The other day I was meditating on my journey in this life. My triplet sisters and I were born in a two room mining camp cabin half way up Lake Chelan–an isolated little town called Lucerne, Washington. It is only accessible by sea plane or boat! My dad was an assayer for Holden Mines up the mountain from the cabins which were provided by the camp. There was a small store and a elementary school for the younger children. Years later we were able to visit and actually return to see our birthplace. We were born in late August–typically a very warm season–which I am sure in God’s wisdom helped keep these around three pound babies alive. The doctor was called. The seaplane pilot readied his plane and the doctor arrived to deliver the last one of us. Living at the home at this time were our mother, father and three older sisters. Our oldest sister was in Texas and our brother was going to high school while living and working with our father’s friend (five children total).

The doctor looked at our situation and knew that our parents could not raise three babies in those living situations (my mother had documented mental health issues). We were flown down the lake to Chelan hospital and eventually were put up for adoption. Many years later someone sent us the doctors account of our birth from a newspaper article! My sister actually met the pilot who flew us to the hospital as well. It really is an amazing story of survival. No pre-natal care for my forty year old mother who now days would be considered a high risk multiple pregnancy. She labored with only a 17 year old neighbor girl to help her. The doctor left her at that cabin and flew us away. I don’t know if she ever visited us at the hospital at the end of the lake or not. Her story was not an easy story to hear or to live, but she birthed amazing children. She loved Jesus with her whole heart and I am sure prayed for us as she understood. She always thought of us as her “three gems”. I think we were in our late twenties when we were reunited with her.

Our birth eventually led to two of our older sisters being placed into foster care. (In another amazing God interventions we met up with some of our siblings years later at my sisters wedding!) After we were reunited and older they began to share their adoption stories. Both of them were old enough to go to court and make a declaration that they wanted to be adopted into their new families. It was a deliberate choice they made that severed the ties from the old family and were received into these new families. As the reality of how our birth affected their lives I apologized to my sister one day. She said, “Martha, your birth really saved us. We needed the change, as difficult and hard as it was to be in the foster care system with its abuses it really was better than living like we were in Lucerne”.

I began to meditate on adoption. As eleven month old babies my sisters and I had no choice in the matter of where and who would adopt us. We were in the care of the state and they made the decision on our behalf. My older sisters were given the choice. I began to think about how God our Father chose to adopt us into His family. He paid the price and took care of His side. But we must choose to accept and choose to allow Him to be our Father. Not just in the name “Christian”, but in our actions and trust. As we choose to allow Him to truly “Father” us, our relationship can grow and develop into the precious vision He had when He began the process. If I turn away from His parenting, acting like an orphan I do not receive the benefits of the adoption. It is only when I choose to accept the position as His child and walk in that knowledge is my life changed by the process. 2 Corinthians 6:18 And I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Almighty God.

John 1:12-13 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave them the right to become the children of God–children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or but a husband’s will, but born of God.

Galatians 4:4-5 But when the set time had fully come God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law to redeem those under the law that we might receive adoption to sonship.

These scriptures remind us of God’s purpose and heart–to adopt us into the full relationship of a child of God. When this concept is full grasped it can be transforming. God chose you to be His Child, have you chosen Him to be your Father? This can take time but He wants to show us how to receive Him and to show us where we might still be living as an orphan in our hearts. Rejoice this Easter week to know by His blood and sacrifice we are truly His children.

The photo is of six of our siblings who gathered together to celebrate our 60th birthday. Our sisters Betty and Alice could not attend.

A few weeks ago I was reading in the book of Leviticus. Not a very inspiring book to many and to be honest, I was simply reading in that portion because it was what came next in my Bible reading plan. I remember almost apologizing to the Lord about my “lack of interest” in this scriptural portion. However, as I was reading a thought began to form in my mind. These priestly duties contained a lot of detail. Moses and the Holy Spirit gave them some very clear detailed instruction on how they were to perform their individual tasks. God cares about details.

One of my secret frustrations with myself is how difficult it is at times for me to find paperwork I need in my filing system. I have attempted a few times to re-organize my system, but it would just get overwhelming and I would make do. This may sound a little silly or presumptuous, but I just said to the Lord–“you like details.. Can you please show me how to organize my files so they make sense to me? (What I realized is that I had been trying to do a mix of how my husband used to do it–and what made sense to me–and it just wasn’t working). He began to help me see what to do. This overwhelming task of sorting through years of files became doable. My mind began to see how to do it, what changes I needed to do that made sense to me.

It was amazing to me how reading about the priestly duties gave me the faith and courage to tackle this task. I talked some of my thoughts through with my daughter Elizabeth who gave me a few hints and tips and I was off. It took awhile–but some amazing memories were uncovered as well. Some made me laugh, some brought tears–but mostly relief as I can now access the important papers I need.

Friends, what are you facing that seems overwhelming? James reminds us “you have not because you ask not:. We have a helper that wants to be a part of our lives. He wants to teach us new things, help us with our problems and bring solutions to some practical areas of our lives if we just ask. It feels so good to know that this task is under control. My friend brought over her industrial strength paper shredder–so I even have a safe way to dispose of the outdated financial papers. God is so good. He is a very present help in our time of trouble as we invite Him in. I felt loved and cared for once again by our Savior. I encourage you to ask for His help in every area of your life–it builds faith for the bigger issues as well!

Discouragement comes in many forms. It feels as elusive as a nagging dread or as obvious as a dark cloud on a clear day. It can show up as heaviness or anxiety. It can feel like an oppressive wind making it hard to breathe. discouragement comes against your feelings to try and get to your faith. We must lead by our faith, and then our feelings will come along.

The goal of the spirit of discouragement is to cause us to lose our motivation to accomplish some valid goal. It aims to make us emotionally fatigued and discouraged ultimately so we either slow down or completely stop any progress to the once purposed end. We begin to doubt if the cost is worth the effort: in short, we lose sight of the objective.

The target of discouragement is our heart and our soul: that part of us in which our emotions, will and intellect abide. Hebrews 12:3 reminds us to consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. We must become skilled at guarding our hearts, our minds and our wills or discouragement will render our courage of none effect.

Discouragement will tell you you are weak, insecure and unable to accomplish your assignments. It seeks to derail or hinder the potency of your abilities. It seeks to undermine every area of your life. Occupations, marriage, parenting even basic relationships can fall victim to its subtleties. Thanks be to God, we have a Savior who stands with us against this threat. Do not put up with Satan’s tactics in these areas. God Word is strong and powerful against the wiles of enemy. The walls of discouragement are not so thick that they cannot be broken through.

In the gospels we find the disciples in hiding after they heard the most discouraging news possible. Jesus had been arrested, crucified and buried. They went back to their homes, huddling in fear and discouragement. Had they wasted three years of their lives? But then, the women came with amazing news! Jesus was Alive! They heard the truth, not the facts. As we stand on God’s truth the “facts” Satan tries to throw in our faces are rendered powerless. What may look like death in your life, with God’s help, can be the beginning of life. Friends, remember as we walk with our Savior, He is working all things together for His good (which means our good as well). This is our hope.

We fight discouragement by turning our eyes away from the discouraging things facing us and putting our eyes on our God. We begin to take courage from Him. I Thessalonians 2:2 Paul writes You know how we had already been ill-treated and insulted in Philippi before we came to you in Thessalonica. And even though there was much opposition, our God gave us courage to tell you the Good News that comes from Him.

When you being to notice this evil force assailing you:

1. Take a break from what you are doing.
2. Look at Jesus. Turn to His Word, the Truth!
3. Begin to meditate on Him and what he has done for you. Remind yourself of answered prayers and testimonies of yourself and others.
4. Ask the Holy Spirit for help. Take the authority given you by the Scriptures.
5. Do not isolate yourself. Develop strong relationships. We gain encouragement and courage from our brothers and sisters.
6. Take time to sing and worship Him.
7. Declare your intentions wit His help to breakthrough this wall of discouragement.

I am no longer surprised when I come face to face with the wall of discouragement. I have learned to recognize its subtleties (hopefully) sooner than later. When I am tired, hungry or feel alone discouragement tries to come calling at my door. I have learned not to let it in–even if at times, I admit we might have discussions at the door! Press through dear friends, keep your eyes on Lord and His plans for your lives. It is worth it. Bring those thoughts captive and thank Him for your freedom from discouragement. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may received the promise. For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Not the just shall live by faith: but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him. Hebrews 10:35-38

One of my favorite times of the day is to wake up in the morning with a fresh cup of coffee and spend time with the Lord and His Word. It is a routine that I have implemented for most of my life. Over thirty years ago my husband bought me this wonderful small invention called a mug warmer. It is like a small hot plate–that does just what it says–keeps your coffee/tea warm. It is one of those joy-bringer items in my home!

I also like snowmen. One of my daughters gave me, again several years ago a very special snowman stuffed animal. He is very cuddly, soft and true confession–during some of my grief moments–a small comfort friend. I’ve introduced him to my grandkids and he hangs out on or around my bed. One day, as I was changing the sheets on my bed, he ended up on the floor between my night stand and bedframe.

A few weeks ago I became ill. (Later to be diagnosed with the flu and pneumonia!) However, all I knew was that I was not well, extremely tired and probably not thinking clearly too. My nightstand held many more items than usual due to my sickness. I heard something fall, but did not have the energy to investigate what it was. The good news that I know God helped short circuit my recovery.

Last Saturday I woke with the extreme thought–you need to “deep clean” your bedroom. I really just wanted to take the morning off and rest as I had some baking and a meeting to attend that evening after a busy week–but it was sooo strong an impression that I thought how nice it would be when it was finished. Imagine my shock when I discovered it was the mug warmer that had fallen on my snowman. In the fall it had gotten turned on and the legs of the snowmen were charred black. The mug warmer warped out of shape and still functioning. I am still in awe how my home did not burn down.

I am so grateful for God’s protection, mercy and grace. I don’t know how long the mug warmer and the snowman were connected. It really could have been a week or more. As I examined the fur I could see it was burned down to the backing of the fur. If it had burned through I think it would have ignited and depending when it would have happened I could have lost my home or my life. God protected me–even when I did not know I needed it. As I look at the damaged warmer and the charred to charcoal legs of the snowman all the potential fear turned to gratitude and thanksgiving. As I prepared for our Life Group meeting last night I was grateful for an intact home to host these wonderful ladies. When I crawled into my wonderful husband crafted bedframe my heart was overwhelmed with God’s goodness.

I also experienced my first car accident that evening as well. It was considered a 50/50 responsibility accident. But it brought me closer to my neighbors and an opportunity to learn how to interact with them. I have watched our interaction grow asS we do life in our area together. Praying for God’s purpose to be accomplish in that relationship.

This was an obvious miraculous protection from the Lord. I wonder how many times His angels protect us and we are unaware of that protection. Because of that protection, my life goes on as normal–yet I am changed. More than likely I wouldn’t have died in the possible fire, but I would have lost just things. I do miss my mug warmer, but it is not a necessity. Even my snowman can be somewhat salvageable for memory sake. Rejoice with me that we have a God who protects, cares and intervenes. May all our eyes be open to His handiwork in our lives.

Darryl Rodman wrote in his book Heart Treasure, It is good news that God not only gives us the victory through Jesus Christ, but enables us to maintain and enlarge the victory as well, until the victory is the stronghold in our lives that can’t be robbed or destroyed

Several thoughts came to mind as I was reading and pondering these ideas. The first one is that we should not be doing our battles alone. No matter what style the fight comes in. Mentally, socially, physically or spiritually settling it in our heart that God is for us and not against us is crucial. Deuteronomy 20:4. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory..  

I Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ   \

I John 5:4 For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.

Many times we seem to fight the same types of battles, and it can get old or discouraging to face the same enemy over and over again. However, in my own life I have come to recognize what Darryl said is true. The more we stand in the victory of Jesus the more easily the victory is won and our land increases. What this means in actuality, is that we can and do win battles. Fears that may have held us captive nor longer control us. Insecurities which affected our life no longer cause us to cringe or hold us back from moving forward in life. We become more confident and effective in touching people’s lives. Energy that we used to have to put forth to simply endure a situation, can now be used for further His Kingdom.

God is working in and through us to help us be the over-comers He intended. Do not fall victim to the lie that because you lost one battle, you will never succeed. This is simply not true. Put on the armor of God, stand tall in His victory and move forward. Equip yourself with His Words of truth. It is not only your freedom that is at stake, but those around you.

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have laid hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining on to what is ahead: I press towards the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

The English definition Press: to move or cause to move into a position of contact with something by exerting continuous physical force. However the Greek word used in this scripture is more like to pursue. It falls under the word which means to follow. The picture given in the race analogy in my thinking it means to “stay on the heels of”–follow closely to Jesus as He leads us. I am not a runner. I admit it. But God has put it in my heart “both to will and to do His will”, therefore I choose to pursue Him and His ways the best I can. Paul’s life was anything but easy. Reading through just the physical hardships, sufferings and persecution he endured is enough to make me tired! Add on the spiritual responsibilities he also carried as he discipled others, helped them establish and grow churches and just simply fulfill His assignment stirs and convicts my heart indeed.

However, I am not called to his walk. I am called to my own. Our Life Group last night discussed what are the things that stir our affections for Christ. What is it that we can do to keep our affections on Him and not let them get scattered to the world? One of our sweet sisters mentioned how when her brother and his wife shared Jesus with her for the first time she felt their passion for Him. We, too, can influence others by our passion for Him. The blessing of pursuing Him is getting to know Him. To receive His love, grace and mercy and as we do–we also get the opportunity to share Him with others. Let us not grow weary in well doing. Let us not decide that we know enough, care enough or love enough put let us press on to the fullness of Him until we finish our race. This scripture was my husband’s life verse and he truly ran his race until he could run no more. As a tribute to him on this Valentine’s Day I encourage us all to get our second, third or fortieth wind and choose to press on toward the HIGH Calling…not settling for anything less. Who knows what we will see, what testimonies we will have as we keep on running our race. Remember He is running that race right with us. We are not alone in the running. Be blessed today with the knowledge of His love for you. It is enough.