Nothing

Just look at what the Lord has made of nothing. This picture is from our trip to Alberta a few years ago.

I went for a walk yesterday and I ended up listening to the wind blowing through the pine trees at the back of the colony. I just love that sound, it will always remind me of the Holy Spirit because of what it says about Him being like the wind. You can hear Him whistling, but you don't know where He is going or where He came from. So is everyone born of the Spirit.

So there I was in the shelter of the trees and down floats a peace of nothing off them. I caught it in my gloved hand to examine it's nothingness and let it fall to the earth because after all, it was nothing, just a peace of nothing.

Yet someday it may be used to furtilize new life.

What did God use to make man? Dust! He can make much out of nothing. He breathed the breath of life into them and they became living beings.

May the spirit do so to me, breath new life into my soul so that I can become a living sacrifice to the Lord. I want to give more than just my earthly possessions, but my whole life, time, talents, gifts, intelligence, strength and will. But I must confess I have been trying to give this of my own strength. I too must come before Him with nothing and fall to the earth.

This is where I may be used to bring forth new life, for I serve a God who can make something out of nothing. I must trust and follow Him even if I don't know where He is going or where He has come from.

At war

From the moment I was born till my death I will have to struggle. A soldier in arms has no value until he is tested. If I am not tested, I dare say that I am off the narrow road, either to the right (self-righteous) or the left (living in sin), because that is the only way that the devil will leave me alone.

That was the message at church today and out pops the question, am I intimidating to the devil?

Does he tremble when he sees me on my knees because my prayer of faith will move mountains, or does he scoff at my useless, empty, faithless, reciting?

Does he rally his forces whenever I plan my next move to build up God’s kingdom, or is he relaxing, assured that he can hold his ground and I will do little damage to his strongholds?

Has he got me beat with discouragement and self pity, or am I an encouragement to the many soles who are struggling along beside me?

Is my worship a time for him to disappear because he just can’t stand me being in the presents of God getting guidance, encouragement, and strength for the battle, or has he got me employed worshiping other gods like food, possessions, money, hobbies, church and community responsibilities to tie up my time, energy, and thoughts?

Is he delighted when I hold a clean house, sewing, blogging and other things above spending time with my children, husband, and family, or does he want to give up when I have my priorities straight and am able to take enough time so that there is no lack?

Does he get a bad taste in his mouths when I’m talking to my friends about God and His wonderful ways, or is he happily sitting by listening as we discuss dresses, shoes, couples and news?

Is he impressed because my love is only shown out of duty or must he find another new trick in his big book to try to keep it from flowing freely from God through my willing heart out to all?

How does he react when I return good for evil? Has he got me feeling self-righteous and better than my neighbor or am I merely doing it out of love for my fellowman, knowing that God loves the next person just as much as I am loved?

Today the question was asked: am I afraid to die, or have I been dead for a long time?

Create in me a clean heart Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presents oh Lord. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation, and take not you’re Holy Spirit from me.

What will I say when He asks me why He should let me into His heavenly home?.......

….I have done nothing to deserve it; it was the work of Jesus Christ who died and did it all for me.

Here I am again, back before the One who examines my heart and sees all I do. There is no use pretending, He sees right through me and I cannot hide anything from Him. Far, far from the goal, I will not give up the fight, I have only started.

Me and my big mouth

I’m convinced that if I could just keep my mouth shut my sins would be down to half. “If any man offends not in word’s the same is a perfect man also able to bridle his whole body.”

To be honest, I have been punished by the Good Shepherd who is always ready to guide His sheep. “He who the Lord loves, He chastens.” I just know that I have been given more grace.

I’ve been reading the CSE blog of Kent Hovand in jail and he is still strengthening my faith even from there. Click here to get a load of his message on how good pressure is for a Christian. You’ve just got to read it!

Of course I know that no one is perfect so I will forgive myself, learn from it, take the warning, and move on, but it’s interesting how sometimes it is also wrong not to speak up. It’s one of the three things that never come back to you once they are gone, words, time, and opportunity.

Anyway, I will not be satisfied just to know the truth. I am determined to improve and stick to the old rule, “If it isn’t nice, don’t say it.”

Pollyanna

I have recently been challenged not only to give thanks for the wonderful blessings in my life but also for the things I like the least; the things I complain about and detest because we are to give thanks in all circumstances. So let me play Pollyanna here and try to find the good in them. Every situation is supposed to have the potential for good.

· Cooking, there is not a mother in the city or head cook who would not think she had it made if she only had to cook one week of eight. I should also be thankful that I am healthy and able.

· Winter, that’s easy enough, the beauty of it, the rest, the chance to miss summer.

· My weaknesses and extreme feeler tendencies. God’s strength and the ability to feel for others.

Sometimes life stinks, what if there is really nothing good to be found, do I still have to be thankful? Yes? Why? Because…

· God is great
· God is good

· God is merciful, faithful, mighty and all powerful, eternal, wonderful, God IS, and that is the only source of joy and thanksgiving that I can cling to when thing don’t make sense. His ways are not mine and His thoughts much higher and past finding out. Glory to Him.

Snowflakes

We are more likely to be kept out of heaven for our lack of faith than for any of our most grievous sins. -Rev. Ernie Waldner.

This truth has resonated to the depth of my soul in the last week of worship. What will God sacrificing His Son profit me if I don’t really believe it, and why do I have such a hang up with my sin?

I was out walking in the sparkling snow a day ago and it was coming down slowly in lushes, soft, flakes. There was no wind and the stillness became soothing and calming. It was as if the Lord was saying to me again, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” This is how pure and beautiful I have made the saints, this is you washed with My blood.

It was as dazzling and as comforting as the weather it’s self. I’m so amazed and filled with wonder at how God creates moments like this. His love is simply unfathomable.

Happy New Year!! May we ever grow closer to God and have more love to share.

Mary

I finally got the Christmas spirit when I heard the wonderful news that my good friend Mary (Greenachers) had a baby boy named Hans on Christmas Eve. I am overjoyed and got so excited that I sang Mary's song:

“ My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant...For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.

And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.

He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

She will have her very own nativity sene this year!

A very Merry Christmas to all, filled with family and fun, peace on earth, and goodwill.

Five New Additions to Family

If you are looking to own a dog write to rodneyklein@excite.com