Courageous Warriors

 

My kids:
 Dan, Rebecca, and Ben
April 3, 2004

"We glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance." (Romans 5:3)

Both our boys, now men leading their own households, are facing challenges right now. I'm asking God not only to work out the difficult circumstances but also to work in them, making them even more like Jesus.

In a hard place, beloved? Ask God to work for you and in you to accomplish every good thing He has planned.

"Troubles are the soil from which God grows His courageous warriors." ~ Mrs. Alice quote from Fish Fry ~ Coming spring 2022.

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The Chief Shepherd

 

our Rebecca and "Comet"

"And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." (1 Peter 5:4)

When the Chief Shepherd Jesus Christ appears, I hope He finds me feeding His sheep and little lambs the Word of God through Bible studies, children's books, and a blog.

Beloved, when the Chief Shepherd appears, what will He find you doing?

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A Manger, the Cross, and an Empty Tomb

 

Christmas at the cabin

"And [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped [Jesus] in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7)

"Jesus humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:8)

"But on the first day of the week, at early dawn . . . they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus . . . suddenly two men in  dazzling clothes stood beside them . . . 'Why do you look for the living among the dead? [Jesus] is not here; He has risen!'" (Luke 24:1-7)

Beloved, this day after Thanksgiving-to-God Day before the Christmas season rush, will you pause with me and thank God for the manger, the cross, and an empty tomb?

"Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel . . . By this gospel you are saved . . . that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

Jesus is the reason for the season!!!

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Door Dash Thanksgiving

 

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." (Psalm 100:4-5)

M & M cookies are baked.

The turkeys are on the grill. 

Dressing and sweet potato casserole are in the oven.

Gravy's on the stovetop.

Corn is in the microwave.

Stuffed deviled eggs are in the refrigerator.

Cranberry sauce is in the bowl.

Christmas music is playing softly in the background.

But no guests are coming today for Thanksgiving dinner.

Our daughter is with her husband's family in Huntsville, AL. The grands are sick at both our sons' households, and our brother-in-law is in the hospital.

So . . . 

Three boxes sit on my kitchen counter for Door Dash Thanksgiving deliveries.

Lord, even when unexpected disappointments come, You are good.

Your love endures forever.

And we are grateful!

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Thankful Day #3

My oldest grands

"So thank God for His marvelous love, for His miracle mercy to the children He loves; offer thanksgiving sacrifices, tell the world what He's done—sing it out!" (Psalm 107:22)

Today, I thank You, Lord, for our seven grandchildren. What wondrous gifts from Your hands!

Beloved, who are you thanking God for today?

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Thankful Day #2

 

my family
Christmas 2008

"Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us—You've been so good to us! We're walking on air! All we are and have we owe to GOD, Holy God of Israel, our King!" (Psalm 89:18-19 The Message)

Thank You, Lord God, for my six children—the three I birthed and the three they married.

Beloved, what will you thank God for today?

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Thankful Day #1

my superman and grandboy

"My beloved is mine and I am his." 

(Song of Solomon 2:16)

On this Thanksgiving-to-God week, I thank You, Lord, for my husband, Phillip. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Beloved, what are you thankful to God for today?

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I Have Decided

 

my girl, Rebecca, and her boy

"But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way." (Daniel 1:8)

In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Babylon under the cruel rule of King Nebachadnezzar, besieged Jerusalem, capturing handsome, smart young Jewish men and forcing them into the pagan king's service. One captive named Daniel stood firm in his faith to the Most High God and decided not to defile himself regardless of his circumstances.

Because God promised that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength, staying the right course begins with a decision.

I have decided to follow Jesus.

I have decided to respond in kindness no matter what.

I have decided to choose joy.

I have decided to love my enemies.

I have decide to put God first.

I have decided to put other before myself and treat them the way I want to be treated.

I have decided . . . 

Beloved, what have you decided today?

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Shadows

"Isaac"
 from Fish Fry
illustration by talented artist
Anya Elizabeth Figert

 

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty...He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God and I trust Him." (Psalm 91:1-2)

Illustrations are completed, book cover is designed, and I'm in the final edits of the manuscript before handing Fish Fry over to Deep Sea Publishing. In this story of a young boy's quest for courage, Isaac says, "Fear is like a dark shadow. It follows you around everywhere you go."

Beloved, which shadow are you under today? Stressing in the dark shadow of fear or resting in the shadow of the Most High God?

Run to the Lord, dear one. He will cover you with His feathers and shelter you with His wings. His faithful promised will be your protective shield. When you call to Him, He will answer; He will be with you in trouble and rescue you. (Psalm 91:4,15)

"Even when I walk through the shadow of the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me." (Psalm 23:4)

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Summer Pearls

 

"Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Last summer, my ladies and I did a twenty-two week Bible study of Revelation called: Summer Pearls. Yesterday, my beautiful sister-friends gave me a gorgeous 22-pearl necklace. I felt overwhelmed with love.

In a second letter to believers in Corinth, Paul thanked God for His indescribable gift: Jesus Christ. Beloved, have you thanked Father God for your Savior Jesus today?

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The Kindness Challenge

my grands
Easter 2010ish

 

"Understanding this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." (James 1:19)

I've given myself the KINDNESS challenge: No matter what someone says or does, I will respond in kindness.

Beloved, will you take the KINDNESS challenge with me?

"What is impossible with man is possible with God." (Luke 18:27)

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Dan the Man

Dan, the boy
1988

 

"The steps of a man are established by the LORD, and He delights in his way." (Psalm 37:23)

Dan, the US Marine
2009

Dan, the groom
2009

Dan, the daddy
2020

Dan, the faithful man of God, with his Mandy
2021

Happy birthday, son. Your dad and I are so proud of the man God has grown you to be — a good man, full of faith, and committed to God and family. We love you very, very much!

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Exuberant Love

 

Grandboy and Bell

"May the Lord make your love for one another . . . grow and overflow." (1 Thessalonians 3:12)

Our Bell LOVES the grandkids. Whenever the Alabama grandboys are on their way to our house, I tell her, "Your boys are coming!" She wags her tail, runs around, and does a happy dance.

Today, beloved, let's show our love for others Bell's way: exuberantly!

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Wives

 

our beautiful Gabbi
(Ben's wife, 2008)

"An excellent wife, who can find her? For her worth is far above jewels." (Proverbs 31:10)

When my Rebecca first married, God told her that her job as a new wife was to be for her husband. Wives, today, I write to "spur you on toward love and good deeds." (Hebrews 10:24) and encourage you to pursue your man and fight for your marriage. 

1. Encourage him and affirm him. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up." (1 Thess. 5:11)

2. Treat him with respect and follow his leadership. "Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see your purity and reverence of your lives." (1 Peter 3:1-2)

3. Maintain a gentle and quiet spirit. "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment. . . rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great value in God's sight." (1 Peter 3:3-4)

4. Forgive him and keep no records of wrongs. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Eph. 4:32) "Love is patient and kind...love is not selfish or irritable; love keeps no record of wrongs." (1 Cor. 13:4-5)

As a little girl, my daddy gave me advice that has impacted me as a wife. He said, "Some women after they get married, let themselves go. But your mother always gets up, fixes her hair, puts on her makeup, and looks her best for me." Thank you, Daddy, for great advice. And thank You, Heavenly Father, for Your instructions to wives.

"Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her." (Proverbs 31:30, 28)

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