The River of Life

Our hope is built on Jesus' love and faithfulness. He keeps His promises. We can be sure of the New Jerusalem and certain of the River of Life. Check out these words from Revelation 22:

• The River of Life will flow from the throne of God. Its waters will be as clear as crystal.
• Rising on each side of the river is the tree of life bearing twelve kinds of fruit, one for each month of the year.
• There will be no night--no need of light from the sun or a lamp--for the Lord God will be light.
• No curse.
• The throne of God and the Lamb will be in the city and we will serve Him, even as we do today.

God is preparing a wonderful place for those who love Him. Verse 7 says, "Behold, I am coming soon!" Will you be ready?

Lord Jesus, I pray for those reading your word. Inspire them and move in their hearts to love you and live for you. Amen.

Lovely Feet

The Bible says I have lovely feet. Hard to believe that my feet--the ones with crooked toes, callouses, and bunions could be considered lovely to anyone. However, Isaiah 52:7 says, "How lovely on the mountains, are the feet of him (her) who brings good news . . ." NASB.

And I have good news. Are you consumed with cravings and desires that never get satisfied? I've been there and can testify that it is a lonely and empty place. Fortunately for me, I had God somewhere in my past and enough sense to cry out to Him. By earthly standards I was a complete failure. But to God, I was worth picking up all the broken pieces. That's what He did. He took my broken life and gave me a new heart.

I was the prodigal (daughter) and my Heavenly Father was waiting for me with open arms. I was ready to give up but He whispered in my heart, "Could you make it today if I promise to stay with you?" What love God lavished on me! It changed me forever. You know what I learned? That what God does in me, doesn't stay in me. I have to tell others.

If you are searching on line for meaning in life, I urge you to call on Jesus' name. He is waiting to warm you with a love like you've never known before. Say His name and surrender your heart to Him. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Lord Jesus, I am praying for the person reading this post. He might be out of choices, out or sorts, at the end of the road. Show him your ways, oh Lord, and teach him your paths. Amen.

Though None Go With Me--Review

      Though None Go with Me begins at the turn of the twentieth century and spans World War I and II, The Great Depression and considerable personal loss. Elisabeth Grace LeRoy wants what all of us want—to love and be loved. When she discovers her deepest longings can only be met by our Lord, she makes a commitment that will shape the rest of her life—to make her life an experiment in obedience to Christ, regardless of the cost.

      As a wife, I learned from Elisabeth to cherish each moment with my husband, even in suffering. As a mother, I related to how she taught her children to love God and how she never stopped loving them and praying for them. I joyfully shared her love story and cried through every loss with her, amazed at her strength. It was hard for me not to pray for her as I read through the novel. I carried the book with me everywhere and read it while I waited for my kids or grandkids.

     The story of Elisabeth's extravagant faith was made into a Hallmark channel movie. Like other books by Jerry Jenkins, it is heart-moving and life changing. Though None Go With Me is one of my favorite books and I've chosen to publish this review for a second time. It is available in paperback, Kindle, audio and DVD here.

Love Each Other

Mother's Day brought memories of times when my children were little. How I miss those days! My son, Jason, used to hold his stuffed bear over his shoulder, close his eyes and pat the bear gently on the back. Softly he whispered, "O-o-o-o," and it occurred to me that he loved his bear the way I loved him.

Jesus said in John 15:12, "Love each other as I have loved you." That's what Jason showed me that day  so long ago, and it became my prayer--that I would love as God loves. Some people are not easy to love, like the guy who cut in front of me in traffic and made me slam on my brakes or another man who yelled at me, shaking his fist at a stoplight. For me to love others as God loves me, I need His help.

Lord, help me love people as you do. Keep me from any temptation to judge those who are not like me. I need your help. Thank you, that because you are always with me, I can do what you call me to do. Amen.

God is Making All Things New

In springtime, Daffodils, tulips, irises, and poppies show off their brilliant colors. Heavenly scents and blossoms on fruit trees enhance every setting. Trees that have been bare all winter, leaf and fill in the landscape. Earth becomes a paradise--until the wind blows and fills the air with pollen. Then sounds of sneezing and coughing interrupt creation's symphony. 

Not everyone can enjoy the beauty of Spring without symptoms of hay fever. Everything grows in the Sacramento Valley where I live and lots of people, like me, endure the season with sneezing, coughing, itchy, runny eyes and noses. Walmart, CVS and Rite Aid stock up on antihistamines to reduce the symptoms but often turn us into groggy zombies.

Once again, I'm reminded that this is not my home. In my future lies a real Paradise where I long to experience springtime forever without sneezing, coughing, itchy, runny eyes and nose. Jesus said, "I am making all things new," (Rev. 21:5). To me that means beauty without the pollen. Our heavenly home will have no need of it because everything will be perfect and permanent--no need to reproduce.

Thank you, gracious Lord, for the hope you give us of spending eternity with you in the place you have prepared for us. Amen.

Are You a Good Person?

Are you a good person? Good enough to get into Heaven? By whose standards? Yours? Gods? God's standards are the Ten Commandments. Have you kept them all? Disobeyed one? Jesus said if you look at anyone besides your spouse with lust, you have committed adultery in your heart. He also said if you have been angry (the source of malice), you have committed murder in your heart.

We have all come face to face with God's law at one time or another. This cover picture of the May-June copy of The Upper Room shows how far we have come. Although the religious leaders brought this woman caught in the act of adultery to Jesus, our Lord didn't condemn her. He said, "You who are without sin, you cast the first stone," because the consequences of her sin was death by stoning. One by one, the men dropped their stones, starting with the older men first. Finally, Jesus looked up.

"Has no one condemned you?" He asked.

"No one, sir."

"Then, neither do I. Go and leave your life of sin," He said.

I am reminded how much it cost God for Him to say that. He sent His only Son into the world to pay the price for our sins on the cross so we wouldn't have to. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life." Jesus died on the cross, but death could not hold Him. He rose from the grave to give us life,  abundant life--forever. Think of the reality of living through eternity with Jesus, cashing in on all His promises. This is what Easter is all about.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for resurrection power in our lives today. Let us walk in Your spirit today and always. Amen.

Crumbling Spirit - Review

As you read about terrorist's attacks or see news reports on television, have you wondered what it would be like if something like that happened in your neighborhood? The bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City affected thousands of people. Many parents lost their children and children lost their parents. Julia Kinser, a fourth grader at James Buchanan Elementary School, recorded her personal experience of terror in her diary. It's in a published book titled Crumbling Spirit on American Soil by D. Ed Hoggatt. Julia turned from tears to strength with God's love, the love of her parents and the love of her teacher.

Every American grieved with the people in Oklahoma City. We cried with them as we put ourselves in their places. Many kids in schools across the United States reached out to the kids in Oklahoma by writing letters and sending stuffed animals. Mr. Atkinson taught Julia and me that we don't have to be victims, but we can find positive ways to reach out to each other even in the midst of our grief. We can all be survivors. For Julia it meant responding to the letters, thanking people for their thoughts, prayers and gifts. After you read the book, you will know what you can do if the times comes for you to rise above your suffering in order to survive. It will make you a stronger and more compassionate person. You can order the book online at http://hoggatt.weebly.com. You will be glad you did.

Heaven is for Real-Review

Books about Heaven fascinate me and Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo is no exception. Colton Burpo, Todd's son, reported of what he saw and heard in Heaven. It happened during an emergency appendectomy. The days and weeks following, Colton told of seeing Jesus, Pop and a sister whom his mother had miscarried. Each captured memory is told as a little boy would--in a matter-of-fact way. It was almost like hearing my little grandson's voice.

I appreciated how Todd Burpo verified things Colton saw with how the Bible describes Heaven. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him, but it has been revealed in His word, and through Colton's eye-witness.

Colton said one thing over and over again. "Jesus loves children." It was amazing to me that a four-year-old boy could speak with such urgency about the truth of Jesus and His love. I hope you will read this book. It is available on Amazon's Kindle. Don't forget, if you don't have a Kindle, you can download a Kindle Reader to your PC, laptop or other electronic reader for free.

History (His story)

Every good story has a beginning, middle and end. God promised it would be true of His story (history) too. I am glad His story is still being told. However, too many things point to an upcoming end. Here are some things to think about:

The world has not seen anything before like the catastrophic storms in recent history. Earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and tsunamis leave outrageous paths of death, destruction and devastation. Some say all these storms have something to do with the change in earth's atmosphere as well as the change in the sun's gravitational pull. While these things have scientific explanation, I believe they also have spiritual implications. God destroyed the earth in a flood the first time, but He said the next time it would be by fire. Do you see the connection I'm talking about?

Jesus promised at the end of the ages there would be wars and rumors of wars. We have always had wars, but the wars we have now are in the middle east. Although these people have been fighting for centuries, this is where the earth had it's beginnings--in the Garden of Eden. Could it be that this is the place of earth's endings?

As 2012 draws closer, many people speculate the end of life as we know it. Jesus said no one would know the day or the hour, so I don't pay attention to specific predictions. What Jesus said, is for us to be watchful and prepared. Are you ready, my friend? Do you know that if the end came you would be in Heaven with our Lord? You can be for sure. Ephesians 2:8-10 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." [NIV]

God saved us with His amazing love, my friend. He loves us just as we are, but He wants us to be like Jesus--doing wonderful things for the glory of His kingdom. Yet He doesn't expect us to do it alone. He promises to be with us always and to strengthen us to stand firm to the end. Isn't it incredible to know that Heaven is within your reach? Believe in the Lord Jesus, beloved. He doesn't want anyone to be left behind and neither do I.

Thank you, Lord for your amazing love and your plan to have us with you forever. I am praying for the ones reading this right now that they may know you and serve you forever. Amen.

Don't Be Afraid--I'm Here

As a sick little girl, I was afraid of the dark and of being alone. "Don't be afraid," Mama said. "I'm here." She gave me the comfort and security I needed to get through rhuematic fever and scarlet fever, allergies and heart trouble. Mama's home with Jesus now and I have kids and grandkids of my own.

Fear of failure or success and fear of having no value at all replaced my fear of the dark and being alone. That was until I found my personal worth in God, the Maker of Heaven and earth. My poor choices took me down a road of sin and destruction. Facing the next day seemed impossible and in my despair I wanted to give up. It was then that I felt the warmth of God's love and presence. Who was I that He would care for me? "Don't be afraid," I heard Him say. "I'm here."

Just when I think fear is no longer a part of my life, I see catastrophic storms in Australia on the news and hope that nothing like that comes to California.Then the news, thank them for their uncertain projections, says that the West Coast expects a storm that will change the way we live in California forever. When will this happen and what does all this mean? My thoughts go crazy!

Then I remember a horrific storm on the Sea of Galilee. Among Jesus' disciples were experienced fishermen who had been through storms on that lake many times. This one was different. Just when  Jesus' friends paniced, He showed up walking towards them on the water. "Don't be afraid," He said. "I'm here." (Matthew 14:22-36)

So if the predicted storm hits California, I will call on the name of the Lord, knowing He is always with me. I hope, my friend, that you will too.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for always being available to calm the storms of our lives. We love you and trust you to protect us and lead us in your way. Amen.

Continents Apart - A Review

Continents Apart by Dana Sudboro is the romance of two missionaries, Xavier assigned to Japan and Odette to Africa. Odette and Xavier met at O’Hare Airport during flight delays due to a snowstorm. The attraction continued aboard a plane traveling to the California Bay Area. Within a few weeks, the couple fell head over heels in love with each other.

The story intensifies as Odette and Xavier deal with their love for each other and return to their mission fields. Poetry and romance weave themselves into the relationship. I keep asking myself how Odette could resist Xavier’s proposal, but she remained true to her first love, the Lord God, and His call on her life to minister to Muslim women in Africa. Prayers for someone to replace her or for God to take her out of Africa seemed to go unanswered. Odette’s faith never wavered. God’s strength met her weakness and kept her in ministry to the African converts who faced persecution for their new faith.

Odette inspired me through her faithfulness, love and loyalty to God and His people in Africa. Amazingly, God matched her devotion to Him in a way that keeps me thinking about the story weeks after reading the book.

Kindle Bliss

The Kindle electronic reader is something I've wanted for a l-o-n-g time and I waited until black Friday to see if it might go on sale for $99. No luck, so I stepped off the deep end and pressed the 'purchase' button. It was so easy!

The next day it was delivered by an angel. It must have been an angel. I never heard a truck or saw a delivery person. I heard a small knock on the door and wondered who that could be because it was before 9:00 in the morning. When I opened the door, there it was all by itself. I rescued it from the porch and tore into the box. It was already set up with my Amazon profile and passwords. Amazing!

Just to see if it was as easy as I heard, I turned it on, clicked on menu, clicked on the Amazon store, and keyed in 'Francine Rivers.' Her two new books popped up on the page. I clicked on them one at a time and purchased them. In seconds they were downloaded to my Kindle. I was so excited!!! I've already read the first book, Her Mother's Hope. I can't wait to read Her Daughter's Dream but I'm on a writing assignment with a looming deadline.

The next thing I downloaded was the NIV Study Bible. Now I don't have to have a big Bible in my car or lug one on the airplane when I travel. I can read it wherever I am and that makes me happy.

The best part is that this Kindle fits in my purse. I don't ever have to be caught in a waiting room without reading material again. The second best thing is that it has a cover with a reading light. This will come in extremely handy when John and I go camping next summer.

Thank you, Lord, for the this wonderful reading tool. It won't require so much shelf space for all the books I purchase and greatly reduces the cost of each book. While I am reading, I'm also becoming a better steward of all the blessings you give me. I love you. Amen.

A Christmas Past

After working with my little Cherub Choir in Wiesbaden, Germany, I headed over to the nursery to pick up my son, Jason. The year was 1970 and he was two years old. It was dinner time for the kids when I showed up and I waited and waited and waited for the childcare helper to bring my little boy to me. Finally she said, "Mrs. Stratton, we can't find Jason." My heart sunk. "You are welcome to come in the facility and look in any of the hiding places you think he might crawl into. Pregnant with my daughter, I couldn't kneel very well. While I peeked around and called for Jason, thankfully, the helper called the Security Police. "He must have slipped out the door when we released the children to the dining area," the helper told the police.

It was dark outside and I began to panic. Others joined us with flashlights, searching the outside perimeters of the nursery. Cars zipped by and I worried about Jason's safety. It seemed like hours before someone asked, "Are you looking for a little guy this high with a gray, hooded sweatshirt?"

"Yes," I said. My heart leaped.

"My friend, Jennifer, saw him when she was going home from Girl Scouts and took him home with her. She was afraid he was lost."

"Where does she live?"

The kind little girl took me to her friend's house. I could hear Christmas music when we walked up the steps and knocked on the door. Jennifer opened the door to a beautifully decorated home--flickering lights on the tree and presents crowding the base of it. I was so glad to see my little boy, but shocked when he shouted,"I don't want to go home!"

Speechless, I wondered if the people thought I abused him or something. Fortunately he had no marks on him. Then I realized that Jason was caught up in the Christmas spirit. While I was teaching five to seven-year-olds the meaning of Christmas and some carols, Jason was having fun with his new friends. He was safe and I was thankful. After we shared a cup of hot chocolate with Jennifer's family, Jason took my hand and went home with me.

My wish for you this Christmas Eve is that you experience God's lavishing love on you. Merry Christmas.

People Desperate to Hear Handel's Messiah

After the Galleria Mall in Roseville, California recovered from a fire, its Public Relations Department invited the Sacramento Choir to sing Handel's Messiah on Monday, December 20, 2010 in an effort to kick off its re-opening. The performance was to begin at 7:30 but the Roseville Fire Department closed the mall at 7:00. Here is a news link. Below the video is a slide show. http://www.kcra.com/news/26204541/detail.html

The media says the flash mob caused the event to be a flop. Yet I am praising God that so many turned out to hear the names of Jesus sung by this beautiful choir.

I haven't had so much fun sitting in traffic as I did last night with my friend, Beth. We shared stories of Christmases past and enjoyed the lights, but we had to go home to hear Handel's Messiah on CD.

My wish is for you to have a Merry Christmas, and if you live in the greater Sacramento-Roseville area, I hope you'll visit the Galleria Mall. They've had two strikes against them this holiday season. I have a little more shopping to do, so I'm headed the the Galleria this morning.

Simplify! Simplify!

Is there any way to simplify this time of year? Please say yes. During the holiday season our lives get as complicated as a New York subway. We find ourselves going from one event to another, caught in traffic and shopping crowds. Our joy fades into a fog of wrapping gifts, decorating the house, and writing Christmas cards. Sometimes we spend money we don't have on things we don't need to impress people we don't like.

Visit a grave yard or a junk yard and you'll discover the things that matter are not the things we think are important. So what is the answer? Henry David Thoreau said it perfectly, "Simplify! Simplify!" Translated at Christmas, it means spending less and giving more of yourself instead of stuff.

Mary and Joseph loved God, but when they went to the temple, they gave two doves for a sacrifice instead of a lamb. They lived within their means and gave what they had even though they were poor. Jesus gave all He had-His life-so we could live with Him in His kingdom. Can we follow these great examples?

Lord Jesus, help me to simply my life now and in the coming year. Show me how to love you and others better by giving more of myself and less of things. I love you. Amen.

Bethlehem Village

As we gear up for a busy holiday season, you won't want to miss Bethlehem Village at Sunrise Community Church, 8321 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, CA. December 3-5, 2010, 6:00-8:30 p.m. It is the best free community Christmas event. Come and experience the miracles and awe of Bethelhem more that two thousand years ago. Here is a sneak preview. Hope to see you there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft0a-YBv8nM

The Rose

Read: Psalm 145:15-16

Verse: The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 4:8 NIV

Walking through a shopping mall parking lot in early evening, I found a beautiful, long stem, red rose on the ground. Its leaves were torn but the flower was perfect. I thought at first it was artificial. I picked it up, took it home and put it in water. The rose responded quickly. Its loveliness and aroma filled the room and I wondered how anyone could throw it away.

The rose reminded me of myself – not valuable in the eyes of this world, but God saw something special in me. He picked me up from a pit of despair. He rescued me from my selfish, self-centered life. He gave me a new heart of compassion. As the rose lifted its petals and leaves in response to the water, I respond to God’s love by telling others how much He loves them and helping them learn to trust Him with whatever concerns them. God’s love is more powerful in our lives than the water is nourishing to the rose. It works in believers to accomplish good works. With his love he gives each one talents and abilities to perform our tasks and he stays with us to inspire, encourage and strengthen us.

Prayer: Thank you, Father God, for not abandoning me but showing me your love at just the right time.

Thought for the day: God holds blessings for us we know nothing about until the proper time.

All Saints Day

This All Saints Day in a packed church, I said goodbye to my friend, Greg Cochran, a man dearly loved by his family, church and workplace. Born November 16, 1960 and died October 25, 2010. Author of Saving Grace, a novel, he was writing other books and on his way to more publishing success. I met Greg at our Inspire Christian Writer's Group and soon learned of his quick wit and great sense of humor. We at Inspire appreciated his support and encouragement. Although Greg lost his day job and was applying for work, he coached football at Bradshaw Christian School. After his stroke in early October his team made beautiful get well cards for him which were on a table today for us to see. Filled with color, emotion and scripture verses the young people wrote from their heart. One said, "Please get well Mr. Cochran. If you  don't come back to football, I'm going to play soccer instead." To say the kids loved him is an understatement. 

Growing up Greg had several eye surgeries and many knee surgeries.

The scripture that got him through much suffering is, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 

Greg wasn't sick or expecting to die so young, but he was ready to meet Jesus. Even though I grieve, I know my friend is enjoying the presence of our Lord today and forever.

Lord Jesus, please be with Greg's family today and in the coming weeks and months. Comfort and strengthen them. Let them know your great love for them. Amen.

My God is Bigger

Would you like to know how a dog thinks differently from a cat? If you pamper your dog, he will think you are god. If you pamper your cat, he will think he is god.

My puppy, Maggie, definitely thinks I am god. The day our neighbor captured this lovely picture of worship, Maggie was so glad she could go in the car with me. She brought joy to an otherwise stressful day. I had just left my husband, John, in the hospital after surgery to repair his broken ankle and Maggie and I were on our way to have dinner at my daughter Janell's house.

At the time of the picture, Maggie was four months old. She is ten months old now and has not lost any of her adoration for me. She follows me everywhere and depends on me for all her needs. Before I eat, she eats. When she sees me put on my walking shoes, she knows we're going for a walk and cannot hide her excitement. While walking, if we get to a busy intersection, she waits for me to pick her up to cross the street. When I read or watch a movie, she enjoys sleeping in my lap. And she sleeps by my bed at night. She gets up at 5:00 or 5:30 and if I don't get up with her, she cries until I do.

I hate to admit that sometimes I let Maggie down. There are times I long for a few more minutes of sleep and put her out by herself. On rainy days or days too packed with busyness, I don't put on my walking shoes. When I tell her good-bye, her eyes seem to ask, "Why aren't you taking me?" or "Why don't you stay home with me?" No matter how long I've been gone, she is always glad to see me. She twirls and jumps until I pick her up.

My God, the God who made Maggie and me and everything else in the world, knows my every need. He provides for me, protects me and is always with me. Even though I can't see Him, I know He is with me. He comforts, counsels and encourages me. Every morning I am amazed how He starts my day with more joy than the day before. I wish I could make Him as happy as He makes me. How wonderful it would be if I could bring Him as much joy as Maggie brings me.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you are a bigger and better God than I am to Maggie. Thank you for giving her to me. Thank you for my family and friends, for home and church and freedom to love and worship you. I pray for the person reading this blog, that he/she would experience your incredible, undstoppable love. Amen.

Third House on the Right

Forty years slipped by nearly without notice and Grandmother went to glory many years ago. I've often thought about her old two story house. She and I used to get up early and go outside and enjoy the flowers in her garden. We walked and talked for hours, about important things and unimportant things. Those were the good old days before work and stress. How did life get so complicated?

I happened to be in New York last week on business, but found it impossible to concentrate on the issues at hand. My thoughts of being with Grandmother, the times she told me about her first boyfriend to the time she fell in love with my grandfather, the times we sat through thunder storms together. She and I read the Bible and sang our favorite hymns.

Longing for a walk down memory lane, after the last meeting, I rented a car and inserted her old address into the GPS. Could it take me back to her old neighborhood? What would her house look like?

My journey ended as "Susie in the Box," the name some give the woman's voice giving directions, said, "Turn left on Elm Street, 3rd house on the right."

Sitting there, tears streaming down my face, I found that Grandmother's house had been decorated by none other than the Creator Himself. He wrapped her house in green with so much life and beauty it seemed to take my breath away.

That's just the way He is. He took the old run-down house and made it something beautiful. He did that with me. When things didn't turn out the way I wanted, I turned away from God and traveled down a road I thought would lead me to love, hope and happiness. It only led to more loneliness and despair. That was until God showed me His lavishing love. He never gave up on me and He was there when my life fell apart.

How could I have wandered so far from His love? How could I disappoint Him with my poor choices? It didn't matter. He forgave me and started to work rebuilding my life and giving me purpose.

He can do the same for you, my friend. He loves you with an unconditional, unending love. He will adorn you with His special gifts and blessings, more than you could ever imagine.

Lord Jesus, I am praying for the person reading this blog today, that he/she will experience your incredible love and cherish it enough to help others find your love too. Amen.