March 31, 2017 – Connection

Siblings . . . sharing a little soul.

Today, as you sit by a friend or walk past a stranger, glance up, if only for a moment. For this fleeting second look into the eyes of the other and, then, offer a smile. You may learn more about this person and more about yourself in this small encounter than you could ever imagine. For you have just shared a little of your soul with another. This is priceless. This is life.

I have made you a light to the nations, so that my salvation may reach the remotest parts of the earth. – Acts 12:47b

March 30, 2017 - Miracle

Photo by Brittanie Kinch, Curator

There is nothing more profound than that moment in your search for the meaning of life, when you realize that “you” are the miracle.

 

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. – Psalm 139:14

March 29, 2017 – Glory

Who would have thought!!??

I'm a relic in a museum.

A picture of me working on one of my hubby's old Chevy's

is on the wall of the Peterson Automotive Museum in

Los Angeles, CA,  commemorating "Man's ongoing love with

the automobile!" We never know how God will use us!

In everything you touch today, remember that the hand you touch things with was made by God. Bring glory to those moments by praising God for all feeling, seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, The innermost parts of our being were equipped by God to bring us closer to His beauty, to hear His melody, smell His fragrance and create pleasure and desire for Him and all the gifts He brings. In all things we do and dream, let us give glory to the Father who made us.

1 Corinthians 6:20 - you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

 

March 28, 2017 – Stop

Yes, we know God can; but why would He would want to? If He wants to; would helping me hurt someone else? Am I less loved because he healed another and not me? When we find ourselves questioning God's motives, stop; for in all probability, we will never find the answers while we are still on this earth. Place your thoughts into actions and step out in faith. Let yourself become His hands to help another; His heart to love your neighbor; and His voice to speak for the oppressed. Trust His Plan in the moments before you and find the peace that surpasses all understanding.   

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7

March 27, 2017 - Sacrifice

My Jenni's wedding

Jesus' sacrifice for us began long before His death. From the moment of His conception, He humbled Himself and made Himself obedient to man. He Above All Things, grew in submission to his earthly parents, setting the stage for His ultimate submission to God, The Father. Deferring to Mary at the Wedding of Cana exemplifies Christ’s devotion to our Heavenly Father in honoring the 3rd Commandment: "honor your father and mother". As we choose our path each day, let us put aside all pride and self-need, remembering the example of Jesus and how every breath He took, brought glory to God.

And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." John 2:4-5

March 26, 2017 – Control

It is not giving up candy for Lent that makes us a better Christian. It is the fact that giving up something we love, and crave, strengthens our self-control. Learning to control our physical desires is an integral part in learning to control our emotional and spiritual natures. Choosing to leave behind our own pursuits, frees us to be ready when God calls us to His.

…”if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the LORD, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” The mouth of the LORD has spoken. - Isaiah 58:13-14

March 25, 2017 – Tempt

How many times a day do I tempt God? I ask for Him to show me the way. But am I seeking an outward sign or an inner peace? God has given us a sign that all is right with the world. His son was born of a virgin and gave His life for us. Let us rejoice in this Grace and glorify God’s name in our peace and hope.

 

The Lord will give you a sign in any case: It is this: the young woman is with child and will give birth to a son whom she will call Immanuel. – Isaiah 7:14

March 24, 2017 – Responsibility

Our Heavenly Father works with us to grow us, allowing plenty of moments for us to stand on our own feet as responsible people of purpose.  For those who cry out His Name, He becomes our strength, our wisdom, our discernment and our will.  Moreover, He becomes our hands, minds, feet, and our being.  The verse says God works WITH those to bring goodness, not FOR us.  We must work toward resolving a problem; never sitting back and waiting for the solution to come from another.  We have a job to do; and with God beside us, we will be successful.

We all are well aware that God works with those who love him, those who have been called in accordance with his purpose, and turns everything to their good. - Romans 8:28

March 23, 2017 - Our Best

We are a far cry from perfect; yet if we give our best and follow through with hearts focused, sincere and compassionate, we can rest in knowing that all is unfolding as it should.  May your heart be filled with the hope of God's promises as you make today the best it can be.

Can a mortal seem upright to God, would anybody seem pure in the presence of his Maker? - Job 4:17

March 22, 2017 - Rest

Did you know your body can go longer without food than it can without rest? A mind deprived of sleep is not as sharp. One cannot think clearly or process answers readily. We think on the surface, too tired for deep contemplation. When we are exhausted or fatigued, Satan becomes alert. He sees us grow weary in our routine and prods us with thoughts of monotony and tedium, standing ready to attack. It is our duty to seek the rest we need, physically and spiritually. Make the time to withdraw from the day to day, if only for a moment. Stepping away to spend time with your Heavenly Father will quiet your mind, refresh your spirit, and replenish your soul.

 

So they went off in the boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. - Mark 6:32

March 21, 2017 - Wow

Base of the Wrigley Memorial

at Catalina Islands

There are moments in everyone's life when God shares a little bit more of Himself with us.  Those times when we actually "get it".  The moments when something happens so out of the norm, that it is unexplained by anything else but the hand of God. In these wow moments are our mountains.  We stand high and awed, totally enamored with life.  But, the reality is, we must come down from this mountain.  We must take the strength, the peace, the renewed sense of joy, and make the journey back down into the valley.  We have work to do.  God's kingdom needs built and more mountains need conquered.  When you find yourself in that valley, remember the mountain, don't just stand gazing at it, wishing you were on top again.  Roll up your sleeves.  Pick up your tools and start the climb.  And make certain, that you grab a friend or two to make the journey with you.

Be vigilant, stay firm in the faith, be brave and strong.  Let everything you do be done in love. - 1 Corinthians 16:13,14

March 20, 2017 – Growth

A small child grows in stages. Her first challenge is to reach the top of the table stretched to her full length, reaching and grasping for the unknown items in her path. Soon the table is a mere obstacle easily skirted around, and as she grows into maturity, she gains the strength and wisdom to easily move the table completely from his path.  Whenever we face obstacles in our life, we must look at them through the eyes of a child. The table never became smaller; the child grew.  When we put our trust in God, growing in His faith, we become larger and stronger and wiser than any obstacle, and we will move mountains.

If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. - Matthew 17:20

March 19, 2017 - Disappointment

When someone disappoints you, remember, we have a great God holding all of us, including the one who caused us pain. Remembering to keep the situation His and not our own brings strength to stay focused on goodness and not allow evil to rule. In Him, we respond in the correct Spirit, anger subsides, and we turn from pain to joy. Without Him, disappointment can turn to tragedy. Let us strive for forgiveness and harmony and pray that we all may rest in God's mercy.

Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven. – Luke 6:36-37

March 18, 2017 - Broadminded

One Mile Water Station

Steps for Students 2016

Thanks to those who showed us

how to do it!

When we limit our thinking to our own ideas, we often miss the mark.  A grumble, complaint, or merely a suggestion from another can be misconstrued as a direct hit against our selves. By stepping back and looking at the big picture, we more readily see the situation from the other's eyes.  Knowing the whole truth and acting with the compassion and discretion of God's Holy Spirit, we can all work together to bring goodness to every moment.

So Jesus called them to him and said to them, 'You know that among the gentiles those they call their rulers, lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt.  Among you this is not to happen. No, anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all.' - Mark 10:42-44

March 17, 2017 - Relationship

How does one keep God daily in our lives?  We must keep ourselves daily in God.  God graces us with talents and abilities for our daily lives.  However, without a daily prayer routine, even these daily tasks become frustrating and unfruitful. When a desperate father brought his possessed son to Jesus' disciples, the disciples were bothered to find they could not perform a task that at other times came readily to them.  When they approached Jesus with "why", He told them this sort of thing can only be done through prayer.  We must never become so confident of our abilities that we forget who has graced us with these gifts. Spend time daily with your Lord building a relationship of love and trust, and all things will be possible through Him.

'If you can!' retorted Jesus. 'Everything is possible for one who has faith.' - Mark 9:24a

March 16, 2017 - Regret

Regret is so hard to swallow. It interferes with sleep, confidence, and trust. But how do you bring it under control, especially when you have hurt another’s feeling through trying to do the right thing? Hindsight says, “You should have covered your words with prayer”. True; and the reality is, it is never too late to seek God’s intervention. He Is, He Was, and He Will Be. God was present when you spoke and He is holding the moment now. Take your cares to God's altar. Ask your Lord to cover your words with His love and soften the hearts of all concerned. Seek forgiveness for yourself and pray for those involved. Let Him open the door of reconciliation and be prepared to give yourself to His bidding. He will guide and keep you through it all.

For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. – 2 Corinthians 7:10

March 15, 2017 - Transparent

Look at the shadow cast by the bird.

Do you see the angel?

Not shown in this cropping is my

daughter who has just emerged

from her 4 day hike of the

Grand Canyon. Her patron saint

is St. Michael the Archangel.

Who do people see when they see you? A genuine person, of whom there is no duplicity; or are you hiding your true feelings, sometimes so well you even hide them from yourself? Our culture teaches us to please those around us. We struggle to prove ourselves to family, co-workers, and friends. So much of our day is given in order to live up to other’s expectations. Yet, when you place yourself before God in contrite prayer, He becomes the strength that inspires you to be yourself. It sometimes takes time, but once you trust the contentment He brings, you will give joyful thanks for the “you” He has created and relish a day of personal achievements accomplished for the Glory of God.

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ;- Philippians 1:9-10

March 13, 2017 - Encouragement

The little things really add up: a card in the mail saying, “thinking of you”; a fist bump from the waiter; an email simply stating “you’re doing a great job”. Lending encouragement through acts of kindness makes every moment special. When we take the time to share mercy through small steps, God increases our gifts in wonderful ways.

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

March 12, 2017 – Impossible

Because of Christ, even the impossible can happen. In Isaiah, 49:8-15, God sings in triumph for His Son's passion. Because of Jesus, even people from the most unlikely walks of life will be saved. Our God, Himself, sings of Syene, the place in Egypt where God's fallen people sculpted false gods and goddesses from the syenite rocks to later become the site of the largest Christian church in Egypt. "People will come from near and far, east and west and even Syene." He rejoiced that those from a cursed and forgotten land would now be able to come back to Him. When life seems impossible, remember that our God still sings. Raise your voice to join Him and have faith that He will prevail.

Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you. - Isaiah 49:1

March 11, 2017 – Ask

Sometimes we are so busy trying to do the right thing, we forget to stop and ask God just what it is He wants us to do.
For You, O Lord GOD, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever. – 2 Samuel 7:29b

March 10, 2017 - Assurance

If the path before us seems troubled and uncertain, perhaps we are standing in God's way. Whenever God goes before us, His light obliterates all shadows and our path is filled with assurance, purpose, and hope.

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned. - Matthew 4:16

March 9, 2017 - Centered

Some days there are so many distractions in my day that it is hard to focus on the task at hand. It seems as if noise attracts noise, and soon all I hear is just the noise and not the purpose. This is the time I like to step back and evaluate myself. Am I reacting as Christ would? Is there something to learn from the interruption? How can I apply the interruption to my day? When I take the time to center myself with the Holy Spirit, I can more readily sort and prioritize my tasks. In keeping my focus on Christ, I will set myself up for success.

"But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you.' – Jeremiah 7:23

March 8, 2017 - Freedom

We will never be truly satisfied until we yearn to be like God. Until we think with His mind, help with His hands, and love with His heart, we cannot be complete. Surrender to God and discover a life of freedom.

You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength. – Psalm 31:4

March 7, 2017 – Happy

Some days, “happy” is a lot easier to choose than others. Counting our blessings surely helps, but it is not until we give away our sorrow, that we can begin to heal. When you give your pain to God, do not take it back. It is His. Once given, you will be ready to receive His beautiful gift in return, the joy of mercy and hope.

In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider-- God has made the one as well as the other So that man will not discover anything that will be after him. – Ecclesiastes 7:14

March 6, 2017 - Word

I have a to do an action items list that spans over 30 pages of notes.  These notes are just the surface.  Beyond each prompt, lies an action that has to be completed in order for the project to be successful. To move forward, I have to do more than just read the notes, I have to react, respond, and physically complete the task. If I omit any part, the projected result is substandard at least, and possibly even a failure. God sends us multiple pages of notes and prompts: His Word given as Scripture. These notes for our life mean nothing unless we read through them, respond in prayer, and take action to make a difference in God's Kingdom. God has taken the first initiative, it is our turn now. In His Word, we will find success.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

March 5, 2017 - Son-shine

The sun is finally shining where I am, albeit only 18 degrees. I miss my warmer climate and will be happy when we return. Each of us throughout the world  experience different climates throughout our lives. Some days the path ahead is clear and welcoming. Others, we must buffer ourselves to the elements. In all moments, we must remember that the light of our savior is always shining. And, once the clouds roll away, we will be able to see where He was the buffer that placed His power before us. He is our strength. He is our shield. Let us rest in the light of His mercy.

The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds' feet, And makes me walk on my high places. – Habakkuk 3:19a

March 4, 2017 - Joy

Life can seem hard and unfair, but the reality is that within every tough time you spend lies a measure of joy. God’s presence never waivers. He is always by your side holding onto the moment.  Let the joy of faith and hope prevail. Cling to your God and find peace.

Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up. - James 4:10

March 3, 2017 - Waiting

Our automatic world provides us with instant results. We come to rely on information at our fingertips, travel at jet speed, fast food, and quick turnarounds. In our busy lIfestyles, these can be true time savers. But what happens when the gridlock of life often sneaks in and catches us unaware? When forward motion comes to a crawl, we grumble or blame. Panic or depression often sets in.  But the truth is, God is and has always been in control. He knew this moment before it happened and is already holding you at the end. Place your moment in His hands. Waiting on God will bring you the peace to fully discern where He is leading you, the faith to know He is in control, and the courage to move ahead in confidence and hope.

Every work which he began in the service of the house of God in law and in commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered. – 2 Corinthians 31:21

March 2, 2017 - Hard

It is hard to do things when you don’t feel well. Not only do you find limits in physical endeavors, you also are impacted mentally and socially.  There are many ways to not feel well other than illness. Any form of stress of obstacle to our day becomes a true test of our character. When you find stress impacting your moment, step back and let God take control. Let go of your expectations and go where He is leading. Experience His Grace as He heals you in mind, body and spirit.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

March 1, 2017 - Wow

There are moments in everyone's life when God shares a little bit more of Himself with us.  Those times when we actually "get it".  The moments when something happens so out of the norm, that it is unexplained by anything else but the hand of God. In these wow moments are our mountains.  We stand high and awed, totally enamored with life.  But, the reality is, we must come down from this mountain.  We must take the strength, the peace, the renewed sense of joy, and make the journey back down into the valley.  We have work to do.  God's kingdom needs built and more mountains need conquered.  When you find yourself in that valley, remember the mountain, don't just stand gazing at it, wishing you were on top again.  Roll up your sleeves.  Pick up your tools and start the climb.  And make certain, that you grab a friend or two to make the journey with you.

Be vigilant, stay firm in the faith, be brave and strong.  Let everything you do be done in love. 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14