Count Your Blessings, Not Your Candles

Psalm 139:16 — “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Birthdays are more than candles and cake; they are reminders of God’s grace. The psalmist declared that our days are not random; they are counted, known, and purposed by our Creator. Every sunrise we have seen, every breath we have taken, every tear shed and every smile—all of it has been woven into the story God is writing through us.

A birthday is a moment to pause and read that story with gratitude. It is a reminder that even the chapters filled with pain or uncertainty are held in His hands, and that none of our days are wasted when entrusted to Him. To celebrate a birthday is to say, “Lord, thank You for bringing me this far.”

It is to trace the fingerprints of God’s faithfulness over another year and recognize that He is not finished yet. The One who numbers our days fills them with purpose and promises to walk with us through each one.

Every birthday whispers, “You are still here because God still has a purpose for you.” The years we have lived are not just numbers; they are testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

A birthday celebration is a pause to thank Him for that fullness—for lessons learned, for love given and received. It is a day to look back in gratitude and forward in trust. When we gather to celebrate someone’s birthday, we are saying far more than “Happy Birthday.” We are saying, “You matter.”

Each heartbeat is grace given, each year a gift to ponder, and every birthday a thank-you to the Giver of life.

— G. Yarian

Every Birthday says, “ God is not finished yet”

He Stays When Others Leave

Loneliness is one of the quietest experiences of the human heart. It slips into our lives in different seasons; after loss, during change, or even while we are surrounded by people. We often ask, is loneliness part of God’s plan for humans? Scripture tells us that God never designed us to live isolated. Adam felt the ache of “aloneness” even in a perfect garden, and God responded by providing companionship. But there is also a deeper loneliness that entered the world when man disobeyed God and was expelled from Eden. Sin did not just separate humanity from a place; it separated the heart from the God who walked with them. That spiritual distance has echoed through every generation.

Can loneliness be overcome? Yes, but not always by removing the feeling. It is overcome when God steps into the empty spaces and restores the fellowship sin once broke. David understood this when he wrote, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” Paul found the same truth: when everyone else left, “the Lord stood with me.” God does not leave us in loneliness; He uses it to draw us nearer to Himself. But what about those who insist they are never lonely? Some deny loneliness to appear strong, self-sufficient, or unbothered. Yet beneath the surface, every soul longs to be known, understood, and valued. Ignoring loneliness does not erase it; it only hides our need for God’s companionship.

Is there a positive side to loneliness? Yes. Loneliness can awaken our spiritual hunger. It drives us toward prayer, deepens our compassion for others, and reminds us that only God can truly satisfy the heart. Loneliness does not define us. When surrendered to God, even loneliness becomes a doorway leading us back to His presence, His healing, and His unfailing love.

—G. Yarian

GOD RESTORES WHAT LONELINESS BROKE APART

Your Gift is Unique

Robins are migratory birds, dividing their time between the milder northern states in the summer and the warmer southern climates in the fall. On a recent morning walk, I watched a flock of robins scrounging for food so they could continue their long flight south. Their burnt-orange feathers were very noticeable between the leaves as they searched for food for their journey ahead.

Robins are not known for having large brains, yet they navigate thousands of miles with remarkable accuracy. God built into them a set of navigational tools, instincts, abilities, and inner signals, which guide them year after year. They do not compare themselves to other birds such as eagles, sparrows, or geese. They do what God created them to do.

Be content with how God made you. We often look at others and wish we were more like them, more talented, more gifted, more successful, more noticed. We forget that God did not design us to be someone else. He designed us to be ourselves. He fashioned us with purpose, intention, and His own loving creativity. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” That means you are not random, accidental, or lesser. You are crafted by God.

Just as the robin trusts its feathers for flight, we are called to trust the gifts God has woven into us. Some have the gift of teaching, others of serving. Some encourage, some lead, some create, some give. No one has everything, but everyone has something. The secret of living a happy life is simple: Be faithful with what God placed in you. Use it. Share it. Celebrate it. And most of all, be content in your own feathers. God made you that way, for a reason, for a purpose, and for His glory.

G. Yarian

KEEPER OF EVERY PROMISE

Psalm 107:1 declares, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!” These words open with an invitation: “To give thanks to the Lord.” It is a call to worship rooted in remembrance. The psalm tells of people who wandered, suffered, cried out, and were delivered, and each time, they discovered that God was faithful. It reminds us that no matter where life takes us, through deserts of need or storms of uncertainty, His love never fails, and His mercy never runs dry.

Thanksgiving is not reserved for those whose lives are easy; it is the language of hearts that have seen God’s goodness even in the hard places. Heartfelt gratitude does not wait for perfect conditions to happen, it grows in the soil of turmoil, and is watered by trust. We give thanks not because everything is right, but because God is. Thanksgiving often grows the deepest in those who have walked through difficulty and found that God remained faithful. When we pause to give thanks, we are doing more than counting blessings; we are declaring trust in the One who never changes. His love endures not just in gain but in loss, not just in plenty but in want.

Once, a farmer was asked how he managed to stay cheerful through seasons of drought and flood. He smiled and said, “The same God who gives the rain also gives the sun.” This psalm tells of people who cried out and found rescue in His mercy. Through difficulties, His love remains steadfast. Thanksgiving is not for easy days, but for trusting hearts. We do not thank God for a flawless life, but for His flawless love. A thankful heart looks beyond life’s shifting shadows to rest in the unchanging light of God’s faithfulness.

Faithful Then | Faithful Now

—G. Yarian

Ticket To Eternity

I live beneath a flight pattern where planes constantly arrive and depart from Dallas. All day long, aircraft of every kind pass overhead: private planes, commercial airliners, and military planes, each traveling at different altitudes, each headed to a specific destination. We call it a destination, but in truth, it is only the next stop. It is just one step closer to where our journey leads.

Flying can be convenient, yet it is rarely comfortable. Lines are long, space is limited, and the person beside us is not always pleasant. We endure turbulence, delays, and layovers. Every traveler knows that getting there is not always easy.

Scripture speaks of a day when believers will take a different kind of flight, one far greater than any airplane can offer. It will not begin on a runway, nor require a passport or boarding pass. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes it this way: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven… and we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together.

Faith Boards You | Christ Flies You

-G. Yarin

nuts!

Almonds might look simple, at first glance, just small beige nuts tucked into a shell, yet they carry a remarkable story of God’s thoughtful provision. Each almond is loaded with nutrients that strengthen our bones, help regulate blood pressure, and protect our bodies with powerful antioxidants. These tiny creations are like little reminders that God pays attention to every detail of our lives, including our physical health.

In Numbers 17, the Lord took Aaron’s lifeless staff and caused it to bud, bloom, and bear almonds in a single night. It proclaimed His power to bring forth life from what is barren and to establish His purposes where none could exist apart from Him. Almonds became more than something to eat. They became a picture of God’s renewing grace.

When we enjoy food like almonds, we are tasting God’s care. He could have made nutrition dull and flavorless, but instead He filled the world with variety, color, and delight. Crunchy nuts, juicy fruit, crisp vegetables. Each one speaks quietly: “Your Creator cares about you.” With every bite, our bodies are nourished and strengthened, not by accident, but by design. God’s interest in us goes far beyond the spiritual. He made us body and soul, and He desires health and wholeness in both.

Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the hurting. He cared for their faith, but also their physical needs. The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19 that our bodies are “temples of the Holy Spirit.” That means nourishing and caring for our bodies honors God, too.

So next time you reach for a handful of almonds, pause for a moment. Thank God for His thoughtful care. Celebrate His goodness in the everyday blessings. Even in something as small as an almond, God’s love is rich and satisfying.

—G. Yarian

Be Still. He Is Here

I have treasured a picture that has hung in my office for years of a Quaker meeting with a faint image of Jesus hovering over them. The title is “Presence.” Jesus’ presence brings a peace that cannot be explained, only experienced. It is the peace that comes from knowing that Christ is not distant or unreachable but present, here, and now. Jesus promised in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Those words are not poetic comfort; they are a divine reality. His presence is not confined to church walls or sacred places. It walks with us into hospital rooms, sits beside us in moments of sorrow, and rejoices with us in laughter and celebration. The risen Christ is not a memory of what once was but the living Presence of Emmanuel, “God with us.”

When the disciples faced storms, they discovered that peace is not found in the absence of waves but in the presence of Jesus within the boat. It is so with us. Life’s storms may rage, but His nearness steadies our hearts. The whisper of His Spirit reminds us that we are never abandoned. In quiet moments, pause and listen, not with your ears, but with your heart. Feel His presence in the breath of prayer, in the Word that speaks life, in the still assurance that you are loved beyond measure. David testified in Psalm 23:4, “You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” When fear rises, His love surrounds like a fortress of peace. Christ’s presence is not just near; it is within. He lives in every believer, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to live with courage and grace. Wherever you are today, whisper this truth: “I am not alone. Christ is here.”

-G. Yarin

Rest in His Presence, Rise in His Power

that was funny

Have you ever thought about humor? Of all God’s creation, only humans laugh. Lions do not pause during their hunt to share a funny story with another, and squirrels do not stop to giggle at how clumsy they are. Only humans laugh. Birds may sing, and dogs wag their tails, but only people double over in laughter, share funny stories, or wipe away tears from laughing too hard.

God must have a sense of humor for we were created in His image. What would make God laugh? Could it be our attempts to plan our lives as if we hold the future? David in Psalm 2:4 gives us a glimpse of God’s nature: “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” When God laughs, He is reminding us that His wisdom, power, and authority are so complete that human planning seems foolish by comparison. David speaks of the nation’s raging, kings plotting, and rulers rising up against God’s plans as if they could overthrow the Creator of the universe. God responds by laughing, because their schemes are ultimately powerless against His sovereign will.

Genesis 1:7 tells us we were created in the image of God; therefore, humor is a way His likeness shines through us. Humor is a holy gift; a gentle reminder that joy is woven into the fabric of creation. It lifts heavy hearts, softens sharp words, and builds bridges where walls once stood. Proverbs 17:22 tells us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” God designed laughter to heal and refresh us, to remind us that even in a broken world, there is still delight.

Scripture contains moments of divine humor. Sarah laughed when God promised her a son in her old age and God told her to name the boy Isaac, which means “he laughs.” So, laugh often. Reflect God’s joy.

-G. Yarin

At life’s crossroads choose the cross

Life is filled with crossroads, moments when our hearts long for direction, comfort, or simply someone who understands. Too often, we forget that Jesus already holds the answers to all our dilemmas. He has been dispensing wisdom for centuries and offers it freely. Before turning to others, try turning to Jesus first as your Counselor, and you may find He becomes your forever Counselor.

Jesus promised in John 6:37, “Whoever comes to me I will never reject.” The word, “whoever” is one of the most comforting in all Scripture. It means His invitation is open to everyone…no qualifications, no exclusions, no background checks. Whoever you are, whatever your past, Jesus promises a warm welcome, not rejection. But there is one condition: we must come. His counsel door is open, but we must step through it.

The Bible values wise counsel. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” God often uses others to help us, but the safest and wisest Counselor is Christ Himself, the One who knows our hearts better than we do. His words bring not only direction but also healing and peace.

We are encouraged to support one another. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Jesus often speaks to us through the caring voice of a fellow believer, blending divine truth with human compassion.

Centuries ago, Isaiah prophesied of the coming Messiah: “His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Those names are not meant only for Christmas; they describe who Jesus is today. So, when life feels confusing or uncertain, turn to your Wonderful Counselor. His wisdom is timeless, His presence constant, His advice wise, and His door is always open.

G. Yarian

worship is more than a song

Worship is more than a song sung on Sunday morning. Worship happens when we acknowledge God’s power and love and submit our lives to Him. True worship is not confined to a sanctuary, nor is it limited to moments of music and prayer. It is devoting ourselves fully to Him. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:1, “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your true and proper worship.”

Worship is not simply about what we say or sing; it is about how we live. Every choice we make, every word we speak, and every act of obedience can become worship when it flows from love for Christ. When we gather with God’s people and lift our voices, we are declaring His worth. Worship changes the way we see life. Instead of focusing only on our problems, struggles, and worries, worship helps us look up and remember how great and powerful Jesus is. It refocuses our attention from the weight of this world to the strength, love, and victory of our Savior.

In worship, fear is silenced, hearts are strengthened, and faith is renewed. Worship humbles us, reminding us that He is Creator and we are His people. Worship does not end when the singing stops—it continues in the quiet choices of everyday life: serving others, waiting patiently, and giving thanks with joy. Each time we forgive, act with honesty, or give with generosity, we are still worshiping God. Worship is not measured by our style of music or where we gather. It is measured by our devotion to God.

“Jesus said the Father is looking for those who worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23) So today, live so that your words and actions honor God with love and thankfulness.

- G. Yarin

Victory is at the Finish Line - Running the Race

As we run the race of life, it is essential to keep our eyes on the finish line. Victory is not always about being the first to cross it but about enduring and persevering through the challenges and obstacles that come our way. Each step we take, each hurdle we overcome, brings us closer to our goal. It is the journey, the effort, and the determination that define our success.

In this race, we are not alone. We have supporters, mentors, and fellow runners who encourage and inspire us. Their presence reminds us that we are part of a larger community, striving together towards a common purpose. The camaraderie and shared experiences enrich our journey and make the finish line even more meaningful.

As we approach the finish line, let us remember to celebrate our achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Each milestone is a testament to our hard work and dedication. Let us also take a moment to reflect on the lessons learned and the growth we have experienced along the way.

Victory is not just about the end result; it is about the person we become in the process. So, let us run with perseverance, with our eyes fixed on the finish line, knowing that victory is within our reach.

- G. Yarin

Finish in Faith | Rise in Victory

Every strand is planned

Sitting on the porch, I watched a spider carefully spin her web, thread by thread, she worked with purpose, moving carefully and deliberately. What looked like fragile strands shimmered in the light, yet together they formed a structure strong enough to catch what was needed for her survival. Watching her, I was reminded of how God is weaving the threads of our lives. Often, we only see single strands… moments that feel fragile, ordinary, or even insignificant. Yet in His wisdom, He is fitting each piece together into a greater design. What seems random to us is part of His plan. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Isaiah 64:8 “Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

Without a plan, our Creator wastes nothing, and nothing is wasted. Every strand of joy, trial, and weakness is like the spider’s web. The web looks strong, yet it is vulnerable. It continues to grow, connecting new places as it develops; a web is made point by point, piece by piece. The spider goes over and over the same points, reinforcing the framework until it is complete. God does this with us too. God patiently fits the pieces into place; He weaves together trials, joys, and challenges to strengthen us and draw us deeper. What looks like delays is His hand reinforcing the framework of our faith. The web strengthens in teaching us patience, hope, and trust.

Our lives are beautifully woven by His light shining into the strands. You can take courage. You’re not random threads in the wind. You are strong, woven by the Master’s hands, for by strand, into something purposeful, beautiful, and full of purpose.

GOD’S BLUEPRINT; BECOMES OUR JOURNEY

-G. Yarian

A BIRD IN THE HAND

You have heard the proverb, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” No one is quite sure who first said it or exactly what they meant, but it has stood the test of time. Perhaps it was coined by a hunter, or maybe by a philosopher...for this proverb can be applied to many moments in life. It reminds us to be content with what we already have rather than chasing after what we only hope to gain. It gently nudges us to live in the moment instead of dwelling in dreams of what might be. The present moment is real; our dreams may or may not be.

When Jesus spoke to His disciples in what we now call the Sermon on the Mount, He urged them to live in the “now” and not to be overly concerned about the future: “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:34. It is good to have dreams for the future, as long as our feet and our faith are firmly grounded in God’s Word in the present.

The psalmist reminds us of this when he wrote, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” It is a call to celebrate each day as a gift from God. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to pray for our “daily bread.” And Isaiah encourages us to “seek the Lord today” not because God will be unavailable tomorrow, but because we might not be here tomorrow.

-G Yarian

God’s “Now” Is Greater Than Tomorrow’s “Maybe”

spearmint

The pleasant taste of real mint leaves is unforgettable. That is why I was thrilled to find what I thought was a spearmint plant growing near my front door. But after giving it the “taste test,” my joy quickly turned to disappointment; it was not mint at all, but Mexican Mint Marigold. Its bitter taste was a letdown, much like the sorrow we feel when people disappoint us. Someone we trust, admire, or love acts in a way we never expected, and suddenly they no longer seem like the person we thought we knew.

The truth is, every one of us has at times worn masks or pretended to be something we are not. Children do this innocently when they dress up as superheroes or princesses. As we grow older, in life and in our walk with Jesus, we are called to discover who we truly are and to live in that truth. Too often, we hold others to account for what we quietly excuse in our own hearts, like the team who questioned their coach’s integrity when he demanded strict diets, only to be seen later eating at a fast-food restaurant.

The reality is, we all fall short of our own ideals. The good news is that when we commit to following Jesus, we do not become perfect overnight. We become saints in the making. Old habits, selfish attitudes, and false appearances begin to be reshaped. The process takes time, but God’s Spirit is patient.

As someone once said, “The church is not where the spotless gather... it is where the hurting are made whole.” God’s grace is the healing medicine we need. It is a gift we can never earn, but can freely receive. His grace forgives our failures, brings peace with God, draws us into unity with others, and fills us with hope for the future.

G. Yarin

TREASURE EACH MOMENT

Death is the hardest of all the realities in life. It is so final. It may come suddenly or slowly, but it always comes. It tears those we love from our embrace, leaving behind aching hearts and a trail of unanswered questions.

Scripture does not deny that death causes pain. In 1 Corinthians 15:26, death is called “the last enemy.” Death is cruel because it was never part of God’s original design. It is the tragic result of sin entering the world. When we stand at a bedside or a graveside, we feel the sting of loss. Our souls cry out at the cruelty of death. It feels unnatural because it is unnatural… we were created for life and fellowship with God. This is why we are so deeply wounded by death: it is the tearing apart of what God intended and created to be whole.

Yet, while death is cruel, it is not victorious. Jesus Christ entered into death itself… not avoiding its cruelty but conquering it as He rose from the grave. At the cross, He bore the full weight of sin and its curse. And when He rose again, the grave lost its power. “Death has been swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death where, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54–55). For those in Christ, death is no longer a final separation but a doorway into eternal life.

The cruelty of death is real, but it cannot cancel the promise of resurrection. One day, God will wipe away every tear, and death itself will be no more (Revelation 21:4). So, while we grieve with honesty, we do not grieve without hope. Death is cruel, but Christ is greater. And because of Him, the story does not end at the grave... it continues in glory.

-G. Yarin

MAKING DECISIONS

Have you ever had to decide whether to support an idea or oppose it? Life can present us with choices that test our wisdom and our convictions. One picture that can help us make a choice is to watch a tree in a windstorm. The trunk stands firm, refusing to snap, while the branches bend and sway with the wind. This image reminds us that not every issue demands the same response. There are times to be unshakable, like the trunk, and times to be flexible, like the branches.

A wise saying captures this well: “Stand firm on core values, but bend on trifles.” The Apostle Paul told the believers in Ephesus to put on the full armor of God so they could stand strong in their faith. In other words, when it comes to the truth of the gospel, we are to be immovable, rooted, and steady, no matter the storm. Isaiah adds comfort with his words: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). God is not distant; He is present in every storm, guarding and guiding us.

Still, not everything is a battle worth fighting. Sometimes harmony is better preserved by bending on small things, provided our core values remain intact. Compromise can be a gift when it leads to peace without sacrificing truth. As Paul wrote: “Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16).

Today’s challenge is this: ask God for wisdom to know when to stand firm and when to bend. May we respect others, seek peace, and above all, remain faithful to the Lord. Ask the Lord to give you strength to stand firm when your faith is tested, and grace to bend when love calls for patience. Help us discern the difference, so that our lives reflect both truth and compassion.

-G. Yarian

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered - God’s Promises

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, as described in Hebrews 11:1.

Faith means you can take the next step forward because you trust that God will hear and answer your prayers. The Greek word translated “substance” literally means “that which stands under.” In other words, faith is the solid foundation beneath your hopes, making them strong and real, even before you can see them. Think of it like holding a title deed or legal proof of ownership. That deed assures you that what is promised already belongs to you, even though your eyes cannot yet see it. Faith is not just wishful thinking; it is a confident assurance in unseen realities. Imagine it this way: you have a dream of building a house, and you have hired a trustworthy builder and given him a picture of God’s promise. Because you have a plan, a dream, and a builder you can depend on, you move forward with confidence. The house is not standing yet, but your faith gives a present reality to your future home, making it possible for you to act toward its construction.

In the same way, faith brings the unseen into your daily life. When you live by faith, your hopes are not empty desires; They are anchored in the unshakable truth that God’s promises are real and sure. Faith gives substance to those promises, even while they are still unfolding in the spiritual realm. It is your foundation for hope. Though you may not yet see how everything will come together, you can trust the One who made the promise—because He cannot fail. Faith gives you the courage to wait, to trust, and to act with certainty, knowing that what God has assured will come to pass, even if it still lies beyond your sight today.

G. Yarian

Tis So Sweet To Trust in JEsus

It is comforting to sing “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” when the sun is shining. But what happens when life suddenly throws you a curveball? When the news you receive is a shock, when your plans unravel, and your world spins around three hundred and sixty degrees, leaving you disoriented and unsure which way is forward? In those moments, trust is no longer a pleasantry; it becomes a choice, an act of faith in the face of uncertainty. It means stepping into an unknown chapter without a clear map. Fear may try to creep in, whispering questions and doubts, but God’s presence remains constant. He has promised to never leave or forsake you, even when the path is dark and unfamiliar.

Walking fearlessly into that chapter does not mean you will not feel the weight of the change; it means you choose to believe that He is in it, working for your good. The very curveball you wish had never come might be the turning point where you experience His faithfulness in ways you never imagined. For it is in these moments that trust becomes not just a song, but the very support that carries you through.

When the song feels too heavy to sing and the future seems uncertain, will you still trust Him? It is in these very moments that trust becomes more than words. It becomes your very lifeline. Trust means loosening your grip on your own plans, expectations, and even your dreams, and choosing instead to follow God’s leading. It means placing your future in His hands, believing He knows the way ahead. It may reshape your outlook and redirect your path, but His calling is always filled with care.

He walks beside you, and He will never forsake you. 

G. Yarian

Wretched Man That I Am!

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

                        1 John 1: 8-9

“For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.”

                        Romans 7:22-25

I was a cat person for a very long time. I grew up with cats, and didn’t have a dog until I was in high school when we got Brandy, a sheltie. She was my mom’s dog, though she went totally crazy when my dad would get home. When I was younger, I’d always pretended I had a German Shepherd dog named Duke, and he’d protect me and be my best friend.

My boys grew up with cats, and we’ve had our two cats, Hobbes and Cracker Jack, for 13 years now. They have brought happiness and admittedly at times frustration (when Hobbes decided to poop on the floor instead of the litter box) and we’ve enjoyed being cat owners. Excuse me—people don’t own cats; they work for them. We’ve enjoyed being cat servants.

About six or seven years ago, my older son Greg found a stray terrier named Oreo whose owner didn’t seem concerned that she was lost, so Greg got to keep her. Oh, how wonderful it is to have a granddog! We learned so much about dogs, and I was smitten. Every so often I would look at dogs on rescue websites and wonder what it would be like; rescue dog videos showed up on my Facebook feed (now I’m seeing the connection between my searches and Facebook—oh, Mark Zuckerberg!), a former co-worker posted pictures of her foster dogs and I was more than smitten. A chance encounter with a dog rescue foster mom at PetSmart last year who had a German Shepherd rescue dog had me reaching out to see if he was available for adoption. Much to my chagrin, he was not. And then I saw the sad face of another German Shepherd mix on the SNIPSA site, and I was done. I’d found my dream dog. Her name was Mayflower, and the site said she was two years old. Her expression (to me) was one of sadness, and I knew I had to do whatever it took to banish that expression. I contacted SNIPSA who then connected me to her foster mom, and we arranged a meeting at her house the Saturday after Thanksgiving. She was shy but sweet; her tail wagged a bit as she got closer to me. I sat on the floor, and she buried her head against my chest. Again, I was done—there was no doubt in my mind that she was my dog, and I was her mom. She liked my husband as well, so we came back the next day to get her, after hitting PetSmart to buy supplies like it was Christmas.

I changed her name to Tessa, and she has commandeered her way into my heart, vying with my cats for sole custody. The forlorn expression she had in her rescue picture has transformed into a happy grin, replete with a wagging tale and wiggling bum. She is sweetness and gentleness in animal form. 

So, it was in horrific shock the other day that I saw her make a beeline at 4:30 in the morning to the dark corner of our backyard as we’d started our morning routine of her going in the backyard to potty while I fed the cats, started coffee, and listened to my flash briefing on Alexa. The backdoor motion sensor light flashed on and I saw her seize an animal with her mouth and rapidly shake her head back and forth, essentially breaking its neck. I stood there in horror, incredulous at what I was watching, yelling at her to let it go but hoping that she wouldn’t let it go too closely to me for fear it would still be alive and jump on me. My sweet Tessa, with the chocolate brown eyes, soft wet nose that nuzzles my arm…the one who wiggles with joy when it’s been two minutes since she last saw me and kisses (licks) my knees… that Tessa has now reverted to her true undomesticated nature: vermin killer. She killed a possum—I’m just thankful it wasn’t a mama one with babies attached to it—I think I would just cry myself into a puddle of tears at that sight. I coaxed her inside, the possum maybe 50 feet away from me with its dead eyes open, seemingly looking at me. Tessa then sauntered into the living room, content to play with her stuffed animal Monkey, biting into him with glee to make him squeak. I watched her in stunned silence, seeing her a bit differently now that I’d viewed a glimmer of a new and admittedly unappealing side to her. She was still the same Tessa but she was now a bit different, if that makes sense. Her true nature was underneath the surface of canine domestication, with its scritches, stuffed toys, and belly rubs.

Friends, we too have a true nature that almost all of us as believers strive to keep hidden from the view of others. Despite the ongoing process of sanctification—the work that the Holy Spirit does in us to mature and strengthen our spiritual maturity, turning us away from sin and towards the image of Christ in His righteousness—we are all works in progress, and still live in our worldly flesh. We all struggle with less-than-pure thoughts, impulses, reactions, and other things that being living creatures this side of Heaven struggle with. We can all be quick to speak and slow to listen; we can all fall prey to the enemy’s attacks which create conflict, or unhealthy competition, or erroneous and faulty judgment of another. Although we are called to be on guard for the enemy’s attacks, and to wear our spiritual armor, there are times our humanness inhibits our reflexes and defenses. I cannot tell you the number of times I’ve walked right into the trap the enemy built specifically for me, blindfolds and shackles dulling my ability to see it for what it is, while I stewed in jealousy, frustration, anger, or other emotion.

I’m tremendously thankful however, that I am no longer a slave to sin. Jesus ransomed me at Calvary with His sacrifice—He exchanged His perfect sinless life for mine, and received God’s Holy justice and wrath in return. Because of His sacrifice, I am set free from slavery to sin and death, the wages of that sin.

Years and years ago I sought marriage counseling (alone) during my first marriage and I went to a Christian counseling services who allowed clients to pay on a sliding scale based on their ability to pay. Although I’d grown up in the church, I had fallen away and wasn’t a practicing believer. I was given scripture verses to read and think on, none of which come to mind, except one that resonated with me at first read:

“For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me….. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.” (Romans 7: 19-20; 22-25)

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord indeed!

Prayer Requests

Prayers for:

• Rocio Farias, who has COVID, and for protection for the Farias family

• Those with family members who are struggling with addiction, and for those with addictions

• The Church to preach the gospel message throughout the world

• Us to seek to discern His will for our individual and corporate lives

My friends, if you read this devotional and your curiosity is piqued by its words, I pray that you open yourself up to the nudging of the Holy Spirit. If you’d like to know more about what Jesus did for you, and why He did it, please reach out to Pastor Wayne or a member of Session. We’d all love to answer your questions and pray for you to know Him.

Quotes  

“Many books can inform you. There’s only one book that can transform you.”                                                                             

“Every saint has a past; every sinner, a future.”

“How great is it to live under a sky that is repainted every day by the greatest artist.”

Follow Through

Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.

                        Psalm 119:105

Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.

                        Psalm 1:1-3

I am 54 years old. I’ve been prematurely grey for almost half of my life, and dyed my hair for all of my adult life, up until six years ago, as I’d always equated grey hair with old age. When I started letting the grey grow out, I emphasized to everyone (but mostly to myself) the premature aspect of premature grey. Lately however, the persistent body aches and pains that accompany me when I move my arm oddly (frozen shoulder in my right shoulder) or even if I sit a bit too long (sciatica in my left leg) have caused me to rethink my insistence on premature, because lately I feel rather…tenured. Yes, we’ll go with tenured…or seasoned. I am a seasoned adult.

The conditions I mention above have plagued me for a number of months now. I’ve seen doctors for both of them; an orthopedic surgeon for the frozen shoulder for which I received two cortisone shots and a six-week course of physical therapy, and I’m currently going to Airrosti for my sciatica. With the physical therapy and the Airrosti, I was given a list of exercises and stretches to do at home to improve the range of motion and flexibility as well as prevent re-injury.

Even though I am a rule follower, I did not do the home exercises diligently. In fact, there were some days that I did not do them at all. I know that I should; I wake up and tell myself that I am going to get the requisite number of stretches in so that I won’t have to stand up every so often in a meeting to elongate the hip flexor muscle so that the pain in my hip will cease. These doctors and physical therapists have determined that this exercise and stretching routine will help my situation; why is it I don’t routinely do the exercises on my own time? It’s important for me to do these things; it’s simply not enough for me to go to the Airrosti doctor once a week and expect that his treatment will stick without much (or any) follow through or work on my part. I am in control of my commitment to this course of treatment; I am going to get out of it the degree to which I put into it.

Such is the lens we need to apply to our relationship with our heavenly Father. We can’t be what one pastor termed a “52-hour-a-year Christian”—you know, the one who attends church every Sunday, but doesn’t study the scriptures or spend time in prayer and communion with our Lord on a daily basis. It isn’t enough to simply go to church every Sunday—we’re not going to get a participation trophy just for showing up. No—we must curate our relationship with the Lord by spending time at home, in prayer and in His word on a regular (read: daily) basis. It is in this time that we get to know Him, and find more about ourselves in the process. We learn to seek His direction for ourselves and His body; we grow in spiritual maturity and wisdom. We go to church to hear His word taught and hear his message through our Sunday School teachers and pastors; we augment that understanding in prayer, reading scriptures, and sharing our experiences, questions, and testimonials with our brothers and sisters in Christ. As we grow in grace, we experience a gradual sanctification that causes us to be aware of the extent of our sin and the depth of the grace that He provides; we feel the nudging of the Holy Spirit guiding us away from sin.

Friends, this growth doesn’t happen overnight. It is a result of a commitment to walking with our Lord, on His terms and in His time, not our own. We must be an active participant in the relationship. Give the Lord your dedicated time and He will honor and bless it.

Prayer Requests

Prayers for:

• Those facing the loss of loved ones, especially those for whom we have had memorial services of late

• Those struggling with depression

• Caretakers of family members with health problems

• Those seeking to know His will for their lives  

Because I’ve been sitting for a bit writing this, my hip is hurting. I am going to do my stretches and home exercises after I send this out. I’m also asking for your help in keeping me accountable to doing them, so I hereby give you permission to ask me how I’m coming along with them. Ha!

Quotes  

“We will never change the world by going to church. We will only change the world by being the church.”

“We are very good lawyers for our own mistakes, but very good judges for the mistakes of others.”

“A narrow mind is usually accompanied by a wide mouth.”