With God All Things Are Possible

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Trust

Have you had one of those days, where you just feel grumpy? It's not really because of what anyone else is doing or that things are going particularly bad, it's just that your mind is overwhelmed. I was having one of those days. The interesting thing was, that what I had read in my Bible reading that morning had been all about rejoicing in the Lord. I had been amazed at how over and over again throughout the Bible, whenever joy is mentioned so is God. True joy comes complete trust in the Lord. The only thing that can bring my heart joy is God, no other person or thing.

It was a hot muggy afternoon and my clothes were sticking to my skin as I crouched down to pull some weeds from beneath a potato plant. Although weeding used to seem rather wearisome to me, I've begun to look forward to it as the time that I spend alone in deep thought (sometimes I wonder if it gives me too much time to think) but it's also when I talk to God. I also try to listen to His Spirit reminding me of things that I've been taught growing up, in a sermon, or during my devotions.   Today, my conversation was not one of praise to the Lord, but rather one of discouragement. "God how am I going to do all that needs to be done this week? There's all these decisions and opportunities that I have to make. I'm so confused. I don't like these in between times. I want to know what's right and what wrong, whether to do something or not, and if this will work or not. I don't like not knowing." I was silent for a while. Suddenly I sat up and paused as I seemed to hear God say, "Trust". "That's true. I'm not trusting, You," I thought. If I had been, these things that were heavy on my heart and mind wouldn't be bothering me. I was afraid to trust in my loving Heavenly Father who knows what's best for me better than I do. I wrestled with my thoughts but finally with some reluctance, surrendered the cares of my heart and burdens on my mind to Christ. I sighed, even though I was letting God take the reigns, I still felt like God was shaking up my life, leaving my thoughts swirling in a sea of confusion.

That night on our way to prayer meeting, a part of me really hoped that what we would be studying tonight would be just what I needed, but another part of me doubted that it would have much inspiration. God disproved my doubts. The study was about Abraham. Oh, how that man trusted God! Trust, it had been what God had told me that I needed to do. God was reaffirming in my mind that He indeed was asking me to trust Him. My thoughts traveled back to something that a friend had shared with me that morning. I had apologized for showing up late and commented on not knowing where my life is headed right now. They had responded, that a true disciple of Jesus doesn't always know exactly what is going on in their life, because they are a follower of Jesus and He is the One directing their life. When Jesus told His disciples that He was going to leave them --going to die on the cross-- they didn't understand. They were probably thinking, "What?" Sometimes what God says or does, isn't going to make sense to us, because it's not our way, it's His. Just like when God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Abraham may have been thinking, "You want me to do what? I don't understand.   I waited so long. You promised me this son.   Why would God ask me to kill him, not just that but sacrifice him, a pagan practice?" God was testing Abraham. Would Abraham trust God? Yes. I don't know if I could have done what Abraham did, but I'm not Abraham. I'm Hannah and God gives instructions that are specific for me and I must choose to trust Him even if it doesn't always make sense.

Trust God, even if it doesn't make sense.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Ready to Work!

I heard some quotes this week that got me thinking about working on the farm. I thought I'd do a little traveling back into the past while honoring the hard working farm families out there. We need more young men and women who are willing to work! Youth that have a willingness to work are rare and are greatly appreciated. There are jobs available for those who are willing to put their hands and brain to work!

"Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." --Thomas Edison

"Working with the hands sets the brain to work."

--Charles C. Coffin

It's great being a farm kid!

Go to the ant, you sluggard!Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain,Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer,And gathers her food in the harvest.How long will you slumber, O sluggard?When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber,A little folding of the hands to sleep-- So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,And your need like an armed man.

Proverbs 6:6-11

Monday, May 18, 2015

Hitting the Dirt

"Wisdom is knowing that you know nothing."

This saying rang true for me last Friday as I found the young horse I was training turn into a real bucking bronco that caused me to literally "hit the dirt" and think frustratedly "What made me think I could train a horse? I know nothing about horse training!"

If he does that one more time, I'm a goner, I thought as I rode the biggest buck I'd ever felt. I closed my eyes as I knew where I was headed...to the hard ground. Thank God, for riding helmets, chiropractors, and guardian angels. As soon as I felt it was safe, I jumped up off the ground and staggered to a corral panel holding hands over my throbbing face that was beat up by my glasses smashing into it (random thought: Hmmm, maybe it would be safer to not wear glasses when training an unbroke horse?). I looked at the mangled glasses and realized a lens was missing. "Oh, great!" My thoughts groaned. I walked over to my horse who looked a bit dazed himself as I could tell he had went down as well. I tied him to the edge of the corral all the while imagining that the grass crunching beneath his feet was the sound of my glasses lens being crushed to smithereens. I asked God to help me find the lens. As I got down on my hands and knees to search I realized this might take a while. I called out to my brother and sister who were in the yard to help me find it. Within a minute, my sister cried out, "I found it!" "Thank you, God," I breathed.

Despite a noticeable bruise under my eye, body aches, and wearing my old pair of glasses for the next 3-4 days, I fared quite well. I was very grateful for God's protection, but I couldn't help blame myself for what had happened (sort of like I'd just lived out the second part of Provers 27:12--"A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished.") Although it was the horse's fault, I had this feeling ever since I'd started riding him that he wasn't quite ready. I knew there was an underlying issue that needed to be addressed and if I didn't get if figured out it would rear it's ugly head and Friday had been the day. It didn't take me long to realize, I'd been negligent and unthorough in teaching one of the most important skills a horse should know--yielding the hindquarters. I felt really stupid, I'd been told over and over again that the horses' hindquarters are it's whoa and it's go. I had worked to perfect that skill with my other two horses. If I had prepared this horse properly to move his hips immediately and submissively when I asked, I could have diffused that buck. I had failed as a teacher and put myself at risk. Why did I have to be in such a hurry? Teaching a horse how to respond to a human in preparation for riding is what I enjoy and the reason I'd gotten a young horse to train. Had I forgotten that there would be plenty of time in the future for riding him? If I didn't do this right to begin with and spend the time doing those little exercises from the ground first without being on his back, I would ruin my joy of riding him later. Because I had not gotten him properly prepared, I could have ruined my horse by teaching him that he could buck off his rider.

How often do I want to rush through things or want the end result sooner than later in other areas of my life besides horse training? Often the reason I get myself into trouble is because I try to do things my way rather than the right way or God's way. All good things take time: relationships, habits, cleaning projects, gardening, farming, answers to questions, you name it. It doesn't help that we live in a world that caters to instant gratification. Patience and thoroughness are qualities I must continue to learn. Along with that goes humility which can include being willing to start over, admitting when you're wrong, choosing to forgive, and learning from your mistakes. So this week, I'm going to focus on the present, enjoying the here and now, willingly waiting for the things that will come over time, trusting my Savior to work things out for my good and His glory.

That's all for now. Time for me to head out to do some groundwork with my horses, put on my riding helmet, and say a prayer before I step into that saddle!

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:" Ecclesiastes 3:1

"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

"Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established." Provers 16:3

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34

"Be diligent to present yourself approved unto God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

God's Sheep ~ Inspiration from Psalm 23

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

Psalm 23:1

I read Psalm 23 the other morning. It's a short and familiar Psalm which caused me to read it fast and when I'd finished, left me thinking, "That was fast, I don't know if I really even thought about what I just read." I felt like I should stop and think about it some more, but didn't know what I was to be thinking about. I looked down at the foot note in my study Bible. It said,

"Believers are never pictured as mighty lions, independent and self-sufficient; rather, they are sheep who are dependent on the shepherd for His provision and protection. The believer is more than a dependent sheep, however; he is also like an honored guest since the Lord prepares a table for him. Connected with this honored position is abundant provision, vindication before one's enemies, and eternal celebration of God's goodness."

I hadn't heard it put that way before and found it encouraging.

First, I was challenged by the dependency we put on our Savior to provide and protect us. Bosses, friends, and family members will disappoint and fail us. No one is perfect. No matter what we do, we cannot keep ourselves from getting hurt by other people or ourselves, but God will protect us and carry us in times of suffering. There will also be times when we have needs, and rather than worry about them we should trust that God will provide those needs.

Now as an encouragement to young ladies living at home, this also made me think how as a woman, the world shouts at me to be a "lion", while God's still small voice whispers over and over that I need to be a "sheep". The world promotes independence, while God wants us to be dependent on Him. The world says to make something of yourself, follow your dreams, and you deserve a better life, downplaying the importance of being a keeper of the home. Don't feel you're less important for staying home and serving your family. God created you to be a helper! If your dad is supportive of other ways to minister outside the home, do it, but if there are things you can busy yourself with at home be content where you are. Being content with my present circumstances and not feeling like there is something more important I should be doing, is something that I am still learning and struggle with. At the heart of the issue, is the desire for approval and acceptance, but I need to remember that God loves me just as I am and earning His approval, doing what He created me to be, is the best! Know that you are important and precious in God's sight (Proverbs 3:15)! It doesn't matter what the world's definition of success is or what people think you should do or be. The relationship with our Creator is what is really important and doing His will for us, is all that matters. As has been quoted from the pulpit, "The Lord is my shepherd, that's all I need."

"Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you;..."

Isaiah 43:4

Sunday, October 26, 2014

One of Those "Interesting" Days

It began as just an ordinary beautiful fall day. Today was Wednesday and the day's schedule happened to be full, but I had prepared. I had a plan that I was sure would allow me enough time to get each item accomplished. The morning started smoothly.

My first project after breakfast was checking the truck over with Dad before using it. I learned where the oil, transmission fluid, engine coolant, etc. were located. After sticking my saddle and bridle in the pick-up cab, I backed up to the horse trailer with Jeremiah's help despite the obstacles all around.

The horses were grazing at the furthest point, but I hadn't had much trouble in catching them lately so I left the truck running knowing I'd be back with a horse shortly. Not so? Just when I got within a few yards of them, Wally (of all the horses!) took a bee line for the ditch leading all on a proud gallop to the far end of the creek pasture. I was on the verge of anger. I called home to request for someone to bring the ranger out to me. Not much time was spared as I was at the gate by the time someone was found to drive the ranger. I drove fast and furiously to the end of the pasture. The horses eyed me warily with heads raised and galloped back to the catch corral-the smart little pony in the lead. The horses safely caught, I put away the ranger and marched down to the resting horses. This time, Wally stood and allowed me to halter him. He loaded willing as always.
When He saw that I was going to be a while, Dad had turned off the truck, not wanting to waste expensive diesel fuel. So I turned the key expecting to hear the diesel engine roar to life. Instead I heard two weak whines. I tried turning the key again-same response! No-o-o! "Dumb old truck!" I mumbled under my breath as I got out.

     "What's the problem? It won't start!" Dad yelled as he drove by on the tractor. He hopped in the cab for a minute and the engine roared to life. "Thanks, Dad!" "Yeah, well, you better hope it starts over there or you'll really be screwed! Maybe you should just stay home-after two strikes your out!"

     I drove out the driveway with a heavy heart, asking God to help the truck run well. "I thought you wanted me to go today," I told God. "You rearranged my schedule so that I could help them work cattle this morning."

     I turned the truck lights on thinking that turned on the trailer lights, making the turn lights work. I wanted to be sure people following me would be aware of my direction since I had a line of cars behind me because of the road construction in town. Besides, the last thing I needed was a ticket.

Soon I was driving down the lane of my friends' ranch and was parking the truck and trailer. The morning went well from there-Wally was Wally, but got the cows where they belonged while my knowledge increased on moving cattle effectively.

I got ready to leave and Miss L came with me to open the gates. "I hope it starts," I said remembering how reluctant the truck had been that morning. This time when the key was turned the truck was silent. "Oh no," I groaned, "This is not good." I thought, "It must have a dead battery." That's when I glanced down at the pull out light switch. I had left the lights on? "Dad is not going to be happy!" I moaned.

"We can jump start it," Miss L pointed out. Smart friend, an extra brain when mine is clouded by discouragement. Hope still lingered, but I had to groan and jump around like a defiant horse, reluctant to accept the pressure being applied. I wanted to shake off the feelings I had inside.

Miss L was calm and called off my antics telling me I should be thankful, now I could stay and help them finish moving cattle. I called to let my next appointment know I would be late and helped run the shoot system as the rest of the calves were treated.

I felt guilty having caused such a problem and inconvenience, but Mr. N didn't seem to mind as he pulled his truck and trailer down to hook up to mine. To make a long story short, we all know more about starting horses than jump starting a truck and decided to leave the problem for an experienced mechanic like my Dad.

Mr. N was nice enough to offer to take my horse and I home since He would be taking a cow to be processed. He tried to console me knowing that I was worried about Dad's response. His advice helped, but I still didn't understand God's purpose in it all.

At the end of the day, Dad got the truck started after I got a thorough lesson in methods of jump starting a vehicle. I also got this fact permanently imprinted in my mind, "A trailer's turn signal will work when it's plugged into the truck. You never need the light's on except at night!" That is a blunder I will not repeat--at least not as long as it's daylight!

The next morning in my devotions, two points stood out to me: Give thanks in everything and for everything.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Ephesians 5:2

God spoke to my heart, convicting me about my responses the day before, "Had I thanked Him that it happened at the M's farm near our place and not at a horse event miles away? Did I thank Him for a Dad that knows how a truck works and how to fix it?" Instead of moaning and groaning, I should have praised God!

The following morning, God once again spoke to me about how He wants me to respond to problems. In Matthew 26:46-56, at the night of His betrayal in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus did not try to run way from the suffering he would face. He even called off his disciples from fighting back. Jesus knew God could send all His angels and wipe out the men coming to arrest him, but He knew that wasn't God's plan. Although He didn't want to experience the pain, Jesus welcomed the most unpleasant crisis anyone could face, knowing that it was going to fulfill God's will.

But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.

Matthew 26:56

How had I viewed my "crisis"? Had I looked at it as a fulfillment of God's plan for my life that day or had I wanted to escape my problems? I have to say that I badly wanted to escape my problem because I was afraid of how my dad would respond when I told him what had happened to the truck. Yet, I had to submit to God's plan, because there was nothing that I could do to change my situation. I had to choose to give the right response and make the right decisions to mend the issue at hand and let God handle the reactions of the people involved.

If I hadn't experienced that "interesting" day, God would not have gotten these points across in my mind. I wondered why I couldn't have read these passages before what happened happened, but realized that what I read had been meaningful because of what happened. Here's a quote that expresses this, "We must never mistake the process for the result." Because of what I went through, I was blessed by God's character and truth and learned how to respond the next time I had one of those "interesting" days.

If you are yielded to Christ, your life is not a series of accidents; it is a series of appointments.

If escape is your approach to life, then you are going to miss out on all the blessings God has for you.

Hiding your light under an escape hatch is no way to glorify the Lord.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

An Early Morning Butte Top Experience

At 5:30 in the morning, Rebekah and I hopped out of bed, dressed, and packed our cameras as we headed out into the dark morning, lit by the city lights of Bend. We set out at a brisk pace for Pilot Butte, the ginormous butte that overshadows Bend.

Pilot Butte (in the second picture you can see the butte's shadow over the city).

We took the paved road and despite the slight nip we worked up a sweat as we tackled the slope with strong strides. Reaching the top, the air was cool and the wind permeated our thin layers chilling our ears and fingers. We huddled behind a rock wall for protection and warmth as we scanned the colorful horizon, waiting for the sun to burst over the hills.

As I watched, the mountains and buttes once hidden by hazy clouds and darkness, were revealed as the sun's rays brightened the horizon more and more with each passing minute.

It made me think how Jesus, God's Son, is like the sun. When I chose to have Him become a part of my life, He revealed (and continues to reveal) the hidden parts of my life that are not right—bitterness, selfishness, pride. All those things, I didn't recognize were there are exposed by the Bible and the counsel of other Godly men and women in my life. Sometimes how I respond to the events happening that I don't like or the differences I have between me and another person bring out the worst in me—things that I must choose to change. Just as the dark bumps of the mountains become beautiful as their snowy tops become aglow from the sun, so Jesus has taken the messes in my life and transformed them into beautiful mountains of trust, patience, unconditional love, and forgiveness.

I jumped to my feet and quickly snapped photos as the sun burst over the horizon. Never before had I been able to watch the sunrise from such a high altitude and all directions at once. It seemed so cleansing and transforming.

Delighted, I found that the day's Bible reading reflected my thoughts. The comparison of light driving away the darkness took on a new meaning for me in that moment, one that I hope to remember for a very long time.