Rambling Thursdays

I took a rather lengthy road trip lately. All by myself. Previously the longest trip I’ve ever drove was four hours. So I was excited but a little nervous. The destination was the Western panhandle of Nebraska to see my son. He works as a Park Ranger at Agate National Historic Site. 

It would be a two day trip. Approximately eighteen hours. First decision: Music on the I Pod? Radio? Silence? I went with none of these. I discovered pod casts recently and listen regularly to Sophie Hudson’s “The Big Boo cast” and love it. So I subscribed to some and my listening pleasure has been enhanced. Here are some that I recommend:

*The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey. Kind of like talking with your best friend. She brings a guest and they discuss all kinds of girl stuff. Their conversations will encourage and bring a laugh. 

*Amateur Traveler. If you love travel, you will love this podcast. Wonderful, insightful information about destinations here in the U.S. or overseas. 

*Real Simple. Have you read the magazine? Different topics are covered. Relational, housework, work issues, and my personal favorite: Things Cooks Know. The only problem, is that I get hungry listening. 

*This American Life. This is a weekly public radio show. I just love it. The stories are so fascinating. It draws you in. Kind of like a 60 minutes, only miles better. Try it. 

*The influence Podcast: Interviews with inspiring women. Very encouraging. It never ceases to speak to my heart. 

*Grantland Podcast: I love football. Bill Barnwell and Robert Mays host this podcast and discuss all things NFL. One is a Bears fan and the other is a Giants fan. They always have great things to say. Sometimes they will bring other people in for a interview. 

The miles went by fast, (especially when the speed limit is 70), as I listened. 

My first stop was in Iowa at West Branch. I visited the Herbert Hoover Historical Site, and got my NPS Passbook stamped. It was much nicer than I expected. The house where he was born is there, plus other original buildings. His presidential library is there also. 

It is located right off I-80 and is worth a visit. 

Next stop was Winterset Iowa. It is John Wayne’s birthplace. A musuem just opened in the Spring and the house where he was born is there. Winterset is off of I-80 about 20 miles. Winterset has a quaint downtown encircling a beautiful Courthouse.  Within the Courthouse circle is the Northside Cafe. 

I ate there first. Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep ate here in a scene from “Bridges of Madison County”. I had a open faced beef manhattan and apple crisp. Fully satisfied now, I visited the museum. 

I love John Wayne and have so many of his movies. I recognized many articles from the displays. Clothes, a saddle, hats and even his personal car. It was so cool to see stuff that he actually wore from the movies. I was impressed.

They have a gift shop filled with all things John Wayne. You can sit in a miniature theater to watch a film of his life. Around the block is his birthplace, which is a small four room house. 

I stayed the night here in Winterset. I could have ventured out to see the Bridges of Madison county, all within easy driving distance. But I was road weary and ready to turn in. 

The next day would be a long one, as I would be driving the length of Nebraska and then up to the Northwestern corner. My next Rambling Thursday blog, I’ll share what we visited the three days I spent. 

What’s the best road trip you have been on?

A Word for You

I shared about changes, new opportunities that have come in my life recently. God continues to surprise me. He’s good about that isn’t He? 

Saturday was my last Ladies meeting as a leader. I had to step down because of new responsibilities that will take more of my time and energy. I’m sad to leave, mostly because I will miss the closeness of our group. 

But God, (I love this phrase), blessed me this week unexpectedly when my neighbor ambled over and invited me to a Bible study. It totally took me by surprise. I said yes of course. 

I really didn’t know what to expect. To be honest, I’ve never been a part of a Bible study full of strangers so to speak. Well, it was lovely. The women were a bit older than I, but there were a few my age. They were hungry for God and to learn from His Word. I loved my time with them and can’t wait for next week.

I received a confirmation there. I have been contemplating doing something for my last meeting with my ladies. I remember in Junior High School when a Life Skills teacher had each of us write something nice about a fellow classmate on a paper that had her name on top. I still have mine in a box. It meant the world to read gracious words written about me when I was a insecure mess of a teenager. 

The ladies at my Bible study shared how at a retreat they did the same thing and it was such a blessing to every woman. I knew then that I had to do this. 

It was a blessing to my ladies and to me. Gracious words shared filled our hearts. On those days when I’m feeling low, wretched, and out of sorts, I will open up this paper and read their kind words. These words will reaffirm that I am special and loved. I need to hear that now and then, don’t you? There is a powerful verse about words in Proverbs 18:21

“The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat it’s fruit.”

The power of life and death...Wow! There are so many words we hear from day to day. Some not so good. Harassing messages from our past rise up ugly heads and hiss in our ears. Messages from the media that tell us we aren’t enough, we aren’t pretty enough, aren’t skinny enough, not talented enough, etc... Perhaps someone told you one time you were stupid, ugly, that you’d never amount to anything. 

These words have the power of death. If we listen and allow them to penetrate our hearts, they will certainly bring death to our spirits. 

But gracious words bring life to my spirit. The words I read on my paper are beautiful words. They tell me I am loved, I have made an impact, I am special. 

If God wrote on a paper with your name on top, what would He write? How does He feel about you? He’s already told you in His Word. 

He would write, “You are my daughter, my child. I have given you life, freedom, joy and peace. I have made you a new creature. I have transformed you. I have done my work in you and prepared you for good works. Now rest in Me. Know I am enough. I fill your emptiness. I make you sparkle. Now share what I have given you. Be the confident woman I made you to be. I love you my child. I held nothing back for you. I’ve lavished my grace upon you. I am with you and in you. You can do all things because of me.”

His Word has the power of life in it. Are you feeling wretched, low and out of sorts? Open His Word and read His thoughts for you. The Word will transform your mind, it is powerful. It is the Truth. 

I love you and pray you feel His sweet presence near. 


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A New Door

Hello my blogging friends. I hope you have been doing well. I wanted to share some changes happening to me here of late. When I started blogging a year ago I wrote about a life shift. It was a difficult time and I shared God’s faithfulness through this season. I’ve enjoyed encouraging you this past year. I appreciate your comments. It helps to know what I’ve wrote has made an impact. 

Now I’m going through another new door. I’m teaching an adult Sunday School class and it requires more Bible study, and more time. Therefore I need to cut back on my blogging. I won’t be blogging as much. I hope you will check in now and then. Whenever I can, I will post something. If you enjoy my pictures, I will post them regularly. 

This new opportunity of teaching is something I didn’t plan on and I don’t feel particularly ready, but God is faithful and I know He will equip me. He will bless what I offer Him. 

What about you? Is there a new door of opportunity open in front of you? Are you hesitating walking through it? Can I encourage you today? He prepared you for this moment. He equips those He calls. We probably never feel “ready”. It just makes us depend on Jesus more. When we lean on Jesus that’s when He shows up and works through us mightily. Go ahead and walk through that door. You will do great things for God. You have a testimony to share. 

I know you will do fine. Ministry isn’t always easy. Anytime you deal with people, there will be issues arise. Read 1 Corinthians and you’ll see what Paul was up against. Keep focused on Jesus and don’t worry about what people do or don’t do. They may not like you or your style, but you keep going after Jesus. He will sort all that stuff out. 

I pray that He uses you powerfully in your new opportunity. That you lean on Him harder and that you grow stronger in your walk of faith. If you think of me, please pray for me. I feel weak sometimes and just not up to the task. I’m sure you can identify. In reality, that’s just where God wants us right? I’m not confident in myself; in Jesus I can do all things. 

Bless you sweet friends. I appreciate you so much. 

That Will Fix Them!

“I will destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” But Moses sought the favor of the Lord.  Exodus 32:10

Considering what the Israelites did while Moses was on Mount Sinai I would think Moses would surely be justified in taking God up on His word. After all Aaron had them take off their earrings the Egyptians gave them, melted them down, fashioned an cow and then announced “This is your god who brought you up out of Egypt.” 

What were these people thinking? How could they so easily turn from the Great I Am to a cow? What foolishness! So yes, Moses was justified letting God destroy these faithless people. They deserve it. He didn’t turn away from God. Let him be the favored one. 

You know in the Body of Christ sometimes we tend to pile on when people fall in their walk with Jesus. We jump in to throw a punch or kick them when they are down. We talk about them on social media. They deserve it. Let God pour down His judgement on them. 

Then we stand proud; after all we never sinned like that. We never failed God like they did.

Moses prayed for his people. He prayed powerfully for God to forgive them, to restrain His hand. And God did. Moses didn’t give in to pride. Perhaps he was mindful of his past. After all he did kill an Egyptian. He lived in the wilderness for years, unknown and forgotten. Until God called him. 

I wonder if we should pray for the fallen ones? Pray for God to restore them and heal them. Maybe even reach out a loving hand. Somehow I believe this is more effective than thinking “That’ll fix them.” 

After all I’m sure we can look back and remember the dark, deep place we were in when God reached down and brought us out of darkness into His wonderful light. 

Before we pile on, let’s remain humble and pray powerfully for the fallen ones. 


Live Free Thursdays

The Chase

                                                     The Chase

The trash bag almost tripped him up as he walked in the door. Picking it up, he spied a note taped to it. “I don’t love you anymore. I’ve tried to be the wife you expected, but I can’t do it anymore. I’m in love with someone else, he makes me happy. It’s time to take care of my own needs now. It’s over between us.” Peg

Gazing into the bag he saw something that shocked and distressed him. Stuffed into the bag like common trash was a rumpled wedding gown. He pulled it out and held it out in front of him; it was his wife’s lovely gown. Tears ran freely down his face, as he sobbed uncontrollably. Hadn’t he seen this coming? For sometime now warning signs flashed and jingling alarms sounded in his gut. He ignored the forewarnings, never allowing tinges of doubt to stain their marriage.

He slumped to the floor clasping the gown tightly, lace scratching his face, her musky perfume lingered. How could this happen? Hadn’t his love been enough? He did everything for her. Holding out the gown he remembered that wonderful day.

Peggy was a radiant, shining bride. She took his breath away as she walked up the church aisle. He didn’t remember saying any vows; his focus was only on this beautiful princess standing next to him. Her eyes sparkled as he lifted up her veil to kiss her lovely lips. The passion and love glowed from her face and enveloped him. They were soul mates, their love would endure. Somehow it didn’t.

He sensed for months that something wasn’t right between them. There was restlessness in her wandering eyes. She turned away coldly when he tried to draw her close. She was so remote, so indifferent when he shared his heart. She seemed to forgot the fiery passion of first love.

The gown was a white haze through the sheen of tears. How could she do this? She was the desire and delight of his heart. He yearned to embrace her in his arms so tightly that the thud of her heart reverberated through his body. Oh, to gaze into her sky-blue eyes, and see the wonder there.

His grip tightened on the gown. And now the precious, tender intimacies they shared she discarded just like the gown. Jealously surged through him, the spear twisted its blazing tip deeper within. He cast the gown away repulsively.

Should he stand aside uncaring and callous, or go after her? Is restoration even possible? Why should he care? Why pursue someone so faithless, so undeserving? He loathes what she did, yet every fiber of his being aches for her.

A determination mounted from deep within. The chase for her heart is his passion now. He will pursue and captivate her with his gentle, tender love. He won’t stop the reckless chase until he has captured her wandering heart. He looked intently at the gown spread on the floor. Regardless of how she may picture herself, she will always be his radiant bride.

Surely a wild passionate lover as this exists only in soap operas and romance novels. No one would love so recklessly or zealously.

Oh, but there is such a lover. It is the Almighty God, the ardent lover of our souls. 

”This is what the Lord Almighty says, ‘I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealously for her” Zechariah 8:2 NIV

Does this sound like an impersonal, indifferent God? This is a God that knows you so intimately that He keeps an accurate count of your hair, records your tears, and closely covers you like the clothes that enfold your body. He is burning with jealously for you.

He constantly woos us to Himself. Fervor burns in His eyes as His tender, gentle whisper allures, “Arise my darling, my beautiful one, and come away with Me.” Yet we act like a moaning, decrepit widow with cataracts clouding our eyes, hard of hearing, and completely forgetting our fiery passion for Jesus.

We work so hard to wear our Christian camouflage, by saying and doing all the right things. We look like we are in love with Jesus. When in fact we are such faithless, distant lovers attracted to the phony loves of this world. We search elsewhere and wonder at our discontent. Jesus offers a haven of bliss and intimacy like no other. But we rebuff Him time and time again.

We are like a lost coin that a woman grieves over. She lights a candle, searches behind furniture, and in every darkened corner. Grabbing a broom she then carefully sweeps every inch of the earthen floor. What joy rushes over her when she finds the valuable coin and grips it in her hand. Lifting it aloft she rejoices, “I’ve found it! I’ve found it!

How much more will God rejoice when He finally captures our wandering hearts? How can He love someone so faithless, so loveless, and a thousand times rejected Him? How amazing that He would persist in pursuing us! What heart can continue to hold out against this great Lover?

Can the flickering embers be ignited into flaming passion? Can a moaning, decrepit widow transform into a radiant bride?

David, a man who chased after God’s heart, told his son Solomon to “Serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9 NIV

If you are truly seeking after Jesus, He will know it. Like an attentive Lover, He awaits your response to His wooing. He never gives up the chase for your heart. There will come a defining moment when you will find He is the One for you. 

He knows who His burning, passionate lovers are. It is to these lovers He responds, to show Himself, to bless and use mightily. These lovers are content with nothing less than knowing Jesus, and are constantly aware of His sweet presence. 

Have your searches for love and acceptance left you weary and lacking?  Have you forgotten the fiery first love you had for Jesus? Are you cold and distant? Put aside everything and wholeheartedly seek after your Lover. Feel the pulse of His heart as you read His Word. Share you heart in prayer, don’t hold back…He knows you intimately anyway. Your transformation into a radiant bride may not happen overnight. It takes time to cultivate a relationship.

Make the first step today; chase after His heart. He will be found by you and you will never be the same. 


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Rambling Thursdays

“The crickets sang in the grasses. They sang the song of summer's ending, a sad, monotonous song. "Summer is over and gone," they sang. "Over and gone, over and gone. Summer is dying, dying."

The crickets felt it was their duty to warn everybody that summertime cannot last forever. Even on the most beautiful days in the whole year—the days when summer is changing into fall—the crickets spread the rumor of sadness and change.”  from Charlotte's Web

Summer is coming to an end and I’m sad to see it go, but there is a tinge of anticipation for fall and all its beauty and unique delights. In the depths of dreary winter I often ponder and remember experiences from summer. This is what I will remember: 

*Coloring books are all the rage this summer and I caved in and bought one for myself. I LOVE IT! It’s relaxing to sit on my front porch and color. I feel like a kid again.           

*Speaking of my front porch...I can’t begin to tell you how much I love sitting on my rocking chair. I have a wrap around porch and it’s like another room in the summer. I spend afternoons reading, coloring, gazing at my flowers, watching the butterflies, listening to the birds and playing with Copper, my dog. On the weekends my husband and I drink our coffee there. 

*The mosquitos have hampered our outside porch sitting. The hungry pests have been bad this summer, mostly through July. I’ve been bit more this summer than I have in a long time.

 *I’ve ate more fresh picked fruit and vegetables this summer. The fruit harvest has been so productive. The garden has done well too. As a result, I’ve canned and put up blueberries, green beans, peaches and tomatos. There is nothing to be compared to the taste of fresh food. I repeat NOTHING. 

*There is nothing like an ice cream cone either. I’ve ate more than my share this summer. There has been two new ice cream stands that have opened up within fifteen minutes of my house. Of course we have hit them both. It’s worth a summer’s evening drive next to my man cruising  the countryside, the dog’s happy face out the window admiring the view. 

*The highlight of my summer was the beautiful views we gazed upon in the Southwest. I’ll be remembering our trip all through the winter. It truly was epic. It was so fun to experience new adventures. 

*Our last two days of vacation we spent with our Son in Western Nebraska. It was good to be with him. I’m proud of him and thankful he is able to pursue his dream job. And wow, I had no idea Nebraska was so pretty. The prairie and buttes are uniquely beautiful. And the people there are so friendly. I’m going back out to see him in a couple of weeks and am looking forward to it. 

*The special day my Daughter-in-law and I went to Michigan and picked berries. We had so much fun that day. We went to Lake Michigan, which is like our ocean, went to a lighthouse, walked on the beach and ate some great food. I don’t get to see her much because of distance, so I’m  glad we took advantage of my day off. We truly seized the moment. 

*My flowers have put on a beautiful display. It does my heart good to go outside every day and play in my flowers. This is the first summer in a while that I didn’t do a lot of work in my gardens. I just enjoyed them. Now they are dying and ready to go to sleep for the winter. Next January I’ll be poring over my seed catalogs and dreaming of flowers again. 

I hope you have had a good summer. I hope you seized every moment; ate lots of ice cream, enjoyed family and friends, had a smore or hot dog over a camp fire, spent a lazy day on a porch, smelled the flowers, ate a fuzzy peach, caught a fish, hiked a forest trail, gazed at the stars. 

Do you have any experiences to share with me? Have a good weekend my friend. 


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I don't have a Clue!

Have you ever felt in your encounters with people that you just didn’t have a clue?  Afterwords, did you regret something you said, or wished you reacted another way? 

I’ve been there many times. I feel so ineffective sometimes. I can’t see beyond my own nose, my own heart deceives me at times. I’m not so quick on my feet when it comes to communicating. I guess a lot of that is because I am an introvert. To enter a room like a boss and win you over with my sparkly, bubbly personality is just not me. I’m more the one who enjoys the intimate one on one deep conservations. 

So now you know why I love writing so much.

Anyway, I’ve been studying in 1 Kings lately about King Solomon and wisdom. Solomon had just become King and in a dream God asked him, What do you want me to give you? 

Wow what a question huh? Oh the possibilities! But what an answer Solomon gives. 

He says, These are not my people, but Yours. 

I am not able to govern Your people. Give me a discerning heart. 

Of course God is so pleased at his answer that He gives him wisdom beyond measure. This is what I desperately need. 

I don’t know about you, but I need wisdom just to shop at Walmart sometimes! We are vice regents on this earth. We are His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). We represent Christ to the ones we rub shoulders with. 

It all begins with a discerning heart. A discerning heart means a hearing heart. A hearing heart to listen to the Source of all Wisdom, the Omniscient One, our Heavenly Father. 

He told Solomon to ask for whatever you want. In James 1:5 it says “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

And then one of my favorites, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

We have His wisdom there for the asking. We need a discerning, hearing heart to hear the voice behind us saying, “this is the way, walk in it.”  Isaiah 30:21

There are hurting, empty people all around us who need Jesus. I think of the woman at the well that Jesus reached out to. She had been with many men and just couldn’t find her thirst sated. Jesus ministered so effectively to this woman. She was changed and transformed by His touch.

The same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead lives in us. Romans 8:11. Can I be an effective ambassador for Christ at my job, in Walmart, wherever? Can I get past all my insecurities and fear? Will I hear His still, small voice? 

This has been stirring in my spirit the past couple of weeks. I need His wisdom so badly. I blow it sometimes. Instead of trusting Him, I lean on my own understanding. But there are the times when I do seek His wisdom and I listen. I always stand amazed at what He does through me. 

I’m sure you can identify with my thoughts. We all have our unique struggles. We don’t have it all together by any means. But I think the key here is that we are aware of our need for His wisdom and we ask for it. He never finds fault with us and will give us what we have need of. 

So this is my prayer this morning:

Heavenly Father, you said in your Word that I can ask for Your wisdom. Your Word tells me to call on You, and You will show me the great and unsearchable things I do not know. Solomon asked for a discerning, hearing heart so he would know how to govern Your people. 

Lord there are hurting seeking people that rub shoulders with me. Help me to hear from You. Help me to know how to reach them. You have given me Your Spirit. I am an ambassador for You. I’m leaning on You today and not on my own understanding. 

I am a weak vessel, a cracked pot, but You are strong. In You I can do all things. Help me to look beyond my own issues and struggles and lean on You. 

Lord, You are so beautiful and You are mine. I am so thankful for You and Your hand in my life. Bless and help those who are reading these words today. I pray they would be an effective ambassador for Christ, Amen. 


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