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I got a bigger dog. Male. Eighteen months.
Otis is nothing that I asked for
and everything I need.
Here's to God saying NO! because He knows me better than I do! Whoop whoop!
GOD ROX!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
I Thank God He Gives Me What I Need and Not What I Want
I shopped for a dog for many months. I knew exactly what I wanted: Smaller dog. Female. Three years or older.
I got a bigger dog. Male. Eighteen months.
Otis is nothing that I asked for
and everything I need.
Here's to God saying NO! because He knows me better than I do! Whoop whoop!
GOD ROX!
I got a bigger dog. Male. Eighteen months.
Otis is nothing that I asked for
and everything I need.
Here's to God saying NO! because He knows me better than I do! Whoop whoop!
GOD ROX!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Bait Dogs & The Cross
One week ago, we adopted Otis from the local Humane Society. Later, I noticed a tiny green line tattooed on his belly. Several people told me he'd been marked as a Bait Dog.
Bait Dog? I had no idea what that meant, so I researched it. People who want to teach aggressive dogs how to hone their skills at mauling and killing take bait dogs, duct tape their mouths shut (to protect the aggressive dogs from injury) and tie this dog to a pole on a short leash. Then the aggressive dogs are set loose to tear up the bait dog. Yes - tear up. Few bait dogs survive the experience and those that do would probably be better off dead.
Every time I look into the gentle eyes of my Otis, I see submissive love with a huge desire to please. Perfect qualities for a bait dog. When I see the tattoo on his belly, I think of the overwhelming injustice and cruelty that takes place on our planet every second of every day.
Children exploited in sex trade. Children raped by family members. Babies aborted. Elderly slapped around, and in parts of the world where it's legal, euthanized without their permission.
Evil pervades our planet. And yet we are taught unless we believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins we will burn in hell forever.
First, I know the Bible fairly well and I can't find any verse that states that exact thought. The goal of "going to heaven" isn't a concept I can find in the Bible.
Second, take Lydia (a fictitious person). She is born into a single parent home. Her mother's boyfriends routinely abuse and rape her from the time of her toddlerhood until she runs away at 14.
The people at her mother's church tell her God loves her.
Really? Then why doesn't he stop my hell?
On the streets, she gets hooked on drugs, the only thing that blocks the hell of her past, even if only for a few hours. She OD's at 22 and dies.
Now, is God going to roast her forever in the lake of fire because she 'turned her back on him'? What kind of a God would create humans with free will, knowing that decision would unleash unfathomable cruelty in his creation and then consign the vast majority to everlasting torment?
Salvation must be much, much bigger, vaster than our trite little doctrines. Believe Jesus died for you to go to heaven. Don't and you go to hell. I've observed that those who hold so firmly to that doctrine are already "in" and true compassion for the "outs" cannot exist in this mindset.
The grace of God has dawned upon the world with healing for ALL mankind. Titus 2:12
As in Adam all men die, so in Christ ALL will be brought to life; but each IN HIS OWN PROPER PLACE. 1 Corinthians 15:22.
God's salvation is as vast as God. Let's stop cheapening it with such a tiny interpretation: heaven vs. hell.
Bait Dog? I had no idea what that meant, so I researched it. People who want to teach aggressive dogs how to hone their skills at mauling and killing take bait dogs, duct tape their mouths shut (to protect the aggressive dogs from injury) and tie this dog to a pole on a short leash. Then the aggressive dogs are set loose to tear up the bait dog. Yes - tear up. Few bait dogs survive the experience and those that do would probably be better off dead.
Every time I look into the gentle eyes of my Otis, I see submissive love with a huge desire to please. Perfect qualities for a bait dog. When I see the tattoo on his belly, I think of the overwhelming injustice and cruelty that takes place on our planet every second of every day.
Children exploited in sex trade. Children raped by family members. Babies aborted. Elderly slapped around, and in parts of the world where it's legal, euthanized without their permission.
Evil pervades our planet. And yet we are taught unless we believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins we will burn in hell forever.
First, I know the Bible fairly well and I can't find any verse that states that exact thought. The goal of "going to heaven" isn't a concept I can find in the Bible.
Second, take Lydia (a fictitious person). She is born into a single parent home. Her mother's boyfriends routinely abuse and rape her from the time of her toddlerhood until she runs away at 14.
The people at her mother's church tell her God loves her.
Really? Then why doesn't he stop my hell?
On the streets, she gets hooked on drugs, the only thing that blocks the hell of her past, even if only for a few hours. She OD's at 22 and dies.
Now, is God going to roast her forever in the lake of fire because she 'turned her back on him'? What kind of a God would create humans with free will, knowing that decision would unleash unfathomable cruelty in his creation and then consign the vast majority to everlasting torment?
Salvation must be much, much bigger, vaster than our trite little doctrines. Believe Jesus died for you to go to heaven. Don't and you go to hell. I've observed that those who hold so firmly to that doctrine are already "in" and true compassion for the "outs" cannot exist in this mindset.
The grace of God has dawned upon the world with healing for ALL mankind. Titus 2:12
As in Adam all men die, so in Christ ALL will be brought to life; but each IN HIS OWN PROPER PLACE. 1 Corinthians 15:22.
God's salvation is as vast as God. Let's stop cheapening it with such a tiny interpretation: heaven vs. hell.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
No Power Over Me
Pilate informed Jesus that he could kill him or spare him. Jesus answered, "The only power you have over me is the power given to you by God."
The same is true in my life. The enemy must seek God's permission to harm me (Read Job 1). And, when God does grant permission, he also give parameters that must be obeyed.
Yesterday, I almost lost my dog. He's still a puppy at 18 months. When I opened the door, next to a four lane highway, his exuberance pushed me and him out of the car. He loped around the small lawn at the bank, just ahead of my grasp. I had put his leash on at the house and tried to step on it to halt his carefree romp. Next, he bounced onto the highway. I glanced left and right. Cars approached about a block away in both directions. I dashed into the street after him, finally stopping his joy-romp. All the cars had slowed when they saw the crazy woman running after her dog.
A few hours later, Bob and I were less than 2 miles from home when a tire blew on his Mini Couper. The car instantly spun out of control and we shot across the street backwards, down an embankment about 5' deep, hit another embankment, and slid into the ditch just the width of the Mini. All I can remember is screaming, "O GOD!" three times and briefly wondering how bad we'd be hurt when the car stopped.
The enemy can try to take me out, but he can go only as far as Papa God has granted him permission. Neither Bob nor I suffered any injury and the Mini only a dent in the rear bumper and minor damage to the bottom of the front bumper. Scared? Yes. But never abandoned.
My life could have ended on New Years Eve, 2013. But it didn't because God orders my steps. God holds the day of my departure in his hand and that brings great security to my heart because:
He who calls you is to be trusted. 1 Thessalonians 5:24
How I love my Faithful Forever Friend!
The same is true in my life. The enemy must seek God's permission to harm me (Read Job 1). And, when God does grant permission, he also give parameters that must be obeyed.
Yesterday, I almost lost my dog. He's still a puppy at 18 months. When I opened the door, next to a four lane highway, his exuberance pushed me and him out of the car. He loped around the small lawn at the bank, just ahead of my grasp. I had put his leash on at the house and tried to step on it to halt his carefree romp. Next, he bounced onto the highway. I glanced left and right. Cars approached about a block away in both directions. I dashed into the street after him, finally stopping his joy-romp. All the cars had slowed when they saw the crazy woman running after her dog.
A few hours later, Bob and I were less than 2 miles from home when a tire blew on his Mini Couper. The car instantly spun out of control and we shot across the street backwards, down an embankment about 5' deep, hit another embankment, and slid into the ditch just the width of the Mini. All I can remember is screaming, "O GOD!" three times and briefly wondering how bad we'd be hurt when the car stopped.
The enemy can try to take me out, but he can go only as far as Papa God has granted him permission. Neither Bob nor I suffered any injury and the Mini only a dent in the rear bumper and minor damage to the bottom of the front bumper. Scared? Yes. But never abandoned.
My life could have ended on New Years Eve, 2013. But it didn't because God orders my steps. God holds the day of my departure in his hand and that brings great security to my heart because:
He who calls you is to be trusted. 1 Thessalonians 5:24
How I love my Faithful Forever Friend!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Reflections
Some people take time to reflect on the past year as we enter a new one. Every year has 365 days, and yet only a few events will remain in the memory as time marches on.
For me, 2013 became a year of loss when my mom died, bringing me face to face with my own mortality. I have only one uncle and one aunt yet living from her generation. Now, I am "the older generation."
Does that fact frighten me? No. Gives me cause to think, but not fear. I love God and he loves me. Each passing day brings me closer to his absolute presence. In this I rejoice.
2013 also brought about my return to Germany after nine long years. God put a love of Germany in my heart when my first exchange student, Christina, came into my life in 1996. My second student, Steve, told me I would never understand his people until I visited. I listened and flew over the first time in 2000.
This year, I was able to visit 4 of my former German exchange students, and their chosen partners. My cousin, Valerie, and I stayed in Flo's parents' apartment most of the time. I got to meet his lovely girlfriend, Kate. We spent one night with Julian and Janine (she's precious!) near Basel, Switzerland. Two nights with Martina's mother below Munich. Spent a day in Munich and met Martina's young man, Stephan (He's funny and very tall! A genuine "gentle giant").
Valerie and I drove to the eastern part of Germany. Steve flew in from England to see us. We got to see Spreewald, Herrnhut and Dresden while staying with his family.
We had only two weeks, but packed so much into that short time. The only time we got lost was on the drive to the airport to fly home! Valerie calmed me down and later, when her luggage failed to come through to Atlanta, I calmed her. We made a good traveling team!
I wrote more stories for Good Catch this year than all the previous years combined. And I began writing for Patriotic Remnant, a non-profit organization that sends specific prayer needs and requests to one's cell phone every Sunday, free of charge. Contact me if you'd like to learn how to get these prayers to your phone!
I went to Ohio twice, once in April and again in November. My roots remain deep there and I want to write about my personal family history of that area in my next book.
I got to be the keynote speaker Friday night at the annual Salisbury Prison Symposium - a huge honor! (same prison I wrote about in Butternut Tears) Debi accompanied me on that jaunt and we met a kindred spirit, Mary Gorman of Boston.
Debi, Ayleen and I discovered a Bethel Church down in Brunswick, GA, that completely satisfies our need for soaking worship. It is a long jaunt and we don't go every Sunday, but believe with all our hearts that, like Lydia in the Bible, if we remain faithful, God will bring a worship leader TO US so we can burn in and with God's glory in Effingham County.
Bob and I remain committed to keeping each other entertained and on our toes.
The last milestone event of 2013 took place 5 days ago. We adopted Otis, a chocolate lab, from our local shelter.
I leave 2013 with smiles and a contented heart. 2014 will bring its share of tears and laughter, joy and sorrow, but in all ... HE will never leave or forsake me.
God Rox!
For me, 2013 became a year of loss when my mom died, bringing me face to face with my own mortality. I have only one uncle and one aunt yet living from her generation. Now, I am "the older generation."
Does that fact frighten me? No. Gives me cause to think, but not fear. I love God and he loves me. Each passing day brings me closer to his absolute presence. In this I rejoice.
2013 also brought about my return to Germany after nine long years. God put a love of Germany in my heart when my first exchange student, Christina, came into my life in 1996. My second student, Steve, told me I would never understand his people until I visited. I listened and flew over the first time in 2000.
This year, I was able to visit 4 of my former German exchange students, and their chosen partners. My cousin, Valerie, and I stayed in Flo's parents' apartment most of the time. I got to meet his lovely girlfriend, Kate. We spent one night with Julian and Janine (she's precious!) near Basel, Switzerland. Two nights with Martina's mother below Munich. Spent a day in Munich and met Martina's young man, Stephan (He's funny and very tall! A genuine "gentle giant").
Valerie and I drove to the eastern part of Germany. Steve flew in from England to see us. We got to see Spreewald, Herrnhut and Dresden while staying with his family.
We had only two weeks, but packed so much into that short time. The only time we got lost was on the drive to the airport to fly home! Valerie calmed me down and later, when her luggage failed to come through to Atlanta, I calmed her. We made a good traveling team!
I wrote more stories for Good Catch this year than all the previous years combined. And I began writing for Patriotic Remnant, a non-profit organization that sends specific prayer needs and requests to one's cell phone every Sunday, free of charge. Contact me if you'd like to learn how to get these prayers to your phone!
I went to Ohio twice, once in April and again in November. My roots remain deep there and I want to write about my personal family history of that area in my next book.
I got to be the keynote speaker Friday night at the annual Salisbury Prison Symposium - a huge honor! (same prison I wrote about in Butternut Tears) Debi accompanied me on that jaunt and we met a kindred spirit, Mary Gorman of Boston.
Debi, Ayleen and I discovered a Bethel Church down in Brunswick, GA, that completely satisfies our need for soaking worship. It is a long jaunt and we don't go every Sunday, but believe with all our hearts that, like Lydia in the Bible, if we remain faithful, God will bring a worship leader TO US so we can burn in and with God's glory in Effingham County.
Bob and I remain committed to keeping each other entertained and on our toes.
The last milestone event of 2013 took place 5 days ago. We adopted Otis, a chocolate lab, from our local shelter.
I leave 2013 with smiles and a contented heart. 2014 will bring its share of tears and laughter, joy and sorrow, but in all ... HE will never leave or forsake me.
God Rox!
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Why Fast?
It's been 8 years since Father God called me to fast. As 2014 approaches, I sense he wants me to join with thousands of other Christians in the Daniel Fast.
What is the purpose of fasting? To bring our triune being into alignment with our Creator, God. We are not humans having a spiritual experience, but rather spirit beings having a human experience. (Liberty Savard)
Fasting is very uncomfortable because it forces me to face how human I am and how much I coddle myself, consciously or unconsciously. Paul says he brings his body into submission and fasting does this. Fasting shows me just how selfish and self-centered I really am.
Fasting begins with God showing me my heart. Jesus is the light of the world and part of that light shines in my inward parts, creating necessary pain. I become keenly aware of my own un-holiness in the light of God's holiness. This is not to demean me. It is to purify me. "Our God is a consuming fire." The closer we move toward God, the more impurities he burns out of us.
After God has cleaned out my heart, he begins to share his. This makes the process completely worthwhile as he shares his desires and secrets with me.
Fasting is challenging because of our society. We are never supposed to suffer a moment of discomfort. We are encouraged to indulge in every desire and then medicate ourselves back to wellness.
I've never undergone a fast that I regretted. I don't look forward to the cleansing part of it, but understand it. Olympians become Olympians by strenuous exercise, not through self-gratification. Those who train the hardest usually receive the greatest awards.
I hope you will consider joining me on this adventure! May we all grow deeper into our Papa God!
Check out the website for the Daniel Fast: http://www.daniel-fast.com
What is the purpose of fasting? To bring our triune being into alignment with our Creator, God. We are not humans having a spiritual experience, but rather spirit beings having a human experience. (Liberty Savard)
Fasting is very uncomfortable because it forces me to face how human I am and how much I coddle myself, consciously or unconsciously. Paul says he brings his body into submission and fasting does this. Fasting shows me just how selfish and self-centered I really am.
Fasting begins with God showing me my heart. Jesus is the light of the world and part of that light shines in my inward parts, creating necessary pain. I become keenly aware of my own un-holiness in the light of God's holiness. This is not to demean me. It is to purify me. "Our God is a consuming fire." The closer we move toward God, the more impurities he burns out of us.
After God has cleaned out my heart, he begins to share his. This makes the process completely worthwhile as he shares his desires and secrets with me.
Fasting is challenging because of our society. We are never supposed to suffer a moment of discomfort. We are encouraged to indulge in every desire and then medicate ourselves back to wellness.
I've never undergone a fast that I regretted. I don't look forward to the cleansing part of it, but understand it. Olympians become Olympians by strenuous exercise, not through self-gratification. Those who train the hardest usually receive the greatest awards.
I hope you will consider joining me on this adventure! May we all grow deeper into our Papa God!
Check out the website for the Daniel Fast: http://www.daniel-fast.com
Monday, October 7, 2013
Gift Exchange
I'm standing before Jesus, cradling a tiny gift in my hands. Jesus is holding a large box in both of his.
Jesus says, "Let's exchange gifts."
"I can't."
"Why not," he asks.
"Because mine is so small and yours is so big."
"Is it your all?" Jesus asks.
"Yes."
"So is mine. Jesus smiles. "It's even. Let's trade."
Jesus says, "Let's exchange gifts."
"I can't."
"Why not," he asks.
"Because mine is so small and yours is so big."
"Is it your all?" Jesus asks.
"Yes."
"So is mine. Jesus smiles. "It's even. Let's trade."
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