The Numbers Game

Numbers influence my life greatly. More than I like really. A simple number can make us depressed or make us feel good. It can change our perspective. Think about it...

I’ve been blogging for about an year and a half now. I’ve loved it and enjoy meeting new friends. But I went through a period of time where I was obsessed with my blog stats. I read blogs and listened to pod casts advising me how to improve those numbers. 

I worked hard at it, believe me. It took a lot of my time. It felt good to see the views go up and I was sad when the response wasn’t what I expected. In the middle of the summer I decided enough was enough! This was ridiculous. I was being pulled here and there, taunted by numbers. My life was full and busy enough. 

I went back to the beginning when I typed out my first blog, when I didn’t have a clue about blog stats. Just share my heart, what God gave me and let it minister to whoever reads it. He will lead the readers to me. And so I’ve had this approach with my blogging for a few months now. I feel so much more freer. I’m not overly concerned about numbers now. 

What about you? Are there numbers that taunt and pull you down? What about the dreaded scale? Yea, those numbers. I’ve lost about 30 lbs in the past year. I still step on the scale once every week to track my progress. I read somewhere that we should actually weigh ourselves everyday. 

I think that is a little much don’t you? Maybe you think once a week is too much? Well, I reason within myself these compelling thoughts: 

I put on a pound this week? Well, I guess I’ll cut back on the cupcakes. I’ll eat less of this and more healthy options. Doing ok? Well then I’ll have that bowl of ice cream. Like my reasoning? Hey anything to justify eating something sweet, just sayin! 

But seriously, I know that this is an issue that can be a struggle. This is a number that stirs up those ugly thoughts of how you look and feel about yourself. 

At our company health fair, we are measured as part of our health profile. Nothing like the nurse pulling out the measuring tape for your hips and waist to make your heart palpitate. 

How do you measure your worth? By your jean size? Your age? Your blog stats? Facebook friends and likes? Is this your guideline? 

May I tell you today beloved that none of these things contribute a lick to your worth? I struggle with insecurity at times just like you. If I get caught up in numbers, I can throw myself in a pit real quick. 

How do I measure my worth? Where is my plumb line when I’m off kilter? My worth, my life is built on the Cornerstone. “A tested stone, a precious Cornerstone for a sure foundation.” Jesus. 

My jean size, weight, stats, wage, etc... is an unstable foundation. All these numbers will change, sometimes day to day. Am I going to place my worth on sand? 

His love for me is steadfast regardless of my measurements, stats, likes, friends and age. In fact He numbers my steps and my hair. How’s that for numbers? 

Get your eyes off the numbers and in the Word. It is your plumb line. 

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Rambling Thursday

It would be a long ten + hours to reach my next destination on day two of my road trip. Yet it was an enjoyable drive through the hilly prairies of Nebraska. The wide open spaces are stark, but beautiful even to an Indiana girl who loves her trees. 

I stayed with my Son and Daughter-in-law at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. He works here as a Park Ranger. Agate is north of Scotts Bluff about 40 minutes. It sits in the Niobrara river valley. There is a mix of mammal fossils, Indian artifacts and great views. Great visitor’s center and nice trails. Bring your binoculars as there is great bird watching. 

The next day we visited Scotts Bluff National Monument. 

It is a beautiful place. The bluffs are the main attraction here, but also of importance is the Oregon trail that went right by here. You can still see the furrow left by the wagons. 

You can drive to the top of the bluffs going through two tunnels on the way. On the top, trails lead to beautiful lookout points. If you prefer, shuttles will take you up. 

There are a few trails. One comes down off the bluffs and winds through a tunnel. But for lack of time, we didn’t get to do this. 

There is a nice Visitor’s Center with a nice gift shop. 

Our next day’s adventure was at Rocky Mountain National Park. It truly was an adventure. None of us ever been, so we were quite excited. And wow, I can truly say it was way beyond our expectations. 

We were staying two days. I rented a cabin from Airbnb. And let me just say here that this was spot on! Best decision I made for our stay. 

Our first day we drove down the Old Fall River road. This is a gravel road through the valley with sharp switchbacks, steep climbs and amazing views of the mountains. I was driving my Buick Lucerne, so I read plenty of reviews to make sure I wasn’t endangering my car. The reviews were encouraging, but I still entered the narrow gravel road a little uneasy at what was ahead. You see, there is no turning around once you enter.

My fears were in vain, as I had no trouble. Only once did I scrape bottom around a switchback. There were plenty of places to pull over and enjoy the views. A lovely waterfall was close by the road at one pull-off. Another place we wandered down in a meadow and enjoyed a walk beside a creek. 

The climb out of the valley was something else. It all opens up and you are on top of the mountain. What amazing, drop dead views we laid our eyes on. The road ends at the Alpine Visitor’s Center. It literally sits at the top of the mountain. There’s a cafe also. 

Absolutely, go down the Old Fall River road. You’ll not regret it. 

We continued down the west side of the park and stopped for a picnic. Here was a trail that led to a lake and beyond a lovely meadow. It was a great hike to end our day. 

On day two we stopped at the Grand Lake Visitor’s center. Our cabin was near Grand lake. There are two lakes located here and both are sparkling blue with the mountains encircling them. There are hiking trails here, but we lacked time to explore. The visitor’s centers (There are four) have plenty of guide books and trail maps to assist you. The Rangers are helpful to answer questions.

On our way back up north we stopped at the Colorado river valley and hiked a trail that led to a historic ranch. The river is the size of a creek here. 

Once we passed the Alpine Visitor’s center we continued down the Trail Ridge road. Now remember, I was a little nervous about the gravel road. Well this road was on steroids compared to that! This is the highest road in the US. We’re above 10,000 feet, no guardrails, just sheer cliffs. 

My Son is afraid of heights and was starting to freak out. It creeped me out too. I tried to keep my eyes on a road that just seemed not to be wide enough. We rallied though and enjoyed the views at the pull offs. We hiked the Alpine trail up to 12,000 feet and was blown away at the mountain top panoramas. 

As you can surely tell, I loved this park. It would be at the top of my must see, I have to go back list. Two days isn’t enough. We didn’t have time to explore the east side of the park. I highly recommend going. You will not regret it. Be forewarned though...you will feel the altitude. It kicked my butt. I was gasping for air a few times. 

I will never forget this road trip. I’ll be thinking about it all winter. There are links at the bottom for other places you can visit in the Nebraska Panhandle area. 

Get out there and explore! 

Fort Robinson State Park

Legacy of the Plains Museum

Wildcat Hills Recreation Area

Balm of Gilead

It was a familiar place of pain. He has scars from other scrapes. But this had to be especially painful. He’s on the run once again as a fugitive. This time from his own son, Absolom who took the throne from him.

While David ran for his life, he ran into Shemei who was from Saul’s family. David’s old nemesis. He rubbed salt in the raw wound, cursing him, and adding insult to injury threw stones and dirt. David had every right to strike back at this man, and was encouraged to do so, yet he spared his life and rode on. 

Yet David never forgot what Shemei did. While on his deathbed, he warns his son Solomon about Shemei. 

I wouldn’t forget either. While I have to forgive like Jesus forgave me, I certainly wouldn’t share a cup of coffee with them. I wouldn’t get all chummy. 

Scripture says that David was exhausted. Who wouldn’t be after that assault? He was already low in spirit and to have someone pile on like that would be more than I could take. 

This is just like our enemy the devil. His tactics aren’t much different. When we give in to temptation, fail miserably, or feeling vulnerable, it’s painful enough isn’t it? But then he inflicts curses, condemnations, throws dirt and stones. He piles on. 

But watch what happens with David:

Barzillai from Gilead meets David and opens his arms and welcomes him. Feeds him, provides supplies for the journey and encourages him. This had to refresh and uplift David so much. Because of Barzillai, he was able to continue on. 

Jeremiah 8:22 asks, “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?”

After this life and our enemy has buffeted our souls, we are left weary and downtrodden. You and I have a Balm of Gilead. Jesus; Who is acquainted with our weakness and felt our pain. 

He is “the God of all comfort”, “He comforts all who mourn”, “He comforts us in all our troubles.” 

Beloved are you hurting and broken at this very moment? Are you weary and disheartened? Oh, there is a Balm for your wounds. A Balm to soothe your pain. To heal and restore you. He speaks gracious and kinds words to your battered spirit:

“I have upheld you since you were conceived, and carried you since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am He. I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:3-4

Beloved, I pray that you feel His sweet presence and hear those gracious words. 


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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. 


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