Balance

I am traveling this week with my husband to see our son, Abel, graduate from the Army National Guard Basic Training. I hope you don't mind, but I'm posting re-runs this week on my blog. (It is interesting, to me, to read what I post a year or so ago. I hope you are blessed, too.

"Thou hast enlarged my steps under me,
that my feet did not slip."
Psalm 18:36 (KJV)

Arms outstretched

knees flexed

breath held

pulse racing

Have you ever walked across a narrow board? Maybe it was in gym class on a balance beam. Maybe it was a fallen log across a stream. Maybe it was a support beam in a barn. Whatever it may have been, the sensation was all the same. You just KNEW you were going to fall. You felt like you were in a circus's high wire act.

But, many of us could easily walk a line across the floor of a gymnasium without losing our balance. What's the difference?

The difference is our sense of danger. When we fear something MIGHT happen, we lose our focus. We don't trust our surroundings. The narrow path feels even narrower. We look down to the rushing water or the far-away floor and panic
- causing us to lose our balance.

God tells us that He will "enlarge our steps." He is the Almighty God, and He is taking care of us. We need not fear the dangers around us. The path will feel wider and safer. We can walk with confidence and faith because our God is in control.
We have nothing to fear.

In the story of Pilgrim's Progress, Christian walks through a dark and frightening path at night. There are fire pits and screaching and evil threats. He ignores the sounds around him and continues straight toward a soft and comforting voice ahead of him. In the morning, he looks back and sees deep pits and dangers that were on either side of the path, but his mind was on the Voice of the Lord and not the dangers around him.


Lord, help me to listen to Your voice so that I won't fear what MIGHT happen to me. Let me trust in Your will and care. Enlarge my steps so that my feet will not slip. In Jesus' Name, Amen

"Count Your Blessings"

“Count your blessings; name them one by one
Count your many blessing, see what God has done”

I love that song, and its message has lifted my spirits many times.

Children know how to thank God for their blessings. I smile just remembering some of the things my little ones thanked God for.

At school, for our Thanksgiving chapel time, we would go around the room as many times as we could, thanking the Lord for his blessings. It often sounded like this:

The Bible
My parents
My friends
Food
Recess
Computers
My eyes
Emails
Phones
Hotdogs
Music
My ears
My bed
Salvation
Heaven
My father’s job
Money
Airplanes
Water
Books
Being able to read
Trees
Kittens
Clocks
Grandparents
Snow
Rainbows
Warm house
Chocolate
Our church
Firemen
Dogs
School
Hospitals
Able to walk and run
Etc.

I Thes.5:18 “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Do we look for things to be thankful for in EVERYTHING, even in hard times? I like the story of Pollyanna. I think we ought to play the Glad Game everyday. It beats being gloomy and discouraged!

Lord, teach me to look for ways to thank you for everything, even when it's hard to see. Help me to trust your plan for my life and take all that I receive as a gift from You, knowing that You do all things well. Amen.

PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercesions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peacable life in all godliness and honesty."
I Timothy 2:1,2

Lord, our Great God and Creator, Ruler of all, we bow in earnest prayer today. We ask you for mercy and justice. We know that You raise up nations and bring them down. Lord, we rest in Your wisdom and plan for our land. Lord, we would ask that You would place in our captital, the person that You know is best for our country. We pray that we will have peace and be able to live without fears, to be able to raise our children to honor and worship You. Lord, we pray for our land, that it may honor You and your Word. Teach us to trust your will and judgements. In Jesus' Name, Amen

"Dear Vonnie" Scared?

Each Saturday, I will do my best to answer any questions you may throw at me. I don't even pretend to be an expert, but I know it's not easy being a wife and mother. It can be frustrating and discouraging, yet very rewarding. I'd be glad to listen to you , pray for you, and share some of my thoughts with you.

So, ask me something... anything... **Contact Me**






Dear Vonnie, Are you ever scared?
Signed,Worried


Dear Worried,

Yes, I am often scared. I am petrified of the sensation of falling. I shiver just watching my kids on a roller coaster or tower rides. I don't even like going down waterslides. I couldn't watch my son and daughter when they went skydiving.

I don't like snakes, especially if I'm in the South or West and they might be poisonous. (btw, no poisonous snakes in Maine or Alaska....smile)

I'm scared of being paralyzed or being in a coma. I hurt my back and my spine is extra sensitive. I've also had an experience when I was consious but couldn't tell anyone....That's scary!

When my husband or kids are away, and they are later than I expect them to be, I imagine the worst...especially if it's night and the weather is snowy or rainy.

I also have a fear of the future, for my children's and grandchildren's sake. I don't like to listen to the news and hear the way our country and world is going.


But....

I know that I should NOT be afraid. A pastor once told me that there are 365 places in the Bible that tell us not to fear.

Psalm 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is my strength, of whom shall I be afraid?"

Peace is an inner calm in the midst of trials. If I remember that God is sovreign of all, then I can have peace. He controls nature. He will not allow anything to happen to me that is more than I can handle. It may be hard, but He will walk with me and teach me and strengthen me.

Psalm 56:3 "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee."

The only fear I should have is for God himself. It's a reverent fear of straying from His will, of disappointing Him, even of his wrath if I turn my back on Him and His ways.

Matthew 10:28 "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

Even if our country falls to those who hate Christians, I should not fear. I would pray ... yes, pray earnestly...for my loved ones, for all believers...that they would be strong in the faith. I would pray for the soon return of Christ.

So...yes, I will always be afraid of falling and snakes, but I hope I can learn to not fear circumstances or the future, because my Father, my Redeemer, my Shepherd is in control and will take care of me.

II Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

I hope this helps you to have a peace of mind. It's an ongoing lesson for our whole life. So, look for all the times God says NOT to fear and feel his peace.

"Dear Vonnie" Trusting God

Each Saturday, I will do my best to answer any questions you may throw at me. I don't even pretend to be an expert, but I know it's not easy being a wife and mother. It can be frustrating and discouraging, yet very rewarding. I'd be glad to listen to you , pray for you, and share some of my thoughts with you.

So, ask me something... anything... **Contact Me**









Dear Vonnie,

I finally verbalized, even though it's been deep in my spirit for months, that I don't trust God ... because every time I do, something goes horribly wrong with our health and/or insurance. This year, it took til the first week of January for us to have a child ER visit AND to learn that our insurance was so screwed up they had to give us all new insurance with a retroactive start date. However it was all new in how it worked, so to pay the co pays, it was taken off our med card that we could not adjust after we agreed on the amount. We even added extra to cover surprises. We paid for braces and had the extra, until the new insurance. We have been paying out of pocket since June. I realize many people have no insurance at all and I grieve over that.

I am really struggling and felt I was to be open about it. Even today I was tearing up because I do not want to be a cheerful giver. I’d much rather take the tithe and apply it to the incoming med bills, or the annual fee a new ministry asked me to pay that is all about women being intentional and building relationships, something I definitely need, etc ...We are tithing and I’m the one that writes the check per (her husband's) directive, but my heart to give cheerfully is gone... I teach 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School and I’m always challenging the kids to trust God and surrender, give it to Him, and here I am!

My husband is quick, and right, to point out how well we are taken care of, but I’m “wrasslin’” with this trusting God thing in all things and finally am able to pinpoint to the specific degree why.

Would you pray for me to trust God once and for all?

'Wavering Faith'
(posted with permission)




Dear Wavering Faith,

I think you will admit that money isn't really the problem, although that's where your trust is weakest. When we worry about things (and I'm talking to myself, too), we are subconsciously saying to God, "I don't think you can take care of my future."
We forget how He has brought us through hard times in the past. We forget who HE is.

Psalm 139 is a wondrous chapter that reminds us that God is all-knowing and all-powerful. Genesis 17 gives us a name of God, El-shaddai, meaning 'God will provide.' He told Moses in Exodus 3:14 that His name is I AM. He is eternal and sovereign. Nothing happens without him.

When we look at our problems and feel sorry for ourself, we don't see what God is doing in our life. We need to trust that even the 'bad' is 'good' for us, like making our children eat their vegetables or get imunizations. They don't think it's good, but they have to trust us.

We need to trust our Heavenly Father that the things he brings into our life are always good for us, to help grow stronger and be more patient and more loving. We should be content with our needs provided, and consider everything else as blessings from our Heavenly Father. (I'm still learning contentment, too.)

God gave us husbands to be our strong place, our rock, where we can rest in their care. If your husband says that things are fine, then trust him. Let him take care of you and your children.

I suggest that you find a study on the names of God. Learn of Him and His attributes, focus on who He really is. Also, make a point to look for at least one blessing that you can be grateful for each day. Write it down and thank God for it. Play the Pollyanna Glad Game. It works. There is ALWAYS something you can be thankful for in every situation. Sometimes it may take some thought, and you can always thank God that He is working in your life to help you grow as a Christian.

Here's a song that has blessed me over the years.

Let the Lord have His way,
In your life everyday.
There's no rest;
There's no peace;
Until the Lord has His way.
Put your life in His hand;
Rest secure in His plan.
Let the Lord,
Let the Lord have His way.


Lord, please help this sister rest in Your plan for her life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

When the Man is Gone Syndrome

How does a house and car know
when the man of the house is gone?

At least once a year, my husband goes up north to fish with his brother and anyone else who wants to come. I don't mind. It's good for him to get away and be with the other guys. But...

While he is gone, something ALWAYS happens. The pump will stop working. The alternator in the car will die. The power goes out. I think the house just waits until he is gone to decide to act up. I can't even call him for advice because they are past the point of cell phone service.

I'm glad his brother lives next door. He's had to pull me out of the driveway when Randy was on a business trip. He got our woodstove burning when I was first married and hadn't learned the knack of it yet.

Randy and my son, Stephen, just left for a few days. Maybe nothing will happen this time because the house knows that Benjamin is still around and he can fix almost anything.

I'm glad my Heavenly Father is never past the point of prayer. He never goes on a fishing trip. He's there when the storms rage and there are bumps in the night. I'm glad He's the Man of my life....and is always there when everything seems to go wrong, for I know that there's nothing to fear and He has the power to fix anything.

"Blessed"

BLESSED


With each new morning,
Each start of the day,
Do I thank you, Lord
For come what may?

With each new month,
Change of season,
Do I look for blessings,
Not asking the reason?

With each new year,
Do I feel blessed?
Do I treasure your gifts
In Your hands rest?

Lord, why should I worry
When You are my King?
You’ve planned all my days
And control everything.

I need Your peace;
For I worry and fret.
But You are my Shepherd,
My table is set.

You are my Rock,
My hiding place.
Nothing can harm me
When I see Your face.

Lord, teach me to trust
And to fully rest,
For You are my Father,
And I am blessed.

God Led Him

Genesis 24

In today's culture, it's a little hard for us to really understand arranged marriages. But, maybe there would be less divorces if the wisdom of parents chose their children's spouses. Whatever way a wife is found, God should be the guiding factor.

Abraham was too old to return to the land of his family. So, who did he chose to do the job of wife-hunting? ...his most trusted servant..."his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had" Abraham knew that this man was worthy of this impossible task, and he was.

This servant knew that this was too much for him to do alone. He prayed to the God of Abraham to show him a sign, an unbelievable sign, so that he would be sure which maiden was the right one for Isaac. He asked that she offer him a drink and his camels also. That doesn't sound like much, but a thirsty camel will drink up to 30 gallons of water. The servant had ten camels. Only a kind, generous person would draw 300 gallons of water for a stranger.

While the servant was still praying, Rebekah came to the well.

Isn't God wonderful? I love the thought that my God is so big that he can direct different circumstances so that they weave and cross, in just the exact timing of His plan. Should we get frustrated with interrupted schedules? Do we notice opportunities that God puts in our day? Should we fret over our children not finding a wife or husband?

Rebekah seemed to know God's sovereign will in this unusual situation, for she willing left her family to marry a complete stranger. That is faith.

Lord, give us faith to trust Your supreme design for our lives. Lord, teach us to seek Your will in every part. Give us eyes to see the opportunities to shine for You throughout the day as bring them into our path. Thank you for Your loving guidance in the past, and help us to trust You with our future. In Jesus' Name, Amen

A Lesson From my Student

Recently, I've been teaching Sunday School again. For a long while, our little church has lacked young children. Our own youngsters have grown and have gone to college or living elsewhere. The next generation hasn't been born yet. We have been praying for younger families to attend our church, and God is answering!

There is one adorable five year old, and I have the privilege of teaching her. She has a vivid imagination and keeps my lesson time interesting. She knows very little about the Bible and often mixes her cartoon stories with them. My goal is to instill in her the concepts of the truthfulness of the Bible and the great power and holiness and love of God.

Each week we copy the Bible verse and draw a coordinating picture below it.
(I make one too.) It is a time of chatting and discussing, a time for me to see if she is understanding the lessons. Yesterday, the story was of Jesus calming the sea. We talked of things that we might fear, and that we don't need to because God will take care of us.

We drew a boat with rough waves around it and rain pouring down and some dark clouds above it. She wanted me to draw Jesus in the boat. (people's face are hard!) She was satisfied. While I was adding details to my picture, I saw that she had drawn another figure in her boat. I asked, "Who is that?"

She answered, "That's me. I want to be in the boat with Jesus."

Lord, help us to be like this little child. Help us to desire to be near You when the storms of life surround us. May this be our first thought. May we feel the security of knowing You will take care of everything. Amen

Consciously Trusting

My husband loves riding his motorcycle. He'd like me to share his enjoyment, but I'm afraid crashing. I've had too many tumbles and scrapes on bicycles in my childhood.

But...I love my husband and want to do things with him. I have learned to consciously trust him on his motorbike. I know that he loves me and will not doing anything foolish or daring that might risk an accident. The more I choose to trust, the easier it becomes.

Last week, we rode to his sister's house. It was a beautiful day for bike riding. He put a special back on the bike to give me support. Wasn't that sweet of him? We donned our gear, which seemed a bit much for a July day: sneakers (not flipflops), jeans (plus windpants), leather jacket, leather gloves, and helmet. I felt like a kid dressed for a romp in the snow.

As we buzzed along, I enjoyed the different scents of summer; a freshly cut lawn, a garden of flowers, a field of mown hay, a barbeque grill, a lazy river, and even a stinky cow pasture. I felt like a puppy with its nose out the window.

As we leaned around a corner, I closed my eyes and held on tightly. I couldn't look down at the road rushing by, for the "what if's" began to torment me. I couldn't keep my eyes closed because I needed to balance. I began singing to calm my beating heart. Not being able to see ahead, only one side or the other, I noticed the details of the scenery passing by. Everything seemed brighter and more vibrant than watching it from a car window. I saw a deer grazing in someone's yard or a blue heron standing in a pond.

I began to think of how riding with my husband on his motorcycle is like the Christian life. God wants me to be protected from the world with his safety gear, the "helmet of salvation" and the "breastplate of righteousness". When life takes a corner, I need to draw closer to Him and not fear. I can't see the future, so I should just enjoy each day as it passes. When life gets scary, I need to trust the Lord. Each time I choose to trust instead of fear, it gets easier and easier.

"I just keep trusting my Lord, as I 'ride' along.
I just keep trusting my Lord. and He gives a song.
Though the 'road is bumpy and long o'er the winding trail',
I just keep trusting my Lord. He will never fail."
(my adapted version)