Lessons Learned While Stopping for a Sunset

Tonight on my way home from browsing in a bookstore, the sun was starting to set over the Rathdrum prairie.  I pulled off the road to watch the beautiful display of God's handiwork, and of course, to snap a few pictures.  I have always loved sunsets.  They always give me a deep sense that no matter what, God is in control, and He will take care of me.  I needed the peace of that sunset tonight.  I will admit, I was hit pretty hard a week ago by some very malicious lies and it knocked me down hard.  The person who told these outright lies is someone I have known for numerous years, and the lies that she told, were a blatant attack on my character, my family, and my beliefs.  The things said by her were very hurtful, but the most hurtful of the long list of lies she told, was the way she attacked me in my faith.  I have felt for over a decade that when we are together there is a spiritual war going on. There are many details, but those aren't the point.  The point I am making is that after reading what she said about me, the way she attacked me and my family and my faith, I was hurt, very down, and took a lot of her words and let satan use them to make me believe they were true.  It's funny how insecurities can suddenly raise their ugly, unwanted little heads and not want to leave.  My husband, a friend of mine, and deep down inside of me kept saying the lies weren't true, that I was a child of God, deeply loved, and that I was worthy, but my heart kept arguing with those points.  I spent a few days really down.  I was intentionally trying reading scriptures, listening to the sermon from Sunday which even applied to the situation (go figure!), and trying to get out of the hold of mean-spirited, negative, rude, hurtful comments that kept playing over and over in my head, continually.  Coincidently, I started to receive email devotions on negative self talk, and how we take to heart what others say about us when we know it's not true, because God loves us, has a plan for our lives, and made us His masterpiece.  I read the first three, but they didn't sink in.  It was not a fun few days.  

Tonight, however, as I was sitting looking at the sunset, I was also thinking of my Gram.  I don't know why but on the way home, I was really missing her and wishing I could just pick up my phone and call her, but she's been living with Jesus for six years now, so I can't.  As I was sitting on the side of the road, the song Fight Like a Girl by Bomshel came on my CD player, a song written in honor of my friend, Jenny, and her battle with cancer.  If you don't know the song, I will post it below.  I have listened to the CD's in my car numerous times, and have never heard that song come up.  It's on a mix I made up to listen to for when my husband and I were taking dance lessons.  I have no idea why this song was on there, because it's mainly Michael Buble music.  Anyway, I shed a few tears as I thought of Jenny and how much I miss her, too.  I was watching a beautiful sunset on the side of the road, snapping pics, and thinking of two beautiful women who touched my life.  I hit replay, and I hit it again, and again.  The words started to sink in.  I felt like the little girl on the playground getting pushed around and made fun of by the bullies by the afore mentioned person.  This is far from the first incident with her, believe me, just the most vicious one that I have had the 'privilege' to be a part of.  I know from others she condemns me all the time, but I have not heard in person the extreme attacks, just get constant jabs and put downs, but not to the extent of what I experienced last week.  Instead of like the little girl in the song, I ran to my husband and asked why she hated me.  I asked God the same question.  My husband is a mutual party in this.  He told me not to let her bring me down, because I had worth, and she couldn't take it from me.  My friend told me over and over in an email the same thing.  But until tonight, I really didn't let God infiltrate deep into my heart, and make that a truth.  Through this song about standing up and being strong, and not letting someone take the light out of your eyes, I finally let it go.  I sat on the side of the road, with a beautiful sunset as a promise to me that it's ok, she doesn't need to control who I REALLY am.  I know who I am, I am not the person she described and attacked.  I listened to that last verse in the song that talks about my friend, Jenny....this is just another test that God gave me, and I know how to handle this..I'll hold my head high, never let this define me, or take the light from my eyes.  I am working on standing back up and being strong, strong in the Lord, and not giving up, but knowing that through the love of Christ I can overcome this battle, and fight like a girl, just like Jenny did with her illness, just like my Gram did with all she faced in her life.  

Along with the sunset tonight, God lovingly brought to mind two women who faced a lot of trials in their lives, yet kept going, looking to God through it all.  It's amazing how God can work, if we take the time to slow down, even stop, and hear His message to us.  I am glad I stopped tonight to enjoy the sunset.  I am thankful for a song that reminded me of who I am, and that because of Christ, I can keep standing strong, and fight against the lies that satan tries to put in my head and heart, even when it's through someone who is supposed to stand with you, not against you.  I am thankful for God bringing to mind Jenny and Gram, and how the more I listened to the song, over and over, the more I realized I needed to get the light back in my eyes and overcome the darkness that had crept in.  I needed to start fighting like a girl, a girl who is secure in her relationship with a loving Heavenly Father, and I need to remember that, no matter what.  So, as I finish typing this, I have a weight lifted off my shoulders.  The words still sting, but I know that none of them are true.  I have known that the whole time, but I haven't been able to shut off the continuous playback in my head, but I have tonight.  I know who I am, and I am grateful that God reminded me tonight how much I am loved.  

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."  John 8:32



For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.  Ephesians 2:10

Sunday Song of Worship

Spiritual Legacy

Building a Spiritual Legacy

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Chip Ingram

If you knew with absolute certainty that you’d die exactly one year from now, who are the top five people that you’d want to invest your time in?  Do you know what you would want to pass on to them after you’re gone?

Every day, without knowing it, we are passing on who we are, what we possess and what we learn. But are we really passing down the stuff that matters?

All of us desire to leave an inheritance of significant value to those around us, but we don’t always know what that includes or how to do it. We plan for how to pass down our wealth, but when it comes down to the intangibles – the kind of stuff money can’t buy – we don’t seem too concerned. We might tell ourselves, it’s OK, and we’ll figure it out later. But the truth is, the average person will fail to pass on what matters the most to the people they care about the most.

Who comes to your mind when you think about those you would want to pass down a lasting inheritance – is it your family, your friends?  Maybe it’s your spiritual children, the people you disciple in your small group, or the people at your workplace or school. It might be different for us all, but one thing is certain: God has uploaded the truth of his spirit into each one of his children. Therefore, it’s our responsibility to “download” – or transfer — to others the truth and the values that God has given us. This is our spiritual legacy.

The apostle Paul compares the Christian life to running a race. In 1 Cor. 9 he says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Each Christian is called to win the prize. The prize does not represent salvation, which is a free gift; the prize is an earned reward.

Paul sees this race as a relay in which each participant passes along the baton to the next runner. In a relay race, if the baton is dropped, the team is disqualified. As Christians, our goal of running the “faith race,” is not only to finish well — which means to life a live that glorifies and pleases God – but to also run the race with purpose. Why else would you run a race if you weren’t in it to win?

By running to win the prize we must pass on the truth and life of Christ that was deposited in us and give it to the “next runner.”

Building a spiritual legacy requires us to live out our faith with transparency and pass down the character traits that God is refining in us.  What might this look like for you?  When you are willing to share how you respond to hardship, approach your work, manage money and make decisions, you bring tremendous, life-changing potential to those around you. Even when your life seems like a train wreck, God can and will use your experiences to help others grow when you trust Him with every area of you life, depend on His Word and live in community with other believers.

This week’s upcoming series, “Download: Passing on What Matters Most” explores how to leave a legacy that stands the test of time. As we learn ways to practically live out our faith in five key areas of life, the secret to passing on God’s truth to others will be revealed.  My prayer is that God will use this series to renew your desire to run the race well and use what He’s given you to change the lives of future generations.  Visit this blog here.

Not Alone

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  

Deuteronomy 31: 6, 8

Happy Day

A good man is one who is loved 

for the warmth and caring in his heart.

A wise man is one who teaches 

by the fine example of his life.

A strong man is one who has worked hard 

and has always done his best for his family.

A successful man is one who has earned the respect 

and admiration of others. 

Dad, the above poem describes you, and the life you live.  Thank you for being a loving, living example to me as I was growing up, as well as in my adult years.  I love you!  Happy Father's Day!  

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I would also like to wish a happy 24th anniversary to my husband.  I am not sure where the time has gone, but I am glad I have shared the moments with you!  I look forward to the journey that lies ahead of us.  I love you, babe.  

“A successful married life requires falling in love many times, but always with the same person.”

An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow.

Hoping For Sunshine

For those of you who live in the Pacific NorthWET, the above picture is the sun.  I know it's been a long time since we have actually seen it and felt it's warmth, but I hear it does still exist.  Hopefully, the weather forecast is correct and we will see some by the beginning of the week.  My husband is on vacation next week, and many of our plans are going off the supposed nice forecast for next week.  We have not made alternative plans, just praying for God to bless us with some nice weather.  After spending several days trying to find good deals on a place to stay, which is nearly impossible, and trying to find somewhere that isn't flooded or still buried in snow, we decided to do a staycation and find things in our area to do.  We have day trips planned, a day in the boat on a small lake since the large lakes are dealing with so much flooding, and a few other fun things which I cannot reveal because one day is an anniversary surprise for my husband. 


So, here's holding on to hope with the rest of the region that Tom Sherry is correct, and we will have a week of sun and warmer temps.  We definitely could all use some sun to warm us up, and dry up the flooding.  

Defending MY Marriage

My husband has returned home after being away for sixteen days.  To say I missed him is an understatement.  I felt like a child waiting for Christmas morning the night before he came home.  I could not sleep because I was filled with anxious anticipation for his arrival.  When I got up in the morning, I spent more time in front of the mirror getting ready than I have in a long time.  I arrived at the airport, pretty much giddy that I would be reunited with my man.  I waited, and waited some more because his plane was a few minutes late.  Finally, my phone buzzes with a text, 'we just landed, see you in a few minutes....'  I waited and watched and finally caught a glimpse of my hubby.  Within a second, he found me as well, and our eyes locked and smiles crossed both of our faces.  Now, his smile looked much brighter than mine because while he was back working disaster relief, he got quite a tan, while I was stuck here where it keeps raining.

I can function without my husband.  I got things done, dug up and planted the garden, kept the things in check, helped his mom several times, paid the bills, kept things around our home running, and kept myself very busy.  However, I don't like to do all that without my husband, to do life without my husband.  On Sunday, we will celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary.   This is the longest we have been apart in those 24 years.  Neither of us liked it, but the reality is, he could be called away again within a couple weeks.  We pray he isn't.  If he is, I will do the same as I did before, and keep things in check, keep myself busy and life will keep going, it just feels strange to do life without my husband.  When we got married, we became one.  

Genesis 2:24 says:

 This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.

Ecclesiastes says:

 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:  If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.  Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

A cord of three strands in our home is my husband, myself, and Jesus Christ. 

I have had a 'friend?' tell me I was weak because I was sad when my husband went away for over two weeks and that evidently I relied on him way too much and that maybe I would figure out who I was once he was away for this time.  This 'friend' has known me for about three years.  This person does not know me at a deep level, and has met my husband a handful of times, but this person definitely does not know my husband, at all.  This person is not a fan of marriage and thinks that people who get married lose themselves, and has told those preparing for marriage to not get married because you lose who you are and you grow apart because you change, and marriage is so much work, it's not worth it.  I will agree that marriage is a lot of work.  So is any relationship that has any depth to it at all.  Yes, I have changed a lot in 24 years of marriage, so has my husband, and I am very happy about that because I would hate for either of us to be stuck at the place we were when we got married, the place we were was 10 years ago, or the place we were 5 years ago.  Life is about change, growth.  Fortunately, my husband and I have grown through changes together, which doesn't mean we are clones of one another but that we love each other, accept each other, support each other, cherish each other, and have Christ at the center of our lives.  We are mature enough to understand that it's healthy to change, especially when we mature as both individuals, and a couple, and we mature in our walk with Christ.  Sometimes the changes have been painful, like when my father in law passed away, we moved from our home of 17 years, my husband lost his job, I lost my job, and we have both faced some health challenges throughout our married life.  We have had times of growth and change that have been good and filled with joy as well.  They may not have seemed like it when going through it, but we can see where we have come from and how we have changed and matured, for the better.  

This 'friend' asked me in a very snide way if my husband was home, and when I replied yes, this 'friend' was very rude and snide when saying that's good, and oh, gee you survived!  Well, I never doubted I would survive, because first, I trust God.  Second, I am not a weak person.  I grew up in North Idaho, with parents who didn't pamper us, but made us work.  I raised farm animals, worked with my parents in their custodial/landscape business, and kept up with the boys in my neighborhood.  My sister and I weren't raised to be pampered, prissy girls.  I can take care of myself.  

I wasn't missing my husband because I need someone to take care of me.  I missed my husband because I made vows to him 24 years ago that meant something to me when I said them.  Those words we said to one another as we exchanged rings were not just words, but the way we try to live our married life.  Yes, we fail.  We are humans.  Yes, there have even been moments we haven't liked each other a whole lot, but we always, always have loved each other.  My husband and I actually are opposites in many ways, but I like to think of it as we compliment each other because where I am weak, he's strong, and where he may have a weaker area, I am strong.  Funny how God works those things out, don't you think?  I missed my husband because when we exchanged those vows, we became one.  When you are one as a couple should be, and half of you is missing, you are not complete.  You don't stop being who you are, but you are missing a vital part, your spouse, hopefully your close friend.  

I guess that three weeks of snide comments from this 'friend' has rubbed me very much the wrong way because I feel my marriage is being attacked, my relationship is being attacked, and how God brought, and has kept, our relationship together is being attacked.  I love my husband and I am proud of that.  I easily choose my husband, my friend over this so called 'friend.'  I am blessed by God to have a man who loves me and works hard to support us.  I am blessed to have found someone who hasn't given up during the tough stuff, and knows that great relationships only grow when we work at it.  I am thankful that I have a marriage that has endured, and I am proud of our marriage, our commitment to one another and to God.  

A good marriage is not a coincidence or about being lucky; it’s about learning the skills & principles that make it work.

Build a strong, protective wall around your marriage and nurture your spouse with commitment, understanding & devotion. 

God Must Be Trying to Tell Me Something

This came across  on my facebook today.  I think I might need this right now!  

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

How still have you been lately??  Are you allowing God to be God in your life or are you trying to control it?  Here's a challenge...Let God work in your life and the lives of others.  Try being still.  Honor Him, His power, and His majesty!  ~Melissa Taylor

Special Times

Some of my time without my hubby home was broken up by my nieces the past three days.  We had a great time, and built a lot of memories.  

We went to a couple parks, including Manito Park to check out the flowers.  

While we were at Manito, we made sure to check out the lilac gardens which were very pretty. 

Of course, we had to cool down with some icy drinks.  

I grilled fish and veggies one night, so they thought we should eat outside.  It was great to have our first 'picnic.'  I loved having the girls here and look forward to the next time they come down and building more memories with them.