HUNTING DOWN LOST DOGS

It is a joy to reach out to our neighbors, for a variety of reasons.  One being that neighbors are close by and are often a wonderful source of help in an emergency. 

We were living in Southern California, and our homes were situated on a relatively short street.  In that climate people are often outside more than any other area of the country.  We loved living there and felt very comfortable in this new ared.  Being newcomers, we also began learning the names of our neighbors, their children and their pets.  I pray for these people on Thursdays.  You may wonder if prayer makes a difference.  Yes, it does, for many reasons – including remembering names. 

In this little story, God was orchestrating a new adventure on behalf of our neighbors two doors down.  God wanted to let them know that having a relationship with Him comes as a package of caring from others.

Being visible and available in your front yard regularly offers many open opportunities for friendship.  A woman who lived a couple of houses away from us appeared at our front door one evening.  After a brief hello, she asked me if I could do her a favor.  I had no idea this might lead, but I agreed with the stipulation of “if I could help, I would.”

She began sharing her need.  Since it was around Christmas time, and she and her husband had purchased a puppy for their two children.  At this point of the conversation, I couldn’t imagine how I could be involved, but it didn’t take long to be included in her dilemma.

She had made arrangements to pick up the puppy the following evening, and needed a “housing arrangement” with someone who would care for this little furry critter.  If you know me, you know that I love animals, and puppies are very high on my affection index.  Of course, this “hotel arrangement” would only be needed for a few hours. I thought about the challenge as she was describing his size. 

I didn’t see this as a problem and after all, I could enjoy this little bundle of enthusiasm for a few hours before he was to be introduced to his new family.

The following evening, I readied our kitchen ready for his rambunctious arrival.  He remained in my boarding house for about two hours … just enough time for him to get accustomed to my scent and my tone of voice.  Soon, the woman picked up this furry bundle of energy and took him to his new home….just two doors down.  Aaah, all was well.

This little energizer bunny seemed to enjoy his new family and often they would walk him past our home each morning and evening.  Every time they went past our home, and I was visible, his entire body would shake enthusiastically.  He must have remembered that my kitchen was his first “adoptive home” in the neighborhood.

One day while I was out front in my garden, this little dog scurried past me like lightning down the street all by himself.  Because I love animals, I noticed that he was on his own and this was not good.  He was so tiny and alone, I did not even want to think of the possible outcome.  

I offered up a quick “Help me to catch this dog, Lord.”  I called out his name and he remarkably came back running towards me.  I drew a big breath of thanksgiving and carried him to his own home.  The family had no idea of his disappearance.

This escape artist repeated his adventures frequently in our neighborhood.  This wee furry ball discovered happiness in disappearing, and wouldn’t respond to his owners.  However, if they were able to locate me, I could call out and he would respond and return to sound of my voice.  I soon became the “fetch-that-dog lady.”

One day they asked me why the dog would come to me and not to them.  The man of the house had observed that whenever I went looking for the dog and called out his name, he would respond and bound back happily in my direction.  I paused, and shared with him that I had prayed and asked the Lord for His help.  It took several more times of my intervening retrieval before they began to realize that God really cared as I had told them.

A few years later we were about to move to another part of the country.  This couple arrived at my front door with a little gift.  I thought it was appropriate to open it immediately as they were standing there and seemed excited to see my reaction.  Secretly I thought this package was too small for a furry surprise, so with nervous anticipation I hurriedly opened the gift to see what was in the package.  It was a Willow Tree “Angel of Prayer” figurine. 

They wanted me to have this as a reminder that they remembered that prayer makes a difference, and that God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives. For that matter God delights in every small detail of our lives.   

Psalm 37:23  “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. 

He delights in every detail of their lives.” nlt

I think of this family whenever I view the little figurine on my bookcase.  It’s a reminder to me too, that God knows and cares about our every need.

YES, WE ARE ALL LIKE SHEEP

These events took place in an airport lounge area.  My husband has more air miles accumulated than you could imagine.  And because I’m his wife, I have some access to some of his perks.  One advantage is that I can relax and snack at the airline lounges in various airports.

This particular moment began at 6:20 a.m.  As I approached the line up, there were about twenty-five people ahead of me waiting for the lounge to open for the day.  At first, I couldn’t understand why the crowd, then realized that the club doesn’t open their doors until 6:30.

At 6:30 a.m. sharp, a well-dressed employee opened the doors to the entry.  My fellow travelers all sauntered in what seemed at lightening speed.  The “first-in-line” customer walked right past the elevator to a side door.  He seemed in a real hurry and; as he proceeded through the door, the rest of his “follow-suit clients” were right behind him.

This scene seemed odd to me because the elevator was right there and empty.  There was only one floor “up” to the Maple Leaf Lounge, but no one seemed interested in taking the fifteen-second trip in the comfort of the elevator.

I was towards the end of the line and I “assumed” the front guy knew what he was doing by avoiding the elevator and walking up some twenty-six plus steps.  Maybe he knew the elevator wasn’t working?

So, just like the rest of the travel gang, I took the stairs like everyone else.  Some were huffing and puffing at that early time of the morning in their climb; but I just couldn’t figure out why no one took the “convenient elevator.”

After about forty minutes, I needed to proceed to the gate for my outgoing flight.  The lingering “elevator dilemma” was still fresh on my mind.  So, I stopped to ask the receptionist/agent if the elevator wasn’t in operation this morning.  She stated it was in perfect working order.  You can guess my next question.  I inquired as to why she thought all the people didn’t use the elevator, but climbed up all those stairs.

She laughed out loud and suggested that the first person in line probably thought that he’d arrive faster than all the others if he ran up the stairs.  And, so you can now see the Biblical illustration in the book of Isaiah, chapter 53, verse 6. 

“We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way…”

If you know anything about sheep, they aren’t the brightest animals in the pasture.  Actually, they’re really stupid.  If one sheep decides to walk over a cliff, the sheep behind him moves in the same direction….regardless of the consequences.

I’m laughing right now as I think of the scene.  All of us in line were all “thinking and rationing adults,” and we couldn’t miss the fact of the glaring elevator that was there for our convenience.

I was probably sheep #25 in the line-up, and yes, I knew that the elevator was there for our ease of entering the club, just one short flight upward.  But did I stop and THINK?  NO, I made as assumption that the first man knew the best route to upstairs.  I was WRONG!

After my conversation with the receptionist/agent, I laughed all the way to my departing gate.  I too followed the “front man” thinking he knew best.

I can’t help but wonder: if you were behind me, what route would you have taken?

GOD REMEMBERS Even Years Later

This story is true and took place a number of years ago.  It’s a story of our wedding day.  If you’re married, you may look back and remember details about your day very clearly.  For some, it may seem like blur!  I mean that kindly, but our nervous system may have erased some elements of the event.  

We were married in a church that could hold about 500 people.  Because our wedding was an open wedding, our friends, family and church family could all attend this occasion.  There were about 300 people present.

Every detail was handled beautifully and personally by a number of friends.  One detail you may find amusing is that I rented my wedding gown for $10.  Yes, you read right.  My desire was for a very expensive satin dress.  When viewing price tags, I made a “practical decision.”  I was only going to wear this dress once and I found no use in spending big dollars on a wearing-it-once attire.  As I look back, it was the smartest decision of the day.

In making plans for this special day, a friend of mine suggested a popular photographer in Columbus, Ohio.  This business came with a pristine reputation of thirty-two years.   WHAT COULD GO WRONG?     P L E N T Y!

Around 5:00 p.m., the photographer appeared with all his gear and lights…ready to “capture” all the activities of the evening.  I was fully occupied downstairs with the wedding attendants preparing ourselves for our grand entrance.

At 5:30 the organist began to play as people were entering the church sanctuary.  6 o’clock was the assigned time for my dad and I to share the red-carpet aisle for the “walk down the aisle.”

All of this went very smooth!  After the ceremony, while people were busying themselves with refreshment downstairs, my husband and I, along with parents were summoned for photos upstairs in the sanctuary.

A wonderful time was had by all!  A few hours later, we left for our honeymoon.

ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER………………. the photographer contacted us advising that the photos of the wedding were ready to be viewed, and we were to look them over and decide which ones we wanted to keep and have prepared in a wedding album.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE SURPRISE???

Here we were, all ready to “re-live the event” and “choose our favorite glimpses” of our wedding day!  I’ll make this short and sweet.  There were six (6) photos of the aisle.  No one in the aisle, just the carpet.  If that wasn’t enough, when it came to close ups, our eyes were dotted with what resembled black pen marks.

Are you as shocked as we were?  We couldn’t believe it.

All of this pointed to one detail which we were not aware of.  The photographer showed up “drunk.” 

Needless to say, we were in immediate touch with the photo studio; however, the photographer never got back to us.  The only summary of this disappointing situation was we were offered a 75% discount.

So, as we look now at the few photos, it’s just a disappointment -with two people, dressed for an important event, with “black ink-dot eyes.”

YEARS LATER………….2026

A dear friend called my husband to announce she had a SURPRISE for us.  She asked us to choose week that we would both be available for about four hours.  A date was chosen, but we were told nothing, except to be ready for her to pick us up (with our little dog) and we’d be in her care for about four to five hours.

The day arrived and she drove us into the city of Vancouver, B. C.  We couldn’t have imagined what was coming next on her agenda.

She parked the car and as we exited the car, I was asked to close my eyes as she escorted us up a flight of stairs.  At the top, we were greeted by three employees of this WEDDING STUDIO.  

Our female escort took us to a room where we were told that we were both having a “wedding do-over.”   This included someone restyling my hair, then off for makeup and then my husband went off to one area, and I entered an area where there were at least 500 wedding dresses.

Before I knew it…..I was surrounded by all styles of wedding gowns.  I was instructed to choose one and then that would be the one I’d be wearing for the next one and a half hours.

What a flurry of activity.  After I was dressed, I came out to see my husband in full attire of black and white…..fit for a king.  Another employee came into view….it was their photographer and his assistant to stage us in dozens of areas and poses.  Even our little papillon dog was included towards the end of the photo shoots.  

It was at this time when it dawned on me that all this attention to detail, makeup, dressing and photos and the like, it was as though God “remembered all those years ago” and the disappointment we both felt, and was SURPRISING US BEYOND BELIEF.  God had planned His own photos…. years later…to surprise our hearts.

 As the photographer was taking his shots, it was all I could do to keep from tearing up.  We both were overwhelmed and reminiscent of what God did to remind us of His enduring love. 

A LOVE THAT REMEMBERED!

Thank you to our anonymous “friend” whom God used to encourage us in a beautiful and memorable way.   The photos remain a treasure to us.                                            

      

A CITIZEN AT LAST

My husband and I have MOVED, TRANSITIONED, RELOCATED and been “transplanted” numerous times.  For those of you who have followed our friendship close up, you’ve often shared about the why’s and the need for purchasing new address books to keep up with us. 

I laugh as I write this; but being transplanted is not just an adjustment physically.  It’s more than loading and unloading boxes. It’s leaving behind everything familiar in order to face the unknown.  It’s a kaleidoscope of emotions!  If you’ve moved a lot, you know first hand that the uprooting of our personal roots doesn’t feel comfy! 

It’s like moving a long-term garden bush in your yard to a new location.  A few days after the “upheaval,” it looks sick and sad, like the leaves are depressed and wilting.  That’s a fine-tuned description of what people may feel and look like weeks after a transplant of their home.  It’s not always a pretty picture, but it’s a reality.   The plant is to beautify your yard for you and others to enjoy.   

We moved one and a half years ago from Arizona to Surrey, British Columbia.  If you’d have had a close photo of me (inside my frame), the above “bush illustration” was me.  Unlike many of our moves, we were moving back to an area that was very familiar.

What the books and people may not tell you is that when you “go back” to a former culture, city or neighborhood, in a very real sense, it’s not the same.  Friendships usually move on (without you), and you need to reconnect or connect in a new way.  This can often bring on “grief.”  That may surprise you.  But it’s true.  It’s grieving the relationships and comfortableness that was and moving on to what is and what will become.

“Realize that God places us where we are, to prepare us for

what He wants us to become.”

“After the Boxes are Unpacked,” by Susan Miller

Most all God’s work in us is to “move us out of our comfort zones.”  In the flesh, we DON’T like that!   It’s realigning our lives, interests, habits, and day-to-day living in a new way.  Another honest comment is that we don’t like change.  Often positive people engage the word “ADVENTURE.” 

The dictionary or thesaurus can shed some light on that word “adventure.”  Here are just a few:  Venture, journey, undertaking, exciting activity, risk, escapade, exploration.  Add the word ….boxes, tiredness, stress and moving truck (U-Haul was our go-to truck) and that packages (couldn’t help but use that word) it all together.

AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST, WE CAN’T GROW AND MATURE IF WE

REMAIN IN OUR COMFORT ZONE

Let’s tell it like it is…. we prefer the predictable, the way we’ve done something for years, and parish the thought that God might have other plans.

Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”

This is a biblical proverb emphasizing that while humans make plans, God ultimately determines their path.

I’ve adopted this phrase from all our moves and to me, summarizes “transition” this way. 

God has designed you to

“live out His plans and purposes”

in your life.

Prior to our “MANY” moves, God has prompted me to think this way: 

“Dianne, let’s get going on My Plan…it’s the best and wisest.” 

Love, God

My husband and I married in the United States. Transition #1 He was originally from Scotland, immigrated with his parents to New Zealand, and God moved him to Calgary, Alberta, Canada.  Canada, I’d seen it on the map, but had never been there.  Transition #2, I acquired the status of being a LANDED IMMIGRANT.

We did travel over 2,000 miles from my home town to Calgary, but Landed Immigrant sounds more distant, don’t you think.   I was to remain in this status for some years.

Then, the big day came when my status was now elevated to PERMANENT RESIDENT.  Gosh, that sounded more profound and home-going than my last reference title.  I’ve been a “permanent resident” now for twelve years.

I’ve always held to being an American citizen.  But since we are now back in Canada, and observing their laws and requirements for citizenship, I thought perhaps it might be a good idea to look at becoming a Canadian citizen.

A person needs to reside in Canada for approximately 1,080 consecutive days (within a five-year period).  And…..I’ve done that!  Yeh!  The laws in Canada state that I could now apply for citizenship.  In October of last year, I applied and sent off the forms, etc.  It could take up to two years.

February 3, 2026 I received a TREMENDOUS EMAIL FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA stating that my application for citizenship was approved and that I was being invited to take the……

OATH OF CITIZENSHIP

on February 18, 2026

I was “thrilled.”  Yesterday we looked over all the information and I will become a citizen soon.  We’re doing it on-line rather than in person.  It’s a two-hour appointment, beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 1:00 p.m.; and I’ll be sitting firmly and with smiles at my computer – ready to take the “oath!”

Can you catch the enthusiasm here??  Now I will have two “earthly citizenships.”   But let me add the GREATEST DELIGHT which occurred many years ago.  It was when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.  

Through difficult circumstances in my life-journey, I was brought face-to-face with that term “sinner.”  I never liked the word, still don’t…. but I qualify as I was never able to live my life without sinning in some way, before a Holy God. 

I came to grips with the fact that none of us can enter heaven and the presence of God because heaven is a “perfect environment” and we aren’t perfect.  On our own, we don’t meet the “entry qualifications” God has set.  I used to think that I was pretty good until I realized my good doesn’t meet God’s standard of good or perfect.

Sin is in all of us!  We have to be changed…but it’s a change that we cannot do for ourselves.  It’s God’s love, grace and favor that offers to change us.  But … the critical thing is, He won’t change us if we’re not willing.  He’s a gentleman and will never force His way or will upon us.  That’s the bad news.

But God knew all of that before it ever happened and He made a wonderful provision to get us back “in the good books” as they say.  Getting us back to what God had first intended. 

God, the Father is a Spirit (we can’t see Him) but He wanted each of us (all mankind) to know what He is like.  So, God came Himself, dressing Himself in flesh and blood, that’s Jesus Christ (God, the Son) to take the punishment our individual sins deserve, so we could be forgiven and accepted into His family.  His death on the cross paid the “death penalty” for each of us.

Romans, chapter 6, verse 23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Gifts aren’t earned…they’re to be received.

John, chapter 1, verse 12: “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”

IT’S ADOPTION….AT ITS FINEST

God dressed Himself with skin and bones and entered our world.

 Jesus is “God…with skin on”

CHRISTmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ…God becoming a “human,” yet still Divine.   I wanted and needed forgiveness a thousand-times-over.  How about you?

The moment I responded to the invitation given by God, and received what Jesus had done for me, I BECAME A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN.

I’m grateful for both of my citizenships down here on earth; but my decision to respond to the greatest invitation ever given, by God, gave me ETERNAL CITIZENSHIP WITH HIM.   I didn’t need to apply, complete forms, meet the standards (which I never could), be on earth a certain amount of time, be on a waiting list and show up for a “oath of citizenship.”

Philippians chapter 3, verse 20: “But our citizenship is in heaven.”

I just admitted I sinned, needed a Savior Who would “qualify me,” accepted His payment for my sins and I WAS ACCEPTED…. I WAS IN…..I BECAME A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN & A CHILD OF THE KING.

WHERE IS YOUR CITIZENSHIP WHEN YOU LEAVE THIS LIFE ?

RELATIONAL PRIVILEGES

With the last couple of “posts,” you may be assuming that I’m a “frequent flyer.”  That assumption would be wrong.  In fact I seldom fly, I still prefer the automobile.

Because of my husband’s travel for his job, he has accrued thousand upon thousands of air miles.  I call him Mr. Mileage Plus! But with these air miles, he has access to the various airline clubs at many airports throughout the United States and other countries.

On those rare occasions when I’m on a flight, because I’m Mrs. Mileage Plus, I can assume the privilege of enjoying the comfort of these dining delights.  I say that because regardless of the time you enter a particular airline club, there are a variety of cuisines to dine on. 

The relaxed seating is comfortable, along with showers and restrooms available to freshen up, as well as coffee machines with every possible combination of choice and milked foam-height on your latte or cappuccino.

On my recent flight to visit a friend in Portland, Oregon it dawned on me, as I ate my scrambled eggs and toast using my husband’s “air miles perk,” I wouldn’t have been allowed to have access to this lovely club, if I wasn’t using Peter’s “ACCESS CARD.”  

His privileges were obtained by flying over two and a half million miles over the years to accrue the required miles to obtain his status as a “Mileage Plus Platinum” status.  I did nothing and wasn’t qualified to enter the Airline Club.  It was only because I was married to him…. that “his perks became mine.”

When a person surrenders themselves to the Lord Jesus Christ and accepts Who He is (the Savior of the world), what He did on the cross for them (taking our place and receiving God’s punishment for our sin), and why only Jesus could qualify as a perfect sacrifice receiving this glorious Gift of God…. making him or her a “child of God” and in a relationship with this living Savior.   It is only then, that all that is now available to one of God’s kids…………is available to them.

People often think that they’re pretty good and will be allowed to enter heaven and all it’s joys, pleasures and living forever with unending treasures of the Kingdom of God.  It’s a false hope, because God is not only loving, but He is Holy.  And most of His creation feel that their “good deeds” are going to qualify them for heaven.  Only the true God is “good.”

That means absolute perfection with not a taint of sin.  None of us qualify.  You might be better acting than your neighbor, in your book.  But God holds the entry book.  It’s called the Lamb’s book of Life.  It’s a record book of all the names of the individuals who have accepted what Jesus Christ did on the cross for them, taking their deserved punishment for offending the perfect and Holy God.

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”  Romans 3:23

“For the wages/payment of sin is death. “Romans 6:23

There is none righteous, no not one No one understands; no one seeks for God.  Romans 3:10-12              

“No one is good – except God alone.”  Mark 10:18

Jesus’ death on the cross paid the debt for my sin.  He met God’s perfect requirement to pay for “sin.”  I had nothing to do with it.  It’s His heaven and only perfection can be there.  We could never qualify because we were born with a sinful nature that’s like cancer.  It’s a sinful-cancer that we cannot hide from or eliminate from our lives.  His death took care of the “death penalty” we deserve.

And so, as I thought about this privilege of being allowed in the airline club, I was allowed in only because of my relationship with my husband.  He earned the right for the privileges at the club and I could only enter because of his earned “access card.”

In a similar way, Jesus paid it all for me to be allowed to be called God’s child and have all the privileges and access to Heaven for all eternity.

YES, JESUS PAID IT ALL….AND ALL TO HIM WE OWE.

Jesus declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  John 14:6

JESUS IS OUR ACCESS………….TO GOD THE FATHER

AND A HEAVENLY DESTINATION

Why not make sure you’re in the “Guess Registry Book”

And you do that by calling on the Lord to be saved.

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

AN EVENING OBSERVATION AT THE AIRPORT

It was an early evening-event that occurred at the Portland airport.  The specific location was the United Club.   These clubs host travellers that carry MANY miles of travel on their “mileage program.”  My husband’s travel over the years has earned him more miles than I can handle on my calculator.   Because these miles keep accruing over the years, he and “one guest” can approach the various clubs that are located in many airports over the world. 

This particular encounter took place just a few days ago as I was in Portland, on my way home to Vancouver, British Columbia.   I don’t have access to the club on my own, but I am registered as my husband’s guest.  All that was required of me was to show my boarding pass to the receptionist and voila…. I was in!

Locating a seat was no problem, as the mass of people who use these types of facilities, must have been well on their way to their destinations, so the club was reasonably quiet with just a few people here and there.

I positioned myself in a comfortable chair and sauntered over towards the array of

nourishment that was displayed in the corner area of the club.  The salad bar seemed attractive to my appetite, so I indulged in a variety of veggies and cheese.

The area where I was sitting seemed void of other travelers, so I was dining by myself.  After finishing the salad, I placed my plate and utensil on the side table.  I had brought a book to read, but couldn’t get myself in the mood to read, so I just entertained myself by observing people.

Within minutes a lovely waitress-attendant came by and noticed my plate and came over to remove it from the table.   Employees of the airline clubs will often attend to the array of food, freshening the display of food, keeping things hot or cold as well as keeping the area pristine. 

They seem to keep reappearing to also remove plates and glasses so the area is kept tidy.   I sometimes have smiled and shared with them that “I do that at home!”  They laugh, but it’s a real treat when someone else assumes that task.

This woman was “distinguished” by me long before she arrived at my table area.   She quietly and carefully removed my plate debris and smiled.  That’s when my evening began to brighten.

This woman’s smile and gentle attentiveness was a breath of fresh air.  Her smiling approach caught my eye, and my heart.  As she was removing my plate, I shared how her smile and mannerisms were “contagious.”  I think she was somewhat surprised.

Within moments I asked her if she was a “Christian,” and she smiled even larger and responded with a big “yes.”  I shared that I was as well.  She wasn’t terribly busy, so I took the opportunity of communicating to her some attractive and winsome qualities I observed as I watched her work. 

It was obvious that this just wasn’t a job to her!  How she conducted herself in serving others was as though she was attentive to each person.  I felt like royalty sitting there.  Even though she was serving me, I found it was now time to “serve her.”

My heart was full of gratitude, not of what she was doing for me, but her delightful attitude while attending to me.   I couldn’t remain silent to this gracious sister-in-the-Lord.  Her attitude and smile would have had the ability to melt a room full of ice.  How she conducted herself was gracious and giving.  

I couldn’t keep silent!  Adjectives came flowing out of my mouth about all I was noticing about her demeanor on-the-job.  I recall sharing that her “joy to serve” was oozing out of her in abundance.  There was an ambience about her appearance……..and it was JESUS!

In previous stories and encounters, I’ve shared how we carry His presence wherever we go and in whatever we do.  Jesus’ love was oozing out of her at lightening speed.  She was a LIGHT in that club and a delight to observe it.  Her “Christ-like wattage” was full of expression and she needed to hear that from me.

So, Joyce, you know who you are and what a shining example of “sincere servanthood and joy.”  How the Lord Jesus must be so pleased on how you represent Him at your employment. 

Thank you for being Jesus…. with skin on.  Your approach and care of details on your job bring excellence to your witness for Him.  You’re a breath of heavenly air!

LOOKING BACK….JUST FOR AWHILE

NOURISHMENT for DISCOURAGEMENT

Let me begin with a question for you?  Do you ever wake up in the morning in a “not so good mood?”  Maybe you’re not comfortable with such a strategic question.  But I think most of us would have to admit that moods can sometimes feel like a rain cloud that’s just burst upon our personal horizon.

Depending on our personality, we may or may not feel comfortable airing that in public.  But let’s be honest, we’re human and we are susceptible to all sorts of emotion.

This one particular morning a few months ago I woke up “grumpy.”  There, I’ve said it!  With transparency loitering in this paragraph, my grumpiness moved further down the ladder and before I had my “cuppa coffee,” I felt like God had moved and left me no forwarding address.  Write me in the “comments section” if you’ve felt that way too.

I sat down and had my “quiet time” with Jesus, and believe me it was quiet!  I was in no mood to even talk.   I felt discouragement creeping into my mind, heart and soul.   Something within me (it was the Holy Spirit within) urging me to read God’s Word, regardless of how I felt.

Sounds like a mother to a young child, doesn’t it.  “Take your medicine, regardless of how you feel.”   God has incredible ways of moving us along in our humanness, doesn’t He.  He isn’t upset that we have mood swings.  He designed us and knows us intimately.

Psalm 33:15 “He made their hearts, so He understands everything they do.”

God fully understands each of us.  He knows our intellect, emotions, fear, our inner workings and thoughts.  So, He wasn’t “unaware” of how I felt.  But He knew what I needed; and it was a glance in my past…..looking back…just for awhile.

When we get in our cars, it’s best to keep your eyes on what’s up front and forward.  But there are times and events, when you need to look back for reference purposes.   And this morning, God’s “compass of instructions” for me was found in the very Scripture verse I just “happened to read” this morning.

Psalm 37:3 “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.”

It seemed like a lightening bolt lit up those last four words…………

FEED ON HIS FAITHFULNESS

As I’ve shared a number of times, I find it helpful to look up “key words” to expand my thinking and give clarity to what I’ve just read.  So, the important word here was “feed.”   And may I share my findings on just a few discovery words.

Forage, nurse, eat, consume, devour, swallow, encourage, sustain, strengthen, bolster, nurture and nourish.

After reviewing these words in my mind, it was plain to me that God was asking me to have a “glance back” at some of His faithfulness to me!   I wasn’t meant to live there……just park in the rear-view mirror of His wonderful work and provision in my journey down here.   Call it memory lane, but He was asking me to review a little of His workings in my life…. nourishing myself in how…….

FAITHFUL HE WAS IN THE PAST…..AND HIS FAITHFULNESS WOULD CONTINUE

IN THE FUTURE

I was drawn to a book that contained my journaling of events and stories where God intervened and did WONDERFUL THINGS in large and small ways that demonstrated to my little heart and life, that He cared and understood, and was carrying out His plans and purpose in my life, regardless of how I felt.

After about an hour of travelling in the past………..my “discouraged heart” rediscovered JOY!  God hadn’t moved away, but was there all the time.  He was moving and controlling and intervening in the dark, where I couldn’t see Him…..but He was there.

I journaled this discouragement for “future glances” because in life, we all walk through seasons of sadness and disappointment.  So much of God’s work seems underground…..where we can’t see.   But He’s working nonetheless.

And our “looking back” at His faithfulness is an act of worship.

So, let’s keep tasting God’s Word each day…. for His nourishment to our mind, heart and soul.  

Matthew 4:4 “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”

STORMS

Tempests, hurricanes, gales, tornadoes, snowstorms, downpours, outbreaks, eruptions, flareups, outbursts, fumes, waves, explosions

It’s Winter right now.  I don’t know where you live, but wherever that is, no doubt you’ll experience various degrees of a storm.  In Canada it may be a snow storm, in Arizona, it may be a hot sand storm.  There are all kinds of storms in our world.  But in this post, I’m referring to an “inner storm.”  Issues and difficulties that enter the hemisphere of our lives where we can be tempted to fear and lose our sense of awareness that God knows, cares and is in sovereign control (in complete control) over.  Psalm 103: 19 “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty (kingdom) rules over all.”

Early this week, a storm-like event took place in my world.  It wasn’t earth-shattering, but I felt the winds blow into my personal path of living.  How critical it is, if we belong to the Lord Jesus, to be in His Word every day, because we never know when the sentence or paragraph we read will come alongside us to strengthen us for what we’re facing or about to face.

Let’s not forget that our relationship with Jesus

 is “saturated with His grace.”

My tiny storm was an “emotional storm,” not a hurricane, but suffice to say that it was uncomfortable.  As I read from a devotional book, the topic was about storms.  At the end of the article, a sentence seemed to spell out truth I needed to embrace.  It was this:

God makes a pathway in our storms.

Storms are to me, situations we don’t like to face and walk through.  Am I alone here?  They are times and events that bring us to live in the sometimes awkward, painful or definitely “out of our comfort zone.” 

But if we belong to Jesus, He promises to walk “in and through” the storm with us.  He has purposes and plans for each of us that will be worked out in and all through the storm.  And He promises His grace and care all along the way and for however time in His purpose.   Whatever the storm event, tiny or tremendous, it’s all known to Him, and He yearns that we run to Him with it.

Again and again, I’ve been reminded and encouraged to allow God to work out His will and purpose in all of our events (regardless of how small or significant).

It’s looking through the lens of God’s Word, God’s will and God’s ways.

On day one of my little storm, I happen to be in the book of Psalms where it was referring the to Israelites and their journey out of their bondage in Egypt.  God was in the process of bringing them out of Egypt…..yet in the storm-events along the way, they didn’t believe Him or trust Him.

We can read in our Bible their entire events summed up, and see the final wrap up of their exit from Egypt.  We can often think to ourselves, why wouldn’t they trust Him…..He’s done so many miracles to prove His care and power.

Here are some of the verses that leapt off the page in my reading.

Psalm 77:14 “You are the God Who does wonders.”

Psalm 78:7 “That they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God.”

Psalm 78:11 “And forgot His works.”

Psalm 78:14 “In the daytime He also led them with the cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.”  He led them in a way they would know His presence.

Psalm 78:32 “And did not believe in His wondrous works.”

Psalm 78:36 -37 “Nevertheless, they flattered Him with their mouth, and they lied to Him with their tongue…for their heart was not steadfast (unwavering, faithful, loyal, devoted, constant, determined, unflinching) with Him.”

Psalm 78:41-42 “Yes, again and again they tempted God and limited the Holy One of Israel. They did not remember His power.”

After these verses, I was deeply convicted by my attitude.  This morning’s read brought a new perspective on what was before me; and alongside that, a new attitude began to emerge.  It isn’t important what my storm was, but I was in need of an “attitude adjustment.” 

Whatever you may be facing or what you are in the middle of….my prayer is that your heart and mind would be refreshed by His Word and His personal presence with you. He will work in and through our “storms” to show us His love and attentive care, and help our faith in Him to trust and to grow.

I think we can often be critical of the Israelites for not trusting God.  But all we need to do is have a “good glance” into our “own lives of our walk with Jesus,” to see that we too, many many times, doubt His ability, power, love and grace to meet our every need. 

As God works in our lives while we’re here on earth, He is helping us not only to look more like His Son in our behavior, thought-life, speech, but in what He walks us to and through is to help us “learn to lean and trust Him” daily.

A pastor friend of mine shared this phrase about learning to walk and trust Jesus with our “everyday situations.”  It’s a revealing statement for sure.  May we live up to these words more and more in our own faith-walk.

WE WILL ACT & LIVE ON WHAT WE REALLY BELIEVE

NEW YEARS’ RESOLUTION

Well, it’s now 2026 and I wonder if you made any “new year’s resolutions?”  I haven’t because I’m still working on resolutions I made years ago.  Yes, I’m joking with you!!  But the thought of resolutions did spark an interest in what it means to have a “resolution” about something.   I often find it helpful to “not assume” I know what a word means; so, I invited my thesaurus to help me out in determining what it means to make a RESOLUTION.

Determination, resolve, decisions, promises, vows, decrees, perseverance, purpose, outcome.  There are countless adjectives on this term “resolution,” but the last three caught not only my eye, but my heart.

For a few minutes I’d like to camp on three words defining a resolution not only for this new year, but for our life.

PERSEVERANCE:  determination, devotion, dedication, drive

PURPOSE:             resolve, commitment, intention, reason, use, objective

OUTCOME:           consequence, result, conclusion, sequel, value, significance

Questioning these words gives me focus (and I need focus).

So, what are you and I “persevering” or devoted, dedicated to that gives us a drive in a particular direction?   Thinking aloud here, we must have an inner resolve so strong that it actually drives us within.  We’re all devoted to something or someone in life.   Our appetite or determination in the morning moves many of us to a coffee machine, tea bag or toast if we’re hungry.  And we persevere in the direction we’re dedicated to, right?!

Our “purpose,” resolve, commitment, reason or objective to enjoying a “cuppa of your choice” is not only for enjoyment, but it adds some motivation, alertness and enthusiasm for the agendas of our day.   

The BIG “little” word that is introduced here is the word “agenda.”  I paused after typing that word……A G E N D A.  It was as though I couldn’t get past it.  I feel God wanted me to think more deeply about that word.  We employ that term in various ways, don’t we?   Many times, it drives and gives compass to our commitments and keeps us dedicated to activities, interests and opportunities.

At the beginning of our year, we face each day, each morning before our Creator.  Have we ever considered what “God’s Agenda” for our day might be?  

This brings us to the word “outcome.”  For our every choice in our days, hours, minutes, seconds, there are results, consequences, that add not only value to our day, but significance to each day.

When I worked as an administrative assistant to my boss, that function in the company was to support my manager in managing daily office operations.  As I approached my work area, the first ingredient to my day was to “check in with my boss” to find out what his “agenda” was for that day.  And if I was to continue receiving a pay check, (ha ha), his agenda became mine.   I’d grab my shorthand pad and head for the chair across from his desk and he would share with me what things were important to accomplish that day.

Now as I came to the word agenda, I couldn’t help but think, what would be God’s agenda, or some of His resolutions for my life this year. 

Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 

This means our deepest desires and focus will follow what we truly value, whether earthly things or eternal spiritual riches.   It’s following and prioritizing “heavenly “treasures” over temporary worldly ones.   It’s where we invest our time, energy, resources and opportunities.

All this brings us to the third word on resolutions:  OUTCOME

Our time in God’s Word, gives us wisdom, discernment, direction, warning, encouragement, joy and strength to attend to God’s agenda (what’s on His heart) for our individual days.

Matthew 6:33 nlt  “But seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”

Matthew 6:33 nkj “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

In Matthew chapter 25, verses 14-15 talk about what the “Kingdom of heaven” means, or what it’s like, and it speaks of “talents” or “opportunities” given to different people.   Those opportunities were to be “invested.”   Why?  Because what the people did with what God gave them brought an OUTCOME (consequences, results, value, conclusions, and significance) to peoples’ lives and destinations.

I found David Jeremiah’s comments on that verse critically helpful.  Here they are:

“Here, the word talent represents all the opportunities God gives people to serve Him, including their wealth, reputation, abilities and learning.  This parable warns believers to diligently take everything God has given and INVEST IT FOR HIS GLORY as they await Christ’s second coming.”  David Jeremiah, Jeremiah Study Bible,  pgs. 1326-1327

So, let’s get our New Years’ and Every Day’s Resolute Agenda from Him, so we know what’s on “His heart” for each day, hour, minute and second.  As we put Him first on our agenda, we’ll be aware of His.    Let’s ask Him to make us sensitive to the opportunities as they appear.

Regardless of the amount or size of our opportunities entrusted to us each day, let’s be faithful in the tiny, obscure, seemingly insignificant matters of life He places before us to bring glory to God.   LET’S MAKE GOD LOOK GOOD in all our ways, and on all our days.

LET’S EXTEND OUR MASTER’S INFLUENCE!!!