I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. Psalm 145: 1 NLT.

My life has been busy and a bit overwhelming these past few weeks. These past few weeks, I have found myself out of focus a bit with the Lord. Instead of walking in condemnation and struggle to get it “better”…I chose to simply tell Him about it and ask Him to help me. What a joy to discover that He loves to answer those kinds of prayers! He really does restore the joy of our salvation when we humble ourselves and go to Him.

Reading through Psalm 145, which is entitled “a psalm of praise of David” brings me back to clarity of really how great our God really is! Here are some of my thoughts as we go through this Psalm. What do you think?

Verse 2: I will praise you every day, yes, I will praise you forever. Adding daily praise to our life is always a good thing. It causes us to look up and away from our small lives, and reminds us of our big powerful God.

Verse 4: Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. If we don’t experience our own “mighty acts” or answered prayers, how can we pass them on to the next generation?

Verse 7: Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness. Oh my friends, do not forget the goodness of our God. Life will often raise its ugly head and say “no, if my life isn’t “good”, then your God isn’t good”. Not true. Sin brought massive problems with it, and we all have to deal with it.

Verse 8: The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. This is who our God truly is. He wants to manifest His nature to us, as His children. Look around your world and look for His mercy, compassion and love. Think about where you might have deserved His anger and didn’t!

Verse 9-13: The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. All of your works will thank you, Lord and your faithful followers will praise you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; They will give examples of your power. They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign. For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises: he is gracious in all he does. Are you telling others about His mighty deeds? It is comforting to know that His kingdom is everlasting, not just temporary, and that we can depend on Him to govern, love and care for every generation.

Verse 14: The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bend beneath their loads. That is what He did for me this week. I was emotionally and spiritually bent from carrying loads that were really for Him to carry. Such a blessing. On top of my emotionally “bent back” my physical back was also hurting and I have been walking “bent”! After prayer last night with my small group, I am able to walk much taller! When we cast our cares on Him, He truly helps us walk lighter and taller spiritually and emotionally as well.

Verse 15-16: The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. As I read this verse, I thought about more than physical food. If we turn to Him, He also gives us spiritual food, emotional food along with the physical things we need.

Verse 17: The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. He is righteous; therefore everything He does is righteous. When faced with difficult issues, I often pray for the Righteous Judge to come into the situation. I have watched Him move so many times, in only ways that He can do.

Verse 18-19 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes to all who call upon him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked. When we call upon Him in truth and honesty He comes near, and intervenes for and with us.

Verse 21: I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever. What a prayer. There will come a time when everyone on earth will bless his holy name and that will indicate the end of all trouble and sorrow.

Father, I thank you that You listen to simple heart felt prayers. You are such an amazing Righteous, Kind, Loving and Merciful God who delights in showing up for us. Help us to show up to You and for You, my dear Savior. It is the least we can do. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. John 16:13 NLT

As I read the 16th chapter of John, I came across this wonderful promise Jesus gave us. At this point, the end of life as the disciples new it was coming to an end. Jesus was trying to prepare them for life without his physical presence. I have always pondered how they received these truths. I probably would listen in denial–no that can’t happen! But Jesus tells them–no this is a good thing!

One of the thoughts I had as I read through this chapter was that the Holy Spirit loves us. I don’t think I have ever put that thought together. He loves us as much as God the Father, and Jesus, His Son does. So when He promised to send this Comforter, Advocate, Guide, Teacher it not only came from a place of love, but He sent some one who loves us as well. The Holy Spirit is an amazing gift, I don’t think we as believers have to learned to appreciate Him to His fullest extent.

So what is a guide? A guide comes along side us in the journey. He is there to help teach us along the way. To give us better insight and comprehension no matter how well we already think we “know it”. The guide keeps us from getting lost. He may take us on what we perceive to be a “longer” journey, and we may get frustrated because we want to get there faster or easier. This is why we need to understand that the Holy Spirit loves us. He will not lead or guide us to somewhere false or ultimately damaging. We do know that Paul was led by the Holy Spirit into some very difficult trials, but it was all good for the Kingdom’s sake.

One purpose of a guide is to help us get from one place to another, usually some place new. If we don’t trust, rely on or turn to Him during changes we may not get to the new place as efficiently. If we think we know the truth, already, about our situation, then we won’t even ask for His help. We will make decisions based on our own thoughts and wisdom. This makes us vulnerable for deception and detours.

A guide helps us feel safe. We can relax and enjoy the journey much more, if we know that someone has planned the trip. He knows the starting and stopping places. The children of Israel had the advantage of the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night to lead and guide them. We can have the promptings of the Holy Spirit, if we let Him.

Learning to lean on Him, isn’t always easy. Our independent spirit can show up and cause us to resist or even reject His guidance. He is a gentleman and won’t push Himself in where He isn’t wanted. When we repent and turn to Him, He is quick to respond. However, we may have to suffer the consequences of our independence. Even, then He is quick to comfort us. The enemy of our soul attempts to discredit His guidance through lies and fears. We must not let those things deter us from following His guidance.

Learning to follow this wonderful guide is a process. It begins with submission and asking. Staying in the Word tunes our ears to the tone of His voice and character. Understanding that He will never lead us to do things counter to God’s character. He will never guide us to hurt or injure someone else. As we listen to Him, we don’t have to fear being deceived.

Father, I thank you that you love us enough to give us a guide. Teach us to respect, honor and listen to this wonderful gift you have given. Train us to listen and then obey, knowing His way is always best. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? Isaiah 43: 18-19

As I was working in my office, I came across this word, written by my husband, Darryl Rodman in 2007. I thought it was a great reminder for us all. I believe it has some great insights we can apply to our lives today.

He entitled it: A New Day, a New Way.

Some of us have been waiting for a new day for along time. What if I told you that the new day is here already. In truth, it is a new day when we begin to believe what the Lord has said about it. This is the day the Lord has made, each day a new day. All that waits for a new day in our lives begins with believing it. Dont’ wait for things around you to change before you say it is a new day. Let the new day start in your heart through faith. Faith is the substance of a new day, and the evidence of all the changes that will take place in the midst of a new day. You see, a new day must start from a new perspective with in you, not from your circumstances around you. We are called to believe, then receive. The new day you are waiting for is waiting for you to embrace it by faith in all the promises the Lord gives you.

This is a day of new beginning. Old things are passing away. We have to learn that we cannot live like it is still the old day and expect that we will have the fullness of the new day. We have to change. For example, when seasons change we change the clothes we wear. We change our expectations of the weather and what we can do or not do. We change our goals to match the season. We enjoy the blessings of the season.

If you are tired of walking the same old ways of the continual old days, here are some other thoughts that can help you walk in a new day.

Believe it is a new day!

Begin by forgetting what has been and focusing on what will be.

Start over like this is the first day of your life.

Put off the old things on purpose–get rid of them! Then put on the new. Ephesians 4:22.

Do not let your memory of yesterday tell you what today looks like.fiish

Stop rehearsing the old stories of the old day. Confess what the new day looks like.

Give God all your history of struggle, failure, hurt or debt.

Believe what the Lord says and live like you believe it.

Know that everyday is a new day full of opportunities to see God’s love in action.

All these things take fighting the good fight. Depend on the Lord who has begin a good work and will finish it. Expect to see what you hope for fulfilled. These are the new ways that help establish the new days we are looking for. Start today, let God help you change your ways, and you will change your days. Darryl Rodman

Father, I thank you that we can have new days by trusting you to change us. What a blessing it is that we can trust you to teach us how to have those new days. What a good God you are. Help us to see every area that You see we need to believe for the new day–whether it is in our personal life, our relationships, or In our faith in your abilities. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Having the eyes of your hearts being enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe Ephesians 1: 18-19 ESV.

A few weeks ago I woke to hearing the Holy Spirit saying that the eyes of your understanding be open. I had been praying and asking for wisdom and insight in several aspects of my life and the lives of my family, so I was excited to ponder that phrase. Then the other day I was talking with my six-year-old grandson, and out of the blue he said, “I wish I was blind”. Wow, did that catch me off guard? I should have asked him what made him think that or why? But I was so flabbergasted, I simply said “Oh no, you wouldn’t”. We had arrived at our destination and out he went.

As I pondered the two situations, it made me pause. Are there times or aspects of our lives where we would all rather be blind? Maybe I don’t want to see that homeless man. Would it be “easier” not to see the pain on that woman’s face? Or the confusion in a teenager? If I live in my own darkness, would that make it easier to ignore the darkness in our culture? Perhaps it would be easier to hide from my own sinful ways if I were to try to “hide” and not “see” my own truth? Do we trust that no matter what He shows us is always for our good? Do we trust our God’s characte?

In reality, I think we all have areas of blindness. Some of those areas are from just needing to grow and learn. After I heard those words “the eyes of your understanding be open” I had to admit then that there must be areas of my life in which I was blind! Humbling those it was, I felt excitement to know that I was going to “see” new things! Paul’s prayer and expectation is that when the eyes of our understanding are opened, we will know the hope to which he has called us. It doesn’t matter what our current situations are.

We have an enemy that would not only like to keep us blind but also take away the vision we have. He does this through lies, distractions, and appealing to the lust of the eyes, the pride of life, and the lust of the flesh. Our fleshly senses are so bombarded that we forget the freedom we have in Christ and end back in bondage. He attempts to blind us to the goodness of our Savior and tries to get us to rely on ourselves. He desires to keep us blinded from the hope we have in our own Lord! It is our choice. Will we let him? Or not?

God’s word is opening up in new ways. I am finding myself pondering and studying it in deeper measures. It always surprises me just when I think I already know what I am about to read, and something new pops up! Ephesians 1:18-19 contains amazing promises. Let’s read it in the New Living Translation. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given those he has called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. Flooded with light means there are no dark areas. Everything is open, both the good and the bad. That takes courage! My friends, let us pray. Psalm 119:18 open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. ESV.

Choosing to walk in the light versus the darkness is really our choice. The Word warns us that in the last days, many will fall away. I believe that is because they will choose blindness over sight—granted it is the sight that walks by faith. The trials of our faith are many, but so are the victories as we keep on walking in Him.

Father, I thank you. We can come to you no matter the state of our eyesight. I ask that you open our eyes to any area where the enemy has blinded us or is trying to blind us. Help us to see you clearly and the hope you have given to us. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 NKJV. Take the time to read through Hebrews 11. Yu will find so many examples of men and women who walked by faith and did exploits. Every hero recorded in Hebrews 11 is an example for us. Each of them began by believing in God. So it is the same with each of us. We decide to believe that He is. It is a decision. I think our greatest step of faith was taking Him at His Word for our salvation. The longer I walk with the Lord the more I understand the importance of “releasing” my faith as I pray and believe. Many years ago our church had the policy of “bringing” our tithes and offerings to the front. Darryl and I have been tithers and givers since we first married. As I placed our check in the offering plate that Sunday, I felt the Holy Spirit ask me–are you doing this as a result of habit? Is there any faith involved? I had to admit, not much. I knew God would bless our giving, but when I began to release my faith as I gave, it changed my expectation. It turned from passive faith to a more active faith. A greater trust that our needs would be met began to grow in a new measure. We became even easier to be generous in helping others, because we trusted that as we obeyed Him, He would keep His promises. I began to realize that I could use active faith as I prayed and believed for many things–not just finances. There is a rest that has come when this active faith combines with trust. When I focus on whom it is (God Himself) I am praying to along with releasing my faith I find peace settling in where there was turmoil. The peace that passes all situations and understanding begins to flow and what seemed impossible becomes possible. I still may not know how things are going to work out, I just have confidence that they will. My position shifts from being under the situation to being above it; after all we are the head not the tail. Courageous confidence begins to grow. Hopelessness is replaced by hope and we begin to walk the victorious walk God has promised. But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17: 7-8. NLT. I encourage you to take one area of your life that you have been struggling to trust Him. Find some scriptures that tell you the truth about those situations and begin to release active faith into those challenges. Maybe your challenge is your children. Keep on praying, “Father, they are in Your Hands, I trust You to work in their lives.” When you read those words, did you say, Yes, Lord, I trust You. Or did you find yourselves unsure? If so, keep on asking Him to help you grow in your trust. Active faith definitely means growing in your trust in who Your God is. One of my favorite prayers is “Father, I trust You.”. Have you ever declared your trust in Him? My attitudes and perspectives (especially when things don’t go according to my natural thoughts think they should I simply say, “Father, I don’t understand, but I trust You. Please work this situation out for Your glory.” I don’t try to figure it out; I just leave it in His hands. Father, I thank you for helping us learn to release our faith and trust. I ask you to teach us how to walk in more active faith in those areas that challenges us. I thank you that you are broadening our faith into all areas of our life, In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NKJV.

Come! The Greek word Jesus used in this wonderful scripture is deute. It’s very connotation contains the idea of coming, with a joyful exclamation! Jesus is waiting for us to come to Him. I need this scripture today. Life has been quite heavy lately but amid hard diagnosis for family members, a difficult birth story and challenging decisions, how refreshing it is to know He bids me to come! There is no hesitation, no requirements, just simply “come”.

Who is He calling? Those who labor. Kapiao is the Greek word used here. It means to grow weary, tired, exhausted (with toil, burdens or grief). The picture is of a person who has been working hard and long at their task. They have been diligent to the point of exhaustion. This is the person God is calling to come to Him. He also singled out those who are heavy laden (phortidzo). This is a military term for the pack every soldier is required to carry with them on their assignments. The weight depends on how long they would be gone.

As I write this article, I am aware of my exhaustion. It is not simply a physical exhaustion, but it is mental as well. The burden God is showing me I am carrying…the backpack, if you will, is my concern for others. A friend who’s son has schizophrenia and is having a difficult time right now. My daughter-in-law, who is recovering from birth complications for my eleventh grandchild. My sister and niece, who are beginning cancer treatments this coming week. As I come to Him, He is showing me I need to lay them at His feet. How about you? Have you been working hard at your assignment for Him? Have you taken on the concerns of others?

As I waited upon Him today, I realize it was not wrong to be carrying these concerns. The problem comes when we do not yoke up with Him. He does not mean for us to carry these by ourselves. The entire purpose of a yoke is to re-distribute the weight, so it is easier to bear. But if we don’t take the time to come to Him and receive His rest, we will end up trying to carry the whole thing by ourselves. Yesterday I as I hugged and prayed for my exhausted son. I felt a shift. We came to our Lord together. There is a blessing and release that comes from praying together, isn’t there? I am not the refresher, but we know the One who is!

What is His promise? I will give you rest (anapauo). This Greek word comes from ana which means up and pauo to make to cease. It means not only a cessation from toil, but refreshment, to rejuvenate, to reinvigorate or revitalize—all good things! Someone asked me yesterday how I was, and I simply admitted, “I am exhausted”. I think they wanted me to say, “I’m great!”…but he took the time to listen and pray for my burdens. I began to feel my own shift beginning to take place. As he prayed, it was hard not to sit in my weariness, but to engage with my faith. But as I did, I felt stronger.

When we “come” to Jesus in our weariness and exhaustion, we must “come” in faith, or we will leave in the state we came in! When we take up His yoke, we set ourselves as learners. He wants to teach us something. To reveal some part of Himself or His Father we have not experienced or understand as yet. Since He is gentle and lowly in heart, we must come to Him in the same way: humble and meek. Not as know it alls, but teachable. He knows all of our to-do lists. Are we willing to let Him adjust it?Do you trust Him enough for Him to set your agenda? I know as I sit in His Presence, acknowledging His Lordship, things shift in my soul. My perspective gets exchanged for His perspective and somehow the weights fall off. Freedom from fear happens. I know He who holds my life, also holds those precious others. It may take a few times of coming to do the great yoke and burden exchange, but if I keep coming, it happens. I recommend you coming to Him sooner than later!

Father, I ask you to help us take to heart your invitation to Come! Just as we are, knowing the blessing that comes from spending time with You. Let us come with faith, humility and a teachable spirit. We choose to trust you with every heavy burden we are trying to carry. Thank you for your love, grace, and mercy. I pray for strength for my friends today, In Jesus’ Name, amen.

I commend our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church at Cenchrea. Romans 16:1 NLT

This week our brothers and sisters who belong to the Southern Baptist Convention find themselves in a big dilemma. They voted to uphold their position to expel any church who has installed a woman as pastor. Apparently, the leadership felt so strongly about this position that they will separate from their long-term brethren. I, personally, don’t think this is a hill to die on, but they did. My heart hurts for the broken relationships that have ensued. Then, I came across this woman named Phoebe, a leader recognized by the Apostle Paul. I am sure this woman was brought up in the Southern Baptist Convention discussions.

Although I have read this chapter many times, I never took the time to do any research about our sister Phoebe. Reading Paul’s commendations of this remarkable woman makes me want to not only get to know her, but become like her! This is the only place that she is mentioned, but we can learn a lot about her. Cenchrea is a seaport a few miles east of Corinth. We know she was a leader in some capacity. Paul gives her the position diakonos–which can be translated as deacon, servant or minister. She is the only woman named in the Bible as deacon. By this, we can infer, that she had a place of responsibility and leadership.

She was given the privilege and responsibility to carry this important letter from Paul to the church at Rome. What a surprise! A woman was entrusted with this special task. She not only saw to it that it arrived, safe intact to the elders at the church in Rome, but her job was to read the letter aloud to the church. Paul entrusted her to accurately interpret his writings with the correct expressions and emphasis. This was a very important task.

Paul strongly encouraged them to welcome her, to receive her in a manner worthy of the saints. As I read this part of the verse, it made me wonder, “do I know how to receive God’s people in a manner worthy of the saints?” Do we as a church even think along those lines? I believer our Black brethren churches could teach some of us a thing or two in this area. They take the time to honor their people. It was important that the church at Rome received Phoebe as worthy among God’s people.

There is another interesting phrase in verse two that describes our sister. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. Romans 16:2. NIV The word “benefactor” in the NIV or “patron” in the ESV (protrastis: Greek) infers someone who was well off financially, but used that wealth for others. Phoebe seems like an amazing well-rounded woman. We know she was a leader who led well. Paul, who discerned character well, admired and trusted her.

My question to myself, and I guess the reader….are we using our influence well? Can we be trusted by the Holy Spirit to use our gifts for His glory? Do we walk a commendable walk with our Lord? I know many, many believers who I would say a resounding “yes”! We can always grow in these areas, but, please know others are watching the good job you are doing. Keep it up. Do not grow weary in well-doing. You may be someone’s Phoebe, and that would be a good thing!

The body of Christ needs good leaders, no matter the gender. Brothers and sisters, please allow the Holy Spirit to use you as He sees fit. If you are called into leadership, do it circumspectly. Remember these scriptures as you relate to each other: For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. All who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26-28. NLT.

Father, I thank you for helping us grow in wisdom with one another. I thank you for Phoebe’s example and how she was a helper to many. Teach us to honor each other, like Paul honored his friends in Romans 16. I ask you help us rightly develop disciples into good leaders, firstly by walking as good examples ourselves. We pray for our Southern Baptist brethren, that you would let the spirit of reconciliation work in all hearts. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

(I wrote this article the other day…most of it in “real time” as I processed my feelings with the Lord and His Word).

I just hit my wall. Frustration is rising. Looking up these scriptures has given me a vent—much like the vent on a pressure cooker or instant pot. But my feelings are still rolling. Nothing big, just a cancellation of an expected appointment. Why does this feel so bad? I feel like am expendable. Move me around like an insignificant item. Because frustration makes us focus just on ourselves. It is “all about me”…but can’t it ever be about ME, a little voice speaks in my head? Do I always have to let others have their way first? When that voice speaks, the pressure rises again. Frustration is the feeling of being upset or annoyed, especially because of the inability to change or achieve something.

As I step back, I sense God taking a deep breath. He says,” Daughter, you don’t know the reason they had to shift things.” You are assuming they are taking you for granted that you will always work on their schedule. They may face a tough choice. And they are trusting you to understand, in love. Do you care about the person? Of course. When I think about these things, the pressure lets up and peace settles. I am loved by the Father. His love is immense and overwhelming. Why would I let myself feel so belittled by an appointment change? Silly, isn’t it? But our emotions are like that. They are strong and they are intense, if we let them. I recognize I have the choice…to build on my frustration or let it go. Building on it will not change the situation, only cause me more anguish. Letting it go makes much more sense.

I Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast; it is not proud. It does not dishonor others; it is not self seeking; it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. Wow, all those always. Once again, God’s Word shows me the better way. It points out my weaknesses and helps me to grow in His ways. Love is patient. Hmmm… frustration isn’t very patient, neither is it kind. It is not self-seeking. When it becomes about me, I need to take a pause and try to look at things from the other person’s point of view. It is not easily angered. Did the incident show how quickly my anger meter could rise? Yes. Oh, it keeps no record of wrongs. This means I can’t start a list. It’s difficult, isn’t it? When it’s not the first time I or you get shifted, it’s hard not to go there. Love rejoices with the truth—since I don’t know the reason behind the shift, I have to trust that there was a good reason for the person.

Love always protects. Doesn’t that include someone’s reputation? Always trusts? When I shift my focus from me to others and then on to the Lord, I can relax and trust He understands. Romans 8:28 becomes my go to verse, that He will work everything out for my good, as I am called to His purpose. Then comes that word “perseveres”. Am I willing to stay the course, not only for the reason I wanted the appointment, but also to value the relationship and keep it intact?

I began writing this blog almost one week ago. My frustration level was high and I felt hurt. But as I let the Word of God begin to re-center me, I felt so foolish. I know I am not the only one with these kind of feelings. I am so grateful that in the situation all I could do was turn to the Lord and let Him defuse my steam. The meeting will happen, God will direct my path as I trust Him.

I want to encourage us all to take the time to go to the Lord to let off your steam. Loving people, really loving them, isn’t easy. But in the long run, so worth it. Take the time, my friends, to go to Him and the Word to get your perspectives aligned. The next day, I received a call from my dental office reminding me of an appointment I thought was the following Wednesday. Instead, it was on Monday and I had double booked. So I had to re-schedule. They were very kind and understanding, as I should have been! Life is too important to waste it on frustration. It is ok to own the feelings and admit they are there, but don’t let them spoil your hour, your week or your month!

I recognize the moving of an appointment is a small thing. But my emotions were definitely BIG! Many sources of our frustration have a much bigger impact on our lives. Please don’t just “live” with it. Find out the source of your frustration. Examine your feelings. As you can see, I had to be honest about how the change made me feel. Those were my initial feelings, none of them based on the truth of the situation. By the time I finished looking at 1 Corinthians 13, my “feelings” had changed. Peace was restored and I could see more clearly. Frustration often leads to anger and anger, when not dealt with properly can wreck havoc in our lives. It just isn’t worth it. Frustration that leads to anger that leads to bringing healthy change is a good thing.

Father, I thank you for teaching us through Your Word. I thank You I can find direction, hope and peace as I simply walk in Your Truth. It really does set us free. Help us draw near to you in our frustration and show us Your way to handle it, because I know you always have the best way. Oh Father, You always want to help us live an inner peaceful life, no matter what our circumstances are. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future, your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Joshua 4:6 NLT.

Last week, if you read “Faith and Our Story”, you read the back story of our marriage. It was bittersweet remembering that special time, but it also reminded me of God’s faithfulness. Darryl studied art at the University of Washington. He longed to be an artist, but after he got saved, the Lord asked him to set aside his painting. It was a hard request for him. In a typical Darryl fashion, he tried to do it, anyway! Until finally, he felt God even took away all his ideas to paint. He said, Ok, I will put away my idol. He used his creativity in many other ways, but he obeyed the Lord and was at peace for many years.

About thirty years later, he felt a release to paint again. His first paintings were gifts to our now grown children. Rosanna received a beloved beach scene. Elizabeth, a special painting he took from a photo taken on Mt. Baker, and our son received an interpretation of a space galaxy. They hang in their homes to this day. I whine, “where is mine?” I want one! Finally, in 2000, I received a huge, amazing painting of our life together. He put in every car we owned, every house we lived in and through symbolism, every part on the globe we ministered in together. Our children are represented, as well as our pets. It is truly a tribute of our life together. I am so grateful to have this reminder of God’s faithfulness. It is only one of my reminders (memorial stones) of His work in our lives.

God knew the Israelites would need reminding about His power, His plan and His purpose. Not just for the current generation, but for future generations. I have had many talks about the various parts of this painting with my grandchildren. Looking at it, I think about our mission trips to Ghana and England and Jamaica. It prompts me to pray for those special places. I have a watercolor, painted by my friend, Bonnie. When I see it, I often pray for their family. So these are not just decorations, but reminders of God’s loving gift of a friend. They are more than beautiful decorations; they are memorial stones.

I know I am blessed to have this wonderful painting, and maybe you are thinking, I don’t or can’t have anything like that. But look around your home. What are the memories attached to your photos, your knick knacks, your books or wall art? Many people use journals as memory stones. They are a wonderful way to commemorate God’s goodness. I’ve written before of how important the Lord’s Supper is to remind us of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. We all have short-term memories.

Too often, we focus on negative things. When left alone, our minds seem to forget the good things, and dredge up the wrong things. Therefore, we need to put into practice 2 Corinthians 10:5. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. ESV. If we take the time to use our “reminders” it will help us focus on Philippians 4:8. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. I heard my daughter praying Sunday during worship, “we know who you are, and we know what you can do. “, let us not forget who you are and what you can do. That is what these reminders help us do.

Father, we need help to not only take the time to set up memorial stones, but to actually use them to remember your goodness. Teach us how and when to think of You and Your goodness. Forgive us for forgetting the good things you have done, and focusing on our struggles. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6. NKJV

Forty-nine years ago today, I said, “I do” to Darryl Jay Rodman. Our whole story really is a story of faith. We first met when I moved back to Washington from Alaska. This was in 1972, and we had flights in and out of Whidbey then. Because I had a three-hour layover, I wrote a letter to a friend who really loved any excuse to come to the airport, and asked him if he wanted to hang out. Instead of staying at the airport, he asked if he could take me to meet this woman. We ended up in an old Victorian home next to a small church called Zion United House of Prayer. As we walked in the house, George left me in the living room. There was a young man sitting on the couch reading his Bible. I said, “hello”. He looked up and said “Praise the Lord” in a very short don’t bother me tone. I thought, what a spiritual snob! That was my introduction to my future husband.

The associate pastor of the church next door ran this house. Her name was Rev. E.M. Woodward, or “Mom” as we called her. She was a small English woman, who was a prophetess and teacher. She lived a life of faith and trust. God led me to move into that house, and I learned what a walk of faith really looked like. The house had 20 or more people living in it and we prayed for food and other needs. Darryl was the pastor’s right-hand man and learned from. Darryl did not live in this house. We didn’t really hang out, but were both busy about God’s assignment for ourselves.

This was a unique time. God was moving in the Seattle area. Our Senior Pastor, Eugene Drayton was an African-American. God told him to get ready for an influx. He told him to stop preaching “clothesline” messages and begin to open his heart to all kinds of people. It was wonderful–all kinds of nationalities and backgrounds began to get saved. There were services during day and three night time services. We learned to follow the Spirit and listen to his voice. Prayer would happen whenever there was a need. It became a lifestyle.

There was really no dating during this time. We just wanted to get to know Jesus better. One day, in 1973, the pastor asked for a meeting with me, Darryl, and another young woman, named Malana. He said he felt God wanted the church to expand to Portland, and would we plant a church there! Here we were, three single people. But we did it. In an awkward moment, Darryl came to me and said, “You don’t think God is asking us to get married, do you?” I said, no way. He looked so relieved! We moved to Portland. I learned a lot about Darryl during the three months I was there. Again, none of us even thought about dating during this season.

Because of some situations, I moved back to Seattle and continued my leadership role at the house. I did not see Darryl for about 8 months. One day, some of us headed to California to a conference. We spent the night at the house in Portland. As I passed Darryl in the hallway, I felt God show me the love he would have for his wife! I thought that is weird, why would I be thinking about that? (I also could tell God had worked some of his self-absorption out since I had seen him). A few weeks late, I felt the Lord tell me, “You and Darryl are going to get married”. Wow, I kept that stowed away in my heart! Finally, I shared it with Mom, expecting her to say, “No way”. But she said, “I can see that working!”.

She sounded Darryl out to see if God had been speaking to him about marriage, and she came back and said, “It will not happen soon”. I said, Ok…and went about my business. My heart just wanted what God wanted. “I prayed, “Father, if this is you, then fine. If not, I throw it out the window. You catch it and make it work.” I left for a two-week trip. Apparently while I was gone both Mom and Pastor Drayton met with Darryl! As they talked, he said a roll a dex with all the single gals in the church flashed by! My name wasn’t on it, but when they mentioned my name, he said, “I have peace”. So we sort of had an arranged marriage.

When I returned, Mom informed me that Darryl was coming up that night from Portland to ask me to marry him! The next morning at breakfast, he asked if I wanted to go to the Arboretum. I said, yes. We awkwardly made small talk in the car. As we walked through this beautiful area, he said, well I guess you know why we are here! I said, yes. He said, do you want to? I said, ok. That was it! Our first date and we are now engaged! This was May 11, 1974. We both had peace. Of all the young men around me, Darryl’s integrity and walk with the Lord inspired me. I felt safe with him.

Pastor Drayton had a trip planned to Texas on May 25, so we scheduled our wedding at 9:00 a.m. that morning two weeks away! Our pre-marriage counseling comprised him telling me if Darryl wanted to kiss me while I was cooking spaghetti, to let him! We told our folks, called people to invite them and two weeks later we were married. During those two weeks, I found a dress. My sister helped make our bridesmaid dresses, and we figured out how to make things work. During those two weeks, God blossomed a love between us that was amazing. He told me that we would have very few storms within our marriage, but many storms outside that would drive us closer to together. He told Darryl that he was bonding our hearts together with barnacle glue., the strongest natural made glue on the planet. During these two weeks, Pastor Drayton’s father passed away, so Mom did the ceremony.

God’s guidance for me was “it is not what Darryl wants, it’s not what Martha wants” it is what God wants that matters. As we sought him first, our egos weren’t part of our story. We submitted the journey to Him, and it was good. We had many challenges, but somehow, by God’s grace, we walked them out with Him and each other. He was an amazing man, and it privileged me to be his wife. He passed away October 5, 2012. I still miss him.

My heart take away for each of you reading this, especially if you are married is: seek Him and His ways together. Don’t give up. Don’t forget who it was that you married and why you said yes to them. Ask the Lord to refresh your marriage. If you are single and looking, don’t settle what looks good on the outside, but seek Him and His heart for your future. Darryl and I were a team–in fact many of the churches we ministered together in had started jokingly calling us “Dartha”! If you are single and not looking, keep teaming up with King Jesus…He is the best teammate! I know this is a different post than normal, but I just felt to share our story.

Father, I thank you for the journey Darryl and I had together for 38 years. I thank you for the children we produced and the eleven grandchildren that love you. I thank you for touching marriages with our story, because you are a good good God. No matter what our day holds, we choose to trust in the Lord with all our heart, and lean not to our own understanding. Help us to acknowledge You and You will direct our paths. In Jesus’ Name, amen.