I have a number of smiles when I take the time to listen to the news about “the race.” One of the reasons I smile is because no matter who the next President will be, the same old blaming, the same criticism, the same disappointment about unmet expectations will continue. No matter how much mud slinging at the current President, the same will happen if someone other than him takes his seat! Oh to be human! Have we not learnt that humans are never satisfied? When it is to cold, we wish it to be warmer, when it is to warm, we wish it to be cooler. Just like the poor guy in any church who is responsible for the utilities; those who sit in the pews on one side says it is to warm, those who sit on the opposite side says it is to cold, after he adjusts the temperature, those on both sides are reporting the temperature is now to extreme!

At no time in history have so many lived so far from tranquility and so close to the precipice of anxiety. Anxiety has always been with us and many experts are saying that anxiety has become “epidemic.”

Once again we can thank God for His love letter to us, His Holy Bible. Here he encourages us “Be careful (full of care) (Greek: merimnao, “to be anxious”) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Paul’s admonition prohibits the painful anxiety that is inevitable in those who are dependent on themselves in the midst of life’s difficulties.

So who will be the next ruler of the great United States of America? Are you worried? Here is why I encourage you to not be, because God is still in control of all things:

Daniel 4:17 “This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will…” KJV

Daniel 4:35 “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him “What doest thou?” KJV

Daniel 2:44 “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.“KJV

This is why you can face the future with confidence. No matter where we live today, or who is ruling in our countries today; our ultimate Ruler is King Jesus himself and He is still on His great throne and still very much in charge. He is the one who should have the first place in our hearts, and not only that, He is still giving us a chance to prepare for His eternal kingdom which He says “will stand forever.” My desire is to be more anxious about this Ruler and this Kingdom! How about you?

I can assure you,  that you will be blest if you read the entire book of Daniel from God’s Holy Word.

Happy voting day when it comes, but be sure to vote for Jesus first!

Christmas is a time of joy but can also be a time of sorrow. During the season I often think of family from whom we are separated, those who have  lost loved ones throughout the year, I think of the homeless, the jobless, those suffering with depression, those who have lost loved ones through suicide, the newly divorced and the list could go on endlessly. As I sat in church and looked across the aisles I saw the new widow of my great friend Cliff who died just four months ago from a newly diagnosed brain tumor; the tears rolled down my face as I tried to imagine how she must feel. This was the first time I was seeing her since the funeral. I told my husband we should go and sit with her but for whatever reason I just couldn’t move because I just couldn’t stop crying. As I watched her for a while I saw how composed she was, so I made the decision to remain where we were already seated, knowing that if we sat next to her in my emotional state it would ignite any emotions she was so courageously holding.

There are all kinds of music in our world, some of it makes no sense at all and has no meaning, but I can say for sure that  Christian music reaches the very essence of the soul; the beautiful thing about this type of music is that it always comes to one’s ear at just the right time, comforting, soothing, calming, and lifting our spirits above the cares of this life; even when we are already in high spirits Christian music takes us to greater heights.

As we sat there in church listening to the beautiful music  my thoughts turned to the day when we can look forward to hearing the angels sing. Here on this earth we have heard  and can hear so many people with such beautiful voices, but one day, those of us who now say “I can only sing in the shower” will have voices as beautiful as the angels and will be able to sing along with them. I just cannot wait!

The carol we sang in closing at church was about how Jesus left His throne and His kingly crown and came to earth for me;  how He came in humility with the living word, to set me free. It tells about heaven ringing and her choirs singing, at His coming in victory… ” So come to my heart Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee.”

I will be eternally grateful that Jesus left His throne. I am also praying that Jesus will help me to have the spirit of humility, so that when He comes the next time, not as a “Babe” but as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16)  I will be ready to meet Him. Even though I do not know the day or the hour (Matthew 24:26) I can still shout “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” Revelation 22:20.

This is my prayer not just for myself, but for all who read this blog.

I personally felt so very disappointed that I was “sick to my stomach” as the saying goes. After kneeling and “screaming” for God’s help and calling some of my very dependable spiritual partners, I decided that I needed to get out of the house. Prayer, claiming God’s promises, exercise and fresh air is the best “fix” for me when I feel as though the roof is falling in.

While outdoors I received a beautiful text from my friend that said “we are praying, God is at work.” This made me really cry because I knew God will always be faithful, but I felt so numb right then to make these thoughts applicable. Thank God for Christian friends. No matter what wrong impressions some might have about Christianity and Christians, the reason we all receive mercy is because Christians are sending their supplications to a “living” God who once walked this earth as one of us.

As I continued exercising I listened to some music. Right after my friend sent the text, the beautiful song by Annie Buell “Deeper Look” played. She sings about going through the motions throughout the day… but when the day ends and the lights are out…do we take a deeper look; her refrain asks ” Have you had a deeper look? Is God just a story, from some old book? Is it all the same old news?”

A week has gone by, and even though our family, in our individual and personal ways have had to cope with the news that devastated us, we can say with confidence and in great certainty that God is not  ”just a story”… but when we take a “deeper look” we can know with all of our heart that He cares about every aspect of our lives: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

We cannot see beyond God’s “veil” this is why He is Omnipotent and we are not; one thing is for sure; He has given all of us enough evidence to believe that our “timing” is not His “timing”. This is why this past week our family was able to come up with a new plan, doing it one more time in Jesus name, and waiting for His “expected end.” Amen.

I hold the Bible belief that the day begins at sundown (Genesis 1:5) therefore today on November 20th I am thanking the Lord for another birthday. What a celebration! I am just loving life! The good and the bad! The days I feel energetic and the days I feel like sleeping four or five hours longer! The days a rude driver honks at me and the days family and friends call and tell me how much they love me!  The days I hear of the death of a good friend, the days I get a beautiful hand written letter from my family! How about the wonderful man I married! How about the wonderful people I work with! What a life God has given me!

Ironically, yesterday in Sabbath School the teacher asked the class “what would people say about you after you die?”  Wow, what a wonderful thought for a birthday reflection!  But I am certainly not thinking about dying right now! Only God knows which day he has chosen for me! I am way to busy celebrating life!  But I cannot help thinking…what would they say?

My utmost thought on yet another birthday? Certainly not what “they” are saying! Instead “What is Jesus saying” about me? Am I loving others as He commanded me to? Or am I loving only the lovable? Am I spending my time wisely? Am I taking care of my body as He asked me to? How much time am I spending with Him in prayer? How much time am I spending in His Word so I can have a fulfilling relationship with Him? No matter what, I believe Jesus desire for me is to continue trusting Him in the days and years ahead, for whatever number He gives me!

So nevermind about when I’m “gone” … because if I trust Jesus and share His love every day that He gives me… all of what they say couldn’t help but be good!

Thank you for praying for me!

Wow! Twenty five years and counting! What have I missed out on by leaving everyone and everything I had ever known? What have I gained by living abroad? What are my outstanding memories? What are my regrets? My husband has heard me say more than once that I wish I had begun writing a book on the very day I left home; his response is always the same “you can still do it.”

It brings a smile when I remember how often I am “rebuked” by our daughters and my younger brother, all of whom have become American citizens, because I have not “joined the ranks.” Whether I join or not, one thing is for sure; my entire American experience can be described in a verse from the Bible: Jeremiah 17:7 “Blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.”

…and the highlights are…? God+ spouse+ family+ friends+ colleagues+ freedom= America The Beautiful! And maybe soon… when someone asks “where’re you from?” I can chant “America!”

Thank you God for St Helena Island the place of my beginnings, and thank you God for America, the place of my growth. Amen.

Our hunt also brought to mind the little chorus we sang growing up in Sabbath School:

My home’s in heaven,  just waiting for me,
And when I get there, how happy I’ll be,
My home’s in heaven, the rent is free,
For Jesus paid it, on Calvary. 

The stories we could write about our house hunt are amazing; not to mention what is called “keeping up with the market”  could be translated “greed.” And how about our poor little kitty! We also have to pay a monthly fee for her, even though a large deposit is also required. My husband, using his humor said “so which day of the week will you come and clean the litter bin? Poor lady, she just looked at him and said “huh?”  He added “well we are paying rent for her right?.”  To add to her confusion he then added “we have a baby, what is the rental fee for her?” Poor lady again!

So yes, a fee here, a fee there…and running around the past two weeks, seeking, searching and then hurrah, finding; sounds like what God said would happen when we search for Him! We are physically exhausted, but in two weeks God willing when we move to our beautiful new place,  we know that all we need  to say is: Dear God, please revive us again!

This earthly home isn’t free, like our heavenly home will be, but one day, just as He promised there will be a free home. Read with me  Isaiah 65:21-22  ”And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat: for as the days of a tree shall be the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” KJV.

Will we laugh, or cry when we inherit our heavenly home? Jumping for joy could cause both! Praise the Lord! And if you are also searching… just believe that you will find!

I met Cliff and his wife Phyllis in church after moving to Portland, Oregon in 1998. After a short while I learnt that Cliff had the same passion for Ministry that I did; these will be my most cherished memories of him, us sharing in ministry together as we went door to door sharing God’s Word with anyone who would stop and listen. One of the hilarious moments to remember was the night we pulled up outside of someones home for an appointment, and as we got out of the car and I stepped onto the sidewalk, my skirt dropped to my feet (will tell you that story later)

Cliff loved his wife and family and was a man of great integrity and with a very Christlike character. I had never seen him angry, nor did he contribute to negativity.  As a church leader he realized his responsibility to stand tall for truth from God’s Word, but he always did so in mercy and with an amazingly loving attitude.  While I lived in Portland this wonderful couple also took me on some of the most beautiful hiking trails and up until his illness had taken  many others to enjoy the same. Cliff really believed in “The Great Commission” of Matthew 28:19-20, which is why year after year he took groups of people on mission trips to build churches and whatever else he was inspired to do to help others to know that Jesus loves them. Both Cliff and Phyllis valued our friendship, and even after my move to California in 2001 we stayed in touch, and one time even delighted my husband and I with a visit to California.

So why did Cliff have to die? When I saw him in Portland three weeks ago, I could tell he was not well but I never knew I would not see him on this earth again. By trusting the wisdom of God we can accept life under all circumstances, for we know that a loving heavenly father will not lead or allow us to go otherwise than we would choose to go could we see all the implications of life as He sees them. Even God’s “No” becomes bearable under such a relationship of implicit faith. So as I cry about my great personal loss of my very precious friend and as I cry for his family, I am reminded of a Scripture that I have had the opportunity to share multiple times: Isaiah 57:1 “The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.” KJV.

The Bible speaks of the apostle Paul having a very grievous affliction. Paul himself speaks of it as “a thorn in the flesh.” So painful was this “thorn” that Paul prayed to the Lord three times “that it might depart” from him. He speaks of it as “the messenger of Satan,” dogging his steps wherever he went. But three times God said “No.” Did God’s answer discourage Paul? No. Rather he saw the purpose of this affliction: 2 Corinthians 12:7.Then in triumph Paul exclaimed “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Jesus also knew the sting of His Father’s “No.” Like Paul, He, too, prayed three times, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass.” And three times the reply was negative. Ungrudgingly yielded to the will of His father, Jesus entered the darkness where it was thickest. But with the Father’s “No” there came enabling strength for the ordeal.

My friend Cliff  has entered the darkness of death, but I believe that on that great day when Jesus returns he will join the crowd who will be a part of the first resurrection; and Cliff would “not have you be ignorant, concerning  them which are asleep…”  he would want us to “comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. (Revelation 21:1-5)

Thank you heavenly father for blessing my life with such a friend and brother in Christ. Amen.

I often regret not having done a consistent journal; I have several short ones from different travels but these do not reflect my awesome experiences of twenty five years. When I mention  to my husband that I wish I had taken good notes so I could write a book, he optimistically says  ”it is not to late.”

Today we celebrate this country’s freedom from dependence upon another country. For each day that I have been blessed to live here, I also have enjoyed this freedom. However, I ask myself: what have I been freed from? I certainly was not born in a place where we did not have religious freedom! Nevertheless, after having lived here I can think of many things that I probably would not be allowed to do at home that I can freely do here in this country. But freedom isn’t just about religion, it is about many aspects of life and comes in small and large packages.

So what would I write in my book of memories of living this long in the land of the free?  Who would I write about? There are thousands of people who left their homeland and have lived here longer than I have; if they have written, what did they write? Certainly a different experience from mine. I would write about my first three years in Cleveland, Ohio, then of to Port St John in Florida for eight years, next to Portland, Oregon for three years and now here I am in San Jose, California where I am spending my tenth year; will this be my final resting place on this earth…? Who knows? I know who does… only the One upon whom I am totally dependent.

If I attempt to guess where I might be living or would like to live next I might be in for a terrible disappointment; not that there is anything wrong with hopes or desires. My experiences here in this country have taught me to be dependent only on the One who has my very best interests at heart,  and from this belief I have found that my everyday burdens are a lot lighter to carry. With this principle in mind I think of the verses in Jeremiah 23:7 and 9 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.” and “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked;Who can know it?” How wonderful to celebrate the freedom we have from knowing Jesus! I cannot separate God from my freedom, it is because of Him that I can celebrate! When we leave Him out of the picture of our lives or the picture of our country we become dependent on man’s “desperately wicked”  heart, and this dependence is called failure. I believe we can succeed only  through remembering from Whom our freedom came. Jeremiah 9:23-24 “Thus says the Lord:Let not the wise man glory in His wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in His might, nor let the rich man glory in His riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgement, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, says the Lord.”

So what would I write in my book? Yes I would write about my accumulation of beautiful friends, the beautiful places I have lived, my sorrow and my joy but most of all I would join with the  Bible Prophet whose name is Job. I believe this to be one of the most powerful teachings in Scripture: Job 12:7-10 “But now ask the beasts and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth;and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this; in whose hand is the life of every living thing; and the breath of all mankind.”

I want to thank God that I am free in Him simply because I am dependent on Him. Are you free? As we remember July 4th, let us remember the freedom Giver!

From back to front - Pat, Mommy, Daddy, Alicia, Doreen, Barbara

Daddy died when I was eight years old.  I barely remember much about him, but the stories I hear are always great ones. I do remember his blue eyes though. Many days I wish he could be here to see how our family has triple – multiplied.

I was told that Mummy did all of the spanking, and that Daddy was really quiet. I bet if we lived in this country when we were growing up she would have been in prison for the rest of her life; when we needed a spanking we got it; how much better our children  in this society would be today if they were disciplined in a way that would teach responsibility, manners, respect.

Daddy never allowed us to “talk back” to Mummy or our teachers, scream for candy, run wild in the house, pout when we couldn’t get our way… because of his firmness, respect for others is at the top of the list for my siblings and I.

I am thankful for all of the wonderful fathers in my family, in my church, in my neighbourhood and on my job. My prayer is that they will be blessed today and always.

Most of all I am thankful for my heavenly Father because: Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.”

I left my iphone in a public place about 0830, but didnt realize it was missing until lunch time,

I sent out alert messages to different departments, (one of which warned me “people will barely turn in an iphone”)

Then prayed that God would place it on the person’s heart to return it. I cared most about my personal information, not the telephone!

About three hours later I got a call to say someone had “turned it in.”

I knew it… there are still good and honest people out there!

But most of all, prayer changes people and situations… thank you Holy Spirit for the work you perform in us!

 1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us: 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.