On The Sidelines Or In The Game?

I have a tendency to take a break in the summer months.  When my children were little during the school years, I would loosen up a bit on the "disciplines" or "schedules" we had normally.  There was more sleeping in, later nights, less housework (yeah!) - less of the "norm" and more relaxation.  That hasn't changed, it seems.  You'll notice, even my blogging took a rest.  I've missed it though because I do love to put my thoughts in writing.  


I have noticed when we rest, sometimes we need to intentionally pursue God even more directly because I don't want a rest from Him!  We can get comfortable in our rest....our vacation....our respite....and let the activities distract us. It is interesting in that when we are busy, we need to be so careful to not let our busy-ness take over and keep us from our personal time and fellowship with God.  I realized this summer in the rest, the same can happen. We can unconsciously let our relaxation take over and miss the fellowship with Him in the process. (I need "me" time)  Remember the last blog?  I found myself over and over again saying "Jesus, I love you" - intentionally seeking to acknowledge Him in all the moments of my rest.  I don't know if you are like me, but when I go to "rest" and escape and do those things that relax me....reading, walking...I just want to be left alone so I can let down and replenish myself and breathe.  Well, no book, no walk, no beautiful sunset can replenish me quite as well as when Jesus is in the midst of those moments.  Jesus doesn't want to be on the sidelines watching us try to rest (or work).....He wants to be right in the game, experiencing it all with us, even if it is "timeout".


My prayer for you today is as summer winds down and we try to get all those fun activities (or projects) done before mid-September.....by yourself or with family and friends you love....whisper (or shout it out!)  that sweet love acknowledgement to the One who walks with you. When we come to the end of these summer months and those busy autumn days come running at us full force, we will be replenished, restored, refreshed, and re-created by His touch because He was right in the middle of the summer with you!

Read More

Not Just A Rare Sighting

I love it when phrases literally jump off the page at you...whether you are reading a letter, a blog, the Scripture...words mean so much and spark something in our hearts.  The title of my blog today meant something when I read it in a recent letter, which I will refer back to in a moment.


My husband is off to Kamchatka (again); second time in 6 months and we are so privileged and honored to be able to serve the Lord in this way.  He is once again helping with the construction of the church and finishing up his time sharing in a pastors' conference. This church has planted many other churches in areas all over the Kamchatka peninsula - even as far north as you can get only by snowmobile.  These pastors are coming together from all over to share, learn and be encouraged and challenged in their vision together.  It will be an awesome time for them.  For those of you who need a geographical update:

Please remember him in prayer these next three weeks as he helps our brothers and sisters in Christ in this part of our big (yet at times seemingly small) world!

The days leading up to my husband's departure were busy and a trifle bit worrying for me at times.  He, along with my two sons, spent 3 days in the pouring rain much of the time, on my mom's roof replacing it.  The rain, slickness of the incline which was fairly steep, and my three mighty men being up there led to much prayer on their behalf :)  I found out later that my youngest had the experience of accidentally sliding down the roof and being caught by the gutter :(  or the "hand of God" as I prefer to believe!! 

The last day, this same son drove my car back to our hometown to leave for camp.  On his way, he was to stop in Portland and pick up his older sister in the city.  Having never done that 3 hour trip and finding his sister's home (she'd just moved) with a map I'd given him...and his being not quite 17....again the prayers went up!!  As well, he was leaving for camp for a week before I'd returned home.  

My husband was leaving for three weeks and the trip there and back will take 25+ hours of travel and he left very tired and weary....

Culminating my worry...or is it motherly concern?  I get the two mixed up...is one better than the other???  Adding to my "prayer vigil" was my two daughters leaving before I returned, to drive to California for a mini-vacation.  I don't have a problem with driving to L.A....my "concern" lay with they had never done this before and the I-405 was closed and "Carmegeddon" was forecast :)  Ladies...I don't think I am so different than any other mom when her children set out on adventures; I am all for adventure!!  I did it myself when I was 18...set off across the world to Switzerland to begin my life in Youth With A Mission.  Lived in Italy during the campaign of the Red Brigade; spent the summer in Latvia during the fall of communism and lived in Russia when Yeltsin took over, revolution in Moscow when they took over his residence..etc.  So I am all for adventure...when it is me (kidding!).   

But as a mom now, I acknowledge the concern when our children set out to do something they have never done before...and I rest in the security they are in God's Hands :)  I think I am a "normal" mom...well, maybe not so normal at times :) and one thing being a mom accomplishes....becoming a deeper woman of prayer :)

Summing this up...on the night the girls arrived in L.A., I got a text "not an ounce of traffic...we are here!"  My FIRST thought, and I do mean my FIRST was "I LOVE YOU GOD!"  He brought peace to a mom's heart and seriously, I had no concerns the rest of the week.  God is GOOD.  I have lots to pray about in these days, but God always assures me that my children (and my husband thousands of miles away) are in His Hands...the SAFEST and most SECURE place to be!!!

Back to the beginning....a letter I just read again from Ransomed Heart Ministries (John Eldredge)....For us Jesus cannot just be there on Sundays.  He is DAILY BREATH...our LIFE...not just a mere figure of devotion.  John says, "We need Jesus like we need oxygen."  LOVE JESUS each day, each minute, each second.  What jumped out at me is we are to "share life with Him...not just a glimpse now and then at church....not JUST A RARE SIGHTING."

When good things happen (and bad things!!); when we cross paths with the beautiful....say I LOVE YOU JESUS.  What became so incredible to me was getting that text and my first response being I LOVE YOU! That's why John's letter was so personal to me!  I believe if we will make that a "practice" of devotion to Him each day, each time we encounter His goodness....saying "I love you Jesus", our lives will be different. We can't help but be changed!

Like John exampled...when I wake in the morning to sunshine, "I love you Jesus!"; or rain (seriously there are people in other parts of America right now who would do this in a second when the rains came!...us here in Oregon, we will shout it when we see the sun this "summer").  When I look into the faces of my children, "I love you Jesus!".  When I drink that incredible cup of coffee, "I love you Jesus" or eat Italian food,  "I love you Jesus".  When I see that gorgeous sunset "I love you Jesus!".  When I laugh, when I cry, any moment I am able to breathe....JESUS, I LOVE YOU!  As my children all return from their "adventures"  I LOVE YOU JESUS MORE AND MORE EACH DAY!  And yes, even in those times of extreme disappointment and sadness....Jesus is still there; He hasn't changed, though the circumstances and the world around us does constantly....I LOVE YOU JESUS!  

Oh, my....my daughter (who returned late last night) just said "It is so nice to be home."   YES!  I LOVE YOU JESUS!!!

And you know what is so incredible and makes my heart absolutely leap with the most profound JOY???    

HE LOVES US BACK!!

Read More

Busiest Day of His Life

Today is one of those incredibly beautiful and peaceful days when you just want to sit in the sun and enjoy!  I do believe "summer" has finally come to the Pacific Northwest!!  And I am one happy lady!  For those of us here in our little corner of the world, the weather has been a big issue....as my past posts have revealed. So... I grabbed my favorite Book this morning, a cup of coffee and settled myself on our deck to just "be".  I confess...it has been a few days since I have been able to do this.  Well, to be honest...I am able, just caught up in the busy-ness of life that distracts me so often!  My heart was hungry, I was thirsty and my soul was saying....stop and listen and just "be" in His presence.  It was rewarding.


This blog will be short (well, that remains to be seen, or read...)....but oh, how I wanted to share a tidbit.  After some straight to the point revelations concerning an issue in my life....His Word can be so faithful just when I need it. Funny, when we stop to take the time and our hearts are unsettled, He comes to settle with the right Word.  


In moments that followed, I enjoyed a chapter in a book I have been reading "Becoming A Woman of Influence" by Carol Kent (one my favorite authors...you want to be challenged, shaken and changed by the Spirit....read her book "When I  Lay My Isaac Down".  Warning...moms - you will cry your way through this book but it will so challenge you and God will reshape your trust in Him!)  


In the chapter I just finished, she shares about the priority of time alone with God.  In Mark 1:21-34 you witness what could very well be the busiest day in the life of Christ....he preached in the synagogue, he cast out demons, he traveled to Simon's mother-in-law's home, he healed the mother-in-law, he visited with these friends - and I am sure in the mist of all of this, he had meals and shared stories (it was just like Jesus to use the meals and times with friends to share stories with life-changing impact); and then after sunset, the whole town showed up on the doorstep!  Like Carol says....you are almost out of breath thinking of all He did in one day.  And immediately following in verse 35, it says "early the next morning, he went off to a solitary place to pray."  He had a BUSY life, but His priority was to continually meet with the Father.  No matter how busy!  He was energized by spending time with God!


Let's be energized - by the right Source!  Some parts of our summer should  be a time of relaxation, those dog-days of summer (another woman referred to "dawg" days...days alone with God...I LOVE it!).  I don't know about you, but my summer can slip past in so much busy-ness, I wonder where it went! (already we have moved two adult children into new dwellings and a new city for one, sent one off to first camp of summer - fundraisers for those camps, out of town guests and more to come, graduations & parties.....) This month, a roof-repair project, two send-offs - one to camp and Jim back to Russia (more on that later :) and I want to move one child to another room and repaint his room for a guest room ).  I set some "goals" for the summer...I am rearranging those as we speak.  I want some days of "intimate aloneness" with the Father.  Even moments, if not actual "days". That cup of coffee first thing in the morning, alone with the Father, can be a few moments of the breath of God over us.  Although I am planning a day or two at the coast with God...and a couple of very close friends to just enjoy the quiet and share stories, vision, dreams and friendship. 


I want my "energy" to come from the Father.  Ladies, or men if you reading this, whatever busy-ness lies ahead, let's focus our eyes on a very busy man with a very busy day...and His answer, His life Source, was time with the Father.  So, plan those moments...go to the coast.....

Okay...this coast may require an airplane ride....

But find those quiet places to enjoy the friendship of the Father! (Carol mentions in her book that "a solitary place is a state of mind that allows us to listen to God's voice in spite of outward chaos")  Richard Foster in his book "Celebrations of Discipline", says...there will be the freedom to be alone, not in order to be away from people but in order to hear better."  Great quotes with intense meaning!  

No matter where you find that "solitary place" ....in your car amidst the travels or commuting, in that airplane, in your bedroom away from the children, first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening, when all the rest of the family are still in bed.....or at the lake, coast or mountains....breathe in and enjoy His Presence.  

Lastly, some of what I love about summer...

Friends around the fire :)

The fruits of summer...oh yeah!

And my current favorite flower of the season...

I just love these colors...plus I "dream" of Tuscany when I see them :)

Avere una bella estate! (Have a beautiful summer :)

Read More

The Blame Game and My Friends, the Lepers

Sometimes I open the Word and "bam" get hit right away with His Word for me...and it doesn't take rocket science to realize He is saying something.  That bolt of lightening (or revelation) just happened as I perused the words of 2 Kings 6 and 7.


2 Kings 6 is the chapter in the Old Testament where the prophet king of Aram is once again getting too close for comfort to the king of Israel - camping near his turf.  Elisha, the servant and prophet of God, who has the listening ear of the king of Israel, is awakened by his servant one morning to be told they are surrounded by the enemy.  (This was probably before he even had his first cup of coffee!!)  Elisha, in turn, tells his servant to not be afraid..."Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."  Don't you just love it??!!  And Elisha prays for his servant's eyes to be opened to see "those who are with them".  God strikes the Arameans with blindness and Elisha leads them right into the king of Israel's territory.  Then the king of Israel asks Elisha (and this is the part I like) what to do with his enemy...should he kill them?  Elisha basically tells him no, to respond in the "opposite spirit" (the natural way our flesh would respond)...and feed them (a feast it says) and send them on their way.  An opportunity presents itself and God says to do something totally against what our natural mind would perceive.  Hmmm....  the king obeys and the king of Aram leaves and stops harassing the king of Israel.  And all is right with the world...for a moment.


HOWEVER, trouble doesn't stay away for long, and "some time later" that same enemy is back and once again lays siege on the city.  We don't get a lot of "rest" in this battle, do we?  Now, however, the king is quick to blame Elisha for his trouble (vs. 31).  If only he had killed him when he had the chance, this wouldn't be happening (however disobedient to God's command....).  He goes to Elisha to complain and blame.  Do we (I) find ourselves in situations where we did what we knew was obedience to something God told us to do....and the situation only gets worse or doesn't see any improvement at all?  The battle comes back to say fight some more?  My friends, sometimes it takes time to see the blessings of obedience.   Elisha then tells the king, don't worry, by this time tomorrow you will see differently (chpt. 7:1).....(open my eyes, Lord!!)


Then.....and this verse jumps out at us....verse 2....the officer on whose arm "the king was leaning"...says how can this be?  Whoa!  On whose Arm am I leaning??  Do I have voices that say...how can this be...how can God turn this around?  ON WHOSE ARM AM I LEANING??


I'm going to move this quickly now....in a nutshell (read the rest of chapter 7...) 4 lepers (rather dirty people) decide they have nothing to lose and go into the Aramean camp to solve their problem.  The camp is deserted and all the food and plunder left behind (God sent the enemy running!) The lepers begin to gather and decide to inform the royal palace of the unexpected and rather miraculous event. (again the king has a rather difficult time believing and seeing).  But...it happened, the city is rescued.  And the arm on whom the king was leaning is no more.


Do we blame God (really, that is what we tend to do at times) and complain things are not as we thought they would be (even though we were obedient....friends, the battle is not finished yet and the scenario not completed).


Do we lean on an arm of what we "see" rather than on Whom we do not see? 


Are we missing where the blessings might really be....among something dirty or not pleasant that is an unlikely place to see a blessing (the lepers were the least likely to bring good news).  The lepers were the first to be blessed and fed...they had nothing to lose and no expectations but HOPE!  Are we looking in the wrong places for the "blessings"?


Do we need to get off the bench of blame (I trusted You and now look where I am?) and lean on His Arm (Deut. 33:27) and pray "Open my eyes, Lord, so I may see!" (2 Kings 6:17). 


Are you praying for work/jobs in this unstable economy, healing in bodies, unsaved husbands or children no longer walking with Him, believing God for miracles on the battlefield or any number of unthinkable and extremely difficult sieges upon our "city" of life... or simply trusting God for your future?  Lord, help us to see the blessings in all the right places.


My friends, in those circumstances of our lives where we are living faithfully, praying and yet to see.....I pray for OPEN EYES OF OUR SPIRIT TO SEE....Only HE can scatter the enemy and leave the plunder to bless us. 


And an ending note....there were four lepers ...friends...support....grab those friends who can pray and believe with you and TOGETHER you will reap the plunder :) It's more rewarding with friends anyway!  You are not alone in this battle!

Read More

Ode to Rain

I live in the Pacific Northwest and I woke up this morning (again) to another very grey and rainy morning (again).  I will confess....I am very tired of this weather as most of us in the Pacific NW are.  I preface by saying...I am VERY THANKFUL we don't have the tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes (mild ones so far!) and flooding (again fairly mild) that other states have and my heart is often burdened for those who suffer from the devastating effects of their weather.  We pray for them often! So in that my heart is grateful; but my spirit and soul really need some continual sunshine!!!  I can almost hear a resounding "AMEN" from those here in my side of the States!  So after looking out the window and moaning (again), the words "ode to rain" came to me.  Thus....today's blog...


Rain according to Wikipedia is "liquid precipitation as opposed to non-liquid precipitation such as snow, hail & sleet"...I am so glad for the wisdom of Wikipedia :)   Rain is water-saturated air....don't I know it!!


Rain also.....
*gives life to plants, animals, humans - our entire ecological system would die if it were not for rain.
*refreshes the mind and body (we need this in a drought-physically & spiritually)
*gives life to weary souls
*makes children smile and play (remember jumping in puddles...FUN!)
*gives us mud...again FUN!
*entices us to dance and sing.....made for a good movie title anyway :)
*keeps us loving the color green
*comes in a variety of forms...pelting, downpour, showers, that misty, falling rain that can be so delightful
*is romantic...remember all those movie scenes where couples are caught in the rain...I love the gazebo scene in Sound of Music :)
*gives weathermen a job
*substitutes for washing your car
*keeps our food growing and farmers employed, again necessary for life
*gives us beautiful rain forests
*provides the necessary ingredients for those science experiments with your kids
*a nice reprieve when you've had a dry, hot summer
*keeps the umbrella industry in tact (okay...now I am reaching)


Sometimes we just need to look on the bright side (pun intended!) and see the positives.....a pat on the back to me today!!


God is good, He showers down blessings on us daily :)


I WILL remember this!!  And I may go sing, dance or jump in some puddles !


And Mr. Sunshine....I look forward to writing a blog on you very soon!! After all, the first day is summer is only 8 days away and I may throw a party on that day!


For those of you who find yourself a bit disheartened by the weather (and we can definitely be affected by it) and you are still looking for summer to appear, embrace this while we must...

Perhaps go a step further...

And remember, we still have this...

Have an awesome sunshiny day and week, and find some special moments to enjoy God and embrace His goodness in all that awaits you!

A small side note....I don't want to discourage tourism....the Pacific NW is one of the most beautiful places in the world and I love living here...you need to come and visit sometime (just come in July, August or September :)

Read More

It Doesn't Take Much To Move A Feather

I have a habit....I tend to run right into something and say things, often without thinking first (God is tempering me in this :) but today that is what I am about to do in this blog...run right into it.  In doing so, I am borrowing some incredible insight I just read in a "newsletter" from a ministry I deeply respect, "Ransomed Heart".  Many thanks to John for his thoughts in his May letter, as it further confirmed in my own heart what has been a constant thread of concern over the past months.  (If you don't know of this ministry...check it out...


www.RansomedHeart.com. and get their newsletter; each month it is filled with huge boulders of insight (in comparison to nuggets :) and will deeply bless you!


Over my years of ministry and mentoring women, I have tried to convey from my heart the urgent, important, life-saving need of being in the Word and His Truth being our guiding Light.  Nothing else will help us navigate the junk that life throws at us.  During the last year I have read twice "The Divine Mentor" by Wayne Cordeiro and the past six weeks led a small group of women reading, discussing this book as well as sharing from the Word together and what the Master is teaching us.  It has been food to our soul!  (again...read it if you haven't!)


John Eldredge shares about the lack of substance in our souls today; the move towards finding a deeper sense of self, of being.  We engage in an assortment of activities to make an individual statement of who we are, everything from tattooing to a more liturgical church experience....but what we are really doing is reaching for substance and groundedness.  He also shared that while people are moving in that direction, they also are becoming more susceptible to anxiety disorders, mental distresses - being blown by every wind that comes along.  Hence, the phrase IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH TO MOVE A FEATHER !


"Wikipedia" says that "in electrical engineering, ground or earth may be the reference point in an electrical circuit from which other voltages are measured  or a common return path for electrical current, or a direct physical connection to earth/ground.  Oooh, we can take so much from this definition...who is my reference point; who am I directly physically connected to?


John asked, "What are you doing for groundedness?"  My question with that is "Who are we grounded to?"  If I am not connected to my Source....grounded into earth (JESUS),  I will be blown by every wind, tossed by every wave.  


Wikipedia also stated that "being connected to ground is to prevent contact with dangerous voltage".  If I am not connected and grounded in the Word and my relationship with Jesus, I can come into contact and be burnt by some pretty dangerous voltage (that's a word picture!) in this life.


Jesus was a man who was grounded.  Look at His life...he withdrew to spend time with His Father.  He prayed.  He navigated some pretty tough people, crowds and opposition this world threw at Him.  Yes, He was/is God, but when He was flesh, He knew WHO His source was.  I like how John stated from the book of John 8::31-32 , Jesus saying "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."  We like the second half of the verse...we want to be free.  But the first half is the key...the truth doesn't set you free until you know it, hold fast to it and put it into regular practice.  We like to pick and choose our truth. If we are to be grounded, we need to hold to His teaching.  It is the only way. (A study of the Gospels and Jesus' teaching is a real eye-opener....the parables a host of meals to chew on :)


John states that we need to be grounded in the truth (His Word/the Bible) daily. I love the verse from Jeremiah 15:16 "Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart."  He agrees that yes, there are other things we need to do for groundness...cut the insane busy-ness, do not live for tweets, texts, facebook or email (whoa, this will cut to the quick for some of us!).  Here's a challenge to move towards groundedness....let's spend more time cultivating our relationship with the Father and Son, than tweeting, texting, phoning.  These are not "bad"....just can be a major distraction and time-consuming to say the least.  Let's practice some good old solitude and silence with the Father....even for a few minutes each day.


I am preaching to myself here....I want to be grounded, not a feather moved by the slightest wind that comes my way.  I want to be a tree (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8) where my roots go so deep that I am directly grounded - that direct physical connection - to My Father.  I hope and pray you will join me in this :)  (and thank you, John, and Ransomed Heart Ministries for another encouragement in running the race and staying on course!)


P.S.  A side note...in case you were "wondering"...doctor appointment last week and my #'s were down!!!  Yeah!!  Still a ways to go to be where I need to be, but 5 weeks of healthy eating and I am one happy (healthy) lady!!  (and I did make that soup...substituting the fat and cream...and it was DELICIOUS! I'll share my tips on how to knock out fat if you want...this is not a cooking blog, but we are woman2woman and this is important for us :)  

Read More

Sugar-free, Fat-free and JESUS

I must admit, I am a little bit disappointed at the moment....happy, but disappointed.  Let me explain....for the past month I have been rigidly watching what goes in my mouth.  Not dieting, just eating healthy.  The annual doctor visit and lab tests in April delivered shocking numbers and left me in a place of needing to adjust my diet even further than I had done in the past.  For the last year I have deleted a lot of sugar and white flour from my diet, as well as high-fat foods (or so I thought).  Well, I won't drag this out....suffice it to say, I was not eating as healthy as I had convinced myself.  So with a month of being a good girl and keeping a food journal, I am sensing I have done well....a doctor visit just around the corner and encouraged in that there should be some changes in my cholesterol and sugar levels.  I "feel" good, lost some weight in the process and know that at this point in my life, I am on a healthy journey for the long run....


My disappointment arrived this morning when I finally found the recipe of a soup I have been dying to try.....and I discovered I could probably die if I made it.  A cream of asparagus soup made with applewood smoked bacon.  Frying bacon....using the bacon grease as a base and later on adding cream to complete this incredible soup - not to mention the butter-laden bread they tell you to eat with the soup!  My joy at finding the recipe dissipated when I realized "there is no way I can eat this!"  (now, I have been tweaking recipes all month and know that I can make this work...without all the fat and cream).  My thought process, however initially was "why are all the really delicious things so bad for me??"  Hmmm......


Tossing the recipe aside, Bible and coffee mug in hand, I settled in for my time with the Lord....and the Holy Spirit showed up.  Why does sin seem so enticing at the moment....really fun....instant gratification.....yet so bad for us.  (I'm not talking food here, but the analogy is appropriate).   We want to do something or have something that is not in our best interest, but yet we go ahead because we want it now.  We are extremely short-sighted.  In the book of Proverbs, lady Wisdom over and over again calls us from the road of foolishness and beckons us to take the road of wisdom and life.  Yet, so often, the road of foolishness is taken and we pay for it in the long run.  


1 Timothy 4:8 says ....train yourself to be godly.  For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.  Spiritually speaking, if I forsake those things that are not good for me (as delicious as they may seem at the moment) and set my eyes on seeking godliness, righteousness and taking the road of wisdom and life, my long-term outlook has promise....in this life and the life to come.  This encompasses everything from spending time in the Word daily, prayer, my relationships, my tongue - how I talk about people, how I spend my time, honesty/integrity....just reading the book of Proverbs sets out a course to take for our lives.  


If I am short-sighted and want to eat that soup now.....I will pay down the road with my health.  If I am short-sighted and decide to take a detour in my journey with God and pursue something that is not good for me but will give me a measure of "happiness" at the moment.....I will pay in the long run.  I want the JOY, not the momentary happiness.


Oh, how I want to be looking further down that road and not in the moment....making decisions that have eternal ramifications.  Hebrews 12: 1-3 says "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses (cheering us on, yeah!!), let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so EASILY ENTANGLES and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us FIX OUR EYES ON JESUS....."   And the only way, I am going to be able to have the wisdom, strength and grace to run and stay on this road, is by spending time daily with the One who can guide me.  And that, my friend, tastes tastes pretty delicious day to day!!!!!  What He has for us is incomparable to what this earth offers.  I develop a taste for the things of God (just as I develop a taste over time for the sugar-free, non-fat life...our physical body does adjust and you eventually dislike the sugary and fatty foods).  In the same way, the more we spend time pursuing godliness, the more uncomfortable we become with ungodliness in our own lives.


Thank you, Jesus, that not only do I learn something about short-sightedness in my eating habits (by not eating that soup...I will be healthier and my test results will reflect that :), but I also heard from You about looking long-term down that road of life pursuing godliness both in this present life and the life to come!  And that tastes sooooooo good!

Read More