Nature

What Can I Do?

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This is an excellent question.  One that we can ask of God anytime and in any situation.  Asking questions and seeking the answers from God first are an excellent way to start letting God be in control.  When we are willing to ask for help we are admitting we don’t have all the answers or finally admitting we tried to answer the questions of life several times on our own and we are ready to surrender to God’s answers.  This is very humbling and yet such a lift of burden all at the same time.  I am sure you have heard the phrase…God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good…while it can be used as a mantra or a call and response exercise the truth of what that states is accurate.  It is our perspective that needs the adjustment not God’s plan.  Be open to questions, ask them to God and be prepared to listen to His answers not only the answer you want.  May God’s peace and goodness be with you.

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“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

Psalm 51:10-12

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

Courage

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It takes courage to be a follower of Jesus Christ in this world.  It takes courage to not only say I believe but then to go out and act and do as one who believes.  It takes strength and courage to stay the course of faith and let God be in control.  We/I always want to take over control and management of life.  Then we are surprised or sometimes frustrated when things go in a different direction then what we planned or tried to orchestrate.  Trusting in God means surrendering the desire to control every aspect of your life…once again it’s simple but it’s not easy.  Give to God all the things in your mind and in your heart and pick a few verses out to memorize so you can repeat them to yourself when needed.  I have two recommendations for you Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4:13 they have helped me in many moments in my life and will continue to do so.  May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

Friendship

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There are few things greater than the gift of friendship.  Sharing experiences, listening to each other, laughing together, supporting each other.  We were made out of God’s love and we were made to be in community with God and with one another.  When we think about someone and it brings a smile to our face they are most likely a true friend.  Make time for your friends as you know they are the ones who make time for you.  May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command.”

John 15:13-14

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 at one of the covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa)

Renew Strength

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In order for the journey of faith to be strengthen we need to visit the rest stops in life and spend time reading the Word of God.  Devotional time gives us an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and God.  No matter what is going on He is still on the throne, His presence is still with us, even at times when He feels distant.  The Word of God is truly a light in the darkness of this world and it is a guide for strengthening us for life.  Spend time at a rest stop with God.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.  He 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 17:7-8

(This photo was taken in August of 2012 while hiking on the North Shore of Lake Superior)

Spiritual Growth

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Spiritual growth comes when we continue to devote time to our personal relationship with God.  Reading God’s word, spending time in prayer and in the quiet of His calming presence.  The more we are able to center our lives on trusting God with everything the stronger our foundation of life will be.  I have read about this in several different books, the writer explains a turning point, that point where everything starts to look and feel different…it is much different to read about it then to begin to start experiencing it.  I began listening to christian music on the radio 20 years ago…I started reading faith based books and my devotional bible everyday 8 years ago…and I started this blog 5 years ago…I am just beginning to sense and understand what it means to trust God with my everything (yes I am a slow learner :).  Just like one of my favorite phrases states…it is simple but it is not easy.  May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

God Is Love

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Everything comes back to this…God is love.  Why did God create the world, the animals and us…God is love.  How did people in the Bible who had committed hurtful sins, like David, Rahab, Saul and others get used by God for the good of others…God is love.  Why did Jesus come down from heaven to be born a man, to suffer, be tempted, get crucified for who He is and rise from the dead…God is love.  In all that we are and all that we encounter everyday, it is most important to remember that we humans brought sin into this world and we are broken, but we are forgiven and we are saved because…God is love.  May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.”

1 John 4:16

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while driving in southern New Mexico)

When We Are Wrong

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Another characteristic that seems to be very difficult to cultivate in today’s world is humbleness.  Admitting that we are in trouble, that we made mistakes and we need help.  The communication style of the world seems to be believe your own truth and punish those who disagree with you.  It is already difficult to be humble and admit when we are wrong…and the path the world is on makes this even more difficult.  As I am reading 1 John 1 today it talks about confessing our sins and forgiveness.  We all are going to find trouble in this life, it will be best for us and for others in our life if we work on being humble when we are in trouble and helping and supporting others when they are in trouble.  May God’s love and peace be with you and flow out of you.

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“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”

1 John 1:9

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while driving through New Mexico)

Patience

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One of the hardest characteristics to develop and grow in this world is patience.  All around us is convenience, time-saving, be first, get it done…hurry hurry, we want it now!  Whew…take a moment…breathe.  The “rat race” as it has been called consumes so many people.  Let’s stop and think about that phrase…’rat race’…it has origins of a mouse or hamster in a cage running on a spinning wheel.  Working so hard and going nowhere.  We need the courage and strength to step off the spinning wheel.  The goals of the rat race give us nothing but anxiety, stress and the desire to move the bar higher causing more of the same pain and suffering.  One of my favorite quotes from Albert Einstein…‘the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result,’ sounds like the rat race to me.  Time to start making a change in how we live and the only way we can change is with patience and persistence.  Take a least one step each day out of the rat race and get into the race of faith…for the reward in that race is eternal life through Jesus Christ.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

Be Thankful

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As I continue along my faith journey I am often reminded in different ways to remember to be thankful.  When we look carefully at what blessings and gifts God has already provided we realize that we take so much for granted in our daily lives.  Always concerned with others and what we don’t have or what we want next…it seems to be big part of human nature.  If we take time every day to reflect on and give thanks for what we are grateful for it will help shape our perspective for the rest of the day.  Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever.  For inspiration I recommend listening to the song of praise entitled Forever – by Chris Tomlin.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.  Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;  his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Psalm 100

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while driving through New Mexico)

The Light

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The Bible talks about Light in many ways.  When we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He is our Savior and Lord, we begin to get a sense of this Light as we study the Word of God.  When the Light of Christ shines in us we look different, we act different and we feel different than we use to.  Acknowledging the Light is a shift in perspective, it is purposefully looking for the goodness, kindness and love in our actions and in the actions of others.  It is being self-less, working for the good of others, it is coming along side someone and walking with them rather then trying to knock them down or push them aside to advance our own ideas.  Seek this Light and shine it out to others and you will find peace.  May God’s Light be with you.

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“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

2 Corinthians 4:6

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Arches National Park in Utah)