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...

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

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

trust...

Trust the past to God's mercy,

the present to God's love

and the future to God's providence.

~ Augustine

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! : )

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

in pursuit of peace...

A bit of true confession today... I'm not feeling very positive or peaceful this day. And so, rather than any of my own 'words of wisdom' or pointless random thoughts, I shall post from God's Word intead...for He is Wisdom itself. And Truth. And Peace. And when we look at our world from His perspective, it just seems so different...

(further away?

smaller, perhaps, in the greater scheme of things?

more orderly?)

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all.

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.

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.

Whatever you have learned or received

or heard from me, or seen in me

—put it into practice.

And the God of peace will be with you."

~ Philippians 4:4-9

What must I do in this pursuit of peace?

• Rejoice! in all things, rejoice!
• Be gentle.
• Know and remember that God is near!
• Do not be anxious.
• Pray! Talk to God about everything.
• Think on the things which are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.
• Put all these things into practice!

And, in return, the peace of God--peace beyond my limited capacity for understanding!--will be with me. This is my task for today.

fall cleaning...

Today I am doing some serious fall cleaning. You know, like spring cleaning but a bit further into the year! As I've been cleaning, I've been praying-- for and about many things, but mostly peace. Peace, not as the world gives, but that amazing and inexplicable peace that only comes from God:

...My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives...

~John 14:27

Our nation and our society are in the midst of some very uneasy and disconcerting times right now--an upcoming election with many serious issues and much at stake, a devastating financial crisis on Wall Street that will affect most of us in very tangible ways, high gas prices, continuing drought in some states and damaging storms in others, people losing homes and jobs, world terrorism... this list seems to go on and on. None of it sounds good. Most of it sounds disheartening and downright frightening. There are so many reasons for people to be anxious and afraid and worried about what the future may hold.

I found myself over the past few days feeling very anxious as well... how will this financial crisis affect my job? what will I do if...? what will it be like if the opposing candidate wins the Presidency? Big things and very worrisome things... if I focus on them... if I focus on the uncertainty... if I lose focus of Who is in control, of Who holds my future, of Who holds me in the very palm of His hand.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

And so, this morning while cleaning my bedroom, I prayed and began to clean house in my heart and mind as well. I was reminded that though I cannot know what the future holds, I DO know Who holds the future. (if you'll pardon the overused saying) And, as I dusted my ceiling fan and poured out my heart to my Father--my doubts, my fears, my anxious thoughts, my worries-- He helped me with the heart-cleaning as He listened. And He reminded me that He cares about this big ol' world far more than I ever could... and He cares about me far more than I could ever comprehend.

And we came to a place of agreement for today... that I will give it all to Him to worry about, that I will CHOOSE to trust what He has told me in His Word, and that I will believe, that no matter what the situation LOOKS like here, He is not only in control but also right with me in the midst of this scary (and joyful thing) we call life. And He, in return, will give me peace... peace beyond my understanding, peace that defies the current circumstance, peace that is deep and lasting and life-giving.

I think it is a good agreement. As Kicking Bird said to Lt. John Dunbar in Dances With Wolves, "Good trade." I do not fool myself thinking it is an easy task. It's not. It's hard work, and it takes perseverance, but it is a good trade... a great trade, really. I give my worries and cares to a loving Father, He takes care of making the world go 'round, and He gives me a peace in the depths of my heart and my mind that is beyond anything I could come up with on my own. He'll do the worrying for me... I just have to trust in Who He is. Good trade. And, now, I think I'll get back to my cleaning...

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

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

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 14:26, 27

me and God...

I love this country song that Josh Turner put out this year. I know it is very simple, but I love the thought of it and the simplicity. And I love that it was very high up on the secular country charts for many weeks....

Me And God

by Josh Turner

There ain't nothing that can't be done

By me and God

Ain't nobody come in between me and God

One day we'll live together

Where the angels trod

Me and God

Early in the morning talking it over

Me and God

Late at night talking it over

Me and God

You could say we’re like two peas in a pod
Me and God

He's my Father

He's my friend

The beginning and the end

He rules the world

With a staff and rod

We're a team

Me and God

I am weak and He is strong

Me and God

He forgives me when I'm wrong

Me and God

He's the one I lean on

When life gets hard

Me and God

He's my Father

He's my friend

The beginning and the end

He rules the world

With a staff and rod

We're a team

Me and God

He rules the world

With a staff and rod

We're a team

Me and God

We're a team--Me and God

God is in control...

The headlines in the news the past several days have been full of devastation, death, and destruction... of frightening statistics and sad photographs. Hurricane Ike hit Texas in true Texas fashion --BIG! The headlines regarding the damage in Galveston read "OBLITERATED" in large black letters; violent storms struck the midwest as 'remnant weather' from Ike wreaked far-reaching havoc in other states as well as Texas: "...Ike's total death toll to at least 38 in 10 states." Also on Friday night was the horrifying Metrolink train crash here in Los Angeles which killed 25 people and injured an additional 138 of the 220 passengers--"...the nation's deadliest [rail disaster] in 15 years." And today's financial news was full of "...the largest [bankrupcy filing] ever," "The Dow suffered its worst percentage loss in six years," and "Financials Take Worldwide Hit." *

Natural disasters, human error-caused devastation, and financial ruin... terrifying, out-of-our control circumstances that cause people to be fearful, anxious, and to question the goodness of God. And these are not isolated one-time occurrences. These kinds of difficult things happen the world over --tsunamis, earthquakes, wars, acts of terrorism, plane crashes, droughts-- the list is long and painful and scary.

I do not mean to dwell on the negative of this weekend, but these events have been what we have heard, and, thanks (?!) to technology, have seen these past few days. It is hard sometimes to not be anxious or frightened by all the 'bad things' that we see each day here and all over the world.

But in the midst of the suffering and sorrow, the death and discouragement, we must remember and hold onto the TRUTH--we have a Father who cares so deeply for each one of us. And, though life sometimes does not seem to make any sense, there is One Who is in control... He Who set the stars and sun in their places... He Who created the universe, the very laws of nature, and yet Who knows the number of hairs on our heads. He is in control. And He IS GOOD. No matter what happens here in our little worlds, not a sparrow falls to the ground but that He is aware of it. (Matthew 10:29,30) Our job in this crazy thing called life is to trust Him... to trust in His love for us... and to hold onto the truth of that fact...

God Is In Control
by Twila Paris

This is no time for fear
This is a time for faith and determination
Don't lose the vision here
Carried away by emotion
Hold on to all that you hide in your heart
There is one thing that has always been true
It holds the world together...

God is in control
We believe that His children will not be forsaken
God is in control
We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside Him, we know
God is in control, oh God is in control

History marches on
There is a bottom line drawn across the ages
Culture can make its plan
Oh, but the line never changes
No matter how the deception may fly
There is one thing that has always been true
It will be true forever

God is in control
We believe that His children will not be forsaken
God is in control
We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside Him, we know
God is in control, oh God is in control

He has never let you down
Why start to worry now?
He is still the Lord of all we see
And He is still the loving Father
Watching over you and me
watching over you...watching over me..
watching over every thing..
watching over you..watching over me..
every little sparrow..every little thing...

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

*all news quotes taken from FoxNews online

sail my own ship...

I am no longer afraid of storms,

for I am learning how

to sail my own ship.

~Louisa May Alcott

It's not about me, on my own out on the open ocean, but about God and me-- traveling together on this "journey" called life.

It is about me --recognizing God's presence, His voice, and His grace--and joining in what He is doing in my life. It is about me--learning to trust Him and not being afraid--because God is at the helm with me. He will navigate for me; I just have to be courageous, set sail, and trust Him as He leads...

Load the ship and set out. No one knows for certain whether the vessel will sink or reach the harbor. Cautious people say, "I'll do nothing until I can be sure". Merchants know better. If you do nothing,you lose. Don't be one of those merchants who won't risk the ocean. ~Rumi

This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters...: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" ~Isaiah 43:13-19

into the great unknown...

(photo: cable car on Pão de Açúcar --Sugarloaf Mountain-- in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

This is one of my all-time favorite photos I have taken-- a picture of traveling into "The Great Unknown," moving forward without being able to see ahead. So very much like these lives we live. We cannot see ahead of us into the future, so we blindly forge onward... into the unknown. It can be exciting at times, or downright terrifying!

Most of all, it is a journey of trust: trusting that God has laid out the path before us; trusting that He knows what's ahead, even though we do not; trusting that He will walk beside us on the journey, no matter what the terrain, no matter what we encounter along the way.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me

and the light become night around me,"

even the darkness will not be dark to you;

the night will shine like the day,

for darkness is as light to you.

~Psalm 139:9-12

do i trust You...?

Yesterday a friend was talking with me about a battle that is currently being waged in her life--one that, due to today's economy, is facing quite a few home owners. It is the fight to keep their home. Because of various circumstances in their lives over the past year, they are engaged in legal action and fighting for their home. It is not only a confusing and frightening battle but emotionally and mentally exhausting as well. They continually give it to the Lord, place it in His hands, but must also fight with themselves to leave it there.

Yesterday I also read a posting on Ann Voskamp's blog, A Holy Experience, about their battle to bring in their overly-ready wheat harvest. The wheat was ripe and needed to be harvested, yet they had had rain for days and could not harvest in the rain. The one day of sun on which they could have harvested was a Sunday, and they had committed that day to the Lord as the Sabbath, the day of rest. They, too, had a battle to fight-- to honor the day which they had committed to the Lord--even at the expense of losing their entire wheat crop.

Both of these situations, like so many in our lives, require a courageous and frightening trust in God and in His love and care for our lives. Both of these can be faith-shaking experiences. We know that He loves us. We know that He has promised to care for us. But sometimes that love and that care don't look quite like what we think they should. Sometimes that love and that care allow us to be taken to the very ends of our endurance and strength, and beyond, in order that we may learn to trust Him more deeply and completely. Or so a miracle may occur and He may receive the glory.

Whatever the outcome of these difficult circumstances in our lives, we must hold to the TRUTH that our Father loves us...that He is bigger than all of this... and that we must trust Him.

I was reminded of an old Twila Paris song that I used to love called "Do I Trust You?"...

Sometimes my little heart can't understand
What's in Your will, what's in Your plan.
So many times I'm tempted to ask You why,
But I can never forget it for long.
Lord, what You do could not be wrong.
So I believe You, even when I must cry.
Do I trust You, Lord? Does the river flow?
Do I trust You, Lord? Does the north wind blow?
You can see my heart, You can read my mind,
And You've got to know I would rather die
Than to lose my faith In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord? Do I trust You?

I know the answers, I've given them all.
But suddenly now, I feel so small.
Shaken down to the cavity in my soul.
I know the doctrine and theology,
But right now they don't mean much to me.
This time there's only one thing I've got to know.
Do I trust You, Lord? Does the robin sing?
Do I trust You, Lord? Does it rain in spring?
You can see my heart, You can read my mind,
And You've got to know I would rather die
Than to lose my faith In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord? Do I trust You?

I will trust You, Lord, when I don't know why.
I will trust You, Lord, till the day I die.
I will trust You, Lord, when I'm blind with pain!
You were God before, and You'll never change.
I will trust You. I will trust You.
I will trust You, Lord. I will trust You.

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

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9

Take heart, my friends; He is faithful!

shake, rattle, & roll!

Though I'm a couple of days behind in talking about 'the earthquake' on Tuesday here in California, it has still been on my mind. All the rest of that day, and even yesterday as well, a common topic of conversation was "where were you when the earthquake happened?" It was definitely the excitement of the week, though it was met with varied emotions at the time: newbies to the earthquake experience were a bit shaken up (if you'll pardon the pun), while veterans were more calm and collected in their responses.

I was talking with someone in Florida yesterday, and he inundated me with questions about what it was like. I, having lived in California for 22 years now, consider myself somewhat experienced at riding out earthquakes and told him it was just a "whole lot of shakin' goin' on." No big deal, really; no buildings collapsing with this one, and no one hurt. It was, overall, a relatively easy E-ticket ride. His final comment to me was that he couldn't imagine the very ground moving under his feet; he felt that would be just too much to "get a grip on."

When you think about it, that is a pretty strange concept--something so solid and 'dependable' in our daily lives, the very ground itself, moving, shaking, throwing us off balance. We walk around every day trusting that the ground will stay solid under our feet, counting on the fact that the sun will rise and set, that the stars and planets will stay in their courses. And yet, we have absolutely no control over these daily happenings. Normally, we don't even give them a second thought; however, when they don't behave in their proper manner, it is disconcerting and frightening. It is a reminder to us of our mere humanity--that we are truly not in control and that we cannot put our trust or confidence in the things of this world. For, even the earth proves itself to be a faulty foundation for us to stand upon.

Though they can be frightening and even devastating, I find earthquakes to be a good reminder that the only truly FIRM foundation upon which we can stand is that of God Himself. He alone is immovable, unshakeable, and unchanging--the one Constant in our ever-changing and ever-shifting world. He alone set this world into motion and placed the stars in the heavens and causes the sun to rise and set. He alone is the One in Whom we can place our trust and our confidence. I think it is a good thing when this ol' earth reminds us who we are and Who He is!