Have you ever ridden a bike?  It took my sisters and I awhile to learn how.  I think we were eleven or twelve when our parents finally succumbed to our oft calling requests to buy us bikes.  (You know those, please, please please children requests!) I know it was in the summer and we tried and tried to learn to balance and become true bike riders.  We finally figured out if we went to the top of the hill outside our drive way the momentum of hill helped us and we finally succeeded.  For some reason they bought two bikes for the three of us (remember we are triplets) so there was a lot of squabbling on who got to ride when.  But we did finally learn and it felt glorious to feel the wind in our hair as we rode along under pedal power.  However, no one bothered to tell us that where your eyes look is where you end up!  Until we learned that piece of information, we also had some crashes.  I think it is the same in walking this faith walk.

Distractions pop up all the time.  I saw a car commercial the other day that actually showed a track with built-in distractions that measured the car and the driver’s ability to react to unexpected  situations.  Giant balls, balloons and other things seemingly random would pop up around the track.  They are developing a “smart” car that can help the driver avoid accidents.

fortunately we have some smart help, if we choose to use it for our faith walk.  It is the foundation of the Word and our choice to keep our eyes focused on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).  The word focus means to concentrate attention or effort on something.  When we focus on the Lord through His Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit our perspective changes and faith arises.  Having the right focus helps eliminate the distractions that would take you off course, because you are concentrating on Him.  When we truly remember who Jesus us is: our Savior, the lover of our soul, our provider, our healer, our intercessor, our hope then our faith arises and discouragement flees.  We may not know how it will turn out, our how we will get down the road, but we know that we will not have to do it alone.  Learning to ride those bikes with my sisters was challenging, but it was fun because we were doing it together.  We shared stubbed toes and skinned knees, it wasn’t easy but we all did it!

We need to remember we are not alone in our faith journey, no matter how it feels.  Will we do it all “right”, nope, not a chance.  Even those “smart” cars get into accidents, but we will probably make fewer mistakes and know that when we do, we can learn from them.  Each morning choose to fix your eyes on Jesus. Thank Him for directing your day and invite Him walk through the day with you.  Begin to look for Him in your routine tasks.  This way when trouble (like unexpected news) or difficulties arise, you will already be prepared for their encounter because you know you are not alone.  The peace of God begins to guard your heart and life becomes less stressful.  I have tried it both ways, this is much better!

Two weeks ago I shared about unexpected surprises where my whole family got to go on vacation together.  It was such a blessing to focus on being together I chose not to write my blog!

I think everyone who went would say they had a good time.  However, I am sure that each of us had to adjust our expectations of what that would look like along the way.  Issues with pre-purchased tickets, sick children and children who did not think riding rides were as fun as the adults believed all challenged our thoughts about how this time together would go.

Life keeps happening even when we are on vacation..or trying to be!  My daughter in law spent way more time working on an upcoming project than she ever expected too.  She was a trooper and answered emails, texts and phone calls as necessary.  She said she learned not to go on vacation when you are starting a new ministry unless you are prepared to take the planning along.

One day on our vacation I was sitting with my two youngest grandchildren.  Their parents were riding a ride together.  The baby was asleep in the stroller and the three-year old seemed to be bordering on the happy/grumpy line.  I found a quiet place where she could get out of the stroller and play while her brother slept on.  It was so peaceful in the midst of California Adventures!  She found a potato bug and played with it.  She was having fun!  In the midst of all hustle and bustle she chose to be herself and just enjoy where she was.  It was refreshing to spend some time reflecting quietly by myself as well.  I wish I would have taken a picture of her with her new “friend” because it was fun to watch her play so gently with him or was it a her?  Because I went on the vacation to spend time with my family members this was not a “waste” of my time or money.  If I had not had that perspective I could have been frustrated with her because she really did not want to ride the rides or enjoy most of the things available.  She loved going to the Redwood challenge and climbing on the rocks, walking the net bridges–basically enjoying nature!  In case you think I wear a halo-these are things God has been teaching me over the years. Like Paul, I am learning to be content in my life situation.

My first visit to Disneyland as an adult was with my husband.  We made some wonderful memories.  Sounds, sights and situations triggered some of those memories on this trip and grief showed up, I must admit.  Walking with my family made me long for him to enjoy those moments together.  Watching cousins holding hands celebrating their friendship and the simple joy of being together was so heart swelling that I yearned to share it with him.  I had to adjust my perspective and be thankful for the grand-parenting time we did have together. As I shared my pain with the Lord,   He helped me adjust my perspective  from who I was  sharing these new experiences with rather than who wasn’t.   It helped bring me back to the present instead of dwelling in the past.

Life forces us to make adjustments in our perspective many times.  Releasing our faith to trust the Lord during these times sets us on the course for peace much faster.  Last night in our Life Group we discussed James 1:2-3.  Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  As we encounter life’s trials and tribulations it is up to us how we view them.  Taking responsibility for our attitude shows a sign of maturity and it is not always easy to “grow up”.  When we meet heavy-duty trials: difficult diagnosis. loss job, relationship issues it is sometimes easier to turn to the Lord and His wisdom than in the smaller issues.  Grumbling, mumbling in frustration, irritation or exasperation robs us of our joy, which is our strength.  I have been learning this–but I admit I have been a slow learner.  I have done life both ways.  It is easier to trust the working of His grace, strength and purpose in our lives that it is to live under our own small perspective of life.  I find myself walking more in the joy than in the frustrations of life now.  Maybe it is my age, but I like to think it has been our generous God helping me to become more mature and complete in Him, for that is what He promises these struggles of life would bring to us.

A few weeks ago I wrote about walking through the “blahs” and last week I talked about faith and the battle–neither of these seasons are necessarily times we seek after.  However, if we keep steadfast in our walk we will come through those times into a time of rest and grace.
I mentioned that my family has had their share of battles this past while.  As they are adults, I want to honor their privacy and not get too specific or personal.  I am proud of them and how they choose to stand and see his salvation in each of these challenges.  God has answered many of the prayers prayed during this time, and they manage to see his handiwork even in the midst of these struggles.

But life is not always about the hard things, there are seasons of open blessing and favor.  A time where you stand back in awe of the manifest goodness of God that sometimes comes our way.  About a year or so ago, someone came to my son-in-law, Andrew and gave him an envelope with a thank you card.  Along with the card was the gift of a time share week in California.  Andrew grew up close to Disneyland, and to him especially, there is no happier place on earth!    These people were so grateful for Andrew and Rosanna’s   influence in their life and church they wanted to bless them.  So the Phillip’s  family of five left this past Sunday to travel to southern California.  They report a wonderful time, including a visit with his mom.

My daughter Elizabeth and her husband Tim began planning their vacation as well. As they did one of her long time friends offered a week of their time share in the same hotel during the same week as Rosanna and Andrew!  So they left early Saturday morning with their four children, stopping and seeing friends and family too.  They, too, are sharing some great reports.

Andrew, my son and his wife began to pray as well.  They wanted to join with the others and Becca kept looking for places to stay in the Anaheim area.  Then they too, were gifted a week in the same time share as the other two!

Andrew Phillips had asked Rosanna to see if I wanted to go too, and stay with them!  So my whole family including the nine grand children will be together in the same hotel, sharing experiences together.  My son and his family (with me!) fly out today!  The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich and he adds no sorrow to it.  Proverbs 10: 21   I know some of you reading this may have to employ the scripture rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.  For you may be in the season of battle, or blahs and find it challenging to appreciate this blessing and favor our family is receiving.

I recognize this blessing and I am humbled by it.  I am grateful I have the strength and energy to enjoy this moment in time with all of my children.    It takes faith to receive God’s blessing as much as it takes faith to stand during the storms.  I get to go because of the blessing of my children’s friends!.  Isn’t that remarkable?  Andrew Phillips was a blessing, so he received a blessing that his whole family received and it started a chain reaction in my family!  I am so blessed because they want me to join them.

I know what it is to stand-off and watch others do things that you never thought you would be able to do.  At times, I admit, it was with a green eye of jealousy and a bit of pity for the poor me. God eventually convicted me and showed me a better way.  I was acting like the elder brother of the prodigal son.  Mad because I did not get the party.  What a childish attitude.  Learning to truly rejoice freely when others are blessed takes maturity and trust in our bountiful Father.

If you find yourself in such a place, I challenge you to pray.  You may have not, because you have not asked (James 4:3)  It may not be this particular blessing that provoke jealousy, but it may be something else.  It could be large or small.  Envy and jealousy can be provoked over some pretty small things (trust me, I know!)    Take those thoughts captive.  God is no respecter of persons.  He is such an amazing God.  My thoughts used to be so small.  I had to enlarge my understanding of how good a God  he is, and how he desires to bless us with the desires of our hearts, in order to really truly rejoice with those who rejoice.  I had to accept his love, and that blessing and favor was mine simply because he loves me.  To be honest, sometimes I did not even know what I desired, so I could not even ask.  He desires to bless your marriage, your family and even just yourself.  He delights in blessing us.

It is difficult in some ways to go on this trip knowing people are still suffering from Hurricane Houston’s disaster and the impending hit of Hurricane Irma, so we go in prayer for them and trust and faith our good God has a plan and we trust him.

Life Church, my local church here in Oak Harbor, Washington encourages its members to belong to small groups we call, Life Groups.  I am privileged to lead a group of lovely ladies. We love to celebrate and acknowledge each other, especially on birthdays.  It is recommended that each life group take the month of August off for a break to re-group for a new start in September.  My birthday is in August, so for the past few years, it has slipped under the radar.  One of the gals did not think that fair, so she organized a special gathering for us August birthday ladies (another gal joined who also has an August birthday).

We usually share words of encouragement during this time for the birthday person.  What a joy to hear the blessing of how our gathering has impacted the lives of those present.  My heart was overwhelmed to hear them share little things that made just a big impact on their lives.

I want to encourage you that as you love others–your family members, your co-workers or ministry team release your faith to know that God is using you to touch their lives with his love.  When the Holy Spirit speaks to you to reach out to someone, through a phone call, a text or a special act of kindness, do it!   You may think it is optional or not needed,  but the Holy Spirit knows what they need at the time.  A well placed phone call with a word of encouragement can lift a load that might otherwise be crushing.

Facebook has some naysayers, but those of you who use it, it can be an effective ministry tool.  If you read where someone is struggling, take the time to write and pray for them.  During my husbands struggles Facebook was often my lifeline to the “outside normal” world.  It helped me stay in touch with those whom I was far away.  It was so special and uplifting to read this year the posts on my actual birthday.  I have heard others say how strengthening it was to read the posts on their day as well.  These are small things that we can do.  They do not take much time but the rewards in strengthening some ones soul can be huge!

Some of the ladies gave me verbal words of encouragement, others wrote them in a card.  Both ways were special and touched my heart.  We had some first time visitors last night as well.  They got a glimpse of the love and care we share for one another.  It will be a joy to get to know them as we journey life together.  Prayer is also something we do for one another.  Last night we heard some marvelous God stories as different ones shared how God had showed up for them.  We can not always be the answer to the needs of those around us, but we can always bring these needs to the one who can.  What a joy to rejoice with our sisters when God answers these heart-felt cries!

Therefore be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.  Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.  Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.  God has given each of you a  gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.  Use them well to serve one another.  I Peter 4:7-10

Do not let our enemy rob you of the blessing of the joy of doing the small things, they truly make a difference!  Thank you Morgan for your inspiration and cake.

Last week I shared about walking through a season of what I called
“the blahs”.  They may occur after a season of victories, or they may show up during a time where you see little or no progress.  In the United States, like in other countries we are faced with some serious issues that have led to death and destruction. A few weeks ago a young woman was killed protesting the protestors in Charlottesville.  Many were killed in Spain around the same time, the murder weapon a car in both situations.  As I was reading my devotions, I came across 2 Chronicles 15:5.  I was amazed at how accurate it described our present day scenario.  During those dark times, it was not safe o travel.  Problems troubled the people of every land.  Nation fought against nation, and city against city, for God was troubling them with every kind of problem.  Wow!  I am not so bold as to say ” God ” is troubling us–I do know he can use and is using these problems we as humans, with our sinful nature have created for his purpose and plans.  I know these kinds of reports affect my spirit.  I admit I do have to fight what I call “turtling up”.  Drawing my head and heart inside and hiding away through distractions, busyness or depression.  I am so thankful for the next verse.  It gives us clear instruction.  But as for you, be strong and courageous. for your work will be rewarded.  2 Chronicles 15:7

The Chronicler is speaking clearly to you and me, be STRONG!  Be COURAGEOUS!  This definitely is not the  time to draw back, but it is a time to press in, using all the weaponry at our disposal.  Ephesians 6: 10  Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the whole of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

God has called and positioned  each of us in our sphere of influence to bring light into this world. We can do everything he has called us to do.  My friend, Bill Hinckley, (my bathroom remodel rescuer) was asked first by the Lord and then  his friend Mark to go with him to Virginia.  Unfortunately, that young woman, killed in Charlottesville, was Mark’s daughter.   Bill called, asking for prayer as they made the journey.  God went before them.  They discovered grace, peace and supporting care as they traveled.  They also encountered the spirit of division and hate that was the source of the rally’s that took the death of Heather.  Bill shared with me that as he prayed he watched attitudes change and love prevailed.  We must remember we are in a spiritual battle.  The main war, of course, was completed on the cross by Jesus; however, we must fight to bring the freedom he died for into our lives.  It may seem easier to just surrender to the blahs, depression, discouragement, but at what cost?  Our enemy will continue to try to take more and more from us.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor  so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.  Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.  Ephesians 6:13  It is God’s desire that we come through these battles with victory.  My family  all been having their share of battles lately, but we are all determined to come through still standing–not only for ourselves, but also for the next generation.  It is definitely not all about us.  So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable  always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 16:20