Isn’t it the cutest thing when you see a baby taking his or her first steps? Even as they wobble unsteadily, trying so hard to master walking and they fall a time or two, a parent is still proud of each step. It shows they are growing stronger and wanting to be more independent. It is a milestone that is the beginning of other milestones. The child will continue to learn new ways of moving and exploring, but all within the care of the parent, less they get hurt trying to do something they are not ready for yet.

I love the beautiful relationship between a loving parent and child. It is so precious a bond with endless possibilities for adventures and memories. Our relationship with our heavenly Father is like that! He is so happy when we take our first steps towards Him. Just like a parent, He is waiting for us to walk to Him on our own and then grabs us with all of His love and hugs us for a job well done. He is excited for our adventures and memories to come.

He knows what we are capable of and what we are not. He will steer us, if we let Him, away from harmful things, but will also lead us onto areas where He knows we will be okay by leaning on Him. As His children, we trust Him to lead us safely. We know He loves us. We may go through times where we are TOO independent and want to do things our way, but He is always there, giving us the choice of asking Him to help us. And you know what? He always loves for us to ask for His help!

For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete. 2 Corinthians 13:9

Today, though we are adults, I think it is helpful to remember that we are God’s children, not fully mature but always growing into ourselves that He wants us to be. We will have many adventures, good and bad, but He is always there to go through every single day with us. What a Father! It makes me sad that some do not know the Father and feel very alone. It is our job to tell them about how great our Father is and what He does for His children. He never leaves His children. We have nothing to fear!

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 13:6

Just as we are happy to see our own children mature, we still love when they need us, reach out to us, ask our opinion on something. The Lord is no different. He loves when we reach out to Him it acknowledges our dependence on Him. He also knows our future and wants to help us mature into it. Comparing our own parent-child relationship to ours with the Father, makes me love Him even more! He takes such good care of us:)

Dear Father,

Thank You for reminding us that You are doing for us what we do for our children. We love You for how You parent us. You are our cheerleader for things we are doing for You, our comforter when we go through trials and our fount of knowledge and wisdom on how to mature in You. You are our everything and we love You! Please, as You guide us, give us opportunities to reach out to others who need You. Give us courage and words to say that will be what they need to hear. Help them to see where our hope lies and want that too. We ask these things because we know You will help us accomplish Your will as You grow us up into maturity. Amen

Love and prayers to all!

Just me. Just His.

Tina

Normally, I wake up wondering what God will show me, but today is different The Lord has already laid something on my heart awhile ago and I will try to express it in a way worthy of Him. I have been thinking it is a tough thing to write about and have honestly avoided it! Three things about sin…

1.Anyone can sin and has sinned. We are not immune just because we are Christians. Yes, we are a holy people seeking after God, who alone can keep us holy, but we have a selfish nature that, when fed, can lead us into sin. I can sin. You can sin. The pastor can sin. People sitting in church can sin. If we love God, we are a target of the enemy! We need to know it is possible for Christians to sin, so that we will not choose selfish paths that the enemy suggests to us.

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. James 1:14 ESV

2. The enemy tells us what we want to hear. He will tell us we deserve more than what we have. We will be happier if we have more. We deserve more attention, more freedom, we deserve more power and the list goes on. Because more will always make us happier, right? Nope! It is a lie. Every day we need to be on guard because one thing is for sure. He will lie to you today.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV

3. Less is more. When it comes to staying holy, like Jesus, less is more. The enemy says, More is more, but it is a lie! A life with Jesus is all about surrender, because if we surrender more, we have more room for Him! Unknowingly the world’s view and desires and habits can stick to us. We sometimes don’t know we are carrying those things, so we need to surrender daily to the Lord, asking for His protection and guidance in our day. Less of the world is a good thing. Less really is more, because God has a surrendered heart to work with.

We are more than what we can purchase or make ourselves. We are what we allow God to make us.

When we learn that God allows what He allows in our lives, for His own good and perfect reasons, we become unburdened of expectations and labels of the world, and our striving is only toward Him.

Dear Father,

We can be stubborn sometimes, especially me, and it takes us awhile to realize just how much You love us and plan things for our own good. Help us to see that all things are Yours to control and that trusting You, no matter our circumstances, brings true peace. Make us into what You would have us be. Disciple us so that we can help others live a holy life in this world. We certainly have no hope of doing that in our own strength. We love You and ask these things so we can honor You more and guide others to You. Amen.

Thank you for reading. This was a tough write. It’s taken me years to understand some of these things, and I have more to learn. Aren’t you glad God takes the time to hear our prayers, teach us and Father us, for years and years? He is truly a GOOD Father! Love and prayers to you all. I pray you have a great week in the Lord!

Just me. Just His.

Tina

Who doesn’t love new clothes? When our old clothes have faded or torn or do not fit anymore, and we are the most in need, we appreciate getting new clothes. Sometimes our clothes represent our culture or personality. Sometimes we wear very bright colors and festive outfits. In other countries, the clothing can make people look very different from us. In America, anything goes, so at times we all look very different. At other times we may look very much the same as someone else because we are wearing the latest trend. Sometimes we choose mew clothes just because we want to look different, better.

We choose a clothing of sorts when we choose Christ. We want something better than value in outward appearances. He changes our inside appearance and makes us a new person with a fresh start! As Christians, we put on faith clothing! When we come to Christ, we become a daughter or son of the King so we put on faith that identifies us as His child. I love this verse that tells us who we are in Christ:

Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe—Christ’s life, the fulfillment of God’s original promise. In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ’s family, then you are Abraham’s famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises. Galatians 3:25-29

We adopt a new faith based on how the Lord has changed us, not on the outside, but on the inside. We look like our brothers and sisters in Christ because we wear the same faith clothing. We have a relationship with the King now! We are His family and each other’s family. We are inheritors of the promise to Abraham. We are all connected!

Don’t you love meeting new brothers and sisters in Christ? I do! One of the reasons I find it so special is, I realize we are not as different as we appear outwardly. We are not as different as the world would have us believe. Matters of fashion or outward appearances start to matter less and less, because we connect at the heart. We are unified by Christ and with Christ and in Christ. We are one.

Dear Lord,

You are such a good Father. In so many ways, You let us know how loved we are. Thank You for Your plan to make us Your sons and daughters. As we meet other sons and daughters, let us truly treat them like family, because they are. As usual, You have shown us something so precious today. Thank You for each new day that we can learn or re-learn something valuable in Your Word. We are only what You make us. We love You so much! Amen

Love and prayers to all! Have a great Monday!

Just me. Just His.

Tina

I jotted down this little poem/song after church one day because I was so moved that Jesus saves us and renames us as His. When we ask for forgiveness, He makes us a brand new creature in Him! I feel like this is what He says to us:) Verse: Bring to me your broken self, sick and ill of heart. Bring to me your sin, But don’t come to me in part. Give me all of you, everything you hold. Bring me all you’re tired of. Come into the fold. Chorus: And I will make you new, take away your burdens and your sin, make in you my likeness deep within. And I will restore you. I implore you. Broken’s not your name anymore. You’re a bloom and you are mine to adore. Dear Lord, You still do miracles every day. Help us not to forget the miracle You did in our lives, many years ago, for some of us. Renew our hearts with that fervor for You. Help us to reach out to those around us that feel broken. Give us words and love that they need from us. Help us point them to you, like someone did for us.We want to do Your will, no matter what it is. We love You so much! Amen Love and prayers to all, Just me. Just His. Tina

Just a few lines that came to me one Sunday when I was thinking of how Jesus loves us when we come to Him with all our brokenness and admit we need His help.

In a few weeks it will be time to set our clocks ahead and lose an hour. In the Fall, it will be time to gain that hour back. Some things like this have to be done on time, but other things we think we can put off until another time. For example, my puppy needs her nails clipped but I know I can get by without that chore for a bit longer. I usually need to eat on time because I know how I will feel if I don’t! I will be empty, in need, hungry, weak and tired and probably grumpy.

Being hungry physically is a lot like being hungry spiritually. Just as physical food will eventually burn up and leave us empty, so will our spiritual food, the Word of God. Before long, because we are weak or needy and it will be time to feed on God’s Word again. One meal of God’s Word a week, say Sunday at church, will not sustain us. We can go to church, hear an inspired sermon, sing great praise songs and feel on top of the world because we are totally focused on Him. But if we never feed on God’s Word other than Sunday, we will not feel spiritually strong enough to handle challenges during the week. There is good news though!

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Every morning, it is time to be fed from His Word. Before the enemy attacks with the lie that we do not have time to read even one verse, it is time to read God’s Word. When we are afraid, confused or stressed, it is time to read God’s Word. Even reading one verse when we are rushed sets our focus on God. It honors God that we do the best we can and feed regularly on His Word. He does not expect us to be perfect but be comforted and realize that He is perfect for our needs and always there to help us.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for always, being our rock, our spiritual fount of wisdom that never lets us down.. We know that nothing the world supplies, no book or knowledge or self-control can make us right with You. We can’t be good enough or strong enough on our own and You do not expect that. Thank You for loving us as we are, imperfect! When we feel weak spiritually, nudge us that it is time to pickup the Bible. Guide us to pick it up daily and meditate on Your goodness and ability to sustain us. Please remind us, when our ways or attitudes start to look like the world’s, to feed more on Your Word. It is the only thing that truly satisfies our longings. We ask these things in Your precious and holy name, so we may honor You, not ourselves. We love You for always! Amen

Love and prayers to all. Have a great Monday.

Just me. Just His.

Tina

Did you ever have something good happen in your life for which you didn’t know who to give credit to? A long time ago, I received an unexpected raise and promotion. It came out of left field to me. Of course, I thanked my boss, but I wondered…was it God that made it happen? There were other deserving employees, after all…

I remember thanking God in a Bible study one evening. As other people thanked Him for blessings, I did too. I honestly told the group, ” I dont know whether God is responsible for my promotion or not, but I better give Him credit just in case!” Everyone laughed, but I was serious:)

Since then, I’ve grown to learn that God allows or disallows things in our lives and deserves credit for eveything. We should thank Him for what He doesn’t give as what He does give, because we trust His plan.

So now, whether I have a trial or a blessing, I try to remember this verse…

 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Here is a poem I wrote about getting rid of a headache. Everything is a reason to thank Him:)

Love and prayers to all,

Just me. Just His.

Tina

As the season of Lent is upon us, I cannot help but think about all that I need to improve on or be more grateful for. There is just something about my personality that likes to be challenged constantly. That can be a plus and a minus. On the plus side, I am always trying something new and on the minus side of the equation, I do not tend to stick to things long-term. Like all the times I was trying to teach myself the flute, then making soap, then drawing, then making ornaments and crafts and the list goes on. If there was an award for starting new hobbies, I would win a prize.

But you know what? Only by the Lord guiding me, I have, for almost fifty years, stuck with my favorite relationship in the world. I still love to spend time with or talk about Jesus! I did nothing to earn His love and I knew very little about Him at first, but over the years, He and I have honed our relationship. He teaches me what I am doing wrong and I obey His guidance. He gives and I am grateful.

A relationship with Jesus is a lifetime learning process. We never arrive at the ultimate end of all we can learn from Him. He never runs out of things to teach us that we are meant to share with others. I love the tone of these verses as they lay out a syllabus of sorts of what our teacher, Jesus, and our Father God expect from us.

And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. 1 John 2: 3-5

Even the simplest reminders like this can spark change in us when our desire is to be all that we can be for Jesus and God. That is what the verse does for me. It sparks a challenge to really “know Him” better “keep His Word” and let God perfect His love in me. What a wonderful focus!

So, as we go through 40 days of Lent, remembering Jesus’ 40 days in the desert alone,maybe we can focus on being alone. With no phone, tv or any distractions nearby, we can give Him our full attention. What if we didn’t ask for anything but just thanked Him for being with us? More time in His presence will change us, change me. It is not about what Jesus can do or give us. He has already done all He can. It is about what we can give Him more of, that we value. ..time and ourselves.

If you happen to be a parent, you know how valuable time is with your grown-up children. You need no gifts or prizes from them. Time with them is the most precious thing they can give you. The Lord is no different! He loves us so much and just wants us to be with Him. We do not need to use fancy words or presents, but in His presence, let Him speak. He just wants us to abide in His love, out of love for Him. How simple but oh, how sweet.

Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. John 15:9

Dear Jesus,

We know You love to be with Your Father, as His child. We love to be with You the same way. We get too busy, though, keeping up with the pace of life. Our hearts are considering all You gave us on the cross and we are so grateful. We want to spend more time in Your loving presence. We want to abide with You.Thank You for always being there. We look forward to being alone with You more and focusing on our greatest and most favorite hobby, coming into Your presence. Amen

Love and prayers to all,

Just me. Just His.

Tina

You know the story of the Pharaoh who would not let the Israelites go, even though God told him to, through Moses and Aaron? Why didn’t the Pharaoh do the right thing? The Bible says it was because Pharaoh had a hard heart, that he would not release the Israelites , but it also says that God Himself hardened Pharaoh’s heart. That whole “hardening” idea made me think. Why would God tell Moses to tell Pharaoh to do something that God already knew he would not do? Why would God keep Pharaoh from doing the right thing by hardening His heart? And wasn’t Pharaoh’s heart already hard? The answer to these questions is found in this verse:

And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. Exodus 33:19

We do not need to understand God’s reasons. Easier said than done, right? Like me, have you wondered why you have the trial you have or why your plans do not succeed the way you expect them to? As for me, I think it is because I like to know what is going to happen. God had given me many opportunities to see things His way by NOT allowing things to happen. Our expectations and our will can get in the way of His will, which gets top billing. He has been showing me where I need to obey more and expect only what He allows, for His reasons. God sees our obedience as His glory. He deserves it after all:)

I don’t believe Moses and Aaron understood all of God’s commands to them concerning the Pharaoh, but they exalted the Lord anyway, by obeying Him. They knew who He was, their God. Do we need any more reason to obey and exalt God? Like Moses and Aaron, we can trust God because He is Lord and deserves to be glorified.

And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD.” And they did so. Exodus 14:4

I see a loving reason in this story. God wants to bring more people to Him. He wants the Egyptians to know Him. If He feels He has to harden a heart to bring Egyptians into knowledge of who He is, isn’t that a good result? It shows His perogative as God, to do what He wants to do, because He loves us all. We can doubt Him and trust our own reasoning, or we can give Him our doubts and trust HIM. In exalting God, we are saying we know why He does what He does. He is God. He is loving. He has loving reasons that we cannot see, and that is okay. We know He loves us and He is good!

Just a thought… If we believe we know exactly why God does everything He does, who are we exalting? Maybe ourselves?

Dear God,

Thank You for being such a just and fair God. Because we are human, we fail at times to give You glory for all that you do. Like the Pharaoh, our hearts can become hard and we may exalt and trust our own opinions more than Yours . When we fall short, feel free to remind us that You are God, so that when You ask us to do something for You , we do it fully and with Your glory in mind. Fill us with the courage and ability to do Your will on earth, even when we do not totally understand it. We love You so much and ask that You bless us with opportunities to serve You more. Amen

Love and prayers to all! Have a great Thursday! Stay safe if you have snow and ice like we do here!

Just me. Just His.

Tina