A good day.

But, well, it didn't really go that way.

I did get to sleep in a bit. That went as planned, but then it kind of unraveled after that. I got in my car and was driving through our city to head to the ball game, and just as I was turning left in an intersection, my power steering went out. I wasn't sure WHAT was going on; I just knew that all of a sudden, my Pathfinder was incredibly difficult to steer. Fortunately, I was able to wrestle it through the intersection and over to the side of the street, where there JUST HAPPENED to be one last parking space on the end into which I could slide the car.

I called my mechanic, told him what happened, and he told me they'd check it out if I brought it in. I called a friend of mine and asked if he could give me a ride home from the mechanic's if I needed one. He did one better and said he'd come meet me and escort me there just in case I had trouble on the way. While I waited for him to arrive, I pulled out my owner's manual, popped open the hood, and began to investigate...like I knew what I was doing.

The steering fluid level looked fine. Then I noticed that one of the drive belts was off...and upon closer inspection, that TWO of the three drive belts were off! One was just completely missing! So, I called the mechanic again, told him my discovery, and confirmed it was safe for me to drive the car when it was missing two drive belts. Consulting my owner's manual, I explained to him which two were missing, and he told me I had remaining THE ONE belt that was crucial for me to drive it with! He told me I could drive it in as long as I could handle the car without the power steering... of COURSE I can!!

My friend showed up and very kindly offered to trade cars and drive mine, so I wouldn't have to wrestle with it. I gratefully accepted his offer, and we drove to the shop. Being Saturday mid-morning, the shop was extremely busy, but they said they would squeeze me in, and my friend left me for the "short" wait. I agreed to go for a little walk to the near-by coffee shop while they looked at my car; the mechanic said he would call me when they knew what they would need to do. So, off I went.

When I had walked the two blocks to the coffee shop, I discovered there was a car show going on there in the little beach town of Seal Beach. It looked like almost everyone in town had turned out and was walking the streets-- looking at the old cars, listening to music being played at several places on the street, eating food from some of the stands, enjoying the sun and just being out with everyone else. A veritable mid-day street party!

I joined the crowd, wandered the streets, browsed in some of the stores, spent an hour in one antique store looking at every little thing and making friends with the owners, bought a bratwurst from the Lions Club table... and generally killed time for two hours while waiting for the mechanic to call me. When he did call me, he told me there was a bit more extensive work to do but he had the parts and could do it in about an hour. I gave him the go-ahead, and he said he'd call me again when he was done with it.

So, I wandered the streets some more, listened to some music, went back to the antique store and chatted with the owners a bit more, and then, after an hour, headed back to the part of the street nearest the mechanic shop. I found an unoccupied bench right at the end of the street where the old cars were lined up. I pulled out my book to read and had only gotten about two pages into it when an older couple asked if they could share my bench. I scooched over and let them sit with me.

The couple appeared friendly, so, instead of going back to my book, I started up a conversation with them, and soon we were chatting like old friends. A friend of theirs (the owner of the 1940 cherry red delivery sedan parked right next to us!) came over after awhile to join us, and before I knew it, another hour had passed.

We suddenly realized it was the end of the car show, as all of the cars were starting to line up and drive away-- right in front of us! It was neatest thing! We had the best seat in the house because all of the cars in the show had to drive right past us! It was like having a seat in the front row on Main Street Disneyland for one of the parades! And I had the best narrators because both of the gentlemen chatting with me knew all the old cars, and they proceeded to announce the make, model, and year of each car as it drove by our front row bench! We had so much fun oohing and ahhing together!

My mechanic finally called me when it was almost over and told me my car was ready. I told him I'd be there in a bit. And, I proceeded to finish watching the car parade with my new friends. It ended after another ten minutes or so; we said our good-byes and agreed to watch for each other at that bench at next year's car show--same time, same place. And I went and picked up my car.

Now, I know that was a long story, and I apologize for the lengthy telling of my tale. I commend you for making it through the whole thing (or for at least skimming it, if you did!). I tell you this story because, to me, this was another one of those "how you look at it" moments...

No, my day did not in any way go the way I planned. I had planned to see my friend's son play ball. I did not plan to have my car break down. I did not plan to spend tightly-budgeted money on car repairs I was not expecting. I did not plan to spend four and a half hours waiting for my car to be fixed.

But, when it was all done... I realized I had a really good day! I had fun! And it really was mostly because I chose to accept it for what it was, to make the best of it... and to enjoy it for what it was. And when my dinner friends said to me "I'm sorry you had to wait all day for your car to be fixed. What a drag," I heard myself say, "That's ok. I had a great day!" (and that is really not me!!)

I am grateful for a great day, even though almost none of it was what I had planned! And, I am grateful for a loving Father Who made it so...

Thank You, God, for...

• my car breaking down before I was very far from home/mechanic
• getting me through the intersection and that it wasn't busy
• the last parking space right where I needed it
• the one remaining drive belt being the very one I had to have!
• my cell phone
• my friend being willing and able to come help me
• us getting my car safely to the shop
• the mechanic being available to work on my car
• the shop being so close to a nice little town
• the car show and street fair being today
• the delightful people at the antique store
• the charming jeweler I talked with at his store
• the beautiful sunny day today!
• an empty bench in the perfect spot
• the wonderful couple I spent time with
• the awesome old car parade!!
• new friends, if only for an afternoon
• enough money to pay for my car repairs
• the ability to look at a "messed-up" day and see it for the enjoyable day it really was!
• the pre-birthday dinner with my friends
• a great day.
• perspective.

(And, though I saw no "hearts" today, I clearly heard my Father speak His love for me!)

For these, I am truly grateful! : )

He makes all things good in His time...

A journalist friend of mine has been writing a series this week on the 10th anniversary of the Columbine High School shootings. She was able to go to Colorado and visit the school site as well as to interview the Chief Investigator, the Principal--Frank DeAngelis, and the family of Rachel Scott.

I'm sure many of you remember Rachel Scott. She was the first victim killed by the shooters in that terrible tragedy at Columbine High School. Her name was well known among Christian circles (and beyond), as it was believed she was killed because of her faith in God. But, like the eleven other students and one teacher who were killed that day, her death seemed a pointless loss of life.

Ten years later it's only a little bit easier to look back at that horrible day. There was horrific loss and unimaginable grief...for the students and teachers, the parents and families, the entire community. For us, it was one day. For them, it was many, many days...and months...and years of sorting through the emotional rubble. But the years have eased the horror a bit with the distance created by passing time.

As I've read my friend's articles this week, I have thought a lot about that devastating event. I can understand how some would shake a fist at God and ask "Why?!" I cannot begin to understand how it felt to live through it. I am amazed, however, to see and hear of God's work of healing in the family of Rachel Scott... and of how He is using this seemingly completely bad situation to touch the lives of others in a positive way.

Rachel's parents felt that they were to walk forward in the path that Rachel had made in her short life... a path of kindess and compassion toward others, reaching out to the hurting others with a message of love. As a result they started a non-profit organization called Rachel's Challenge, a presentation given in schools and communities across North America and other countries, in a campaign to quell school violence, bullying, and teen suicide. And, though, Rachel's parents would far rather have her with them still, they have seen God's hand at work through Rachel's death, touching hundreds of students with her message... and at times, even saving lives.

Though I don't believe God makes such things happen, I do believe He uses these broken parts of our lives for His purposes. His work of redemption--of saving us from ourselves!--is about our eternal state. But it can also be seen at work in the brokenness of our world here and now. He loves picking up the pieces of our broken lives and putting them back together in new and different ways--maybe not how we would have envisioned--but good and beautiful just the same. I love it when we can get a small glimpse into this redemptive work He performs... the ways in which He makes good things out of the bad in this world.

If you want to see a bit of it yourself, take a few minutes to read the online article Columbine Family Finds Beauty In Ashes. And let us rejoice with Rachel's parents in the wonderful things God does!

"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." ~Romans 8:28

another good article today - Remembering Columbine Victim Rachel Scott

courage ...

Courage.

It can mean so many different things to so many people. Mark Twain said it was the mastery of fear, not the absence of it. I've heard it said (don't know by whom exactly) that courage is fear that has said its prayers.

I do know that I have been reminded of it and have seen it several times in the past few days.

Courage was what Frank DeAngelis, Principal of Columbine High School, demonstrated on the day of the school shootings 10 years ago this week. When he heard the shots and saw the shooters, he could have run away from the gunfire, but he didn't. He courageously ran toward the shooters to help some nearby students to safety. Then, after the shootings, he faced accusations and lawsuits made against him personally... and courageously continued to be the principal and to help the students deal with the tragedy they had faced together. (read yesterday's article by my friend Tina Mather)

Conscience is the root of all true courage; if a man would be brave let him obey his conscience. ~James Freeman Clarke

I saw courage again a few days ago when I watched the video clip of Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent. (if you haven't seen it already, do take the time to watch the clip...it is well worth the 7 minutes! I was in tears.) Though people in the audience were laughing at her from the moment she started walking across the stage, she did not waver. She courageously walked out onto that stage and boldly did what she came to do--spoke her mind, sang her song, and ultimately, made her dream come true.

The opposite of courage in our society is not cowardice, it is conformity. ~Rollo May

And, this week I saw incredible courage demonstrated by Miss California, Carrie Prejean, in the 2009 Miss USA Pageant. When she was posed the question of what she thought of gay marriage, she knew the "right" answer. She knew the politically correct response to the question, and she also knew that to give the "right" answer would be so very wrong for her to do. And, so, when faced with the probability of losing the very thing she was there to win --the Miss USA crown-- if she gave the answer she knew to be true, Carrie courageously spoke from her convictions. She courageously told Perez Hilton, all of the folks at the pageant, and all of the US (and the world!) that she disagreed with gay marriage... and, as a result, lost the crown. (I have never been more proud of someone representing our state!!)

Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk. The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character. ~Margaret Chase Smith

Each of these people showed true courage. They faced death, ridicule, loss... and in so doing displayed amazing character! I stand in awe of each of them and am proud of each one. May we be inspired by these and so many other acts of courage we see around us every day... deeds both large and small... and may we join them in following the path of courage.

stained glass windows quote about people

People are like stained glass windows:

they sparkle and shine when the sun is out,

but when the darkness sets in

their true beauty is revealed

only if there is a light within.

~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

When times of darkness set in, I pray others would be able to see in me true beauty ... that created by the presence of the Light of the world...

and, as in the windows above, that we believers would show to the world a clear and beautiful image of the Savior....

(photos taken at Avalon Community Church, Catalina Island, CA)

true happiness... from a hidden place

Last year I read again the story of Anne Frank, the teenage Jewish girl who went into hiding with her family (as recorded in "The Diary of Anne Frank"). It was a very difficult time for her, her family, and the many, many Jewish people who were persecuted during WWII. Anne lived with her family and several other people in just a couple of small hidden rooms for several years until they were discovered and sent away to the concentration camps.

I was amazed when I read the passage below which Anne had written. Here she was, a teen-age girl, living a hidden existence in a small apartment with nothing of the "real life," barely enough food to survive, no real contact with the outside world... and yet, in the midst of the darkness and ugliness, she eventually discovered an ability within herself to find true happiness...

‘In due time I quieted down and discovered my boundless desire for all that is beautiful and good. And in the evening, when I lie in bed and end my prayers with the words, “I thank You, God, for all that is good and clear and beautiful,” I am filled with joy. Then I think about “the good” of. . . love, the future, happiness and of “the beauty” which exists in the world, nature, beauty and all, all that is exquisite and fine.

I don’t think then of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains. . . [Mummy’s] counsel when one feels melancholy is: “Think of all the misery in the world and be thankful you are not sharing in it!” My advice is: “go outside, to the fields, enjoy nature and the sunshine, go out and try to recapture happiness in yourself and in God. Think of all the beauty that’s still left in and around you and be happy!”

I see how [the other] idea can be right, because then how are you supposed to behave if you go through the misery yourself? Then you are lost. On the contrary, I’ve found that there is always some beauty left- in nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself; these can all help you. Look at these things, then you find yourself again, and God, and then you regain your balance.

And whoever is happy will make others happy too. He who has courage and faith will never perish in misery!' ~Anne Frank, "Diary of Anne Frank"

I am inspired by Anne. And I am humbled.

contentment...

In this time of world-wide economic strain and financial stress--when we tend to look at our LACK rather than at what we HAVE-- let us remember that we have all we could ever need when we have Jesus! And, though that may sound trite or cliche, it is TRUTH! We who have Jesus are RICH, indeed!

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." ~1 Timothy 6:6-8

Lord, we ask that you would make our hearts content....

anxiety

Anxiety is not only a pain which we must ask God to assuage

but also a weakness we must ask Him to pardon;

for He's told us to take no care for the morrow.

~ C. S. Lewis

I must ask God for pardon today, for I have been most anxious. It's a funny thing, anxiety. Well, not so funny really. Not when it makes your heart race until it feels like it's going to burst out of your chest...or makes you feel like jumping out of your skin... or makes you nauseated or light-headed or faint. When an anxiety attack looms on your horizon, threatening to take control, it's not so funny. Then it is a very real "pain which we must ask God to assuage..."

For anyone who may experience anxiety issues, the physical symptoms are very real. And, interestingly, once they begin, it's usually not something one can talk one's self out of. The physical symptoms are the result of emotions, not thought, and most times, they refuse to respond to logical discussion. (that is, trying to reason one's self out of the physical response)

It is not the racing heart, or the nausea, or the thoughts of flight which really are the problem. The real issue, the weakness for which I must ask pardon, is that I lose sight of God's care for me...

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~1 Peter 5:7

that I lose touch with His nearness...

The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:5b-7

that I forget to seek His peace...

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ~John 14:27

and that I let fear rule my emotions and my body rather than letting the peace of God guard my heart and my mind.

Yet, there is no judgment from God in this. Only guidance.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." ~John 14:1

And comfort.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. ~Psalm 94:19

And promise.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~1 Peter 5:7

In the midst of my weakness--my anxiety, my worry, my fear--I have a Father Who loves me, and cares for me, and promises His presence... that I would have no need "to take care for the morrow."

* * * * *
...An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. ~Proverbs 12:25

...and a thank you to those of you, my friends, whose kind words cheer me up and cheer me on...whether or not you are even aware!

please pray for Isabella...

This is Isabella. She is the daughter of friends of mine, and they have asked for your prayers. She is 7 1/2 months old, lives in Brazil, and is in extremely critical condition in the hospital. You can read about her at the blog her parents have set up - Isabella.

She was adopted in July of 2008 by my friends, and she has been in and out of the hospital many times during those months. She was born prematurely, and she suffers from problems relating to her lungs not being fully formed at birth.

She is once again in a battle for her little life, and we would greatly appreciate your prayers. As of last night, she was in an induced coma and on a ventilator to try to allow her lungs to rest and heal. She is not responding to treatment and is desperately in need of a touch from the Great Physician.

As we can only imagine, this has been a very difficult time for her parents and big brother as well... please pray for them and for Isabella... for healing, for peace, for rest... for the amazing presence of our loving Father right there with them in the hospital...and for a miracle.

** update 3/6/09 Fri a.m. --thank you for your prayers! Isabella is showing a bit of improvement, has been taking off the respirator, and is breathing on her own.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true,

whatever is honorable,

whatever is right,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is of good repute,

if there is any excellence and

if anything worthy of praise,

dwell on these things.

~Philippians 4:8

God is good.

All the time.

you gotta have the rain...

We here in Southern California were treated to rain and gloom off and on for the past four days. It hasn't been the usual sunny and warm weather people are used to, and you should hear the grumbling and complaining that starts after about one full day of rain. One would think we were living in the continual rain of Seattle or in the ice-covered states back east!

Southern Californians will put up with about 24 hours of rain--after all, we have been in a bit of a drought cycle for the past few years, the reservoirs and lakes are dreadfully low, and the brown hills of winter show our lack of precipitation. So, OK, we will take a little bit of it. But, after 24 hours, oh my! The complaining begins.

As for me, well, I love the rain! I love the black clouds! And if I were to hear a peal of thunder or the crisp crackle of lightening, I would do a little dance of joy! I just love "weather." (and, yes, I really like wind and storms...not sure what that says about my personality! I think it's the intensity I love.)

Over the past couple of days, I've pondered the rain and how it is like the times of gloom or stormy weather in our lives--those rough patches, trials, times when the sun is not shining in our personal worlds. It's very similar. Give me a few days of difficulty, and I can "hang with it." Give me a few weeks of it, and I'm grumbling. Give me a longer trial, and I'm questioning, throwing out the "why?"s, and finding it hard not to ask God what He could possibly be thinking!

And yet, what did we see and experience today AFTER the gloom and as a result of the rain?

• the beauty of the snow on the distant mountains--through the removal of the smog cluttering up the airspace, previously blocking our vision of the beauty before us
• clean, sparkling trees and buildings--through the washing away of the accumulated dirt and silt
• water!! so very necessary for life and so hard to come by sometimes!
• and, in the very near future, green grass growing where the winter brown is currently reigning.

Similarly, what do we see and experience in our lives AFTER the gloom and as a result of the stormy times?

• clarity of vision--an ability to see things, issues, people, beauty more clearly and with fresh renewed eyes
• cleansing--a washing away of sinful behaviors, a sloughing off of the things that don't really matter
• water--refreshment, nourishment, a renewed sense of the presence of God in a way that satisfies our thirst
• growth--of character and depth in our relationship with the Lord
• and a deepened sense of appreciation and gratitude for what God has given and how He has been faithful.

Though it may take hard work and perseverance and a real check on our attitudes, we need to learn to accept, and even welcome, the rain in our lives--to be steadfast through the stormy weather, to be grateful for the gloom despite our feelings, and to seek the Son shine when the sun is not shining. For, without the rain, there is much we will miss in our lives.... (and, it is only IN the midst of the rain, with the sun [Son?!] shining through, that we get to see the reminder of God's promises and His faithfulness... the glorious beauty of the rainbow!... you gotta have the rain!)

thinking differently...

"Discovery consists of looking

at the same thing as everyone else

and thinking something different."

~ Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

You might see the rock formation below and think as I did when I saw it-- "Hmmm. Cool rock!" It had some really neat coloration and patterns on it, and it contrasted so beautifully with the brilliant blue sky behind it.

And, then again, you might look at this rock and think something different, like.... "Hmmm. Cool iguana!"

Right there! On the top left slope of the rock... right between 10 and 11 o'clock! An iguana! (see its head with the pointy nose and smirking mouth, the plated-armor look of his back?)

Now, I took the photograph when I saw only the rock formation. I thought it was nice, and I liked the color contrasts. But, later, when I really looked at the formation--THAT was when the moment of "discovery" came--when I saw the iguana.

And for me, with the discovery came an even greater joy...an even deeper sense of satisfaction and fulfullment. A bit of a thrill at the discovery! It was when I saw it differently, when I thought about it differently. That was the moment of delight!

I find it is the same in regards to how I see my daily life, how I think about the events and people and circumstances. If I look at difficult circumstances or at the normal, mundane bits of daily life through the eyes of human nature, I feel discouraged or bored or weary. But, if I look at them in a different way, if I think something different--like how God sees and thinks about these things or what special something He may have in store for me--I discover that there is so much more than what I see at first glance.

I discover JOY in the heart shape of a strange beached jellyfish.

I discover DELIGHT in the sea creatures hiding in the crevices of the rocks.

I discover PEACE in the colors of a sunset painted on the evening sky.

I discover CONTENTMENT in a heart filled with GRATITUDE at God's goodness and amazing love displayed for me... if I will but look about me with my eyes and my heart open to see an iguana where others see only a rock.

cattle on a thousand hills...

Seems like it's almost every conversation these days where someone mentions "the economy." I know it's a big deal, and a very difficult reality for many people. Or for most people. (I'm no stranger to financial difficulties myself!) But, as for me and my house (that would be me and...me!), we are choosing to serve the Lord.

Oh, I don't mean that in any self-righteous or trite way. It's just that, for me, I have to keep my focus on where my food, my finances, my car--my everything, really--come from. It is not by the strength of my own hands or the great abilities of my own mind/talents. I only have those because they were given to me in the first place. As for my job, that is also by the grace of God and His providence.

You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, ~Deuteronomy 8:17-18

I have to daily remind myself NOT to be anxious, NOT to fret, NOT to worry... about my life, my needs, my country, the economy, the world... it is far too big for me to think that one bit of my anxiety will change any of it. My anxiety will only change ME. But not in any way that I want to be changed.

When I start to worry about finances, I remind myself that my Father is a universe-class rancher! He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (and so much more)! (And every now and then, I ask Him to kick one of those 'cash cows' down the hill to me... so far, He hasn't, but it doesn't hurt to ask!)

"...for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills." ~Psalm 50:10

( Wait a minute! What kind of crazy cows are those striped ones?!?! What....??? Wait a ... hey! THOSE AREN'T COWS!!! They're...are they...?.... they're zebras!!)

(yes, that's really what they are! I couldn't resist throwing these photos into the mix for a smile or two... I'll tell you about them another time, if you're interested in knowing why the zebras are hobnobbin' with the cows!)

Anyway... as I was saying... I must fix my eyes on the Giver of all good gifts so I do not become discouraged by the seemingly dismal circumstances in which we seem to find ourselves as a nation and as individuals. I have to trust that God--Jehovah Jireh--is my Provider. He knows my needs and will take care of me. I long to be like Paul and say I have learned to trust Him in plenty and in want.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ~ Philippians 4:12

I know I'm not there yet, but I am working on it. On a daily basis. Hourly. Minute by minute.

For I know that is the kind of contentment I desire. That is the kind of peace which I must pursue.

And the best part about it is that God does not withhold good things from us. He does not keep us on the outside of where the "good stuff" is. He invites us into His presence...to drink of Him...to taste and see that He is good.

"...Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. ~Malachi 3:10