One more miracle Lord is what I need. I cannot walk without you—the pitfalls and temptations are too great. The darkness looms around threatening to swallow me up. I know not the way to go—you are my only light. Your Word gives me courage in the night watches when the darkness of the evil one... Continue Reading →
Choose – A Wonderful World
Do you get weary of talk about the terrible day in which we live? We complain about everything from politics to pharmaceutical companies, from the price of beef to gasoline and from the weather to how we have been treated. We talk about the president, church goers, the neighbor, and crime, and worry about the... Continue Reading →
Thanksgiving
While I was growing up at home, my mom had a wall motto hanging beside the kitchen sink that said: “Thank God for dirty dishes, they have a tale to tell, while others may go hungry, we're eating very well.”Today I would like to echo that Thanksgiving quote. By looking at what we do not... Continue Reading →
“Let It Rather Be Healed.”
We have this little word in the English language, which cannot stand alone, but is one of significate importance. That small three lettered word is “let.” It means to not prevent or forbid—allow. In my own words it means giving permission, to surrender, to allow something to take place. It is to give permission for... Continue Reading →
Forged in the Fire
What would the world be like without fire? With it we cook our food, heat our houses, fly in airplanes, and drive our cars. Just imagine trying to bake bread without heat or only eating raw meat—or there being no heat or light. Without the creation of fire, we would live in a vastly different... Continue Reading →
Loved by God
Who can know the thoughts of God, and who can know His dwelling place? In our thoughts, we picture heaven as a place beyond imagination, filled with richness and splendor beyond human comprehension. In my imagination, this holy place exists somewhere in the sky, or perhaps beyond the reaches of space, invisible to the human... Continue Reading →
Real Ingredients
The other day I went to the store for American cheese for hamburgers. My wife wanted to be sure that I got the stuff with “Real” ingredients, real cheese, not a substitute. After staring at labels that said, “Made with Real Milk products.” I selected the one which was not made with canola oil and... Continue Reading →
Unworthy I Am
You, Oh God, are beyond my imagination. When I consider your greatness, your holiness, your perfections, and yet here I am. I am none of those attributes. Yet despite your majesty and all-seeing eye, you can look upon my efforts, which are not great, at serving you and can approve of me. It is a... Continue Reading →
Heart Shades
Throw open the shades of your heart and let the sunshine of God's love shine in; you will not regret it. Inside, it is cold and dark without His love. I sleepily rose from my chair and opened the window shades. The sun was still below the horizon, but the light was chasing the shadows... Continue Reading →
The Rest of My Life
Today, this morning, I begin the rest of my life. What I do with it will have eternal consequences. What I choose to allow in my heart, the decisions I make, even the ones I do not make, will determine if I am a success or not. True success is not measured in bank accounts... Continue Reading →
Peace
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 KJV True perfect lasting peace; what longing of the spirit, and treasure of the soul. To be the most desired, the most... Continue Reading →
Beautifully You
Your are beautifully who God created you to be. He makes no mistakes in His creation and purpose. If He had wanted to make you a butterfly, He'd have given you wings. If He'd wanted you to be an elephant He'd of given you a trunk. Had He wanted you with blond or black hair,... Continue Reading →
Clay and the Potter
The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, (2) Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. (3) Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. (4) And the vessel that he made of... Continue Reading →
My Cabin of Peace
"I awoke, and behold it was a dream." John Bunyan Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Psalms 51:6 Truth in the deepest part of my heart; peace, security, hope, comfort, and stillness. Outside the storm rages, the wind blows, the freezing... Continue Reading →
Inner Sanctuary or the Castle Tower
I have a desire this morning to rest in God's sanctuary of peace; deep inside his love and acceptance, where I am free from anxieties, in quiet meditation, where fear and worry are not welcome, where his peace and love reign supreme. This is a place where my Lord and I commune, I feel his... Continue Reading →
Adversity
Adversity Adversity is the schoolmaster of life. What we do with it will determine the final outcome. It can make us or break us, or it can mold and strengthen us; it all depends on our reaction to it. If we turn inside and begin to feel sorry for ourselves and helpless, the outcome will... Continue Reading →
Choices and Success – Graduation Address
Anderson & Sawyer - May 10,2024 So, your school days are over and you are ready to move on with life and conquer the world! Today, your thoughts may be more focused on being out of school and how you will spend your time, than what the future holds. I am sure, like everyone else,... Continue Reading →
The Window of Receiving
I had a small impression this morning. The sun provides both light and warmth for the earth. Without sunshine, it would not be possible to live on the earth. Even when clouds cover the sun, it is still up there providing the necessary heat to keep the earth and its inhabitance alive. Without the sun,... Continue Reading →
The Flight
The little plane bucked and bounced as it scrambled its way upward to a place above the clouds. After being on a large plane across the ocean, this one felt like a little boat on a big sea. The way the pilot handled the plane, it reminded me of a kid doing stunts, or riding... Continue Reading →
Veneer
Chances are that while reading this, you can see a piece of furniture in your house that is covered with a veneer. Veneer is used to make a beautiful, flawless finish on an imperfect core product. For many years plywood manufacturers have employed the use of it. It consists of a very thin layer of... Continue Reading →
Alignment
I was on the road the other day. My destination was quite a few hours away, so I had plenty of time to think and meditate. The road was open with mostly just the dotted line to keep me company. The little car I rented was similar in color to the apple I ate while... Continue Reading →
Letting Go
Why is letting go, and letting God have control, so difficult a thing to do? Letting go of personal rights, attitudes, and surrendering of the will, are the greatest struggles the Christian will face. At times surrendering can seem impossible, but we will find the reward far outweighs the sacrifice. Does letting go mean I... Continue Reading →
I Tripped, I Fell
I ran, I tripped, I fell, scuffing both of my hands on the rough concrete. I should have been more careful. In my hurry I did not navigate the hole in the grass where I stepped. As I write this, both hands smart a little. I quickly jumped up and quickly examined my self for... Continue Reading →
My Dad – Inventions
For some reason I have been thinking about dad this morning. Part of it could be old memories now that he has been gone for a couple of months. He was a bit of an inventor and improvisor. As a boy, I did not think of it so much, but he was always trying to... Continue Reading →
Calling on God
I paused this morning on my knees and began to think about talking to God. Here I am on this cold morning in my warm comfortable living room, while outside I see the white frost laying like a blanket across the field. And I thought about addressing God. Then I began to think that I... Continue Reading →
Personal Identity, Observations, Healing, and Me
Part – 1 Introduction Today there is much effort put in to preventing identity theft. Cyber security is of high priority, to keep us, our assets, and countries safe from those who want to steal information. To do so, they may masquerade as someone or something benign to gain access; masters of disguise, trying to... Continue Reading →
God’s Working
I suppose many of us have tried to understand the plan God has for us. Perhaps it is a relocation, or whether we should embark on a financial adventure, go to the mission, or a host of other things. Maybe it is the smaller everyday things that we face: like strength to train our children,... Continue Reading →
Fear
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1John 4:18 KJV The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25 KJV The cold talons of fear silently... Continue Reading →
Heart Condition
A Sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and some fell upon the rocks; and some fell among thorns; and others fell on good ground. Luke 8:5-15. It does not take a lot of wisdom to know that there was only one condition in the above... Continue Reading →
Spiritual Anchor Points
The soft rise and fall of the swells cause the ropes which hold the ship to protest and groan. Time and again it rises, the rope stretches almost to the breaking point it seems, as the anchor firmly pulls the ship back against the pier. As the swell subsides, the rope becomes relaxed waiting for... Continue Reading →
What is Man?
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? Psalms 8:3-4 What a mighty God we serve. My heart is overwhelmed when I consider the greatness of... Continue Reading →
You
Your are beautifully who God created you to be. He makes no mistakes in His creation and purpose. If He had wanted to make you a butterfly, He'd have given you wings. If He'd wanted you to be an elephant He'd of given you a trunk. Had He wanted you with blond or black hair,... Continue Reading →
Not Everyone is a Hero
Not every warrior becomes a decorated hero. Not every heroic act in a battle receives recognition. It may be that the most unselfish, daring acts of courage are unknown to anyone other than the one who did it and the recipient. For him or her, it may not have been considered an act of courage,... Continue Reading →
Lessons From a Country Farm Girl – Tractor Driving
This little country girl loves to drive the tractor, any chance she gets. She’s big enough to work the clutch and brake pedals of the old tractor, while I am nearby if she needs help. This tractor is not a modern one with the latest bells and whistles. No, it's a gear-grinding model that was... Continue Reading →
The Cellar
"Nothing has changed," I tell myself. “Things are the same as they were before.” This is the line I preach over and over to myself, hoping to convince my mind to believe it. The inner conflict feels like a summer thunderstorm overhead; rolling and sweeping across the sky while the wind of the gathering storm... Continue Reading →
Where Will I Dock My Boat Tonight?
Where will I dock my boat tonight, trouble all around; been tossed about with many thoughts, and almost going down. The tossing waves upon my soul, threaten my weary mind; I wonder where I'll find relief before I’m out of time. While the billows round me roll, my vessel tossed about; I need to find... Continue Reading →
Corridors
Today we stand in a long corridor, with lots of doors. Some are closed, some swing idly on their hinges while others stand slightly ajar. Most doors are nondescript with little marking. Some of the doorknobs show evidence of daily use, while others appear tarnished and old; not having been used for a long time.... Continue Reading →
Kits, Cats, Little Girls, and Angels
I am not particularly an animal lover. Sure, I like having dogs and cats around, but I appreciate them from a distance; generally, that is the distance from my hands to the ground. The same cannot be said for our 9-year-old girl. Perhaps when God created kittens, He thought of the need that little girls... Continue Reading →
Chaos – Security
Today the world is in a fit of chaos. Political struggles for power, threats of war and violence, threats of nuclear warfare, and nations and people within nations fighting for what they feel is rightfully theirs. Through social media and news channels these fears and unrests are brought to our doorsteps, homes, and pockets. Information... Continue Reading →
I Created You
I created you the way you are for my purpose; you are my creation. Please do not be frustrated my child. I did not intend for life to be easy. Rewarding? Yes, it can be, but not easy. I uniquely create all my children just the way I want them, which shows you how much... Continue Reading →
Brokenness
This article came up which I wrote a year ago on my journal app. With a little editing I decided to share it. I have written a couple other pieces using the same theme, so hope the readers can bear with it. The Lord impressed this inspiration on me during a trip to the Smokey... Continue Reading →
Things I Have Learned in Dark and Hard Times.
And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.Isaiah 45:3 KJV None of us enjoy suffering and adversity. We would take a bypass around that part of life if we... Continue Reading →
Healing Without Stigma
Here is an article my wife wrote. She said I could share with you all. Is your heart crying today? There is a remedy. There is a healing in your journey toward absolute joy despite your circumstances. No matter the grief, the turmoil, the anxiety, the abuse, the emotional and mental stress you are under,... Continue Reading →
Why Suffering
"Why suffering? If God is indeed good, why does he allow innocent people and children to suffer? " I have asked this question, and I am sure that you have as well. Loved ones suffer from debilitating disease and sickness; innocent children are born with deformities, while hunger, poverty, disease, and abuse make our hearts... Continue Reading →
God’s Power – Man’s Weakness
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Psalms 37:35 KJV The past number of my writings have been centered on the emotional side of life. I would like us now to remove the focus from ourselves and our problems and turn it away and upwards to... Continue Reading →
Humility, Faith and Healing
Thoughts on need for humility and faith in emotional healing. While it is true that it takes courage and stamina to heal emotionally; it is also important to humbly let things go. At times we may hold on in dogged perseverance when we would serve ourselves better by letting go. By humbly accepting our weaknesses... Continue Reading →
Victim or Survivor
Are we victims or survivors? There are too many victims and not enough survivors in the day we live. Letting go of the past is perhaps one of the most difficult things to do. Hurtful and painful memories can make lifelong challenges for us. However, we do not need to be victims of the past,... Continue Reading →
The Good News!
Continuation of Friday's post. Breaking News! “The man called Jesus, who was put to death last Friday, has come back to life, according to certain witnesses!” Apparently, it was discovered early Sunday morning, by this man’s close friends. About sunrise, several holy women who were close friends to Him, found the tomb empty. They were... Continue Reading →
Heaven
"Which planet is heaven on?" The question from my nine-year-old caught me a little off guard. I had never thought of heaven as being on a planet. "Heaven is not on a planet," I explained. "We can't see it. Remember the vision grandpa had before he died where he met grandma?" I asked. "It's kinda... Continue Reading →
Thoughts on Peace
Sweet peace, the gift of God's love! P. P. Bilhorn The gift of peace is more than the absence of strife. True peace, is a gift the Father gives to those who have made peace with Him, through repentance of sin, humility, surrender, and sacrifice. In turn He gives peace through the Holy Spirit. A... Continue Reading →
Echoes – God’s Healing Stream
There are times of difficulty, and we do not always know the reason why. Feelings of confusion, wishing things were different, yet not understanding what is happening deep inside. Perhaps we have made mistakes in life, regrets; misfortune has left us wondering where God is in the mix. Satan comes, bringing doubts and fears, voices... Continue Reading →
Intellect & Deception
By in large man lives by his intellect. God gave him the ability to think and reason. He gave man the power of choice, so he is capable of making both wise and unwise choices, to believe in God or not believe in Him. It also means he can become misled and deceived, mistaking untruth... Continue Reading →
Requisite For Answered Prayer
As I was praying the other night, I began to think about all the prayers God has answered for me. I am very thankful. It also is amazing how prayer changes things. Then the thought came to me, “What if we could figure out a formula to get our prayers answered?” I know that’s not... Continue Reading →
Default Settings
Most electronic devices have what they call “default settings.” This is set in the factory and should there be a malfunction in their internal software, you have the option of resetting them, which will in many cases fix most of the problems. Humans do not have a simple reset capability, but they do have default... Continue Reading →
The Broken Vessel
(An Allegory) The broken vessel lay at the Master’s feet, dirty, discarded by life. Too far gone, too many years it had been used and misused, and now lay alone and broken. The Master bent, concern on His face, to see how this beautiful vessel had become so broken. He noticed the chips and cracks,... Continue Reading →
Emotional Scars
The song says, “The scars remain to remind me.”* As a boy it seemed I was prone to all manner of cuts and scrapes. From my pocket knives, to other cuts and gashes that a boy collects growing up on a farm. Today, I see them, now faded with a few years of wear, and... Continue Reading →
Emotional – Mental Encouragement
In the last number of years there has been an increasing awareness of how mental health plays a part in our Christian lives. Care must be taken to keep the balance of the power of God to heal, and the need for other methods of help. As we seek the Lord in this matter with... Continue Reading →
The Altar of Unpolluted Stones
In the Old Testament, they built altars to burn sacrifices on to worship God. Today, Christians do not offer literal sacrifices, but we offer the sacrifice of our hearts and lives in a spiritual sense to God. There are parallels from the Old Testament, which we can apply to our hearts today. Many of the... Continue Reading →
Morning Musings
I have been working in my chicken houses this morning, getting ready for several thousands of baby chicks. Tomorrow afternoon we should see a sea of yellow with their deafening cheep, cheeping, while happily sipping water and munching feed. While working, I’ve been thinking about those of you who have slipped in here to read.... Continue Reading →
The Temptation to Think Negative Thoughts
Is it really just a temptation? This could be a controversial discussion. Sometimes the feelings of negativity roll in like a flood, drowning our courage, blotting out the sun, cutting off our oxygen, or so it seems. Are we ever forced to think negative thoughts or are they just presented to us? Ok, so some... Continue Reading →
A Drop of Faith, a Bucket of Courage.
How many times like me, have you asked the Lord to give you more faith? We seem to think that faith is the main ingredient of power. With more faith, we tend to think it should be easier to believe, easier to overcome temptations, easier to make big decisions in life, as well as a... Continue Reading →
Happy 2023
We pause upon the threshold of this New Year, contemplating what it will hold. It stretches out before us as an open road, a blank sheet of paper, a story untold. We cannot stay here, soon we will be traveling along its corridors experiencing the newness of each passing moment, each new day. Not that... Continue Reading →
Let It Go
When you are tempted to get hurt and offended over what someone says, Let it go. When you feel like life has given you more than you can bear, Let it go. When you feel like your children are not accepted of others, Let it go. When you feel like your life does not measure... Continue Reading →
The Small Bottle
Here is another one of my young childhood stories that has made an impression on me. Without a little divine intervention, things could have turned out quite differently for this little boy. “What have you done with this?” my dad demanded. The look of concern was clearly visible on his face. He had been cleaning... Continue Reading →
The Gospel
As the sailor turns his ship to the sea, the harbor and coastline slip from view. The gentle swell of the water rises and falls peacefully against the sides of his vessel, as the prow cuts through the waves. His heart and mind are on those he left behind and the lands he will see... Continue Reading →
Rest & Peace
The day wains and the evening shadows lengthen, the day’s work and play are done. Father puts his tools away and mother calls the children in from their play. The setting sun paints the sky with red, blue, and violet, while the shadows in the forest sink to deeper shades of inky darkness. The breeze... Continue Reading →
And so the Writer Writes
And so, I write. Not with beautiful pen and prose, but in frank honesty the truth of the scripture and narrow way. Some may be called to write large volumes expounding on subjects of great value, while others may write whimsical quotes, tidbits of encouragement. Yet I write on to express the inspiration of my... Continue Reading →
At Evening Time, it Shall be Light
We live in unprecedented times, times like never before. Today we live with war, the threat of nuclear war, food shortages and hunger, as well as escalating fuel prices and living expenses. Political unrest fills the news headlines, while crime and immorality have become common. Depression, mental illness, and suicide are common, even in children.... Continue Reading →
Chasing Shadows
Lessons from a farm dog. We have heard the term, “life happens.” Unfortunately, there no exceptions to the rule, sooner or later it happens to all of us. So if you are living and breathing, here’s a lesson from a farm dog. Earlier this year I had the misfortune of accidentally running over our aging,... Continue Reading →
