Faith Remains ...

Good Afternoon I hope all is well with you. I have not written here in over three years. There are times when all energy resources must be committed to maintaining & sustaining what is most vital. Today is six-years since my Mom passed away - May 16, 2020. A great deal has transpired since then. I got laid off .... again My youngest son almost lost his life when a drunk driver in a truck struck him, sent him flying and then ran him over before fleeing the scene. There have been multiple bouts of illness. And this Monday will be one-year since my Dad passed away - May 18, 2025. I have learned of the passing of a dear childhood friend. And lost many relationships. There were situations in my past that I thought, 'it cannot get worse' I was sadly mistaken. Don't get me wrong - good things have happened too. My son survived - with a leg full of titanium but he survived. I found new work. I've started and am building a bakery business. My middle son got engaged - just recently. And I got an amazing 'daughter' and grand-daughter. That little girl is my absolute heart. And my oldest son overcame social anxiety - he has been instrumental in getting the business started. Through it all, God has remained faithful. And as a result, FAITH REMAINS. I told my future daughter-in-law, "God has given me a new tribe and a new village." No matter what you lose, God is able to bring about restoration - like he did for Job. Understand, no blessing or introduction of new 'tribe members' can take the place of lost loved ones. But God can set you in a revised village where you can love and be loved in return. My sons are still with me - that is something to be thankful for. My sweet 17-year old MinPin Chico left us (before my Mom passed) But even in that area, God blessed my grand-daughter with Toy Fox Terrier Cosmo. He has been a blessing to the entire family. Again, it does not replace what has been lost. But you can experience joy again - different - but again. Through it all, my faith has been POUNDED. It has been strengthenedand FAITH REMAINS, but it has been battered. Over the past week, I have come to this site mutiple times and read things I penned years ago. I have been amazed at how the words have encouraged my faith and soothed my soul. One of my favorite verses in the Bible has always been Isaiah 50:4 "The LORD God has given me an instructed tongue, that I should know how to deliver a word in season to them are weary." I had know idea that weary someone would be me. So why share all of this? I just want to let you know that GOD IS FAITHFUL - Even when we don't understand, when we are hurt and angry HE IS FAITHFUL. I put a period at the end of that sentence - because His faithfulness is the beginning and the end of our story - and every page in between. That is a reason to rejoice and be thankful. No matter how difficult things seem - He is with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Even when He feels distant, and you cannot see where or how or that He is working; He working still. Jesus replied, "My Father is still working, and I am working too." John 5:17 CEB The blood of Jesus covers us perpetually. The Person Jesus, is ever interceding on our behalf. If you are in a tough place today - let the knowledge of His love & faithfulness encourage you. Be Blessed!

Something Beautiful

 

Five days until Christmas 

It is hard to believe

It feels as though the year has flown by

As I prayed yesterday -

As I petitioned the LORD, and said ‘speak LORD, your servant is listening’, this verse dropped in my spirit:

‘I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD; plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future.’ Jeremiah 29:11

It doesn’t always feel that way - especially if you are facing situations and circumstances which are so far beyond your understanding that they boggle the brain.

Yet, His Word is every bit as true as when He first spoke those words. His plans are good plans. And they never fail - no matter what it looks like to our feeble minds.

Every year when I decorate for the holiday season, there is inevitably a point I reach where I wonder if it will come together the way I envisioned it. 

If I am honest, there are times when my plans just don’t come to fruition. 

Last year was one of those years. Sick in my body, in the midst of a Lupus flare up and experiencing neurological issues, still trying to get my bearings and help my son recover from being struck by a drunk driver; nothing was as I planned. And I eventually abandoned my efforts to get things done exactly as I planned - resolving that it was as good as it was going to get because I just didn’t have the strength to complete my plans.

Life will sometimes crush your best intentions - 

     But not so with the LORD.

I am so glad that God is not us - that He is not me

He never sleeps or slumbers. He is all-powerful, always working and faithful to keep His promises. He always finishes what he begins.

‘God is not man, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change his mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?’ Numbers 23:19

‘The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.’ I Thessalonians 5:24

‘Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.’ Hebrews 10:23

‘He will never slumber nor sleep; He is the Guardian-God for His people … Yahweh himself will watch over you; He’s always at your side to shelter you safely in His presence.’ Psalm 121:4-5

‘And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.’ Romans 8:28

This season - this morning - if you still have breath in your lungs … know that the good LORD is still developing the beautiful picture that is your life.

He is making something beautiful!

It will all come together before your eyes just as He planned it from the beginning.

Keep Trusting Him & Have a Blessed Day!

What a Love …

Happy Thursday!

I am not certain anyone will read this - 

     But that is ok

I think I truly write for myself

Even still, I have not written in quite some time

     No time or need to go into why

But today, after working all day, I decided to relax 

So, I have been watching romance stories this evening 

Whether it is on the screen or in real life;

I love a good love story - 

There’s something almost magical about it

     Makes me smile every time 

And the celebration of one of the greatest love stories of all time takes place this weekend

Some of my coworkers are taking off work tomorrow

So, some took the opportunity today to extend early wishes for a Happy Easter. And that is when one of my coworkers sent this: ‘Chag Pesach Sameach’

I responded by wishing her a Happy Passover!

She is Jewish - and I have a Jewish Savior

So, we’re not that far apart when you think about it

She celebrates when Yahweh protected the Israelites by allowing death & destruction to pass by (Passover)

And I celebrate that Yahweh sacrificed His Son - and Jesus freely gave His life - so that death and destruction would by pass by all of humanity.

That is not to say that death and destruction do not still occur - but they have, from an eternal perspective, lost their sting

We are no longer separated from the Father. And, we have an overwhelming and empowering confidence that we shall be with Him forever.

FOR THE LOVE OF CREATION - 

God so loved the world that He gave;

He gave His only begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. He loved us that much. With no regard for His own feelings, He gave His all, His everything - just so that we could be reconciled to Him; so He could be with us.

He wrote such an amazing love story

And He brought it to life through His Living Word, Jesus Christ .. so beautiful 

May You Have a Good Friday, a thought-filled Passover and a Blessed Resurrection Sunday!

Speechless Love

 

“Look at God … being God … and stuff!”

Yes - that is a direct quote from a conversation earlier today 

A dear friend received some absolutely amazing news!

She got a new job - 

One that pays substantially more than what she’s currently earning

And as she gave God glory for His indescribable gift,

     She found herself tripping over her words

She could not find the right words - she was speechless 

I am celebrating with and for my sweet friend 

I just love when God shows off!

He went so far beyond her expectations 

His love for us is absolutely overwhelming

And that is something to smile about 

‘Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.’

Amen

Love so beautiful

 

‘God so loved the world that He gave…’ 

John 3:16

Oh, the love the Father bestowed upon us!

There will never be a love so beautiful - 

Not anywhere in creation, not in a million years

So, so beautiful 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 

John 3:16

Presence of Prayer

‘Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.’ 

Luke 18:1 NIV

The presence of prayer - 

I had a discussion the other day

A dear friend was talking about his relationship;

He was noting how important communication was and how he and his girlfriend talk openly about everything - even difficult conversations. He noted how they made an agreement to be completely honest with one another - even if it might be hurtful at first glance.

Scripture notes that, ‘wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.’ Proverbs 27:6

It is all about relationship - 

Direct communication can be difficult 

Yet, those challenging discussion are eased when you are able to focus on trusting the intention of the one you are in relationship with.

Prayer is that simple

The presence of prayer is vital

It is vital in maintaining an open, honest and meaningful relationship with the LORD

And when you have a relationship like that, you will be surprised what you can endure - and what you can accomplish together.

‘Men ought always to pray and not to faint.’

Luke 18:1 KJB

Presence of Promise

 

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

THE PRESENCE OF HIS PROMISE 

His promise to be with us is solid

His promise is more dependable than rocks of old

Even mountains can be blasted into rubble 

Yet, there is nothing … absolutely nothing… that can cause one of the LORD’ promises to fail.

Therefore, we can celebrate before we see it

We have assurance as soon as He speaks it

It will come to pass 

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ.

II Corinthians 2:14

Presence of 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

Jehovah-Shalom 

The LORD is peace …

The LORD who is the embodiment of peace,

     He gives us a special gift -

He gives us the gift of peace, the gift of Himself 

Throughout history, there have been many who have strived for peace. Yet, there has only ever been One who actually is peace.

And that One promises to never leave you or forsake you.

That is a comforting thought …

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

John 14:27 NLT

Presence of Stillness

BE STILL

‘Be still and know that I AM God …’

‘Be still and know that I am God …’

‘Be still, and know that I am GOD …’ 

                                          Psalm 46:10

Be Still …

The Presence of Power

 

‘So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.’ Isaiah 55:11 AMP

‘ … not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you…’ Joshua 23:14

The word of God is a mighty thing - 

     His spoken word is a surety;

Which is why it is vital to know what He had said concerning us

‘For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.’ Hebrews 4:12

The sword in today’s picture is in its sheath on the third floor of my home. Yet the Word, my Bible, in the picture with it is more powerful and more useful in guarding and protecting my life. That is a thought to truly ponder … and to be in wonder.

The Word is listed as the one offensive weapon when discussing the full-armor of God in Ephesians chapter six.

There is power in the word of God!

The Presence of Power - Found in the Word of God

It is simply amazing …

‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ II Timothy 3:16-17

The Presence of Process

‘I know the plans I have for you’, declares the LORD;

‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

Plans to give you a hope and a future.’

Jeremiah 29:11

The purpose and the plans of God are an awe-inspiring thing 

We are all born with potential - 

Yet, our potential and the plans of God for our lives generally involve a process before they come to fruition.

I was listening to an old message yesterday and started with this quote:

‘Potential can only be revealed if process is embraced’ 

Bishop Tony Miller

Jesus was born as a man with the potential to be Savior of the world. Yet even He had to embrace the process.

He had to embrace the process of His walk through life, the process of betrayal and/or abandonment from those closest to Him, the process of public humiliation and crucifixion, the process of separation from the Father, the process of death and ultimate resurrection to life in order for His potential to be realized and actualized.

It has been my experience that the LORD will never initiate a plan for my life which does not require my involvement and participation.

It is in submission to His plan and His process that His purpose is revealed in my life.

The great thing is I have the opportunity to choose - 

We have the opportunity to choose.

‘If you are willing and obedient,

          you will eat the best of the land.’ Isaiah 1:19

‘I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.’ Deuteronomy 30:19

Have a Blessed Day!

The Presence of Purpose

 

‘I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.’ 

Isaiah 48:10

‘I know the plans I have for you’, declares the LORD;

‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

Plans to give you a hope and a future.’

Jeremiah 29:11

Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible; But with God, all things are possible’ 

Matthew 19:26

He has a plan and a purpose for your life;

It was designed before you were ever a thought in the hearts and minds of your parents

He loves you with an everlasting love …

Trust His plans & purpose for your life

Presence of Praise

 

PSALMS 150

Let All Things Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary;

Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

Praise Him for His mighty acts;

Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;

Praise Him with the lute and harp!

Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;

Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!

Praise Him with loud cymbals;

Praise Him with clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!

Wonder of His Presence

 

“You are worthy, our Lord and God,

    to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

    and by your will they were created

    and have their being.” 

Revelation 4:11

His Daily Presence …

 

In the newness of the morning, great is your faithfulness , LORD JEHOVAH! Lamentations 3:23

The LORD can always be trusted to show mercy each morning. 

Presence

Psalm 101

A psalm of David.

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
    I will praise you with songs.

I will be careful to live a blameless life—
    when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
    in my own home.

I will refuse to look at
    anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
    I will have nothing to do with them.

I will reject perverse ideas
    and stay away from every evil.

I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
    I will not endure conceit and pride.

I will search for faithful people
    to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach
    will be allowed to serve me.

I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house,
    and liars will not stay in my presence.

My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked
    and free the city of the Lord from their grip.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

It has been quite a while…

There are times when life will schedule unexpected breaks

You did not have them on your calendar or radar;

And they are not always welcome 

They may catch you completely  unprepared 

Yet, there is One who is never surprised - He is all knowing 

He already saw what was coming and prepared a way to endure it

‘Thus far the LORD has helped us…’ I Samuel 7:12

The people of Israel were concerned about an enemy coming against them. And, in that moment, Samuel reminded them, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.’

The implication was that the God who never changes - who is the same, yesterday, today and forevermore - He will not stop being who He is and doing what He does.

God is faithful…

And even in times of challenge, when we do not understand and/or cannot make out where He is or what He’s doing … He is still working.

In this season where culture schedules a break for ‘thankfulness’,

     Let us count our blessings and praise Him for His faithfulness.

I pray you are having a blessed Thanksgiving day…

God Bless!

‘Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working.” John 5:17

Be Still …

‘He says,”Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”’ Psalm 46:10

Being still -

It is easier to say than it is to actually do

Our nature as humans is to ‘be active’

Often, we much more ‘humans doing’ than ‘human beings’

Activity is not a bad thing - but it may not always be the best thing

‘Being active and doing’ can indicate and be rooted in self-reliance

Whereas ‘being still and waiting’ can point toward a complete reliance upon God … especially when everything within and outside is screaming at you to be bold and take action

Please do not misunderstand me - there are times when that is the prescription for the day. However, there are days when He simply says,

“Be still and know that I AM GOD”

And those moments require a complete trust in Him - even when everything we see contradicts what He said … what He promised

Those moments require us to ‘walk by faith and not by sight’

Now you might say, ‘but, ‘walking by faith’ is still activity

And you would be correct

But, I would add that ‘being still’ is not complete inactivity 

No, ‘being still’ is actively taking God at His Word - and trusting 

I have a daily devotional which I have read every year for past sixteen years - Streams in the Desert

I would highly recommend picking up a copy

In any event, my reading this morning touched on this subject, including  the following poem:

O troubled soul, beneath the rod,
Thy Father speaks, be still, be still;
Learn to be silent unto God,
And let Him mould thee to His will.

O praying soul, be still, be still,
He cannot break His plighted Word;
Sink down into His blessed will,
And wait in patience on the Lord.

O waiting soul, be still, be strong,
And though He tarry, trust and wait;
Doubt not, He will not wait too long,
Fear not, He will not come too late.

-end

Powerful!

The progression from troubled, to praying, to waiting - 

     Waiting with confident expectation 

May you be blessed with the peace to trust

And reassurance to wait with confident expectation 

Have a Blessed Day!

Todo va a estar bien

Be Alright

Everything is going to be alright. 

This is the song that came on the radio and played as I drove to the hospital that dark and rainy morning. 

It was three weeks ago …

At about 1AM there was a ring of of bell and a knock on our door

My youngest son had been injured 

As he was walking across the street, he was plowed down by a truck being operated by a drunk driver. They advised that he had been taken to a hospital clear across town. 

I immediately rushed out the door 

And as I drove that dark and rainy morning… a song played on the radio 

‘Be Alright  … Todo va a estar bien’

I always keep my car stationed tuned to K-Love and their tag-lines are:

‘Positive & Encouraging’ & ‘Right Song, Right Time’

Both were true that morning

There could not have been a better song that morning … and I do not believe in coincidences

God knew exactly what I needed in that moment -

• Reassurance that He was present and still in control 
• A confident and comforting declaration that everything would indeed be alright

He is such a loving and faithful God!

I have a reminder that pops up on my phone at 8AM every morning:

Well, that morning was different.

The verse was still true … with God all things are possible

His Word never changes or fails

But the alert was different  

It started popping up on my phone when I got to the hospital about 1:30AM and did not stop until my son was out of surgery about 10:30 that morning.

God never said we would walk through this life without issues

In fact He said we would have trouble in this world

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

But He also promised us that He would never leave us and assures us that He has overcome it all. 

I am so thankful that He spared my son’s life and that He is right beside him & inside him … helping him to recover.

I am also thankful for all the prayers and support my son has received - whether it be people calling to check on him, giving to his GoFundMe page, coming by to visit and most importantly praying for him.

After one very long surgery, four blood transfusions, multiple rods/pins and almost two weeks in the hospital, my son is on tough road to recovery but SO VERY BLESSED! 

Faithful God

I don’t know what you’re facing today

But I know the God who is attentive to everything that concerns you

He is a faithful and loving Father 

And, He is working all things together for your good

Everything will be Alright … Todo va a estar bien!