His love endures forever… repeated twenty-six times in Psalm 136. Why would the Lord include a song in the scripture that repeats the same phrase twenty-six times. Once is enough… isn’t it?

How many times have you wondered if your husband still loves you after years of marriage and the stress of living. Or if the kids really care, you’re sure they don’t based on how many times you have to repeat yourself to them! And what about your parents, how can they love you still after all the painful things you did in their lives?

Good questions. But one thing - one love is everlasting, it’s a promise repeated twenty-six times in just one little psalm.

What comfort that brings me.

Perhaps our heavenly Father repeats that one little, yet powerful phrase to remind us… no, not just remind, but to beat it into our puny little brains, that He really, really loves us. Forever. That means always.

And He uses the word endure. What a good and powerful word. What does endure mean? Well, it is a verb - an action word and it means to; withstand, sustain, continue, persist, survive, prevail, remain, live on.

His love will withstand all things, all my stupid mistakes and foibles. His love sustains me and will continue until the end of time. His love will persist despite my iniquities, it will survive my human nature. His love will prevail in times of anguish and suffering. His love remains and will live on - forever - always - for eternity.

Sometimes to really understand a word we look at the antonym, which in this case is perish.  Oh… so his love will never perish. Never perish. Never perish. How many times must that be repeated for us to truly understand??

I am so grateful for the repetition… for the reminder that my Lord’s love will never, ever perish. It is mine always and forever.  No matter how awful I am sometimes.

His love endures forever.

He Loves you … always. So, what is stopping any of us from getting down on our knees and with a broken and grateful heart thanking Him for this enduring love? What prevents you from bowing your knees and with a humble heart asking this amazing God - who loves always - to take over your life and recreating that life into an anthem of praise?

What prevents you from admitting the sin in your heart and from asking this amazing and loving Lord to forgive the things that are too painful to bear, the blackness and ugly side of your life.

Is it pride? Is it fear? Is it a hardened heart?

Even so, his love endures forever.

His love comforts me. And I am so grateful that I have admitted my sin, asked forgiveness and can really enjoy and revel in this amazing love.

His love endures forever.

Does yours? Have you ever wavered in your love for your husband? Your child? Your parents? Does your love endure forever? Could you be that loving? Can you imagine the greatness of a being that could love enduringly forever - no matter what the object of your love does to pain you, to hurt and wound you?

Can you imagine a God whose love does not perish… ever.

Bend that stiff knee, beg his forgiveness and wrap that enduring and imperishable love around you… it is there waiting for you.

His love endures forever.

Here I am again Lord. Jeff and I are having “issues”. He says I complain too much - about everything; my health, our plans, his spiritual leadership. It is true. I do complain, I just do not know how to share my concerns with my husband without it coming out like a complaint.

And then another thing…

When I offer input (solicited or not) on things we have going on in our lives and our ministry - Jeff often times takes my comments as a put-down or criticism. So, I reflect on my role as his help-meet, and it seems that I should use my brains to our mutual benefit. It’s not seemly that I always respond in an affirmative fashion, but that sometimes I point out the contrary position.

It appears that when I share my opinion or my heart on some issues, I aggravate my husband. This is not my intention, yet it seems to be the outcome. So, what should I do?? My reaction to his ire is typically to become quiet and say as little as possible.

Here‘s the rub, I do not want to punish Jeff with silence (although I have to admit that has been tried before!!!) but to wait on the Lord and allow His Holy Spirit to guide my words.

I have said so many times to Jeff that my intellect is a tool for us to use, that it is a gift from the Lord that can be employed to help this family and our ministry. But maybe that is prideful.

Perhaps I need to challenge myself to remain “on standby” until the Lord leads me to share my thoughts from a point of grace and from a position of love. Something I do not do very well - I tend to just speak first and then let the stones fall as they may!

I am prideful in my opinions. And I probably do not often share my dissenting opinions from a loving position. Hmmm.

Okay Lord. I am so glad that I read Psalm 136 today. I could very well descend to the pit of self-pity right now - woe is me, no one loves me… my husband doesn’t understand me… blah, blah, blah….

Thank you Jesus for loving me forever, unceasingly and without perishing. This human love - between husband and wife has it’s ebbs and flows. If I did not have the assurance of God’s enduring love, covering me forever, this marriage thing would be much, much harder!!

So, what to do.

I will wait on the Lord before speaking. I will lean on my Father in heaven for direction, support and guidance in all things - even in the use of my infamous brain. I will put Jeff first - as I am admonished in by the Apostle Paul:

This statement insists that we… that I, shift my point of view. Hmmm. Our human point of view is typically from our own perspective. We view the world from ourselves as the centerpiece. Here I am being challenged here to view the world from the perspective of others. That my needs are no longer the priority, but rather the needs of others are now my priority…

This requires humility.

Okay, so how does this translate into my present predicament in marriage? My current experience has shown that Jeff is not comfortable right now with my contrary opinions or challenging statements, for whatever reason.

And in any event the reason is not germane to the solution and is not for me to wrestle with, (that‘s Jeff’s work!!). What is essential is that Jeff’s comfort level is low with this kind of behavior from me.

Hmmm. So in order to minister to HIS needs (not mine!!!) I must slow down, listen and wait on the Lord to guide my responses. To speak from a point of love and grace, always listening for the hint of aggression or contradiction in my conversation or opinions.

And…

Ahhh, marriage is so much fun!

We left Salem at noon today. We have arrived in Eugene and are back at Countryside Christian Fellowship. Jeff has a few fixes to do here and then we we’re off to Medford tomorrow or Friday!

Today we are in Roseburg, Oregon. While in Eugene, there were a basketful of wiring issues for Jeff to solve! Meanwhile, the kids had a wonderful time playing with the Dawson kids (Pastor Terry and wife Cherylee). I spent my time cleaning and generally just waiting. Whoo Hooo!!

While working there on Thursday, Kelly Graham (from Salem) came down for a short visit!! It was wonderful to see his face!! His visit really blessed my heart - just to see someone from that loving body of believers was a comfort! Kelly mentioned that we should stop in on the fellowship in Roseburg… Terry concured. So, guess where we are???

Yep, Roseburg.

So, it is Saturday and we have not made it to Medford yet! And… we received an email from Grants Pass, to stop in there for a quickie visit (they need help installing some new equipment). So… ya think I’m gonna get to Southern California by the 15^th????

We’ll, see.

What’s funny is that every time Jeff and I actually make a “plan” for our itinerary - something comes along and sidelines that course of action!! You’d think I would be comfortable with this constant changing of the plan - that I would just be able to “go with the flow”….

Nope, not me!!!

Ha, ha, ha, ha!!! It just makes me GIGGLE…. I keep making plans and HE keeps changing them!!! Oh Lord, you have quite a sense of humor!!! So, here I am… in Roseburg, Oregon… waiting on the Lord.

It looks like there is quite a bit of help needed here - so we will probably be living here until the end of the week or so. Then on to Grants Pass, Medford and Southern California … maybe!!

Our goal was to get to Southern California in time for the NAMM convention (audio industry event). Maybe God doesn’t have that planned for us!! That would be okay with me, but I told my Mom and the rest of the family that we would be there by the middle of the month… I will hate to disappoint them.

The next part of our plan was to visit Monica and Andy in Mixteca, Mexico before heading on to Tucson, Arizona for the Pastor’s Conference. Who knows (He does!!!) if we are going to get to Mexico!! Ah well.

In any event, it does look like there is lots of stuff for our little audio ministry to do here in Oregon!! Maybe that’s a good sign - maybe we will be able to settle here someday?!!

Oh, another thing…

I was reading 1Peter today and I happened on this verse written by the Apostle Peter to wives;

Cool. I am often fearful that Jeff will not make plans (oh, here I go on the plan thing again!) or that his devotional life is different than mine, or that he is not the “perfect” husband. I have no reason to be fearful… it says so in GOD’s WORD!!! I can be completely safe and comforted by the Word in this matter!!

Do not be fearful… AND… do good. So, do good and do not be afraid… Okay. I am going to work on this part of my “wifehood”. Do not be afraid…. I am afraid so often. But the scripture says right here… do not be afraid.

Do not be afraid.

Do not be afraid.

Okay, this is where the mind has to supersede the flesh. Where I have to focus my mind and soul on these words and not just emotionally run about (like a chicken with it’s head cut off!!) and be flapping my gums, squawking in fear.

Ohhhh, this is going to take some work!!!

<grin>

Well, things are much better!! I am really working on two things; no complaining and no complaining… oh, let’s not forget, no complaining!!!

Having the heart of a servant is not my natural state, just as being without worry is not the normal state of my nature. I am at heart a sinner, and sinners do not typically give of themselves freely without complaint or worry.

Here we are, the followers of Christ, having a clean and upright looking life. Ah, the disciple of Christ … she goes to church, she serves the body of Christ… what more could you ask? The Lord asks more…

Just think, if these things were true; if I were joyful always, prayed continually and the word of Christ dwelt in me richly, I would be so much more pleasing to my Lord Jesus Christ. Not to mention my husband and my children.

So, I forage ahead, working on … no complaining, no complaining and no complaining!!! That is a good step towards being joyful always!! Now, pray continually… I am often in conversation with the Lord, but I rarely take time to go to a private spot and spend time on my knees. (Private in a motor home????)

And then there is that dwelling of the word in my heart thing… Arrgh. I can’t seem to work out a regular time to study or read the word. And when I do get the time, I seem to just pop around, never really settling on one book for any real length of time.

I have tried some of those bible study books - you know, where you have to write in the booklet as you study. I don’t seem to be able to be consistent about that either!!

So, Lord help me… I am going to just focus on the no complaining thing right now, until I get that right. Jesus is going to have to help me with the other items…

Now, as to Jeff. Wow. He has been reading one of my books on marriage from a biblical perspective and I am beginning to see some real changes and effort on his part to continue to work on bringing our marriage into balance with the Word. It is so great!!

We still have misunderstandings (like most marrieds) and God is still using marriage to refine us, but it is working!! We are both actively laying our marriage at the foot of the cross and are not trying so hard to do it on our own!!

I am so grateful that Jeff and I are united together in Christ. That we are of one mind in most matters. The things that go wrong are typically misunderstandings… I meant this, and he took it like that - and visa versa.

Our ministry is each other and the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives and the lives of all we have occasion to touch.

We left Roseburg today around 6:00pm, heading to Camas Valley a scant thirty miles Southwest of Roseburg. The fellowship here was planted by the Roseburg Fellowship and is in dire need of a PA fix!!

So, here we are… tucked away in a little mountain community near the Oregon Coast. It looks like we will be here until Sunday or so. I have reconciled in my mind that we will not get to Orange County by the fifteenth, as I had so hoped (and told the family!). It is better to be doing what God has in mind for us, rather than what we have in mind for us!!!

I know that we are within God’s will for our lives by the blessings we have all around us. The friends we made in Roseburg, the incredible support and love they gave us. We must be doing what the Lord has designed for our life.

Continually I feel the pull of my “old man” (see Romans, Chapter 6), telling me to hurry up, get back on the road… go to Orange County, get going, move…move…move!! But why?? Where is the peace and blessings when we operate like that?

Nowhere.

So, each time I feel the pull of my old (wo)man, I just have to turn around and slap her down… put her back in the coffin where she belongs, because;

The old me is DEAD, DEAD, DEAD!!! The new woman has no obligation to the chains of old negative behaviors. Would Christ worry about getting to Orange County on time?? Nope, He would only be concerned with serving the Father.

So there you go!!

As to Camas Valley. Well, we got here after dark and it is kinda cold. Our heater doesn’t work again, so we are using the space heaters. We pulled out the blankets and quilts and are all bundled up against the cold… pretty cozy!!

I have to say, living in the RV has taught me so much… Like how to make sure that I only have one appliance on at a time (so as not to pop the breakers!). Now this is quite a stretch when you are trying to cook breakfast (toaster and microwave), do the dishes (hot water heater), bath kids (hairdryers) and do the laundry (washer and dryer) all at the same time…

I have become quite adept at quickly turning one appliance off while the other is starting up!!

One mistake I did make today was kind of humorous (if you're into dark humor). We had to dump our black water on the way to Camas Valley, so we stopped at the fairgrounds in Roseburg to do our duty! Well, Jeff had unplugged the hose and was beginning to coil it up, so I ran into the RV and put the chemical down the toilet.

Jeff reminded me that next time I do that, I might wait a few moments until he had closed the valve. Apparently all my toilet “de-stink” chemical ended up in the dirt at the fairgrounds!! Ooops!

Ah, the fun of RV living!

I am sitting on the floor of the stage at Camas Valley Christian Fellowship. I just had an interesting encounter with an older woman. We were talking about the older women training up younger woman in the church. Having been on both sides of that coin it was a really interesting conversation.

So, let’s first deal with the younger women. As a younger woman it is essential that we listen to the women of the generations that have gone before us. They have wisdom that we can use in our lives. Sometimes it is hard to hear that instruction and have an open heart, especially when we are being corrected.

But listening to correction, taking it in and making it a part of ourselves is essential to our growth as believers, as mothers and as wives. It is part of God’s plan of refining us into his image.

Then from the vantage of the older woman:

What I really noticed about this piece of scripture was that it first instructs the Pastor (in this case, Titus) to first teach the older women... hmmm, you mean that just because I am older than another, I don't automatically have something to teach?

You mean that the older women also need to be taught???  

Whoa.

So then, once the older woman is "up to speed" on the issues of loving your husband and children, self-control and purity, home-making skills, kindness and obedience to her husband, then she is released to instruct the younger women in Christian living.  She cannot be a gossip or addicted to wine, she must know what is good so that she can teach good.  That is quite a pre-requisite!  Pretty cool!!

It is also essential as older woman, sharing our hard-earned wisdom with the younger ones, is that we do not hinder their growth by putting requirements on the younger ones’ behavior that is exclusive rather than inclusive. 

Okey Dokey, now the question is... How do you draw that younger woman in to absorb your experience and wisdom if it exits our mouths as condemnation of their behavior?  How do you offer your years of knowledge and life as a delicious morsel to be enjoyed and consumed by the one being instructed? … In an attitude of Humility and Love.

Again, this little piece of scripture - of God’s Word - provides the “how” … if we listen with open and humble hearts, if we share our experiences with an open and humble heart.

That is the how of the matter.

One of the wonderful things about the Calvary movement (www.Calvarychapel.com) is that it is inclusive. There are no formal rules of behavior, the Gospel is presented to all - nothing gets in the way. Yes, people bring coffee into the sanctuary on Sunday morning. And they don’t always come dressed in Sunday finery - more likely they are in work jeans and t-shirt.

But the Gospel is presented and taught for all to hear. Jesus was once admonished for surrounding himself with tax collectors, women of ill-repute; you know… sinners. His response was;

Love those who are lost, not just those that you deem worthy. Love the women who do not know how to raise their children “properly”, love the ones that have no respect… love them all.

He said so.

We just had the opportunity to have breakfast with one of the most humble men that either Jeff or I have ever met.

The fellowship here in Camas Valley was Pastored by a man for several years. Then along came another, much younger man, without any experience in the ministry to take over the duties of Pastor. The younger man was certain God had sent him here, the older man listened and also became convicted that the younger fellow was God’s choice to lead this flock.

And without a murmur, he stepped aside not only to allow this young man the position of Senior Pastor, but he became this young man’s un-named assistant. The older man is more experienced, is brilliantly intelligent and is more mature in the Lord.

Yet, he did not hold onto something that obviously God had not intended for him to keep. He humbled himself before the young man, before his congregation and before God.

He stepped aside.

This humble man has impacted our hearts mightily. Only through the Lord could this have happened and there have been peace. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to meet this humble man and learn from him the grace that comes with obedience.

So, Camas Valley. A place I did not want to visit, and only did out of respect to Pastor Phil in Roseburg. God is working, oh yes He is!!

Isn’t it funny. We look around at the people around us, in church, at the market, at the mall, and we think, “oh, wow… that person is sooo unlike me. Look his clothing is mismatched, or gee, they don’t look like me, we are from different worlds”. And then a small something happens to remind us that in God’s eyes we are the same.

The sameness is that we are loved by Him.

Sitting in church today, I was praying that God would give me His heart. That I would be able to look around at all these people, mountain folk, city folk… and just love them without reservation. Then oh so faintly, right behind me, I heard the voice of an angel singing praises to Him.

I turned around to see if I could spy from where that delicious sound emanated. There sitting just behind me was a woman, she sat unassumingly, head bowed.  Could it be? And as the music swelled I heard it again. Pure gold flowing from her throat.

And then God reminded me that he has given us all a special gift, unique to each of us, a gift that could only come from Him. A gift that raises us from our dowdy, sinful and plain lives. A gift that shows how much He loves each of us, individually and uniquely.

And then, as my eyes swept across the room, I noticed all the other beautiful and amazing people that God had brought into that fellowship. He loves us with an intensity that is not of this world and for a brief moment I saw just a tiny glimpse of what that love creates in each of us.

Gold, pure gold.

This King of Kings gave us his life - so that ours might be saved and refined into his image. What an amazing and precious gift. How could we not accept it with open and welcoming arms.

Open your arms and accept His gift.

We are leaving Camas Valley today. The work here took some long hours for Jeff and Kurt, they are tired but have left the fellowship here with a sound system that helps rather than hurts!!

After church today I spent a little time with Loriena, the Pastor’s wife - an amazing woman!! We laughed so much and I was blessed by her crinkly smile and warm eyes! And then the Pastor did an amazing thing. He invited me to speak at the women’s retreat.

Huh?

Holy smokes. I’m agonna have to pray hard about this one. Ohhh, how my flesh has craved this for so long. But am I ready? I want to do it, but I am going to need some confirmation from the Lord on this one!! I do not want this to be a “flesh” thing.

So, I leave Camas Valley having learned lots and lots and lots. About myself and His love. I have been blessed by the women I have met here. The Martha’s and the Mary’s. There are both here, as there are in all places women live!

In fact there is a little Martha and a little Mary in each of us.

In any event, I am thrilled at the opportunity to talk to other women about my favorite subject … submitting to, well, him. I am excited to share with other women what God has done in my life and what is can and will do in theirs, if they would just step aside and let him do it!!!!

So. I’m agonna pray on this one.

Right now.

We are having an adventure right now… We heard the RV’rs can stay for little or nothing at County Fairgrounds through the state. Well, we drove to Grant’s Pass, Oregon and decided to try this out!! We are at the Josephine County Fairgrounds searching for a place to camp!

WOW, we found electrical AND water hook-ups, plus the maintenance man told us that all this AND 24 hour security is only ...  $9.50!! What a deal!!

Oh, my gosh, there is even a phone (pay phone) on the pole… we’re in hog heaven!!

Monday, January 14

Had a great time at the fairgrounds - quite an adventure!!  Today the fellowship here is moving us to a real campground with running water, electrical and cable - I can do laundry!!  Whoopee!

Still in Grants Pass and I did it again!! Remember when Jeff fired me from the ministry last summer? Well, this time I fired myself!!

Guess I better wake up the family and start the day...

What a day.

Gina and I went out to lunch today and had a sweet time of fellowship. She is a wise woman and keeps me on my toes! It was so great to talk with another Southern California Gal, who understands (and shares) some of the struggles in the life of a modern woman - with a compromised past, yearning to learn obedience.

One of my struggles is to learn to BE QUIET when Jeff is involved in a conversation about audio with either a Pastor or leader in the fellowships we visit. I just want to jump in and tell them to LISTEN TO JEFF - HE KNOWS EVERYTHING about audio!! I am always “selling” Jeff’s ideas and plans.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Jeff doesn’t need me to do this, God doesn’t need me to do this… only my arrogance needs this fruitless activity! How ridiculous, why do I feel I must butt in? People will either have the discernment to hear that what Jeff is saying is right, or they won’t. God can handle this - I do not have to manage the situation!

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

Anyway, Gina was great - advising me on how to keep my mouth shut and listen. So, now that I have heard her, the trick is going to be putting into action her ideas! I am going to make a huge attempt to be QUIET!!

I might just find out that God has a plan in this for me! I just might be blessed by being obedient…

I definitely do not have a gentle and quiet spirit. And I sure would like to be not only  be a beauty, but be of great worth in God’s sight! So, along with practicing the skill of not complaining, I am going to also practice quietness and gentleness….

Oi vay!

So, back to my day! After my GREAT lunch with Gina, I spent the rest of the day waiting at the church. And it was really, really, really cold in there (oops, was that complaining??). Jeff was doing some testing on the sound system, so the kids and I waited.

Then Jeff and the Pastor put their heads together and decided that a new sound system is in order. Oh my gosh, and here I thought we were leaving tomorrow for Orange County.

So.

I guess this means that we will be staying a few more weeks?? At first I had hope that it wouldn’t work out.. that we would not be able to get the right equipment needed for the fellowship.  Jeff likes to install white speaker cabinets in churches to blend into the scenery, so as not to distract from the message or the worship. 

I called the manufacturer to see if they had what we need and they did not have the white speaker cabinets in stock, they only have black cabinets in stock.  Yippee - we can't get the equipment, so we will have to leave!  No such luck… the Pastor said he’d rather have black speaker cabinets - of which there are plenty in stock!

Great.

The funny thing is, as much as I really, really, really… and I mean really, want to go home - to visit Mom and Dad, I would rather do whatever God wills. My will wants so badly to go home for a week, to not be anyone’s guest, to be in the place most like home in the world… Mom and Dad’s place. Even though Mom and Dad sometimes drive me crazy (and I am sure I drive them crazy as well!!), I miss them so very much.

Every church service I sit through, every bible teaching I hear, I think about my Mom and Dad. I am always thinking, oh gee.. If only Mom could have heard that, or… gosh, what would Dad have said if he’d hear that. They are always on my mind, on my heart and on my lips in prayer.

So… I miss them.

BUT, it would do no good to go rushing home if it were not God’s will for our lives. This is a lesson I have learned all too painfully! Better to be in God’s will for my life - rather than in my will!!

My life is always fuller and richer when I am purposefully in God’s will. It isn’t always easier, but it is always much more blessed!

Choosing God’s will over self-will is often the most difficult place for me to be. My will is part of the old man that was put to death when I became a new creation in Christ…   My model is Jesus in this …

What Jesus had to do was MUCH more difficult, something I could never do so willingly. And yet, He did. Thus, how could I put my will before God’s will? If He would willingly sacrifice His life for mine, how then could I not gladly obey His will for my life?

So, I must gladly turn my face from leaving immediately for Orange County (and home), to do whatever it is that God wills for us, for me, here in Grants Pass.

This is so much easier to say while writing than the actual application that I will attempt tomorrow when I get up and face the next several weeks here. Stay tuned for future reports!!!

Okay… Back to my day.

This evening was worship and bible study. I realized after the worship why I love Salem so very much. The worship by the body in Salem is just so filled with JOY. The joy just abounds there, it is overflowing. The Spirit moves in the hearts and the music at that fellowship - I do miss those lovely people.

The other place we have experienced joy in worship is at the Calvary Chapel in Tucson. Funny, both these fellowships are very focused on serving the youth. Both places have Youth Pastor’s that are on fire for Christ!!  And both fellowships have Pastor's that challenge Jeff and I intellectually and spiritually! Interesting similarity.

And that was the end of the day. Worship, bible study and then home to write while ensconced in a nice warm bed, under a colorful quilt, listening to my family goof around while they get ready for bed.

Listening to kids and husband play … a nice way to end the day.

Took Kurt up to Roseburg today. He is going with the Senior High Group to Bend, Oregon for a weekend retreat. On Sunday the group is going Snowboarding! He is really excited to learn to snowboard! The Youth Pastor in Roseburg offered to take Kurt as a guest of the and is loaning him the gear to snowboard!

The coolest part is that the Roseburg kids will be meeting up with the youth group from Salem!! So Kurt will get to spend the weekend with new friends (Roseburg) and old friends (Salem). I was a little worried though, as this is his first time with the High School group!

He is almost fourteen… so I guess the older group is where he should be? Fourteen - NO WAY! He is just my sweet little (okay - so he is 5’9”) thirteen year-old boy - he doesn’t turn fourteen until MAY… Why that’s FOUR long months away!!!

Harrumph!

Well, we are still in Grants Pass - Jeff is putting a new system in the church here… okay how many times do I have to remind myself that is why we are here?? <grin> We will probably be here until Thursday at least (more likely we will not leave until Friday or Saturday). Then we have to go to Medford as Jeff has an appointment to see someone at Applegate Christian Fellowship.

In the meantime, the children and I spend our days in one of the classrooms at the church, doing school and playing. I have been doing lots of sewing again - I finally finished Jeff’s Christmas quilt and am working on some quilted potholders to give to people as a hostess gift.

We are so often welcomed into people’s homes and I always feel funny not bringing something as a little thank you. So, a quilted potholder is my solution!!

We haven’t really met anyone here in Grants Pass. We do talk to people when we are working at the church, but nothing really outside of the fellowship building. One thing really great is that the fellowship has put us up in the local campground. That is nice because the church really doesn’t have an attached parking lot - so it would be difficult to stay there.  Plus I get to do laundry!!!

It has been an interesting week of growth for me.

I am trying ever so to listen to God. I didn’t want to be here - but that wasn’t God’s plan for us. And I am okay with that! I would rather be in God’s will than in my will!

I have also been doing a lot of thinking about how we honor our parents.

God’s word tells us to “honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12). How we talk about our parents is a model to our children of how to honor us. I have often time been upset at Jeff for reprimanding me in front of the children or patronizing me (in word or tone).

I realize that Jeff does not see this as teaching the children to be disrespectful. However, I believe that they do learn from this (in a subtle manner) how not to honor their mother. I realize it is not Jeff's intent to dishonor me.  Sometimes our intent doesn’t line up with the outcome.  At least that has been true for me - some things I intended to mean one thing, meant another to the people involved.

Our relationship with our parents is a funny thing. I asked Jeff to describe his mom for me, who is she to him.  I listened and his words forced me to reflect on my parents.

I know that there have been times in my life where I spoke of my parents in a manner that was less than honoring. I had spoken of my parents from the perspective of a child - not from the perspective of a woman who loves God.  As a God loving woman (or man) we are to honor our parents without regard to the “feelings” of the moment.

Feelings are just not important, they are transitory and fleeting. Feelings are the things that the enemy uses to pervert our lives, using them to influence our choices. Better to focus on the Word of God and make choices and decisions based on His infallible Word.

For those of us who did not grow up as believers, the process of converting our lives is painful and laborious. It just doesn’t happen overnight. So, Jeff and I groan and labor as we work to bring forth a life that is wholly pleasing to the Lord!

Arrrrgh!!!!

Oh my, I learned something interesting in church today. Listen to this!!

You know how people say, “well the bible is not really proven to be God’s word, it’s just a collection of writings by some shepherds and fishermen". Well get this…

People believe that Aristotle, Homer and Plato (for example) said what they said based on copies found of their work. There are no originals of their work, in their own handwriting, only copies. Therefore... we believe that what they said, is what they said - based on having multiple copies of that work.

Okay…

So, here is a list of famous writings, when they were originally written, when the first copy of that work was dated and how many copies we have to substantiate the writing was from that author or source.

24,000 copies of the writings of the new testament!! Holy cow! How could any intelligent person believe that the old testament is not exactly what it proclaims to be… the word of God!!

This would be considered circular reasoning - if you believed that the Scriptures are the Word of God based solely on what the Scriptures themselves proclaim. However we have over 24,000 ancient copies of this writing - 24,000 pieces of proof positive. How could anyone deny this??

Even without faith, it is weird that anyone would not believe the historical record and would just make an emotional decision that the Scriptures are not Word of God.

All this then proves the reliability of the Bible. So, what then proves the accuracy of these writings??

Well, I learned that today as well. Get this…

In Isaiah 40:22 we read: “He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth.” WHAT?? You mean that in 700 b.c. some guy name Isaiah said that God sat above the round earth… he knew that the earth was round?? I thought that was proven in 1492 when Columbus sailed the ocean blue!! I guess God already knew the earth was round!

Also… in Hebrews 11:3 we read that: “by faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” How did the writer know in 65 a.d. that matter is made of protons and neutrons and the like?? Hmmm, I guess God knew!

Then… in Zechariah 12:3 we find: “when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.” Anyone read the news today?? Are all the nations of the earth (including the USA) beginning to be gathered against Israel?

And it goes on and on… Ezekiel 37 predicts the resurrection of Israel - okay that happened in May of 1948. Daniel 12 predicts the emergence of a new Rome in Europe - anyone heard of the Euro dollar????

God is completely trustworthy and faithful - all that he has promised he will reveal in its proper time in history. God does not renege on his promises - ever.

Amazing isn’t it!! And to think that there are real people, considered intelligent, successful people who have educations and training that do not believe the truth - and it is so plainly written!!

It is so plainly written for all to see.

For all.