When God is Gone

A sheep stood paralyzed on the side of the river’s steep edge fearing that he might slip in and be washed away. He looked back and his master was nowhere in sight. He tried with all his might to back up the steep embankment. In agony, his thoughts rested on the fact that his master was gone and there was no one to help him. We are like that sheep when we are in trouble. We look to see if God is watching and ready to help.  Instead, we all too often see no one. We don’t realize that God is often the nearest to us when we feel that He has forsaken us.

It’s easy to feel that God is far off. In our moments when it seems no one is there for us, we like to include God with everyone else. We like to loose faith and believe that He is gone. Sometimes we know God is up there or somewhere, but we don’t believe that He is by our side and on our side. 

God is always with us, but we tend to not be with Him. Many of us don’t realize how close God really is. We panic in His arms wondering why we are all alone. Deep inside we just love to be alone. We live in a sinful world and instinct tells us that we are alone and we can do anything we wish. We are naturally sinful and when we sin, we separate ourselves from God. God wants us to be with Him, but we often push him away with our actions.

We can know God is near by recognizing and knowing Him. I don’t always like trusting people that I am not sure of just as I don’t always like to trust in Jesus. When really He should be my all in all. I should be able to always have confidence in Him, but I don’t and I can’t. I don’t even expect to. I ask and expect Jesus to do it for me. He commands us over and over again to trust in Him and He is an enabler of His commands. Even though I am not perfect and I know that too well, I still try to believe in Him and He does help me. I still feel alone sometimes, but I can look back and see all the other times I called out to God and I find again and again that He had been and will be there the whole time. It takes time to trust that God is always with us, but the sooner you acknowledge Him, the easier it will be to trust Him in the future.  

God is right in front of us and we need to look Him in the eye and grasp His hand. You may be realizing that you have overlooked Jesus or have assumed you didn’t need His help. Just as that sheep could not escape danger without the shepherds help, you can’t either. The sheep finally realized that his shepherd was sitting right in front of him the whole time. It had been looking too far away. With new found joy, the sheep willingly let the shepherd gently lift him out of danger to higher ground. Let Jesus lift you out today. 

Lukewarm Mush

   I like my oatmeal hot and that brings me to the conclusion that God likes hot mush also. Just like I want to enjoy my breakfast to the fullest, God wants to enjoy us to the fullest. God doesn’t want half followers, He wants all of our hearts. 

    I don’t like it when people let on that they love or care for me so much that they would be willing to basically die for me, when I know they’ll probably forget my next birthday. We want full relationships. God wants full relationships. I personally wouldn’t like a group of half friends who give a lot of lip service about how much they care for me, but then not show it with their actions.  Remember the old saying, “Actions speak louder than words?”  God wants all of our lives.

    The Bible says that God will spit the lukewarm Christians out. He wants you-all of you, but if you don’t want all of Him, then you are hurting God and those He loves. He has feelings too!  It is just like when you have a friend that shuns you at times or only wants you when they want something. It is like when you have a friend being a really bad example to your other friends. God wants all of our love. 

   If you think that you are hot mush to God, you probably aren't. “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)  God wants a humble spirit and we always can get closer to the Lord, because He wants our entire lives.

   We all have a bit of sloppy warm goo in our Christian walk. Whether it’s in our thinking, actions, or relationship with God, we are all a bit separated from Him. Fortunately, we don’t have to stay Lukewarm Mush forever. God will give you the power to be on fire for Him.

God, Should I brush My Teeth!

   I was staring at the ceiling trying to sleep, when God showed me something that I have never realized.  I am a worrier and I was born a worrier, but I will not be a worrier.  God pointed out to me one of the simplest concepts out there.

   Usually when I begin worrying, its almost always to do with my future-always about the unknown.  I don't know how to stop my problems and bring my desires to reality.  Sometimes it's nothing more than wondering if I should brush my teeth first or put my clothes away first.  Other times its about the next ten years of my life.

   I have been praying for God to help me not be so anxious and He has helped me.  One of the ways that he has assisted was by showing me a simple concept.  As I lay there staring at the ceiling, God showed me a lesson from the trim on the ceiling.  I focused on the wood trim and noted that it looked much wider at the end right in front of my face.  However, on the far end away from my eyes it was barely visible and very narrow.  It looked smaller and smaller the farther I looked away from me.  

   God brought to mind how it was like a road. As you drive down the road, you don't worry about it getting skinny or disappearing. The road looking narrow in the distance is an optical illusion.  This is just like life.  You can see today clearly just like you see the road up close.  You can see all the rocks and problems and you know what you have to deal with and what to pray for.  That can be frightening, but if a moose is standing in the road you know you have to hit the brakes.  I have to entirely focus on what is front of me.  That is why Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow, because each day has enough troubles of its own.  

   When I start trying to look hundred of miles down the road and worry about rabbits, rocks, potholes, then I am out of God's will.    At some point if I live long enough, those sections of the road will be right in front of me and I will have to deal with them at that point with Jesus, but I am not to try to deal with them now.  Truthfully, what I worry about will most likely never happen and Jesus knows every inch of the road that I must travel.  He knows every bump and storm.  He knows what is waiting for me around the next curve.  The nice thing is that He only allows road hazards that can be used for my good, others' good and for His glory.  

   Also, even though the road seems to narrow into nothingness in the distance, I don't worry about me dropping off the end.  The road of life is hard enough, I don't need to worry about the future.  So whenever I am tempted to start worrying about the road construction miles ahead, I need to remember to only focus on the road right ahead of me and the rainbow in the sky.  


   As it says in the Bible today has enough problems of it's own.  I believe that and I am glad that God has a way for all of us to escape our problems and fears.  Just as God is helping me overcome my incessant worrying, he will help you with your problems in a beautiful way-more beautiful than you ever thought possible.  Just ask.  He's waiting for you.

The Apple of my Eye

       
I couldn't understand God!!  What was He doing?  Every day I wasted put me at a higher risk.  It would not be convenient if I were to miss my only opportunity.  I knew that Alaska would not wait for me and I needed to be prepared...


     My plan was to use a bluetooth keyboard with my iPhone u at our remote, walk-in cabin in Alaska.  Unfortunately, I would not be able to use my MacBook up there, because it took too much electricity for our small solar system.  

     This keyboard is essential, because I am planning on writing a second book this Spring and Summer.  With us leaving in just six weeks, I wanted to make sure that the bluetooth keyboard would work well.  If it didn't, I would have to order another and return the one.  That could take awhile and I didn't want to play any games with time.  I would need a reliable one that would last all summer and be in my budget.  The keyboard that caught my eye was a $17 one on Amazon.  It looked pretty decent for the price and I decided to purchase it.

     Thankfully, God saw the whole picture.  He knew exactly what I really needed and wanted to get me something better.  He knew that there was a much better option.  His only problem was my stubbornness and strong will.  I was determined to get the keyboard right away, while God strongly impressed me to wait.  After a mental struggle, I decided to trust in God and wait until He gave me His approval.

     It was so hard.  I literally struggled at the brink of giving in.  "Why would God want me to wait?" I reasoned.   By God's grace, I stood strong.  After a few days, my Grandma called and she was curious about how I would work on my next book up in Alaska.  I mentioned how I had found a keyboard for my phone.  After I told her about it and how it worked, she told me that she wanted to get me one-just not that one, but a $70 Apple keyboard!

Without God, we loose everything to gain nothing.   

 Without God, your future is yesterday.

With God, your future never dies.

A Modern Day Miracle

 I asked and received!

   Yesterday morning, I prayed that God would provide some new skis for me if it was His will.  I knew I didn't have the money and by the time I did, it would be summer. After I told God of my plea, I felt that God would provide.  Just the day before, a part on my left ski broke off.  It was unfixable, especially when I didn't know where the piece went.  Without it, the ski kept releasing my one boot at the worst times possible-like when I would land from a big jump. 

   
   It was so nice, because I had peace.  If God wanted me to have skis, then I would.  If it wasn't His will, then I would make do.
   Before supper, my dad had to pick up a printer from one of the neighbors a mile down the road.  As they were talking, Mr. Bob asked if we needed any skis, because he had a pair he wanted to give away to us.  My dad mentioned that mine had broken just the day before.  Neither of them knew about my prayer and Mr. Bob didn't even know that I ski.
   My dad pulled into the driveway and there were some beautiful skis in the back of the truck.  I was amazed and extremely grateful to God for this miracle.  It doesn't just happen where you need skis and then they just pop up ten hours later. 
   I wanted to share this with you all, so that you can see that God is still the same God as in the Biblical times and He is still well able to perform miracles-either big or small.  

You Can't Stay Focused on Heaven

   Turning against the tide is not as epic as it was for a man we owe our lives to.  Although he did not save us spiritually, he did save us physically while in the biggest battle of his life.  There were only two results to this battle, either God would follow through and do what He said or the man would face humiliation.

  

     Each step hurt.  Each moment added intensity.  His decision was binding.  He kept his eyes focused on his future.  Although, his future only seemed to include an existence that resembled a noisy smelly dungeon.  At least he in this so called dungeon he could hide from the jeering crowds and the angry mobs.  Even if he decided to turned back, his social status and reputation was ruined.  All he had was the one who was trying to save him-Jesus.  Before hand, it wasn't so hard, but now that it was the turning point of his life, God seemed distant and unreal.  After almost falling back in doubt, he regained his composure and battled forward.

   Right before he stepped through the open door way,  I can imagine a thought struck him like a bolt of lightning, “Call out to the people just one more time!”  Noah stopped dead.  What was God asking?  He had spent the last 120 years begging them to follow God and obey.  Why now?  He slowly turned around and saw his family and friends who would be lost forever, unless...  Unless, he gave them one more chance.  

   As he contemplated whether or not he should say something or just climb on board, the crowds couldn’t contain their laughter.  With one final decision Noah pleaded for them to come and be saved.  

   We all know what happened next, no one moved.  No one even tried to reason with the old man.  After years of teasing Noah, all compassion was literally drained from them.  Fortunately, Noah stood firm.

   We are all in this same situation.  It is too easy for us to become self focused and forget that we are at the most crucial time ever.  Those lost will be lost and those saved will enjoy paradise for eternity.  We will have endless happiness as we continue our lives in Heaven without the worldly struggles and temptations while being in Jesus' presence.  We will live peacefully, commingling with the angels and past loved ones.  

   While up in Heaven, what if we were able to realize that if we had asked just one more time, a sinner would be up in Heaven enjoying life with us?  Not only would they have Heaven, but they would have had a better and easier life while on this earth.  They would have been able to enjoy peace and an ever present helper-Jesus, to smooth out fears and to impress them how to live a perfect life.  

   How can I sit here doing nothing while just looking at my future in Heaven?  I can't stay focused on Heaven alone and ignore those who need salvation.  Just like Noah could not just focus on his boat.  He was to remember and plead with those who didn't realize the coming danger.  I want a future in Heaven filled with loved ones and friends.  I want to have Heaven with everyone I know and a lot more. 

   Even though, I probably won't have my dream 100% fulfilled, it’s worth striving for.

"iPhone must be brought under attention"

   I must say that Americans have a severe problem.   The attention deficit or lack of attention is making americans unable to barely sit.   The more severe problem is the lack of time spent with God each day.  That is what really matters.  

    How many hours are you on your phone each day?  I bet well over five hours for the average person.  I challenge you to see how many hours you are on it each day and then write it down.  (Go to settings> general> usage).  After you get over your initial shock, figure out the approximate amount  of time you have spent with God.   Including both time in the Bible and prayer.  After you have analyzed your data, pray about how you should balance your life.  God obviously had you read this for a reason.  

Ending note: If you don't give time for God, maybe He will get an iPhone. 

It's Not Their Fault

  Often we do not like what God wants us to do, but usually it turns out better than we anticipate.  This is what happened on this mission trip to Kenya with Forget-Me-Not Orphan Care.  Although there were struggles and trials, it couldn't have gone better.  I would like you to enjoy a bit of the blessing I experienced by seeing a glimpse of my adventure through these photos.  Each one was hand-selected from the 1600 photos I took over the two weeks. 

Bandaging wounds 

My Mom's nurse; this little girl decided to help.

Giving clothes and toys:

The boys were given "Hot Wheels".  For many, it was there first toy ever!

We gave the little girls dolls.

Feeding the children:

Playing with the kids:

 To see more of what Forget-Me-Not Orphan Care is doing, please click here. 

   If God is asking you to do something, do it.  Nothing is as bad as it may seem, because we love to fantasize every possible disaster.  We always seem to skip out on the more common, encouraging possibilities. 

   Another idea to contemplate is the fact that if we are not willing to even go on a mission trip, etc. when the Lord asks, then how can we be willing to die for Christ?

Lost in Thought Photography

  These are some of the pictures I have taken in Michigan, Alaska and trips in between. These photos were taken with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ02. 

Memories

Stored

Forever

What does this cat want?

We must hold on to God no matter what, like this tree is clinging to this rock.

A leafy branch backed with our local creek's water

  More photo's will be added later.  

Please check back soon for more.

Thank you!