It is even closer now. This wonderful amazing time we celebrate our Savior’s birth. When my children celebrated their birthdays (and now even our grandchildren) we would ask them how they wanted to celebrate their new milestone. We always tried to customize the party to truly honor the individual and their preferences. Yesterday, my granddaughter Malise was already planning her birthday–even though she doesn’t turn six until March!

So it led me to wonder–how would Jesus like his birthday remembered? I know it probably he was not born on December 25th–nobody knows exactly the date of His birth. As a family we have developed our own traditions–some we have had to adjust over the years as our family has grown and developed. I know some people always have a birthday cake for Jesus–but that was not something we chose to do–partly because some of our family does not do cake!

One of the more unique traditions we have developed is to give each other “word” gifts before we open our presents (for us on Christmas morning). We prayerfully try to communicate God thoughts to each individual. One year my son in law painted some prophetic artwork and shared his insights with each family. I was reminded of that special Christmas Word the other day as I saw it hanging in their living room. Part of last years word I received was that I was not alone, and that I did not have to figure out life alone.

My Word gift for my readers is to remind you that you too are not alone. That even during times of struggles and difficulties, our God is there with you. He has not forsaken you–nor will He. This part of your journey is just that–a journey. You will pass through these waters and get to the other side. You will become stronger, wiser and more conformed to His nature as you allow Him to lead and guide you–even through the hard places. You are blazing trails for others. It is not easy, but it is not impossible. You will make it. You will see His Handiwork. He will open your eyes, as you ask Him to show you where He is working. Faith is stirring. Use it to touch the lives of those around you through prayer, loving actions and words of encouragement. Do not give up or grow weary in well doing, for your reward in releasing your faith is real. Trust Him. Look to Him. Seek Him. It is so worth it my friends. Take time to bask in His love and care–for He is worthy, He is trustworthy and He is able to carry you through.

Merry Christmas!

God has freely given each of us an unlimited supply of words.  Words that can be used anyway we want–words that can build up and as we all know can tear down.  In one of my imaginative jaunts I wondered what it would be like if there was a meter gadget set by my mouth that monitored my words?  There is an idiom that encourages us to “weigh our words”.  So would my “foolish” words print out as nothing?  Weightless?  Would the harsher, harder words come forth in bold?  Or the ones printed in season come forth in gold?  Of course this thought is foolishness.  And who is to say a nonsensical fun conversation with a two year old is wasted words?  However, words are important!  They can add value to a person, or they can reduce a person to feel like they are nothing.  It is my goal to use them to add value to those I am around.  It’s not easy, and I don’t always do it “right”.

Words of course spring from our heart/soul.  James talks to us about it being a little “member” but it can stir up a forest fire.  But it can also calm the heart, bring hope to the hopeless and a word of encouragement to those who are discouraged.  I am so grateful to those who have spoken words of encouragement in my life–during my dark seasons.  Those timely words carry me through other dark times.  They are like a gift that keeps on giving.

Learning to give those words starts from an outward looking heart.  It takes intention and it takes governing our thoughts at other times.  Praying ahead of time for conversations we know are going to happen is a great place to start.  Asking the Holy Spirit to lead and direct them with His grace and love can open the door for His Words to flow.   Becoming a good listener is also super important.  I keep trying to get better at that part.  

Just remember if one word, spoken to you can change the course of your life, so can one word spoken with His love change the course of another’s life.  Reckless words pierce like a sword Proverbs 12:18; The tongue has the power of death and life (Proverbs 18:21
Which one will you choose to follow?  I know it is a struggle to control that little beastie–but we can do it with the Holy Spirit’s help.  

Surrender is our entry into the ways of the Lord that are not ours by default.  Surrender is our entry into the thoughts of God that we need in order to understand His ways. Surrender is our victory that ends any conflict between us and God.  This is a quote from Darryl Rodman from his book Heart Treasure.

This word surrender is not something I  hear people discussing much lately.  Obedience, following the Holy Spirit and maybe the occasional word about submission is discussed, but not surrender.    Before we can obey, before we can begin to follow or even submit there needs to  be surrender.  In national battles we always want “our” side to win.  It is a natural desire–that the “they” are bad, and “we” are good.  It is different in the spiritual world.  God’s ways are always superior to our ways.  His thoughts are above our thoughts, but until we let go of our ways and receive His ways there is conflict.

Surrender: cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority.   This past week my friend passed and is now rejoicing with the Lord!  This is a great thing.  However, his passing triggered some “grief” moments for me.  Partly because I know what his loss will mean to his family and all the re-adjustments that will come to this wife, sister, daughter, husband and grandchildren.  It triggered memories of Darryl’s passing as well.  My friend was able to talk and share with his family almost to the end.  I heard their stories and while I rejoiced with them, my heart was sad for me and our family.  My thoughts went to “it’s not fair, Lord”.  I did not get those final words, for when Darryl suffered his stroke two and half years before he lost his speech.  He lost much of his communication in other ways as well.  I knew that there is/was nothing God to do to “remake my story”.  It is what it was.   As I shared with Him my feelings over the next day or two–I struggled.  But then I surrendered.  I gave it back to Him and began to thank Him for what we did have rather than what I did not have.

It was amazing.  I actually experienced what this quote is saying. As I surrendered (yielded my way to His ways) He began to speak to me.  He showed me the gift he gave me ten days before Darryl’s stroke.  It was what ended up being our last “date day”.  During that day I asked him, “what would I ever do without you?”  During that conversation, he shared with me things that he would have shared during his final days.  I don’t know why I asked that question, but I do know the Comforter came again and reminded me that even though it wasn’t what I wanted it was what I needed.  But, it wasn’t until I “surrendered” to the Lord did I hear His perspective.  Up to that point I was stuck in my own head.  I am so thankful for His voice and perspective.  Are you struggling with something that doesn’t make sense?  Are experiencing conflict with the Lord about His direction in your life–I would encourage you to quickly surrender.  Remember you are surrendering to the God who loves you, cares for you and those you care for.  This God is the God who gave His life for you and has a plan for your life that is good and filled with much hope.  

God is not our enemy.  His ways may not be our ways, but they are always higher than our ways.  Better than our ways.  He is trustworthy and able to help us navigate through the darkest of times, but only when we give Him the wheel.  Surrender restores peace.  When we surrender we open ourselves up to His plans, His supply and His guidance.  This is a good thing!

Jesus prayed, “yet not my will, but your will be done”.  This was the ultimate surrender prayer–if he could pray that prayer facing what he had to face, we can follow his example and pray the same prayer.  Satan wants to make us think God is our enemy, but of course that is only to set us up for deception.  Do no fall for this lie.  God is good and surrendering to His will is also good.

This is a special day in the United States.  It is a day set apart for Thanksgiving.    Our personal thanksgiving celebrations have changed over the years.  Our first Thanksgiving we shared with my mother.  She was so happy to have us join her–getting to know  her new son in law.  My mom was a “southern” cook, who like me at my age, did not cook as much as when she had a family.  So the food was a bit less than stellar.  I know Darryl ate the meal with a grateful heart, but it definitely was not what he was used to!  The cornbread dressing had so much sage it was actually green!  I was expecting our first child and was grateful to have a bit of “normal” thanksgiving food.  Darryl missed his family traditions.  As pioneering pastors, we were grateful that someone else purchased the food!  It was a ” good different” for me, because I had a new husband to share it with.

As the years progressed our family changed.  We added our children.  Sometimes we were with our extended family, sometimes we extended invitations to our church family.  But changes took place.  We began to add our children’s spouses which meant we shared them with their in-laws at times.  Then grandchildren were added.  Our table extended.  It was good.  They brought different traditions from their home into our family and it was different, but still good.

I am thankful our family is growing to 10 grandchildren!  I am grateful to the parents of our current nine that they are willing to travel, cook, host and facilitate this year’s celebration.  I am grateful and thankful that they love each other, in spite of their quirks and are willing to  spend time together.  Only a mom knows how it feels to have all their chicks together at one time!We will be at my son’s home.  I am grateful they are doing the organizing and the planning–and most of the work.  It is my prayer that memories will be made that will last a life time.  It is my prayer that our family tribe will grow stronger and stronger to help weather unforeseen storms.  I am so thankful for each of my family members and what they contribute  to our family.

But then our table shrunk.  Our fearless head went home to be with Jesus.  It was a very different Thanksgiving that first year.  We still had much to be thankful for–including my new daughter-in-law’s family (mom, dad, aunt and three siblings) who joined us that first year.  We needed to extend our family table to help us accept the one missing.  It helped us accept our new “different”.  I was/am so grateful for the Bunica family.  I pray His grace and mercy to those of you whose table has shrunk.  Be grateful for the memories and hold tight to those who remain.

Father, I ask you blessing on those of us who are celebrating Thanksgiving today.  I ask that you help us learn to cultivate both gratitude (outward appreciation for the actions of others) and a thankful heart (inward awareness of God’s love, care and the blessings of life).  Teach us to grow in our ability to appreciate You, others and our blessings every day, not just on holidays!   In  Jesus Name, Amen

What is your first response when given an opportunity to do for someone “above and beyond” your natural inclinations?  If you are asked, especially when you are tired, it may be not I don’t think so.  I can’t.  You will have to find someone else (etc).

My oldest grand girl–who is 13 really loves the Lunar Chronicles,  by Marissa Meyer.  She is also the leader of a book club for her friends.  Imagine the excitement she felt when they found out that there was going to be a book launch held in Bellingham, WA (about an hour from my home).  Initially one of her friends mom was going to drive them both and they would stay at my home–but as the time progressed that fell through.

Our family’s love for Abby caused my daughter Elizabeth to take a five hour round trip drive with her four kids to pick up my daughter Rosanna, and her daughter’s Abby and Harmony.  My love for them said yes, Rosanna you can drive Abby to the book launch and I will drive you back home the following day.  Love caused me to exert myself–to go above and beyond my natural inclinations and help make it happen.  I believe Abby’s love tank was filled this week in an unique way.

Jesus left His home to go above and beyond for us.  Of course, we aren’t competing with Him, but as we follow His leading we may find ourselves saying yes, not out of fear, but out of faith.  It wasn’t just about “doing something” for her-but doing it in faith that God was working in her heart and soul in some new measure.  This memory will be part of her for a long time.  Does she understand the “above and beyond” cost we spent to make this work.  Probably not–because she is 13, but I believe her soul received a gift it needed.

Last Sunday our nursery lesson was based on the story of the Good Samaritan. A stranger who went above and beyond to help a stranger.  He spent his time, his money and energy to help a wounded man.  I am challenged to reach out to those around me –to ask the Lord to open my eyes to His opportunities,  I admit it was easier to go above and beyond because she is my granddaughter and I love her! This love above and beyond took about 333 round trip miles–but trusting the outcome will be even more so.

What are your “self induce limit” of love expressions or actions?  Think about it, ask Him to make some adjustments to your boundaries if you need to!

I have to do a part two of Facing Life’s Challenges (Part 1 posted October 25) because I have experienced a few more of those unexpected challenges this past week.  These challenges have to do with “stuff” that’s going on underneath my home.

In Washington state most homes are built with a crawl space, due to the dampness of the region, it is just wiser to build this way.  A crawl space is like a mini basement–but it is what it sounds like–you have to crawl around to check things out.  Not something that is done often.  A few years ago a raccoon got inside my crawl space and wrecked havoc on the insulation.  I have had our pest company tell me I needed to have it cleaned out with fresh vapor barrier and insulation to fix the damage, but I kind of put it in the “optional” category.  The bid they gave me seemed very high and un-affordable.  But my children, worried about my health, encouraged me to move ahead.  So I scheduled a company to come Monday and give me an estimate.  However, this past weekend we discovered a water leak into the crawl space from a pipe behind the washing machine and the guest bathroom.  (Not good to hear rushing water when nothing is turned on!)

My son tried his hardest to fix it.  Another friend came and tried to fix it as well, but did help turn my water off at the street.  And then Monday, I found a plumbing company who came.  He found three leaks, cut two holes in my house, but fixed the leaks.  The crawl space expert came and gave me “the facts”.  Yes my insulation and vapor barrier are messed up and need to be replaced, but also two of my heating ducts are rusted through and I had water damage to the wood supports which need to be replaced.  The plumber told me that I have too much pressure coming into my home, so my 50 year old pipes are going to continue to fail unless I get something called a pressure reducing valve installed!  Yep some challenges.  These are not warm and happy “facts”…but they are real!

This past week, through our Life Group study by Lysa Terkeurst, Uninvited;  we were encouraged to pick a Bible verse to really get into our mind and hearts.  We were to review it several times a day and even record the difference it made as we meditated on God’s Word.  The verse God put on my heart was Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.  I will be found by you, says the Lord.   As I put into practice the assignment, I found myself walking in peace and grace.  I was able to share some Biblical insights with both the servicemen which left them encouraged.  I had asked my daughter in law to come and hang out with me, and another friend stopped by during some of the work.  These were God’s help to distract me and keep me from going to all the “what if’s” and “Oh no’s”.  Dear friends, God is working in and through these challenges as He is yours.

The KJV version uses the word “prosper” instead of his plans just being good.  My home needs to be fixed.  I am trusting His plan to get each of these things finished.  My faith is released as I thankfully remember how He helped me with a bathroom ‘fix”, roofing issues finished and new flooring for my bedroom.  These challenges are going to bring more opportunities to share with others, stretch my faith and I am choosing to walk in His peace.

Verse 11 are where we usually stop–but as I chose to read through the rest of the passage the blessing of “In those days when you pray, I will listen” comforted my heart.  The “if you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.  I will be found by you” is an amazing promise.  We can either allow adversities and challenges to cause us to run away from the Lord numbing ourselves from our reality, or we can dig deep and find Him and His Life-giving Presence!  My story continues, and so does yours–in this glorious journey called Life!

Who is this who condemns? No one! Christ Jesus who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God an dis also interceding for us.  Romans 8:34  Isn’t this an amazing scripture?  What a wonderful reminder that we aren’t on our own in the midst of our mess.

He was praying for me this week when I frustratingly discovered  Saturday morning it was time for “needle maintenance required” with my Keurig coffee maker.  What, I have to deal with this machine without coffee! (Please don’t judge me for my love of coffee.  Jesus and I spend time together with my coffee.  It’s our routine.  It’s one of my favorite things I look forward to–that first cup every morning!}  So I tell myself, I’m ok.  I can do this.  I’ve done it before.  I look up a YouTube video just to refresh my memory.  OK, you can do this.  I follow the steps.  But the parts don’t go back together again.  I look up other videos to see if anywhere they tell you how to put it back together.  Can’t find anyone.  I take a deep breath, Jesus help me!  I can do this.  But, it still isn’t working.

I take a break.  Call my fix it up sister–maybe she can help me.  But there’s no answer so I skip leaving a message and hang up.  I take another deep breath.  Try again (we are three hours plus into this thing by now!  I take another break.  Oh the phone rings (its now 2:00 p.m., its my fix it up sister–needing some help with HER project!  Yes, why don’t you bring it over now.  We work on her project, she tackles my Keurig  and by @ 4:30 I finally get my cup of coffee. ah…so sweet.

How did I feel when she said “you were trying to put the one part in backwards!  I felt foolish and stupid.  But my sister’s unconditional love and care didn’t condemn me, we just laughed together.  I helped her.  She helped me. God’s grace at work for me through my sister. She thought she was the one interrupting MY day, but it was God’s way of meeting both our needs.  He was helping her as well.

Have you ever responded to the Holy Spirit’s small promptings to tend to something that wasn’t even on your radar?  He’s reminded me about bill’s that are due I had forgotten.  Or phone calls I need to make not only for myself but for others.  Because I heeded that prompting, made a phone call–it saved me a $6,000 bill! Thank you Father!

How amazing and wonderful to know that not only is He interceding for the church at whole, but for me and my little world as well.  I am so thankful and grateful that when I recognize His help in the smaller issues of life, it helps carry me through the larger ones.  It also helps me intercede for others more consistently–my faith is released on their behalf because I know His Presence is there for me and will be there for them.  Oh, let’s truly remember what a Great awesome God we can know and love.  How much He loves you and me.

How prepared are we for life’s challenges?  How do we help prepare others?  I woke up with a burden to encourage each of us to make sure our foundations are built on the solid rock of Jesus Christ and His Word.  Rain falls on the just and unjust the scripture says. Life’s storms can be overwhelming and challenging.  How do we prepare?

1. Take and assessment of where you are.  What areas do you feel solid in your faith?  What areas do you find yourself struggling?  Concentrate on building up these weak areas with the Promises in His word.  This summer I had to face the fact some areas of my roof and siding were rotten.  I was afraid it was going to cost a lot emotionally, financially and physically.  As I gained the courage to ask people who really knew how to assess the problem–it was much easier than my imagination led me to believe.  The fear of the task was much bigger than just getting it done!  Ask the Lord to show you your weak areas–He will do so in love, grace and also bring the solution!
2.  Make a commitment to not only read the word, but to apply it.  Information does not transform us, application begins the transforming work.  I find that I may need to slow down my reading and allow the Holy Spirit to really talk to me about what I am reading to make it clear.
3. Get connected to a community of believers.  Not just attend a church, but choose to get involved–not just doing tasks together, but developing friendships.  Ask God to open your eyes to those who need your friendship and reach out to them.  I love my Life Group–they are amazing ladies who care for each other.
4. Seek out those who have gone through trials gracefully.  Ask for their wisdom.  Let them be honest!  Be willing to share your stories as well.  When my husband passed I read the stories of others who walked my same path.  The hope I began to glean from their struggles and victories were like life-lines to me.
5. Come along side those who are in the midst of challenges maybe you have not faced.  Support them the best you can.  Ask them how can you help.  Be available.  It will help prepare you for your storms as well.
6. Seek wisdom: Plan on getting married?  Prepare by reading books, talking with others who have a good marriage.  Becoming a parent?  Join a MOPS group, read blogs and books from trusted wise parents who have run the race ahead of you.  Financial issues?  Seek help.  Can’t seem to get along with others?  Get some counseling or tools to learn how to communicate.  We all have emotions, we all need to learn how to handle them so they don’t handle us!  Get prepared!
7. Help prepare others.  One day at a Mother/Daughter Tea with my own mom, I realized that her job was to prepare me to live without her.  I began my own child-rearing season with understanding I needed to prepare my children for life and its challenges.  I’m not sure if I got it all right–but at least I tried.  I continue to do the same through loving, caring and teaching my grandchildren.
8. Matthew 7:24-27  Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on the house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  

Challenges come in many forms.  We can join with the Boy Scouts and their model: BE PREPARED

Persevere–to persist in a state of enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counter-influences, opposition or discouragement.  I don’t really like this word. I don’t like the fact I have counter-influences, opposition and at times, if I am honest some discouragement to overcome in my life as a believer.  But there it is—if I am going to achieve God’s purpose and plan in my life I have to persevere through each of those things.  I have to accept I have an enemy that does not want me to succeed. I have to accept that due to sin in the world, life will not be easy and I have to understand that my soul is subject at times to discouragement.  These are the facts.

In I Timothy 6:11 Paul tells Timothy, But you Timothy are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness  Fight the good fight for the true faith.  Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.  I believe this is a word today for many of us.  That we put our energies toward pursuing righteousness and the godly life God has set for us.  To resist the words of the devil when he would taunt you with “it doesn’t take all that” or “it won’t make a difference, so why bother?”  Dear brothers and sisters, your life is making a difference.  Your stand before Him and those who are witnessing your life is important.

I have been reading through the book of Jeremiah lately.  What an example of perseverance.  He stayed true to God’s call and the Word of God faithfully no matter what he had to endure.  It is at times, for me a hard story to read.  He is so faithful, and the outward reward seems to little and so late….but he did it anyway.  I think he knew His God and made a commitment to stand no matter what.  We, as believers, need to stay true to those commitments we make in the glorious sunshine, so when the darkness comes we will continue on His chosen path.

Pursue is a word that, to me, must include momentum.  If we are actively in motion we will overcome those counter-influences, oppositions and even the discouragements.  It is not a waste of time to seek Him and His ways.  It is not a waste of time to trust in His promises and callings.  It is not a waste of your life to let Him spend you as He chooses.  Remember, our life becomes His and it is up to Him to make it count.  2 Corinthians 12:15, And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you.”  Take courage and encouragement from those who are walking after Him and His ways.  Do not let those who have fallen behind discourage you–but be encouraged by the great cloud of witnesses that have gone on before.  It is worth it my friends, it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.