"Our Mount Zion" - 06/30/15 - Obadiah; Psalm 82-83

But not so on Mount Zion - there's respite there! a safe and holy place! (Obadiah 1:17)


There aren't enough words to express how much I love meeting ABBA first thing in the morning and reading His Love Letter to me.


How much I love to kneel before Him and feel His arms wrap around me, His Word entering into my mind, my heart, my soul - preparing me for the day ahead.


Although I love my time with Him, even more so, I love that my "Mount Zion..." isn't just in my alone time with Him each morning. 


My breath was taken away while looking at Nichalas/Amber's pictures from their trip.  Our ABBA' beauty in His Creation is mind blowing.  I was reminded again at how huge HIS mountains are not only on this earth, but of our spiritual "Mount Zion".  No matter the terrain I am "walking" through, my "Mount Zion" goes with me wherever/whenever I go. The Holy Spirit is often overlooked or short changed in His power. It causes me to shudder thinking about living life without The Holy Spirit. How often I feel His nudging, His probing, His protection, His Love throughout the day. 

 My own, personal, "Mount Zion".  
Praying you enjoy your "Mount Zion"!

"Turning My Attention" - 06/29/15 - 2 Chronicles 19-23

"Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek THE LORD , and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
So Judah gathered together to seek help from THE LORD ; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek THE LORD ." (20:3-4)   

   

The four of them were all on the putting green - the most precious and treasured parts of my heart.  
I had chosen to skip the golfing part and instead walk, seeking out golf balls others had hit and couldn't find.  It turned out to be a good decision as Nichalas was losing them almost faster than I was finding them.  

It isn't often I have the joy of our family of five all being together at one time.  

And when I do - I struggle to be thankful for the moments and not yearn for anything more.  

I struggle to not keep count of the time together versus the time apart.  I struggle not to think about the "what if's" and focus on the "what is".  

I struggle to not become paralyzed with fear.  To not desire to herd my "chicks" under my wings and not let them go.  I struggle to not be lost in the memories of yesterdays.  

During our day together I walked over 5 miles.  Almost every step in His beautiful creation, I lifted each of them up as they played war against a little ball.  I had conversation with our ABBA, who was right there in the midst of us, celebrating our time together. It was another "jewel of a day" to tuck into my heart.  The weather, the company, the joys, the laughter.   

My heart beats faster knowing there are many things which can happen. 

It is my greatest fear. 

It begins with our conception.  Dying.  Only ABBA knows how long our days are.  The fear of one of them dying, if I allowed it, could paralyze me. 

Even though I know - without doubt- where they will be when not here. 
It is my selfishness which wants to keep them here. 

I think about my dear sisters and brothers, whom have lost their spouse or child, and draw strength from their example.  It helps knowing I am not the only wife/mama feeling this way.  It helps knowing ABBA knows exactly how I feel and helps me through these moments.  After all, He gave up His only Son - for me.  for us.  As "Judah gathered together to seek help from THE LORD", He has placed so many other wives/mama's in my life to help me through my journey, to remain focused on Him.  He has given me the Holy Spirit to comfort me and keep my eyes lifted  up from focusing on "me" and focus instead on the many ways ABBA is using my treasures for His work.  For His Glory. 

He is growing me during the times I am  afraid and turning my attention to seek my ABBA -
THE LORD.

                      

"Inquire First" - 06/28/15 - 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18

"Please inquire first for the word of THE LORD ."  (I Kings 22:5)

Just wondering where do you go first before taking action? 
Whose Word is guiding your steps? 
Consuming your thoughts?
Transforming, conforming you from the inside out?

THE LORD?  or the world?

                         

"Vessels Of His Strength" - 06/27/15 - 1 Kings 20-21

"Go, strengthen yourself and observe and see what you have to do" (20:22)

Yesterday, what a wonderful day!  It was because of the rains I was able to take the day off and spend it with our daughter-in-love, Mrs. Amber.  Even though it meant being a bit behind in our mowing, I wouldn't trade the moments and memories made for anything. 

We enjoyed a great lunch with her mom, Cindy Brink, after hitting a few of the little shops in downtown Quincy.  After dropping Cindy back at her office, Amber and I continued on to explore a few other shops in our quest to find a bolo tie for Nichalas, before hitting Aldi's to stock up on groceries for the coming week. 

We were doing "girly things". 

There aren't enough words to express how grateful and blessed I am in having a girl now.  Not that I didn't enjoy having our Adam and Nichalas, for I did so in every way, but I know I have missed out on "girly things".   It was in looking at the relationships most mothers and daughters share when older,  that I would find myself thinking it would have been nice to have a girl for the later years.

And how our ABBA has delivered. 

For the past 10 years she and Nichalas have been together, she has been a precious treasure in my heart.

In the scripture given to me today, I recognize how ABBA has given me so many others to help strengthen me along with His Word and my intimate relationship with Him.  Yesterday while out,  there were so many of my "siblings" whose paths crossed mine.  With each bright eyed greeting, hug, and catch up conversations, I came away "strengthened" and reinforced how much He loves me through others.

I look around and see how He showers me continually with love from others.  His "showers" give me emotional and spiritual  nourishment needed for walking in this journey. 

I also need reinforcement for the physical strengthening.

Amber and I have added a new element to our relationship.  We are each others accountability partner for our food intake, exercise, strengthening our bodies.  She hasn't a weight issue, but there are some food groups which wreck havoc on her body and she is trying to eliminate them.  Taking care of our "temple".  It isn't so I will look great, I want to feel great.  It isn't that I want to be the size I was years ago, although I do I desire to get back into my smaller clothes, I want to be able to do physical things with Curt and our children.  While looking through their trip pictures, I find myself yearning to explore the breathtaking beautiful places of nature our ABBA has created.  I can't at this moment because of the condition of my 'temple". 

ABBA has given me this body and I have abused it with the wrong foods.  with too much food and not enough exercise. 

 All of us in Christ have been commissioned to "go and make disciples".  It is the toughest job we will ever do.  A job we must strengthen ourselves and be prepared.  At the ready for  all The Divine Appointments He sets up for us. 

Just as I need help from His family to strengthen myself in my spiritual, emotional walk, I need help for my physical.  He has helped me in how He provided His family for all of us to draw strength from Him through. I pray He is using me as His vessel to help strengthen others as well. 

For there is strength in numbers.  And I love being one of His "numbers". 

"Ever Full of Him" - 06/26/15 - 1 Kings 17-19

"As she was going to get it, he called to her and said, "Please bring me a piece of bread in your hand."                                                         
But she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I have no bread, only a handful of flour in the bowl and a little oil in the jar; and behold, I am gathering a few sticks that I may go in and prepare for me and my son, that we may eat it and die."

Then Elijah said to her, "Do not fear; go, do as you have said, but make me a little bread cake from it first and bring it out to me, and afterward you may make one for yourself and for your son. "For thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth.' "

So she went and did according to the word of Elijah,

and she and he and her household ate for many days.

The bowl of flour was not exhausted nor did the jar of oil become empty,
according to the word of the LORD which He spoke through Elijah." (17:11-15)

"So she went and did".

I wonder if it was because she hadn't anything more to lose, since she had resigned herself and her son to death.  Or if it was because she believed. 

How often when I feel I don't have anything more, do I give up to self or to Him. 

Do I resign myself to the little bit this world has to offer, or do I take up His Word and grasp onto His ever giving Love? 

How often do I choose to live life eating from the "bowl of flour which is never exhausted or the jar of oil never to be empty? 

How often do I choose to live my days consuming all He has to offer in exchange for the "little bit" I hold in my hand from self or the world? 

"Yet Another" - 06/25/15 - 1 Kings 15:25-16:34; 2 Chronicles 17

"he provoked THE LORD, THE GOD, of Israel, to anger." (I Kings 15:30) 

So many times throughout the history of man, we have provoked THE LORD to anger. 

Where is our fear? 

We have been studying Revelation these past few weeks in our Bible Study Group, and I am so thankful I am on the winning side.  During the second coming is not the place I want to be nor for that matter, anyone I know or don't know. 

God's wrath will be unleashed. 

We came away last night after study with the thanksgiving of how He gives us chance after chance when we sin.  It isn't His intention to destroy us, it is His intention to save us.

Why else would He sacrifice His only Son for us.

From the mouths of some I have heard our God must not be a loving God to allow the bad to happen in our journeys here on earth.  I feel we have no idea how "bad" things could be, if it wasn't for His intervention.  His protection. 

Our lives here aren't what He intended when He created the world and us.  Throughout all of Scripture, we read how He gave "us", yet another chance.  The Garden of Eden was a place without sin, until both Adam and Eve made the choice to disobey.  How easily THE LORD could have destroyed them then.  But He gave "us", yet another chance.  He gave "us", yet another chance, in having Noah build an ark and be in it. 

He gave "us", yet another chance, through the death and resurrection of our Savior. 

Through our Savior we are given the gift of Grace and Mercy.  This doesn't mean we have the freedom to blatantly sin, it means we are covered when we do.  And we will. 

We are all given the free choice to obey or not obey His Will.  To accept or not accept the gift of His Son.  Freedom to be His or not to be His. 

As long as there is breath within us, as long as it is before the final days, we have been given, yet another chance.  A chance to be redeemed from when we have "provoked The LORD to anger. 

I pray you are taking it.  Before it is your "last chance".     

                                                    

"Just a Reminder" - 06/24/15 - I Kings 15:1-24, 2 Chronicles 13-16

For David had lived an exemplary life before God all his days, not going off on his own in willful defiance of God's clear directions (except for that time with Uriah the Hittite). (I Kings 15:5)


How often do we focus on the "except for" instead of the grace and mercy ABBA covers us with?  Instead of the forgiveness we receive when accepting our Savior?  Forgiveness for all of our "except for" in our past, present, and future? 


How often do we allow the "except for" to hinder our growth "in" Him?  Do we decide to put ourselves above God and deem what "except for" are forgiven - in ourselves and others? 


How often do we pick apart self or others, by becoming self-righteous and basing our love, our compassion, on our standards? 


How often do we love as Christ does and look past the "except for" and see self and others "made in His image"...........

"What Will Be Your Final Verdict" - 06/23/15 - 2 Chronicles 10-12

But the final verdict on Rehoboam was that he was a bad king - God was not important to him; his heart neither cared for nor sought after God.(12:14)


"The only time I've thought, "Wow, maybe there is a god,' was when I saw an exhibition of spectacularly gorgeous minerals from the bowels of the earth."
"The acclaimed actress speaks her mind on sex, love, solitude,- and her passion for pomegranates."
Helen Mirren

Passion for pomegranates. 

I put the magazine down after reading this article, but haven't been able to remove the sadness that came upon me.  For a number of years I have enjoyed her acting talents, but now all I can think of when she comes to mind is how very sad to live life without ABBA as the center. 

How sad to not even acknowledge "maybe there is a god", when all about us is miracle after miracle, proof of His Awesomeness. 
Perhaps I feel such a sadness because it reminds me of when I lived in such a way.  When my "passion" was for self and this world, "for pomegranates".  So pathetic.  So empty. 

So lost.

While reading The Scriptures from these past few days, accounts of all the wars, the sin infested ways of the people, reminds me of much of our world today.  And only because ABBA has transformed my heart am I able to be filled with sorrow, compassion, instead of self-righteousness. 

Thinking back through my life, I am able to pinpoint certain persons who I know continually prayed for me.  I am able to remember older women in the church who were vessels and examples of our Christ.  Men of God come to mind in the spiritual examples of ABBA's Holy Love.  For all of them I am thankful, even though it is only in looking back I am able to see what I didn't see then - a lifeline to my ABBA. 

I pray He uses me the same way.  I pray I am able to be His lifeline to Him for those who are lost.  Those who are searching.  Those who are unaware of Him. 

I pray not only for myself, but all He has touched in my living for Him - the complete opposite of this verse -  "But the final verdict on Rehoboam was that he was a bad king - God was not important to him; his heart neither cared for nor sought after God.(12:14) 

I pray the sadness never leaves me, so I may not lose the urgency or compassion for those who are not "in" our ABBA.

"My Bestest" - 06/22/15 - 1 Kings 12-14

"Please entreat the LORD your God, and pray for me" (13:6)

Just as the Queen of Sheba asked Solomon to speak to "his" God for her, king Jeroboam missed the boat as well when asking the man of God from Judah, "Please entreat the LORD your God, and pray for me".

I will never return back to the life in which I didn't communicate with our ABBA on a daily, moment to moment, way of living.  I will never return back to that place where He wasn't my "bestest friend". 

Why?

Because living with Him as I do now offers so much more.

Continually.

Last night we were surprised with the early arrival of our Nichalas/Amber.  Nichalas actually snuck into the house while we sat unaware.  There was much delight when Curt looked up to see him there.  I know, it sounds like we have lost our senses, but in our defense, the fans are running and we hadn't checked the doors before retiring for bed. It makes me smile knowing our ABBA was sharing that delight and joy of their homecoming.  Of the way we like to make each other smile and laugh. It blesses my heart knowing He is with them every step they take and looked forward to our reunion last night.  I love how He is also their "bestest friend" as well. 

Each and every day I lift up those I love to our ABBA.  Asking them to be used for Him and His glory.  It's a prayer of Faith, for I know not how they will be used.  It's a prayer of Trust, for I would rather be sharing daily living with everyone instead of a few days here and there.

Each and every day I communicate with my ABBA.  I share my heart.  my joys.  my concerns.  my fears.  I delight in sharing with Him.  I know - without doubt - He so desires all of me to be His.  I know - without doubt - He is always there waiting eagerly for me to share "me" with Him.

Recently, a part of my heart has discovered she has breast cancer.  I couldn't imagine going to another and asking them to pray to "their God" because I felt I couldn't.  She shares the same relationship with Him and knows, there is power in prayer from His children.   

We can't comprehend the full extent of the gift He has given us in being able to go before Him and be with Him.  To have The Creator of all, The Holy Spirit,  living within us through the gift of our Savior. 

What a thought.  Knowing our ABBA, THE LORD of Lord's is waiting.  is watching.  is sharing.  is delighting.  is totally - head over heels in love with each of us.  Each of us.

He wants only to be "our" God.  "our" bestest friend.

 

"My Father" - 06/21/15 - Proverbs 30-31

"The believer replied,
"Every promise of God proves true;
He protects everyone who runs to Him for help. "(30:5)


What a wonderful day to be reminded this day - and all days -

because of Jesus, we have a Father who is always there.  

Happy Fathers Day my ABBA.    

                         

                                                      

"Yours!!" - 06/20/15 - 1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9

"Praise be to The LORD, your God, who has delighted in you" (I Kings 10:9)

She didn't get it.  After listening to all the wisdom Solomon shared, the Queen of Sheba, - she missed it. 

Aren't you beyond thankful when talking about ABBA - you KNOW - without doubt -

He is

THE LORD.  Your God. 

"Your" God. 

Up close and personal.  Not distant and superficial.

"Your" ABBA.  

How's that for starting your day!  Enjoy this day and all days - "Your" ABBA - gives you.

How "our" ABBA - THE LORD -  so blesses!!!

"Son"shine - 06/19/15 - Ecclesiastes 7-12

"Oh, how sweet the light of day, And how wonderful to live in the sunshine!  Even if you live a long time, don't take a single day for granted. Take delight in each light-filled hour" (11:7-8)


Yesterday while driving across the Hannibal bridge, ABBA was showing off.

On the right side of the bridge the blue sky was filled with sunshine and white fluffy clouds. 

The left side, no more than 200 yards away, the sky was dark and angry.  The rains were coming down so hard I couldn't see the river.

I wanted to just stop and watch His complete control over the elements, but due to other traffic had to press on.

I love watching His storms.  I love His rains.  But more than anything - I love feeling the warmth of His sun upon my face.  A hug from my ABBA.  The wind blowing gently across my face.  A kiss from my ABBA. 

Although I love the work He has blessed me with (I do so delight working out in His nature), I love even more delighting in living in a life drenched in His "Son"shine - each and every Son filled moment.

I pray for all to know an intimacy with Him.  To look up and feel Him covering you inside and out with His wonderful, marvelous, glorious, Awesome "Son"shine. 


The Cross gave us access to our ABBA. 


No need for sunblock - His "Son"shine is guaranteed to be cleansing in all ways.  Purifies you from the cancer of sin, won't burn you to a crisp - only causes healthy, fruit producing growth.  I love how He has opened my eyes to be thankful for each and every day - not taking life for granted. 

Basking in His "Son"shine.

"His Endless Buffet" - 06/18/15 - Ecclesiastes 1-6

We work to feed our appetites; Meanwhile our souls go hungry.(6:7)

Do you take time to "eat" of Him and His Word each day? 
Is your time spent with Him a priority? 
Daily? 
Moment by moment? 


How I love taking time with Him each morning. 
He causes me to be more aware of Him,
His ways,
I find myself conversing with Him throughout my day.
Looking at each moment He gives me as His Divine appointment. 

I love how He feeds my soul with the "food" of His Word. 

Praying you enjoy your soul being fed - not only today - but for always.

In all ways.

"His Beauty" - 06/17/15 - Proverbs 27-29

"Your face mirrors your heart" (27:16)          

For the most part, I am pretty successful in avoiding my reflection in the mirror.  When I do stand before one, I am usually focusing on the hair, makeup, not my actual self. 

And those moments when I do actually look at me - it is with an overly critical eye. 

I am my worst enemy. 

Since having Adam 30 years ago, I have struggled with my weight.  Before that time, I was thin as a rail and could eat as much of anything I wanted, never gaining an ounce.  It seems I wore my metabolism out during my youth.  The other day I was organizing photos and realized there aren't too many of me.  Seems I am also pretty good about avoiding the camera.  These photos also made me wish I was as "fat" now as I was back then.  Because I am always comparing my body to before pregnancy, I am coming up fat.

And ugly.

"He who gains Wisdom, loves His own soul"(Proverbs 19:8)

To love me as He loves me. 

 

The reason He wants me to do this, is when I do, nothing else matters. 

"I" don't matter because all of me is LOVED.

Instead, there are oft times -  

I pick up "doubt".  I begin to view the inside/out of me from the perspective of the world or self.  Comparing, putting down, forgetting. 

He created me. 

He created all of me. 

He created me in His image. 

I know until I die, I have chosen to become more like Christ with each breath I take. 

I also know there will be times I fail - often in a big way. 

But - who am I?

to say ugly. 

Not perfect. 

Not enough.

Who am I?   to not look at myself - as He sees me. 

When looking at "me" through my eyes, I am looking through the distorted image from a sideshow funhouse. 

He has shown me, if I choose to believe, through His Words and also the voices of those He has put into my life, no one sees "me" as I do.  They don't see someone whose hair is out of place.  whose clothes are a little tight.  whose whole inside needs an overhaul. 

 

They see someone they love.  

Someone they feel is beautiful inside/out. 

Just as I do them. 

 

Isn't it sad we don't see ourselves through the eyes of those whom love us. 

 

Isn't it sad we don't see ourselves through the eyes of our ABBA. 

Our ABBA doesn't see fat. 

He doesn't see ugly. 

He doesn't see flaws we pick out and focus on. 

He sees us as "His Beloved". 

He sees us through His Son. 

Our Savior.

He sees our hearts as one that is running after Him. 

"Progress Only Through Him" - 06/16/15 - Proverbs 25-26

"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."(25:11)

This is a hard one for me.  This is why it is essential to fill myself up with His Words - to a point they are overflowing.  That way - my words are seldom in the mix.

Thankfully, He is bringing me along.  I am praying I will stop throwing up road blocks so progress may continue. 

It doesn't take much though.  Just one word here or there and much damage will occur. 

I am so thankful He is bigger than my "words".  So thankful He is in total control. 

And so, so thankful He covers me with His Grace and Mercy - as He continues on transforming me to become more like Him. 

"His Bride" - 06/15/15 - 1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8

"Solomon brought Pharaoh's daughter up from the City of David to the palace he had built for her, for he said,
"My wife must not live in the palace of David king of Israel,
because the places the ark of The LORD has entered are Holy." (2 Chronicles 8:11)

I have been thinking on this verse throughout the day.  I am assuming his wife couldn't live in the palace because she was not of the chosen people.  an outsider.

I smile knowing - one day my ABBA will come for me.  Jesus has went on ahead and prepared a room for me.  In His Father's house.

Not outside looking across the way.  A room "in" His House.

Because I belong to Him.  For eternity. 

The Bride of Christ.  Yes, I am. 

               

"May Each One" - 06/14/15 - Psalm 134, 146-150

"Let everything that has breath praise The LORD.
Praise
The LORD." (150:6)

A few years ago,  I couldn’t help but smile, as I watched them. 

Kids.

Of all ages. 

Parents swinging and dipping their babies toes down into it.  Little ones running, screaming, laughing as they ran through it, on that first warm day of spring.  I was sitting on a bench at the fountains.  Watching how different God has made each of us, not only in our looks, but our temperament. 

A beautiful little girl reminded me of a duck.  She was following another  little girl, mimicking her every move.  Even in holding up her “skirt”, while not wearing a skirt.  Never did that little hand unclasp the hem of her short tee shirt.  Wherever her leader went, she went also.  Whatever action, she was a perfect copy. 

The little boy made his way about the waters on his own.  Splashing whomever happened to be in his way.   Running through the water falls and squealing with delight, as he came through the other side completely soaked.  His mom soon joined in.  Not caring at all what she looked like to others.  They were in their own little world – delighting in it.

Four sisters ran from one end to the other, until one was completely soaked.  When they came over to their mom, who was sitting right beside me, her excitement quickly fizzled out.  Her mom was reprimanding her for “not thinking long term” and getting soaked.  She would have to ride in the car like that.  I wanted so badly to say, “pick your battles.  Your child will most likely remember getting “shoulded”, instead of the giggles, screams, and laughter the four of them had – getting soaked”.  I kept my mouth shut and prayed.

And continued to pray for all I was watching.    

 

Wondering how many of them share an intimate relationship with God or even know His name. 

I so want my fellow man to know Him. 

All the thousands of persons I saw that day, I wondered.  I prayed as I walk down the streets over them.  I may not have met them face to face, but I believe my Divine Appointment that day was to pray over them.  

I cannot contain my love for Him. 

 
Later, as I was sitting in Union Station waiting on my train, I looked across the room.  There was a woman with two books in her lap, she was writing and turning pages back and forth.  One of those books was her Bible.  Another woman sitting two seats down from her, also studying her Bible.

There in the middle of the city -  In the middle of the crowds - He is.

I continue to pray for those about me

"Let everything that has breath praise The LORD.

Praise

The LORD."

"Everlasting is He" - 06/13/15 - 1 Chronicles 6-7, Psalm 136.

                                                                                                    
"Who remembered us in our low estate,

for His loving-kindness is everlasting,

and has rescued us from our adversaries,

for His loving-kindness is everlasting."

(Psalm 136:23-24)

                       So thankful. Enjoy your Saturday!

"Can Do" - 06/12/15 - 1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4

"Now King Solomon sent and brought Hiram from Tyre.
He was a widow's son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze;

and he was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill for doing any work in bronze.

So he came to King Solomon and performed all his work." (1 Kings 7:14)

You know, I can mow a mean yard.  

I can cook a decent meal.  
I can keep a pretty clean and organized home (most times).
I can keep the books and do the billing for His business.


When I get to thinking about it, there are a lot of things I can do.  

But.  there are even more things I can not do.

If I allow myself to focus on the "can not do", instead of the "can do", I could become very discouraged.  very bitter.  very jealous.  

Our ABBA has given us each gifts and talents.  He has given us each the same amount of time in a day.  He has given us His Word to gain Wisdom.  and discernment.  

He has given us each the ability to "know" where and how He needs us to be in His body.  

It is so easy to fall victim to the game of "compare".  To think what we are able to do isn't worth much.  To look at others and see ourselves as "less than".  Not as "good as".  nor as "talented".  We haven't a clue what goes on in most persons lives, yet continually we put them above us on the comparison chart.  

And then we believe, there isn't anything about ourselves our ABBA is able to use.  

That. is. a. lie.

Each of us is invaluable to Him.   Each of us is an important and essential part of His body.  Each of us  - He uses for His glory.  

Instead of looking at the "can not do", look eagerly for His Divine Appointments which only "you" are able to "can do".  
He has put "you" in the exact place. 
the exact time. 
with the exact person. 
and needs all that "only" you "can do".          

                  

"Investing In The Future" - 06/11/15 - 1 Kings 5-6; 2 Chronicles 2-3

It took Solomon seven years to build it. (2 Kings 6:38)

One of my favorite things to do is going through empty, abandoned houses.  I love looking at the craftsmanship, imagining the people and their lives while living in these places.  There is a show on tv where a woman is taking these buildings, condemned to be torn down, and rebuilding them, making them back into a home.  You can take a drive in a city or out in the country and see many such places, sitting forlorn.  Just a shell.  Four walls which used to surround the making of memories.  Sitting empty - stripped of their former glory.

I think about all the work, the time, the cost, the materials, the manpower, which went into the building of the temple. 

Over the years, it was completely destroyed.

Everything that is manmade will one day be destroyed, no matter how elaborate. 
How expensive. 
How finely crafted.

Eternity.  Either in or out of our ABBA.

And that is all that really matters.

What do we invest a lifetime building?  What are we passing on? 

Who are we inviting to come live with us in the place Jesus is preparing for us?

Through and Through" - 06/10/15 - Proverbs 22-24

"Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,

And apply your mind to My knowledge;

For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
That they may be ready on your lips.

So that your trust may be in The LORD ,

I have taught you today, even you." (22:17-19)



"For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you"

 

"Loving My Soul" - 06/09/15 - Proverbs 19-21

"He who gets Wisdom loves his own soul." (19:8)


This verse hit me in between the eyes a number of years ago.  I realized I didn't love me.  Love me as He loves me.  

Because of that, I was allowing myself to be in situations I felt worthy - or rather unworthy -of.  I believed I wasn't included in the Promises He has told each of us, we are given.  

I was also searching for Love in all the wrong places.

Through His Word, He has transformed my eyesight when looking at me.  For the most part, I am able to see me through His eyes.  To ignore and cast aside the lies of the world and my self.  Yes, I still fight the urge to believe, "I am too fat, too ugly, too stupid, too much bad/evil", to amount to what He designed me to be.  

We are promised the gift of Wisdom through knowing His Word.

It is through Wisdom we are able to love our own soul - as He does.

Not the way of the world, which only promotes self love. 

Loving our own soul as He does, it promotes growth in our love for our ABBA, for others. 

Because when we love our own soul as He does, "self" doesn't matter anymore. 

                                                     

"For Always" - 06/08/15 - Proverbs 16-18

"but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (18:24)


He has.  He does.  He will.

My Jesus.  My Savior. 

"The" friend who sticks closer than a brother.

"Much Revenue" - 06/07/15 -Proverbs 13-15

"Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox."(14:4)

I'm not calling them oxen.  But I am thinking how much these past few days relate to this verse.

The "Lotter Invasion" has come to an end. 

Scattered throughout our home are reminders of how full this place has been these past few days.  Just like my heart. 

The voices.  The laughter.  Are ringing through my ears.  The images of each one pressed into my heart, as keepsakes between the pages of a book. 

Our home before their coming had most everything in its place.  except where we are remodeling the downstairs bath.  The floors were clean.  things were dusted.  laundry caught up.  beds were made. 

My manger was clean.

And so, so empty. 

Of life.

So much strength have I gathered from these persons.  Their wisdom.  their unconditional love.  their delight in living life.  their sharing.  their caring.  their welcoming us into their hearts and lives.

As Steve has said often throughout these days, "this is a glimpse of what Heaven will be like when we are all together under one roof".  For eternity. 

The "revenue" I have gained from my siblings being here - numbers can not count my wealth. 

"My Soul Family" - 06/06/15 - Proverbs 10-12

"The LORD will not allow the righteous to hunger"(10:3)

Although I have tucked myself into my office to do my morning study, I can still hear them.  

Our home is overflowing with voices, little and big footsteps, laughter and the sounds of a very young baby.  We are experiencing the "Lotter Invasion".  

As the kitchen countertops are loaded down with food, so is my heart and soul.  

Our ABBA is filling me up with the love from my "soul family".  

Here for a wedding the 10 of us will be attending this day, we are being fed the food of love.  of joy.  and of wisdom.  How much I grow and delight in these special persons whom He has given me as part of my heart.  Just like food, He knows how my soul needs nourishment.  He knows memories being made become treasures in my heart to sustain me during times of drought.  Like a cool drink of water for a parched soul they are.

Most every Wednesday night our home is filled with other members of my "soul family" as we gather to study His Word.  Every other Tuesday a group of my "sisters" come together, bonding, falling deeper in love with our ABBA as we grow through His Word. 

This home.  It is His.  It is His and we are blessed, honored, beyond words to use it for Him.  For His glory.  We are blessed and honored, beyond words, to fill it up with our "soul family".  To fill it up with those He has put into our lives.  All the while, being fed by Him. 

It is the little moments that are really the grand events in life. 

It is the many ways He feeds me.  His Word each day I take of it and chew on it throughout my days.  Constantly my eyes fall upon persons or things and His Word is brought into my thoughts.  He feeds me.  Through the love and honor from those He surrounds me with.  How I delight in the food of life He gives me.  

The everlasting food of His Love through the many members of His family. 

Thank you my ABBA.  For knowing.  for providing.   

                                                         

"Fruits" - 06/05/15 - 156 - Proverbs 7-9

It's through me, Lady Wisdom, that your life deepens, and the years of your life ripen.  Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life (9:11-12)


Some years ago, it was while sitting in the service, the casket in the front of the room, hearing the words of the minister, this feeling came over me and hasn't left.  It was another moment of a vivid reminder all of us will die. 


And how am I using my life?  What will I be leaving behind? 


What will be my legacy?


"your life deepens"


"and the years of your life ripen" 


"will permeate your life"


I love these words.  Knowing through His Love Letter, The Bible, we receive the gift of Wisdom.  I love how He has given me the true drink of living.  How He has quenched my thirst, and no longer am I wandering on this journey, but headed with purpose on the path to Him.  With Him. 

You are able to tell much about a person at their funerals by their fruits.  By the relationships we are able to look in on.  To those whom ABBA was  their life, in their fruits I see the delight of life, even through the sorrows, it shows in their smiles.  Smiles which come from their hearts, light up their eyes, and spread joy to those around them.  Even in their grief.  They never lose the hope.  the peace.  the joy. 

 I came away with questions of what kind of woman am I.  What memories and tools am I handing down.  Do I delight in life?  Does my fruit show this too? 

I came away knowing my ABBA is my Father.  The perfect Father.  He has given me the gift of Wisdom - one of the many perfect tools. 


I came away knowing what a legacy He has given me. 

"Be His Invaluable Jewel" - 06/04/15 - Proverbs 4-6

"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day."(4:18)

I sat on the floor last night, part of the Wednesday night circle which is made up of my family. 
My family bonded forever together through The Blood of our Savior.

We have been studying Revelation.  Lots of questions.  Lots of discussion.

And lots of growth.

Each week I sit in wonderment of those He has blessed into my life and heart.  Our home is bursting at the seams with the wisdom He has placed within these siblings of mine.  How much I have learned, am learning, will learn from each one of them. 

I am delighting in His words from the lips of our Ruby. 

She isn't very big, she has lived longer on this earth and experienced more than myself or the others.  But upon reading this verse today, I instantly thought of her. 

She isn't growing dimmer with the years, she is growing brighter.  The Light of our ABBA is shinning out through her eyes so brightly, they twinkle.  Her gentle smile has taken on the one from our Savior.  Her whole demeanor is filled with quiet, yet strong, grace.  Looking at her is looking at "the full light of day". 

I think about how she has lived up to the name her parents gave her.  Ruby. 
She literally sparkles, just like a rare, perfect, beautiful jewel in our ABBA's  crown.  Invaluable.

There are others in my life whom have walked many steps.  I think of my Wilma.  Small but mighty for Him.  She is one who isn't allowing age to hinder her in making and taking the most of this life He has given her. 

So opposite of others their age I know, who have decided to sit back and wait for their time to end.  So many who have decided to make living all about them.  Missing out on many opportunities because they have decided to continually look inward and not outward. 

I don't want to be the dim light of the sun just before it slips below the horizon.  I desire to allow Him to shine through me "shining ever brighter till the full light of day", no matter my age. 

                                                        

"Wisdom Is His Word" - 06/03/15 - Proverbs 1-3

My child,

If you will receive My words And treasure My commandments within you,

Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding;
For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding;

If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures;

Then you will discern the fear of The LORD And discover the knowledge of God.

For The LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
Guarding the paths of justice, And He preserves the way of His godly ones.

Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.

For wisdom will enter your heart And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;

Discretion will guard you, Understanding will watch over you,
To deliver you from the way of evil, From the man who speaks perverse things;
From those who leave the paths of uprightness To walk in the ways of darkness;
Who delight in doing evil And rejoice in the perversity of evil;
Whose paths are crooked, And who are devious in their ways;

To deliver you from the strange woman, From the adulteress who flatters with her words;
That leaves the companion of her youth
And forgets the covenant of her God;

For her house sinks down to death And her tracks lead to the dead;

None who go to her return again,
Nor do they reach the paths of life.

So you will walk in the way of good men And keep to the paths of the righteous.

For the upright will live in the land And the blameless will remain in it;
But the wicked will be cut off from the land And the treacherous will be uprooted from it. (Chapter 2)

                     

"My Curt" - 06/02/15 - Song of Solomon 1-8

"This is my beloved and this is my friend" (5:16)

We were still working at 8 o'clock last night.  I was planting flowers and he was framing up a wall in the bathroom.  This was after we had put in a full day of work for our clients.  He was taking a breather, before finishing up a little bit more and calling it a day. 

My beloved, my friend.

We talked, as I continued planting.  Talked about how blessed our life is.  Having our Adam home.  His invaluable help, both physical and mentally, with the business.  How nice it would be to have that stamina, physical strength once again.  How exciting for Nichalas/Amber as they head out on their adventure home.  How they live life to the fullest, creating such beautiful memories.  How they are truly each others best friend and complete each other so.  I listen to him when he is speaking to our children.  My heart is full knowing the sound of his voice, his advice, is tucked into their hearts.  I pray his days are plenty, knowing the day he is called Home will be one of great, great sorrow for them. 

My heart gave thanks my beloved, my friend, is the father and friend of my children.   

We talked about our home.  How it is finally feeling like the gift ABBA has given us and not another's place we happen to reside in.  The plans we have, or rather I have, and he goes along because that is how he is. 

My beloved, my friend, who is patient and gives a hand in making my dreams a reality.

I have a picture of him taped to the bottom left corner of my computer screen.  It is from 1982.  Taken during a softball game, on one of our first dates.  In it, I have captured his smile.  His blond hair is longer, a bit curly, and more of it.  In seven days it will be 33 years since our first date and still, when looking at him my heart will leap as it did back then. 

My beloved, my friend, whom I adore and desire.

There are moments he causes me laughter.  to become flustered when still - he flirts with me.  joy.  peace.  contentment.  frustration.  pain.  the one who accepts and loves me as I am.  the one whom I am able to be completely myself with. 

My beloved, my friend, the one who has my heart and I his.

We spend most of our time together as we work and live life.  It amazes me how being such fickle human beings, we haven't grown tired of each other.  So many memories, adventures, moments spent together.  It amazes me after all the valleys we have journeyed through to the mountain tops, we are still together, stronger instead of weaker.  We are only as one because we turned "us" over to our ABBA.  It delights my soul to see him as a warrior for our Lord.  It delights my soul knowing we have/will share our days here together, but also eternity.

My beloved, my friend, my brother in Christ.

"My Curt".

"Nomads" - 06/01/15 - Psalm 119:89-176

"What you say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens.

Your truth never goes out of fashion; it's as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up.

Your Word and Truth are dependable as ever; that's what You ordered - You set the earth going.

                        
If Your revelation hadn't delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came.                            

But I'll never forget the advice You gave me; You saved my life with those wise words.

Save me! I'm all Yours. I look high and low for Your words of Wisdom.

The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,
but I'm only concerned with Your plans for me.  
                          
I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can't contain Your commands!                            

Oh, how I love all You've revealed; I reverently ponder it all the day long."(89-97)

 

 

 

His reminder.  His comfort.  His Truth. 

 

Right there - first ones I read this morning.  He is I AM.

 

Comparing myself to how I was in my yesterdays, I have improved greatly.  There are still moments when I fail and fall back into the old habit.  When I allow the whispers coming from the enemy to draw my attention off of my ABBA.

My g'ma Dorothy used to tell me, "it's like a rocking chair.  Even though you rock and rock, you're never getting anywhere".

 

Worry. 

 

I have been striving to eradicate it from my life by depending and believing in all - all - He has written to me in my love letter from Him - His Word.  I have been trying to lean on the Holy Spirit and draw from the Wisdom received from digging into His Word, becoming more intimate with my ABBA than just a superficial relationship. 

 

For the most part, He has helped me overcome the noise of the whispers.

 

I didn't sleep well last night, nor the nights before.  Today is the official day of a new beginning for our Nichalas/Amber.  They are embarking on their journey, camping and hiking through California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and other states until they make it home for their summer visit.  The mama in me is trying to ignore the fact they will be spending a bit of time in bear, moose, cougar, wolf country.  Not to mention any "nuts" who may be out and about.  Nichalas has tried to reassure me in the past, "they are so far into the wilderness, "nuts" don't want to take the time or energy to get there".  Okay, his words helped regarding the "nuts", but only made me more aware how off the beaten path they will be. 

 

It has been bittersweet having our sons become grown men and leave the "nest".  There have been, and most likely will be, moments my heart physically aches from the days which accumulate between being together.  How I delight in Adam being back.  To spend time with him.  Just to hear his voice in person and see his face.  I love just sitting and looking at our kids.  His beauty within and outside of them, continually takes my breath away.  "Marvelous are His works". 

 

And again, He reassures me.  We are but nomads here on this earth.  Picking up and journeying through the dangers of this world, towards our place in "The Home" in which He has prepared a place for us.  He has reassured me the all of our ABBA is as permanent as the heavens.  In Him, He is as the air we breathe, surrounding us and within.  No matter where we journey. 

. 

 

Again - He knew I needed to "hear" right off, He is in complete control. 

 

"What you say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens.

Your truth never goes out of fashion; it's as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up.

Your Word and Truth are dependable as ever; that's what You ordered - You set the earth going.

                        
If Your revelation hadn't delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came.                            

But I'll never forget the advice You gave me; You saved my life with those wise words.

Save me! I'm all Yours. I look high and low for Your words of Wisdom.

The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,
but I'm only concerned with Your plans for me.  
                          
I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can't contain Your commands!                            

Oh, how I love all You've revealed; I reverently ponder it all the day long."