Be Joyful Always!

When a person is admitted into hospital, it is standard procedure for the receptionist to ask what religion you are. When I was at the hospital Monday, a cheerful, nice-looking Christian young man was brought in who was in his middle to late twenties. He laid in the bed next to me. His mother was his designated driver. When the nurse asked him if he drank or smoked, his response was joyful but humble: "No, I have never drank or smoked. I am a straight shooter." I discovered later that this young man is suffering from two autoimmune diseases affecting both his liver and bowels. I don't know if he knew it, but his answer and pleasant disposition was a great testimony for God to all the patients and nurses that day.

I couldn't help but smile to myself and think, "How God and his mother must be so proud!" He is doing God's will in being joyful always and in all circumstances. Now that's ministry!

"Be joyful always;

pray continually;

give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God's will

for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Words That Cannot Be Erased

Yesterday afternoon, as I waited in a hospital bed for a cautionary medical procedure to be done, the nurse assigned to me began talking to me about her childhood. (I like to get to know everyone, so I always ask people a bunch of questions.) Anyways, she happily told me she was born and raised on a farm, and got up early every morning to milk the cows before going to school. She said she dearly loved all the farm animals!

The smile on her face came quickly with her sweet childhood memories, but the smile diminished just as quickly with the recollection of the taunting names the school children use to call her: "Farmgirl! Farmgirl!" or being rudely told, "You stink!" Even though she is almost retired from nursing now, she said those words still haunt her today.

I thought it was interesting that I recently wrote a few posts about the cruelty of words and God orchestrated this meeting. I was deeply sympathetic towards her and tried to encourage her. Afterwards, she thanked me for the chat.

It is truly amazing how the Lord will use the negative experiences in our life to help us understand and share the heartaches and burdens of others.

"Share each other's burdens,

and in this way 

obey the Law of Christ."

Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

Like A Fine Glaze On A Cheap Clay Pot

Have you ever been told by people they will support you? But when it came down to it, you discovered that the words spoken were not meant for any action. Insincere talk is cheap and unfortunately all too common in churches. Without volunteer workers, God's ministry is stunted and people are left dying.

"Insincere talk

that hides

what you are really thinking

is like a fine glaze

on a cheap clay pot."

Proverbs 26: 3 (GNT)

The Words Hurled At Us Like A Grenade

"Even a fool

who keeps silent

is considered wise;

when he closes his lips,

he is deemed intelligent."

Proverbs 17:28 (ESV)

Words are powerful! They can do both harm and good. Unfortunately, the ones hurled at us like grenades from the enemy can never be taken back once they are detonated. The damaging shrapnel are forever imprinted in the recesses of our minds. We can forgive the person, but hurtful words are never forgotten. They nag at us when our insecurities flare up or when we are facing our weakest moments, creating once again a battlefield in our minds.

Oh, how much wiser it is for a person to keep silent and close their lips than to say something unkind or mean to others.

Children's Hearts

"And now, Israel,

what does the Lord your God ask of you

but to fear the Lord your God,

to walk in obedience to Him,

to love Him,

to serve the Lord your God

with all your heart and with all your soul, . . ."

Deuteronomy 10:12 (NIV)

At Vacation Bible School, many of the children came up to me to tell me their favourite song was "You Gave." This revealed what was truly in their hearts, because this song is not a vibrant, action-filled song with a lot of silly childish words, but one filled with great meaning. Here are the words and a recording of the song in practice:

Lord, I want to be

Pleasing to You

In everything I do

And I want to love You more

More than yesterday

More than words can say

'Cause you gave Your life

You lived and died for me, for me

You paid the price

You sacrificed for me, for me

And now the least that I can do

Is live my live for You

The Lord Will Hold You Close

On the last day of VBS, my sons and I took the two young ladies I used to babysit when they were young girls to the BC Wildlife Park. This wildlife park takes in and cares for orphaned baby animals that cannot survive on their own and then releases them in the wilds when they are old enough. The park also takes in permanently injured animals and cares for them for the rest of their lives.

At this beautiful wildlife park we were able to view an orphaned baby grizzly.

"Even if my father and mother abandon me,

the Lord will hold me close."

Psalm 37:10 (NLT)

Then we saw two tiny orphaned fawns.

"No, I will not abandon you as orphans —

I will come to you."

John 14:19 (NLT)

The Lord God is a father to all and holds each person close to His heart as He carries them gently in His strong arms.

"He tends His flock like a shepherd:

He gathers the lambs in His arms

and carries them close to His heart;

He gently leads those that have young."

Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)

The Waters, The Mountains, And The Trees

My sons and I took an afternoon off VBS last week and went swimming in Kalamalka Lake near Vernon, BC. It was a beautiful day! The water was cool and fresh, the sky was blue and clear above, and the air was warm and breezy.

God blessed us with quiet waters to rejuvenate our souls.

"He leads me beside

quiet waters."

Psalm 23:2b (NIV)

The mountains surrounding the lake were a reminder of God's unfailing love and everlasting peace.

"Though the mountains be shaken

and the hills be removed,

yet My unfailing love for you

will not be shaken

nor My covenant of peace be removed,"

says the Lord,

who has compassion on you."

Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)

The trees planted by the water were a reminder to never to worry even in a year of drought. We will continue to bear fruit because our roots have access to a never-ending supply of God's life-giving stream of love and providence.

"They will be like a tree planted by the water

that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

and never fails to bear fruit."

Jeremiah 17:8 (NIV)

Is There A Way Out?

The Bible says that everyone is tested. We may not always know what others are going through, and what appears to be true for others might not be. But it is common to all people to go through trials and tribulations.

However, the good news is that God will not allow us be tested beyond our strength, and will provide the way out or the necessary help so that we are able to endure it.

"No testing has overtaken you

that is not common to everyone.

God is faithful,

and He will not let you be tested

beyond your strength,

but with the testing

He will also provide the way out

so that you may be able to endure it."

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NAS)

He Makes Me Lie Down

When my sons and I were visiting my in-laws in Logan Lake, I noticed this deer lying in the coolness of a tree's shade in a neighbour's yard across the street.

"He makes me lie down

in green pastures."

Psalm 23:2a (NIV)

As we were leaving Logan Lake, I spotted another deer feeding contentedly alongside the road.

My dogs looked on with curiosity.

The deer looked back.

Then she continued to eat the grass God had provided for her since the beginning of creation.

"And to all the beasts of the earth

and all the birds in the sky

and all the creatures

that move along the ground —

everything that has the breath of life in it —

I give every green plant for food.

And it was so."

Genesis 1:30 (NIV)

Acknowledging Jesus

One of the girls I used to babysit and bring to church with me when I lived in Kamloops offered to be a worker at VBS this year. It was great to see her again! This girl even invited a friend to VBS and politely introduced me to her. She was a lovely girl with a sweet smile, but painfully shy. I later discovered that this girl had never been to church before. At the end of the week of VBS, I gave out prizes to all the children who had memorized all five Bible verses. I was very surprised, and also so very delighted, when this girl approached me and told me in her soft voice that she had learned them all. I was even more surprised when she said them without any hesitation whatsoever, making not a single mistake. She must have practiced them continually at home. I gave her the top prize!!! Praise God for her and the girl who invited her! When I announced the winner, I don't know who had the bigger smile: the girl I used to babysit or the girl who won the prize!

The Bible says that anyone who acknowledges Jesus publicly on earth, He will also acknowledge in the presence of His angels.

"I tell you the truth,

everyone who acknowledges Me

publicly on earth,

the Son of Man

will also acknowledge

in the presence of God's angels."

Luke 12:8 (NLT)

That Stinks!

One on the main reasons Christians stop going to church is because of the reckless words of other Christians. The tongue can pierce like a sword and crush the spirit. It can also heal like salve and bring life.

"The words of the reckless

pierce like swords,

but the tongue of the wise

brings healing."

Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)

"The soothing tongue 

is a tree of life,

but a perverse tongue

crushes the spirit."

Proverbs 15:4 (NIV)

Christians love to publicly quote 1 Thessalonians 5:11: "So encourage one another and build each other up," but some in the very next breath are quick to hurt others and tear others down by their heartless, vile, and debasing words, demeanor, or tone of voice.

Body odour from nervousness, gym activities, or physical movements to help lift or carry things can produce an unpleasant smell. But it's a sharp tongue that is a stench to God.

In The Morning

As we were loading our vehicle early this morning to go home, we spotted a doe with her two very young fawns on the church's vacant property.

"Listen to my voice

in the morning, Lord.

Each morning

I bring my requests to you

and wait expectantly."

Psalm 5:3 (NLT)

Fifteen minutes later, we spotted two more deer on the edge of the church's parking lot.

"But as for me,

I will sing about Your power.

Each morning I will sing with joy

about Your unfailing love.

For you have been my refuge,

a place of safely

when I am in distress."

Psalm 59:16 (NLT)

"But I cry to You

for help, Lord;

in the morning

my prayer comes

before You."

Psalms 88:13 (NIV)

"I rise early,

before the sun is up;

I cry out for help

and put my hope

in your words."

Psalms 119:147 (NLT)

Kingdom Rock Day 5

The Bible helps us . . . stand strong!

It is the last day and we are sad. The children are wonderful! We will miss them.

"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet,

and a light for my path."

Psalm 119:105

Kingdom Rock Day 4

Trusting God helps us . . . stand strong!

"Trust in the Lord always,

for the Lord God is the eternal rock."

Isaiah 26:4

To the children at VBS, my son Tim is Wally. They don't know Tim is actually a mathematician who will soon be getting his doctorate.

Kingdom Rock Day 3

Prayer helps us . . . stand strong!

"Don't worry about anything;

instead pray about everything."

Phillipians 4:6

I don't know who enjoys the dramas more, the children or my sons.

Kingdom Rock Day 2

Family and friends help us . . . stand strong!

"So encourage each other

and build each other up."

1 Thessalonians 5:11

For a Christian, a church family is very important. Calvary Community Church is our family and home to us!

Kingdom Rock Day 1

God's love helps us . . . stand strong!

"I love you Lord;

You are my strength!"

Psalms 18:1

We had sixty children enrolled today in Kingdom Rock Vacation Bible School. They are eagerly learning that God loves them very much and desires for each of them to be part of His Kingdom forever.

Satisfy Us In The Morning

This morning my sons and I woke up in beautiful Kamloops, BC! I got up early to walk around the church in the quietness of the day and the loveliness of the morning sunshine.

In the vacant lot beside the church the tops of these wild plants glowed in the morning sunlight

Barney sang with delight!

Barlow was glad to roam free!

And I was satisfied with God's unfailing love!

"Satisfy us in the morning

with Your unfailing love

that we may sing for joy

and be glad all our days."

Psalm 90:14 (NIV)

Eyes To See And Ears To Hear The Needs Of Others

I was blessed last Sunday when a young girl came up to me and excitedly told me that she still remembers the memory verse I taught her three weeks ago in sign language. Then without any hesitation she spoke the verse using her hands, ending with the greatest smile on her face. "Wow!", I thought. One day God is going to use that precious soul because her heart is turned towards those who have the misfortune of not hearing. She told me she can't wait until next time when I can teach her more words. And I told her I can't wait to teach her!

During the week of Vacation Bible School next week, I again will teach the children to sign the major words in the songs we will be teaching them. They all respond to my delight and God's!

If we fear God, then we must respect and be helpful towards all people. And one way to show God's love to others is to learn their language.

"Do not insult the deaf

or cause the blind to stumble.

You must fear your God;

I am the Lord."

Leviticus 19:14 (NLT)

May we have eyes to see and ears to hear the needs of others and eagerly respond!

Your Unfailing Love Will Be My Comfort

We are getting ready to leave tomorrow morning to go to Kamloops, BC for the Vacation Bible School next week at Calvary Community Church. However, we will go with a heavy heart, as my father-in-law is in the hospital there. A few days ago the doctors discovered that he has cancer in his intestines. He was operated on, but we won't know for a few days yet if the cancer has spread.

My father-in-law is a servant of God. He has pastored many churches over his life-time, and he and his family were also home-missionaries in the Queen Charlotte Islands for nine years. Even now, he and his wife lead a small group in their home to teach others the truths found in God's Word.

I know God's unfailing love will be His comfort.

"May your unfailing love 

be my comfort,

according to Your promise

to Your servant."

Psalm 119:76 (NIV)

Do Not Lose Heart

Yesterday, my two sons and I went shopping for the Family Fun Day scheduled in early September. When we walked into the first store of our choice, right at the entrance there was a sign posted above all the summer toys a few minutes just before we arrived. The sign said, "70 % off". Regularly each toy cost a dollar. God is so amazing! because I was able to purchase fifty kites and fifty bubble wands for only 30 cents each. Wow! Now that is a savings! Not only that but fifty was how many I needed of each item, and that was how many were on the shelves.

God encourages just at the right time! Recently I was getting frustrated about a few things in the children's ministry at my church. Things just didn't seem to be happening as quickly as I would have liked or should I be honest and say things just weren't happening at all.

Not only that but God answered another pray yesterday too when I was finally given the right person's name to contact so I could advertise the upcoming children's program in the community's August newsletter. I had tried for almost two weeks with no success or help, and almost gave up. With the right contact information, the task was achieved in only a few minutes.

Yesterday was certainly a reminder to me that since I have this ministry through God's mercy, I must not lose heart.

"Therefore, since through God's mercy

we have this ministry,

we do not lose heart."

2 Corinthians 4:1 (NIV)

I must look at the lilies to remind me of God's promises.

A Daisy A Day

"A Daisy A Day"

As Christians, we are told by God to encourage one another daily, not just once in a while. Even if we have to correct a sin or a wrong attitude, we do so using encouraging words, not harsh condemning ones. Otherwise, hearts will harden all the more by sin's deceitfulness.

"But encourage one another daily,

as long as it is called "Today,"

so that none of you

may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

We are to think of encouraging ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Manipulation, control, and negative words are not going to be effective, but rather counter-productive.

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another

to acts of love and good works.

And let us not neglect

our meeting together,

as some people do,

but encourage one another,

especially now

that the day of His return

is drawing near."

Hebrews 10:24-5 (NLT)

The day of the Lord is drawing near. Let us not waste any time, nor do or say anything in a tone of voice or ungodly manner that turns people away from God instead of towards Him.

Proclaim The Good News

The disciples of Jesus taught and preached day after day the good news that Jesus is the Messiah! They never stopped focusing on what God called each of them to do.

We are to do the same. Every Sunday a pastor has the opportunity to preach, every time a Bible teacher is asked to teach, and every occasion God's people are given to witness, we are all to proclaim the good news! We never know whose life/lives in the audience, the sanctuary, the classroom, the home, or the workplace has/have hearts aching to know the truth and be filled with the love of Jesus Christ.

Heartbreakingly, such precious opportunities are often lost, especially in the pulpit, because many times church services are not focused on saving the lost, healing the wounded, or attracting churchless people to attend. As a result, the bruised and wounded souls who come to church end up walking away lonelier than ever, back into their dark, forested world with hearts aching all the more.

"Day after day,

in the temple courts

and from house to house,

they never stopped teaching

and proclaiming the good news

that Jesus is the Messiah."

Acts 5:42 (NIV)

A Spiritual Temple, Not A Physical One

Every Saturday morning, my son Chris gets up very early to drive the long distance to a prison where he helps minister God's love and His Word to interested prisoners.

Last night the family all sat together to watch a video in which three of these prisoners gave their testimony of what God has done in their lives. It was heartbreaking to hear their stories of the lives they hurt and took away. But it was also wondrous to sense their genuine repentance and see the miraculous transformation of their hearts.

As I listened to their words, saw the tears flow down their cheeks, and saw family members in the audience supporting them even though their actions had caused them so much pain, I couldn't help but feel convicted about how, in general, churches spend way too much time worried about and discussing matters that are really not all that important. What matters most are the people who live outside the walls of the churches. Modern churches are so concerned about paying the bills to maintain their buildings, upgrading their technology, and remodeling, that they neglect to do what God has called them to do. I wonder if these well-maintained walls are helping, or are they hindering us from doing God's work and His ministry.

God doesn't need large fancy buildings for His presence to dwell. God needs people with the desire to follow Him because it is in their hearts where His presence resides. We are the temple of God, not a church building. Why then are we so concerned about the building? Are we still living in the Old Testament era?

"And you are living stones

that God is building

into His spiritual temple.

What's more,

you are His holy priests.

Through the mediation of Jesus Christ,

you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God."

1 Peter 2:5 (NLT)

It is the spiritual temple that pleases God, not the physical one. And it is this spiritual temple that is laying in ruins, while people all over are hurting, wandering, and dying without Jesus to heal, guide and save them.

When Jesus came to earth as a baby to be born in a lowly manger, His presence filled a stable, not a castle. I believe the people of God will see the manifold presence of God when their hearts are fully turned towards Him, and it will be where they least expect it: in a shabby building filled with people who have hearts filled with gold, not the building itself.

Yes, It Is Very Good!

As I was watering my flowers last night and gazed at every beautiful flower, I couldn't help but think about how much the earth is full of  the Lord's goodness.

"The earth is full

of the goodness of the Lord."

Psalm 33:5b (KJV)

Yes, everything God made is very good, very good indeed!

"And God saw everything

that He had made,

and, behold, 

it was very good."

Genesis 1:31 (KJV)

All Your Needs

God is good! The paint on the built-in pedestal is now completely dried; so this morning my two sons installed our new washing machine and dryer set. We only paid half price for them because it was Samsung's last year model with one tiny mark on it. When we got to the warehouse appliance store, the salesman told us that this set was placed on the floor just before we got there. This didn't surprise me because my sons and I prayed to God lots beforehand for help in finding the right washing machine and dryer set that would kill dust mites and not cost a fortune, as my sons have recently been diagnosed with both internal and external allergies. One of the external allergies is to dust mites. Having IGA deficiency disease makes people prone to adult allergies.

God has blessed us! He truly takes care of us all by supplying all our needs from His glorious riches which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Thank you Jesus!

"And this same God

who takes care of me

will supply all your needs

from His glorious riches,

which have been given to us

in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

In A Time Of Trouble

"If you falter in a time of trouble,

how small is your strength!"

Proverbs 24:10 (NIV)

The washing machine and dryer pedestal has been built and painted.

However, the new washing machine and dryer are still sitting in my living room because the paint is taking forever to cure.

The dirty clothes are piling up, we are running out of clothes to wear, and my husband is coming home in a few hours with two weeks worth of his laundry to clean. 

My son Chris suggested I start washing clothes by hand. I don't think so. I thought running away from home was a better solution. Then I wondered if laundromats are still around? Maybe that is a better answer to my trouble. I just need to go around the house now looking for loonies and toonies. I am sure each of my sons will have some hanging around somewhere.

Your Sin Will Find You Out

Last week, I bought a Samsung front-loading washing machine and dryer set. Yesterday, my sons Tim and Matthew made a built-in pedestal to put them on top of. This morning I am painting the pedestal white. A few minutes ago, as I was waiting for the first coat to dry, Matthew noticed a certain design imprinted in the paint.

Matthew didn't think I was trying to be artistic, so he grabbed the likely suspect. You guessed right. Our angelic cat, Osha!

"I didn't do it! I don't know how that got there!"

The Bible says that we can be certain our sin will find us out, just as Osha discovered this morning.

"And you may be sure

that your sin will find you out."

Numbers 32:23b (NLT)

First Love

Do you remember your first love?  Do you remember what it felt like to be loved and to love for the first time? Do you remember the euphoria, the blessedness and the delight of it? You think there is nothing on earth that can compare to that marvelous experience of first love! It is unforgettable! Could there be a love more sublime? Yes! There is a love in heaven that is surpassing and incomparable. It is God's love! He is the one who truly loved us first. Even before we were formed in the womb, God loved us!

"Before I formed you

in the womb,

I knew you."

Jeremiah 1:5a (NIV)  

And it is because of God's love, we can love and experience the love of another.

"We love 

because He first

 loved us."

1 John 4:19 (NIV)

Let us never forget our first true love, and abandoned this love we had at first.

Look At The Lilies And How They Grow

The lilies I grew along side my house in memory of my late grandfather are blooming in their full array. Unfortunately, they only bloom for a few weeks. Then they are gone. My grandfather loved lilies, but I don't think he knew that God talked about his favourite flowers in the Bible.

God uses lilies as a reminder to us that if He cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, He will certainly care for us.

"Look at the lilies and how they grow.

They don't work or make their clothing,

yet Solomon in all his glory

was not dressed as beautifully as they are.

And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers

that are here today

and thrown into the fire tomorrow,

He will certainly care for you.

Why do you have so little faith?

And don't be concerned about

what to eat and what to drink.

Don't worry about such things.

These things dominated the thoughts

of unbelievers all over the world,

but your Father already knows your needs."

Luke 12:27-30 (NLT)

We never have to be concerned or worried about any of the things of this world because our Father in Heaven already knows all our needs.

I Have Hope In Him

Yesterday I was disheartened because I was hoping families with children who lived in the vicinity of the church would come to the outdoor barbecue at the church's parking lot. I had activity booklets, packages of crayons and Canada Day buttons to give out to all the children, but disappointingly no one in the neighbourhood came. 

However, this morning I went to the Scriptures and my hope was renewed.

 The Lord is my portion. I will always have hope in Him.

"'The Lord is my portion,'

says my soul.

'Therefore I have hope in Him.'"

Lamentations 3:24 (NAS)