The Treasure of becoming as a Little Child

This morning I watched as one of the little ones at church (I think she is 3) from the stage. I was singing with the Praise Team and my eyes usually gravitate to the little ones in the congregation. Maybe because I know that they will be smiling and if they know the song they will be singing along.

Well this little one was holding her dad’s hand….or I should say he was holding hers….probably to keep her at her seat. You see, she loves to dance while we are singing…Now you may not always be able to sing along ….esp. if you are 3 and can not read the monitor! But even if you don’t know the words you can dance!!! When the music starts somehow you just start to move with it ….it is a gift and you can’t restrain it! At least this little one can’t.

This morning we sang”Away in a Manger” which she of course knew so she sang out with all her heart as her dad smiled on and I did too! And to that lullaby type song she just swayed along. But next we sang a song that is a bit newer and faster…and I watched her. For this song she was bobbing up and down and when we got to the chorus she started to sing at the same tempo at which she was bobbing (again with all her heart)…. “My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord, my soul magnifies the Lord…he has done great things for me ….great things for me”.

 By then as you can imagine I was smiling and crying at the same time. What a blessing it was to watch….what a lot I can learn from this precious little one. She is a little girl and I am sure she has days of defiance and disobedience (like me and like you ) but when the Lord moves in her heart with a melody she is busy responding, not wondering if anyone is watching or what they might be thinking. Oh that I may be, oh that we may be  more like little Lauren.
What a Teachable Trustable Treasure to learn.   Amen and Amen.


He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Mt 18:2-3

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Mt 19:14

The Treasure of a Child's Confidence

I was thinking today about the Harford Christian School Christmas program on Friday night. About half of my grand-kids were in it and my daughter commandeered the whole thing so, it seemed very special to me. Plus I got to see Kate who just turned three and I gave her a birthday gift.


Sierra's class ( who is in K4) did a Charlie Brown Christmas and she did a very good job of standing quietly and watching Aunt Dawn and her teacher. Do you know how I knew she did good? She told me !! I said Sierra , You did a wonderful job up on stage and she smiled and said "Yes I did do a good job" She didn't have to ask anyone else what they thought or take a survey to see how many thought she did great....And her smile was proof positive that she had won the victory over the wiggles! and she was pleased that her parents were pleased. Sierra does try very hard to please her father and mother    .....because she loves them.....sounds like a good example for me to follow!!

So it should be with us as Children of the King......Our light should so shine that others may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven...our smile should be living proof that our God reigns and that we take delight in His good pleasure. With God on our side who can stand against us??? Not even Mr Wiggles !

Ps 144:15b says "Happy are the people whose God is the Lord"......

and Ps 146:5 "Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God."

May you have a blessed and happy Christmas ......may the Lord shine his Light on you as it shown over that stable small so many years ago

And may you have the Traceable Trustable Treasure of a child's endeavor to please ....and her LOVE for her Father.

The Treasure of.........

Yesterday was our anniversary…twenty six years…..twenty six !!! Time flies, doesn’t it?


It does seem like only yesterday when we began this journey together , hand in hand and Heart to heart. It has been an adventure for both of us and we expect the next 26 to be just as much of an adventure. And we will walk (not running much anymore) this walk together with each other and our Lord.

The Lord has been so gracious to me. He has done such great things in my life that I am totally unworthy of but oh, the matchless love of my Savior. He brought John into my life and kept him in my life….. that in itself is a “wonder” ( if you know me you are smiling ) The Lord, my great Physician,  has kept me thru my bout with Parkinson’s and has so graciously provided me with a surgery and doctors who have helped keep the disease in check …and I do very well even tho I have my share of secondary and primary side effects. I marvel at how the Lord has sustained me thru 15+years with this disease. And I marvel at John’s care and devotion to me thru it as well… another gift from God.  And the Lord gets all the praise and glory for all of it ! I would not dare to take any credit myself ……not after all He’s done for me. That reminds me of an old chorus

After all He's done for me
After all He's done for me
How can I do less than give Him my best
And live for Him completely
After all He's done for me

Psalm 40:10  I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.



Psalm 96:15  But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.


So what is that Trustable Traceable Treasure we are searching out…..I would say it is FAITHFULNESS….the Lord’s faithfulness to us and the faithfulness of those who love Him and follow Him.

“His” Smile on My Face

I was at the dentist today and he is finishing up my teeth! I had a lot of work done on them over the past year and still have more that can be done the road when I need it.  It was great when he did my lower front teeth and that did help my smile.. .  But today is the day I really have been waiting for…my front top teeth!! I wanted them done first but I guess Dr Murphy knew if I had them done first, I might have skipped the rest (smile) YES…SMILE…I can smile and not feel like covering my mouth and teeth. What a blessing!  But with that blessing comes this thought….that it really isn’t the teeth that make the smile…..the smile comes from the inside out and only the Lord is the author of such a smile.  At least I hope that is true of me! I want it to be true of me!!   

Ps 126:2 says Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy…..

and Ps 68 :3 says But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. 

Only the Lord can make such a black heart as mine…whiter than snow and filled with laughter and sweet sounds of praise.  What a great God we serve….one that gives us dentists that  have the talent to repair a broken smile,  husbands that work it into the budget to afford a new smile, friends that don’t mind if your smile isn’t quite perfect on the outside and a loving Savior whose spirit fills our smile from the inside out… with all the fruit and gifts of the Spirit.

What a Traceable Trustable Treasure is “His” smile on my face

The Treasure of Praying Together

I have been busy this month with Prayer Force One Women’s post each day in their 31 Days of Prayer for America. What a blessing ithas been....
I tweak their posts so that they fit in the 420 characters allowed in a Facebook status and then look up and add scriptures. I have enjoyed doing this each day and reading the feedback or just the “likes”. What an awesome privilege it is to pray each day for our country….to pray for the many phases of our government, to pray for our leaders and to pray for the people who are the citizens of this nation. God has given us the precious calling to lift up America and ask his blessing on it.   In 1863 Abraham Lincoln offered an amazing prayer for this nation…..how can we do less? Listen to part of it and stand convicted and convinced that our GOD is a great God and Mighty to save.....even to the uttermost.

Whereas, it is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.


We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!

It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness. All this being done, in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope, authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the Nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings, no less the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering Country, to its former condition of unity and peace.


Amen and Amen

 I trust that you will lift your voice in prayer with the hundreds of other ladies in Prayer Force One Women each day ….what a wonderful blessing to be able to come to the throne of the Most High GOD and  join together….to bring our own unique thoughts, our prayers and perspectives; But still coming together with one heart, one Spirit. We can stand alongside our sisters, holding hands  and say "AMEN!"……What a Traceable, Trustable Treasure is the body of Christ... especially when it is praying together!

The Tremendous Power of Prayer

31 Days of Prayer for America
           A few years ago I read Frances Meyers books 31 days of praise and 31 days of prayer so I was excited when I saw the title of Prayer Force One Women for this month. How Tremendous is the power of prayer…so often we say “I can’t do much for you but I will pray”
When in reality that is the greatest thing we can do for them! Scripture says in James 5:16 “The effective prayer of a righteous person has great power”.
I esp like it in the Amplified version where it says “The earnest (heartfelt and continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [and dynamic in its working]” So now you see where I got my “T” word for the power of prayer !! It can also be Traceable and Trustable!

I also found the first half of that verse to be most interesting as well “Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual mind and heart].” We are to confess our sins to one another and then pray for one another that we might be restored to a spiritual mind and heart….a right relationship with our Lord…. and then we, in turn, will be in a place to pray for someone else. And the gift goes on and on and on.

Back to the admonition that The effective prayer of a righteous person has great power. ….At this time in our nation’s history we need many righteous people offering up effective (heartfelt and continual) prayers for our country, its leaders and its future. We need to encourage one another to pray and ask the Lord to be merciful to this nation and that we may continue on doing the work that the Father has called us to do in the world in which we live…that He might enable us to go forth in His name and accomplish His commissions….Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matt 8:19-20

I will plan to share with you each day the 31 days of Prayer for our Nationas, as set down by the Prayer Force One Women.

What a Traceable and Trustable treasure is the Tremendous power of prayer.

The Treasure of a Light

Alright, so it is a fact, I love Light houses !! And I have really enjoyed reading and hearing about the history of the lighthouses. Each lighthouse has a different light pattern and a different foghorn pattern so that ships can look at navigational charts and know where they are. Some light houses are there to guide the ships up the coast and to show them the entrance to a harbor. Some are there to keep the ship from running aground on dangerous shoals or sandbars. And lighthouses can also be used to triangulate where a ship is, if lost.

Do any of these statements seem to be a sharp parallel to what the scripture has to say about Light. Maybe we can take a look at it together and see how closely they parallel.

First, the Lighthouses on the shore often mark the path to the safe harbor….to guide the ships And in the Beginning God made light and used it to serve as a sign and later used the light as a guide


Genesis 1:14
And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years


Exodus 13:21

By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.

The light houses ran their lamps at all times and many times if the keeper was sick or could not “keep” the lights, his family would do it

Leviticus 24:2
"Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning continually.

They show the way to those who need a light to guide them and are willing to follow that light as directed.

Nehemiah 9:12
By day you led them with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire to give them light on the way they were to take


Psalm 43:3
Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me;


Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path


The Lighthouses show where the shoals, the sandbars and such dangers are located....their light brings these dangers out into the open

Job 28:11
He searches the sources of the rivers and brings hidden things to light.

Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;

John 8:12
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."


1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts

Lighthouses can be used to show us where we are when we are lost…they guide us to the safety of the Harbor


Isaiah 60:19b
for the LORD will be your everlasting light,


Ephesians 5:8,13
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light…For everything exposed by the light becomes visible


Revelation 22:5
There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.


The Lord is our LIGHT and our Salvation…..What a Traceable Trustable Treasure

The Treasure of a Child's Smile

It is such a joy to see my grandchildren smile…..their smile comes from the inside out, unlike ours (as a grownup) which often comes from the outside in….a forced smile I would say. Children cause you to smile right back at them because their smile is just soooo genuine. You see their shining face and you can’t help but smile right back.


I was also thinking about Chad’s words concerning the Light Shine children. How in their pictures, they were smiling a genuine smile….one he couldn’t have made them smile just for a picture…it was a realistic and “from the inside out” smile. One that showed true JOY !

In Job 9:27 we read
“ If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile”

First he tells us to forget our complaints…not an easy thing to do on any given day! BUT that is our instruction so it must be possible to do it!! So, we need to put our problems aside and quit complaining Then change our expression…. be of good cheer…then put on a happy face…and…Smile ! Is that the most appropriate way? The most genuine way?? Probably not…..the best way is to have the Joy of the Lord in your heart and have that joy (His Joy) come flowing out! Then I think our smiles will look more like the smile on a child’s face~sincere and radiant !

Psalm 118:24
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.


Ps 144:15b
Happy are the people whose God is the Lord


Psalm 146:5
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD

 Philippians 4:8
[ Meditate on These Things ] Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Think on these things and you will have the  traceable, trustable treasure of the JOY of the Lord and a child's smile.

TheTreasure of Being a Blessing

When I was back at my Aunt's house after the funeral.....my cousin's wife gave me a card that had been posted on my Aunt's refrigerator and it had alot of wise words ...being wise they were treasures fnd in God's Word ...where the scriptures tied to these words were even wiser! I am sure you can find others as well.....and if you do, just leave them in the comment section for me! thanks !

Take joy in the gift of today....
Count your blessings....Eph 1:3   Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Shine in the light of God's love...John 3:16   For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son

Forgive and forget.. Psalm 103:12….as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Encourage those around you... Philemon 1:7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

Grow gracefully... 2 Peter 3:18 8But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!

Obey with a cheerful heart..


Be true to your belief...

Be strong in the Lord... Corinthians 16:13   Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

Stand firm and be counted....


Keep the faith...


Share God's Word...Matt 28:18-19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you

Seek simplicity...

Pursue what is true.... Philippians 4:8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Listen with your heart...


Memorize the scriptures... Psalm 119:11  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Fuel your faith...


Delight in His creation... Psalm 19 :1  The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Celebrate God's promises...

Be earnest in prayer... Acts 12:5   so Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

Believe in miracles...


Walk not talk...


and Live the life .... Galatians 2:20    I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me

Don't forget to add to my Traceable Trustable Treasures and be a BLESSING !!

The Treasure of HIS Guidance

Well on my Facebook page you might have read the article called

       “ Dancing with God” Author unknown (adapted by me)…If not you can read it now…….

When I thought on the word Guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. And I thought that doing God's will can be a lot like dancing. When both people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. But when one person realizes that, and lets the other lead….then both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and guidance(wisdom) and skill (knowledge) from the other.

A second time my eyes drew back to the word Guidance. When I saw "G": I thought of God, followed by "u" and "I”~"God”, "u" and "i" dance." God, you, and I dance. As I prayed, I became willing to trust God to give me guidance in my life. And once again, I became willing to let God lead. May you abide in God, as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting Him to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.

The first verse that came to my mind after reading this was :

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.

How that needs to be true in my life and in your life as well.

Next a PG favorite Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

How about Isaiah 30:21
Your ears shall hear a word word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left .

And of course one of my all time favorites…Proverbs 3:5,6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

And in closing, 2 from the Psalms

Psalm 25:9
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Psalm 25:12
Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.

It is a joy to think on these scriptures in light of the “Dance”. The Lord orders our steps if we will but follow his lead and if we acknowledge that he is our lead and we will allow Him to lead, then He will direct our path and show us which steps to take! Having our feet on His paths, following His directions, from His Word is a very basis of whole process.

As we are taking a turn around the dance floor, following our Lord's lead, may we rejoice in the Traceable, Trustable Treasure of God’s loving Guidance .

The Treasure of the Love of Our God

If I sang the song., “The Love of God” once this week to my aunt then I sang it 4 or 5 times. It was one of the first things she ask for and the last as well. What a song to begin and end with!! It speaks such peace and assurance to my soul and it did to hers as well.. I remember George Beverly Shea singing it and Earl Smith singing it .

The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen could ever tell…it is measureless and strong….it will forever more endure….it is the saints and angels song….and it is our song as well.... When you think of someone who is 90 years old and has congestive heart failure and a cold on top of that….who drinks things lukewarm cause the ice has melted and she doesn’t want to bother someone to get more … who rings her buzzer and waits for 30 -45 minutes for someone to come and help her to straighten her covers and pillows.. or use the bathroom… or hand her something she can’t reach …It is hard to imagine that person even singing,  let alone singing about love….but then again it hard to imagine how she could exist without singing about the Love of God!   How could she exist without personally knowing the Love of God…. She is an example of faith—in action-- to me. Oh ,that those who come behind me will find me as faithful as I find her, my Aunt.
The scriptures listed here below talk about God’s love for us….and when we think about his great love, how can we help but sing his praise! I mean scripture says that if we don’t sing his praises that even the rocks will start to do it for us !! God gave His Son ….his erring child He reconciled….And pardoned from his sin...

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. – 1 John 4:9-11


For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16.

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. - Deuteronomy 7:9


And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. - 1 John 4:16

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20


Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made
Were every stalk on earth a quill
And every man a scribe by trade

To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry
Nor could the scroll contain the whole
Though stretched from sky to sky

Oh the treasure, the traceable, trustable treasure of the Love of Our God…. how measureless and strong… how faithful.... how tender and yet how great!

The Treasure of the Greatness of our GOD

I began work on my next special music song this weekend …I am going to do it with Bethany, my oldest grandchild. It is a beautiful song with outstanding words…..it is my profile song so you can take a listen to it on my page or on Bethany’s.

I love to sing songs that have meaning to my life…and this one definitely does.
I trust as you listen to the words and learn the song that it will come to mean a lot to you as well. It starts out by saying

Give me eyes to see more of who You are
May what I behold still my anxious heart
Take what I have known and break it all apart
You my God are greater still

In seeing the true greatness of our God, the awesome wonder of his marvelous works, and His sovereignty ….we ought not to be worried or anxious for he is greater still.

Deut 5:24 Surely the LORD our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice from the midst of the fire. We have seen this day that God speaks with man;


Phil 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.


Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God


Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.


And no words could say
Or song convey all You are
the greatness of our God
I spend my life to know
And I'm far from close to all You are
The greatness of our God

I can search and study my whole life and it brings me closer to my Lord and Savior but the more I know of Him, the more I realize that I don’t know.

1 Cor 13:12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

Deut 4:35 To you it was shown, that you might know that the LORD Himself is God; there is none other besides Him.

But there is one thing that I know and I know it without a doubt…that nothing can ever separate me from God’s love

And there is nothing that could ever separate us
There is nothing that could ever separate us from Your love
No life no death of this I am convinced
That You my God are greater still

Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,  nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

How marvelous is the Traceable Trustable Treasure of the Greatness of Our God

The Treasure of God's Faithfulness

When I was at the hospital this past week, my sister and I sang together... which we have not done in years!! We sang or our Aunt Barbara and we sang some old favorites like In The Garden, Blessed Assurance, The Love of God, The Old Rugged Cross, There's a Sweet Sweet Spirit, How Great Thou Art and Great is Thy Faithfulness….What a joy !!  But I have to be honest, there were a number of them that I had trouble singing without getting a bit overwhelmed ….not only because of what they mean to me, but what I could see they meant to my aunt.  With her eyes closed and hand slightly raised I knew the words to these old hymns were touching her heart and drawing her into communion with her Lord and Saviour.

We sang the first verse of Great is thy Faithfulness…then sang (or tried to sing) the third verse…what wonderful words…. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth…..thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide…Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow …Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside…Great is thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see,  All I have needed thy hand hath provided…great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

How she needed (as we all need) to remember that the Lord provides the  strength we can draw on daily.

Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

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

And what wonderful assurance that he gives us hope….not only hope but bright hope for tomorrow….and peace that endures.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

The promise that His presence will both bring joy and guide us

Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 37:5

Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass

I thank the Lord for the awesome priviledge of sharing with my aunt who also shared with us…the joy of blessing and being blessed in return….the Lord has it all planned out and in His Sovereignty He provides for his children whom He loves and cares for. He knows just what we need even before we know we need it....Great is Thy Faithfulness…..what a Traceable Trustable Treasure…..Lord unto me!!

THE TREASURE OF A HUMMINGBIRD

Well, as you read on my Facebook status today “MY HUMMINGBIRDS ARE BACK” . Really they never come before the first to the middle of May but this year I was so anxious to see them that I put the nectar out in mid April. Of course having the nectar out early did not mean they would migrate early ! This morning Gregory saw one hummingbird but that means the word is out and eventually I will see more and more of them !!

Romans 8:25 has a bit to say about that
“But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

Waiting with patience is not an easy task….waiting is hard enough, but waiting with patience is a skill me need to develop.. And waiting for my hummingbirds to come back each year does help to hone that skill. Now......what else can I learn from my hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are big eaters.. They eat an equivalent of 1300 hamburgers a day with 60 liters of water. Why do hummingbirds need to eat so much? Because they are active birds flying at speeds up to 55 miles per hour . And their wings beat 50-80 times a second. Even tho they require that much food, they don’t sit and worry over where the food is coming from…they just trust their Creator to provide what they have need of !

Matthew 6:25-26, 31-32
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Interestingly, the hummingbirds will return to the same feeders here in my yard year after year. They migrate to avoid the cold and to live where there is abundant food. They are driven by their hunger. They have to drink nectar constantly. What I did not know is this–the nectar they drink is just for fuel to give them the energy to find the insects that they feed on to live. Are we driven by our hunger for God’s word ? Do we need to drink constantly from His word , so we have energy to do what He wants us to do?

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled.
Deuteronomy 8:3
And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

Lastly Hummingbirds are beautiful colorful creations…and they are busy little guys as well…they have the unique ability to fly forward, backward, upside down, and straight up like a helicopter as no other bird can. They are one of God’s special unique creations….such a Traceable, Trustable Treasure.

THE TREASURE OF A MIRACLE....or two or three.

Tonight I was looking at a photo another friend had placed on Face book. And it hit me, in a big way, just what a miracle this picture was. I was looking at three people who the Lord had miraculous either added to and/or kept in our world, for His honor and glory and also for our enjoyment.

Aunt Audrey (to me) was in the hospital (ICU and CCU) for an extended period of time and it is a wonderful answer to prayer that she is home, going for walks with her sweetheart, wordhipping in church and attending family get-togethers ….holding her great grandchildren with such a beautiful smile.

Sierra Anne is a wonderful addition to our family and a miracle in her own right. The Lord went before and prepared the way for Marc and Kristy to be able to foster and then adopt Sierra. She fits right in the middle of her two sisters who she loves and they love her.... and she fits right into our hearts too ( I am a blessed grandma!)

Third, is little Grace Victoria who was born many weeks before we thought she would be born …but she was born exactly when the Lord had planned for her to come into and “grace” His world. She had a long hard fight…and so did mom and dad…but she is cute as a button and a dainty little lady who has a smile that melts your heart. I finally got to meet her last week !

Praise the Lord, He had a plan for each one of these miracles and I am so privileged to be able to witness the blessing they are. Our world would have a blank space without each of them.

Jer 29:11 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

How wonderful is our Lord…he grants us miracle both large and small, if we can but open our eyes and see them.

Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.

He is the all-knowing, omnipotent God who knows exactly what we have need of before we even think or ask....He knows what is best in each of our lives.

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us


Ps 55:22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

We can trust in the sovereignty of our God and His love for us…He cares for us as a loving Father cares for his children…what more can we ask for ?? How can we not see all the many miracles he performs in our lives and our world day by day?? How can we not see the many blessings he showers upon us ??

Psalm 33:18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love


Psalm 33:20-22 Our soul waits for the LORD, He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name.
Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, as we hope in You.

Psalm 62:5-6 My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.


Jeremiah 17:77  Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD.

Well tonight I could not help but see and say Thank you Lord…. Thank you for this Traceable Trustable Treasure. 

The Treasure of Encouraging Words

Tonight I was feeling a little ( no, a lot) down in the dumps…struggling with a few feelings …I called my best friend and sounding board but she was in the middle of a family game night (definitely did not need to hear my whining) So we agreed to talk tomorrow morning., but now I was feeling more down cause I had no one to listen to me (maybe a good thing )


Well, I was later playing Farmville on FB when I heard a pop and an IM note appeared…..a friend wanted a recipe from me and wanted to thank me for a meal I prepared for her family, etc. The conversation went back and forth and then….. .another note popped up from her that said “you are precious” ….ahhhhh…that comment just washed over my soul and I was smiling ….smiling from the inside out !! I wrote her back that lately I really didn’t feel precious and that her words of encouragement were just what my thirsty soul needed ! Isn’t that so like the Lord…I am sure he had been trying to tell me all along to get out of my doldrums and stop feeling sorry for myself because I am precious in His sight as well…..but since I wasn’t listening too well he sent a messenger to give me His message. And those words of encouragement touched my heart.

Sunday I was talking with a friend who mentioned that she needed to thank some people who send her cards during a recent difficult time in her life and I realized I (who make cards all the time) had not sent her one! I felt really bad about my forgetfulness…..but it wasn’t until I received this encouraging comment tonight hat I realized that what I was feeling was rather self centered …all about me and how I felt… Not about my friend….. who I had not helped with encouraging words, or how she felt.

So, late tonight I am asking myself a question…Do I bring sunshine or gloom with me when I walk into a room? Proverbs 10 :11 says “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life”.  Am I such a fountain ?? Are you ??

In the morning when we awaken lets ask the Lord to show us the “I spies” for today. We can ask him to help us bring sunshine instead of clouds. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus (Romans 15:5).

When we converse we make a series of choices about what to talk about, what memories to bring up, and what points to make …Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if any-thing is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8). Lets actually think on these things today !!!

We need to learn to be self-aware….think about what we are saying before we say it. When someone is having difficulties , we should listen and speak with compassion that is real and heartfelt. [God] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:4).

I read a Bible study on this same topic and one of the personal applications at the end was to start an Encouragement Journal. People do “I Spy” Journals and Prayer Journals …which are very good ….but why not do a 6 week “Encouragement” Journal and each day write something encouraging you saw in some one else …..a Godly trait they exhibited that blessed you. Maybe a friend or your spouse or child or even someone you never see many good traits in .

Or you can keep a journal of the people you have encouraged each day ….Plan to be a encouragement to at least one person each day.  WHy not try it with me ??? We can encourage each other as we go along our way.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29).
May our Encouraging Words be truly Tracable, Trustable Treasures

The Treasure of our 5 Senses

Seeing that we just past the Easter season, I thought this topic fit right in….to go along with the candy we receive and share on Easter, the eggs we hunt for and find, the new clothes we wear, the marvelous songs that center on the cross and the resurrection of Christ, and the smell of all the beautiful flowers which are blooming so quickly now. How can we not be thankful to our generous Lord for all these blessings…and especially the blessing of our five senses which allow us to enjoy all these wonderful treats. God is so good to us, isn’t he? However, too often we tend to live for the gratification of our five senses without any thought of an intimate walk with God. Have you ever thought about how your sense of taste, touch, sight, hearing and smell could relate to your relationship with the Lord?

We were created by God as unique and wonderful creatures and everyday we are reminded of his presence through our five senses …taste, touch, sight, hearing and smell.

We have the wonderful sense of taste which we use to taste delicious roast beef dinners, smooth chocolate ice cream and spicy Mexican burritos. Oh, how very good these things are ! Yet there is a difference in what each of us calls tasty, isn’t there ? And in the same way that food nourishes us even though it is different; the Lord meets us in our needs, where we are and gives us just what we need…even though it may be different from what He gives our neighbor. This sense points us to the truth in the words of the psalmist….. “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” Psalm 37:4 Yes, the Lord is good, all the time, the Lord is good.

Then comes the sense of touch when you can feel the wind blowing across your face, the refreshing snow falling, the warm rays of the sun and the softness of a new born baby. All these things are extraordinary but they pale in comparison to the touch of the Lord’s spirit on ours And as it is reiterated in the Message in John 3:5 “When you look at a baby, it's just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can't see and touch—the Spirit—and it becomes a living spirit.”

Now lets look at the sense called sight…..with our eyes we see the many wonders of God’s creation…the massive and strong Rocky Mountains, the bright and twinkling stars and heavenly bodies, the vast array of colors in the Autumn months and the fields of wheat and corn and all the colorful flowers of Spring. Yes these are all things of beauty but nothing is more beautiful than a clean heart and a right spirit which is filled with the light and the love of the Lord. 1 Samuel 16:7b For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” If we are to be used of GOD we need to be able to see more than what is on the outside.

Next comes the sense of hearing through which we hear the sounds of instruments playing music and people singing hymns of praise and worship to our Lord and Saviour. We hear the roar of a lion or tiger or the purring of a cat, the honking of horns in traffic and the still quietness of a sanctuary of prayer. WE hear a small baby crying, small children’s laughter when playing and our hubby saying ‘I love you’ softly at bedtime. Still one of the most thrilling things we are able to hear is God’s word being read. I think of how special it must have been for the disciples to hear him say “PEACE BE STILL” or how heart wrenching to hear the words “It is finished”. How blessed we are to have the Bible to read….for as we are reminded in Romans 10:17 ….. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. And the wise writer of proverbs says Proverbs 23:19 Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.

Lastly comes the sense of smell or discernment. (which I am going to borrow from a lady named Tammy Melton) Have you ever said “something smells fishy” or “funny” or “nice” To be able to tell which it is…to discern, if you will,  you must have the sense of smell. Close your eyes and draw in the aroma….coffee in the morning, freshly washed hair, a powdered baby, your spouse’s cologne, a garden of red roses…or a newly sliced onion, a month old carton of milk, a nearby farm, or a surprise from your new puppy You use the sense of smell to discern if the aroma is pleasant… or not so pleasant. The same way we use God’s word to help us discern what is right and true vs what is wrong and untrue. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.and Proverbs 3:21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight.

Our physical senses are both intricate and awesome, but more importantly they can provide us with a mirror in which we can behold what each one means in the spiritual realm.  All together they provide a road map to a more intimate relationship with God.

God is immense, vast, and transcendent, but He is also intimate, close, and somehow knowable. And through the five senses we get to really know him. Oh TASTE and SEE that the Lord is good: Let’s allow him to TOUCH our lives, be our VISION and our DISCERNMENT. What a Truly Traceable, Trustable Treasure

The Treasure of Rest

       My past three weeks have been pretty busy. It started with the Ladies Retreat, where I for the first time in quite a while stayed up both nights playing games til about 2 am. Not a wise decision for me but a totally fun one !! Between the few jobs I volunteered to do to help with the retreat and the lack of sleep the prior week due to “whatever causes insomnia” I came home in need of rest instead of being rested. Even John admitted he was surprised that I laid down before I began unpacking for once !!

      We headed for St Joseph Hospital where we visited with John’s dad who had been hospitalized for an enflamed pancreas on Thursday and was in a lot of pain. There I got a chance to talk to the family and figure out what they needed me to do to help with transporting John’s mom to the hospital to see dad and then home. Plus going up to spend a day or two with my Mom who is improving but still house bound. I took John’s mom up to visit with my mom for lunch which was a fun day and combined two things for me ! And John and I tried to visit with dad even on the days I didn’t take mom over.

       As you can imagine I didn’t get too much chance to catch up on my rest…..but the Lord was so gracious to me. He provided such good short rest that I have felt GOOD instead of tired. And I know it was only through his mercy and compassion that it came about…..he renewed my strength just like in Isaiah 40:29 says He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength….and v.31 says But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

What a joy it was to be able to minister to John’s dad who has ministered to so many of us on so many different occasions. The Lord gave us the wonderful privilege and opportunity to read scripture to him, to pray with him and to talk with him.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain .

To be able to “rest” in the Lord is truly a Traceable, Trustable Treasure.

Psalm 23 1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

The Treasure of Learning ,Wisdom

Probably one of the most well known verses on wisdom is James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Years ago when I worked in the Explorers, we did a skit and our theme was Girls Town. One of the Explorers played a traveling preacher who quoted that verse with such emphasis and authority. I never hear that verse without thinking about that time and hearing it just that way !!


If “Knowledge” is the facts…. And “Understanding” is the ability to lift the meaning out of the facts… then “Wisdom” is knowing what to do next…. how to apply knowledge and understanding to our lives.

Long ago, a former elder at Open Bible, August DeVos…told me a way to remember these three…and I still remember it! He said a man studied and knew all about tobacco….the types, the soil needed, how it was hung to dry and harvested etc . He had knowledge of tobacco. Another man knew all about how tobacco was made into cigarettes and how smoking caused a very deadly cancer. He had an understanding of tobacco. The third man, because of what he had learned, would not even try smoking or allow smoking in his house...this man had wisdom.

Knowledge and understanding need to result in Wisdom. There are many who have great knowledge and understanding but, lacking wisdom, they consistently do the wrong thing. Wisdom should be our goal, and not just any type of wisdom…. Godly Wisdom!

James 3:13-15,17 “ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy”

If we allow the Lord’s Spirit to guide us, with His wisdom, through knowledge and understanding, we will be able to rightly divide the Word of Truth. 2 Tim 2:15 says “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”.

So to put the three elements together Prov 3:5-7 says “ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding: In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.” And Proverbs 9:10 says “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”

The three Traceable, Trustable Treasures of Learning….Knowledge, Understanding and Wisdom

The Treasure of Learning, Understanding

I spent this past week end at a Ladies Retreat. There were ladies there from all age groups and life circumstances. That has always been such a wonderful blessing to me~ To watch the interaction between the early twenty year olds and the fifty-year olds...the “younger”moms
( are you smiling Mel? ) and the great-grandmothers …..mothers and daughters, friends and newcomers….studying and learning ….praying and singing, fellowshipping and eating, laughing and playing games …. Storing up knowledge, gaining understanding together. We do not have these gifts in the same measure, thus the Lord has given us this awesome family of ladies so that we might be able to reap the full benefit of learning.

This weekend we talked about discerning what is the will of God and Eph 5:17 says “Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.” And Proverbs 23:23 says "Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline, and understanding."

We learned that knowledge is knowing facts and knowledge of the Lord is “to know” the Word of the Lord…the scriptures are literally “in” you . But, it is possible to have knowledge and lack understanding; to have the facts, but to have no clue as to their meaning or what to do next.

Understanding is the ability to draw meaning out of Knowledge.; to "see through" the facts to the what, how, and why. Understanding is a lens which brings the facts into focus. Understanding produces principles. But our own understanding just like our own knowledge is shallow and can causes us to be prideful…puffed up.

Scripture warns us in 1 Cor 1 "But God has chose what the world calls foolish to shame the wise... that no man may boast in the presence of God..” Our understanding is worthless next to God’s understanding…..because our understanding is based on our own simple ways   Prov 9:6 says "Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding" Then in Prov 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding..."

Job tells us in chapter 36…. "How great is God, beyond our understanding!" And in the letter to the Philippians, Paul declares “ Then, the peace of God, which is beyond our utmost understanding, will keep guard over your hearts and thoughts, in Christ Jesus."

What better place to draw our understanding from that the fountain of God? Involved in His understanding are His attributes: greatness, goodness, peace, trustworthiness, justice mercy and love (Is that all? Not by a long shot)

Could we with ink the oceans fill and were the skies of parchment made: Were every stalk on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade…To write the love of God above would drain the oceans dry; and could the scroll contain the whole tho’ stretched from sky to sky…Oh Love of God how rich and pure….how measureless and strong. It shall forever more endure, the saints and angels song.

What a beautiful song…about a Traceable Trustable Treasure…. And I think I now understand....

The Treasure of Learning, Knowledge

Involved in learning are at least 3 stages…knowledge, understanding and wisdom. I wanted to take a look at them separately in light of what the scripture says about each. Everyone may not have these gifts in the same measure, thus the Lord has given us the family of God to be able to reap the full benefit of each part of learning.

First lets look at knowledge~~Knowledge is the learning of facts and information. God gives us knowledge to help fix things…an auto mechanic has knowledge of cars so he can repair them, doctors have knowledge of the human body so they can fix it. But according to Prov 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: Those who have the knowledge of the LORD (and we get the knowledge of the Lord through His Word) have truth. What they do with that truth is important! They can accumulate more and more knowledge or they can help to fix broken people by sharing that knowledge and showing us what the Lord (through His Word) would have us do in certain situations. How the Lord would have us to allow His love to express itself through us….a worthy calling, I think. The fear of the Lord, it seems, is the beginning, center, and ending (the whole) of knowledge.


Knowledge in and of itself can be a dangerous thing….it can cause pride in that knowledge and puff us up. Where, we find, love humbles us and builds or edifies others instead. Knowledge does not have to cause us such trouble but it can so easily be misused. That is why scripture cautions us as it does. In 1 Cor 8:1b, Paul says to the very knowledgeable Corinthians “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up”. And in 1 Cor 13:2 he reiterates “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge…. but have not love, I am nothing.”

2 Peter 1:2-3 says Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue

So today we looked at Knowledge......Knowledge is the first stage in Learning….Knowledge is the facts. Next is Understanding.... Understanding is the ability to lift the meaning out of the facts, followed by Wisdom..... Wisdom is knowing what to do next; how to apply all the rest . Be assured…. 1 Cor 12:8 says To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit.

They fit together like 3 puzzle pieces..they are three Traceable, Trustable Treasures

Treasure the Truth

Well I guess it is about time to add to my blog again…..I haven’t written much lately, because I have been doing some thinking….thinking relative to why I was doing my blog !! Was it to encourage others ….I think so! That is good !! Was it to share what the Lord had laid on my heart….I think so! That is good too!! Was it to demonstrate my spirituality….I think so !! That is probably not so good !!  I think that is part of why I was writing then….tho’ hopefully not why I am writing today. …I pray it is not.  Because I am sure that the last reason was not pleasing to the One I am suppose to be writing this blog for and about. As a matter of fact, it is no longer too pleasing to me either! I can’t prove how spiritual I am….that has to flow from my heart and be seen by those who read my words.

Most all of my life I have lived in a Christian home, a Christian environment…with the Lord as the center of my life. I firmly believe that without Him I could do nothing and that with Him all things are possible. And I do believe that with all my heart. But I also know that at times my heart is deceitfully wicked and it blinds me to the truth of the matter. So, that is what I think has happened and why my blog has gotten stuck in the mud, so to speak! Because my focus was on who was reading my blog and what they had to say…how many followers I had and who they were. Writing my blog was a good thing but a good thing done for the wrong reasons is still sin …..Whew, that said, I feel a bit better!  I think so ! It is never easy to look at the sin in our own lives but knowing the faithfulness and forgiveness of my Lord helps a lot. He understands that we are frail and human and HE LOVES US anyway…. How can we not love a God like our God ??

You know, saying those two earlier statements brought a song to my heart and my lips! In fact it brought two…One is an older song "Without Him"
Without Him I could do nothing…Without Him I'd surely fail
Without Him I would be drifting….Like a ship without a sail
Oh Jesus, oh Jesus Do you know Him today Please don't turn Him away
Oohh, Jesus, My Jesus Without Him how lost I would be

One is a newer song by Hillsong “All Things are Possible”

Your praise is always on my lips, Your Word is living in my heart,

and I will praise You with a new song, my soul will bless You Lord.

You fill my life with greater joy, Yes I delight myself in You

And I will praise You with a new song, My soul will bless You Lord

When I am weak You make me strong… When I'm poor, I know I'm rich

For in the power of Your name ..All things are possible

So am I going to continue my blog…..I think so. I trust that I have the right attitude and a clean heart now….and also that I will be writing for all the right reasons this time . I also trust the Lord to show me when I am not writing for the right reasons…I want to bring honor and glory to Him alone. HE is such a TREASURE…a Traceable, Trustable Treasure

the Treasure of Time...part 2

February is a very special month to me. Not only is it the “Snow and Blizzard ”month…It is the month when both of my parents were born back in the 1920s. There birthdays are only 2 days apart which makes remembering and celebrating a lot easier. ( remembering and celebrating their birthdays, that is not remembering and celebrating them as my parents!)

I remember when I was little thinking my parents could do anything !! In the physical sense, they were my creator, provider, lawgiver, teacher, and protector—and sometimes even savior. In God’s eyes they stood in the gap, bearing the awesome responsibility of teaching me, and Davis, and Fran and John. And they taught us diligently about Him; and about His Word…That was one thing both of my parents were firm about~their love for the Lord Jesus Christ and an urgent need to spread the message of His Kingdom.

Life and Wisdom began at home …and in my parent’s home, God’s way was the way of the house, If there were are questions about what you could do…you needed only to check out God’s Word, and follow what He said to do. Our home was the primary and most vital factor in our development into a mature and stable Christians. My parents taught and continue to teach us by example….only now the “us” doesn’t just include my 3 siblings….it also includes 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren .

It was important to my dad that we learn to be faithful stewards of the talents the Lord had given us. In all to do our very best giving Christ the glory and credit. My mom always said that if you had nothing to say that was encouraging and uplifting…. then you had nothing to say. And she always encouraged us to speak positively of our other siblings, learning to appreciate the talents the Lord had given to them. And I do, even at age 60, greatly respect and appreciate each of my brothers and sister. (but that can be for another day’s topic!)



My parents worked with youth all their lives and we always had “kids” in our house. They worked in Christian Service Brigade and Pioneer Girls and Youth for Christ and Teen Missions, along with local churches in California, New York and Maryland. They loved teens with the Love of the Lord and the teens loved them back! In fact many FB users have contacted my mom and wished her well after her fall this winter.


This wasn’t meant as a biography of my parents but an overview to honor them on their birthday week… a moment in time , a break in the day, when I stop and say Thanks!!
Thanks to them for loving and raising me in the fear and admonition of the Lord
And Thanks to the Lord for blessing me with them and this precious time we have together.  Thanks for these Traceable, Trustable Treasures....my parents!

Phil 1:3-6 I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus

The Treasure of Time

There are many inequities in the world, but one thing we all havein common is the same amount of time each day. God has allotted twenty-four hours to each one of us. God has not short changed any of us in regards to time….but time is a resource and it can not be stockpiled or saved….it has to be used as it comes to us. It can not be turned on and off,…or replaced. So it is important that we make good use of our time. This does not mean we have to always be busy doing things….but it does mean at we should be conscious of how we spend our time.

Ephesians 5:15-17 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Are we using our time wisely, as the Lord would have us use it. Are we always on the go, go, go or do we take time to rest and fellowship with the Lord and others. Are we busy because of what others think of us, or our need to make more money or our need to appear important ? Or are we living with eternity’s values in view.

Psalm 39:4-5 “LORD, make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am. Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths,And my age is as nothing before You;

Our God is the Eternal One so time does not have dominion over Him….He is not limited by time: He is sovereign over it . One day is as a thousand years to him and He sees the past present and the future as if they were one. But unlike our omnipotent Lord; man is finite and governed by 60 sec….60 min…..24 hours …..365 days ….and the lifespan that God has ordained for us. Man has a deep need for the Immortal God who gives our life meaning and purpose because He is not constrained by time. Psalm 90 the psalmist realizes that without the Lord’s wisdom he is living for the moment and not eternity.

Psalm 90:12, 14, 16a, 17 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Let thy work appear unto thy servants. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon gives us truths which we can find helpful “The lesson is that we can and should enjoy life and the time on earth God gives us, but apart from knowing and loving God, nothing on earth will have any eternal value. Purpose and meaning to life cannot be found in material or temporal things. God alone can give us that. Since that’s the case, He must be our priority in life”1

Matt. 6:33-34 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Seek ye first the Kingdom of Godand all these things........these Traceable, Trustable Treasures... shall be added unto you !




1 www.bible.org Stewardship of time by J. Hampton Keathley III

Treasures through the door

This is THE wrong side of the door to be on when you are a cat and there is 3 ft of snow out there... but hey, he wanted to go out !!


Isn’t this a picture of us many times….we want to go out, but when we get there, there is 3 feet of snow and we want back in “now”. Lord, teach us to wait on you in our comings and goings, our wants and requests, our ins and outs.

I can just see myself sitting at the door looking into the warmth of a fireplace and my food and water bowl, my family…..not to mention my toys and my bed. All those good things and more….inside !! What am I doing out here?? Well, it seems I wanted to go out… out into the freedom and excitement or maybe the new and different…only to find as did the Prodical son, that what I wanted wasn’t really what I wanted or needed !! God had another plan…a better plan… and once again I had not waited on the Lord. I had foolishly run ahead of Him and now, I was where I didn’t want to be, looking in the door.

What treasures can I gleam and share with you as I sit outside at the door looking in….
1.Wait on the Lord…..He is often doing a work on and in us during the waiting…
He may be making His desires our reality or He may be changing our desires to fit His will.

        Psalm 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
        Psalm 38:15 I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God.   

Heb 13:21 that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever

2. God will work everything out…to His honor and His glory and for our good… His job is not to conform to our wants; and our job is not to run ahead of Him and to go our own way

Psalm 16:4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends

Ephesians 1:11-12 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

3. We need to learn to be content where the Lord has placed us…..and for the time He has placed us there.

Philippians 4:12-13  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.

Well, I do believe my Master is coming to the door to let me in…..how thankful I am for His loving kindness, His faithfulness, and His mercy. But, what treasures I learned sitting at that door…..what Traceable, Trustable Treasures !

PS Thanks to Julie Ford whose picture of her cat at the door I used and it was the Lord’s inspiration for this blog !