Category: God

  • Publishing and Waiting …

    Even though circumstances do not seem to be going right, fair—always remember God still steers the boat. Relationships fail, money’s tight, child spills his milk, toilet overflows, ideal college seems elusive, death separates, divorce/abuse divides—though your dream lingers, “wait for it, it will certainly come and will not delay.”

    Spring is springing-daffodils pop thru green grass

    Why does publishing a book take so long, be painful, cost more in time and money than planned? This is not entirely the path I’d envisioned. There is a reason for all of this. You knew from Day #1. Maybe someday I will discover and be enlightened, but for now my duty is to abide. I see a smidgeon of light. Just like the snow’s melted around my daffodils. Brain tumor surgery allowed, growth, personal closeness gained. Book to be born! “Wait for it, though it tarries, wait for it.” (Habakkuk 2:3)

    I hear Your message! Continue to do the work of proofing, editing, and all those required details. Whatever you may be waiting or longing for, know the end result will be worth it all. Trust and obey for there is no other way. Wait and do the appointed work … in His abiding, limitless strength.

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  • Galley proofs in!

    “Though is tarries, wait for it.” (Habakkuk 2:3)

    A few days ago, I received my first galley proofs of my book and cover. Lauren, Publishing Services Associate, exclaimed “Congratulations!” True, I am very excited to be moved to the next phase. Yet, I do not want to miss any of the good parts in between. There is still much work to be done. Rushing not allowed here if I am to take Habakkuk 2:3 to heart.   Daffodils popping through snow

    I do and do and do. Sometimes before I give proper credit to timing and waiting. When I go forth in my own strength and just do on my own, I miss much. I miss God’s guidance, wisdom, and blessings in the end. I think I am doing the right thing by instigating hurried results, but am I really? God seems to be more visionary than practical like us mere mortal humans. Impatient. I am extremely impatient; thereby potentially missing out on His best. Missing “the fulfillment of the vision;” I wonder what that vision would have looked like had I taken the time and exercised patience during the wait mode? God must be disappointed when I do not implement enough faith to wait for Him to work out His best plan.

    “We cannot bring the vision to fulfillment through our own efforts, but must live under its inspiration until it fulfills itself. We try to be so practical that we forget the vision. At the very beginning we saw the vision but did not wait for it.

    We rushed off to do our practical work, and once the vision was fulfilled we could no longer even see it. Waiting for a vision that “tarries” is the true test of our faithfulness to God. It is at the risk of our own soul’s welfare that we get caught up in practical busy-work, only to miss the fulfillment of the vision,” thoughts from Oswald Chambers.

    • How about you; is it difficult for you to wait?
    • What are you waiting on now?
    • What plan could you devise to wait patiently?
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  • Spring Release!

    This brain tumor survivor is announcing that my book is now in the Design/Production phase. Looking forward to a Spring Release. I’ll be sharing glimpses of my personal journal entries interwoven in this frightening health crisis. You will learn of the need to regain control over three areas of life: mind, body, and soul. Then, and only then, can we experience joy and peace while learning to be still.           Green shoots - signs of Spring (Copy)

    I will keep you posted regarding progress. Thanking God and all my angel-helpers along the way who contribute to make this dream a reality. Totally excited to have you follow and come along with me in the birth of a new “baby!”

  • Hope

    Hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore, Psalm 131:3.

    Hope. To wish for a particular event that one considers possible. To have confidence; trust. To desire. The longing for something accompanied by the belief in the possibility of its occurrence. To look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence. To believe, or trust.

    Everywhere you turn, there seems to be bad news. Dirty politics, mass shootings, much-too-early deaths. It’s so easy to become discouraged and wonder if the world will ever right itself. Is there any justice or good left in this world?

    Green Violetear (Wikipedia)
    Green Violetear (Wikipedia)

    One thing we can be assured of: God’s love when we hope in Him. When my trust is placed in His almighty hands, we can make it through today. Through tomorrow and the next day. One day at a time. You see, in Psalm 131, we read that God plans to be around protecting us for the long haul. He doesn’t plan to ditch us at the first sign of doubt or fear. No, He will be available. He is real.

    Calm and quiet yourself. Breathe deeply. Ask for His guidance and strength. He waits to draw close to you, my friend.

    What do you hope in? Whom do you hope in?

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  • Suffering for Doing Good

    Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart, Hebrews 12:3.

     

    Yesterday in our small group Bible study class we talked about pain, suffering, revenge, and unjust treatment. We all have stories of woundedness. Whether it be of neglect, financial woes, abuse … all of these characteristics make us who we are today. The good and the bad. I wouldn’t want to change any of my circumstances. Granted, they most certainly were not fun to live through. But I did. And the good news is that God walked with me through them or around them, regardless. Even though at the time I might not have felt loved or cared for, I was. He was there all the time. Watching over me.     image001 (Copy)

    For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment.”   (1 Peter 2:19). God’s ways are not our ways. We can endure through His strength; not on our own can we bear the burden. Power is available in and through our Great God!

    But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.”            (1 Peter 2:20b). Ever go out of your way to please someone, to do good to someone undeserving? When they do not respond in a positive manner or even say thank you, I get really defensive. Makes me wonder if I ever want to do good for them again. That’s where my thinking goes astray. I should not act with the expectation of receiving something in return. On the contrary, my focus should be on doing what I need to do and when I need to do it. Regardless. BECAUSE God is then pleased with me. He is the only one I should be concerned with pleasing. This lends a whole different perspective on giving and doing the right thing.

    How about you? Have you reached out to someone numerous times without receiving praise or maybe not even a thank-you? Picture that person in your mind. Now substitute their face with an image of Christ. Think of what He means to you and what He’s accomplished for you. Can you go back to that person or situation and behave as if you are doing it for God and not a human being? When you operate this way, God is pleased with you, my friend!

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  • And be thankful …

    “Forever is composed of nows,” Emily Dickinson.

    My forever (and yours too) is composed of the nows. Exactly what I’m writing about in my new devotional/meditation book. Living in the present. Enjoying the moment right here and now. Even if it hard to accomplish.

    When I first began writing about living in the now was during a personal health crisis. A neurologist discovered I had an operable tumor growing on the left temporal side of my brain. The tumor needed to be removed surgically and the sooner the better. All other life was pretty much put on hold. Daily details focused on an upcoming hospital stay and subsequent rehabilitation.

    I’m writing this post seven years later. God chose to spare me; for which I’ll be eternally grateful. Life is pretty much back to normal. Except I hope and pray lessons learned never vanish.

    • Life is Good. Regardless of circumstances in my life, I’ve got it pretty darn good. I have a roof over my head, food on the table (I don’t go to bed hungry), modern conveniences such as electric, heat, indoor plumbing, and access to the finest educational opportunities. Not to mention ALL the freedoms I enjoy thanks to my ancestors and those serving now: freedom of worship, speech, etc…,

    Through my health scare times, I realized we are not guaranteed tomorrow (not even tonight). Making the best of my situation right now promotes longer life and joy today. Isn’t that what each of us strive for? Being content and happy in our current situation. We are past Thanksgiving and entering the Christmas season. Many around you will exude happiness; some do not feel like rejoicing for whatever reason. Even those who place a smile upon their face probably face troubles and may be masking their inner feelings. Be aware that many fight tough battles. This time of year amplifies unrest.

    Let’s strive together and rehearse our thankful lists. What’s on your thankful list?

    “Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].”  (Colossians 3:15/AMP)

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  • Joy-filled Birthday

    This year was a big milestone. A really big one, the big 60! Oh my. To say it seems BIG, but to write it. Well, just seems bigger. But, you know, I’m okay with it now. A big birthday bash was thrown in my honor. Not just for reaching 60, but I wanted it to be a celebration of life and living. Living seven years past brain tumor surgery. I want all to know that I am MOST GRATEFUL that God chose to spare me to live more days, more years beyond major surgery.  

    My Family Libs chalk birthday artMy son and family drove from Minnesota just to be with me. A HUGE thank you goes out to family members and dear friends who were present or wished me birthday greetings. I am indeed blessed.

    My grandchildren drew pictures with pink hearts and wrote words on the sidewalk with chalk. I’m feeling loved. And I’m feeling very blessed. I pray this little Light of mine will shine brightly in the days, years to follow.

    Here’s what my granddaughter wrote on the sidewalk:

    Family with me:

    Me (Liberty)
    Mom (Bethany)
    Dad (Andrew)
    Elijah
    Zeek
    Ean
    Nana (Teresa)
    Grandpa (Steve)
    Amanda

    The End

    *****

     

  • Black & Yellow Garden Argiope (spider)

    Garden Spider 2
    photo by Steve Lasher

    Just so you know up front: I am NOT (nor ever will be) a spider lover, but when I saw this amazingly colorful spider, I couldn’t help but stare. And marvel at the Creator’s handiwork! The web extends from the top of our hanging planter down to a garden of newly popping golden mums on the ground (about four feet). The male builds his web on the outer part of her web. He fashions a web made of an intricate zig-zag of while silk. Almost looks unreal. They’re called a common orb web spider.

    Garden Spider 3
    photo by Steve Lasher

    Again, did I mention I am NOT a spider fan? Saying that, I’ve walked back and forth numerous times noting her position and movement, taking pictures, and just plain being mesmerized. I discovered (from my Facebook friends) that Black & Yellow Garden Argiope is a good type of spider. They’re harmless to people (that’s comforting to know)  and do a lot of good. Their diet consists of eating large amounts of insect pests like flies, mosquitoes, and aphids. I do not like mosquitoes and flies can be really annoying.

    Garden Spider 4
    photo by Steve Lasher

    To think that our loving God created these intricate creatures. Boggles my mind, doesn’t it yours?

    Makes me want to re-read Charlotte’s Web.[1] Remember that classic children’s literature with a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named, Charlotte? Adults and children alike enjoy this tale. Wilbur’s in danger of being slaughtered and made into bacon by the farmer when Charlotte comes to the rescue. She “hatches a plan to save Wilbur’s life.” And it works.

    When I think of spiders in those terms, I guess this black & yellow spider is okay. We can co-exist, as long as they keep to their boundaries outdoors.

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    [1] By E. B. White, published in 1952

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  • Where do You Find Strength?

    “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

    The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.”

    For the director of music. On my stringed instruments

    Habakkuk 3:17-19

  • Check your Thankful Spirit

    “Be on the lookout for what I am doing in your life. Worship Me by living close to Me, thanking Me in all circumstances,”—Jesus Calling.

    *extra credit: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

    •  Just how close are you living to God? Or, are you satisfied with a long-distance relationship?
    • How’s your thankful spirit? What things/people in your life are you thankful for? Consider verbalizing that back to God and to that person(s).

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