An Insiders Tip: Buy the purest Gold, and insight giving salve for your eyes!

The pastor spoke about Paul's "thorn in the flesh" on Sunday. If you take the time to read Second Corinthians chapter 12 you'll get a lot out of it. I was thinking about Paul asking God to take his pain away.

You know Paul was taken to heaven prior to this affliction, (the first few verses of chapter 12 talk about this.) I set there thinking about that. The Bible doesn't say what he specifically ask for. While we were living in LA I became very sick. After my fever climbed above 106 degrees, I went into a semi comma state. For three days, they said I just slept. While I slept, my soul went to heaven. It was awesome, more than mere words, or pictures can describe.

Do you suppose Paul asked God to take him permanently out of this world to heaven? Did he beg God to remove the pain or take his Earthly life? Have you ever been there, and done that? I have, more than once.

Before you think the worst of me, put yourself in my shoes. Imagine just for a minute, pure ecstasy visiting heaven. You do not miss your life on earth at all. Jesus is almost close enough to touch, and you see all the awesome colors deep in the river that flows from the thrown of God like I did. (If you want confirmation of what I'm talking about :) see Revelation chapter 22:1-7. Just wait and see it's awesome!

If you had been there; would you want to come back to sickness and worldly flaws? If you think you would, your a much tougher person than I am. In fact, sometimes I still cry because I'd rather be there, present with my Lord and absent from this body. Yet, I am comforted in knowing that His grace is sufficient for what I need in every situation. What He lets me go through, He personally sees me through.

"But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power will rest on me." Second Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Like Paul, I can relate, there have been so-so many times I fail in this flesh, but I can rise victoriously in Christ! Paul was far from the only person who felt and knew this. See Hebrews chapter 11 and 12, especially chapter 12 verses 1-3.

It has been said we are living in the end days. :) I believe we may be. Hang on, it's gonna be a fast and furious ride! Until then endure whatever is laid before you in every circumstance, with joy and peace. Jesus will see you through it, if he brings you to it! Let him hold you, because when you can't do anymore He can do awesome things through and with you. Finally, there are some awesome words of encouragement in Revelation 3:14-21.

Real wealth is not found in materials or money, true wealth is when God opens your eyes and heart to see the treasures you need to lay up in heaven. Remember you are living in a temporary world, preparing you for a permanent eternity.

"I counsel you to buy from me gold, refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline, so be earnest and repent. Here I am, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:18-20 (NIV)

I knew you before you were ever born.

I woke up this morning thinking about how God has really controlled my life all the way through. Before I was ever born He knew my name and had the wheels in motion for my life. None of us were, "by chance conceived."

The summer after I was saved I went to church camp. Ironically the church camp I went to was Lincoln Lake in Greenville Michigan. Some of you may have been there. I met some of my best friends there. People like Darcy and Doug Hutson. Doug was so cute, he was the first Michigan boy I ever kissed, in a wild strawberry patch.

Darcy and I wrote to each other and once in a while we talked on the phone. A few years latter we rode a church bus to Lake Ann, somewhere up near the Upper Peninsula in Michigan. We were little boogers in some ways. We stayed up late giggling and talking; we had to clean the bathrooms for all the giggling and keeping people awake. After cleaning we decided to short sheet the counselor's bed. Another night we put cornflakes in her bed. The list goes on and on.

But then, there was a big bomb fire and a very serious talk about our lives. Particularly, not just were we saved, but did Christ really have control of our lives? Darcy and I both threw our sticks in the fire, representing that God's Will was more important than our individual will. We both committed our wills to Christ for rest of our days how ever long or short that may be. His will would be completed, before our own desire or will.

Darcy grew up in First Baptist Church in Stanton MI. I went to Lincoln Avenue Baptist in Ionia MI. Darcy married Bob Goodenough, who became a pastor of Nevins Lake Baptist Church. Mark and I took our kids to church there.

Mark's Uncle Leo persuaded me to go on a blind date with Mark. I had never been on a blind date, and really didn't want to go, but agreed to just to appease Leo. Ironically, Mark grew up at First Baptist in Stanton too. He never went to camp, but we still ended up married with two kids. Isn't it something how God pieces all of us all together?

"I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord and I will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you, declares the Lord, and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."

Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NIV)

Not all days are bright and sunny when we yield to God, but He knows what's best. The happiest and the fullest our lives can be are in His will.

Look at the book of Haggai it's such a short little book, only 2 chapters. Our earthly efforts are in vain without seeking Him first.

"Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat but never have enough. You drink but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but never are warm. You earn wages only to put them in a purse with holes in it."

Haggai 1:5&6 (NIV)

"If a person defiled by contact with a dead body touches one of these things, does it become defiled?

"Yes" the priest replied, It becomes defiled."

"Then Haggai said, "So it is with this people and this nation in my sight declares the Lord. Whatever they do and whatever they offer there is defiled." Haggai 2:12-14

"From this day on, from the twenty fourth day of the ninth month, give careful thought to the day when the temple foundation of the Lord was laid. Give careful thought: Is there yet any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit.

"From this day on I will bless you." Haggai 2:18-28

The final verse of this chapter God says, "for I have chosen you, declares the Lord Almighty." that's the end of Haggai 2:23. If God has chosen you as one of His own, the rules still apply today; serve God with all your heart. Do things in His timing, not your own. This is the only way He will bless you.

Mark scored the winning Home Run

Mark and I were arguing this morning over a jealousy issue. Which is really crazy, because we've been married for close to 29 years now. You guessed it, I'm almost as old as dirt, and have the wrinkles and body to prove it.

Even if someone did find me attractive, could they possibly get past all the physical imperfections? No way-unless they were really attracted to my inner being :)

Mark went on and on about one man in particular in a sail boat. Ironically, he did sail very near, and then pulled his sail boat on shore, close to where I was skipping stones. (Are you wondering, if I would have went for a sail boat ride if he would have asked? Sure, I would have went for a sail boat ride; if Mark could have come too. ;) Wouldn't you? )

Mark hit the hitting home run when he said, "Anyone would be a fool not to love you, if they really knew you. And that sexy way you skip stones is just another bonus."

How can you do anything, but hug someone that feels like that? Wasn't that sweet? I'm glad he's still happy with the surprise package he married 29 years ago. :)

For those of you who are married, find satisfaction in your mate. Don't withhold "the wild thing" from each other. Let no man put asunder what God has joined together.

"May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe a graceful deer-may her breast satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.

Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man's wife? For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths." Proverbs 5:18-21 (NIV)

Don't let Differences Seperate Friendships or Love

Knowledge comes from taking things apart: analysis. But wisdom comes from putting things together. John A. Morrison

The other day when I was at Dukes Creek Falls; I realized I had made a inappropriate statement about trees and friendships a few blog entries back. We are all separate individuals.

As we walked down the path to the waterfalls, there were all kinds of trees on the sides, of steep hills. There are some very mature trees growing in what appears to be very little dirt. Their roots seem to constantly go deeper, and stronger. A combination of water and roots even crack a few of the rocks. This proves to me that if there's a will, God can make a way. :)

Isn't it interesting, you can plant a tree in what seems to be the "perfect soil and conditions,"but it dies. Then there are, trees shooting up in the poorest of living conditions, to become some of the tallest healthiest trees in the forest. Think about it; they have a will, and a creator who provides a way.

As long as we are alive we need to keep growing and learning. The journey shouldn't stop, until we stop existing in these mortal bodies. Sometimes the struggles of life produce the most growth. Most of us will be leaving this life with very tattered bodies. I know Jesus would rather see our souls completely mature, and ready for eternity with Him.

Another principle I noticed was, two different kinds of trees growing alongside each other. One was an Oak or maybe a Gum tree it's roots were woven into a Hemlocks roots. Isn't that interesting? Two totally different kinds of trees intertwined at the roots. They had formed a very strong bond together, breaking through rock and defying the odds. They grew tall and strong together.

My point is this, we may not all be the same, but we can grow in Christ and friendship together as long as we have love, friendship and roots growing together in Christ. One of those trees will probably die before the other one. But I have no doubt that the one that goes on living will continue growing toward the same goals they had together.

Differences can complement and increase value in two different kinds of people. Opposites can add depth and width to each other. The truth is, it's probably healthier for two opposites to be together, than two of a kind. Narrow minded people usually can't think outside the box they've put themselves in.

"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. " 1 John 4:16-18 (NIV)

The Winds of Change are Blowing!

We spent some time walking at the Dukes creek Falls yesterday. The falls were so filled with water it was an awesome little adventure. The sights, sounds and smells were so strong. I love being outside and close to God!

The winds of change continually blow through, and over my life. I'd appreciate your prayers, as the winds blow. Some of you may have heard or know, the doctors I've been working with simply can not understand, except some have admitted that a miracle has taken place. (None of my doctors expected me to live more than five years max in the final stage of Crohn's I was in six years ago.)

I was told, I'd never be off so many of the medications. After the surgery and blood work in Feb. they simply can not find Crohn's disease in my blood or body. I'm taking no medications for Crohn's disease.I am healthier than I've been in six years. No special formula for my health will be found outside the fact that God has simply healed my body.

I really feel that I need to go back to school. Real Estate was fun, but very stressful. I think it's best to pursue what God keeps prompting me to do. I need to help others. I'm checking out some medical programs to become a medical assistant. Eventually I may even pursue an RN's degree and work with ostomy patients. I could help a lot of people with ostomies. :)

I still must pass a physical. Except for the heart attack I suffered two years ago; what could hold me back? Living with a bag isn't the worst thing in the world. Minds adapt to the changes of matter, or lack of it. :)

More than anything I desire to please God. Please pray I'll do what I am suppose to do. I need to do it with a smile, and a song in my heart.

Finally, as the warm Southern Breezes blow; I'm longing for a sweet escape to the gulf. I'd especially love to go to Sanabel Island, even if it's only for a day, and or a night. I miss sailing so much right now. I'd love to just be on a sail boat even if it's only be for a few hours. I need to feel the breeze and sun on my face. Seeing dolphins jumping and tasting the salty sea would be extra sweet toppings on such a sweet needed treat!

Remember the 23rd Psalm? God is so good! "You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:5&6 (NIV)

Christ Jesus will provide what you need!

Do you remember the first time you held each of your children? Or the first time they locked their eyes into your eyes, while you were feeding them? How about the first time you went to put them down, but they clutched you as if to say, "Please, not yet?"

There will be storms in your life, if you haven't already experienced some, they are coming. As a believer, you may even ask your Heavenly Father to take them away. Sometimes He will. But there are gonna be really hard times when instead of easing your pain, grief or stress, Jesus will let you know it's time for a faith building test. As he gazes into your soul, He will wait for you to allow Him to take control. As soon as you release your life into his omnipotent will, He will hold you close to His breast, much like you held your baby for the first time.

As He holds you close to Himself, you'll cling closely to His powerful loving breast. So quickly, the things of earth will grow dim. The storm of life will rage on, sometimes even close to death, but closer than ever to Jesus, you realize God is in control, nothing else matters.

Set your mind on the permanent, not the fleeting events, or things of this life time.

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you loved him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. " 1 Peter 1:6-9 (NIV)

If Christ is your Savior you never have to walk alone. Anything He puts you through in this life, He will provide what you need to finish the race with Him. He will see you through to eternity from beginning to the glorious end. He promises you that.

"No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5 (NIV)

Nothing can separate us from our God. Live boldly with a purpose!

Maybe Some Friendships are like parts of Trees

I heard a comedian make a really profound comment last night. It made a lot of sense, yet it hurts. Friendships are like parts of trees. At the root of any tree are it's roots. They actually nourish and give life to the tree. So Jesus, our family, and closest friends, consist of the roots in our lives.

Then there is the trunk of the tree that would be who we are and our significant other. We generally grow together, or at least that's the goal.

As the trunk strengthens and grows the branches of friendship should develop. I would caution, this doesn't mean you have to give up your friendships from your past. If another person strengthens, loves and nourishes you, don't give them up. If your partner doesn't understand, then you'll have to decide whether it's best to prune that branch. Just remember deep pruning into friendships, can cause the whole tree to die.

Then there are the leaves. They pop out in the Spring and flourish for a season, only to die and blow away in the fall. I have a hard time with these kinds of friendships. I don't like to spend, or share myself for a fake flourishing frenzy. Maybe I'd be more like a Hemlock tree. Just a slow steady grower, needing lots of water, and the shade of other trees to survive. I'd rather have the constant growth that stays for years.

For those of you leafy trees, try to remember not all of us shed in the fall. We have feelings that run deep. But whether you're an oak, cedar or one of the many other trees in the forest of life, we all need to get the main nourishment from Jesus.

See Philippians 4:10-23

"And my God shall meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

... "If God is for us who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 (NIV)

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble, or hardship or persecution, or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?" Romans 8:35 (NIV)

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39 (NIV)

Christ Jesus, should make friendships stronger and deeper by far than mere earthly friendships. Where are your friendships grounded? (The picture above is Michael and Heidi raking leaves at Grandpa Mason's house a long time ago.)