Sometimes it is hard to find the balance, isn't it? And, balance in everything is so important.

I recently lost a dear, old friend, and I am struggling with my grief. But, at the same time, I am rejoicing in hope because I know she is with her Lord and King. Heaven is hers! She is singing and worshiping and experiencing all of Heaven! Knowing so many who are already there makes it more real to me than ever.

It's at times like this I am reminded that this world is not my home. My home is Heaven. I will spend eternity there in His presence! It is amazing to think about. It is so much easier to think about the day to day things of life here on Earth. There are responsibilities and relationships to maintain. There are always things that need doing. Each day has much that must be taken care of. And that isn't bad. No, the problem comes when we see it as all there is. All that we see around us is temporary. Once our purpose here is fulfilled, God will bring us home. We need to watch that all this "stuff" doesn't take up all our time and heart. We need to keep it in the proper place. We need to focus on God's will for us.

(Luke 12:16-21 NLT)  Then He told them a story: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, 'What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.' Then he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods.
And I'll sit back and say to myself, "My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!"'  "But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?' "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."

We are just passing through this life. While we are here, we are asked by our King to take care of His world until He returns. We need to be mindful of what we do. We need to remember we are not working to build our own kingdom, but His.

(1Jn 2:15-17 MSG)  Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world--wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important--has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out--but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.

I want to know that I have done what God intended for me to do. I want to know that I have left something real and eternal when I leave here. I want to live in the balance of the here and now and my glorious future in eternity. Because THINGS are not my prize, even though I can enjoy them. Comfort is not my goal, even though it is nice to be comfortable. Fame and fortune do not matter. I want to please my Heavenly Father. I want to live a life that honors Him and points others to Him. So, while there is nothing wrong at all with enjoying this world, we must remember that there is more. SO MUCH MORE than what we see every day.

(2Cor. 4:18 NIV) So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

God's best must be wonderful. Don't you think? Can there be anything better? But, so many times we settle for something easier -- something that feels better to our flesh -- something with a lower price tag. Because God's best does have a high price. Not everyone is willing to pay it. It is so worth it, but often we don't fully understand that til we've made it through to the other side.

(Prov. 16:25 AMP)  There is a way that seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.

(Deut 30:19 NLT)  "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!

An old group I used to listen to had some song lyrics that say, "Taking the easy way isn't the easy way." Think about it. Choosing God's best means being willing to be different. Choosing God's best means giving up control, and we SO LOVE to be in control, don't we? Choosing God's best usually means there will be no "instant gratification." There will be hard work. There will be tests. There may even be persecution.

We like to read stories (testimonies) of men and women of God who have done amazing things. We dream of being "super heroes of the faith" riding beautiful horses, and dressed in immaculate, glowing white, we ride in to save the day. Ta da! We think about doing great things for God. What fun! How rewarding! Yeah..... Moses was called to lead a people who drove him crazy with their complaining. David was anointed to be a king, and spent years running and hiding from Saul. God called Mary to be the mother of His Son, and she was misunderstood and ostracized. She had to give birth to Jesus in a barn. There is a price.

It's like praying for patience. Do you know the price tag on that one?

(Rom 5:3-4 AMP)  Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.

I have been listening to a great song called Blessings, by Laura Story . The song inspired this post. I have provided the "address" if you want to hear the whole song. It sure touched my heart.

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops? What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near?
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQan9L3yXjc

When times are rough, we sometimes think we have "missed God." We mistakenly think that if we are in God's will, everything should be peachy keen. Nope. Because God is building us. He is teaching us patience. He is refining us --teaching us what really matters. He is working on our character. He is giving us "the habit of joyful and confident hope..."   The best part is that through all this, HE NEVER LEAVES US! It is hard. Really hard sometimes. (Kinda like having a baby, only it takes longer!) But what you get at the end makes it worth it. I just know it.

SO --- do we love God enough NOT to be mediocre? Do we love Him enough to pay the price for His BEST?

My husband and I make an interesting team. I am a person of ACTION! I see a need, and I want to respond. I see something broken, and I want to fix it... NOW! I remember once, when my sisters and I were kids home “babysitting ourselves,” a log rolled out of the fireplace and set the carpet on fire. While my sisters dithered about in a panic, I dumped out all my Tinker Toys, filled the bucket with water and put out the fire. There is a time for jumping in quick and doing something. That’s my gift.  I’m a jumper inner!

Aren’t you glad that God sees the whole picture and knows exactly what is needed? Aren’t you glad that His wisdom is available simply by asking?

Mother's Day! I am so thankful that God allowed me to be a Mom. I think it was probably the hardest, most fulfilling, exciting, tender, enjoyable, scary thing I have ever done. I still remember how I felt when the nurse put my first daughter in my arms. She opened her eyes and looked up at me, and I was SCARED! I suddenly realized how ill prepared I was for the job! What did I know about being a mother? Suddenly I was responsible for a LIFE! What if I goofed up?

Perhaps the most vital advice I could give to any young mom today is to PRAY! Pray and pray some more! Probably fifty times a day, I was faced with a situation where I was not sure what to do. I prayed. I knew God knew this little person with a rebellious scowl standing in front of me, and HE had a plan! He knew the right answers to the million questions they asked. He knew who their friends were. He knew what they did when they left my sight. He knew their fears. He knew their gifts. Each child is so different. The Bible says we should train them up in the way THEY SHOULD GO, and how was I supposed to know what way that was? Ask Him!

I know I was not a perfect mom. I know I made tons of mistakes. There were things I didn't know. Things I didn't see. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and do things differently. What I know I did right was to bring my children to God every day. I prayed for their protection. I prayed for the development of their souls, and spirits. I tried to be a good example. I tried to teach them that loving and obeying God was the most important thing in life.

I prayed for them, and I prayed with them. Even when they were tiny, I prayed for their future spouses. I knew I could trust in God's plan. There were so many times I was totally overwhelmed, but I knew I could "run to the Rock." I knew when I needed wisdom, HIS wisdom was available to me. My God was my best parenting resource!

Now my daughters are mothers, and often, when they are faced with a parenting challenge, they often ask me, "Mom, what should I do?" Honestly? I do not know! All I can tell them is to listen to God's voice within. Pray! God has an answer, and it is the best one! He lovingly created each child. They are an amazing gift to be treasured. He knows how to nurture and discipline His little lambs. Just ask. He will direct you.

Love and blessings to all the mommies everywhere.
May you get enough sleep.
May unexpected company never show up at your door on the day when you never had a chance to get showered and dressed!
May the laundry pile never grow too high, and may all the stains come out!
May you take time for hugs and play.
May you never put housework before your children. Happy children count far more than a perfect house.
May sickness leave your house alone.
May you discipline with love and wisdom, and never lose your sense of humor.
May you find time for yourself occasionally.
Remember, you are not alone. God holds you as you hold your children.

Listen to the ONE who loves you best, and have a wonderful Mother's Day.

Years ago,  I remember sitting in church one Sunday hearing the youth choir cheerfully belting out ---
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds my future,
And life is worth the living, just because He lives.

It’s a lovely song. Some of you probably know it. I was sitting there thinking, Have these dear, young people any idea what they are singing? They have experienced so little of life. He really DOES hold our futures, but we still are going to go through some stuff.

I had a friend who was a missionary to Cuba. He was incarcerated and questioned -- left alone all night, sitting on a hard chair in a damp, locked room to contemplate the possibility that his life might soon end. He was able to hold on to peace, because he knew Who held his future. Later, he was released, and kicked out of the country.

Another friend of mine has heard bad news from her doctor. She stands strong, smiling and trusting. She truly does know the One holds her future. SHE was comforting ME! She wrote to me, “Who can fathom His ways, Mae? Who can counsel God Who holds our lives dear to Himself? I know that I will have to be reminded of Who HE is as I walk through whatever lies ahead. Ultimately I have to trust Him....Who else do I have?” She is a hero in the faith to me.

In some countries, there are people right now who will be hunted down and killed because they have made the decision to live for the Lord Jesus Christ. They will most likely give their lives for their faith, because Christians do not live very long in those countries. They consider knowing Him worth it all. THAT is faith!

I will never forget the Sunday morning when my husband picked up the phone and was informed that our beautiful, adopted daughter had taken her own life. I was broken. My faith was all I had to strengthen me. My hope and help was only in Him. Words could not comfort me. God alone held me close in my grief. His Spirit knows how to comfort us when life takes a turn we never planned on. We have to reach up to Him in faith.

You see, there is the easy,“lite” faith, that has never faced a trial, and then there is deep, abiding faith that is tried in the furnace of life's tough times. Anything worth anything has got to cost something.

When you read of Job’s sufferings in the Bible, you will see that his wife’s advice was to “Curse God and die.” What a sweet encourager she was, right?  But Job did not curse God. Job said, “Even if He kills me, I will still trust in Him.” That is deep, real faith.

God IS THERE when it hurts so bad you feel that you can’t bear it. God is there. Right there. We have two choices. We can “curse Him and die” — blame Him, run from Him and suffer, bitter and alone. Or, we can cling to Him. We can reach up in faith and trust that He has a plan. We can choose to rest in His love. Life itself is a precious thing, but it comes with no guarantees. I count the Lord Jesus as more precious than anything, and He DOES come with a guarantee! He will never leave me.

(Isaiah 41:10 AMP)  Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.

Have faith in God, my friend. Have faith.

Ruth 4:15 Amp.:  And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life and a nourisher of thine OLD AGE.

Getting older is interesting. Sometimes I feel like I am just observing, and what is happening to my body is not really ME. I don't have those brown spots on my hands, those "white highlights" in my hair, and that wrinkly neck skin that looks "turkeyish." No, I am still vital, young, smooth-skinned and cool! What does this body think it is doing, anyway?

“It`s not how old you are, it`s how you are old.”  ~~ Jules Renard

Yeah.... there is no cure for old age accept dying young, and I have no interest in THAT! So... I will cheerfully try to put up with the new aches and pains, the reaching for some word or phrase that seems to be dancing on the edge of my conscious mind, and the sudden need for a short nap around 2 PM. I will smile and joke about needing to stand up slowly, carefully, so that my joints can register the change in position and join me. I will try not to apologize too much when I tell the same story to the same person more than once. (You know how you get that kinda "been here, done that" feeling sometimes?) Maybe I need to remember to start asking people, "Did I already tell you this?"

Psalms 91:16 With LONG LIFE will I satisfy him.

A lot has been said about aging. Probably the younger folks get a bit tired of hearing us talk about it. But see, the thing is.... we NEED to talk about it. We older folks are often puzzled and frustrated by the changes in ourselves. We don't like it that we get tired so much easier. We don't like not being able to remember things. We don't like it that we can't thread a needle anymore without the light being just right, and without our special up close glasses. (Which we often cannot FIND!)  We aren't happy about the lineup of pills which must be swallowed every day to regulate this and that. We are trying to find the balance between acceptance and not giving up.

“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in his hand who saith, 'A whole I planned, youth shows but half; Trust God: See all, nor be afraid!”  ~~ Robert Browning

Yes. Getting old is not for sissies. But there is nothing to fear when you know the Lord. And, you know what? I am grateful. I am grateful for every day. Life is a gift. Mornings when I open my eyes and carefully stretch (so I don't hurt anything or get a leg cramp) I am glad to be alive. I lie there and I thank the Lord for another day. I ask Him for wisdom to live it in the best way I can. I ask Him for strength and grace to accomplish what I have before me. I ask Him to help me be a blessing. I name my children, my grandchildren and others that come to mind and ask the Father to guide and protect them.

“Cherish all your happy moments: they make a fine cushion for old age.” ~~ Christopher Morley

I try to see the positives of getting older. I have experienced plenty, and learned a lot. (Mostly from my mistakes!) I have learned what is worth holding on to and appreciating, and what you need to just let go. I don't sweat the small stuff so much. I don't feel like I have anything much to prove. I don't fret so much about what people think. My slower pace allows me to see more, enjoy more, listen more. I have sifted life and found the things that are worth keeping and cherishing. I find my Lord and His promises to me more and more dear. I have become more sympathetic and patient with those older than me. I adore and delight in my grandchildren. Yes. Life is good.

I hope you younger folks who read will pardon my reflective mood. When I reached into myself for a post, this is what came out today! Blessings!

Do you like to watch sport competitions? I admit I am not a huge fan, but when the Olympics are on, I like to check in occasionally. One thing I always notice is how fit the competitors are. There is not an ounce of fat on them anywhere! They are lean, mean machines with a their focus on winning.

If you think about it, most people who succeed at anything have worked hard for it. Even when it was tough, they pushed through. You read about authors who had lots and lots of rejection letters before some publisher finally gave them a chance, or people in the music industry who worked and worked to get the exposure they needed to succeed. It takes work to reach your goals, doesn't it?

Sometimes, when I look at fellow believers I wonder if we have any goals at all.

(2Ti 4:7-8 NLT)  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing.

Oh, I know we have personal goals. Maybe you are saving for a trip or a new car. Maybe you are just trying to get out of debt. Maybe you are getting an education, or working toward a promotion. Maybe you are planning to start a family, or move from an apartment to a home of your own. These are great goals.

But, what about our KINGDOM goals? What are we doing to be useful and successful in the Kingdom of God? Many of us sit in church Sunday after Sunday hearing great sermons. We read inspiring books and hear testimonies of those who are making a difference. Yeah... we take it all in ....... and that's all.   We quote scriptures about love, but we don't allow God's love to flow through us to others. We know Bible verses, yet we do not LIVE them. We are spiritually overweight. We are taking in lots and lots of spiritual nourishment, but we aren't using it for anything. We are chubby Christians.

We read of the bad things happening in the world. We shake our heads and sigh, but does it occur to us that we could do anything to change the world? Even just one small part? Would we take the risk of being rejected and speak up for God at our workplace, school or neighborhood? Can we make time to go on a mission trip, help at a soup kitchen or teach a Sunday School class? Can we use some of those "spiritual calories" we have been taking in?

If we believe God's love can change the world, are we willing to be carriers of that love? Lazy, spiritually overweight Christians will not make a difference. Maybe we could call them "pew potatoes!"  The God who loves you, saves you and gives you a new start wants to do that for others. But who is going to tell them?

(Rom 10:13-15a NLT) "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?

Don't you think it is time we got up and used some "spiritual calories?" Isn't it time we exercised our spiritual muscles and used some energy for the kingdom of God?

Let's not be spiritually overweight?

Back when I was a silly, selfish teenager, I remember my Daddy taking me to town. I really needed (I was convinced!) a new pair of shoes, and I had been pestering my poor father for weeks to take me into the city to shop for some.

I remember him coming into the house and asking me if I was ready to go, because he had some time to spare. He was wearing his dirty work clothes with sawdust in the cuffs of his pants, and he smelled.... like a man who had been working hard. His hat was stained with sweat, but his eyes were soft and loving.

Although I didn't like it that he didn't look nicer, I did not say anything about his clothes. I just grabbed my stuff and slunk out to the car. When we got downtown, I either walked far in front of him, or lingered far behind. I was ashamed for others to see me with him. I hoped fervently I wouldn't run into any of my friends. Now as I remember that day, I am ashamed that I was ashamed. My Dad was a good, hardworking man. He had made time in his busy day to take me shoe shopping. Instead of being grateful, I was embarrassed. (It's one of those moments you wish you could have a "do over" for.)

I don't know if he was aware of my bad attitude. He never said anything. In fact, he was really, really quiet. I think I probably hurt him that day. I am so sorry for it.

(Luke 9:26 NLT) If anyone is ashamed of Me and My message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when He returns in His glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.

This verse makes me stop and think. Have I ever been ashamed to tell others I know Jesus? Have I ever kept my Christianity safely hidden in the background? Have I ever been embarrassed to invite someone to church? Have I ever not spoken up when I knew something was not right? Am I making Jesus feel like I made my Daddy feel that day so long ago?

Negative women bother me. I feel they are using their womanhood in a wrong way. Women who nag and pick, slander and manipulate are difficult to be around. God created us for something better. I doubt women who behave that way feel good inside.

Husband needs to be admired and appreciated.  They need to know we've "got their back." They need to know we will stand by them and help them be their best.

(Prov. 31:11-12 NLT)  Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

There is a word in the Bible which I like a lot. It is the word edify. It means to build up or strengthen. I know some women who use their words to tear others down. They are bitter, sarcastic, even cruel. This is certainly not what God intended for a woman. Words are powerful. We need to use them for encouraging, loving, and blessing.

(Prov. 14:1 NLT)  A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

(Prov. 21:9 NLT)  It's better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.

When I was a young bride, I wanted to be a good wife. But, I was selfish, immature and insecure. I ask God daily to help me. I learned when I wanted to have a "hissy fit" about something to first ask myself a few simple questions. IS IT WORTH IT?  Is it worth destroying the peace in my home? Is it worth hurting my husband? Will it work out for good? Will it bring a positive result? Is it kind? Is it God-pleasing? There are fights we never had because of those questions. There were things I chose to let go because I wanted to build up my husband and not tear him down.

(Prov. 12:4 AMP)  A virtuous and worthy wife [earnest and strong in character] is a crowning joy to her husband, but she who makes him ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

I also learned to pray for my husband. At first, I would ask God to CHANGE HIM!   Later I learned to pray that God's will would be done. I found God often resolved situations by changing ME! 

Women who constantly speak negatively about their husbands and others make me uncomfortable. Of course, people have faults. No one is perfect. That's where that word edify comes in again! I believe if we edify and build up our husbands, (and others!) they will be less likely to let us down.

(Prov. 11:22  MSG) Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful face on an empty head.

Trust me -- I am not a perfect wife. I have whined, slammed a few doors, used tears to manipulate and even stuck my tongue out at hubby when he wasn't looking a time or two! Oh, and let's not forget the SIGHS and the EYE ROLLING!  But I love my husband. I believe he is a gift from God to me, and gifts should be appreciated and cared for. I WANT to be a good wife. I want to be a good example for other women. I want to build up and not tear down. I know I need God's help. Every day. Hey, every minute!

Do you edify?

Is He? Is God a liar? Of course He isn't! Why is it then that His people often live like they do not believe Him?

I see Christians who constantly fight fear and worry. It has such a grip on them that they are not able to do much, and there is little victory in their lives. Why? Because they don't believe God. They seem unable to grasp the truth and love that will set them free.

(1Jn 4:18 NIV)  There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

(2Ti 1:7 NLT)  For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Really, if we actually BELIEVE the Bible, what do we have to worry about? The words "fear not" appear in the Bible over and over again. God promises to take care of us. He assures us of our value to Him. We can read how He took care of His own. He never changes. If He did it then, He will do it now.

(Mat 6:30 NLT) " And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? "

Did you know that becoming a Christian does not automatically make us conquerors? Nope. We have to make the choice every day to believe. We have to grow our faith. We have to pray and read and learn, and we have to reject the lies. It is a work in progress, this learning to trust. But, He is faithful to help us, if we choose to follow Him.

You know, as a Christian we can have whatever we choose to have. Choice is a powerful thing. If we choose fear, we can  have it in all its heart-thumping forms. If we choose faith, it is ours. If we choose depression, it will press us down and crush us. If we choose joy, it will lift us up and strengthen us. If we choose bitterness and unforgiveness, it will eat away at us and may even steal our health. If we choose to forgive, we walk free. If we choose to fret, we will never know His peace. If we choose peace, we will never have to fret! If we choose to believe God is Who He says He is, and will do what He says He will do, we can have an amazing life!

I know these things to be true because I had to learn to make good choices. At one time, I was a professional worrier. I was afraid of my own shadow! I remember once I even bought shoes that I did not want or like, because I was too afraid to tell the man in the store I did not want them! Sad, huh? I never, EVER stood up for myself. I was a victim through and through. But you know, one day, I decided to believe God. I got sick of myself. I got desperate. I wanted something more --- something better! And, it was all waiting for me when I stopped treating my God like He was a liar.  I chose to believe Him. If He said it, it was right and true. I have served Him for many years now, and He has never let me down. Sure, there have been hard times, struggles, and temptations. Sometimes things happen that I don't understand, but I know WHO HE IS. I choose to hang on and and trust. It has been worth it.

(Jer.10:10a KJV)  But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king:

Was it easy? No. It's easier to believe the lie. It's easier to go with the diagnosis. It's easiest to listen to all the people who want to tell you there is no hope for you in God. Don't choose the easy way. I promise you, if you will begin to reach up in faith and to make every effort to believe the report of the Lord, things in your life will change. Really.

Are you living like you believe God is a liar?