Tag: #christian

Good Tidings

“Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2: 10-14

“Good tidings of great JOY”…the JOY of the birth of Jesus! The JOY that is ours because He was born in Bethlehem that night long ago! Isn’t this what Christmas is all about? The JOY set before us… Comfort and JOY…JOY to the world! For the Christian, this is the theme of Christmas, JOY because of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

I hope this Christmas season (2023) finds you feeling the great JOY there is to be felt at this celebratory time of year. However, you might be one of many who are struggling to grasp that joy and even feel guilty that you are not feeling it! You might be experiencing a present hardship or tragedy, or maybe you are still unreconciled from past hurts. Maybe you are feeling depressed or just overwhelmed with life and can’t seem to feel the joy right now that this season reminds of us.

So, what can I offer in the way of encouragement that hasn’t already been talked about and written about concerning JOY? In this blog post, I hope to encourage you by sharing my own “Aha moments” through my life journey in discovering how to experience JOY in each and every circumstance. If you are on a mountain high right now and don’t need reminders of how to experience joy, then maybe you can store up new thoughts for the future when indeed you may find yourself struggling once again. If you need help right now, then I hope my thoughts might lift you up today.

It is almost a given that anyone reading this article has experienced hardships and hurts in their lives. I have too…some in early childhood and others as an adult. It was during a very tragic event in my life 16 years ago that I truly learned what it means to experience both sorrow and joy at the same time. Without going into much detail, I experienced the ultimate rejection a woman can experience (which ended my 19-year marriage)! It was then that I learned what it meant to not just say, “I have faith in God”…I learned how to actually cling to that faith, hold God’s hand, and actually live out my faith. I experienced great sorrow at what was a sudden and unexpected change in my life. All I could do was cry out to God for strength, comfort, wisdom, and love. When all I could do was count on Him, I learned the secret of JOY…simply discovering Him in His fullness! I learned that I can exist in a victorious state right along with the pain. When you realize that you are truly in a relationship that can NEVER disappoint because God keeps His promises and never changes His love for you, then you can find the greatest JOY available!

Now, you might think that after that experience, I would never have to struggle again to understand JOY, but sometimes I slide backwards. When I do, God gives me more big moments to remember again just how good He is!

While I have not experienced in recent years another tragedy on the level of the one I just shared about, I have experienced some other difficult circumstances. One of those times when God taught me something new was during the uncertainty and unsettled feelings that the Covid Pandemic brought on. In a blog post during that time a few years ago, I wrote about another discovery of joy. To understand this discovery, think about your heart (the emotional part of your heart) being like a bucket. You can pile it with all kinds of objects. You can fill it with unpleasantries, you can fill it with things that seem good but don’t really help you, or you can fill it with delightful things that lead to joy. Think of this bucket as your “joy bucket”. With that in mind, read the following excerpt from my post in 2020…

“I find it a daily struggle to stay positive and grab hold of all the peace and joy available to me through God in the midst of so many negative issues in our country. A couple of nights ago, God made it clear to me why I have been struggling with this matter of joy. I have the head knowledge and the experiential knowledge of joy, and I have been praying to feel God’s peace and joy during these tough times; however, I was forgetting a very important action on my part. I was forgetting to actually REJOICE! When I choose to rejoice, then the “joy bucket” in me begins to be filled up. Because each day seems to be filled with so much negativism in the media and in the conversations of so many, the negatives have been the focus and what I have been piling in my bucket. The negatives we are all facing were the big things in my mind that were depleting my “joy bucket”. I needed to adjust my thoughts by beginning with the action of rejoicing.

I am now consciously taking action each day. I am choosing to REJOICE in who I am in God. Just the simple fact that I am His puts me in an overriding victorious circumstance at all times no matter what is going on in this world. I am His, a child of the one true King. My life will always be abundant because He is always good to me. He promises to get me through anything I face in my life. I am secure in eternity because of my salvation through Jesus Christ. Because He lives, I can face each day with confidence. With this kind of security, why would I not choose to rejoice every day! I hope that you too can choose with full confidence and peace to REJOICE in knowing God, His goodness, and His Son, Jesus! Join me in filling our “joy buckets” with all the fullness of His goodness today!”

Our Christmas story is the perfect reminder of Rejoicing!  You can find the Biblical evidence of how Mary rejoiced (Luke 1:47), the angels rejoiced (Luke 2: 10-14, the Shepherds rejoiced (Luke 2:20) , and the Wise Men rejoiced (Matthew 2:10) in very difficult circumstances.

If you are not sure how to have this ultimate JOY, you can choose to open the greatest gift right now and experience the true JOY of Christmas this year! JESUS is the everlasting Gift! He came as a baby so that He could die on the cross for our sins. You just have to ask Him into your heart and make Him your King by admitting that you are a sinner and there is nothing you can do to save yourself. Acknowledge that Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for your sin and ask Him to be your Lord and Savior this Christmas! Then you too can experience real JOY no matter your circumstances!

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

May this Christmas find you RECJOICING no matter what because of the glorious gift of JESUS!

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Lauren Had a Little Lamb

“Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

Read Time 4 Minutes

Some years ago my daughter, Lauren, raised lambs for FFA. During her high school years, she raised 4 lambs…one each year. Not only was the experience new and maturing for Lauren, it was for me as well!

There is something very special about lambs! They are very Biblical, and represent the great depth and meaning of our relationship with Jesus in various ways. Watching Lauren’s relationship with each lamb develop and culminate each year became a beautiful real life illustration to me of some very special Biblical truths. It didn’t take long to realize the importance of the shepherd to the lamb…in this case, the shepherdess.

The photograph above came to my attention recently and inspired this blog post. The lamb’s name in the picture is Tova which is the Hebrew name meaning “The Lord is Good”. I want to use the photographs I’ve shared of Lauren and her “little” lamb (120 lbs) to illustrate a few truths about lambs and their shepherd. Most importantly, I want to illustrate the beauty of our relationship with Jesus, our very own Good Shepherd!

First, unlike any other animal, sheep depend on their shepherd for every single thing! A dog or a cat or most other animals can fend for themselves and protect themselves to some degree when left in the wild. Sheep can do nothing apart from their shepherd! During Lauren’s high school experience, it quickly became evident that each lamb at the barn knew their shepherdess and grew extremely attached! Lauren fed, watered, bathed, comforted, supplied medical care, sheared, weighed, corrected behaviors, and exercised her lamb. One year, her lamb, Maverick, wanted to butt himself against the bars until he bloodied his head. Lauren stayed much longer with him and provided her body to be the barrier between him and the bars until he trusted her and changed his behavior. She provided everything for her lamb, and her lamb would bleat passionately for her as she would walk towards it’s pen. Her lamb would follow her wherever she would go in the barnyard!

In Psalm 23: 1-3, the Bible lets us know that Jesus is our Good Shepherd:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
    He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.”

In John 15:5, Jesus makes it clear that apart from Him, we can do nothing!

 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.”

Lauren’s relationship with her lamb certainly demonstrated what it can be like when we let Jesus be our Shepherd. We will lack for nothing!

The second thing that the picture above illustrates for me is that when we are abiding in Jesus, we can run with Him and leap with Him and experience great joy with Him…even through the dark and difficult times, we can experience delight in Him! Look at the joy in both Lauren and Tova’s faces as they leap together over the ropes! This can be us with Jesus when we follow Him!

“I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” John 15:11

The next picture illustrates another depth of our relationship with Jesus. There are times when we face difficult circumstances and even with the joy in our hearts, we can experience sad emotions. Sometimes, we just want comfort and rest and to be held by Jesus. He is there for us then too! This picture of Lauren and Tova was taken on auction day. It was a stressful time for sheep. However, you can see that Tova was resting in perfect peace when Lauren was holding her. Tova DID make auction, and her future was certain slaughter, but still…she rested in Lauren’s loving arms.

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:8

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

Finally, Lauren’s shepherdess days reminded me of the most amazing thing in the Bible…Jesus switches roles. While still being the Good Shepherd for us; ultimately, He becomes The Lamb. He willingly goes to The Cross allowing Himself to be slaughtered for us…for our sins!

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

Let us run, leap, and experience the joy of the Perfect Lamb! Let us rest in His arms when comfort is needed! Let us remember that without Him, we are nothing!

Always Certain

I thought I would share something certain…something we can count on always. We live in tough and uncertain times, but God’s character is always sure, undeniable, indisputable, and never changes. We can be confident and feel victorious when we are HIS!

This is a collection of God’s character from Bible verses I highlighted in yellow (the color I use to highlight God’s divine character). This is but a small collection, and taken alone, just scrapes the surface of the majesty and love of God. However, by just reviewing this small assemblage of who God is, I find myself being reminded of how blessed beyond measure I am that He is my God!

GOD IS:

Righteous ~ Just~ Compassionate ~ Gracious ~ Slow to anger ~ Faithful in love ~ Good ~ HE performs valiantly~ HIS love endures forever. GOD knows you, searches you, understands you, is aware of all your ways, has extraordinary knowledge, and encircles you!

HE has eternal power and is divine in nature! HE shows no favoritism, and HE gives life to the dead! HIS spirit intercedes for us! GOD is: Wisdom ~ Knowledge ~ HE has unsearchable judgements and untraceable ways! HE gives endurance. HE gives encouragement. All things are from HIM...we exist for HIM!

HE is the Father of all mercies and the GOD of all comfort! Everything is from HIM. HE gave us the ministry of reconciliation in CHRIST (reconciling the world to himself)! HE doesn’t count our trespasses. HIS fruits of HIS SPIRIT are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. HE gives us incalculable riches of CHRIST!

HE is multifaceted wisdom and able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think! GOD is vast strength. HIS power enables HIM to subject everything to HIMSELF! HIS full nature dwells in the body of CHRIST! HIS word is living and effective and sharper than a double edged sword! GOD is a consuming fire. HE is the GOD of all grace!

“I am the Alpha and Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

Backpacking Through Life

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2

Read Time 3 Minutes

“We’re basically a bunch of backpackers. We are all just travelers. We are all just on a journey, and we’re heading for our Home.” – Kim Jones, July 1999

“Kim was only 23 years old when she went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 15, 1999, as a result of the shooting at Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.A. ” – www.thelightstillshines.org

I often feel like a sojourner here on earth…never quite at home, always a little out of place. Sometimes when that feeling makes me uncomfortable and a little lost or alone, I remember that those who know the Lord really are just foreigners while living on this earth. This is not my forever home. This is not where I really belong. Peter even refers to Christians as sojourners and exiles (strangers and temporary residents) in 1 Peter 2. My true citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20), and I am just on a journey through this temporary life that God has blessed me with whether I am on a mountaintop or in a valley. Remembering this truth and promise from God redirects my focus and brings comfort. It brings the ability to put things of this world in perspective.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. – 1 Peter 4:12

“…but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.” – Philippians 3:20-21

While backpacking through this life, we can choose to make the most of each step we take just like we might do on an afternoon hike in God’s creation. We can equip ourselves properly for the journey. We can fill our backpack with sustenance (prayer, the Word of God, fellowship on the trail). We can enjoy the beauty (blessings) along the way. We can renew our mind each day. We can choose to be a friendly face with a kind word to another hiker. We can be a light on the path for others.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

In 2016, I prepared for the most extensive and strenuous hike I had ever taken. I prepared to hike Longs Peak at 14,255 feet. Most of the hike would take me above treeline in pretty harsh elements (cold and wind). My sweet husband wrote out a couple of Bible verses for me to put in my hiking shoes so that it would be a reminder that God is with me and my path is prepared by Him.

Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.- Psalm 119:105

Yahweh my Lord is my strength;
He makes my feet like those of a deer
and enables me to walk on mountain heights! – Habakkuk 3:19

This was certainly a special gesture and did remind me to keep my focus on God, and that it is He that lights my path for a hike and for this journey every day while I am alive on earth. Keep looking up!

Take a Hike

Choose today to take a short hike somewhere soon. Renew your mind and talk with God. This is good for the body and the soul. And don’t forget to pack a snack that will keep you fueled. The following recipe is one of my favorite nutritious snacks that is full of protein and sweet goodness just perfect for a day hike.

Honey Nutters

1 cup of natural peanut butter (I use Adams up here in the PNW) 2/3 cup of local honey 1/2 cup of organic instant nonfat dry milk powder 16 organic graham crackers crushed to make fine crumbs wheat grem

Combine first 4 ingredients (You may want to use your hands to get it well blended). Pour wheat germ into a separate bowl. Scoop out a teaspoonful of the mixture and make it into a little ball. Roll each ball in the wheat germ to coat evenly. Refrigerate.

Enjoy a healthy snack, enjoy a beautiful day, and enjoy communing with our Lord as you take a hike!