Author: Christi

My husband and I married over 20 years ago on a chilly, rainy, spring day. One year later caught me in a whirlwind as I was celebrating my first wedding anniversary, my first Mother's Day, and my first publication as a freelance writer. The birth of our third child followed a couple months after we celebrated our twins' 3rd birthday. Though a pen has been one of my constant companions, I have not pursued writing professionally due to the monumental task of homemaking and the raising of children. A shout out to my Robert who has been our sole provider while I have had the pleasure and privilege of remaining home with our children to homeschool them. Now, thanks to him, I have the liberty to once again pursue my passion to write and encourage others in written word as we journey with God through life experiences.

Time of Restoration — Unknown

The weather channel said we had a marginal risk of severe weather. The storm came when predicted. It hit hard and fast. It was at suppertime for us. A few minutes before found us scurrying for candles and battery operated lanterns and alternative lights as the sky had grown very dark. The table was mostly set, I was doing a few last minute things, the girls were sitting at the table. When I next looked in, they were standing with strange expressions on their faces. I discovered later that they looked the way they did because of the debris hitting off the dining room window — the window at their backs. Had I not been in the midst of the end of the suppertime shuffle, I would have seen the emergency weather alert on my phone a lot sooner, the one that warned people to get away from windows due to the 80 m.p.h. winds.

The fury of the storm lasted for ten to fifteen minutes. We lost our electric almost from the moment it started, which was kind of bizarre. Normally, the lights flicker first if an outage is on the brink. Not this time. We were out cold. Can’t say I gave it much thought. We have a very good energy provider and our outages rarely last. We blew out the wax candles, placed battery operated candles in the bathrooms and a small battery operated light strand on the banister leading upstairs and went to bed. These things never last long.

I was slightly alarmed to discover our electric had not yet been restored when Bob and I woke to ready him for work. We briefly got into the refrigerator to pack his bucket and make him breakfast. After he left, I went upstairs to use our ancient land line phone to call our electric company and get an update. The phone was dead. That was shocking. That good old standby never failed, not like the cordless phones. I went back to bed. It was dark and I was bewildered. When I rose the second time the girls were awake and had a towel under the refrigerator; not a good sign. I thought of our freezers in the basement; one that contained a lot of farm meats and the other that had frozen produce — the second one was not a big concern to most of my family. My husband, especially, could live without brussel sprouts.

I took my cell phone upstairs and hoped for enough service to call our electric corporation for an update. That’s when it began: “The current expected restoration time is unknown.” That would be our mantra for days.

Instead of focusing on the negative, I listed the things to be thankful for in my journal.

We have not been injured. We have not lost our home or had any property damage.
We have gravity flow water so there was no need to haul water outside of our drinking water. Thank God we could still flush the toilets! (We also have an excellent hot water tank that our energy provider supplied us with years ago. Our water was still hot enough that, used sparingly, we could take a warm, quick shower.)
Our stove runs on propane, not electric, so we could still have hot meals.
It was not peak summer or winter so we could remain relatively comfortable.
Last but not least, my parents who live a mile away and have a different electric company, did not lose their power, thereby making it possible for us to borrow their generator. They were so good to us; providing egg salad sandwiches for one breakfast and Dad bringing us pizza for supper another day.

Despite the generator, there was still a certain amount of stress. Isn’t that the case when our “normal” has been disrupted? All of our needs were met, but life was not “business as usual”. I probably checked at least three times a day for an update but continued to hear: “The current expected restoration time is unknown.” I called less as the days progressed because it was so disheartening to hear. I was grateful to have had the laundry done for the most part before the outage but the hampers were beginning to vomit. And I had to forego using the dishwasher and return to hand washing dishes — one of my very least favorite household chores. It was that chore that tipped the cart during my pregnancy with Rachel and sent me crying outside. Bob bought me the dishwasher shortly after. The clouds parted and the angels sang that day as they shared in my joy.

I got to thinking about how closely related the energy outage is to our spiritual lives. Ever pray about something so intently only to hear “unknown”? I have heard it said that God answers in three ways: Yes, No, Wait. Then Mom made me aware of one that I had not contemplated but it deserves some consideration: Maybe. She had a I-know-everything-Christian argue with her that that is not one of God’s answers. When she explained the situation, it gave me pause to wonder. She had been praying for something and kind of sensed God asking her is she was sure that’s what she wanted. That being said, it wasn’t Yes, No, or Wait; it was Maybe, dependent on, Are you sure that’s what you want? Well, when she returned to her request and looked at it from a different angle, she changed her mind. We’re not puppets, we do have choices.

But that “unknown” message, that’s disheartening. Have you ever felt like you kept seeking and kept getting the same indefinite response? I have. I have just very recently confessed to the LORD that I have been weary in well doing. LORD, I believe, help my unbelief! Sometimes living is so exhausting. But it’s because I make it that way. I loose my grip on the Word and the joyful vision that originally came with it. We must keep the Word stirred and see what it’s creating for us. God created everything that we see with things that we do not see. So we must imitate Him and hold that much is being accomplished in the spiritual realm if we can but BELIEVE, and that we will see it in the physical realm.

My spiritual takeaway during our power outage: For the most part, we kept our spirits up. We kept putting gratitude forward and focusing on what we did have. That made the whole ordeal a lot more bearable and I believe it opened up doors of provision for us. How? My parents did lose their electric for about an hour and a half one night which could have been catastrophic as far as refrigeration is concerned, but God sustained them. We must continue to look unto the hills from where comes our help. And look up, because our redemption draws nigh. We must keep watching and waiting and working until it’s done.

I had gone to bed. We were now moving into the fourth day of no electric. Bob stayed up in expectant anticipation. Rachel, whose room was too warm for her to sleep, joined him in the living room.

“Should we unplug the generator and wrap the cord and flip our house breaker in hopes of our electric coming back?” he asked.

Being exhausted, her response was less than enthusiastic; she just wanted to sleep. Bob continued to watch. Then, about 2 a.m., he saw what he’d been watching for: the outdoor light on the church next door came on. Is it ironic that what alerted him to the return of the power was the church light? He was jubilant, so noisily jubilant in fact, that I was wakened from my slumber upstairs.

Beloved, hold on. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep looking for the time of the precious being fulfilled. Hold on. God will not fail. He doesn’t know how to.

A Mayday Prayer

Mayday is a distress radio signal that is repeated three times. From the research I could find, it came from the French word, m’aides, and means, “Help me!” When a close friend of ours requested prayer for yet another relative, I found myself composing a prayer that I want to share with you. Maybe you are not staring down the barrel of a crisis or treading water in a situation that seems to have no end, but you might know someone who is. If so, this could be the prayer for us to pray in the coming week.

LORD, this is the day that You have made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it. We joy today in Your salvation, the salvation of the whole man — body, soul, and spirit. Sickness, disease, poverty, discord — these things are not of You. We rebuke them in Jesus’ name.

Moreover, we rebuke the fear that holds us captive to the enemy’s wiles. We slam shut the door to it and declare today that by Your stripes we are healed, by Your stripes we were healed; we are the head and not the tail; the fruits of the Spirit grow in us. I speak a refreshing of hope and stability of faith and trust in You to move like a tidal wave into our homes. Let Your words, no doctor prognosis, no bank statements, no condemning words from others, be our guides. You are our saving strength.

We trust that as we humbly commit our affairs to You, that You are working Your best on our behalf. There is such a thing as being stolen from, though. Where the thief has come into play, we speak 7 times restitution and better than we could ever imagine answers to our prayers — gifts that fulfill the desires of our hearts.

Like Joseph, may the things that the devil means to harm, turn into good. May our tests become bondage breaking testimonies that bring life and salvation to all who hear it, especially to the unsaved, especially to our unsaved family. Set them free from the enemy’s grip. Loose them to find You and serve You and LIVE.

We no longer want to mourn and weep over what is happening, but we rather choose to sing and dance over what has already happened. You came to set the captive free. We are free. We fight from the place of victory. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Let our problems become the pulpits from which we preach the Gospel.

Hallelujah! God inhabits the praises of His people. We reflect Your glory now. We bring the sacrifice of praise and offer it to You in advance as we envision Your deliverance. We celebrate the victory provided for us through Christ alone. Praise the LORD!

I hope that you have joined me in this Mayday prayer and that you soon experience a refreshing and sweet fulfillment of the promises that you hold dear.

Be a Mom

If I could tell today’s modern woman any one thing it would be this: if at all possible, be a mom. Please do not forego this sacred calling for careers or selfish gain.

Since my children were young, I taught them to seek the LORD first and foremost. Then I told them to be mindful of their future schooling and careers, to look at their choices through the scope of wanting to be parents (because they want to be), knowing that I did my part in raising them, I will not raise my grandchildren. Love them, support them, give respites, yes, but raise them, no. That is their responsibility … and their privilege.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3 NKJ

I wanted to re-share a poem I submitted in a post several years ago. I wrote this in 2013 and it’s been circling in my mind. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope, where it’s applicable, you will have a

If you are not a mom but have one, birth or otherwise, join me and take some time to thank her. If she wasn’t a stellar role model, than at least she showed you what not to be.

Growing Up

Precious little bundle,

listen to her coo.

First a grunt, then a squint,

now a diaper full of poo. YUCK!

Diapers, bottles,

oh no, the binky’s lost!

Never enough day,

never enough sleep,

I never understood the cost.

Earaches, bellyaches, throwin’ up dinner.

How can I run and run yet I’m never any thinner?

Dirty dishes in the sink,

on the counter, in the tub?!

Dirty clothes and debris everywhere,

now that’s the rub!

Growin’ up on Sonshine,

rooted in the Word.

She’s testing her wings,

he’ll fly like a bird.

Beautiful woman-like creature,

handsome strapping young man.

Couldn’t play that game now,

Catch me if you can . . . if you can.

Now my days are all my own.

No more, “I’m hungry! What’s to eat?”

I finally have my silent nights

with no more bed chat meets.

I had the world and didn’t know it,

precious toddler, growin’ tween.

I had the world and didn’t know it,

time gone’s the fastest thing I’ve seen.

Oh for a sink full of dirty dishes,

clothes to wash piled high like a car.

It’s funny now what my heart wishes.

Funny how a child leaves such a deep mark.

~ Written by Christi Marie

New Life

My friend was heartbroken. The contractors who were building her retaining wall had to remove a bush. It was at least thirty years old, grown from a start from her grandmother’s plant. The men handled it with as much care as they could but drought was against them. When they lifted it from the hole they dug, the earth was so dry that it fell off the roots; not good. They replanted it in another spot, but it looked hopeless. My friend was sure that this lovely bush, one that she could never raise again, was gone. That was last year.

A couple of days ago she was walking about her yard and what did her eyes behold? Green shoots growing out of what looked dead and a few red flowers, sparse though they were, on the bush. “New life,” she said. I could hear the smile in her voice.

When Jesus submitted to the Father’s will and took the cross, it looked like all was lost. The hopes and dreams that the disciples hung on Him were nailed to the cross and perished with Him. Can you imagine their shock? Their horror? Their unbelief? The earth was pulled out from beneath their feet. The breath was sucked out of their lungs.

Then miracle of miracles, Jesus did exactly what He said He would. He rose from the grave and appeared to them.

New life.

That is what the Resurrection season is to those who believe. It is reflecting upon that beautiful root of David, being plucked from an unforgiving earth and planted in a tomb. The unyielding ground is watered with tears as we mourn. It was we who caused the shame and pain of the magnificent Rose of Sharon, the unassuming Lily of the Valley. Sometimes it feels like we sit in the dark, waiting in silence, wondering what just happened and what will be. Like the disciples of old, we cradle our broken hearts as we ponder.

“We must have been mistaken, LORD. We were so sure …”

Then, as winter gives way to spring, the sun shines; His warmth penetrates the ice castles we have built. “He is risen! He is alive!” the glad choir of songbirds sing.

Hope is renewed. Courage takes root. Indeed, we are growing. We are being made whole. We will see His complete will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. The enemy has shrunk and turned and run in terror. God will have His way no matter what it looks like.

I hope that, like me, you are enjoying this Resurrection season and that you are filled with awe and gratitude. God is good.

Coincidentally, my friend says her grandmother called that bush a flame bush. I hope that if you have received the Savior, (and if you haven’t yet), you will follow one of Jesus’ final requests:

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49 KJV

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4 KJV

As if the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus wasn’t enough, He gives us the promise of His Father: the Holy Spirit in us— the means by which we obtain the power to live out our new life in Christ and make disciples. I hope you will join me in receiving this extended precious gift from God above.

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

The Word, the Name, the Seal

“Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews.

“Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring: for the writing which is written in the king’s name, and sealed with the king’s ring, may no man reverse.” Esther 8:7-8 KJV

I have really enjoyed re-reading Esther and took a lot of time to study and meditate and glean as much as I could from it. Perhaps my writing about her encouraged you to revisit the story and mine out revelation for yourself. If so, I’d love for you to share your findings.

Anyway, I like what King Ahasuerus said to Esther and Mordecai: What is written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s ring can not be revoked. Have you a Bible verse, multiple verses, or passages that have been dropped into your spirit? Look again at the power of King Ahasuerus, a mortal man, during his reign. He is no comparison to the King of Kings, but a reflection of the power and authority bought for us through Christ. Think again on the promises that He has given to you; hold them fast to your heart and they will hold fast to you. When weariness and the temptation to quit come knocking, answer with the Word spoken from your lips. Why? Because God is not a man that He should lie, and …

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 KJV

Thinking of petitioning God, made me think of this verse, and that we do not need to fear approaching His throne as Queen Esther did King Ahasuerus in her day:

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 KJV

We have something much better than what King Ahasuerus offered Esther and Mordecai and that was pretty cool. I don’t know about you but I think it’d be great to have a king offer me up to half his kingdom, give me his name, and give me his ring. But wait: He did. In many of the passages pertaining to communion, Jesus says it represents a “new covenant”, sealed with His blood. Only Jesus didn’t stop with half of His kingdom like King Ahasuerus did, no, His sacrifice provides all.

Did you also realize the believer is sealed?

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” Ephesians 1:13 KJV

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30 KJV

Join me today and proclaim:

How wonderful You are, O LORD, for giving us Your Word, Your name, and Your seal. Thank You!

In the House

King Ahasuerus swirled the remains of the wine in his golden, animal shaped vessel before draining it. Satisfied, smile curling his lips, he sat back, hazel eyes twinkling as he observed the rare beauty of his queen. He loved her above all the others. Perhaps even more now that she had exhibited such courage in approaching him without being summoned by him. She was as intriguing as she was beautiful.

The king cast a sidelong glance at Haman, the only other guest save he. Haman wore flowing violet and white robes and a smug expression. The king’s brow furrowed in contemplation as to why she had invited this man to his banquet, both the day before and this; perhaps it was because of his status in the kingdom. His mind circled back around to Esther and her unspoken petition. His thoughts kept returning there since she had risked her life to approach him yesterday.

He was unaware that he had been stroking his wavy, dark beard until he once again cast his eyes upon the young woman who had stolen his heart. He dropped his hand mid-stroke.

“Queen Esther,” he addressed, breaking his rumination, “what is it that you wish? What is your request? Ask and it shall be done for you, up to half of my kingdom!” It was the third time he had spoken to her in this manner. His tone reinforced the sincerity of the promise he made. One eyebrow slightly raised. Did his discriminating eye detect a slight shiver? What was it that perplexed her so?

As if steeling herself, her shoulders squared, her chin slightly tilted up, and she drew a steadying breath. This was the face of the courageous woman that intrigued him.

“If I have found favor in your sight, O King, and if it please the king, I request that you give me my life and the life of my people.”

He sat more upright; his lips slightly parted.

She had his full attention and continued. “I and my people are sold, but not into slavery, for that would not have been worth bothering you. We have been sold, instead, to be destroyed, murdered, and annihilated.”

The king sat forward. Red crept up his neck and met his hairline. “Who is he?” he exploded. “And where is he, that he dares to do such a thing?”

“The adversary and enemy,” she answered, pointing, “is this wicked man, Haman.”

The king nearly toppled the banquet setting at his sudden rising. His full, royal blue and white robes billowed behind him as he stormed from the room to the palace garden. There, he angrily paced, plunging a fist into his other hand. The rings on his fingers clanged and banged as they smacked off one another. Finally, his foot lightened on the ornate stones and he became still. He breathed deeply of the fresh air, ready to return to the room where the banquet was held.

All of the calm he obtained in the garden dissipated when he saw Haman laying across the couch upon which Esther reclined. Of course King Ahasuerus suspected that Haman, the man he had promoted to a position higher than all of the princes who were with him, was groveling, begging the queen for his life, but he had had enough. There is a place where a man’s tolerance no longer exists and Haman had breached it. The king’s chest heaved, veins stood out on his neck and temple, fists were clenched at his sides. His narrowed eyes pierced the despicable man.

“Will he assault the queen while I am in the house?!” he boomed.

His word was all that the alert attendants needed to hear to spring into action. Haman’s face was immediately covered.

“Haman has made gallows at his house for Mordecai (Esther’s relative), who has spoken good on the king’s behalf,” informed Harbonah, one of the chamberlains.

The king did not hesitate. “Hang him there.”

So Haman was hung. Thus the king’s wrath was pacified.

Talk about poetic justice. On this, the second day of the banquet, Haman had to first parade his archenemy, Mordecai, around the town square wearing the king’s finest, mounted on the king’s horse, announcing to all that this was how the king honors someone in whom he delights. To rub salt in the wound, it was Haman’s idea as he wrongfully assumed that it was he that the king wished to honor. That was his morning; his day ended with him swinging.

After the hanging, the king gave Esther Haman’s house who then set Mordecai over it. Long story short, Mordecai got the king’s signet ring, permission to use the king’s name, authority (being only second to the king), fame and respect. He and Esther devised a plan to save their people. Their success was so great, and God’s people so feared, that people converted and joined their side. It was said by Mordecai that the evil Haman devised would be upon his own head and his 10 sons (who were killed in battle) who were also hung for all to see. How’s that for justice?

Jesus took all of our sin and the effects of it on the cross, thus satisfying the wrath of God. Unlike Haman, that was an injustice to the perfect Lamb, the only begotten Son of God. And yet because of His sacrifice, His unfathomable gift to His Father and to us, we can partake of the life He had in heaven — and the one He demonstrated for us while He walked on this earth.

Beloved, do you feel assaulted? in your body? your finances? your emotions? your relationships? IF we have chosen Jesus, then the King is in the house. Pertaining to that, the question King Ahasuerus asked rang in my ears. Will he assault the queen while I am in the house? The revelation brought me to tears.

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19 NKJ

Esther petitioned the king because she belonged to him. More so, she recognized his power and authority. We belong to the greatest One: Creator, Master, King of kings, LORD of lords, and He lives in us.

This is difficult to bring to you today because people are suffering and it is real. I am battling on several fronts and it is real. But this word brought me to happy tears: God is in the house. What I am facing I am not facing alone. My Savior does not sit idly by. He cares for me. If I could but grasp, like Esther, the magnitude of His power and authority and that He gave that to me (Luke 10:19), then the Hamans in my life would be vanquished. Hold on! God is in the house! Please join me in using the authority that the King gave to us.

LORD, I thank You for this Word. I needed reminded that You are in the house, and greater are You who is in me than he that is in the world. Holy Spirit, cause me to be more aware of Your presence, Your gentle nudging, and Your leading. There are battles I am facing today, battles that have already been won through the cross; remind me that I war from the winning side.

I appreciate You and thank You. You have given me Your name and Your authority. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Amen.

Insanity

“For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the Lord: unto whom the Lord sware that he would not shew them the land, which the Lord sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey.” Joshua 5:6

Now that we’re into the third month of 2025, I have a question for you: How are you doing with your New Year resolutions? (That is, if you made some). I think I mentioned in a post some time ago that I quit making them years ago. That doesn’t mean I don’t have goals or things I aspire to, it just means I’m not married to a to-do list. Something happened recently, though, that made me reflect on dreams and our journeys . . .

I was at the sink when one of the girls made this statement: “Lady bugs sure do have sorry little lives, don’t they?”

“What?”

“I’ve been watching this lady bug and all it does is walk in the same circle.”

I turned away from the sink to find all four of us girls watching in silence as a lone lady bug made the same path on the edge of a lid on an empty container. Round and round and round.

Rachel pet it. It dropped to the handle and began its mad march there until it encountered the curve; then it stalled. She pet it and it began again.

“Oh, for crying out loud!” I said. “Put it with the plants.”

I have heard it said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Such as our lady bug friend walking round and round.

Such as the Israelites and their 40 year journey that ought to have been an 11 day trip.

Such as me, literally crying out to the LORD, “When does circling this mountain end?!”

I had given too much power away, thinking as long as others in my life, those I’m closest to, “misbehaved”, I’d have to suffer along with them. To a certain extent, that’s true. Look at Joshua and Caleb; they weren’t in the Promised Land nor could they enter until the disbelieving, disobedient whiners passed. Yet I can follow their example.

I don’t think they disobeyed and gathered too much manna. I don’t think they overindulged on quail. I don’t think they bowed to the graven idol. I imagine they sealed their lips as the people around them complained and wavered and dropped off one by one; but they held the line, continuing to hope. They held to their faith in God. They eventually received the promise.

Like them, I can have peace in this mountain time. I can maintain my faith in God. I can walk in forgiveness, and obedience, and joy. I don’t know how the LORD rectifies the things that break our hearts or redeems time that seems forever lost, but I know that He does, and somehow He will. The things I aspire to may take a little longer, but there are plenty of places I can now begin to trod in freedom, places I couldn’t go before because I was immobilized due to pain and bitterness.

Have you, like me, like Caleb and Joshua, found yourself yearning for advancement but feel somewhat oppressed due to circumstances out of your control? Then join me in giving it all to Jesus. Decide to stay forgiving and cheerful, learn to put off offense immediately so that the LORD can take you where you will let Him. We can be blessed even if those in our circles aren’t themselves conduits for blessing.

It may be a difficult adjustment, and I often return to:

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 KJV

Even if I must break though this cycle incrementally, one tweaked, disciplined thought at a time, one day at time, so be it, at least I have hope that I will get through and I will get to enter the Promised Land.

Let’s pray:

Thank You, LORD, for being a Comforter to me, for mending my broken heart, and restoring hope. Thank You, LORD, for the strength to forgive in the face of pain, to maintain joy in the moments of sorrow, to be still in peace when the tempest rages around me.

Thank You for teaching me when to be silent and when it is beneficial to speak — and to do so in love.

There’s no power like Your power. There’s no way like Your way. There’s no One like You, God, no One but You who gives beauty for ashes. May I be a healed helper, a useful vessel in Your hands, one that brings glory and honor to Your name.

Amen

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3 KJV

The Blessed Giver

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 KJV

or as the New Living Translation words it:

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

Some time ago, Bob had brought in the mail after getting home from work. He walked out to where I was and briefly glanced at each envelope, reading out loud.

“I want your money.” Toss on the table top. “I need your money.” Toss. “I got your money.” Toss. “When’s somebody going to send us some money?” was his disgusted question before he trudged upstairs to change out of his work clothes.

I sighed. I like to give but, sadly, at times I have given because I was moved in my emotions to do so. In those times I usually later regretted giving the amount I gave or giving at all.

I have given reluctantly, thinking, It’s a good cause. Why should I feel resistant about it? That was not the time or place to give either.

Sometimes giving opportunities come unexpectedly, but the opening scripture kind of sounds like more often than not, we know in advance. Thereby, we have the luxury of time to ask for an amount, purpose in our hearts, and give cheerfully. I like those times the best.

Life is full of opportunities to give. And giving is an opportunity. To give is to have our heavenly Father’s nature. I cringe to say it this way, but I’m going to: To give is to get. For quite some time now I have given compliments to strangers. For instance, I was in the post office several years ago and I took notice of the woman waiting on me. I hesitated a little, contemplating our age of sexual anything and everything and what I wanted to say to her; I did not want to be misunderstood. But I felt strongly to tell her what was on my heart.

“I know this might sound strange, especially this day and age, and I’m not trying to be weird about this, but I just want to tell you that you are a very pretty woman.”

It didn’t feel weird. She smiled. “Thank you.”

Not long ago Beth and I were in a small store with a return/exchange. The young woman there was helpful. In fact, it was the same girl I had quizzed once about nail polish. She walked with me to the display and pointed out what she had used, what customers seemed to purchase the most, and what seemed like a good product for the price. Our transaction with her on this day was also a smooth and happy one.

“I just want to tell you,” I said, “you are so helpful and pleasant. I really appreciate that you are pleasant.”

She seemed a little taken aback but continued to smile. “Just doing my job.”

“Not everybody does their job,” I quipped, smiling in return.

After so many years of passing out compliments, I noticed several years ago that strangers were beginning to compliment me. If we are faithful to sow, we will reap.

Yes, I know the scripture pertains to money in particular; many, many scriptures pertain to money, but we can give all sorts of things. It was Jesus Himself who said,

“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

“Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Photo by Sarwer e Kainat Welfare on Pexels.com

“Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

“When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

“Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:34-50 KJV

Food, drink, clothes, shelter, visits — even a kind word waters parched souls, and all of these things are rewarded.

I had just recently solicited help from people Mum had ministered to because she and Dad have found themselves in a rough spot. I drafted the request and sat on it for quite some time because I didn’t want to sound like a beggar, nor did I want to embarrass them. I reasoned within myself that they themselves have always given, even when times were tough. And Mum, being a minister, has been a servant worthy of her hire. When their bank account was hacked, and they had to shut down their coal furnace, (main heat source), and had only a little heating oil during one of our longest, coldest snaps, I decided to send the text — without their knowing.

I had wrestled with it before and questioned it after … until the LORD gave me this scripture:

“Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.” Philippians 4:14

And I also thought of this scripture:

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Proverbs 19:17 KJV

I like this in the NIV:

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,
and he will reward them for what they have done.”

If you strive to be a purposeful, cheerful giver as I have, then I have a blessing to pronounce upon us based on Matthew 5:7. If you have not been a giver, won’t you consider joining me?

“Blessed are we, the merciful, the kind, the compassionate, the sympathetic and sensitive, for we will obtain mercy. May we receive the same tenderness that we have displayed and receive back 100 fold of what we have given.”

Thank you for spending time here with me. I pray your time is multiplied back to you and that you have been blessed by today’s post. I truly hope you soon receive dividends on the good seeds that you have sown. (We’ll pray crop failure on the rest 🙂 ).

May God richly bless you.

In closing, a scripture and a song:

“May the Lord give you increase more and more,
You and your children.
May you be blessed by the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 115:14-15 NKJV

Reach Out

I woke with a chorus I remember from what feels like a lifetime ago, Reach Out and Touch the LORD. I’ve closed this post with it.

Then I thought of a portion of scripture from Mark 6.

⁴⁵And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

⁴⁶And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

⁴⁷And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

⁴⁸And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

Jesus had compelled them to go to the other side. And there they were, on what was normally a two hour trip, still fighting the elements, when Jesus came walking on the water to them somewhere between 3-6 a.m. Now if I had left at sundown as they had, and still found myself straining for all I was worth, I will confess that I might have turned around and went back to shore. It is to their credit that they toiled and fought with all their might to get to where Jesus told them to go. He gave them an edict and they would fulfill it come hell or high water.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? You know that you know that you know that you are doing the will of God yet you find yourself in the center of a tempest. Consider again Mary, mother of Jesus. Mary was highly favored by God and yet look at the price she paid to fulfill His calling and purpose for her life. Favor is expensive. Favor is given because we say yes to Jesus and sometimes saying yes to Jesus again will cost the favor we just obtained. Add to that, not everyone is happy with God showing us favor.

The disciples were favored. They were handpicked by Jesus. They were His closest friends. And being such put them in some awkward places and positions. This, in the middle of the Sea of Galilee, is one of them. How favored do you think they felt in that moment? Were they glad to be chosen by Him? Apparently they knew He loved them, and they in turn loved Him enough to continue to struggle to do His will, but that didn’t make their mission easy.

And where was Jesus? He wasn’t at the Ritz; He went to a mountain to pray. He was outdoors, same as the disciples. He knew what was going on and He was responsible for them being where they were. Why did He take so long going to them? I don’t know. Maybe He was hoping they’d take courage since they had just witnessed the miraculous feeding of the 5,000. Besides that, He had stilled the storm in Mark 4:35-41. Maybe He hoped they’d remember that and draw strength from it, and trust that He would deliver them. Eventually, He did go to them, and though it probably felt like an eternity to the disciples, He wasn’t late.

“…and would have passed by them.”

Why? I don’t know. Again, perhaps it was a testing of their faith. God answers prayer and He’s entitled to answer prayer anyway He sees fit. In this case, they were tested again because they thought what they were seeing was a spirit on the water and it only added to their consternation. When we are in the midst of the tempest, and we are trusting the LORD to answer our prayers, are we willing to be humble enough to let Him answer as He sees fit? We must continue to look for Him in our midst. He is greater than the thing that threatens to drown us but He won’t force Himself on us. Will we recognize Him when He comes and call out to Him? You know, there were times when Bob was angry with me for not helping him with ________, fill in the blank. I told him I would have helped had I known but I’m not a mind reader — all he had to do was ask.

Maybe you are in “that place”. You know that you are the favored of God. You are doing His bidding. Then out of nowhere, there it is, the tempest. Will you continue to look for Him and call out to Him when He comes?

Mark 6:

⁵³And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.

⁵⁴And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,

⁵⁵And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

⁵⁶And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

Is the struggle worth it? Is it worth it to continue to trust the LORD? Is it worth it to continue to look for Jesus in the midst of us, even if His way be unfamiliar to us? Ask Jesus: He sent the disciples on what appeared to be an impossible mission and then showed up. Ask the disciples: they experienced His salvation and deliverance. Ask the people who were on the other side: they were made whole. The struggles we face, and the victories that come after, are meant to be like stones in a pond; they are meant to ripple. They are meant to encourage others who are in the tempest to trust Jesus, to continue to look for Him, to cry out to Him, and ultimately get to the other side so wholeness is multiplied again and again and again.

Thou highly favored one, will you join me in peering beyond the tempest to look for our Deliverer? To see what magnificent way He will come? To call out to Him? To be saved? To spread the Word to others so that when we have reached the other side they may be made whole? I hope so.

LORD, there are readers hurting today. The tempest is threatening to swallow some of them whole; may they continue to look for You. There are others still who see You but don’t recognize You beyond their preconceived notions as to how You will answer; may they humble themselves and may You give them eyes to see. There are those who are afraid to cry out; help them find their voice in their time of need. There are those still who are on the other side; may they share their miracle with others so that when they come to Jesus they may be made whole .

We need You, Jesus, in all stages and all phases. May we never forget that. And may You be glorified. Amen.

Dream a Little Dream

One of my closest friends called me for a long and rare Friday evening phone call because she wanted to talk to me about a dream. “You know me, Chris, I don’t dream, so I’m thinking there’s something to this,” is basically what she said. I agreed with her but didn’t have much insight that evening.

See, the life wasn’t sucked out of me per se, but my world sure did go tilt in June of 2024. Dad had a heart attack and triple by-pass surgery. All of the medical staff involved was encouraged because Dad was active and healthy. With all of the glowing reports prior and post surgery, the speed bumps in his recovery process have sent us sideways. A snapshot of how this affected me is reflected in my journal. Me, a normally avid writer, especially in my journal, wrote nearly as many pages in one month prior to the heart attack as I did in six months following the heart attack. As a matter of fact, my last entry for 2024 was in the beginning of November and I literally left a sentence unfinished.

When my friend told me her dream I was a little envious and felt like I was re-entering a realm of by-gone days. I haven’t only been slack where writing is concerned but I haven’t been having the best of sleeps let alone dreaming as I once did either. I miss having dreams and what the LORD speaks to me through them. When I was still single I had a very brief dream about meeting a young man that was interested in me; I was warned to not go along with him. There was a couple I babysat for who introduced me to that young man, hoping to make a match for me! Because I had been forewarned I knew not to pursue a relationship with him. So, whatever you do, I implore you to not immediately label a dream as a “pizza dream”, or something created by your own soul, until you’ve asked the LORD about it. If you get no answer straightway, at least temporarily bank it; the meaning of it might show at a later time. I’ve had that happen to me as well.

It could not have been coincidence that I had been thinking about dreams in general (and my lack thereof) and then my friend’s phone call. It also couldn’t be coincidence that these scripture verses have been trotting through my mind lately:

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

“And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.” Joel 2:28-29 and is repeated in Acts 2:17-18.

I can’t recall if it was that night or the next morning that I suggested to my friend that she pray about the dream and see if God might be opening revelation up to her and leading her into the prophetic by this avenue. But not just her. Was the LORD turning my mind, and wanting to draw others as well into this mode of communication? Sure enough I came across a message a couple of days later that confirmed my thoughts. See there? Even when I felt I was in an abyss God was speaking to me! There’s hope for us who feel in a whirl right now.

The minister referred to this scripture:

“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7

Before God does a new thing He speaks to His prophets. The minister qualified this by saying that the bulk of what he was particularly addressing did not necessarily refer to the office of a prophet, but the believer. That simply means we are able to hear, dream, and perceive what God is saying and doing; that is the heart of a prophet and that is what God would desire for all of us. All we need do is say, “Yes” — that invites His voice. Now, lest you fear the office of prophet is being downgraded, I assure you that it is not. I stand in agreement with the minister when he said, “Our ability to hear from God doesn’t replace the prophet. And the prophet doesn’t replace our need to hear from God.”

I also agree with the minister that there is a shift in seasons and this particular method of communication between the LORD and us is going to amp up. He believes that we are in a block of time where there will be unusual breakthroughs in every area that we can think of. I agree with that as well. Dreams from the LORD must not negate what we hear from God while we are awake, but they could go a long way to preparing us, directing us, and answering us as to what lay ahead. That being said, are you willing to join me and move into the arena of dreams?

Dear LORD,

You say that You give Your beloved sleep (Psalm 127:2). You also say that You are the Giver of witty inventions (Proverbs 8:12). You say You speak in dreams and visions, You warn us, turn us from wrong, keep us from pride, and protect us from the grave while we sleep (Job 33:15-18). I believe Your Word.

I say “Yes” to You, to hearing Your voice in this capacity. I commit my sleep time to You. When I dream, I trust You to help me discern between “pizza dreams”, my own thoughts, Your communication, and the enemy should he intrude on this sacred time, this gift from You. And I trust You to help me remember what You are speaking to me. As a token of my sincerity in this endeavor, I will keep a notebook and pen by my bed to record what You bring to me through the night. (Oh God, for strength to be awake long enough to record Your words! 😉 )

Thank You for sleep, and thank You for desiring to communicate with me this way. I desire it as well.

Amen.