Pit, Prison, Privilege

As summer is coming to an end I wanted to share what I have been learning in the Bible lately. My family and friends have been hearing all about the golden nuggets for the past month or so and are probably tired of me talking about it. But, it’s just been so darn good!

I did a study on Joseph in the Old Testament and it was quite amazing. The Bible study was a new one from Anne Graham Lotz. She wrote it with her daughter, Rachel Ruth. Let me tell you, it was powerful!

The title is God Won’t Leave You There. It walks you through Joseph’s life from beginning to end. I could write all day about the treasures that I gleaned, but I will try and break it down without writing pages and pages.

If you’re familiar with Joseph’s story you know his brothers threw him into a pit because of their jealousy towards him. Let’s back up a moment. His father asked Joseph to go find his brothers in the fields. I looked up how far away this journey would’ve been. It wasn’t just over yonder, they were about 50 miles away! Which is not just a short walk (Valley of Hebron to Shechem Genesis 37:14).

I loved Joseph’s response to his dad. He said, ‘Yes’, before he knew the reason why. It wasn’t until after Joseph’s obedient reply that Jacob explained why he wanted him to find them. Which made me question my own obedience. Do I want to know the reason before a confident ‘yes’ comes out of my mouth? What’s my response to God? How often do I want you to give me the whole story before I agree to do this or that request?

Back to Joseph…He sets out on his journey and can’t seem to find the brothers. Then a man walks up to him and asks what Joseph is searching for. Joseph explains how he is looking for his brothers. The man replied, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.'” Which is about another 14 to 15 miles.

He sets out again and as he was coming up to them, they conspired against him to kill him (Genesis 37:18). He has no clue what’s about to take place. As they talk amongst themselves they say, “Let’s kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Then we will say that a fierce animal has devoured him, and we will see what will become of his dreams.” Now, remember he had two dreams where his family were all bowing down to him – which didn’t help the situation.

As the story goes, the oldest brother, Rheuben didn’t want any bloodshed and so he convinced the brothers to just throw him into the pit. So, as Joseph approaches, they strip him of his robe (the one Jacob put on him with many beautiful colors), threw him into the pit, and as they begin to sit down and eat they see a caravan of Ishmaelites who are traders going to Egypt. Judah then has an idea to sell their young brother to the traders for twenty shekels of silver and Joseph’s journey to Egypt begins.

At this point in my study I started thinking about why God allowed this all to happen. The man that Joseph came upon asking what he was searching for kind of started this whole awful encounter with the brothers. If Joseph hadn’t run into this man, he probably would have thought, alright they aren’t here. I did my job and they are no where to be found. But, because this man overheard the brothers he knew exactly where they were headed. Thus, Joseph continues his search. I often think why hasn’t God intervened in my life? When my brother died, why didn’t He make the car not start? Why did my sister not wake up when every other night she would wake up to the slightest sound anyone made? Why didn’t someone see him in the parking lot where he took his own life before it all happened?

Being on this side of things I now see the bigger picture. God had a plan. To be sure it was not the plan that I would have gone with, but He had a plan and it has turned out to be much better than what I could have come up with.

Joseph is now in Potiphar’s house as a servant. Potiphar is an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard. Things are looking up for Joseph. He is serving well and Potiphar sees that the LORD was with Joseph and caused all that he did to succeed in his hands (Genesis 39:3). Joseph is now put in charge of all that Potiphar had.

In our story this next part sets the scene for more trials. Potiphar’s wife takes a liking to Joseph. As scripture says He is a young handsome, strong man. She invites him into bed with her and he refuses leaving his cloak in her hands and fleeing the situation. He resisted temptation! In my mind I think, awesome, God will surely bless him for being of righteous character. Wrong. The situation gets worse.

The wife lies and explains to Potiphar that Joseph tried to take advantage of her and she has evidence as she holds Joseph’s cloak. Potiphar is furious and Joseph is now thrown into the dungeon.

The next twelve years he serves in the dungeon. Again serving well. Not feeling sorry for himself. Not talking bad about his brothers or the woman that caused him to be there.

“But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held there and he was made responsible for all that was done there.” (Genesis 39:20-23)

Now Pharaoh becomes angry with his two officials, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. He sends them to the same prison where Joseph was confined. Joseph was assigned to these two men and he attended them.

After some time these men both had dreams. And each dream had a meaning of its own. When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw they were dejected. I want to point out that Joseph paid close attention to these men, so much so that he knew they were unhappy and that something was wrong. Again, he wasn’t focused on his own misery, but was focused on the needs of others put in his care.

Joseph then asks the question, ‘Why do you look so sad today?” They explain that they both had dreams but there is no one to interpret them. He then boldly says, ‘I cannot interpret, but God can.’ The cupbearer then shares what his dream was. Joseph then says, ‘This is what the dream means’ and proceeds to explain that in three days time Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you used to do when you were his cupbearer. But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of prison.’

The baker heard how the cupbearer’s dream was a favorable interpretation, so he wants to know the interpretation of his dream also. Joseph interprets and says, ‘The three baskets are three days. Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and impale your body on a pole. And the birds will eat away your flesh.

Note to self: Joseph didn’t water this interpretation down. He spoke it honestly even though it was going to be difficult to hear.

In three days we see that Pharaoh’s birthday was happening and he calls back the cupbearer and the baker from prison. Sure enough, the cupbearer was restored to his position and the baker was killed.

I’m sure Joseph was thinking, right on! The cupbearer will remember me and I will be out of here at any moment! Days pass. Months pass. Two long years pass. Finally, the day arrives!

Pharaoh has a dream that he was standing by the Nile and behold, there came up out of the Nile seven cows, attractive and plump, and they fed in the reed grass. And behold, seven other cows, ugly and thin, came up out of the Nile after them, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the Nile. And the ugly, thin cows ate up the seven attractive, plump cows. (Gen. 41:1-4)

Pharaoh brings in magicians and all the wise men of Egypt, but no one can interpret the dream. It was then that the cupbearer remembers Joseph. He explains to Pharaoh that in prison there was a Hebrew servant there who interpreted his dream along with the baker’s dream and both interpretations came true.

Pharaoh immediately sent for Joseph and Joseph gets set free. He is bathed, shaven, and has fresh clean clothes put on him and brought before Pharaoh.

I find it interesting that just as his life changed for the worse in an instant, we see his life change for the better in an instant also.

The story goes on that God revealed to Joseph the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream. There would be seven years of plenty and that they should store up the grain because there would be seven years of famine like had never been seen before.

Joseph suggested hiring an overseer of the plenty so it could be handled well and organized in preparation for the famine. Pharaoh agreed with that idea and put Joseph in charge!

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” (Gen. 41:39-41)

Whew! What a change of life events! As we read on in the story we know that eventually his brothers come to Egypt looking for food. Immediately Joseph recognizes them and is overwhelmed and has to turn away because he begins to weep. I don’t believe he is weeping out of anger. He is tearing up because it’s his family and he has missed them so much! He didn’t harbor bitterness against them. He loved them! He does decide to mess with them a little bit, which is kind of humorous. I won’t go into all of that because this is already getting to be longer than I wanted.

Some things to notice…Once Pharaoh finds out Joseph’s family is there he tells Joseph to give them as much grain as they need, the best donkeys, and the best land. Which makes me realize Joseph never bad mouthed or gossiped about what his brothers did to him. I’m feeling really convicted about this. How many times have I wanted my side of a story told? How many times have I let bitterness grow because I was wronged? Ouch! Lord, forgive me.

Eventually there is a complete family reunion with his younger brother Benjamin (who shared the same mom) and his father Israel (Jacob). Can you imagine that conversation the older brothers had with their dad? “So, remember we told you Joseph was killed by a wild animal? Well, about that…he’s actually alive and living in Egypt!”

I really loved this study. I highly recommend it. It was encouraging and makes me reflect on my own life. I want to obey and serve well like Joseph did – being content in all things. I want to remember that my trials and tribulations are but for a moment in light of eternity and that God won’t leave me there.

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” Genesis 50:20

https://www.amazon.com/God-Wont-Leave-You-There/dp/1400348137/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2NLKMPR99BCEI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hikK39rDf8-TyeF4I41fTwXlcl5yrm0QEGOubKxWj0Jtb64-HsOfb5CRuGYuOWpI3m1pzdTBAU9mSdWx9MvA7V_AIP0UJAVWpXTte0DqoXfh3PJ8iYyS4sjmigFMdPtmBpQxHI3F72CfghLRhj0rpxaIK29cZULuxiAa8q_s1lEz_e642AFmJ_3f05gC7-P1Op-DOMVQjeBr7rdVAf1vtg.0nLepm8jAHfT80mYjmP3F8B27LSoPNf0pNlNdxL5BwA&dib_tag=se&keywords=god+want+leave+you+there+anne+graham&qid=1789966160&sprefix=god+wont+%2Caps%2C426&sr=8-1

Year-End Update 2025

Merry Christmas from all of us!

Well, another year has passed and what a year it has been! In January 2024, Cherith Brook had a major change. Mark was asked to step in and help at Calvary Chapel in Twisp, WA. After a few months of helping and after much prayer, he took on the role of becoming their Pastor. This church is two hours away from our little mountain where Cherith Brook is located.

We had no idea what this was going to look like, but as God would have it our entire crew from the mountain made the weekly commute to join us in loving this new congregation that God had placed in our path. We have been welcomed with open arms by everyone in Twisp and learned a whole new level of loving the one in front of us.

Mark has been teaching a Bible Study on Saturday evenings, church on Sunday, a men’s Bible Study on Monday, along with discipleship. We also have been doing work parties to help people in need. An example of this is putting a covered roof over the HVAC unit at the local food bank. Along with many more projects including upkeep to the church building. We tore out and put in a new wheelchair ramp that was desperately needing repair. We’ve also been loving on the widows in the area and offering help and fellowship that we are called to do in the Bible.

Its been fun to watch all of our discipleship students at Chertih Brook put into practice what they have been learning over the past three to four years. Cole and Sarah have been leading worship and Storm helps out also when she is available and isn’t working at the hospital. Mark Aaron and Rebecca have taken over the Children’s Ministry and have been having fun coming up with lesson plans and loving on the kids that walk through the door. Isaiah has been our trooper to help with maintenance and janitorial duties and has shared his testimony about how much he has grown in the Lord over the passed few years.

The town of Twisp had a Charlie Kirk vigil and Mark was asked to be one of the speakers. It was amazing to see God move. At the end of it, he was asked by the Sheriff if he would be interested in becoming a Chaplain for the Sheriff’s Department. After much prayer and talking together about it, we said, “Yes”. We will see where God takes this!

We are very busy but we try to take a Sabbath rest one day a week where its just Mark and I sitting in each other’s presence – praying, listening, talking, and hopefully laughter plays a part, too.

Please keep all of us in your prayers as we navigate this new journey. Please pray that God continues to provide for gas money and all the things that go into traveling each week for everyone. We were blessed with an RV trailer for Mark and I so that we can have a place to stay while we are here.

Our family is growing also! We had four grandkids going into 2025 and now we have two more grandkids on the way! Mark Aaron and Rebecca are expecting their second baby at the end of February. It’s a boy! Just a couple weeks ago, Cole and Sarah informed us they are expecting their fourth baby due in July. We are blessed beyond measure. We’re surrounded by family and the body of Christ! We never knew how big love could grow!

If you’d like to hear Mark’s sermons and discussions they are available on Spotify and YouTube under Manna Burger Podcast.

May God bless you and hold you tight enough that you can hear his heartbeat.

In His love,

Mark and Christine Landis

www.cherithbrookministries.org

Cole (Our son-in-love) and Wyatt (Our newest discipleship student) working on a hay barn for one of the widows in the area.

When Dreams Become Reality

For years we’ve had a dream of making a section of our property into a raised bed garden area. A few years ago someone blessed us and brought up their excavator and cleared this part of the property so we could start this dream. However, we didn’t have the means to make the raised garden beds.

We rototilled and planted, which was great. The plants popped through the soil, but with them came so many weeds. We did this for two years. Eventually we became so overwhelmed by the weeding that needed to take place that we decided it wasn’t worth it.

This spring, our daughter, Storm really wanted to get the large garden going again (We have a smaller more manageable garden area we use every year). So she worked overtime at the hospital so she could get the materials needed to make this dream a reality.

With her extra money and some of our funds we were able to get this going! We hired a man with an excavator to come excavate the land. Then we put down a weed barrier, got 10 yards of fill dirt, gravel for walkways, and wood to make the garden boxes.

The neat thing was seeing everyone pitch in where they could. We hauled the dirt and gravel to where they needed to go. Mark made the raised beds with help from our son and his friend, Isaiah. The ladies planted the seeds.

Now we are taking turns watering each day. Each household takes a day of the week to water and it has worked out really well that way.

How do we water the garden? Our natural spring is a ways away from the garden, so we have set up two 50 gallon drums to fill with water from hoses hooked up from the spring. Then we take watering cans and fill them from the barrels then hand water all the beds.

Sounds like a lot of work, but watering this way seems easy after all of the hard work of getting this big garden going. Hauling all that dirt and gravel took a ton of energy and effort. Let’s just say we were excited when that job was over!

Next year we plan on getting a better water system going. All in time. Living off-grid is a lesson in patience and persistence.

Now, we are seeing the fruit of our labor pay off! Potatoes are popping up, radishes are ready, zucchini is emerging, and I love seeing the flowers and pear tree everyday.

“Ask the LORD for rain in the spring—the LORD who fashions lightning thunderstorms, giving rain showers to mankind along with grain in the fields.” Zech. 10:1

New Things…

What a whirlwind this new year has been.  I know we are now in the month of May and I haven’t had an update in awhile so here’s what’s been happening…

For the past two years we’ve been attending a Calvary Chapel that is two hours away from our home. We didn’t go every Sunday, but when we had a chance we would attend. Sometimes it was once a month – sometimes more.

We have been friends with the  Pastor and his family since 2006. When we came to the church just for a visit in March 2023 we could see that it was struggling a bit. The Pastor looked tired and burned out along with other things that I won’t go into detail about.

Mark received a phone call one day from the Pastor asking him to be an elder. Mark said he’d pray about it, talk to me, and get back to him. After much prayer and talking over logistics, one being that we weren’t regular attendees, my husband called the Pastor back.

They talked for a while and Mark brought up some questions that we had especially about us being so far away. He answered our questions and thought that us not being close in proximity wouldn’t be an issue. Our friend was looking for accountability and wanted a godly man to be an example to the congregation. So we said yes.

Fast forward two years and through some very hard things that came to light, the Pastor stepped down and my husband was voted in to become the Pastor of the church.

Since January our weekends have been spent traveling two hours on Saturday, preaching on Sunday, and leaving on Mondays to head back home. We aren’t living in the town full time yet as we still have our other ministry called Cherith Brook.

Thank goodness that our son-in-law, Cole has been a part of and graduated from our discipleship program and knows how it all works up on our property. He is a great example to all of the people on the mountain.

It’s been amazing to see God work and to see healing happen among the congregation. We do fellowship after church with a potluck and since the weather is nice, yard games too.

For anyone that knows our family, we are all about fellowship! My husband is a very hands-on leader, meaning he doesn’t believe in being far removed from the flock. How can he know what the needs are if he isn’t up close and personal?

Some may be wondering how can we do this not living there full time? Well, we are at the church the whole weekend and the doors are always open. We have had several people stop by on a whim. We schedule counseling appointments based on our time there and we have shared many evening meals and/or coffee with the people of the congregation.

We are usually physically exhausted by the time we leave to go home, but it’s a good tired. We don’t know what the future holds, but I trust the One who knows all things!

Our ministry at Cherith Brook is still going and we hold Bible studies on the days we are there. It looks a little different than it did, but the neat thing is that the discipleship students who have been a part for a few years are now traveling with us to pour out onto others what they’ve learned through the study of the Word at Cherith Brook.

It’s exactly what we envisioned (maybe not how we would’ve executed it). That the students would be able to put into action the living Word of God and love on  and encourage others in their walk with God.

Mark has also been doing a podcast that can be accessed through Spotify. He’s been trying to record the sermons and other discussions he has with myself and our nephew, Ben who has come back to Christ after being an atheist for many years. (I’ll leave a link below to the podcasts.)

Please pray for us as we navigate this new aspect of ministry!

Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

If you want to visit the Calvary Chapel Methow Valley Church we are located off Highway 20 in Twisp, WA. Service is at 10:00 am on Sundays.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/32t10YL1l0Qi9c2SbWw7BX?si=HaPXuDy0Q0CQR0hTLzmRBA

God’s Perspective

Today I was able to pick the fruit of the harvest! Although this wasn’t from my own planting. This came from currant berries that have been on our property long before we ever arrived.

As I was picking the juicy red berries, something came to mind. I had been picking one particular bush for awhile and was ready to move on. I began to turn away and looked back to find that there were many more berries to pick from that bush.

What changed? My perspective changed! I no longer was looking at it from my previous viewpoint. I had taken a few steps to the right and saw an abundance of fruit that I would have completely missed.

Then I started thinking about people in my life. Especially people I struggle with. Have I put them in a box looking from own perspective and not looking at them the way God sees them?

What if I take a step back and stop. What if I pause for a moment and think about situations in their life that have caused them to be the person they are? Better yet, what if I see them as a person that Jesus was willing to surrender His life for?

Who are you struggling with? A spouse? A parent? A sibling? A co-worker? Take a moment and pause. Ask God to give you a different perspective. Ask Him to help you see them through His loving eyes.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13: 34, 35)

A Quiver Full

We are finally settled after our month-long speaking circuit. It was a whirlwind and as my husband and I are not getting any younger, what a joyous sight to come home to our own bed!

We had a baby shower for our daughter-in-law, which was fun. We kept it small as her mom is planning one after the baby arrives. They are having a girl and we can’t wait to greet this precious one at the end of June!

Our son and daughter-in-law have moved into their cabin and just when we thought our guest cabin would truly be a guest cabin, we had another family move in! They have four boys ranging from almost 4 years old to a newborn! Its been an adventure having them here and they are loving the outdoors!

We have several guests coming this month so we are preparing for their arrival starting next week.

Birthdays abound up here in the summer and June starts the kick off with our son-in-law, Cole’s birthday and next is my husband’s. We are planning a fishing day and picnic/hike since the weather looks like it will be good-finally.

Our grandkids had a great time helping me get our garden ready for planting. I’m so glad we waited to plant the tomatoes as we had frost a couple days in a row!

As I write this I am laying in bed not feeling very well. We had bought some farm fresh eggs from a stand down the road and they offer chicken eggs and duck eggs. I am highly allergic to duck eggs and so I made sure I grabbed a carton of chicken eggs. Well, as luck would have it, I got a duck egg in the mix. Uggh! Vomiting is no fun and I won’t be buying eggs there anymore. I’ll just have to wait for our chickens to start laying.

We got our solar panels mounted on our cabin. Mark had the idea of using a swivel tv mount so we can move the panels as the sun moves. It works great!

Our daughter Sarah made an announcement the day we got back from our speaking gig…she is pregnant with baby #3! We are all very excited! She is due in December. The mountain is growing with kids!

Cole and Sarah bought some chickens and they have been busy building a coop. The weather just would not cooperate and so they had to wait to paint, but it finally warmed up and they have a cute, functional coop for their egg layers!

Whew! It’s been a lot, but it’s been really good!

“As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the sons of the young. Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:4,5

Cherith Brook Update

It’s been a strange winter! Snow melts then more comes in small amounts of one or two inches. We didn’t get more than six inches at one time, which normally we get at least two feet!

Granted I’m not complaining – it’s just different and when we think the last of the snow has gone, more arrives.

My husband’s book Grace in Plain Sight; The Power of Agape has been making the rounds and we have been asked to come speak in California. We leave April 1st and will be gone for over three weeks. He will be speaking at two different churches and doing a three day seminar on Grace also.

https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Plain-Sight-Power-Agape/dp/1720939101/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.v_f_3nCVezOm-NEA6J0BlA.vttpu_2QUIih3zQ0eT9FkpQxP6R8qOym3BGAzxqTmFA&dib_tag=se&keywords=grace+in+plain+sight+mark+landis&qid=1710357809&sr=8-1

We went over to the coast for five days to get some appliances and countertop for the new cabin. Craigslist is our go-to. The saying “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure” is so true. In our trendy society remodels abound and we found a really nice propane oven!

It was also a great time of reconnecting with some of our long time friends on Whidbey Island. Although many have moved away, we were able to see some of those who remain.

Mark was asked to speak at a home fellowship and it was so awesome to share the message of Grace with some new faces.

We were able to see my dad and his new wife and have a great time with them. I had a short visit with my sister, who is recovering from a knee replacement. We didn’t want to overwhelm her because she had just had the surgery a few days before, so we stayed for only an hour. It wasn’t near enough time with her as we miss each other’s company so much.

We also got to witness a woman coming to Christ at the church we visited that Sunday. What a fantastic story that is! It’s long, but I’ll try to keep it brief. Many years ago, I was in a Bible study with a desperate mom who asked for prayer for her struggling daughter. She wanted the daughter to come to Christ as she had been doing drugs and drinking alcohol. This daughter also had a brain tumor.

All the ladies gathered around her and prayed that she would come home (she lived in a southern state) and that she would give her life over to Jesus.

A short time later, that’s exactly what happened. She moved home and came to know Christ!

Now fast forward to last Sunday…I was talking with the lady who had just accepted Christ and her friend was sitting beside her. Her friend had given her life to the Lord a few weeks before. As we were chatting, her friend mentioned how the testimony of a certain woman touched her so much and she knew what she had to do. Which was turn her life around and give her life to Christ. (This lady had been homeless, drinking, drugging, and drifting.)

When she mentioned the name of the woman who gave the testimony, I got goosebumps. The woman who’s testimony she heard was the very daughter we had prayed for years before! As a result of those prayers three lives have been transformed! (And many more I’m sure.)

I then explained how I knew the woman whose testimony she heard because we had been informed that her family had started attending that church and was asked to share how she came to Christ. What were the odds that we would be there on the very Sunday this woman would accept Jesus and talk to her friend about how she had turned to Christ?

There are no odds. It was a God-ordained moment. It encouraged my husband and I so much and we walked away full of joy in the knowledge that God hears our prayers!

If there’s someone you’ve been praying for keep asking, seeking, and knocking! It may seem hopeless, but in God we have unshakable hope!

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous one avails much.” James 5:16

Some fun soap I made! I call it “Just Beachy“. I used dried orange peels to look like the sand.

There’s Life After Suicide

The past week I’ve had the privilege of editing and finishing up a book that is very dear to me. It’s a book my mom wrote three years after my brother took his own life.

My mother sought out publishers shortly after she finished writing it. One publisher was very interested, but had already published a work that year on death, so they wanted to wait. Well, needless to say her book never got published.

She did end of printing off several copies and taking it to a local printing shop and having them spiral bound with a plastic cover to protect it, but it cost a great deal of money and just wasn’t cost effective to do it that way.

My mom ended up passing away in August of 2020. My dad recently moved and going through all of his things he emailed me some of my mom’s writings. With new technology making self-publishing easier, I have the honor of finally finishing her book and making it available to the masses.

I must say, it’s brought back memories – both good and bad. Reading about the day that forever changed our lives has brought tears to my eyes. However, being on this side of things it’s also been encouraging.

I saw my parents bring hope to the hurting. I saw them laugh again. They got to experience grandchildren and all the joy they bring. My dad has seen and experienced his great grandchildren and will soon meet one more that is on the way!

Please join me in prayer as this book will be available soon, that it will touch those whose lives have been affected by the death of a loved one via suicide.

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

Wedding!

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.” Proberbs 18:22

My son has found himself a bride!! We are so excited for this union. Rebecca has been a part of our family for many years now and we finally made it official!

We have been extremely busy trying to build a cabin, finish an add-on, plan a wedding, and get ready for winter.

AND

My dad got remarried in August which was a total surprise! My mom passed away three years ago and I’ll be honest it’s been an adjustment getting used to the thought of him with another woman. However, we got to spend some quality time with she and my dad and I believe she will be really good for him. (It was cute watching them hold hands in church.)

I read this recently and I love what Dr. Laura says about marriage… “Marriage is not the end of the search for love, but the end of the search for the person to love and the beginning of learning ways to love that person.”

God Will Provide!

Wow! So much going on! I don’t know why I’m always shocked when God provides. Is it because I lack faith? Is it because I think I don’t deserve his blessings? Whatever the reason, I know He is faithful!

So, here’s a recap of what’s been happening at the property. Last year God provided a way to get a sawmill so we can make our own lumber! He also provided for us to start on two building projects. We are adding onto the girl’s cabin and starting a brand new cabin!

Putting up the first wall of the add-on!

God has also provided the manpower to help with all that’s going on. My husband has the knowledge of building, but because he broke his foot and leg awhile back, unfortunately he can’t stand on his left leg for too long without being in excruciating pain. He now oversees the projects and helps out where he can. Actually, we all help when and if we can.

It’s summer and that means lots of guests and birthdays for our family. We have a guest right now who we knew in Mexico! It’s so awesome having him here. When he arrived he said, “Man, it’s like no time has passed at all!” (We haven’t seen him in almost four years.)

Our discipleship students just finished the book Forgotten God by Francis Chan. It was amazing and we had some great discussion moments. The ladies have been doing verse studies to dive deeper into the Word and learning how to study the Bible more in-depth.

Felicity celebrating her second birthday!!

I’ve been finishing up my husband, Mark’s book and it should be ready within the next couple of weeks! It’s been a long journey, but we are so excited to have it available for others to read! The book is called Grace in Plain Sight; The power of agape.

When I look at our life I can’t help but be amazed. God provides so much beyond what I imagine or think is possible. We don’t have mansions or fancy clothes. We don’t have the latest technology or new cars. But, we have so much more than I could’ve ever thought possible. He truly is Jehova Jireh!

“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Matthew 6:26-27

More Changes…

Fourth or fifth winter…?! Life is always interesting on the mountain. Usually by this time the snow is gone and we are in the throws of spring. Not so this year. Although snow is melting and the road is clear we still have the white stuff in quite a few places and getting new snow almost every other day. Thank goodness it melts off quick!

Mark and I are switching cabins with our daughter and son-in-law. The Selah cabin (the one we built one year ago) is just better suited for their growing family. We were going to wait to make the move when the snow was completely melted but Cole dislocated his knee and the time to move is now. So, Mark and I get to be in a tiny log home! It’s perfect for us and I am learning to downsize. We are calling it Oma’s Hideaway. It is Nestled in the woods with trees all around with a view of Mt. Anne next to us. So far it’s been amazing.

Living room and kitchen with our dog, Thaddeus!

We aren’t sure yet if this is a permanent move or if it will be for a year or two until Cole and Sarah can add-on to the log cabin making it larger to fit their needs. When they built the 12×24 structure it was just the two of them. Now with two little ones in tow, it is just too tiny.

Transitions can be hard. But, I’m praying we all can make the switch without burdening the others and that we can focus on the ONE who provided for these cabins in the first place!

“…Freely you have received; freely give.” Matthew 10:8

Our new coffee table and housewarming flowers from our daughter!

Tea Parties and Building Projects

This is the time of year that I start to get antsy for spring! It’s March and while we still have another month of snow in our neck of the woods, each year I have to remind myself that soon the white stuff will be gone and we can get going on outdoor projects!

Having our grandkids close has been a lot of fun! The other day, the sun was shining on the trees and casting beautiful shadows, I thought a tea party would be fun with our granddaughter, Felicity. We did it in true British style and waited until the afternoon when she had woken up from her nap. We tried to give her a real tea cup, but of course that quickly turned into a mess and we opted for her sippy cup. (She is, after all, only 19 months old.) But, she absolutely loved it, and my husband and I enjoyed seeing the smile on her face when I brought out the truffles!

Since we are in the thick of winter, like I said building projects are pretty much halted. However, we had a few donations come in and we were able to buy a sawmill! The guys put it all together and they have been cutting trees for the new cabin! These last few weeks they have cut 100 trees on our property, which is about half of what they need.

The guys putting the sawmill together!

It’s a great time to cut trees as they have less moisture in them because of it being winter. Also, cutting the trees helps out our land from fire danger. We have quite a few trees up here and we’ve been wanting to thin them out and this is great – we kill two birds with one stone.

We’ve also had our share of sickness this winter. It’s no fun watching the little ones get sick and no matter how much I disinfected things, we weren’t able to ward off the nasty flu bug. But, making lemonade from lemons, it forced us to take it easy and slow down.

Although we have had some good rest this winter, Cherith Brook is always operating. My husband has had several phone counseling sessions and we’ve had guests come to experience the peace and quiet. Also, our “town days” never cease to amaze me when we have Holy Spirit guided conversations with the locals.

Ministry opportunities are all around us, but do we stop and listen long enough to see and hear?

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

Dead Leaves

I was up late with my granddaughter the other night and looked out at our aspen grove and remembered something I wrote in my book Beautiful Dependence.

My whole existence at Cherith Brook was learning to die to self. I was dying to pride. I was dying to independence. I had to die to stubbornness. I remember walking one day to the phone booth and watching an aspen leaf fall to the ground. I watched as the leaf so gracefully fluttered down the tree. Once it hit the ground the wind picked it back up again and moved it a little farther where it landed closer to me; making a cycle of float, bounce, float, bounce, when it finally landed right in front of my feet. I stared at the leaf and then understood what dying to self, meant. This leaf was dead. It had no green on it, and it was a beautiful golden brown color. As it lay directly in front of my feet, I knew God had placed it right there for me to see. The leaf had no power of its own. It went where the wind took it, or more importantly where God wanted it to go. Because it had no life of its own, it was able to be moved freely. No resistance. Graceful. Happy. Doing whatever the Lord willed it to do. I now understood the importance of being selfless. Death to self, according to today’s culture is not perceived as a pretty thing. It’s foreign to our flesh. By dying to self, we become willing and able to do what God wants of us. Our desires begin to align with God’s desires, therefore making all other worldly things as nothing.

“The wind blows where it wants to. You hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. That’s the way it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8

Our grandson was born October 2, 2022! Nathaniel is a joy and delight! Here’s a photo of our granddaughter holding him. She loves him so much!

The Comparison Roller Coaster

Comparing. It seems my whole life has been about comparing. It started as a child, comparing myself to my beautiful older sister. Then came comparing my size and shape to other women. Next came comparing my home and the things inside to what I saw on TV or to friends’ homes. I even compared my Christian testimony to others! Thinking, “I never did drugs, alcohol, or smoked a cigarette. What can I offer?”

Then children came along and I compared my birth story and the size of my kids. “Oh, he’s huge some would say,” or “She’s so tiny.”

Once Homeschooling started, I tried not to compare to other moms and kids, but it was so difficult not to. How did I measure up to other moms as a teacher? That mom does so many cool things with her kids. That one, spends so much time in their homeschool day book learning and her kids are reading at the age of 3?! Oh, I struggled and continued to compare.

Now, we are back on our property and the comparing continues with people’s gardens. Our garden is slower going for sure. We are about a month behind everyone else because we are at a higher elevation. But, after all these years I’m telling myself to “Stop it! Stop comparing!” Things happen in their own time for their own purpose!

My way of homeschooling worked for me, not for anyone else. My veggies are putting food on the table even if they are late producing, they still produced. Are there things I can learn from others by watching? Absolutely. I need to be teachable. But, I need to stop the comparison roller coaster and realize that God makes everything beautiful in His time!

Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

(The photo is of our sunflowers that bloomed much later than others in town…but they bloomed!)

Absolute Surrender

You will never truly understand how wet a lake is until you jump in. In the same way, you will never understand the limitless Power of God until you absolutely surrender to Jesus! Until then the best you can do is talk about or possibly see it from afar in others’ lives. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing to do or see, but falls far short of what God intended His Grace (Power) to be in our lives. To surrender is worth it because it is there that you will taste and see just how high, how long, how wide, and how deep God’s Agape Love for you is!

Our son loves being an uncle!!!

Dry and Thirsty Land

This last week was pretty amazing. Guests came up to the mountain and we had a peaceful, relaxing time. I shed tears (as usual) several times. I was humbled when one guest saw our need for a freezer and she said she wanted to purchase one for us. When we went to pick one out she surprised us and said she wanted to purchase a fridge also. I stood stunned in the appliance aisle and then the floodgates of tears poured. This guest has had a rough time the last few years and seriously needed a peaceful spot with no expectations. She vented. We listened and encouraged. God never ceases to amaze me!

Then one guest in particular, who is very close to my heart, came for the first time…my dad.

It was great to walk the property and show him all of the ‘things’. Our son is in the process of building his own cabin and my dad was able to help pour a footing out of cement. Watching my dad, son, and husband put their handprints in the wet cement is something that I will always treasure. I cried realizing my dad’s handprint will be there forever.

Some may not understand what we do or how we live, but it’s about getting back to a simpler life. It’s about meeting people where they are at. It’s about people in a dry and thirsty land searching for a place of comfort and rest and finding their thirst quenched and sharing it with others when they leave.

We don’t have all the answers, but we know the one who does!

Matthew 11:28 Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Blessed with Jam

We’ve always made rose petal jam from the wild roses that grow on our property. This year, the roses bloomed late and we’ve had so many other things to do we only picked a couple cups worth, so we decided to use the petals for other things. However, I really wanted to make some jam. So, today the ladies at Cherith Brook made some delicious homemade strawberry jam!

How awesome that when Adam and Eve sinned their punishment wasn’t to eat dirt like worms, but the punishment was to work, till the soil, and out of it would come a harvest. I’m so thankful for God’s mercy (and for yummy fruit)! It’s so amazing to think that even though there are consequences to our actions, God still blesses us. He is a good Father!

Photo of last year’s rose petal jam.

It’s so great to see some of the lost homesteading mainstays making a comeback. Here is the jam recipe I used.

Strawberry Jam

• 6 Cups Strawberries
• 3/4 Cup water
• 1/2 Cup Stevia
• 1 Packet Low Sugar Sure Jell

Directions: Prepare canning jars and lids per package instructions. Remove the stems of strawberries and then crush strawberries. Put into a saucepan with 3/4 cups of water. Put packet of Sure Jell in the strawberry mixture and bring to a rolling boil stirring constantly. Let boil for 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup stevia. Remove from heat and use a metal spoon to take off the foam. Pour into prepared jars with a ladle leaving 1/4 inch from the top of the jar. Clean up jar from any leftover spills so there is a clean surface. Make sure the jar rings and lids are clean as well. Put the lids on the jars and process in a water bath canner per Sure Jell package instructions. We live at a higher elevation so I had to let the jars can for an extra 10 minutes in the water bath. This made 4 half pint jars.

We wanted to make a low sugar/no sugar jam and it turned out delicious with the stevia. Strawberries are sweet by themselves so it didn’t take a lot of sweetener.

29And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. Genesis 1:29

Seasons

We all know life brings different seasons. Some seasons are beautiful. Some are dead and lifeless preparing for the times when life produces growth.

When my husband and I left Mexico to come back to the States, I told him that I felt like we are heading into a trial. Granted, I knew God had called us back and He made that very clear, but still I had an apprehension that we were headed straight for a storm.

After returning to our property I was excited about being back to the place where God set me free. Yes, the work is harder and sometimes I don’t want to do the dishes by hand, but its the simplicity of life that I love up here.

Yesterday I was looking at the yellow buttercup flowers blooming. Winter is over and spring is here. Without seasons we wouldn’t have new life. We also wouldn’t have times of rest. The Lord showed me change is good.

With seasons comes pruning. Pruning is hard and difficult. It requires patience. Most importantly it requires TRUST…trust in the one who knows us better than we know ourself.

We have definitely had our share of trials since moving back to the states. I’ve battled cancer, the death of my precious mom, my husband’s broken leg and foot, just to name a few. But, God is so faithful and when the hardships come and pruning begins, I know I can trust that He knows what He is doing. I can rejoice because I know in the end I will be more Christ-like if I allow Him to have His way with me.

With the trials we have had our share of blessings, too. We have a darling granddaughter and another grand baby on the way! We have built two new cabins on the property and God has provided it all! We’ve had countless visitors who have found their place of rest.

Blessings are all around us and I pray that we would take the time to see the beauty of every sunrise and sunset…to know that each day is a gift meant to be shared with others.

“For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over; it goes to itself. the flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land;” Song of Solomon 2:11-12

(If you’d like to read more about our off-grid living and how I was set free you can purchase my book called Beautiful Dependence at the store link. https://homesteadmom.wordpress.com/store/

Don’t Cry Over Spilled Paint!

Photo by David Pisnoy

It was an interesting day. Everyone is gone from Cherith Brook except Mark, our daughter, Storm, and me. Winter is a great time for our group to take a small break and visit friends and family. So, while our crew is away we are plugging along on daily chores and our building project. 

Mark and I were headed to the new cabin to do more work. It’s been fun working on the cabin even without the help of the others being here. It takes us a little longer to do things, as we are a little older than the twenty somethings living here and with my husband’s leg and foot break, he can’t bend like he used to. 

We were looking forward to painting our bedroom door and the wainscoting for the bathroom. We had put all the paint upstairs yesterday and were trying to thaw them out overnight. It’s been cold up here on the mountain and even though we had the propane heater going all night, some of the paint was thicker than we had hoped. 

We began to get things situated and I was in the bathroom moving more stuff when I heard a loud thud and my husband yell, “Christine I need help!” My mind went whirling and I thought he fell off the stairs and injured his leg again! I came immediately into the kitchen area and saw that my husband was fine, but all over the floor was a gallon of varnish that had spilled, and was rapidly spreading.

I was so thankful Mark wasn’t hurt, but in the back of my mind, I thought how on earth are we going to clean all this up? Being that my husband couldn’t walk back to the main cabin in a timely manner due to his gimpy leg, I knew my next job would be to walk the long distance and get paper towels, latex gloves, and some old cloths to clean up the mess. 

I made pretty good time, and in a matter of minutes we were cleaning up the awful varnish and trying not to be discouraged as we worked, finding the varnish had flung clear across the room. Drops were everywhere and even managed to get on the wall opposite where the accident happened. 

Thank goodness we had saved the cardboard flooring boxes! We opened the empty boxes so they laid flat and put them over the majority of the spill so they could soak up the gooey clear liquid. Then we put down the paper towels. Our floor was a sea of white, slowly turning into brown as the towels did their job and soaked up more varnish.

My poor husband got down on all fours and began picking up the boxes and paper towels so we could see what was left to clean. He didn’t want me to have to do the “really” dirty job as it was his fault the can fell. I even told him that I was glad it was him that did it and not me! 

With us both working hard and after awhile and many paper towels later, the floor looked somewhat normal. We will see how it is in the morning, but for now we are satisfied.

When that job was done we took a deep breath and a short break. We needed to regroup. Was our day really going to consist of cleaning up a floor and not getting what we set out to do in the first place? 

I looked around the place and we still have small jobs that need to be done, so I set out to at least start something. Painting was out of the question and to be honest, I didn’t want to look at another paint can or brush at that moment. So, I began to put the switch plates on the outlet boxes that had been wired the day before. 

As I was doing that my husband got up and started to work on the bathroom light that had been wired but wasn’t working yet. He then did more work in the main part of the house and after we finished what we had started we looked at each other and said, “Not bad for the way this day began!”

I would love to say that was the end of our mishap, but to my dismay it was my turn to make a mess. I was in our main cabin and I wanted to make some hot tea and just sit down and rest for a bit. I put the tea kettle on and waited a bit. The water was almost boiling so I thought I would get my tea cup ready. I was imagining my quiet time and the hot tea warming my hands and throat and the much needed rest after our floor mess. 

That’s when it happened! As I was opening the cupboard door I heard a loud crash and what sounded like glass breaking. As a I looked down I saw that I had knocked over an oil lamp that was on the counter. Lamp oil went all over the floor and broken glass was everywhere! Not again! I thought. Uggghh! Then I felt remorse because this oil lamp was just bought by my husband. He was so excited when we found it and we have only had it a few days. My heart sank. I felt horrible. 

Mark had been doing some things outside and when he came into the cabin, I just stopped and said, “I’m so sorry, hon. I broke your lamp.” He curiously looked around, then he replied. “I’m just glad it was you and not me!”

Yes, I cleaned up the mess and my daughter came to my aid as I slipped on some of the lamp oil and started to do the splits! We both began to laugh and all I could do was make the most of it. When it was all said and done eventually I got my tea and decided I wasn’t going to touch anything liquid for the rest of the day! 

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalms 118:24)

Broken in Pieces

The truck pulled up around the spring and we heard a honk. My initial instinct was that something was in the roadway. Never did I think what was about to be revealed to me would happen…again.

Our daughter is a CNA at the hospital. So she was able to help!

The horn honked a few more times and I continued to look to see what was going on. Then I saw. There was my husband face down in the bed of the truck! All I could see were his boots sticking out of the truck bed. My mind immediately went to the worse thought, which was that he had a heart attack and died. Why did I think this? Well, we had a conversation just days before about death and what each one of us would do if the other one died.

Thank goodness I was very wrong. It turned out to be a broken leg and foot. He was working on the second story of the new cabin and the platform he was on gave way and he fell 10 feet. When I walked to the back of the truck my husband started speaking and asked us to get some things for the long ride to the hospital. At that point I knew he was alright, so we put blankets, pillows, a fan, and some other things in the bed of the truck to make the ride on the dirt road more comfortable.

Jay, who is part of the discipleship program at Cherith Brook, was working with Mark and saw the whole thing. He made a splint for my husband out of scrap 2X4’s and painter’s tape. It wasn’t pretty, but it stabilized the leg, which was the important thing.

It’s been quite the journey. He ended up having to go to a larger hospital that was 3 hours away and had surgery on his tibia. He broke the fibula also, but that will heal on its own.

Yesterday, he had surgery on the broken, crushed foot. They had to wait until swelling went down in order to operate. Almost a month later, he can truly start to heal.

Years ago, he fell from the roof of one of the cabins we were building and broke his wrist. Which is where my statement of “again” came from. He had to have a plate and nine screws put in. Now we joke that he should only build underground hobbit homes!

Our whole world has changed. He needs a walker and wheelchair to get around. The wheelchair is heavy and cumbersome, so picking it up into the truck is no easy task for me. My husband feels extremely bad watching me do all the things he normally does, not to mention all the new things that have been put on my plate. He wants to help, but is just unable to.

We were planning on moving into the new cabin soon and all of that has been put on hold. Luckily, the cabin is enclosed and once we get the wiring done, friends and family can help with insulation, sheet-rock, and paint.

It’s amazing the blessings that have come out of this. We have been poured into by others that we have spent our time pouring into. Our conversations with the nurses and doctors have been incredible. As we were leaving the hospital yesterday, two nurses came out to help Mark get into the truck and gave us both a hug. Which was so surprising in the midst of Covid. Another nurse was a Christian and said, “I have patients who claim Christ, but I have never met any like you two. You are different.”

Although the last month has had its challenges, we see God in the middle of it. He’s encouraging us and others through this. Our ministry has my husband and I surrounded by people consistently and it’s been nice to have a little bit of time with just the two of us, but even then we are spilling out love to those who are in front of us.

You never know what tomorrow may bring. But, I know the one who knows the number of hairs on my head and that is the most comforting thought I can think of right now.

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7

A Heritage

I. Am. In. Love. We welcomed our first grand baby into the world! In the midst of this crazy time a new life has been born! A life that made everything stand still for a moment; when I didn’t worry about what the news report said, or cancer, or what was in my bank account. All that matters is this precious little girl that God put on this earth to share a little joy and to show our family just how big love can get! You were born for such a time as this!

Life has been busy and we had to take a detour from our building project as the heat was just unbearable and with the arrival of sweet baby Felicity we took a small break. But, we are back in full swing on the mountain and had some visitors come for an off-grid experience that left them wanting to come back for more.

The cabin is completely enclosed now, so inside work is going on. We are wiring, putting the insulation up, hanging sheet-rock, and doing finishing work.

We continue to work on my husband’s book called Grace in Plain Sight; The power of Agape. We are editing and working on the cover design. Lord willing this will be done by winter!

The smoke in our area has been extremely thick due to two wildfires that are blazing. Please pray for rain and that the firefighters can get it contained. Our air quality is really bad right now and many locals are having problems with asthma.

Thank you for the continued prayers!

“Children are a heritage from the Lord; They are a reward from Him.” Psalm 127:3

Necessary Pruning

The other day I was trying to get rid of the weeds and bramble around the cabin. I was using a large tool that got extremely heavy the longer I pruned. Doing the job became more of a chore than what I had planned.

Once I was finished I turned around and noticed I hadn’t gotten the thicker sticks close to the ground at all. I was trying to make sure they were removed so no one would trip over them. I cut some more. I Looked again and thought, wow changing my perspective and looking from a different angle I could once again, see how poorly I had pruned.

This got me thinking about when God prunes me. It hurts to be pruned and when I think God has nothing more to get rid of, I can see more areas that need my flesh removed. He is faithful and continues to remove the ugly things in my life that trip me up. Granted this takes time and He knows exactly when and what to prune at the moment I need it. If He were to do it all at once, I would not survive. But, in His omniscience He knows as I grow and mature, I can handle the next pruning.

I now realize pruning is much needed and as the ugly things of my life disappear, I know one day I will be a beautiful tree producing godly fruit for all to partake of.

God is everywhere and He shows me biblical things daily. What has He shown you lately?

“A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.” Matthew 7:18

We made rose petal jam with the wild roses on our property!

Blessings Abound!

This has been a busy season and I am amazed by all the blessings God has given us!

It is awesome to see God’s people be the hands and feet that we all need. Here is an update on everything that has happened this past month…

• Started the Selah Cabin
• Enjoyed many guests
• Two huge garden spots cleared
• Planted herbs in our herb garden
• Land cleared
• Bigger and better water filtration system installed

These are just some of the highlights! As my book Beautiful Dependence talks about the need for God first and others second, we are seeing this lived out.

We could not have done this without the help and support of others. Sometimes I just sit back in shock and awe of all the things surrounding me. Not only do we live in a beautiful place, but we have wonderful people who care for us and some who even venture up the mountain and experience life with us.

Tears streamed down my face one night as I ventured out to the new cabin. God has supplied everything; Not only the building supplies, a fantastic wood stove refurbished by my brother-in-law, windows, flooring, cabinets, and so much more.

How is this possible with how crazy our world is? I can tell you it’s because God is bigger and mightier than we can fathom. He gives us exceedingly abundantly beyond what we could think or hope for.

Do I have a new view of life after cancer? You bet I do! Enjoy every moment. Enjoy every sunrise and sunset. Enjoy the laughter. Enjoy sitting and talking with those around you. God is good. He wants to share His goodness with us. Stop. Listen. Breathe and Praise Him for his goodness!

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” Psalm 34:8

Our daughter getting a tractor lesson from a guest who brought this machine up!

Near to the Broken-hearted

Why is it easier to pray for healing for other people rather than for yourself? Recently I had to come face to face with this when I received the cancer diagnosis. We put out a call for prayer and I knew I had several prayer warriors praying for me.

As the days wore on and emotions were raging, I felt like I should pray for myself. Sounds simple enough. I’ve often prayed for things in my life. But, this time was different. I struggled. I couldn’t find the words. I had fears and doubts. Thoughts crept in, “What if I pray and God doesn’t heal me?” Is it because of sin in my life? Is it lack of faith? Or the hard truth that maybe my time on this earth is finished?

I didn’t know where to even begin. So, I cried out. The tears flowed. How many times have I prayed for people with cancer without a second thought that God could heal them? So many times…but this time I lacked the strength. The desire was there but I was fumbling.

As I cried verses began to come to mind, “Jehovah is near to the broken-hearted; and saves those who are of a contrite spirit. “ Psalm 34:18…”

And immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” Matthew 9:24

Then the reality hit me. God was just waiting for my true heart to shine through. It wasn’t about a grandiose prayer full of scripture and flowery words. He wanted the tears. He wanted my anger. He wanted my thoughts-the good and the bad. He wanted to exchange my fear and anxiety for life.

The words began to pour out of me. Yes, I prayed for healing. But, just like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, I ended it with “Not my will Father, but Your will be done,” Matthew 26:39

A few weeks ago I went in for another test to see where we were at with the cancer. I had my surgery back in October and this was the first glimpse of my left breast since then. Did I have scanxiety? (Its a real thing.) Yes, but somehow I knew the results were going to be good.

Sure enough, there is no more cancer! I am cancer free! Some would say it’s because of the surgery, or changing my eating habits. I believe God healed me as a result from everyone praying. And I give all glory to Him!!!

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8

Rest is a Weapon…

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

We had a beautiful day up here on the mountain so my husband and I went for a much needed walk. My naturopath said that vitamin D is an essential part of health and building up the immune system.

Stopping to take some time in nature and to see the near future build site of another cabin was a blessing (even after trudging through a foot of snow in some places).

Every day I am amazed at what God has done and is doing up here. This has been a dream for so long and although we saw some of the dream as a reality that started many years ago, now we are seeing Him actually finish what He started. Which is exactly what He said He would do when we left Mexico.

In the midst of this crazy last year with COVID, cancer, and even death, people are coming to the property and finding the peace and rest they have longed for and sometimes didn’t even know they were missing.

God’s timing is awe striking and when I reflect back and see a family or guest leave and another one comes an hour later (sometimes unannounced) we always, somehow have room. Not only that, but when we are on the brink of feeling exhausted, we get a break in the schedule and have time to rejuvenate.

Our little cabin in the woods.

I am also learning to take time out and just rest. There are always things to be done on the property, but with “Doctor’s orders” just finding time to meditate and do deep breathing exercises has helped my stress levels tremendously. Not only that but, it helps get the lymph system moving and brings oxygen to cancer cells, which cancer cells hate, and end up dying. One of our pastor’s tells us that rest is weapon. I am beginning to believe that.

I am learning so much on this cancer journey. God gave our bodies the ability to heal themselves with proper nutrition and rest. I am seeing areas of my life where I struggled and had made bad decisions and started bad habits.

I am So thankful that God did not leave me where I was and that He has placed the proper people and information at my fingertips to blaze ahead and leave the old self behind.

I Will Never Leave You or Forsake You!

My dad was going through some of my mom’s things and found something she wrote awhile ago. (She loved to write.) She had these made into cards and he handed me one and said, “Interesting timing. I think you might need one of these.” I cried when I read it. Once again, God’s timing is perfect. I discovered the lump on my breast in early August, my mom passed away at the end of August. I hadn’t seen a doctor yet when she died, so she never knew I had cancer. And yet, its as if she reached down from heaven and said, “God’s got this!”

It’s been a roller coaster ride of emotions these passed few months. However, good things have come from it all. Once again, appreciation and gratitude flood in when the reality that life is not forever fills your mind.

I think everyone I know just wants this year of 2020 to be over. But when I stop and look at all the good that has come from it, I wonder if it’s exactly what we’ve needed. I’ve seen families actually spending time together, mom’s who were teetering on homeschooling their kids take the step of faith and dive in with both feet! I’ve seen a slower pace of life that I think our country needed. People are excited when they get toilet paper! Again, thankfulness for the things we take for granted daily.

Even in the midst of my cancer diagnosis we have had visitors come to our little cabin the woods. It’s been so fun and we have enjoyed continuing to build on our daughter’s vertical (stockade style) log cabin.

Windows are in!

Enjoying every moment of being with friends and family. I had a partial mastectomy on October 27th, so I was all rested and mostly healed by the time Thanksgiving came. We had bought nutcrackers to paint, thinking it would be fun to work on them after our Thanksgiving Neal. We were right! Our friends and family had a great time painting them and it was fun to see how different each one turned out.

In this holiday season, as strange as it may be, keep focused on what’s truly important…loving the one in front of you.

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5,6

Will I Praise Him in the Storm?

What a couple of months it has been! My mom passed away and just before that I found a lump on my breast, but I put that on hold while dealing with the grief of my mother.

Once we were settled and I could think clearly I pursued getting care in our little town. I had to get medical records transferred and approvals etc. Which was not fun.

Finally I went in for a mammogram and ultrasound. The doctor definitely could tell something was on my breast so he ordered a biopsy. Two days later I had the results. I had an invasive form of breast cancer.

My mind went reeling. How can this be? I breastfed all my kids. Wasn’t that supposed to ward off breast cancer? My thoughts immediately began to spin out of control. Breast cancer runs in the family and I have had two aunts die from it. I couldn’t breathe. My heart was pounding and I was trying to fight back tears. (That didn’t last long.) I clung to my husband.

As we were waiting to tell our kids more thoughts came to mind. Will I have to do chemo? Will they recommend a mastectomy? Is it even curable? So many questions and very little answers at the time.

When we told our kids they were super supportive and offered encouragement in a way I never expected. They rocked it!

After a few days of processing it, I found that I needed to lay it at Jesus’ feet. I had to take it one moment at a time. It felt like a grieving process where the final stage is acceptance.

When we were meeting with the oncologist to hear what the next few steps would be, a flood of emotions swept through me. I didn’t want to be in this exam room – the room for cancer patients. I had no desire to answer all the questions they were throwing at me. I wish I could have lived in denial and not acknowledged that this was part of my life.

But, here we are. Tomb moments. Where there seems like there is no hope. The grave has been closed and there is nothing I can do…BUT GOD!!!

This is where the real testing of my faith comes in. I can speak about faith and saying “All things work together for good for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:28) But do I truly believe that?

Again, tomb moments. Do I believe and trust that God will take this foul thing inside me away? Will I praise Him regardless of the outcome? My prayer is that I will praise Him through the hard times. That regardless of what happens He is still in control. He is on the throne and He will never leave me nor forsake me.

The Bible has been my anchor through this. I love to read but I just couldn’t read any other book except the Bible. I wasn’t able to focus on any printed page except God’s Word. Which is just amazing to me. His Word is life.

We have received some good news of my diagnosis. As of today, I don’t have to do chemo. I just had a lumpectomy and they took some of my lymph nodes to make sure the cancer hasn’t spread. I will get those test results soon. I am sore from the surgery and my throat hurts from the breathing tube. But, I am relieved because the doctor thinks he was able to get the tumor out completely. In about four weeks I will start radiation therapy.

I have so much to be thankful for. In the words of my dad – I get to experience God in a whole new way. Which has been so true. He is close to the broken hearted. He is the God who sees. The God who heals. The God who comforts and gives peace.

Do I wish there was a different path? Sure, but then I wouldn’t be refined into a beautiful vessel. If I can help one person through their fight against cancer then I believe it is all worth it. And yes, I will praise Him in the storm!

Thank you for the prayers and support. It’s been quite the journey.

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” 1 Peter 4:19

Why a Vertical Log Cabin?

It has begun! What a few weeks it has been. After my mother’s passing, I needed something to cheer me up and this certainly has done the trick.

We started work on a cabin for our youngest daughter and her husband, which will also serve as a guest cabin! This has been a project my husband and I have thought long and hard about because it is not a normal log cabin with horizontal logs-it is a vertical log cabin otherwise called stockade style.

Why build vertical instead of the traditional way? We have had this question asked numerous times in the past week, so I decided to explain our thinking behind it. There are many reasons why we wanted to build a cabin like this. Here are some of the reasons:

• The need for large or heavy equipment is reduced or not needed at all because of the length of the logs.
• Vertical log shells can be built in half the time as horizontal shells.
• The logs we are using are 10 feet to go from floor to ceiling verses having to use 24 foot logs for the whole length of the cabin. Two people can easily carry the 10 foot logs. (Which is great for us who aren’t as young as we used to be!)
• Due to the direction of the cracks that may form in a log, virtually none of the cracks in a vertical log home will direct water infiltration back into the home which can happen with a horizontal log home.
• Windows and doors can be installed directly to the logs with no worries about settling or shrinkage of the walls since logs do not shrink vertically.
• Wiring can be installed easily between the logs where as with a horizontal log wall, each log has to be drilled to allow the wire to pass through.
• Last but not least I like to think outside the box and I really like the look of the vertical logs.

I’m sure I will be posting more photos of our journey through this process. It has been great seeing everyone come together and share their strengths in working on this project.

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.” Ecclesiastes 4:9

Be Still…

Photo taken by Tim Mossholder

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

Sometimes life’s journey takes us on a path we have no desire to walk down. But, when we stop to look along this unwanted road we see things we may never have noticed before.

Recently I had to say my final goodbyes to my beloved mom. Death is a difficult thing for those left behind. However, in the midst of this tragedy I could see God’s hand throughout this journey.

We all have shed tears, had a few laughs, and shared memories. It’s so sad you don’t truly know how much someone meant to people until they are gone.

My mom was someone who was familiar with grief and because of this she helped a lot of hurting people. She was also a prayer warrior. One comment we keep hearing is that many people will miss her prayers and her listening heart.

I am thankful for so many things that God has done over the past few years concerning my mom. God didn’t have to wait until we moved back to Washington from Mexico to take her life. He even waited until our youngest daughter and son-in-law moved back and because of that they got to spend 10 uninterrupted days with her. My son was able to live with my parents while we were in Mexico, which was a blessing all around. They got to experience our son as an adult and help him figure out some adulting things-something they never had an opportunity to do with my brother, who died at the age of 17 to suicide. Our daughter, Storm, came for a visit in July and had a wonderful time helping my mom do housework and just loving on her. My mother couldn’t wait for her 77th birthday and we were able to be there and celebrate with her. Later, As she went into the hospital with the blood clot and things were not looking good, a peace swept over us as we made final decisions. With Covid, we didn’t know if the hospital would let us say our final goodbyes. Then we were told all of the family members present could see her one last time and spend 30 minutes with her. I was so grateful for this! My mother loved vibrant colors and I had to giggle when I walked into the ICU room and saw that she was wearing bright yellow hospital socks! (Thank you to the nurse that put those on her.) Lastly, I am thankful that the hospital let my dad stay in her room until she breathed her last breath. He wanted to be with her until the end. I am praising God for all of these things. He opened doors and let us have some amazing time with her. It reminds me that His timing is perfect.

We all know death is a part of life, but are we ever truly ready to say goodbye? Take the time to love on your friends and family because you never know if you will ever get that chance again.

2 Corinthians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

When Perception Meets Reality

I had a hard truth come to light this week. Realizing I am not where I thought I was in my spiritual walk. I am currently reading the book Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray and what an inspirational convicting book!

We all struggle with surrender. I haven’t met one person who isn’t stubborn in one way or another. But it’s those times when you realize you aren’t where you thought you were or you weren’t as strong as you believed you were that are difficult.

Looking at Peter’s life in the Bible he is faced with this very thing. Peter tells Jesus that he would go to prison and die for him. Jesus’s response to Peter is that before the rooster crows Peter would deny Him three times.(Luke 32:31-34)

We know what happens next and that is that Peter does, in fact, deny Jesus three times.

But what was Peter’s reaction?

“And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.And he went out and wept bitterly. “ Luke 22:61-62

Peter wept bitterly. Can you imagine looking Jesus in the eye after you denied him and doing exactly what Jesus said you would do? I believe this is the reality moment…the moment Peter saw how weak, how feeble, how unable he was to love the Lord with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength. The reality caught up with his perception. He wasn’t as strong as he thought he was.

However, what’s the good news? Peter found out where he was so that he could move forward. Peter did go to prison and even ended up one day dying for Jesus – crucified on a cross, upside down!

The surrender finally came! The absolute willing surrender…to give up self. To give up the self-life, the self-comfort, self-pleasing, and self-will.

How did Peter do it? “The work that Christ began in Peter when He looked upon him, was perfected when Peter was later filled with the Holy Spirit. The cause of the weakness of your Christian life is that you want to work it out partly, and to let God help you. And that cannot be. You must come to be utterly helpless, to let God work, and God will work gloriously.”(taken from the book Absolute Surrender)

We have to come to the end of ourselves and cry out. We need to realize we don’t have what it takes to be perfect, but when we surrender, the One who is perfect does the awesome work through us.

I spent a few days in utter disbelief and tears understanding that when I surrender I am free from the bondage of self. I am free from putting my own wants before others. I am free from being afraid of what others think. I am free from wanting the things of this world to desiring God’s will above all else, and that my friend, is a fabulous place to be!

“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

Thank you Lord for your grace enabling us to be perfected by your wonderful power. May we not look at yesterday but look forward to the work that you are doing and continue to do when we absolutely surrender. Amen.

You Never Know…

You never know what an impact you will have on someone’s life. We have had several guests at the cabin lately. It’s been a little crazy and we never know what a day will look like.

Last night I sat down with one of our guests and as the day turned into night I started lighting candles, then the kerosene lantern. The conversation was rich. We talked about life, simplicity of daily living at the cabin, and most important our relationship with God which spills out on those around us.

As we were talking her daughter sat down in the wicker rocking chair and started to express her joy and thankfulness that she was able to come for a visit. She said, “It’s so peaceful here and I feel like I’m living like Laura Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie.” She then said, “I also love how I can talk to your family about anything.” (My heart leapt at that moment.)

What she didn’t know was that I was a little nervous about her family coming because we live a rustic lifestyle. Outhouses, hauling water, heating water on a stove for showers, hand watering a large garden, etc. Although they read my book Beautiful Dependence, reading and experiencing off-grid living are two different things. We can easily romanticize something we read about or see on YouTube.

This family came and got to experience Cherith Brook. They were so grateful for so many things at our little hide away. Why? Because they had just been on a camping/backpacking trip. They were eating MRE packs (Meals Ready to Eat), they had no access to showers, and had to use an outside bathroom with no walls.

By the time they arrived at our place, we had a hot meal for them with ‘real’ food, a warm bed, hot showers, fresh drinking water from our spring, and an outdoor bathroom with walls!

Thankfulness is the key to contentment in life. Here, I was concerned that our property would be too rustic. It ended up being a luxurious get away and a place to refresh as they continued their ‘outdoor’ adventures for the next few days.

Again, you just never know what’s going to happen or what an impact you will have on a person’s life. I think of Jesus and how one conversation changed so many lives…the blind man, the woman at the well, the lame man, etc. One conversation. One small moment in time can change a person’s life for all eternity.

Eph 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

In the Off-Grid Groove

We’ve been back in the states for about 8 months and honestly I wasn’t sure how easily I would transition into our off-grid lifestyle. But, it has been pretty amazing being back on the property.

The winter was a mild one compared to other winters we have experienced here. It was great having snow again and having a crackling fire to warm up by. Spring is now upon us and we have many projects going on – finishing our guest cabin, log peeling, remodeling the 5th wheel, starting a garden (25 feet by 15 feet), and firewood splitting to name a few. Also, Our discipleship program is in full swing.

We just purchased some meat rabbits-a breeding pair and three baby bunnies. We had to do some repair to our old turkey coop to accommodate the rabbits, but after a day of repairs and keeping a watchful eye on the bunnies, they are doing great!

With the threat of the COVID virus among us our plans had to change as far as being at my parents house more often. They are at the age where the risk is higher so we have stayed at the property longer.

There is always something to do at Cherith Brook and our good friend pruned our apple tree so I had lots of applewood to make a craft project with. I decided to make an outdoor side table. I am happy with how it turned out!

Needless to say, I am loving the peace of the land and the simplicity of life. Things are a little more difficult to do off-grid and they definitely have to be planned out. But in the end, I am home and living in the place where I was set free!

“Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

In the Waiting

We have had a few guests recently at our little cabin in the woods. Christmas was spent with a young family who came to get away from it all and see our small place on this earth. We had a wonderful time with great conversation, deep fellowship, and of course terrific food and fun.

They got to see how our day is spent with all the chores that need to be done – hauling water from the spring, filtering the water for drinking, getting firewood, sweeping (lots of sweeping due to wood chips), and general household chores that are common among most homes. They even had the chance to take a shower with our new real shower head that works with an aquarium pump that pushes the water through in a giant 5 gallon cooking pot!

It’s been great to be back on our property and as the chores are many and some are very hard and difficult to do in the snow, I am so glad to be here. As I once said a long time ago, “I feel like I’m home.”

Everything takes a little more time on the mountain. I think that’s what we are missing in our ‘rushed’ society. We are used to having things whenever and wherever we want. Internet is no longer just in businesses or schools, it’s in our homes, and at our finger tips on our phones – taking up our time.I’m not saying online access is a bad thing, but I am saying imagine if we didn’t have 24/7 access to it? We actually use the internet for a number of reasons and although we don’t have access to it at our cabin, we are able to get it (very slowly) at what we call the phone booth – the stump that we have to take a hike to.

Our life has slowed down drastically since arriving at our property. Patience is something that you just learn up here. One of our guests who came for New Year’s commented on how next time she is going to bring her Keurig coffee machine with her. I laughed and said, “Yep! Even making a cup of coffee teaches you patience up here.”

It’s been in the slowing down that I have appreciated all those things I thought I would miss and yet, come to think of it…I don’t think I have missed some of the modern conveniences I was able to partake in even in Mexico!

Yes, things take time. But, in the waiting that’s where the deep conversations begin. That’s where patience is taught. That’s where you appreciate the simple things and know that when your husband brings you a cup of coffee it was well thought out and planned.

Life is harder on the mountain, but it’s the simplicity that I have fallen in love with. And guess what? The coffee tastes better!

“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5

Life As We Know It

It’s been a little over a month since we left Mexico and moved back to Washington. Many things have happened in this time.

I have had to work through and process quite a bit. Some things I expected, others I had no idea I would be experiencing.

Recently the small town we moved from in Mexico was ravaged by fire. When I heard the news I couldn’t believe the damage that was happening. I had received a text from my mom saying that our daughter, Sarah and her husband were safe from the fire and were in the states. My mind started whirling. What was she talking about? Fire? What fire?

You must understand that we don’t get texts at our cabin easily. We have to hike out to a place on the property that we call our “phone booth” which is an old stump about 1/4 of a mile from our house. This particular day we were headed to town and we hadn’t checked any of our phone messages because we knew we would soon have cell service. Once we arrived in town we started receiving more and more texts. Then I received a message saying that one of the homes we lived in, in Mexico was completely gone due to the fire.

I couldn’t believe it. What was going on? I immediately tried to get a hold of our daughter to get more information and to make sure she was, in fact, alright. After several tries we finally got a hold of her. She and her husband were definitely safe and weren’t planning on going back to Mexico for a few days. My mama heart was trying to reign in my emotions and trying not to freak out. I had to give it to God and remind myself that He is in control. There was nothing I could do. I had to pray.

Pretty soon we started seeing photos of the devastation. We saw a photo that showed our daughter, Storm’s little casa was still standing, which is amazing because it was constructed out of wood. We heard reports of homes being burned and others completely unharmed. We continued our prayers for the next several days as the winds picked up and we were getting reports of other fires happening within the area. I thought of all of our friends there, my students, my family.

Then I thought, “God, we were just there. Why now?” I don’t have the answer to this, but I know that God’s timing is perfect and that He uses all things for His glory.

Needless to say, We are loving being back at our cabin and the rest has been very good for us. We have done ministry in some form or another for 20 years – the last 15 have been more intense ministry. Now that we are at the property it’s been great to just take in the fresh air, sunshine, and each other. We have had God divine appointments there and have had several opportunities to minister and pray with those in the area. Ministry doesn’t always look the same, which I believe is a good thing. We are still loving the one in front of us which is what we are all about.

We do travel to my parents home once a month and our church that is close by has hired my husband to do maintenance whenever he is available, which is fantastic.

We were recently blessed with some more solar panels. We are excited to install them especially as winter approaches and our small unit that we have been using doesn’t charge the batteries enough this time of year.

It’s been fairly easy getting back into the groove of living off-grid. I love the simpler lifestyle and the fact that we don’t have access to the internet or technology to waste our time. Things are very intentional on the mountain. Conversations are deep and sometimes silly.

I’m sure I will be processing what we have experienced in Mexico for awhile and I don’t know what that will look like. I have had many moments of tears, but I know that God sees each one and I take comfort in each day that I get to breathe a breath.

“The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.”

Habbakuk 3:19

Photo taken by Love Story Foundation

Reliving the Oregon Trail?

Broken down, sifting through boxes that had been packed, making decisions on what to keep and what to donate, headed to an off-grid cabin I begin to think to myself, “Did I just step back in time?”

Years ago, when we first moved to our little cabin in the woods I found myself relating to the pioneers as a result of no electricity, having to haul water, and just the simpler lifestyle. Today, I was having a whole different understanding – one that I didn’t particularly want or ask to understand. We were on a journey to move from Mexico back to our home state of Washington.  After a month of planning and packing, and goodbyes had been said, we were finally on the road.

It was late at night, and we made a stop north of Los Angeles to stretch our legs and use the restroom. We had taken all three of our vehicles and a utility trailer with us. Mark and I were in one car, Storm and her dog, Koda, were in the big truck, and our daughter, Sarah, and her husband were in our little Nissan truck. After our restroom break we were all set. “Head ’em up, move ’em out!” My husband called out. We began to pull forward when we noticed the Nissan not moving. We had walkie talkies in each vehicle as a way of communicating. Suddenly we heard Cole over the speaker say the truck wasn’t starting. No big deal. We have had that happen in the past and even had a few mechanics look at the problem and thought the last mechanic had fixed it. After a few more tries – still nothing. We even tried to push start it as its a manual transmission. Still no luck. We were definitely stuck. After trying to push start the truck it ended up at the far end of the Walmart parking lot where we parked it and we all gathered around going over our options.

We finally decided to go to an auto parts store and buy an inexpensive part that we thought may fix the problem. Mark and I left to search out this store, in an unknown area, at 10:00 at night. What parts store is open that late at night? Thank goodness we found one. (Is this the city that never sleeps?) Our other travelers were left behind to watch over the vehicles and our belongings. When we arrived back at the broken down truck, we were all hopeful that this $18.99 part would fix our problem and we would be on our way north. We all prayed before we put the new part in. My husband easily took out the old relay switch and put the new one in (in the past this had fixed the problem). We all kept our fingers crossed. Cole jumped into the driver’s seat to try and start the little truck…nothing. The engine didn’t turn over. Nada.

With deflated hopes we gathered around again and began to discuss more options. This truck was full of our things. Even if we had the truck towed to a junk yard, what would we do with all of our belongings? We thought maybe getting a U Haul trailer would be the best option, so we sought out the cost of renting one. Whoa, too much money! Another option was getting a motel room, finding a mechanic in the morning, and seeing how much it would cost to fix the Nissan. If they had the part and could fix it that would put us a day or two behind our schedule. More ideas were discussed. When finally my husband said, “I’m going to call our Pastor in Mexico and see if he wants the truck.” We all agreed that was a viable option. We knew it was probably an easy fix and it could be a blessing to anyone if they could just get it started. The phone call was made and things were talked about. It was all set. Some men would be by in the morning to come pick it up.

Now we had a truckload of things deal with. What should we keep and what should be donated? Our other two vehicles and our utility trailer were packed pretty tight, so we didn’t have much room to add more things inside of them. By then it was about midnight and we were sifting through boxes, bags, and vehicles to try to decide what to keep or toss. I was exhausted. Moving is never fun and I just wanted to rest. Rest wasn’t an option right now, so we pressed on. Looking inside boxes I had tea cups, curriculum that I had used to teach not only my own children, but the students in Mexico, shoes, clothes, pots and pans, etc. One by one deciding to get rid of what was not a necessity, I began to think to myself, “Is this a taste of what it was like for those families traveling on the prairie?” We hear stories of how things were left behind – boxes of books, sewing machines, pianos, family heirlooms that had to be tossed to the side because it was too much weight for the rocky hills.

I began to cry silently to myself, thinking its dark, no one will see me. When a moment later my daughter, Sarah, put her arms around me and just stood next to me. No words were spoken. She just rested her arm around me with her hand on my shoulder and everything stopped at that moment. I knew it would be okay. Its just stuff. It can be replaced. How many times have I started over in my life leaving behind everything to start something new? For me, many times. I looked around and saw my family – all willing to help, willing to get rid of their things as well. It wasn’t just my stuff that had to be left behind. Storm left things. Mark left things. They were so willing to make the sacrifice with a joyful heart. God. My family. I love them and they are what’s truly important to me.

Realizing all of these “things” will one day burn made the decision making process much easier. I began willingly getting rid of the things that I thought meant so much to me. Cole and Mark worked hard that night and unpacked and repacked the cars and when it was all finished we were able to fit what we “needed” into the two vehicles and trailer. When it was all said and done, I thought, “Wow. We could have saved ourselves a whole lot of packing if we would have donated this stuff in Mexico.”

My heart has always loved stories about the Oregon Trail. After living in the mountains in a hunter’s cabin I feel even more drawn to the pioneers that settled in the West. Now, more than ever, I have a heart for those men and women who made sacrifices in hopes of making a better life for their family. Many suffered and died along the way. I have no doubt the survivors learned lessons that stuck with them their whole life. My hope is that I will not forget those hard lessons that I have had to learn in life. Today my lesson is not taking for granted each day that I have with my family. I want to keep loving on them, keeping the relationships growing and maturing into something beautiful because soon some of our family members won’t be around. Cole and Sarah will be flying back to Mexico and I don’t know when I will see them again. Our parents are getting older and I need to spend as much time as I can with them. They have wisdom and insight that I want to glean from them. What is truly important? Time. You can’t get one second back. Make it count. Love the one in front of you! 

A verse that kept coming back to me is Matthew 6:19-24 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 

Father, thank you for your goodness. Please forgive me when I doubt and things don’t go the way I had planned. I know that all things work together for good for those that are in you. When things get difficult and trials come, I know that you are working toward something greater than I could ever imagine. I pray that I will always trust and rest in you. Amen. 

Below is a link to a song that I love called Pioneer by Nancy Honeytree. I came across it years ago just before we moved to our cabin. It helped me when loneliness and doubt crept in our first year of living off-grid. I thought it was fitting for this blog post.

Nancy Honeytree song Pioneer

Looking Ahead

Our house is full of boxes once again, things are in disarray, not in their normal places. But one thing is consistent…I have peace.

As I stare out the window facing the ocean, I am reflecting about our time in Mexico. I have shed many tears here. Some happy, some sad, and some full of anger. Anger at the suffering we see, anger that it’s an unjust and unfair world.

I know when Eve offered the fruit to Adam and he ate (Genesis 3:6) that was not the road God had wanted them to travel down. But thanks be to God he is bigger than our mistakes. He had a plan. A plan that would cost His son’s life. But, an awesome plan that would wipe away every spot and blemish, every sinful thought, every tear from our eyes. Yes, it would be thousands of years later, but it would happen just as he promised.

Moving back to Washington was not on the radar three months ago. In fact, we were talking about making Mexico our long-term plan. We have been asked many times over the past two years what our plan was. “How long will you be here?” is a common question. Our response has always been, “As long as God calls us here.” We held Mexico with an open hand.

Our ministry is called Cherith Brook based out of 1 King’s 17, where Elijah went to hide and the crows fed him because there was a famine. As I was staring out our window, I felt like I should revisit this story in scripture, but continue to read further down the chapter.

Eventually the Brook dries up. Cherith Brook, where he would get his thirst quenched no longer produced the nourishment his body needed. So what next? What was he to do?

1 Kings 17:8 says, “Then the LORD said to Elijah, Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.”

I love this because God continues to direct Elijah. He doesn’t leave him hanging. He gives instructions and tells him exactly where to go. Elijah listens and obeys. He doesn’t know all the details. He just goes.

As the story continues we see some miracles, which is awesome! But, for me, I felt like God saying, “I got this Christine. I am calling you back to Washington. I have a plan. Do you trust me?”

This past month we have seen God open so many doors for us, making it clear that He is definitely calling us to Washington. I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know the entire plan. We are taking it one step at a time as He directs us.

Two years ago, as we were pulling away from our cabin (the original Cherith Brook) to move down to Mexico, I had a choice. Do I look back longingly like Lot’s wife did? Or, do I look ahead at the adventure before us. I had a huge choice to make.

Quite a bit happened at that cabin. It was where God met me and I had to face some hard truths about myself that I didn’t want to see. I became FREE there. When we were in the truck pulling away from our beloved place on earth, I decided not to look back. I knew God wanted us in Mexico and I didn’t want to be disobedient in my heart. I had to push forward with the thought that I may never live on the mountain again. I gave it up.

Here we are, returning to a home, that I love. It’s not pretty. It needs a lot of work. But, I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store. I’m sure there will be trials-there always are in life. However, I am excited to experience the next chapter, so I can learn and continue to grow.

Sometimes the future just doesn’t make sense. Many good things are happening in Mexico. Why would God have us move now? I don’t have the answer to this. But, a verse comes to mind and it is this:

“I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:6

Thank you, Lord for always directing our footsteps. We may not like the direction you are leading us, but it always works out to our benefit. I pray that wherever we are, your light will always shine through us and that you will continue to enable us to love the one in front of us. Amen.

How Will I Know?

This is something a dear friend of mine wrote after her husband died. I came upon it this week as we are packing up our things to move back to Washington. It touched me the first time I read it and again as our life is about to change drastically.

How Will I know?

How Will I know if I am a woman of trust until tested by life’s heaviness pressing and crushing in and yet…I discover You, my God, are here with strong hands extended out waiting to take my hand in Yours.

How Will I know if I am a woman of faith until what I have held in possession is stripped and taken away and yet…it is just that which allows me to behold Your beauty as my one thing I desire.

How Will I know if I am a woman of hope until discouragement and loneliness creeps in and yet…I’ve encountered that my alone time spent and given over to You Lord, satisfies completely.

How Will I know if I am a woman of forgiveness until being wronged and tested with unfairness and yet…when asked, I learn to surrender the pain over and into Your care.

How Will I know if I am a woman of joy-filled praise until what I loved so dearly has gone from my life and yet…the dependency on You has produced a song of worship in my heart for my Savior who never leaves me.

And finally, how do I know if I am a woman of love until these hardships are allowed to transform me into Your image, Jesus, and I can see the world and touch it with the heart like yours?

KM

07/06

_________________

We have enjoyed our time greatly in Mexico, but the Lord has made it clear that we are to go back to the state that we love and be closer to family, aging parents, and finish what we started at Cherith Brook. I don’t know what is in store, but I do know that he will direct our steps. God often doesn’t give us the big picture! He says, “Do you trust me? Will you obey even if you don’t see?” So, we are trusting Him to provide for all of our needs. He has already opened so many doors leading us in the direction He wishes us to go. One. Step. At. A. Time.

We are excited for our new journey. It won’t be easy. But, I know that when we go through hard things, He is always with us. We would appreciate prayer for wisdom, safe travels, and an easy transition for the students I have taught over the last two years as they interact with their new teachers.

Thanks to all who are our prayer and support partners! We couldn’t do this without you!

A Godly Woman: Anger & Profanity

I was recently talking with someone and they were saying how difficult it is to let go of anger. I agree. Sometimes, I believe we allow anger because in reality, it can feel good to let off a little steam. It can be the trickle down affect…I was yelled at, so I will raise my voice to those in lower positions.

Another reason we get angry (mom’s are prone to this) our expectations aren’t being met. The house is a mess, the dishes aren’t done, the kids are too loud, etc. I was guilty of this when my kids were younger.

Maybe you have a coworker who is difficult to get along with. Or, someone in your life who just rubs you the wrong way, and your hackles get up every time they walk in the room.

So what should our attitude be? I love going to scripture and seeing what the Bible says. I did this a few days ago because I am dealing with someone right now who hasn’t been very pleasant. I had anger growing inside of me and I didn’t like where those feelings were headed.

Ephesians 4:22 & 24

“Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.”

These verses are great for reminding us that we have been made new in Christ. I love verse 24 where it says “Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” We need to go to God daily to be refreshed and renewed.

Let’s look at more verses:

Ephesians 4:26

“And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”

What happens when we get angry at someone? We start to “vent” or so we say. Which, can easily turn into gossip. If we let the anger take control it leads to all kinds of bad things. In verse 27 it tells us not to go to bed angry. We need to talk to the person we are angry with before the next day comes. This can be difficult to do. It requires getting rid of our pride and talking through the situation and even possibly having to hear things about ourself that we aren’t going to like.

With anger we can let our tongue get away from us, which we talked about last time. James 3 explains taming our tongue. But, I want to look further in Ephesians.

Ephesians 4:29

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

It seems like in this day and age cursing has become the norm. I didn’t grow up in a house that cussed. So, every time I hear profanity, it sets me off. Unfortunately, I hear it more often than I’d like. Movies, television, adults, kids, it’s everywhere. I have heard people say, “It’s just a word.” True. But, what is the meaning of that word? And do you really need to say it every five seconds?

The Greek word for profanity or corrupt is Sapros, which means rotten, worthless, bad, corrupt. I had to do a fruit inspection in my own life and realized I don’t always say the nicest things, especially when I am angry. Anger and unwholesome talk go hand in hand.

I pray I will be like the above verse and have things that are good and helpful, and encouraging come out of my mouth.

Our next two verses sum everything up really well.

Ephesians 4:31 & 32

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tender hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

So, to review what we have looked at so far: A Godly Woman is…

• Pure
• Respectful
• Diligent
• Controls her tongue
• Controls her thoughts and emotions
• Is not angry
• Doesn’t let profanity or unwholesome talk come out of her mouth

Dear God, thank you for these biblical truths that you revealed to me. I pray that you will enable me to go to you daily and hear what you have to say. May I become the Godly woman you desire and may my speech be fragrant to all those around me.

A Godly Woman Part 2

Here is the second part to being a Godly woman. We are looking at what the Bible says about how we are to act and behave; what characteristics a woman that claims Christ should implement in her everyday life.

So far we learned a godly woman is:

• pure
• respectful
• diligent
• controls her tongue

Today we will add:

• controls her thoughts and emotions

2 Corinthians 10:5

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Sometimes we can let our thoughts and emotions runaway from us. It may be when we are laying in bed and a thought comes to mind, which triggers other thoughts that aren’t good. They can range from the “if only” thought, to thinking about the wants and desires of others and their things, to hateful thoughts about being wronged in some way, and then to desiring someone other than our spouse.

We see in this verse we are to take every thought captive. We need to bring each thought before the Lord and ask Him to enable us to stop the emotions that are tied to those thoughts.

Philippians 4:8 says “…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

I love this verse! I learned it when I was a little girl and it has been one that I go to often, especially now that I am older and my thoughts can get away from me. The Bible is so fantastic because it not only tells what we aren’t to do, with a big list of no-no’s, it tells what we are to do and how to do it.

Jesus went to the Father daily. He had a relationship with God. That is our example:

Matthew 14:23 “After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.”

Mark 1:35 “Very early in the morning , while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

When we have ungodly thoughts we need to get on our knees and pray. When anxieties overtake our thoughts and emotions, pray. When we have thoughts about wanting things that don’t belong to us, pray. When we think about getting back at someone who has said or done something detestable to us, pray. When images from movies, internet, or billboards enter our minds, pray.

I guarantee if we just take a moment to stop and pray, our worldly thoughts and emotions will turn to things that build up, not tear down.

Dear Heavenly Father, let my desires be your desires. Help me to see others as you see them so I can treat them in absolute purity. Help me to not let my emotions get in the way of the work that you have for me. Please take away my anxiety and fear and think on things that are pure, lovely, honest, and just. Amen.

A Godly Woman Part 1

I have been asked on multiple occasions to be a mentor to young women. I am always excited when asked to do so because it shows that these women are seeking something different than what this world wants to offer. They are usually looking for someone to come along side them and to speak up; to show them what being a Godly woman looks like, because face it, we all know what we see on T.V. And instagram is not what our soul desires to strive for.

Where is the best place to start? The Bible. I plan on sharing what I have learned over the years with you. I don’t claim to be an expert. I just want to share what is on my heart.

Titus 2 verses 3 to 5 is a great place to start.

3. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,

4. and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,

5. to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

As I am now considered an older woman, I feel I am called to teach the younger women to do just what these verses say.

We are to be pure, respectful, and diligent. We are called to love our husbands and children; to be kind, self-controlled. Do we need to say everything that comes to mind? No. When I want to speak out and I know it may be hurtful, or not have the other persons best interest at heart, I try to stop myself. I seek God and see if there is a different way to say it, if at all. In doing this one act of stepping back from the situation, I have seen my own life change in not needing to feel like I have to speak all the time. Are there times when I do speak up? Absolutely. Sometimes I have had to be very truthful with people, but I try to do it in love.

This leads me to the next point. A Godly woman controls her tongue.

James 1:19-27

James 3

Specifically James 1:19 and 26 say James 1:19  Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; James 1:26  If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.

We are to keep our tongue in check. James 3 is a whole chapter on the tongue and how it can give blessing and praise to God one moment and in the other moment curse and reject people who were created by Him. (James 3:9)

Controlling our tongue doesn’t mean we stay silent and hold a grudge, giving our offender the silent treatment. Having spirit-led self control, means we give control of ourself to the Spirit, so we no longer feel like we have to say something. It’s controlling our actions as well, knowing that our waiting in silence will affect our physical actions, so we can still show love as we wait patiently to see when and/if we should speak up.

James is one of my favorite books in the Bible. There are some meaty words of declaration and ways to live a godly life in this book. It’s a small book with a powerful punch. I recommend reading it this coming week and see how you can take its truths to heart and watch as it transforms your mind and soul.

Reminder: a Godly woman is pure, respectful, diligent, and controls her tongue.

There are many more aspects of a Godly woman and I plan on taking the next few weeks to write about them.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the examples that you have given us in your word of Godly women and what being a righteous woman is all about. May we seek these truths out and show us where we are lacking.

Empty Nest…

I always wondered what an empty nest would feel like. Now that my husband and I are in the midst of this new experience, I have had many emotions ranging from happiness on one end of the spectrum to sadness on the other end.

I knew this day was coming and we have obviously known for sometime. But it really didn’t hit me until I came around the corner near our house and I fully understood that no more kids would be waiting our return. I got teary eyed as we came around the bend. I knew I wouldn’t be greeted with a smile from any of our children.

As we make this new transition, some things have been great-like less dishes in the sink and our grocery bill has gone down considerably. Our daughter, Storm, who lives next door to us and does grace us with her presence every now and then has been able to eat dinner with us on occasion and it’s been wonderful having the three of us share a more intimate time together. So, are we true empty nesters if one of our kids lives next door? Probably not in the true sense of the meaning, but we are still going through a transitional phase.

The wonderful part is that my husband and I have always been best friends and we aren’t having to get to know each other again, which is what happens to so many couples. We are just continuing to live life, talk, reminisce, make new memories together, and become closer because we truly have one another to lean on.

The end of the school year is upon us and being a teacher, I am looking forward to summer. Please don’t get me wrong, I enjoy teaching very much and love all my students. However, it has been a crazy few months for us and part of me just wants to rest and love on the people that God has currently in my life.

I find myself thinking, did we prepare our kids for the real world? Are they ready to take flight? We tried to protect and nurture our children, while not having them live in a bubble. They experienced hear-ache and the sinful nature of man. They had some tough times. On many occasions I had to ask forgiveness because of my bad, freshly attitude. So again, I ask, “Are they ready?” Maybe. Maybe Not. What I do know is that God is bigger than our mistakes. I can rest in His assurance that His Word doesn’t return void. (Isaiah 55:11) Will they struggle? I guarantee it. Will God see them through? Absolutely!

So, here’s to my BFF husband, relaxation, ministry, and ever growing friendship and prayers for my adult children!

Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. (ESV)

Got Salve?

I had the joy of doing something that I enjoy very much! I was able to make some Healing Honey Balm.

We all have passions in life and mine has become making salves, lotions, lip balm, and soap. Before we moved to Mexico, I had a small business selling my creations. However, after we moved it was difficult to get the supplies and my time has been taken up with teaching and planning for school. Now that summer is fast approaching, I hope to set more time aside and continue this hobby.

I love reading scripture that talk about different oils and herbs. Gleaning the knowledge that the Bible has, I have learned much about olive oil, frankincense, myrrh, milk, and many other natural things with healing properties.

My salve consists of unrefined beeswax, olive oil infused with lavender and calendula, almond oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E oil. We use it to moisturize, stop itching from mosquito bites, rashes, and some people use it on psoriasis with great results.

Thank you Lord for giving us an abundance of things in your creation to help our body, mind, and soul.

“After she (Esther) had been purified twelve months, according to the law of the women (for so the days of their anointing were done, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with the perfumes of the women).

The Two Shall Become One

Our daughter is married!!! Thank you to all who helped to make this day happen, we couldn’t have done it without you!

God seems to bring us full circle to places that we have lived before. This time, he took us back to Julian, CA where we truly learned the message of grace in the Bible.

It was so great to be there among old friends and memories. Setting up for the wedding, I had many emotions that surfaced. I looked across and saw the pool where our son was baptized. I saw the place where my husband taught his first sermon about the dead lifeless moon reflecting the sun and as a result, shines for all to see. Lastly, I remembered our daughter, Sarah asking Jesus into her heart when she was only three years old, by Lake Cuyamaca.

It was a wonderful wedding and it was such a joy to see friends and family participate. Most exciting was to watch Cole and Sarah be united as one and take the first steps of their new life together.

A few days before the wedding, I read a verse that I found fitting. It is Psalm 45:13,14:

13The bride, a princess, looks glorious in her golden gown.

14In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king, accompanied by her bridesmaids.

15What a joyful and enthusiastic procession as they enter the king’s palace! (NLT)

How awesome that Jesus is waiting for us, like a groom waits for his bride!

Refreshing Springs Through the Valley of Weeping

With our daughter’s wedding upon us and friends and family are beginning to arrive, our house is quickly being filled with chatter, laughter, and a little chaos.

Although I am extremely blessed and excited for this marriage to happen, I can remember a time when going to weddings was extremely painful for me. I was going through my separation and divorce and even the thought of going to a wedding made my stomach turn.

I tried to be happy for the couple, who were so in love that nothing could hold them back. But, I wasn’t feeling it. I struggled. A lot. I remember being at a small bridal shower and crashing to the floor because I had a grand-mal seizure. I was rushed to the hospital, where my friends stayed with me for hours to make sure everything was okay. Well, I wasn’t okay-mentally or physically. I just ruined a fun party and I felt horrible for the bride-to-be as her special day ended up in the ER as a result of me.

Now, many of my friends have experienced the loss of their spouse. I feel for them. Even though I haven’t been through the pain of becoming a widow, I do remember feeling alone and seeing joyful couples all around me and wondering if I would ever be happy again. Through all of the pain, I had to hold on to biblical truths. I love Psalm 84:2 “I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the LORD.”

This is not our home! This sin-filled, selfish world is not our resting place. Oh, how I so look forward to the day when I get to see my Savior face to face. No more sorrow. No more suffering. Peace and love will fill me every moment.

It’s through the difficult times that we get our focus off of us and turn to the one who brings joy unspeakable and we experience Christ in a way that we couldn’t fathom.

In a few days I will stand with my daughter and watch her marry the man of her dreams. This is a time of rejoicing! I am no longer sad at weddings. I am joyful that God created a union between a man and a woman that would cause us to no longer be alone and to walk out the trials and joys of life together. I am especially thankful that God gave me my current husband, who is my soul-mate. We would not be having this wedding without God, who healed my epilepsy, gave me new life in the way of three children, and has given me streams of living water through the trials.

“What joy comes for those whose strength comes from the LORD…when they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs.” Psalm 84:5,6

Little Things…

We are a little over a week away from our daughter’s wedding! Everything is happening so fast and As you know, I have been thinking quite a bit about love and marriage.

We have all been battling a nasty cough and this week it was my husband’s turn. He has been trying to get rest and taking all his medications that help with this head cold.

One day after I was finished teaching school, I went in to see how he was feeling. I gently took his hand and held it. He looked up at me and said, “Your touch brings healing to me.” I was stunned at how just a simple gesture can mean the difference between depression and desperation to hope and healing to someone.

We know we need touch. It’s one of the five love languages and it’s an important one. For me, touch was always on the bottom of the list. My husband on the other hand, loves touch and it was number one for him. Even though touch wasn’t my first love language, I have grown over the years to understand that it is very much needed and it has moved up on my list to number three.

Jesus touched the unclean. He went out of his way to heal the sick; to touch the untouchable, to make himself unclean, so that another could experience life and living water.

Living in Mexico we see plenty of unclean people. Some are just dirty, some have lice or other diseases. I hate to admit it, but several times when I offer a hug to one of these “unclean” people, I think to myself, am I going to contract something? But, then I say a prayer of forgiveness and ask God to do a work in my heart. Because in reality, do I want to sacrifice convenience for disobedience to the Father?

What if physical touch to the person in front of you meant life or death? What if putting a hand on a shoulder or shaking a hand and really meaning it, provides the hope they need to make it through one more day?

The neat thing is, in marriage, touch produces life; life to the marriage feeding the soul, and life in the form of a newborn baby.

“Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man…immediately the man was cleansed of his leprosy.” Matthew 8:3

The Love of Marriage

This past weekend we had a bridal shower for my daughter. Let’s just say it was absolutely amazing! I feel like I can say that because I wasn’t the one who coordinated the whole thing. Actually, I had a very small part in it as the groom’s family wanted to bless Sarah and took care of everything. I did get to share a devotional and this is what I shared:

Marriage is an intensely personal thing. We know our spouse like no one else knows them: habits, moods, wishes, regrets, sins, giftedness…we get the inside look. The trick is to take that knowledge, the beautiful, the difficult, the work in progress, and to really LOVE our spouse. To SERVE each other. Not just the wife serving her husband, but the husband serving his wife, also; To know the truth and be faithful because of and in spite of it all. It is a privilege and a responsibility to know someone so well, and to commit to being faithful to them “until death do us part.”

There is a famous passage in literature that is a scene between a convict and a Catholic priest. It is from Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables. Jean Val Jean is a man who stole bread to feed his starving family, and he was caught, convicted and became a hardened criminal through his years in chains. He was convicted because of a crime committed out of love, but the hardship and the hatred that surrounded him changed him into a frightening man.

When he is finally released from prison, he cannot find a place to sleep; his reputation as a criminal is made clear by the papers he is required to show at any inn in which he attempts to stay. Finally, a priest allows him to stay in his home, he shows gracious hospitality without fear. He allows him to sleep near the cupboard where the silver is being stored for the night, and he shows no need to protect himself or his property. Jean Val Jean steals the silver, and escapes into the night, only to be caught and returned to the priest’s home. When he is brought back, the priest declares that the silver Val Jean has stolen was a gift, and that the only problem the priest has is that his guest had not taken the candlesticks, also. They are so valuable, and they could be of such use to him in his new life. The stunned police leave, and the priest is left alone with Jean Val Jean. This is what he says to him:
“Jean Val Jean, my brother, you no longer belong to evil, but to good. It is your soul that I buy from you; I withdraw it from black thoughts and the spirit of perdition, and I give it to God.”

Although we can’t BUY another’s soul, the priest was a beautiful example of love; he knows the criminal and his crimes, but he calls out to the man with love and it changes the man’s life. We all need to be reminded of our true identity, our identity in Christ as new creatures, reminded of the fact that God calls us Beloved and that we are clothed in righteousness. It is so easy in the pressures and mess of life to forget who we really are. As a married couple, we have the privilege of seeing one another day in and day out, we really know each other’s habits and behaviors, when those things reflect Christ-likeness and when they don’t. But even when they don’t we know who God says they are. We can remind them of their real identity. LOVE them as the priest loved a hardened criminal, without fear or self-protection.
1 Corinthians 13, the chapter on love, says in verse 7: LOVE bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. May you give to one another a love that knows and bears and endures through it all.

This gift to you is this candle. Candlelight is an amazing thing. It creates romance, it hides the laundry pile that we didn’t quite finish, it softens wrinkles and bad hair days, it creates a soft glow that is beautiful. May the candlelight set the stage for romance, may it create soft light that radiates beauty. Let this candle remind you, above all else, of Christ’s light, but also Jean Val Jean’s story. May you believe and hope for each other, calling out in each other your true identity as a Son and Daughter of the King. May that bring you great hope and an anticipation that He is doing a great work in each of you, in your marriage, and in your future together.

Adapted by Christine Landis
original by Diane Miller

Please feel free to like and share this post.

Letting Go…

It’s been an emotional last few days for me. Wedding plans are being made, we have DIY projects all over the living room, and the dress has arrived!

I am excited for my daughter in this new adventure she is embarking on, but it has been stirring all kinds of emotions. I find myself reflecting on milestones in Sarah’s life…first tooth, first steps, first heartbreak.

Learning to let go and let her grow up. I am trying to give advice when she asks and not take over when I see something that can be done better.

We have had many laughs along the way and a few tears. Imagine my surprise when she asked me to be her Matron of Honor! The flood gates opened and the waterfall of tears began. What an honor (thus the name) to be there right by her side on one of the most important days of her life.

I sometimes find myself thinking about Mary, the mother of Jesus. How did she do it? Letting go…watching Jesus do what He did, to be persecuted and beaten? I’m sure she cried out to God for comfort, pouring out her heart to the creator, the one who could stop the atrocities from happening to her son.

Now, I am not comparing our daughter’s wedding to crucifixion, even though marriage does require self-sacrifice and self-denial. I am just reflecting on moms in the Bible who have had to “let go” of their children. I think of Abraham’s wife, Sarah, and the Mother of Moses. Hannah also comes to mind, who kept her promise and gave her son to the House of Lord where he learned under Eli. All are amazing women, who saw the bigger picture and didn’t stifle their children.

I am so looking forward to that day when I see our daughter walk down the aisle, to hand her off to the man we have prayed for all these years.

I pray that as she leaves our nest she will learn to fly together with her spouse in unity and strength!

Eph 5:31  “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

Eph 5:32  This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

Eph 5:33  However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Abalone Shells and Sand Dollars

When I was a little girl I used to think what if all the glistening sand on the beach was my money? I would be one wealthy little girl! Oh, what I would do with all that cash!

Today my husband and I went on a walk at our local beach, here in Mexico. It was a beautiful warm afternoon. I smiled as I looked down at my sandy toes and saw the gold colored sand twinkling on the path before us. I suddenly remembered my thoughts as a little girl and thinking about the sand being money.I laughed as my thoughts on money have changed quite drastically as an adult.

As we continued on down the beach, we noticed some small sand dollars. They were so unique and each one a little different. We walked farther and came across an abalone shell which was even more glorious as it’s rainbow of color shone in the sun.

After looking at these treasures I, again, thought of things that I used to think as important or precious (house, car, a good hair day, cool jeans, etc.) and what I see as treasures to me now. Quite a different list.

Today my treasure was spending time with my husband, holding his hand on the beach, talking about life. Seeing the sand dollars and the abalone shell and being reminded that God put those along our path for my pleasure. It gave me joy to see such small things that were God created, not man created.

What is your treasure today? What are you thankful for?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

A Marriage Proposal

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 18:22

What a week it has been! Our youngest daughter took her final exit exam for high school, graduated, and got a marriage proposal!

We have prayed for our kids’ futures since the day they were born. We prayed for God’s will to be done in their lives and if marriage was part of that will that they would find the perfect spouse that God had created specifically for them.

I believe Sarah has found the man God intended for her. It is exciting to watch and see how God worked it all out.

Sarah was 16 when we moved to Mexico. Needless to say, she wasn’t very happy with us. She was leaving her friends, grandparents, extended family, and everything familiar to move to a foreign land that may or may not have running water.

She was bitter and had been plotting how she could get back to the states before turning 18. She thought maybe she could go live with my parents and come down to visit us every so often.

After three weeks of being angry, she talks about how she realized that she had two choices; She could stay with us and be resentful the whole time, or she could have an attitude change and look at all the beauty that is in Mexico and learn all she could about living in a foreign country. Thank goodness she chose to do the latter and have a heart change.

Upon doing that, she met the man that would one day be her husband. He is a missionary here, in Mexico and works at the local orphanage. The neat thing is, early on God told my husband that this young man was going to marry our daughter.

We have gotten to know Cole over the last year in a deep way and have come to love him as part of our family. He is a neat young man that loves God, works hard, and has a great sense of humor.

His marriage proposal was one of the most amazing things I have witnessed in a long time. It was full of humility and excitement mixed with peace and love.

My husband and I are all for (Christ-centered) marriage. I have said it before, a healthy marriage shines Christ more than anything else on this planet. When done right, it is a picture of the selfless love that Jesus showed us and I don’t think it’s just coincidence that Jesus’s first miracle was at a wedding.

We are the bride of Christ! When I look at these two young souls in front of me and how much they want to be together and the love they have for each other, I am reminded that Jesus looks at me the same way! He can’t wait to be with us, His bride! We are invited to partake of the marriage supper of the lamb! (Revelation 19:6-9)

How exciting is that?!

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20)

My Homeschool Journey

Wow!! I am looking through all my books, videos, papers, tests, and thinking, so this is how it feels…I have no more curriculum to buy. No more science DVD’s to watch, no more papers to grade. My homeschool journey has come to an end. Our youngest daughter has officially graduated!

When I started this windy road of homeschooling 17 years ago, I never dreamed it would have taken me the places it has. I had to learn patience and perseverance. I had to learn time management, realizing more often than not, that my timing and God’s timing are two different things. I had to learn to be still and quiet even when I wanted to scream. I had to lean on my husband for sound advice and to trust that it was all going to work out. I learned that stopping and smelling the roses is much better than rushing a child who isn’t ready.

God made each one of us in a unique way. It’s what makes our world so fantastic. But, because of that we don’t all learn the same way and you can’t fit people in a box. I have three kids and they all learned differently.

By homeschooling, I learned intimately how each child thought. I learned not to compare my child to anyone else, no matter what. I learned what their likes and dislikes were. I learned what their love language was and how to make them feel special. Most importantly I learned that building relationships is far greater than anything a textbook or essay could ever teach.

Was it hard? Absolutely! Did I want to quit? Yes, many times. Did I love it? You bet I did! Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

Now, I pass the torch to those who dare go down this crazy, beautiful road. It is one of the most difficult things you will ever do, but in the end it is so very worth it.

Congratulations Sarah! You did it!!

Psalm 32:8 ~ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.