Peace in the Midst 8

This has been a very interesting week so far. We been told we are not to be elated by applause or 'deflated' by censure. Arriving at that high goal is truly possible when I abide - stay, continue, remain - in the presence of Jesus from day to day. In other words, in my life that is the real challenge. It is also a real blessing. Not being on that kind of a 'roller coaster' ride - highs of pride and self-sufficiency and lows of depression and worry - does away with a lot of trouble.

A friend asked me yesterday if I ever doubted God. I have always believed God loves me and I love Him. I have had no problem in that realm. But as I pondered her question it became evident that even in the midst of 'loving' God, I have often attempted to 'do' - live, make decisions, guide, direct what happens in relation to me - my way. That is where the grief has come in when it comes to my life.

I fully believe I am not a robot. God does not just 'pull strings' to make me 'do' His will. On the other hand He is in the process of 'growing me up' into a genuine woman after the original model.

Paul talked about his progress. He went through childhood - "when I was a child". But he 'grew up' and put away childish things and ways. There was a time when it was appropriate that I acted, thought and talked like a girl. Now that I am physically mature God wants me to also become spiritually and emotionally 'grown up'. That also means to 'put away' childish things - quit acting like a baby or even a child. God is teaching me how to 'think, talk and act' as a woman of God. (Wow! what a challenge as well as a privilege in Christ!)

A few months ago we agreed to let a man temporarily be housed at our place because he had been extradited back to Virginia on legal matters. The Lord knew this person needed a place to stay. I now believe God also 'knew' I needed to face at least certain areas in my life where additional maturity was really needed in order for me to act more like Jesus.

Some time last week this person and I were speaking together and it was almost like, through a 'flashback' I was in a former situation where I had miserably failed (at least according to my perception). It was like I was listening to the former person who, in my opinion anyway, had little or no respect for those who disagreed, especially if they happened to be 'female'. I believe that God may have given me that 'flashback' to help me see what 'not' to do as well as what a more mature person should 'do' in that situation.

I later told my husband that I had 'heard' (and I named the former person with whom we had had dealings). He asked me where and I told him that I had heard the former person talking through the person who is presently staying here now.

Yes, it has caused some pain. But on the other hand, as I have been talking to God about the situation, I keep getting the distinct message that God is giving me another opportunity to 'grow up', to learn how to act more mature in this kind of a situation, to become more like Jesus in both my words and my actions. I choose God's will and I am also praising the Lord for giving me another opportunity to 'grow up' in Christ.

We were trying to have some Bible studies for a few weeks with this person and I believe he was able to take in some of the information. On the other hand it also seemed to me that those very times and bits of information also began to be used 'against' us in more ways than one. One way it began to be used against me was that this person began using the same 'language' when speaking to us, but using it in such a way as to 'cast' 'blame' on us and, I believe anyway, to attempt to manipulate. I believe God is working with this person and attempting to guide them to make 'right' decisions, but I am also becoming convinced that I am not a primary 'mover' or 'shaker'. I have begun praying for God to send this person a 'male' 'mature' 'mentor' who can do what this person needs most to have done for them. It is no longer in our 'capacity' to really help, except for a few more days to give him a place to 'stay'.

Circumstances occurred which led me to finally ask my husband to tell this person to not come over to our little house. He still seems to respect what my husband told him but I am pretty much convinced that he has little or no idea of how some of his words and/or actions appear to women in particular. I understand he had a rough babyhood and childhood, but I am also convinced I am not the one who can help him or enable him to change. God still loves him, though, and is still working in his behalf.

I have been asking God to send him a 'mature', God loving, male who can 'show' him what it means to act like a man - and someone he will listen too. When he first came he kept saying 'I'm a man now so treat me like a man'. It is nice to be 'treated' like a man, but in order for that to do any good, a person must 'act like a man' in the first place. That is what I have perceived as missing. (In my view while he was saying those words he was acting more like a 'baby'.)

On the other side of the situation I have been taking some long, hard looks at myself. Am I myself acting as a 'mature' woman? Am I allowing any of my boundaries to be broken, especially like I did in the previous situation? In relation to the former person (referred to earlier) I definitely did not 'act' like a 'woman' at all times. And I had very little idea of what proper boundaries should be. This time I believe God is not only opening my eyes but enabling us to hold appropriate boundaries for us and for others.

God protected me from the former person mentioned and for that I priaise Him. He is still protecting me but He is also guiding me to 'act' and 'think' in His ideal pattern for a Christian woman. Rather than being constricting, as some people might think, it has been 'freeing' to me to learn more of His plan for His women and how to implement His plans in our lives.

Even though I have not fully arrived, I do believe God is working in and through me and for that progress I praise the Lord.

That particular man is not the only 'work in progress' at the moment here. At the end of last month we gave notice to other people who live here with us that we are planning to move. When we leave it means everyone else here will also need to leave. Each person's response to that information has been very revealing of character. I did 'hear' of a little bit of 'checking' for other places to live, but it didn't seem there was much going on at an obvious level.

Propety taxes were due December 5, this year and for the first time we were not able to fully pay that financial obligation on time. This default, in a sense, broke one of the conditions for our being able to 'live' here. As a result, representatives of the owner got in touch with us and made inquiries as to the current financial situation. To make a long story 'short', when all the information was presented, it only enhanced the previous request for folks to find another place to live.

I have talked to my heavenly Father quite a bit about this situation - both before and after the above events. One thing has become quite evident to me. The real character of each person involved is being revealed. We are being 'blamed' for a lot of things (What's new?) At the same time, however, I believe God is longing that each person, instead of blaming others, will come to God and ask God to reveal to each one what God's will for them individually is just now.

Another aspect of this whole situation, I believe, is that God is using these experiences to teach us what He is like and how we can learn to 'act like' Him. I have been asking Him to guide me in both areas.

A few weeks ago (even before the current 'crisis' became 'public') God impressed me to begin thanking Him for already supplying our needs (including financial) and to make a specific list of what those 'needs' were. Up until a few months ago God has over and over again supplied our lack (especially financial) through many ways, often out of the ordinary. But recently it seemed that had not 'happened' as before. At about the same time God began impressing me that He wanted to do something bigger, broader and more specific in my husband and my life than previously we have done. He has kept 'bringing' me to focus on a specific 'project'. I had 'dreamed' of something 'similar' for years but as I prayed about this 'dream' (if I recall this 'dream' has come more into focus again some time late spring or early summer of this year) it has seemed God was not only been impressing me to ask Him to bring the dream into reality but that I was 'dreaming' much too small. During the 'early summer' I began to put down in my journal and on my computer a few more specific details as they would come to my mind of what the 'dream' would include.

At the same time, however, the financial 'crisis', as mentioned earlier, was slowly 'accumulating' and 'deepening'. During the summer some other situations arose that seemed to take precedence and I more or less 'laid' the dream aside. I even wondered occasionally if maybe what God and I had been talking about and plannning earlier was only a dream. On the other hand I would still go back to that dream now and then and take another look at it, even adding to it occasionally as opportunity presented itself.

A few weeks ago when I felt impressed to make a list of 'needs' to thank the Lord for, the Lord wouldn't let me alone until I added specific requirements to make the 'dream' a reality to the 'thank you, God' list.

On December 2, 2008, Perhaps a couple of weeks or so after we started thanking the Lord for our needs being met, our 'best' car was totaled in an accident. I don't believe for a moment the Lord 'caused' the accident. God does promise, however, that ALL things work together FOR good to those who love the Lord. Each 'action' may not always be what we would call 'good', but God uses each one to 'bring' good to those who love God, who are called (and have accepted God's call in their hearts) according to His purpose.

I have now 'dubbed' our car a 'rolling savings account'. While we were making payments each month toward paying off the loan on the car, we have also had to have full coverage insurance. After the insurance pays the bank the amount due on the loan there will be some funds which will be returned to us. Since the car was totaled, we no longer have a monthly 'car' payment to make which lowers our monthly financial obligations. That was an answer to one item on our praise and thanksgiving to God list. I'm not happy about the accident but I do thank God for bringing relief on that 'bill'. (It is also lowering our insurance payments since we no longer have full coverage on a 'newer' car.)

Our son had 'parked' his car when he went to 'boot camp'. Boot camp was a very 'learning' experience for him. Eventually the army decided to discharge him, though, so now he is back home. Since 'our' car is no longer 'on the road' we decided to get his car 'up and running'. This, I believe, will be good in more than one way. Since this is 'his' car, it will be in 'his name', with 'his' insurance. Good. (Less insurance for us for which we also thank the Lord.)

With the funds 'left over' we plan to 'catch up' financially, as much as possible, Lord willing. Praise God!

Even though we can't see ahead, I believe God is 'setting us free' from a number of 'debts' so His plans, His dreams for us, may succeed.

The folks who have been living here at the farm are nice people. In our minds, however, there has been more of a 'housing' mentality rather than a 'unity' and a harmony. Each person presently here has their own agenda, their own ideas of how things 'must' be done in order to be right, and - in our opinion anyway - an unwillingness to accept any other authority (us) to tell what needs to be done here or what assist, financially or otherwise is needed. This last item has become really obvious when it was shown we had gotten behind financially. Each blamed others for the problems rather than wondering and seeking ways how each could help restore balance.

We believe God has better plans. We are also thanking the Lord for continuing to guide us. Yes, we have a dream. I am also beginning to believe that God's dream for us is actually far greater than what He has been able to reveal to us thus far. For that I thank God too.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for what You have already done, are doing and will continue to do to reveal to us what You are really like and in using us to show others what YOU are really like through our lives. We love You, Lord.


Bringer of Peace

Sign of Peace

Just think about it. The God of Peace set up a special sign to remind me that He wants to give me His peace. Instead of a certain style of clothes, or an offering of some sort, the sign God gave is a specific period of time - what is now called Sabbath.

On the seventh day of creation week God rested. He wasn't tired. I believe He was delighted. What a special time that must have been.

And what to me is even more special is that the same God who created this world is still keeping His promise to meet with me every seventh day Sabbath. WOW! What a privilege. And since He is the Prince of Peace He brings His peace with Him as a gift to fill me up with - HIS PEACE.

This Sabbath is particularly welcome by me. Some very intense happenings have taken place this week. I'm not sure I even want to know all of them, but I do crave these hours when I can lay aside everything that has been 'challenging' me during the week and take extra special time with my loving heavenly Father. This week it seems super special. And this evening our son and his girlfriend agreed to join us in a time of prayer together. That was very special to my mother's heart. So far we have also listened to a sermon challenging us to 'extreme purity' in Christ.

There is more to come on this special day of rest and gladness. Our God is an awesome God. And there is plenty of room for you to join me during this special celebration time as we remember the Sabbath (and the Lord of the Sabbath) to keep it holy.

May the God of peace give you a special blessing during these precious Sabbath hours.

Yours in Christ

Bringer of Peace

Appropriate Counsel

It took me what seemed several weeks to 'unpack' Psalm 51. There is a whole lot in it that is very appropriate for me. Just this week I began looking at Psalm 52. It is shorter but it also has SO much for me just now. There are some very pertinent thoughts concerning 'words'. You can read my paraphrase if you wish in the 'Paraphrase' link to the right.

David began by asking a question. "Why are you making a fool of yourself and creating such a loud noise just because you think you are so strong?" What also caught my attention were some of the words used to describe the language of those who are 'against' good and God. "You imagine and calculatingly say hammered out, sharp words to mislead, deceive and spread lies. In verse 5 David describes God's 'response and in verse 6 he gives God's family's response. His family will watch and even laugh. . . Laughing is not always appropriate but sometimes it appears that even God has a sense of humor. I think I like 8-9 almost the best. In the spendor and brilliance of lighted oil in God's house I have conidence in the True God's mercy from now on. I agree with You forever, God, for You put things in order. I will expectantly, joyfully wait for You - along with the rest of Your family who love You.


We can wait on God. And what a blessing when that waiting is done as part of a 'family'.


Just remember, waiting on God is a very good way to stay close to Him.


Bringer of Peace

Peace in the Midst 7

A couple of weeks ago my husband and I began thanking the Lord for answering our needs, including financial ones. On December 2 our 'best' car was totaled in an accident. I do not believe God caused the accident, but I do thank God that there will be no more payments after the insurance settlement is completed. That is a blessing in 'my book'.

A few days ago the representative for the property where we live made an appointment to meet with us last night. (A few of you who know us are aware that at times, even though we are the 'managers' of the farm, it seems folks here pretty much do as they 'please' whatever we 'say'. )
We have gotten behind on the bills and four friends came from our church to see if they could help us work things out. That in itself we consider a God sent blessing. By the end of our time together we believe God led in not only the sharing but also in certain decisions that we were able to come to. We also feel good having more than us 'speaking'. There have already been 'sparks' in some respects but I believe God is in the business of saving not destroying. That confidence lends itself to peace in my heart.

At the end of last evening a letter was given to each one individually of decisions made relating to each person. As a group we tried to be as careful as possible in the wording so there would be no misunderstanding. By this morning, though, I found out that at least one person had totally misunderstood what the letter to them said. During the day more misunderstandings also became apparent. Yet through this whole experience I believe the Lord is leading. In my mind these happenings are also revealing what each person is really like - including us. I humbly thank God for these happenings even though they have been rough in some ways. On the other hand I have had a peace that God is using these very events to answer our prayer and praise.

One reason I believe God is in this is that instead of having to 'face' alone those who disagree with us, we now have a united 'group' that are all speaking the same thing. That has given peace - in my heart at least.

A man has to be here in Virginia on some legal matters for about three more weeks. As tension 'builds', partly due to the above mentioned decisions, this man's tension level has also been 'going up'. It is almost impossible for him to 'see' that he is 'stressed' out but the stress in him is there nonetheless. (One of his 'coping modalities is to almost always put blame on others as the cause of the stress.). I'm not totally sure how best to handle this kind of 'tension' but it sure appears to me like some of the squabbles seem very similar to a couple of little kids spatting. But when the 'feuding' and 'fussing' and 'fighting' is between physically 'grown' up people who mentally insist that they are 'mature', (of course it is the other person's fault), it gets to be sad, even disgusting (if not rather frustrating as well). I'm not sure how to see 'peace' in those events, but maybe when they are over and I can 'breathe a sigh of relief' there is an 'outward' peace. On the other hand, Jesus would not allow Himself to be drawn in to people's arguments but instead maintained the peace inside of Him that He gained daily from His heavenly Father. I do want to learn that lesson, and where better to 'learn' it other than right in the middle of it.

Interestingly enough, I wonder if I am also learning to not always 'speak'. Different people come to me and give me their 'sides'. The other night I think I listened for perhaps two hours. If I said more than a few sentences I was lucky. As I listened I was thinking that if I did say anything I would appear to be 'justifying' myself. Interestingly enough, for the most part anyway, I felt somewhat peaceful inside even though one of the people speaking was not in harmony with me (us). After a while the other person came to our 'defense' and I was almost surprised at some of the positive statements made. When we trust in God and choose His peace He has promised to keep us in His love and care and I believe He also comes to our defense.

There are times, though, when it is necessary to 'speak up'. I am claiming that God will grant me the discernment to know when to do which. Being in God's loving will brings peace - be it in silence or in speaking.

I need to get to get some rest tonight. Until next time may God's loving peace be with you and may God's peace be in your midst.

Bringer of Peace

Giving Thanks

So much has been happening this week here. Keep in mind I am practicing 'in everything give thanks', (but not 'for' everything), so I am going to 'practice on you'. (Blue type includes praise and thanksgiving)

The Lord asked me to make a list to praise Him for of what we 'see' we need, and my husband, Duane, and I have been taking special time to thank God for His answers.

At the beginning of the week we asked two people to find other places to live by the beginning of next year (which is very hard for me to do). (Some folks might consider that a thanks)
Our son got hit on the passenger side of our Toyota. The car had total insurance coverage.
No one was seriously hurt but there have been insurance (medical and vehicle) to take care of, with several Dr. appointments thrown in for 'good measure'.
When I stopped to make an appointment at the chiropractor's office for the two 'passengers' I 'fell' on my way out to the car, but praise the Lord, other than my hand scratched some, I wasn't really hurt, (more than my pride, as another car pulled up as I picked myself up).
Duane and I thank God that at least one 'bill' will be paid when the insurance settlement comes - no more monthly car payments.
People have shared their 'take' as to why 'things' aren't going the way they think they should here at the farm - and I've wondered where some of the 'tales' come from.
Carl started a new job this week - part time but still a source of some income, praise the Lord
We got 'chewed out' for a missing roll of toilet paper. (Fortunately I think I kept my mouth shut, for a change.)
I have been practicing 'giving thanks' IN everything and sharing it with a few others I thought might be interested.
Friday the property and personal taxes were due ($3,500 approx).
A friend said they were going to 'pay' $1,000 towards the tax 'bill'.
We were able to come up with $1,000 towards the bill also for which we thank God.
I have been physically and emotionally tempted to 'depress' but I am choosing to 'praise' and 'give thanks' anyway.
The Lord has been showing me a bigger picture of Himself through Psalm 51. I just finished it today (and posted it on my paraphrase link, if you are interested.)
The children's class I teach was both a blessing and a challenge. Three children didn' t have winter coats and the church gave them some this morning - wonderful. It was a challenge to 'keep' them interested in the story of baby Jesus, and at times I wondered if that was only a dream that we were succeeding.

Enough of the past for now. This afternoon when I came to blog, I visited 'clay feet' (see link) and also 'on the road' (see link) and was greatly encouraged by both of them. God is still in control. I thank the Lord for another day of life. I praise the Lord for loving me just now.

Thank You, Father, for encouraging to turn my face upward to see who You really are and what You are really like.

Bringer of Peace

Practice increases Ability

I have been learning more about the 'attitude of gratitude'. The Bible, as you may recall, says "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God concerning you". I am so thankful God isn't telling me to give thanks FOR everything that happens, but rather no matter what happens, no matter what situation I may be IN, I can still have an attitude of gratitude, particularly to God.

Practice Time:

The evening of December 2 I got a call from our son. After I answered, there was an unusually long pause. When he finally spoke he told me he was sorry but he had been in an accident. He wasn't hurt but the his girl friend and another man were being checked out at our local hospital. To make a long story short, no one had any broken bones but they may be sore for a few more days.

I thank God there were no serious injuries even though the car has been totaled by the Ins. Co.

Practice Time:

Tax time. Today the property taxes are due and personal property taxes as well.

For the past quite a few days my husband and I have been practicing thanking God daily for the above need along with a number of other 'pressing' financial obligations. I'm not yet totally certain about the exact correlation, but last night I got a message on my phone from the insurance company of an offer of settlement relating to the accident. If I have it figured correctly those funds can 'cover' the taxes, pay off the car loan and help provide for some transportation.

I refuse to thank God FOR the accident. IN the situation, though, I can THANK God. If God chooses to use the situation in this way, Praise the Lord. "All things work together FOR good (they may not all 'be' good, but God can use them FOR good).

There are still other items on our 'thank you' list. God has promised He will supply all our needs, therefore we will continue to 'practice' giving thanks IN all things for this is God's will for us.

It is not God's will to MAKE me suffer. That is not what I am even hinting at. But God's will is for me to keep thanking Him no matter what appearances indicate. His will is for me to get to know Him so well that I can 'trust' Him in good times as well as in what appear to be 'bad' times. That kind of 'trust' - knowing that God not only loves me but will only permit what He sees best - is the foundation of God's kind of peace filling my heart and life

Learning that He ALWAYS wants what is best for me is what takes the 'life' out of 'worry' (in other words, 'kills' worry).

Thanking God IN every situation keeps my focus on Him, not on 'what' or 'where' or even 'why'.

I have some things to do this morning along with thanking God for His love and protection so I will close for now. Until we meet again may I encourage you to thank Him for life, for breath, for friends, for supplying our needs, for sunshine and most of all for His continuing love to all of us.

In a few hours the human family's special appointment with the Creator God of the Universe - Sabbath - will begin. I would be delighted to have you join me in a special thanksgiving and praise time during the holy hours of this Sabbath. Happy Sabbath to you all.

Bringer of Peace

Attitude of Gratitude

Even though the actual 'day' we call Thanksgiving is officially past for this year it does not prevent us from continuing the attitude of gratitude which that day was meant to represent.

My sister sent me a link to a site where I read a very interesting article. Some of you may already be aware of some of this information but I found some new information that is still bouncing around in my mind in relation to the concept of an 'attitude of gratitude'. Let me share some of what I am learning.

To begin with, according to this article, every cell emits 'light'. Every cell also has an 'electrical' atmosphere with which it surrounds itself. Along with an atmosphere of 'light' and an 'energy field', the cell also is seriously affected by what I perceived as 'attitude'. Gratitude is an attitude. When I give thanks, when I rejoice, when I choose to accept the peace God always offers me, every cell in my body is positively, directly affected. Correct, positive attitudes healthfully affect hormones (one of the body's communication systems), enzyme activity (aiding nutritional movement into cells as needed) as well as overall proper use of energy.

The brain is also constantly emitting signals which other minds 'pick up' even though we may not be communicating verbally or visibly with each other. One of those 'signals' is what I call 'attitude'. When a person chooses to be grateful, joyful, peaceful - and the effect of such an attitude becomes even more powerful and intense when that mind has chosen to connect to the Creator God of the Universe - that attitude positively affects every mind with which it comes in contact.

I believe that 'attitude' not only functions when there is a 'close' physical proximity, but it also can be 'carried' by 'blogs', books, movies, TV and more. We are affected by that which we choose to come in contact with whether 'live' or through other modalities as just mentioned.

Perhaps over a week ago I took some problems to my wonderful Lord. In actions we took in what we had thought was helping others we have gotten into some financially tight places ourselves. I had been asking the Lord for His divine intervention concerning these matters.

About that time my brother shared with us a story about a 'world' missionary. God had led him to do some mighty things for our Lord. In process of time he had committed to a project that needed $1,500,000. Another 'project' he believed the Lord had led him to work with needed $100,000. He was claiming that the Lord would supply all these needs through the awesome power that only the Creator God has. He had also been sharing with others the needs for funds to continue the above mission projects. But the last day came and still no 'money'. Some folks had even 'suggested' that there was going to be a 'celebration' (of sorts) when the missionary 'failed'.

As the beginning of the due day for the million and a half dollars dawned, the missionary pleaded with God to reveal Himself in a mighty way. As he was praying the Lord asked what he needed. The man restated the $1.5m and $1,000,000. The Lord reminded him that He already knew what was needed. God then told him it was time to start thanking the Lord and praising Him for the answers.

The man immediately stopped asking God and started praising Him and thanking Him for answering prayer. From what I understood in the story, everyone there joined in the praise and thanksgiving service. About 10 a.m. a call came which took care of the $1.5m need. After that a couple (or family) came in and began to join in the praise and thanksgiving. The man who had just come in asked the missionary if there was any other 'needs', and the missionary mentioned the $100,000 for another project. The man took 3 envelopes out of his pocket and donated them to the missionary. When the total was counted up it came to the exact amount needed - $100,000.

I share that experience with you because it impressed me so much. We also have financial needs and the Lord impressed me to begin praising Him and thanking Him for His answers. At present the needs God has put on our hearts to pray for come to about $1,250,000. God's word does not return unto Him empty. He supplies our needs according to HIS RICHES in GLORY through Christ Jesus. AMEN! Wonderful, Awesome, Tremendous!!!

I am getting more and more excited in anticipation of God's answers this week. Property Taxes are due Friday ($3,017.00) as well as personal taxes (approx. $300). Our Mighty God already has arrangements. Sad to say there have been strong hints of a 'celebration' (of sorts) when God doesn't 'come through'. I am only saying that because I am in the mode of celebrating already with an attitude of gratitude to our wonderful Heavenly Father' s answer - and as usual His answers are above, over and beyond all we can ask or think.

A friend of mine has been through some pretty tough times over the past year or so. One challenge was that she had to move two times - which we were able to help her do. Needless to say that involved a certain amount of 'house hunting'. When a house would not become available I often said "Praise the Lord". Why? One reason I often gave was that if God didn't want that house we wouldn't want it either. Another thought I often shared with her was that "God is never late, seldom early and always on time".

Now I am choosing to believe the same concepts in our situation. I praise the Lord and am so thankful that He is not only 'able' but He already has the situation 'under control'. (By the way, not only did the Lord provide a house for my friend, but He is providing funds for the purchase of that place as well as another 'farm'. Praise the Lord!)

The information about the effects of 'gratitude' on the very 'cell' level is giving me a big opportunity to 'practice' what I am learning. Today I choose to praise the Lord for providing our needs through His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. And very soon I plan to fill you in on more details.

This very morning during our worship time in praise to the Lord this message was added for our encouragement. "In our work we meet with many discouragements. But we shall not gain a particle of strength by dwelling on the discouragements. By beholding we become changed. As we look in faith to Jesus, His image is engraven on the heart. We are transformed in character."
"As we discern the perfection of our Saviour's character, we shall desire to become wholly transformed, and renewed in the image of His purity. "
"By having a knowledge of Christ, -- His words, His habits, and His lessons of instructions, -- we borrow the virtues of the character we have so closely studied, and become inbued with the spirit we have so much admired. Jesus becomes to us "the chiefest among ten thousand." the One "altogether lovely".

Jesus kept the JOY of seeing us eternally saved ever before Him while He was a human being here on earth. And since the JOY of the Lord is our strength, we too can imbibe of that same attitude to enable us to 'copy' His pattern.

God is in the business of restoration. He has promised to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. We have been told to 'Ask', 'seek' and 'knock'. We are told to 'cast' all our cares upon Him, for He cares for us. I praise the Lord just now for His wonderful works to us, His 'children'. We have asked, and God is giving. We have been seeking and are finding God's promises true and faithful and He will 'do it' - yes, He is doing it and has done it.
We have petitioned God to supply our needs and He has already begun to open the windows of heaven and pour us out a blessing so big we don't have enough room to receive it all. Yippee! Why? That means we have more than enough so we can continue to share with others.

Thinking of having 'enough' to share with others more needy than ourselves may be why I was challenged last evening. Earlier this year we had shared financially to try to help another person in dire need. Last evening I overheard someone (who is here on the farm because they 'needed' help and we chose to let them stay here because they, at the time, seemingly had nowhere else to go) refer to that 'incident', almost in a derisive tone, with a comment that that money would have taken care of the 'taxes' if we hadn't of helped that person.

There may be a kernel of truth in what was said. On the other hand, the person who was speaking has also been helped financially numerous times by us in the past. Maybe that is why they made remarks about us helping someone else, (but not as much as we have tried to help them,) because they still feel guilty. Do they feel guilty for not 'returning' to us what was 'loaned' to them? I wonder. That person was speaking to someone else who was also helped financially by us, and who basically also 'owes' us some of what had been 'loaned' to them by us. (My thoughts were having trouble staying grateful, I must admit, about that time.) Both of the ones talking, though, seemed almost 'eager' to hear of 'failure' here on the farm financially.

Yes, I was challenged, to say the least, as I listened for a few minutes to the ongoing conversation between the two parties. And yes, I guess I was 'evesdropping' to the speakerphone conversation. Then, I realized that not only were there numerous inconsistencies and out and out inaccuracies in the conversation but my attitude was being VERY negatively affected and I recognized that I needed to LEAVE - run away quick.

I came back to our little house and realized that I must refocus. I stopped looking on perceived faults and failings of others and returned to "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith". Jesus focused on the JOY before Him and I chose to turn my mind eyes to gratitude and joy as well - especially to what He is doing in our lives right now.

My hubby and I chose to again praise the Lord for His goodness to us. We thanked Him for enabling us to continue to help others whether or not they are grateful. We are thankful God has already supplied our needs - so many in the past - and is continuing to do so even now. As we looked back over the past couple of years we were reminded that God has been the One who has supplied the funds for the taxes then. We were reminded that last year we didn't have enough money either, but God came through. The taxes are even higher this year - Praise the Lord - which means God's answers will be even 'bigger'. That also means we have even more reason for an attitude of gratitude. And from what I have just learned that attitude of gratitude is giving me another reason to experience better 'body health' as well as spiritual health. I Praise the Lord and choose to continue to thank Him for His wonderful love to us.

I must go for now, but until we meet again, may the God of hope fill you with all JOY and PEACE in believing, that You may abound hope through the Power of the Holy Ghost. And remember, an attitude of gratitude gives health to every cell in your body.

Bringer of Peace