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...

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!

...and now we wait...

As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. ~Matthew 27:57-60

...and so we wait...

with sorrow

and with hope...

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!

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

can i have a testimony, please?!

Does that sound familiar to you? If you've ever been in a Pentecostal church, you have probably heard that question--that invitation for someone to tell of something God has done in their life! An invitation to proclaim the greatness or the faithfulness of God... An invitation to tell all those within hearing distance of some way the Father has touched a life, healed brokenness, or uplifted the downtrodden.

It is an invitation for someone to tell aloud of the goodness of God--to acknowledge Who He is and what He has done, to bring glory to God and encouragement to others.

Today, I accept that invitation. Let me tell you something which God has done for me this week...

It may not seem like much on the surface, but I must tell you of a way in which my Father has provided for me this week. If you're a regular reader, you may remember Saturday's post about my unexpected car repairs with which I began the new year. I was not thrilled about the car repairs nor of having my Fixing-the-Finances plan thrown off track by this unexpected expense. The enemy attempted to use it as a vehicle (pun not intended but appreciated!) through which to rob me of my sense of peace and hope... to thwart my intentions of trusting God in this area.

I chose to STAND. I refused to listen to his lies (that it's hopeless, impossible, and that God will not be there to provide). I refused to go to that place of anxiety and unrest--of fear. I chose, instead, to trust that no matter what obstacles are cast in my path, God is my Provider.

But, this is not a testimony about ME... this is about GOD...

So, I took my car to the mechanic on Saturday, walked down the street to the coffee shop, and awaited the verdict. After an hour or so, the mechanic called me on my cell phone and told me the immediate problem and what needed to be done to fix it. (He also then proceeded to tell me a couple of other things that needed to be taken care of in the future but which weren't crucial at the moment.) Thankfully, the total cost was just around $300. I told him to go ahead with the repairs.

Now, $300 is not terrible compared to some of the other car repair bills I've had in the past couple of years. With my newly set-up financial plan and tight budget, however, there's not that kind of "wiggle room" for such expenditures. And, the big picture is not to incur any credit card debt--not even for 'emergencies.' I figured God and I would have to figure it out somehow over the next month or two, and I charged it on my credit card.

(And here comes the cool part of the testimony!!) As part of my financial plan, I had started saving small amounts of money from each paycheck for various future expenses. When I got home from the mechanic's, I just thought I would check out my "car repairs" savings to see if I had any money in that account at all. Guess what....?!

I had just $7 short of what the repairs had cost me!!!! Really! How awesome was that?!

This kind of thing doesn't normally happen to me, and I could totally see it as God's handiwork! Especially after the battle with the enemy over this area, it was such a testimony to me of how God provides for our needs when we trust Him! It felt like a 'reward' for my choosing to not let the enemy pull me into his place of darkness but, instead, to walk in the Light! It definitely served as a reminder of God's care for me and an encouragement to continue to trust Him!

And so I proclaim this testimony of the goodness of God--to acknowledge Who He is and what He has done, to bring glory to God and encouragement to others. May He and you be blessed! (174)

new year, same old tricks...

Even though it is a new year, I find that the enemy is up to his same old tricks. His favorite game is to do whatever he can to get us to doubt God, to be fearful, to live in bondage rather than in the freedom Christ purchased for us with His very blood. He can't stand to see us deepen our relationship with God or to hear us praise God for Who He is or what He is doing, and he does whatever he can to destroy that trust, rob the joy, or disturb the peace in our hearts.

I've also noticed that the enemy usually knows our weak areas--our areas of brokenness--and tends to come back time and again to those places to use them against us however he can. At least that's what he does with me. He knows a couple of specific areas in my life where I am sensitive and tends to focus on those.

I didn't use to see his attacks as clearly, but in the past couple of years, God has been working in certain areas in my life and opening my eyes to some of the more subtle ways the enemy attacks, trying to draw my trust away from my Father.

One of the areas where I have seen consistent enemy attacks in my life is in the area of my finances. As I've become more aware of his methods, I have been learning to recognize, and even anticipate, when he is at work--or when he WILL be at work. It has become quite predictable--whenever God is doing something big or deep in my heart and life, or when I have made a victorious step in my walk with God, within a few days, the enemy of my soul tries to rob it from me. He sneaks up on tiptoe, quietly approaching, usually while I am loudly shouting God's goodness. And when I quiet myself, he attacks... with his darkness and his lies.

It was only two days into the new year, and he was already about his business...

Over the past few months, I have been working on resolving some difficult financial issues. And, it felt as though each time I would get a plan in place, it would get thrown off by one more (negative) financial surprise. In spite of this, however, I had finally gotten my finances set up in a manner that made me feel as though I would be moving forward rather than just spinning my wheels-- a workable plan to pay down some difficult debt and a solid (albeit tight!) budget. All the pieces were finally in place, and the puzzle was coming together.

On New Year's Eve, I was talking with my good friends about it, and I said I was finally feeling like I could DO this... like I was on the right track with it...not feeling the "frustration of the impossible task" but finally feeling empowered and positive about it. (obviously, this is all with God's help, as it is He Who gives me the life and breath to get up each day and to work and to live!! in no way discounting His providence and grace!!)

Then, that very night, as I got into my car to drive home, the car started behaving strangely. The engine wasn't running right, and I could tell something was wrong. I asked God to heal it (yes, I do that!) and reminded Him that we have a "plan," and it doesn't involve major, unexpected car repairs at this point. When I drove it to work yesterday morning, the problem was still there and was growing worse than the night before.

As I was walking from the parking garage to my office, I could feel the frustration building in me regarding 'one more hit' to my finances. I could feel a sense of hopelessness threatening my peace of mind and heart and the beginnings of anxiety and fear. The voice in my head (which sounded so very much like my own) said "You know, I never should have said I felt empowered or hopeful about my finances."

And, then, all of a sudden something clicked... (a tap on the brain by the Holy Spirit, perhaps??!) and I found myself actually angered by that thought! NO! my mind (or the HS within!) said, "That's not truth! I SHOULD be able to tell others that I feel hopeful. I SHOULD be able to BE hopeful about it!"

And it became so very clear that the enemy, the deceiver, the thief, was up to his old tricks! But this time I was NOT going to listen nor was I going to play his game. I told myself (and him, if he happened to be listening) that I was NOT going to let fear move into that place of peace and hopefulness and confidence in God! I was NOT going to be anxious about it or become discouraged by this. I was going to TRUST that God had helped me come up with "the plan," and He would help me to walk it out, whatever bumps or obstacles may be in the road along the way. Despite what it looked like, I was NOT going to go to that place of fear or anxiety.

A couple of lines from a Dylan Thomas poem came to my mind--

Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

I decided I was NOT going to go gentle into that place of darkness and discouragement. My heart and my mind were suddenly 'raging against the dying of the light'! And, it was a bit strange--this feeling of 'rage.' But that's what it felt like. It was a raging at the absolute wickedness of the enemy and the way he rips us off of the good things of God whenever he can--how he tries to give us death in place of the life Christ gives us. And this time, I could see it so clearly.

I will not go gentle into the darkness which the enemy has planned for me! I follow the Light of the World...and where there is Light, there is NO DARKNESS! ("God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." ~1 John 1:5) I will fight. I will stand my ground. I will believe Truth. And I will hold onto hope--because that is how my God would have me to live...in an attitude of hope and trust and confidence in His goodness.

I tell you this (in my long-winded fashion!) as a testimony to God's goodness and as a reminder... that wherever God is at work, the enemy will try to find a foothold to destroy that work, to cause you to doubt God, or to rob you of the peace, joy, and hope He is working in your heart.

As we begin a new year--full of possibilities and opportunities-- we fix our eyes on the Author and Finisher of our faith. We give Him this year ahead and look forward to what He desires to do in us and through us. Let us be aware of and alert to the one who would try to stop us from experiencing the life of abundance and fullness our awesome Father has planned for us this year, and let us not let him steal even one moment of our confidence, our trust, our joy, our peace.

(to Him be the glory for ever and ever!!)

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.

guest writer -- insight from anna...

Today, while I am still away from home, I thought I would treat you to a guest writer, my friend Anna. Anna wrote this a couple of weeks ago, and I really enjoyed her insight. I hope it blesses your day today as well...

One major perk from moving into this great home in the Temecula “burbs" is the fabulous pantry in our kitchen...it's grand. It's actually the size of our Master Bathroom from our old house in OC [Orange County]! ~no joke. So you'd think with all that space it'd be easy to keep organized. Yeah, right. You all know even our walk in closets are a cluttered disaster! (Well, at least mine is)

About a month ago my husband, Patrick, purged and organized the pantry for me. He had seen enough... In “Anna’s world”, unloading groceries is one thing…getting them put away in under a couple hours is another! The perishables I pack together at the store just so I can just toss them into the garage refrigerator from the trunk…the rest is subject to my energy level and toddler tantrums that take priority.

I think Patrick anticipated his superior deed to last a lifetime… it did not. To our dismay, the pantry needs daily maintaining. It needs a good purging every couple weeks. It reminds me of the kitchen sink but with a door so I can hide from it! But then I am exposed to it multiple times throughout the day, and the added chore puts a burden on me somehow.

When Patrick comes home from a long hard day and purges it for me I feel so refreshed. I feel an ounce of sanity return… does this sound crazy, or can you relate? Maybe it’s not the pantry for you… maybe it’s the laundry room or the car. Maybe it’s the toy room or the baby room that never really got completely decorated--and now that baby is a toddler (and has a sibling?!). Maybe it’s that scrapbook?!

On a deeper level, maybe it’s that guilt you’ve been carrying around, that promise you broke, or that tone you took with your little one this morning…

I just shut the door most days. I ignore it… but I know it’s there. I’ve built “organizers” to make room for more of whatever it is that keeps collecting and overwhelming me… Sometimes the literal purge comes as a gift from Patrick in a literal place- the pantry. But most days, the spiritual pantry of my heart and soul as a woman and mother needs a refresher. That gift (of a purge) I accept from The One above, Who gives freely and clearly, and allows me to be human, make mistakes, learn from them, and even repeat them. Most importantly, He (God) allows me start over--daily if needed.

Each day is a new one, and sometimes I have to even think/survive down to the very minute being better than the last… Go for it--find that place and PURGE AWAY!!!

the blue angels...

Wow! What a show! Saturday I went with my friends and their boys to the Miramar Air Show down near San Diego. We had caught a bit of the show last year and a bit of the 'air show bug' along with it... from that day forward we had been planning to go again this year. And here we were.... only this time, we actually had bleacher seats right up front to see all the action! It was so exciting and amazing!

Flags flying, the incredible roar of fighter jets flying over our heads, the rumbling feel of the jet roar in your stomach and chest! I loved it!

The US Navy Blue Angels show was preluded by a "Heritage Flight" which was planes/jets from three different eras of US military planes -- the oldest being the prop-driven Mustang... (in the middle in the picture below)

It was very interesting to see how far flight technology has progressed through the years. Toward the end of the demonstration flight, each one flew low before us so we could hear the difference in the sounds of the three. From the soft, almost insect-like hum of the Mustang to the sound-barrier-breaking roar of the newest jet-- what a change!

We all, of course, were eagerly awaiting the Blue Angels. We could see them in the distance on the tarmac, their tails sticking up above the crowd, patiently awaiting their turn to dazzle us.

And then it was their turn...and they were off! Taking to the skies to demonstrate their amazing flight skills...
Look at how close they are to one another... yet, so controlled, so precise...

I am in awe of their ability to fly so closely together... yet never touching...

and in such perfect formation... each one aware of his own position and that of each of the others.This is one of my favorite shots... a moment when the sun was briefly out and a piece of blue sky highlighted their blue and gold colors. And look at that line-up! Incredible!

I love it when they fly upside down! (I think I would be absolutely and completely sick to my stomach!!)

I love this formation with all six of the jets... look at how perfectly they are spaced. I cannot imagine flying hundreds of miles per hour and doing what these men do! They are truly amazing pilots! ...and a little video... this move always brings lots of cheers from the crowd...

There they are, in all their glory-- the US Navy Blue Angels!

I am so proud of the men and women in all branches of our military, and I appreciate their sacrifice and service for our country! I am grateful for the freedoms we have as a result of the service of our soldiers and sailors over the years... and for all they do for other countries as well.

The Blue Angels ended their show with a final salute as they flew in toward us in formation and then each flew off in a different direction. We in the crowd saluted them as well with a raucous round of cheers and whistles and applause...

It was a wonderful day... a bit tiring, but a good time was had by all!

the great worm wars...

Ok. I simply must tell about my horrifying experience this morning. Or, perhaps I should just call it 'gross and disgusting.' Either way, I must tell you--as briefly as possible so as not to alarm the faint of heart! I shall first make the disclaimer that, though I am a great appreciator of God's great creation and delightful creatures, I like them (the creatures!) far better when they are out in God's creation and not in my home...at least the crawling ones!

Well, long story short... I walked into my kitchen this morning to find gross little white wormy things crawling all over my kitchen floor!! I must say that my love for nature did not prevail, and I quickly squashed them with a paper towel, threw them away, and went about my morning getting-ready-for-work business. When I came back out to the kitchen a bit later, it was to discover a whole new army of wriggling white worms crawling across the floor and all over my kitchen throw rugs. EEEEEEKKKK!!! They were hustling and bustling (truly! even without legs!!) to somewhere, and the only thought in my head was to stop them, no matter what!

Perhaps there are those who will laugh at me for my worm-squeamishness, especially they who know my fascination with bugs and other creatures. And, I've baited many a fishing hook in my younger years, but this was just down-right horrifying to see in my kitchen! I kept having flashbacks of a similar nightmarish situation where I lived before when I had brothers and sisters of these worms hanging from little worm-threads all over my kitchen ceiling. (it was even worse that time!)

Well, to make the story short, I did battle with the worms several times until I left for work, and I had many apprehensive thoughts as to what I would be coming home to tonight--perhaps little worm encampments and wormy trenches dug from which to continue the battle. Fortunately, I discovered that most of them were wiped out in the morning worm war, and I just had little worm corpses to sweep and vacuum up when I got home.

All that to say, there are some of God's creation for which I do NOT have an appreciation...nor kindly feelings toward. I would like to think that such things--like the cockroach and the mosquito and wiggling white worms in my kitchen--are a result of the Fall, but since I know God is the Creator of all things, I just have to wonder about the purpose of pantry moths and their gross grubby-babies! And I must admit, that I shall not be adding them to my '1000 gifts' list either!

I have no profound analogy nor lesson I can think of relating to this worm war... but I shall share, instead, this little cartoon I found. And perhaps, if nothing else, we can share in the wonder and mystery of reproduction! Enjoy!

for more fun with the chickens, go to the Savage Chickens website... I love Doug's sense of humor, (and most of them are very clean) ... I am addicted to my daily dose of the chickens! (used by permission of artist)

8/22/08 update --only one worm in the kitchen this morning, and the bug man cometh! diagnosis: mealy bug larvae on the move! must get rid of all affected/infected? spices, baking supplies, tea, & candy!! even the worms like sweets!!

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!

running shoes and riot gear

A friend called me yesterday and asked if I would be able to take her shopping for the day today. She is having a special party for her daughter and needed to find some clothes for herself and her boys for the occasion. She had heard that there were going to be some great sales today, specifically one at JCPenney.

It was going to be one of those "5 hr sales." You know the kind I'm talking about--like the ones on so-called Black Friday (what a name!!), the day after Thanksgiving. The sales that are only for a few hours beginning at the very wee hours of the morning and ending by noon. The sales that have just a few of the very best items, and they can be had by YOU at a scandalously low price if you can get there before everyone else who is also trying to get there before you! Those kind of sales are what I'm talking about here.

So, I had the picture of it in my head: I would awaken and rise early, don my running shoes, and sprint from the house to the car, speed to the pick-up location of my friend, slow down just enough for her to leap into the car, tear off down the freeway to the mall ....and the sale at JCPenney. When we arrived, we would open the trunk, and pull out and don all of our full riot armor. (You know, helmets, flak jackets, shields, billy clubs, and steel-toed running shoes. Can't you just see it?!) Then, and only then, would we be ready to face the sales crowd and get the good stuff just waiting for us to rescue it from the clutches of the masses.

Well, I will admit, it wasn't like that at all. We had a good day 'hunting and gathering,' got some great deals, and finally arrived safely at home, dog-tired and foot-sore, just a couple of hours ago. Though there were quite a few people at the sales, we did manage to survive without our riot gear.

It did make me think, however, about the armor that we truly do need to put on each day so we can walk out into the battle of daily life. In Ephesians 6:11, our Captain commands us to "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." He tells us (vs 10) that this is the way for us to "...be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." It is by donning our armor that we will be able to stand our ground (vs 13). Without our armor on, we will be an easy target for the enemy of our souls as he seeks to damage and destroy us in any way he can.

A quick list of the armor He commands us to wear is very much like the riot gear I had pictured above:

• helmet = helmet of salvation
• flak jackets = breastplate of righteousness
• full-body shields = shield of faith
• billy clubs = sword of the Spirit
• running shoes = feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
• (uh-oh, no protection!) = belt of truth

That which I joke about above is truly a necessity for us to wear each day as we enter the daily battle of life in this fallen world. So, whether you're going to a 5-hr sale or to work or even just getting out of bed in the morning, take the time to put on your armor that you may be able to 'stand your ground' no matter what comes your way! We are far more victorious in the battle when we are properly dressed!