The Finish Line -By Donna

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I am not a runner. Never have been, never will be. My husband however likes to run. A few months ago, I accompanied him to a race. I stood on the town levee, and from that view, I could see the beginning of the race, as well as the finish line. 

As the shot fired, the runners began. It was intriguing to see the wide variety of participants. Some appeared to be as old as 75 while others were so young they were pushed in a stroller by a running parent. I saw male and female, thin and heavy, athletic and nonathletic. 

I thought about Hebrews 12:1. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,..

Life’s Race

My Husband Jack

Race is the ancient Greek word agona, which can mean contest or struggle. As I watched the runners approaching the finish line, it was interesting to see how different each runner’s race was ending. I thought about how the race was like life. 

Everyone’s life is so different. God has set a race before each of us, a different path to follow. We must run our race. Sometimes the struggles we face along the path are of our own doing and other times they are sent from or allowed by God to strengthen our faith.

“Life isn’t fair” is a common comment. Perhaps truer are the words, life is not the same for everyone. We each have our own battles. For some, battles are large: disease, divorce, and death. For others, battles are small. Some have few battles throughout life, and others seem to be plagued by them. 

As I watched the people approaching the end, I thought what if this were the “real” finish line. After all, life is a race, which has an end. I imagined that the giant finishing banner was the gate to heaven. And these participants were finishing “the race set before them.” 

A Breeze

For some the race seemed so easy. As they passed me for the last 20 yards, they breezed by, not even out of breath. Life seemed pretty easy for them.

The Struggles

Others struggled. One teenager lost his breakfast as he neared the end. But he never broke stride. He was determined to be the best he could be, even at a price. Steadfast, he was going to finish life strong.

Some had the look of pure agony as they pushed themselves forward. Life had been a struggle–right to the very end. They were clearly in pain. Some limping, some barely breathing. Life had been physically demanding.

Others came across holding hands and supporting each other. Life had been full of family.  Some participants had fans along the sidelines yelling encouragement, clapping, or holding up signs. They were friends for life. Others were clearly on their own. Life had been lonely for them. 

Some little ones crossed over in a stroller. Life had been cut short. While others walked across, wrinkled and grayed. Life had been long.

On The Other Side

The Finish Line

As people crossed over the line, they were met with joy, shouts, and pats on the back. No matter how they got there and no matter what condition, they finished the race set before them.

God wants us to run the race and to finish it right, striving to reach spiritual maturity. Whatever obstacles are on your course, keep your eyes focused on Jesus and keep running the race. The heavenly finish line has great reward.

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Examples from the Nativity -Karla

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My, how our world has changed. But, it is comforting to know some things have stayed the same and have become classics: making cookies around the holidays and decorating my tree with my girls.

Some things are more than classics. They are truths, holding greater meaning than any holiday tradition. Much joy and hope is chronicled in the Christmas story found in the Bible. The actions of the people involved serve as examples all these years later.

Mary

Mary was betrothed to Joseph. Being pregnant at this time in her life was dangerous. She must have been so nervous telling Joseph and filled doubts of being unworthy. 

Yet, Mary accepted God’s will for her life. She was humble and bravely walked, following His plan and becoming Jesus’ mother. 

In Luke 2:19, after she gave birth, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” We should be spending time with Jesus, treasuring God’s Holy Word and pondering in our hearts.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth was an encouragement. Finally being pregnant after being barren into old age, she had to be excited. However, perhaps she was scared to raise a son now or wrestled with the humility that God allowed her to become pregnant. 

But the Bible does not record any such actions. Elizabeth served a vital role in Mary’s story. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for several months, and they walked the path of pregnancy together…the old and the young! As we age, we too should be investing in the lives of others, encouraging them with wisdom that God has allowed us to learn along our paths.

Joseph

Joseph had so many reasons to doubt, and public humiliation was inevitable due to Mary’s condition. What a risk he was taking to believe! 

But, Joseph listened to God’s instructions, given to him by an angel (recorded in both Luke and Matthew). Our first step also is to believe—that God sent His son to change the world. If you have not accepted His gift, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16), please talk with someone who can help you understand how much you are loved by God and how He wants you to receive His love. Are we willing to believe like Joseph? Belief that is so deep we are changed.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Shepherds

The shepherds shared their personal encounter of Jesus with others. God wants us to share our story as well. My experiences in life and how God has provided strength and comfort to overcome is powerful and will minister to others if I am willing.

Wisemen

The wisemen spend a significant amount of their life seeking Jesus. They followed the star as we should be following the Word of God to find our way. While God talks to us through music, prayers, and other Christians, the principal way to learn is through His scriptures. So, we must be willing to read—-really dig in, attend small groups that study the Bible and find sound commentary to help us understand.

Share His Love

Christmas is such a blessing. It begins the most wonderful story ever recorded, the hope for us all! Share the joy only His birth, death on the cross, and resurrection can bring.

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Guidance: Directionally Challenged     By Karla

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Of the four sisters, Lynn and I drew the shortest straws–receiving less coordination than our other two sisters. To be fair to myself, I have more coordination than Lynn, but she is not as directionally challenged as I am. There are numerous comical stories my family enjoys telling. Just ask them! They are happy to share. Accepting the correct guidance and following through with the directions can be challenging.

The Peace River–Not!

In the summer of 1981, my oldest sister Lynn was 18, and I was turning 14. With our family on vacation in Arcadia, Florida, a trip down the Peace River seemed like a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Lynn, also know as The Boss, made the assignments. Gail and Julie paired in one canoe while Lynn and I took another. 

Learn how my sisters and I got our nicknames!

Directionally Challenged

While Gail and Julie’s trip was smooth sailing, ours was nothing of the kind. To add to our coordination challenges, I am left-handed. Though I am not trying to stereotype left-handers, many of us truly do have difficulties with which is left and which is right. 

Lynn could probably remember the play-by-play as to how we flipped the canoe and were upside down. I just know our lack of coordination and my directionally challenged self caused a serious issue. Lynn would call paddle left or paddle right, which would leave me in a dilemma. Which side is that?  

Capsized

close up shot of a crocodile
Photo by Sharath G. on Pexels.com

Not long into the trip, we capsized. Grasping for our canoe, we floated down the river. We were strong swimmers, a requirement of our childhood. So floating along in the refreshing water was not a problem. However, the recently dead alligator on the bank sure did put a fear in us! Needless to say, we scrambled and struggled, but finally flipped the canoe, crawling back in! I intently focused on my paddling directions as we steered ourselves for the rest of the river ride! 

Life’s Adventures

Thankfully, I can say I have developed some skills in my navigational abilities over the years, for I have leaned on God to be my guide. 

For the most part, life has glided along, but I have encountered my share of storms along the way. Several waves have tossed me around, leaving me seasick, thrown about. A few tsunamis have spit me out, abandoning me washed up on the shore. 

Though tired and weary, with each struggle in life, God has provided me with the navigation needed. He is our rock, our source of strength in a broken world. 

 “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, this is the way, walk in it.

Isaiah 30:21

Whether we have followed Him every day or wandering aimlessly without Him in the desert, He stands with open arms. Our world spews advice at every turn with much of it misleading. We must choose Him to be our guide. 

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The Armor of God: Put Your Shoes On–by Donna

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Are you one of those people who always feel like you are forgetting something? Recently, I got in the car to go to work. I had that nagging feeling I’d left something behind. I did a check. Lunchbox, cell phone, teaching bag, and keys. All is good, I thought, until I put my foot on the pedal. I instantly knew what was missing…my shoes. 

National Go Barefoot Day

Today, June 1st, is National Go Barefoot Day. That is right up my alley. I don’t care for shoes. The day I got in the car without them, I realized I might be turning into my Aunt Anna. She is always barefoot. In fact, many of our extended family is that way. I have a picture of my niece’s wedding shower, and almost every person is barefoot!

To Wear or Not to Wear. That Is the Question

There is freedom in bare feet. You can feel the soft carpet in a room, the lushness of the grass, the grittiness of the sand, and the squishiness of the mud. Your toes can wiggle freely and your nice pedicure can shine.

However, I learned the hard way that there are times when shoes should be worn. At my brother’s baseball game when I was five, I stepped on a huge piece of glass, slicing my heel open. Another time a few years later, I didn’t see the nail that was sticking out of a board. The nail went all the way through my foot! 

Most of the time, going barefoot is not an option. When we get dressed for work, church, shopping, and any other public place, we put on clothes AND shoes. 

The Armor of God

The same is true when we put on the armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-17 tells us what we need to wear so that we can battle spiritual warfare. I’ve known these verses most of my life, but it was always the helmet, breastplate,  sword, and shield that always stood out to me. But verse 15 reads, “and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace.” 

What does that verse mean to us? Using our feet, we must take the gospel out into the world. We need to be grounded in His Word and ready to share with others the Good News of JESUS. Always be prepared to talk about Jesus. Tell of His death, burial, and resurrection. Share His gift of grace.  

Suit up and head out for battle! 

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Maturing Faith: Microwave Society -By Karla

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white oven in brown wooden rack
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As a toddler, my oldest loved trying out new words. I remember her sitting at the table, eating her breakfast. The microwave buzzer signaled; my hot tea was ready for its daily job, to wake me. She tried to pronounce the word, and while I do not remember her exact attempt, I vividly remember the next few seconds. 

“Honey, the word is microwave. Say micro.”
She repeated successfully.
Then I added the word, “wave”.
She smiled so big, picked up her little arm and waved with great vigor!

That memory has been precious to me for almost 30 years! I can still see her little expression of triumph. 

Microwaving Our Faith

Living in a remote-controlled world, we can easily be influenced, thinking that we can push a button. Zap our trials will be done.  In addition, our mindset is often that we can microwave our faith, warming it up when hard times are upon us.

When storms come crashing in, we wish we had a “faith like Daniel”. A faith that knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has our back. We desire assurance that God will tame our lions in the dark dens or stand in the fires like He did with Shadrack, Meshack, and Abendnego. 

Misconceptions

Perhaps, our faith has not developed like Daniel and his friends for a couple of reasons. 

  • Are we expecting a Daniel-like faith without even being plugged into God’s word, as if the microwave would even work without its source of energy?
  • Are we living a lukewarm life as a Christian while we are trying to grow our faith? Even while being held captive in a foreign land without others who believed in God, Daniel and his friends were living for God. 
    • Are we living for God in our ungodly world?
    • Are we just luke-warm Christians, who walk in the doors of the church sporadically?
    • Are we desiring to walk in God’s daily presence on Sundays during worship, but setting Him aside Monday through Saturday?
    • Are we guilty of expecting God to be there for us as on demand when life gets tough?

We all know the slow-cooker would be the best means for cooking a roast, not by zapping it for a few minutes. Are we believing that God can carry us through the torrential trials, with microwave faith? 

The Ah-Ha Bell Should Be Dinging

God allows trials for our dependence on Him to bloom and flourish. If the trial is over quickly, that dependency will not have time to marinate. 

Faith Like Daniel’s

A Daniel-like faith takes time to develop. This faith boils when we study God’s word. Our trust in God’s abilities simmers when the difficulties in our lives do not resolve themselves by the push of a button. As we continue through the trial, our matured faith will sustain us, providing the needed courage, strength, and hope to continue

And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.

-Romans 8:28 

Even though microwaving is a quick fix, we must still complete steps to be successful  in getting that warm dish. Developing a stronger faith through trials requires taking those steps that bring us closer to God: confession, daily time in God’s word, attending church, encouraged by fellow Christians. With these strides, we can begin to develop a Daniel-like faith. 

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Tempted by Satan: A Sitting Duck -By Karla

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We are easy targets, tempted by Satan. How ignorant we are to simply sit stagnant. God’s Holy Word states no one is immune to the temptations of Satan, and yet, we often sit still, like a duck waiting for the hunter to take his shot. 

Sitting Duck

animal avian bird duck
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.co

Will you sit like a dumb duck, or will you take action and protect yourself?

Take a page from Dobson’s Book

Ever read a line that sticks with you forever? I gleaned one such thought that has resonated with me for over twenty years. In James Dobson’s book, Coming Home: Timeless Wisdom, he creates the image of a couple sitting on a lake in separate row boats. As the title indicates, he shares wise words, hoping the reader will apply them to his/her own life.

He draws the picture of the separate boats drifting apart because neither of the rowers will put in the effort to move toward one another-–just sitting like  ducks with a target on their backs. While motionless, Satan tempts them and if they act upon these temptations, they will actually shift further away in the opposite direction. He suggests that both are in control of their boat and should pursue action, intentionally rowing to one another. 

Also Applying to My Relationship with God

What a wonderful comparison for a stagnant marriage. However, couldn’t this be said about our relationship with God. God does pursue us. In the book of Matthew, Jesus shares a parable, concerning the shepherd’s willingness to leave the 99, as He seeks to gather the one sheep that is lost! Yes, God would row towards me while I chase after a temptation that Satan has baited me with. Sometimes, I fall for his methods: hook, line, and sinker. 

More often though, I find myself just sitting there like that ignorant duck resisting Satan’s blatant temptations, but making no movement toward God. Thus, I drift away from Him whenever Satan tosses a pebble, one of His less subtle allures, in the pond, causing me to drift with the ripples. When I give in to his coaxing, my boat weighs more, producing increased difficulties in managing the oars to draw closer to Him. 

The Good News

There is a way to find my way back to God. Dump the contents of my sin out of my boat, and turn toward Him.

  • Ask for forgiveness and repent.  
  • Know that God forgives as far as the East is to the West. 
  • Remember God loves me.
  • Pray, asking God to help me feel His presence.
  • Read His word and seek His wise ways.
  • Apply this wisdom to my life, overcoming my consequences. 
  • Learn from my mistakes and strive to live like Jesus more each day.

Ditch that sitting duck attitude, and migrate towards the Lord. When you cultivate your relationship, rowing toward God everyday, you will find peace.

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Book Review: Daughter of Eden- by Donna

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Biblical Fiction is a genre that I rarely read. Something about taking scripture and making stories from it has never intrigued me. However, I give this book 4.8 stars. Jill Eileen Smith did a wonderful job of taking the first few chapters of the Bible and turning them into a 302 page book. Using Genesis, I compared its Biblical information and found it accurate. It was delightful that she kept God’s truth throughout the story. 

Jill Eileen Smith did an excellent job projecting the thoughts that might have been going through Satan’s head as he plotted to destroy the human race. 

I found the book very thought provoking. Honestly, I never really stopped to think how hard it must have been for Eve to have experienced perfection: walking with the Lord, knowing no pain, playing with wild animals, and having a perfect marital relationship and then having the ideal life taken away. In addition, she had to live with the fact that it was her sin that began the fall of man.

The author did a great job of getting inside Eve’s head. She was the “first” woman in many aspects. We watch Eve struggle being the first woman to give birth. She is the first parent to lose a child by murder. She was the first wife to argue with a husband, the first parent to see her child walk away from God, and the first grandparent to have a child “disappear.” 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing through the Revell Read blogger program. The opinions expressed are my own.

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Book Review: Cold Light of Day – By Karla

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Elizabeth Goddard’s Cold Light of Day is an action-packed discovery of who done-it. Her Christian character Autumn Long, a police chief in a small, uneventful Alaskan town, enjoys the calm life, until strangers appear. 

While I am personally more a fan of character-development novels, Goddard’s snapshot during these few weeks in Autumn’s  life, is a good read. Autumn and her family’s pasts hold secrets that kept me turning the  pages of her novel. 

Grier, who has recently found his way into the small town, continues to show up when a crime has occurred. As an attractive and seemingly helpful man, Autumn has to wonder about his objectives and his past as well, which also compels the reader to keep flipping forward. 

Goddard does an impressive job of creating intrigue with her end-of-the-chapter cliffhangers, leaving me wanting to read just one more chapter. 

Enjoy this read into the intense season of Autumn Long’s life. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing through the Revell Read blogger program. The opinions expressed are my own.

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Time After Time -By Karla

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Jimmy, the only boy cousin among seven girls, lay on his new weight bench, pumping iron. In 1980, the apparatus was simple in style, but that fact did not diminish the excitement we both had for his new toy. The two of us are the same age and are always messing with each other. Cheetos were used as his favorite tool of torture in our youth. Time after time, he would sneak those gross fake-cheese crunches or putrid puffs in my spaghetti, beef stew, or sandwich every chance he could get.

I Can Do Anything You Can Do Better

That day, while Jimmy imagined building his muscles, I started mouthing how I could do anything he could do. Almost scoffing at me, he raised his arms up and down. “You can’t do this. It is too heavy for you.” He continued pumping as I schemed about how to get my fair turn. 

Way more of the strain than the gain!

Finally, he tried and left his room. Sitting on the bed, I stared at the weights. If I thought of removing some of the heavy discs to make the load lighter, I do not remember. It is more probable that I was still insistent that I could do anything Jimmy could. So, I bounded from the bed onto the bench. I closed my eyes, imagining where he placed his hands on the bar. Taking in a deep breath, with serious determination, I strained to lift the bar. 

Or At Least Die Trying

I rolled the bar off the Y-shaped stand. It plummeted onto my neck. And it was stuck there.

Right! He was right. I cannot lift this! 

Panic set in as the weights were constricting my air passage. I thought I should yell, but I couldn’t since my voice box was smashed as well! Think. Sit up. Of course, that was not so easy. Slowly, I rolled upward. The clunky bar began sliding from my neck to my chest. Thankfully, I could breath, though labored.

I should not have done this! 

At what seemed like an hour, I had managed to roll the weights onto my lap. From there, I struggled to stand as the bar and weights fell to the floor with a big thump. Dashing out of his room, I prayed he would think he just left them on the floor and I would not have to face the humiliation of the fact that I was so weak!

Still Trying To Prove

Years later, I wonder how many times I have ignored or scoffed off God’s instructions to me. Too many and too embarrassing to reflect. 

Jimmy really was trying to protect me, but would I listen. Nope! Time after time I think I know best for the whos, whats, whens, wheres, hows, and whys! The whens and hows are my weakest links. I seem to want it done my way and when I want it! 

Time After Time

And so, just like that day back in the early 80s, I take things in my own hands. I will give myself a little credit. I do not consciously think I am trying to show God that I can do it myself, without Him. However, I am attempting on my own! Even worse, are the times I pray, asking God for something, and then I pitifully make efforts to do it better! 

Ummm, let’s think about this. 

“Every action has a consequence. Some consequences are good, but some are bad.” -Mom

Jonah thought his way was better, but he ended up inside a whale! Sarah thought her way was better and encouraged her husband to sleep with her nursemaid! 

Today’s Conclusion

Lord, help me! Protect me from myself: my thoughts, my want-it-now timeline, and my impetus actions.

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” -Isaiah 55:9

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Trust: Even When God Seems Silent —by Donna

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On the morning of New Year’s Eve, I sat, drinking my coffee and reflecting on the past year. So many changes have occurred in my life. Many changes were small, like getting a cat, while others were huge, liking getting a husband. As always, some were wanted, like a new house, and some less desirable, like my best friend moving further away. Many blessings were a surprise, while others were answered prayers. 

God Answers Prayers

God answers all prayers. He may not give the answer we wanted or He might take a while. Of all my prayers answered in 2022, two really stood out to me. One being my quest for a house.

About five years ago, after unfortunate circumstances, my credit score was bottomed out. Barely surviving financially, I rented a small house, in which at times, four of us lived. My goal was to become a homeowner again. I worked diligently to raise my credit score and save for a down payment. About three years ago I reached the desired goal, and the search began.

I prayed that God would help me find the perfect house. First, I located a real estate agent, and found a loan officer that would give me the benefit of the doubt. Spending hours on the internet, I looked at houses and made lists of possibilities. Then I began viewing houses with the agent. It was so exciting to see all the potential homes. 

However, each time I found one, and put in a bid, someone outbid me. House after house, after house. Then the loan officer helping me, left the bank. The replacement told me I was no longer eligible for a loan. This went on for two years. I could not understand why God was not answering my prayer. 

God’s Timing

Well, here I sit, in my new home. My prayer went unanswered because it wasn’t to be MY new home, but OUR new home. God had the man, the gold band, and the home already planned.

Also this year God answered another prayer. This particular prayer had been going up for four years. At one point I remember sitting in my car, literally crying out to God with tears streaming down my face, begging for Him to help my loved one. Watching this person struggle was heart-wrenching at times. I think God was working it out slowly and finally my prayer was answered this year.

The Battle of Jericho

Sometimes God’s plan and timing don’t make sense to us. Imagine being an Israelite at the battle of Jericho. I might have said, “He wants us to do what? Walk around Jericho for six days? We can easily circle the city in one day! And we will be sitting ducks walking around and around out here in the open! God said he would make it collapse, why doesn’t he just do it the first time we circle?” 

 Sweet Publishing / FreeBibleimages.org.

Even though the Israelites did not understand the process, they trusted God. They endured six days of silence and circling, just as God instructed. We must pray with endurance and faith. Believe in God’s promises, even when it seems like nothing is happening. In the silence, God is at work.

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