Here Comes the Bride: Part III

Wow...I've been married for four months! I'll say to Jim, "Guess what?" He'll say, "What?" And I'll say, "We're married!" A few minutes later I'll say, "Guess what?" And he replies, "I know, I know...we're married!" After a few minutes, I'll say again, "Guess what?" He looks at me with a grin as I exclaim, "We're married!" (Then I'll pinch myself just to make sure!)


Everybody knows weddings are hectic...mine was no exception. Our Big Day dawned with family buzzing all around us. I didn't sleep much the night before and feel that many of the wedding photos reveal the truth of my restless night. Regardless, our day was exciting, the ceremony lovely, the dinner yummy, and the reception enjoyable.


However, many guest left after a brief hug or handshake, vanishing before having a piece of our wonderful cake (four layers of white cake with rasberry, strawberry, and lemon filling). The bad news...there was plenty of cake to send home with family! The good news...there was plenty of cake to send home with family!


As for the honeymoon, Jim and I stayed at the Little America Tower in Salt Lake City. We stayed in a lovely, quiet suite and ordered room service the entire time! Our stay was a wonderful respite after our incredible (but hectic) Big Day.

Thank you for sharing our wedding day with us. The presence of family and friends (from far and near) was the greatest gift we could have been given!
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P.S. Jim, by the way...

Here Comes the Bride: Part II

Well...it was the thought that counted, right? I have been so busy, too busy to blog about my day-by-day progress to the Big Day. But I'm still counting down: 11 more days and I'll be a married woman!

What's more, I accomplished everything on my previous blog to-do-list (For those of you who are compulsively organizational and always right on time, say hallelujah!).

Now, onto the next list of things I need to do before the big day:

~Buy shoes
~Order flowers
~Check voice mail
~Visit make-up specialist
~Book photographer & videographer
~Pay bills
~Go to Curves
~Get addresses for invitations I have not mailed yet because I do not have the addresses.
~Get more sleep

I think that's enough for now, don't you?
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P. S. Jim, I'm gonna' love you like nobody's loved you, come rain or come shine!

Here Comes the Bride: Part I

I have entered the 21 day countdown to the Big Day!

For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about (I don't know who that would be because I've been talking about nothing else since Valentines six weeks ago!)...Jim and I are getting married!

On Christmas morning, December 25, 2006, my beloved friend gave me an engagement ring. And after 15 months of anticipation, I am going to become his wife on April 25, 2008.

Furthermore, the many details of planning our wedding have not robbed me of my joy and excitement one little bit! Even though I'm time challenged (Finals, ugh!) and a little tired...I'm having fun getting us to the altar! And who better to share my good time with than all of you?

Starting tomorrow, I'm going to attempt to give a day-by-day update on how wedding plans are proceeding. And because inquiring minds want to know, I have already accomplished the following:

~ Booked the Location
~ Purchased my Gown (Yahooooooo!)
~ Ordered invitations
~ Ordered Bridesmaids Dresses
~ Started Curves
~ Selected Tuxedos

And tomorrow I plan on tackling the following:

~ Schedule alteration and final fitting for my Gown
~ Get a tanning pass
~ Order the Wedding Cake
~ Go to Curves
~ Meet with Wedding Coordinator
~ Plan Rehearsal Dinner
~ Sleep

As everyone can see, I still have much to do. Stay tuned!
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P.S. I love you, Jim.

Oops...We Did It Again!

What can I say other than...the fishing has been very good!

O' Captain, my Captain

On Sunday, April 1, 2007, my great-uncle Jay Penrod Mackenzie passed away. And today he was laid to rest, surrounded by family and friends. Rather than mourn his death...I choose to celebrate his life with all of you. Following are tributes written by his grandsons, Denton and Beau Mackenzie.

Tribute to Grampa

Circumstances do not make a man…they reveal him. My grandpa is a good example of this truth. Jay Penrod Mackenzie was born on September 27, 1922, to Joseph Paul Mackenzie and Flava Rosetta Penrod. My grandpa grew up in Provo, Utah, and spent most of his life here. He joined the United States Navy in 1940 and was assigned to the USS ST. LOUIS. And on December 7, 1941, while stationed at Pearl Harbor, my grandpa witnessed the Japanese attack on the harbor from the deck of his ship, the USS ST. LOUIS (Later called the Lucky Lou because it was the only battle ship that escaped the harbor during the bombing).

Grandpa told me many sea stories about bombs breaking through the deck, wiping out his bunk and everything he owned. He told me about all the ammunition he’d fired during his battle at Pearl Harbor. I dreamed of being in those situations. So, when I grew up, I decided to join the Navy.

I was stationed at Pearl Harbor for a short time…the first sea voyage of my 12 year career in the United States Navy Reserve. I will never forget the experience of being there. I felt I had gone back in time and wasn’t sure if I could be as tough as my grandpa. Living at sea was one of the toughest things I’d ever done…after being underway for only two weeks! I never did get sick, but boy did my legs sway when I came back ashore. But I just had to experience the sea for myself. I had to know what my grandpa had lived through.

During my grandpa's Navy career, he participated in 11 major battles in the Pacific Campaign. During one of his campaigns he was at sea for almost a year, never seeing land. After surviving these battles, he was discharged at the Brooklyn Navy yard in December 1946. Grandpa returned to Utah where he met my grandmother, Lucille Hunt...and later married her on February 18, 1947. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last month. He later graduated from Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, with a Bachelor of Science in Geology and a minor in Mathematics.


Speaking of Geology, grandpa owned a mine in Nevada. We knew it as the Cherry Creek Mine. It was near an abandoned mining town full of all sorts of buildings and mining equipment. Imagine telling people, "My grandpa has a gold mine!" Grandpa taught me to pan for gold. And I thought I was pretty good at it until he showed me all that was in the pan was "fools" gold. Ironically, I now work in the mining industry.

Grandpa really enjoyed hunting and fishing. I tried both...but was too impatient for fishing. So, we went hunting a lot. I remember going with grandpa and dad up in the mountains above Walsburg. We would be into the toughest, most rugged places with the horses. Grandpa would say, "Here we go. Hey! Hey!" Regardless of those rugged places, he would always be smiling. I will never forget the time my horse decided to go to our spot on the hill with or without me. Grandpa taught me simple things like how to walk up a mountain without wearing myself out by traversing up the hill. There is a great lesson to be learned here that can be applied to all areas of our lives.

I recall a time when I went into the Uintah Mountains with grandpa and dad; I was pretty nervous due to we had the horses (Which, over the last few years I had spent many a time flying through the air as result of them). I remember about mid way through our trip we came to a drop-off and there was a narrow, winding path carved into the side of the mountain.

With a sick, uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach I decided to get off the horse and walk: I couldn't see the trail over the sides of the horses! Dad decided to walk, too. Grandpa just looked at us like we were silly and said, "Why would you want to walk? That's what we brought the horses for!" This is how he lived his life. Doubt is what will make you fail; grandpa had no doubt.

Camping was always great with grandpa. I just loved it when he would wake up in the morning and look around...with his hair standing straight up. He had the worse bed head I have ever seen. Now, I have his hair (And his hairline!). He always told me I would grow a forehead, but I didn't believe him.

I am going to really miss him and I know many of you feel the same way. He led his life without fear or regret. I never heard grandpa complain about a hard life or any other thing my whole life. I only hope I can live up to his legend. He was the toughest, most loving person alive; his wit was matched by none.

When I looked at him these last few days I have seen myself. He was the best grandpa you could ever ask for and his adventures have sent me on a few of my own. Now, he has gone on to the greatest adventure of all. I know he will take with him a lifetime of experience and knowledge that few acquire on earth. I know he is well and look forward to seeing him again.

I want my grandmother to know how much I love her and my grandfather. I would not be the person I am today if it were not for them. They have made me who I am and want them to know that they did a very good job.

I would like to read a poem now, titled:

The Sailor's 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my Pilot, I shall not go adrift.
He lighteth my passage across dark channels.He steereth me through the deep waters; He keepeth my log. He guideth me by the evening star for my safety's sake.

Yea, though I sail mid the thunders and tempests of life, I shall fear no peril. For Thou art with me. Thy stars and heavens...they comfort me. The vastness of the sea upholds me.

Surely fair winds and safe harbors shall be found all the days of my life. And I shall moor fast and secure, forever. Amen.

Fair winds and following seas, grandpa.

Memories of Grampa

When one dies, we have photographs and memories to keep them alive in our minds.I would like to talk about my memories of grandpa.

My earliest memory of my grandpa is spending the night at his house...watching his nightly ritual of retiring to bed...waking up in the morning , seeing his crazy "bed-head" hair, and watching him slick it back with a fine tooth comb.

I remember going camping and hunting with grandpa (Which he loved). I was the one who always got to sleep with him. I never worried about getting cold because sleeping next to him was like having a built in furnace next to me. Grandpa would cook breakfast for us and was always eager to get on the mountain to get the big buck.

On the mountain we had a favorite spot where we would wait for deer. My brother and dad would try to flush the deer out into the open, while grandpa and I would wait together. During these times grandpa and I would have a pudding snack or kemper snack (Sardines in mustard sauce) that grandpa had brought on the hunt. I always loved to eat with him and grew to love the foods he liked.

Grandpa always brought his dog, Festus, on the hunts with us. And that dog was the best hunting dog one could have on a hunt. Festus would point out the birds and always clean-eat his prey...never wasting any of it.

While my siblings and I were growing up, grandpa and grandma would show up every Christmas morning to help put our new toys together. Grandpa always had the patience it took to assemble our toys.

As a boy I played little league football. Grandpa was always there, watching me play. And afterward, he would take me to the BYU football game for which he bought season tickets each year. He loved watching the JAZZ basketball games on television. And I loved watching those games with him, too.

Grandpa was a nice dresser. I loved his cool shirts, bell-bottom pants, and pointy boots. I was always tempted to wear one of his shirts and did so when I lived in his house. He was my way cool guy. When I married my wife, grandpa proudly gave me shirt cuffs. I never thanked him; however, I am honored to wear them.

Grandpa loved rocks, especially precious metals, and loved to talk about panning for gold. And as I grew up, I realized my own love of rocks and precious metals. I once asked grandpa, "Why didn't you pan for gold more often? His reply, “I am trying to stay away from a lot of work…just to get a couple of specks of gold!”

My grandpa’s stubbornness was a joy to my heart. Once, grandpa and dad were on a drilling rig and grandpa was serving hot soup to my dad. The handle on the soup pot broke, causing grandpa to spill the hot soup on dad’s lap. However, grandpa couldn’t get rid of that broken-handled pan. As far as he was concerned the pot still worked just fine.

More than being just a way cool guy, grandpa was a great example to all of us. His great respect for women made him a favorite among them. He was a true gentleman. He never failed to express his love to my grandma; everyone knew they were lovers for life.

Grandpa’s great smile always expressed love; he never had to say it, but you knew it! He was always forgiving of others even when they had crossed him, or taken advantage of him. If they asked, he continued to give to them. From the kindness of his heart he touched the lives of countless people. He never turned a beggar away and had great compassion for others.

My grandpa was a great American in every way! He had respect for his country, as well as respect for the liberties we enjoy in this country. He was one with nature and loved the outdoors...in his cool shirts and with his loving dog, Festus, by his side. I know grandpa will be missed and his memory will last forever in our minds.

And though we may be sad at grandpa’s passing, for him...there is a joyous reunion on the other side with family, friends, and his favorite dog, Festus. Grandpa's spirit lives on!

May we all remember Jay P. Mackenzie, the way cool great American hero!

In Gratitude

As I listened to my cousins share their memories of their grandfather, I was filled with admiration for the finest man I've ever known: Jay Penrod Mackenzie. And on Valentine's Day of this year I took the time to express my gratitude and love for this truly, "great" uncle. Now, I share my gratitude with all of you:

Dear Uncle Jay,

You are my "other father". Although I am not your daughter, I love you like a daughter loves her father. When you look at me, your eyes twinkle and you smile like you know all my secrets. And that's ok. Because, I trust you and know my secrets are safe with you. I admire your calm composure and appreciate how you always have time to listen to me when I take the time to talk to you.

By the way, I never told you that your fascination for rocks, dirt, and dinosaurs sparked an interest in me to study earth science (So much so that I took earth sciences to fulfill my science requirement for college). I wish now that I would have taken earth science courses earlier in my academic pursuits...I might have grown up to be a dinosaur-loving, rock-hugger like you. Watching you get excited about a BYU football game or settling down in your favorite chair to watch the Utah JAZZ always makes me smile.

Several years ago I contemplated buying an expensive, flashy sports utility vehicle (SUV) and was willing to go into major debt over the thing. When I asked you what you thought about me buying the thing you replied, “A car is just a car and doesn’t make you who you are. You need dependable transportation. That is what a car is supposed to be...dependable transportation.” And you were right. I heard what you said and saved myself thousands of dollars of interest!

While I was yet unborn, you protected and preserved my freedom. As your shipmates lost their lives (And you fought for you own) you cleared the road ahead for me...the road that leads to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Because of your ‘fight to the death’ the life I’m living today is possible.

Thank you, Uncle Jay, for protecting and preserving my freedom. I am proud and honored to be your great-niece!

I love you, forever.

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So, until I land in that safe harbor where you rest, good-bye for now...O' captain, my captain.

Wonder of Unfailing Love

I've been listening to Darlene Zschech's "Change Your World" compact disk over and over again and all I can say is, "WOW!" What an incredible collection of love songs to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! One lyric after another, Darlene sings passionately and sincerely of her love for our Redeemer.

Upon inserting the CD and pushing play the listener is immediately 'transported' into the presence of the Lord as Darlene's voice lovingly acknowledges Him in You Are Here:

Only by Your love I am breathless. Only by Your touch, I am left forever longing for Your presence. And somehow abandoned to the mystery I've found.

How Your majesty once again can strike a chord in me; Leaving me surrendered, knowing I am heaven's and always worshipping the love of my life.

You are here; You are here with me. Everywhere I go, You are loving me. I am Yours and you are mine, forevermore.

Through the valleys low You will keep me. O where can I go? Holiness surrounds me, angels all around me...forever. Shadowed in Your glory, I hide.

You are here; You are here with me. Everywhere I go, You are loving me. I am Yours and You are mine, forevermore. Forever we will sing: Hallelujah, Hallelujah. Hallelujah, Hallelujah. Everywhere I go, You are here with me.

You are loving me...restoring me.

Next, with deep longing and reverence, Darlene sings Captured:

Here I stand, my heart is crying out for You. I will wait, I will love. I look to You in the sanctuary...drinking deep from your Holy fountain.

You've captured my heart again. And I need You more than the morning needs the light. You've captured my heart again. For I know that I...I can't live without Your love.

Fill me now with the breath of heaven. Beholding You I am free. You and I...we're meant to be together. Forever Yours in Your holy presence.

You've captured my heart again and I need you more than the heavens need to sing. You've captured my heart again. For I know that I...I can't live without Your love.

There's none beside You...none before You...there's no other like You, my God. And I need You more than the oceans need the rain. You've captured my heart again. For I know that I can't live without Your love.

And, with awe and reverence, Darlene sings Where Would I Be:

You knew me. Even as a child I heard You call me closer. Clearly like a song I've always known You would play for me.

Like the breaking of the dawn, everyday I long for more of you.

Where would I be without Your love? Where would I be without Your hand on my life?

Lifted, through the valleys...through the pain...I know You're with me. Carried, like I'm dancing in the rain. You cover me. Then you catch me when I fall. As we walk this gift of life I need You.

Where would I be without Your love? Where would I be without Your hand on my life?

Forever, I will follow You. I will live for You, forever. I will worship You.

I will follow You, forever. I will live for You. I will worship You... forever.

Will You dance with me again? For I can only live this life with You. Where would I be without Your love? Where would I be without Your hand on my life?

Where would I be without Your grace? Where would I be without Your refuge over me?

In Sing Over Me, Darlene shares her experience of finding unfailing love in the shadow of the Holy One:

Holy One, I come again and run into the shelter of Your wing. On my knees, before you now, You gently lift the burden of my heart. And You sing over me; yes, You sing over me.

The wonder of...the mystery of Your unfailing love...forever. How wonderful, how beautiful, Your amazing love, forever.

Breathe on me, Holy One. I linger in the presence of Your love. Heavens song, sung to me...lifts me up again to bring You praise. And you sing over me; yes, You sing over me. Heaven's song, surrounding me.

Yes...You sing over me.

And last, in You Are Holy, Darlene praises the One worthy of all praise:

You are holy to be held in utter reverence. At times I hold my breath and tremble...and behold your majesty.

You are worthy of all praise and adoration. And when I fail to bring you pleasure, You extend Your grace again.

In the morning I will seek you. In the evening I will love You. I sing...hallelujah, I sing. Join the angels to worship, honor, and praise Your holy, holy name.

You are perfect in all Your ways. I come before you, lift my hands to say I love you. For Your love it is enough!

With my life Lord I will serve you. Every moment to be found in You. I sing...hallelujah, I sing. Join the angels to worship, honor, and praise Your holy, holy name.

I sing...hallelujah, I sing. Join the angels to worship, honor, and praise Your holy, holy name. I will praise Your holy, holy, holy name.

As you meditate upon these lyrics I pray you feel the presence of the Holy One and experience the wonder of His unfailing love.

Peace!

Shall We Gather at the River

On July 30, 2006, 11 people were baptized in the Provo River just north of Provo, Utah. As I and others from my church looked on, one person after another took the blessed plunge.

As each person was baptized I was reminded of the Great Commission given by Jesus more than 2000 years ago:

"I have been given complete authority in Heaven and earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the world."

Shall we gather at the river?

Reeling In the Big Ones

This was my very first fish ever...a beautiful Lake Trout from a glacier lake in Wyoming! I vaguely remember going fishing as a little girl...not enjoying what I was doing because I never caught anything.

But no more! I love to fish! This fish was caught using a down-rigger with a husky "Rainbow" Rapala lure. My lovely companion is my cousin's daughter, Tasha.

(Click on pic to see the big fish)

Below is the second fish I caught...another lovely Lake Trout. I caught this one with a husky "Firetiger" Rapala lure...trolling close to shore. Pulling in to a little cove (To visit the ladies room) I hooked this one reeling in my line as we approached the dock. Later, this fish was cut up into four fillets, marinated in Zesty Italian salad dressing, grilled to perfection on a charcoal grill...served with fresh cut lemons. I leave the rest to your imaginations. My beautiful companion is my daughter, Kayla.

(Click on pic to see the big fish)

And last, but not least, I caught the fish below while trolling close to shore. Again, I used the now famous Firetiger lure, a.k.a., "The Triple L" (Lucky Lori Lure). This one has yet to be filleted and cooked...and rests frozen in a vacuum sealed package.

(Click on pic to see the big fish)

Honorable mentions: I also caught three pretty Rainbow Trout on hooks baited with worms (Small catches in comparison to the above, hence no pics). Indeed, the fishing was very good!

"Thank you!" to all who accompanied me to the lake: Mike, Nan, Tasha, Mother, Kayla, Staci, Al, Bernice, Don, Rose, and Bill. Your company was better medicine than what the doctor prescribed!

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PS. Thanks Jim for showing me where God lives and literally being my right arm as you taught me how to fish...despite my disability! Because of you I've gained a deep respect and new appreciation for the lowly, slimy, wiggly earthworm.

(Where God lives...)

Got Fruit?

I recently had a conversation with a friend about the fruit of the Spirit. We discussed the misconception that as we mature in Christ we acquire the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control along the way.

Furthermore, the number of ‘fruits’ we manifest reveal our spiritual maturity in Christ, the goal being: we will eventually acquire all the fruits of the Spirit. Not so, according to Paul the Apostle.

While reading Galatians 5:22-23 I discovered that Paul said, "The fruit of the Spirit is..." not fruits. He’s not talking about an apple tree, a pear tree, a banana tree...different kinds of fruit bearing plants which bring forth fruit after their own kind. He’s talking about one fruit tree, i.e., the Holy Spirit, bearing one kind of fruit with many characteristics. As an apple is individual in its color and appearance, crunchy and sweet in its taste, possesses a stem and seeds (All of which are characteristics of the same fruit), such is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is one Spirit with many characteristics - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control - bearing 'fruit' in the life of one who is filled with It.

And like the apple is an apple - proven by its many individual characteristics – such is the Holy Spirit. An apple tastes, looks, and feels like an apple...not a banana. One who has the Spirit will manifest the fruit (Characteristics) thereof!

If we truly have the Holy Spirit living in us...comforting us and illuminating Truth to us...we will exhibit love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our repertoire of virtues on a regular basis. We do not acquire each 'fruit' as we mature in knowledge of Jesus Christ or do good works. As a recipient of the Savior's divine grace (Through the atonement on the cross) the Holy Spirit will dwell in us and manifest Its presence through...fruit.

Such is what Paul is saying in Galatians:

"So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law.
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives."

Again, I ask...

Got fruit?

Take Me In

I was sitting at my computer tonight importing a musical Compact Disc into iTunes. One by one the songs played through my speakers as they copied to my hard drive. As I listened, I rated each one on a scale of one to 10. Turns out...every single song is a "10". And that CD is Strong Tower by the band Kutless.

One song especially struck an emotional chord within me. I couldn't help but stop the import and play the song...again and again. That song is Take Me In, by Dave Browing. I share it with you now.


Take me past the outer courts and through the holy place; past the brazen alter...

Lord I want to see Your face.

Pass me by the crowds of people and the priests who sing Your praise;



I hunger and thirst for Your righteousness, but it's only found in one place...

Take me in to the Holy of Holies;
Take me in by the blood of the Lamb.
Take me in to the Holy of Holies;
Take the coal, cleanse my lips, here I am.

Indeed, I worshipped.

A True Worshiper

During my devotional time last Saturday morning I read the following scripture in the Bible, "Mary...sat at Jesus' feet and heard His words. But Martha was distracted with much serving." And the passage made me think about worship versus service. I asked myself, "Which is more important in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ...worship or service?" Then I read the following lesson on the priority of worship over service in John Macarthur's Twelve Extraordinary Women. I share it with you now...

"It's interesting to read the [story of Martha and Mary] and try to imagine how the average woman might respond if placed in a situation like Martha's. My strong suspicion is that many women would be inclined to sympathize with Martha, not Mary. After all, it would normally be considered rude to let your sister do all the hard work in the kitchen while you sit chatting with guests. So, in a real sense, Martha’s feelings were natural and somewhat understandable. That may be one reason Jesus' rebuke was so mild. In normal circumstances, any older sister would think it obligatory for the younger sister to help in serving a meal to guests. In other words, what Martha expected Mary to do was, in itself, perfectly fine and good.

Nevertheless, what Mary was doing was better still. She had chosen that good part. She had discovered the one thing needful: true worship and devotion of one's heart and full attention to Christ. That was a higher priority even than service, and the good part she had chosen would not be taken away from her, even for the sake of something as gracious and beneficial as helping Martha prepare Jesus a meal. Mary's humble, obedient heart was a far greater gift to Christ than Martha's well-set table. This establishes worship as the highest of all priorities for every [believer in Christ]. Nothing, including even service rendered to Christ, is more important than listening to Him and honoring Him with our hearts.

Remember what Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well: God is seeking true worshipers. Christ had found one in Mary. He would not affirm Martha's reprimand of her, because it was Mary, not Martha, who properly understood that worship is a higher duty to Christ than service rendered on His behalf.

It is a danger, even for people who love Christ, that we not become so concerned with doing things for Him that we begin to neglect hearing Him and remembering what He has done for us. We must never allow our service for Jesus to crowd out our worship of Him. The moment our works become more important to us than our worship, we have turned the true spiritual priorities on their heads.

In fact, that tendency is the very thing that is so poisonous about all forms of pietism and theological liberalism. Whenever you elevate good deeds over sound doctrine and true worship, you ruin the works too. Doing good works for the works' sake has a tendency to exalt self and depreciate the work of Jesus Christ.

Good deeds, human charity, and acts of kindness are crucial expressions of real faith, but they must flow from a true reliance on God's redemption and His righteousness. After all, our own good works can never be a means of earning God's favor; that's why in scripture the focus of faith is always on what God has done for us...and never on what we do for Him. Observe any form of religion where good works are ranked as more important than authentic faith or sound doctrine, and you'll discover a system that denigrates Jesus while unduly magnifying self.

Not that Martha was guilty of gross self-righteousness. We shouldn't be any harsher in our assessment of her than Christ was. She loved the Lord. Her faith was real, but by neglecting the needful thing [listening at the feet of Jesus along with Mary] and busying herself with mere activity, she became spiritually unbalanced. Her behavior reminds us that a damaging spirit of self-righteousness can slip in and contaminate even the hearts of those who have sincerely embraced Christ as their true righteousness. Martha's harshness toward Mary exposed precisely that kind of imbalance in Martha's own heart.

Jesus' gentle words of correction to Martha (As well as His commendation of Mary) set the priorities once more in their proper order. Worship, which is epitomized here by listening intently to Jesus' teachings, is the one thing most needed. Service to Christ must always be subordinate to worship."

Awe, the answer to my question, "Which is more important...worship or service?" Answer: worship. And according to Jesus' own words, worship is more needful to His followers. Devotion of one's heart and full attention to Him is true worship.

Furthermore, I realized that service motivated by a pure desire to emulate the character of Christ is an act of worship. Everything I do, everything I say should glorify Jesus...from the moment I awake until the moment I fall asleep, I am to worship Him. And my trip to Wyoming was just that: worship.

From the moment I awoke until the moment I fell asleep I was in awe of the majesty of my Creator and the breathtaking works of His hands: an ocean of sky and clouds, pristine lakes, rugged mountains and shorelines. Could there be a more glorious temple in which to worship the Savior than the one He created for me in the tiny parcel of earth called Fremont Lake?

Sitting on my granite perch, standing on a sandy beach, or walking a road less traveled...Jesus had my heart's devotion and full attention. He had my worship.

Gone Fishin'

WOW! What a week! I just returned from the most pristine place I've ever been and am speechless to describe it. But that's okay...because a picture paints a thousand words.

So, I'll let the pictures do the talking...for now.



PS. Thanks Jim for taking us to the edge of Heaven!

Pursuing Excellence

Over the last two years I've learned to never leave home without a book in hand because I never know how long I will be waiting when I get to where I'm going. And rather than sit and fidget, get impatient and complain...I open my book. Today, while waiting in my doctor's office, I did just that.

I opened Joel Osteen's Your Best Life Now and read the last two chapters. He shared a story that I'd like to share now with all of you.

"I heard a story about a wealthy man whose friend was a builder. This builder was down on his luck and hadn't had much work lately, so the wealthy man felt sorry for him and decided to help him out. He gave him a set of plans and a check for $300,000. He said, 'I want you to build me a new home. I don't have time to bother with it. I'm turning it all over to you. You make all the decisions. I trust you. If you do a good job, I promise to pay you well.' This builder was so excited. He could finally start making some money.

But he got to thinking, 'If I cut a few corners here and there, maybe I could pocket some of that $300,000.' So he went out and bought the cheapest concrete he could find. He had the cement mixer water it down so it would stretch further. He saved four or five thousand dollars right there.

Excited, he went out and found the cheapest lumber he could find. Some of it was bent and warped and crooked. He didn't care. It was going to be hidden behind the walls. Nobody would ever see it. He did the same thing with the plumbing, electrical work, and so on...cutting corners and saving money. When the house was completed, he had saved nearly $40,000, which he discreetly deposited in his own bank account.

He called his wealthy friend to come take a look at the house. The purchaser was quite impressed. On the surface, the home looked beautiful. He never guessed that the builder had cut corners, compromising the integrity of the whole house. The builder was ecstatic as he noted the pleased expression on the owner's face. He couldn't wait to see how much he was going to get paid. After all, he knew the owner was a very generous man.

As the wealthy man walked to the front door, he turned with a twinkle in his eye and said to the builder, 'You know, I don't really need this home. I already have a beautiful home. I was just trying to help you out and do you a favor.' He handed the builder the keys, and said, 'Here my friend. This is for you. You've just built yourself a brand-new home.' That builder nearly passed out. He thought, 'If I had known it was going to be my own, I would have built it a whole lot better!'

The truth is, whether we realize it or not...we all are building our own homes. We may cut corners here and there, but it's not hurting anybody except ourselves. Those poor decisions will weaken our foundations, causing us all kinds of problems in the future. Everything may look fine on the surface, but what really counts is what's going on within the walls, behind closed doors.

What do we do when nobody is watching? Are we watering down our foundations because of a lack of integrity? Are we cheating people here and not paying taxes over there, compromising right and left? What kind of materials are we putting into our own homes?

This builder got into his new house and three months later, he was having foundation problems. Six months after that, cracks appeared in the walls. The plumbing wouldn't work right. It cost him far more than the $40,000 he'd "saved" to fix all those problems. If he had it to do over again, he would do it right the first time."

Yep...made me think, too. Need I say more?

Grace Falls Like Rain

Today is Independence Day in America. Hundreds of thousands of people are spending today with family and friends at barbeques and parades. However, I chose to spend this 4th of July high up in the Uinta Mountains at the home of a dear friend...alone. And I do not regret doing so.

For at this very moment I am gazing out windows that reach to the sky...admiring torrents of rain and brilliant lightning as loud cracks of thunder explode around me. Who needs firework displays (Or light shows) when the Creator shows up in such glorious spectacle, making known His presence with such beauty, power, and majesty? On the stereo Jeremy Camp sings,

"I feel Your grace fall like rain..."

To the east of me is the bluest sky filled with huge, fluffy white clouds...tinged with bits of gray. The clouds appear to have captured the rain; mountain tops are visibly green and gold with foliage. However, to the west...the sky is muted in hues of gray and the mountains appear black in stark contrast. From my vantage point, the foliage cannot be seen through the dark clouds and heavy rain. Jeremy is singing again...

"I feel Your grace fall like rain...washing away my pain."

I close my eyes and think briefly upon painful memories of my past: pain from an unwanted divorce seven years ago; pain from consequences suffered as a result of poor decision making; and last...pain from regrets (The shoulda-coulda-wouldas). These memories 'play' like a computer slide-show in my head.

I mentally 'click' the close button, then right click for the 'delete' button: Grace. I willingly, desperately select Grace and open my eyes to the visual glory of the Creator surrounding me. Arms extended heavenward, I accept His Grace and sing:

"I feel Your grace fall like rain."


P.S. Let freedom rain!

I Surrender

My friend and sister-in-Christ, Sheila Stubblefied, wrote the following poem. I asked her if I could put it on my blog...she said sure. Now, I share her poem with all of you.

"Surrender"

Help me to surrender my eyes and mind on you.
Teach me to surrender my problems to you so that I can climb the stairway up to Heaven.
Surrender it all to God so some might spill out on the world.

We surrender grief, sorrow, and pain to you through the grace of Your love.
Surrender a case of hopelessness in an empty place of mind and heart.
Now I surrender it all to You...at the cross.

Thank you, God. I surrender it all to You!

Approximately one year ago I had the privilege of leading a Rock Canyon Church Connection Group (Small group) comprised of women from diverse backgrounds and of various ages. The purpose of our group was to meet weekly for fellowship, relationship, and discipleship. Into this group came Sheila.

Sheila suffers from several maladies: Diabetes, Arthritis, high blood pressure, seizures, depression, and severe anxiety. Her childhood was plagued with severe abuse (Physical, emotional, and sexual); she was raped as an adult; and lost her six-year old daughter in a tragic shotgun accident.

Independence Day is just around the corner and freedom in Jesus never looked so good. So...let's get out our white flags and wave them!

P.S. Sheila, I'm so proud of you! I love you forever.

Higher Ground

For some of us, falling down (Divorce, job loss, death of a loved one, long-term illness, bankruptcy, work injury, etc.) can be the crisis that spirals us downward into the abyss of depression and anxiety, or can be the catalyst that propels us upward to 'higher ground'. Such was the case with me.

After falling on the job in April, 2004, I was pretty much stationary for the next 18 months and the road to recovery appeared hopeless. In the first two months after my fall I worried myself into a panic. How was I going to work with an injured right arm? As a single parent, when could I return to work in order to provide for my child's needs? When would my right arm be completely functional again? I felt helpless and was at the mercy of a worker's compensation insurance carrier. However, I survived and share my perspective on gaining (And maintaining) higher ground during one of the most difficult challenges of my life.

The worst consequence of my fall was being immobilized...not being able to get around when and how I wanted. Driving was difficult. Reaching out to turn on a light switch was difficult. Opening a cupboard to retrieve a dish or cup was difficult. Bathing and washing my hair was difficult. Pulling clothing over my head was difficult. Lifting a gallon of milk from the fridge was impossible. Everything I had ever done with my right hand and arm was now a physical challenge. But then something wonderful happened...

Through months of surgeries and physical therapy many people supported me in many ways. While some people prayed for my quick recovery and healing, others cleaned my house, brought food, money, and provided transportation for my daughter to/from school. As each one came to meet a basic need in our lives I realized I had been given an incredible gift: time. Before the fall I had been too busy to spend time with anyone other than my children. But after my fall I was given an abundance of time and chose to spend it with people who truly cared about my physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. And for me...creating and developing relationships with these precious people became my higher ground, emotionally and spiritually!

Recently, a good friend took me exploring for Spanish treasure in the Uinta National Forest. As we traversed the moutainside(s) on a four wheeler I was awed by the beauty of the terrain we covered. Upon arriving at an old Spanish mine shaft, my friend got off the four-wheeler and invited me to explore the mine. During my 22 years of living in Utah I have never explored anything...nor have I been a passenger on the back of a four wheeler with an experienced mountain man as a tour guide. I took his extended hand and we descended.


We exited the mine, hopped back on the four-wheeler, and headed for higher ground (Literally). After crossing a river on foot, we climbed to a high spot where a cross had been inscribed into a sandstone wall.


In wonder I gazed at the world from this new vantage point...breathless from the climb and speechless at what I saw. Now, with all of you...I share the view. Enjoy!


P.S. Crisis or catalyst? You choose.

No Sacrifice

I was practicing with the Worship Team at my church last week and was impressed by the talent that surrounded me. As I looked around, watching and listening, I felt truly blessed to sing with such a dedicated group of people. For me...every Wednesday night jam session is no sacrifice.

As we moved through each song (To be sung during the following Sunday morning service at the movie theaters), I took pictures of my band. Each member cheerfully obliged.

Drum roll please...

Top row, left to right: Richard, Kurene, Mike, Junior, Sally, Altivese, Me; bottom row, left to right: Jamie, and Nichi. Our fearless Worship Pastor, Marlys Jackson, a.k.a. Awesome Blossom...MIA (scroll down to her lovely self in Get Real ).

The last song we practiced was No Sacrifice, by Jason Upton ...and it goes like this:

To You I give my life, not just the parts I want to. To You I sacrifice these dreams that I hold on to.

To You I give the gifts Your love has given me. How can I hoard the treasures that You've designed for free?

To You I give my future as long as it may last. To You I give my present...to You I give my past.

Because...

Your thoughts are higher than mine;
Your words are deeper than mine;
Your love is stronger than mine. This is no sacrifice...

Here's my life.

What more can I say but that I love my band!

Falling Down

In April of 2004 I fell on the job. I attempted to break my fall by extending both arms out in front of me; however, my arms were laden with legal-sized escrow files. As files fell around me I slammed down into the floor...landing first on my right wrist...then onto my right elbow. Immediately, I felt as if I'd been stabbed with a sharp instrument in both my wrist and elbow. A visit to the emergency room revealed no breaks or fractures; however, I did tear cartilage, tendon, and ligaments in my wrist, elbow, and shoulder. And as a result, I’ve had three surgeries and one shoulder manipulation to date. Fast forward to March, 2006...

Two months ago I had surgery on my shoulder and was laid-up for two weeks. While under anesthesia, I was given a spinal block in my neck to minimize post-operative pain in the shoulder...it didn't work. When I woke up I was immediately given Morphine for the intense pain I felt in my shoulder. As days passed I began to experience stabbing pains in my neck, as well.

Upon the second post-op visit to my doctor I informed him of the pain in my neck; he explained in detail how I'd been given a spinal block at the base of my neck where it meets my shoulder during surgery. After examining my shoulder and neck he admitted that the spinal block hadn't 'worked' in my case. He then referred me to a neck doctor who injected my neck with Cortisone to reduce the pain. After just two injections (His intention was to give me four) I told the doctor, "No more shots! I can't take any more pain." I could barely talk...pain from the injections and uncontrollable sobs had left me breathless. I confess: the pain from those two injections was far more piercing than the pain I felt when I woke up from the surgery!

Furthermore, along with the chronic pain in my neck, I wake each morning with a severe headache. My doctor assured me that the ache in my neck will go away with time, as will the headaches. He prescribed Amitriptyline and Cyclobenzaprine to take each night at bedtime to avoid headaches and muscle spasms in the mornings. Now, I awake each morning with a metallic taste in my mouth and lethargic...rather than with excruciating pain.

Consequently, this morning I woke up feeling depressed and frustrated: two months ago I went into surgery to get my shoulder fixed...and came out with chronic pain and muscle spasms in my neck. The entire ordeal has been physically and mentally exhausting...a literal 'pain in the neck'! And then (During my devotion time with the Lord) I read the following in Joel Osteen's Your Best Life Now:

"We all face challenges in life. We all have things that come against us. We may get knocked down on the outside, but the key to living in victory is to learn how to get up on the inside.

I heard a story about a little boy who was in church with his mother. He had so much energy; he just could not sit still. In fact, he kept standing up on the seat. His mother kept telling the son to sit down. He'd sit down for a few seconds, and then he'd get right back up. His mother would gently reprimand him and tell him to sit down. This happened several times, and then the little boy stood up and simply would not sit down. His mother took her hand, put it on his head, and pushed him down onto the seat. The boy sat there smiling. Finally, he looked at his mother and said, ' Mom, I may be sitting down on the outside, but I'm standing up on the inside!'

Sometimes that's what we have to do in life. Our circumstances may force us to sit down for a while, but we must not stay down. Even when we are sitting down on the outside, we must see ourselves as standing on the inside!"

As I read Joel's words I realized that I have been ‘sitting down' on the inside while sitting down on the outside for several weeks now. However, as a victor (Not a victim) in Jesus Christ, I am to 'stand up' on the inside while sitting on the outside!

Thereafter, my attitude went from being very bad to being almost good. I went into my bedroom, got down on my knees, and prayed, "These injuries are not going to defeat me or rob me of my joy. I know I’m a child of God and He has plans for me. I will hold firmly the belief that Jesus is going to work this suffering out for my good and His eventual glory. I may be sitting on the outside, but I choose to stand on the inside! Amen."

Currently, I am undergoing physical therapy three times a week until I regain complete range of motion and strength in my right arm. I see the doctor again in one month. Please continue to keep me in your prayers...all of you who have 'carried' me since that dreadful fall two years ago. I wouldn't have recovered as well as I have without your prayers and support along the way.


PS. Someone once said, "Failure does not come in the falling down. Failure comes in not getting up and trying again!" Oh...my shoulder is healing splendidly!!!

Simple Pleasures

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Riding with my mother on the road to Murphys...

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Holding my 20 year-old son in my arms while humming a hymn, counting my blessings one by one...

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Pouring real sugar (about four teaspoons to be exact) into a Starbuck's 'Black' shaken grande iced tea and enjoying every sip...

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Going to the movies with Staci...

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Thirty minute power (prayer) walks with Jesus...

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Watching my sister-in-law-to-be talk about about how 'hot' her husband-to-be (my younger brother) looks in a tuxedo...

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Talking long distance with a dear friend into the wee hours of the morning (1:30, 2:00, sometimes 3:00 AM)...

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Listening to my 80-something great uncle talk about the good ole' days...

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Hearing someone say, "I respect you, I trust you, I love you." as a sentence in a conversation...

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Singing on the Worship Team at my church and 'jam' sessions with the same every Wednesday night...

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Eating sweet potatoe fries on a bed of succulent, steamed mussel shells...

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Standing on a mountan ridge high atop the Sierras and listening to the wind blow through a thousand trees...

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Gazing at the moon on a clear night...

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Hiking in the Uinta mountains seeking Spanish treasure...

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Reeling in a big one on Fremont Lake...

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The road to Murphys.

The Power of Presence

On April 13, 2006, my step-father, Raymond Gonzales, Sr., passed away after his courageous battle with cancer. Along with members of my family I attended his Memorial Service today and listened as my step-brother, Raymond Gonzales, Jr., shared the following tribute he wrote for our Dad, titled "My Hero":



My father was a private man with simple needs and desires; a man who lived life to its fullest with reckless abandon. My Dad also was the kind of guy that jumped head first into action without any thought of consequences. Dad loved to fish, go boating, and camping. We played golf together, drank together (I'm not going to tell any of those stories), and played pool together. Dad taught me how to play pool before I could see over the table; he would challenge his friends to a team match and we would beat them every time. I was so impressed with Dad. He was my Hero.

Dad loved to take family trips. We've come to know them as our 'Grapes of Wrath’ trips. We would load everything we could into/on top of our old station wagon and head for the water. With clothes flying out the windows at times, ice chests (And one time a mattress being left behind in our wake), we would finally make it to our destination...usually late.

On one such trip we made it to the beach. In Dad's excitement, he pitched our tent on the beach and joined us to play. We played that evening like all kids do without a care in the world because we were with our Dad, our Hero. My sisters and I found a crab that day at the end of my Mom's toe as she screamed for help. We saved her life and put the crab in a bucket. We could not take our eyes off that crab as we fell asleep in our tent that night, only to be awakened by a wet sensation. Dad had jumped head first when he selected our camp site and pitched our tent at low tide on the beach. So when the tide came up at the wee hours of the morning our camp was drenched, our beds were soaked, and our crab was gone. We were heart broken over the loss of our crab, but everything else was OK because we were with our Dad, our Hero.

Dad's life was like the tide: rolling in, rolling out...sometimes there, sometimes not. It's no wonder he loved being on the water so much.

One of Dad's other great talents was his ability to fix anything with duct tape and wire. He learned this craft on the side of many roads (Usually when we were on a family trip). My Aunt Sara confirmed my Dad’s ingenuity by telling me about a return trip from Lake Tahoe with my uncle John, Mom, and Dad. No one was planning on bad weather, so of course they didn't have snow chains. They found themselves stranded in a snowstorm, unable to make it home. However, this was familiar territory for my Dad. So, they searched for some wire knowing that duct tape would do them no good. They found several wire clothes hangers in the trunk; my Dad and uncle John took those coat hangers (Imagine this), wrapped them around the car tires as snow chains...which got them home safely. Now that's a story! Dad was my Hero!

We are here today to remember my father, honor his life, and glorify God. I know some of you are thinking, “Where was the evidence of God in his life?" I know my father did not chase after God’s's heart, but as I share the following stories I think we will all include that God was present in Dad's life and working on his mind, heart, and soul throughout.

It started at age 13 when Dad was diagnosed with Rheumatic fever. They called in a Priest to pray over him, because the family thought he was near death. God was with my Dad...he was playing with his brother and sister the next day. This set the pace for Dad's life. Over the next 55 years Dad journeyed through life (Living everyday as if it might be his last), always running from the Lord. He had many near death experiences including a couple of stab wounds, three major car wrecks, throat cancer, heart infection, and a brain aneurism that the doctor said he would not survive. And if he did, he would not walk or talk again. Six months later he fully recovered as a kinder, more gentle man. God was with him. We counted them all up and were amazed: 10 trips in all to ICU. Dad, you were an amazing man!

The Fifth Commandment says: 'Honor your Father and your Mother that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.'

Dad did not expect that his life would be this long, but God had a plan and my father accepted the Lord at age 68.

Through my Dad's passing God has shown me again the awesome responsibility we all have as fathers, and that we must be the spiritual leaders of our families. Today we need to reflect on our lives and the life we are leading, to challenge ourselves to be fathers worthy of the responsibility God has given us: be Heroes to our children.

I thought I was prepared for my Dad's death, but through his passing I realized I was not. A father's love cannot be replaced. As I watched my Dad take his last breath, I realized what a tough man he was along with all that he meant to me. I always knew my Dad was my Hero...but on that day I came to realize it even more.

Thank you Dad for preparing us for life's journey and showing unconditional love for us. I want you to know that I was proud of you. I hope and pray that I will honor you by the way that I live my life as you have honored me as my father and my Hero. I love you, Dad."


As I listened to my step-brother I was reminded of conversations I had with my step-father back in October, 2005. I visited California primarily to check on my step-father and mother after learning of his diagnosis...to offer my help or service in any way I could. In one conversation, he told me that he loved life and didn’t want to die. He began to weep. I walked over to him, hugged him, and said, "I love you. What can I do to help you?" He replied, "There is nothing you can do for me. I don't need anything, thank you." In 33 years I'd never seen my step-father cry.

Afterwards, I emailed my Pastor and asked him, "How do I help someone who is dying? What can I do for him?" My Pastor replied, “Spend time with him, listen to him as he talks about life, take walks with him, etc. There is power in presence; what he needs most is...your presence.” So, I did just that. I listened to my step-father as he talked about his children, my mother, his sister, his love of the outdoors...and complained about his pain, his diet, his inability to get a good night's sleep, and his doctor. I nodded and smiled sympathetically. I offered to walk with him, but he declined. Then later...I wept.

Today, as I listened to Ray Jr.'s tribute to my step-father, I was glad that I took the time to be with him in October, 2005. As I sat there in that funeral chapel, I silently said to myself, "I had no unfinished business with my step-father; he knew how I felt about him...that I loved him."

Until we meet again, goodbye Dad.

Consider the Lily III

Love is patient and kind; does not envy or boast; is not proud, self-seeking, rude, or easily angered; keeps no record of wrongs; doesn’t revel in evil, but rejoices with truth; always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.


So, where does a single Christian woman go for fun and fellowship after an uncomfortable experience in a women's Bible Study group? She finds a 40 Days of Purpose Driven Life study group to participate in, of course!

In 2002 I was invited to participate in a small group hosted by a church in my community...a 40 Days of Purpose Driven Life small group. I had participated in small groups at church in the past and did not hesitate to sign-up for the six weekly meetings that accompany reading Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life.

The group consisted of 10 to 12 people, married and single, who met weekly in each other’s homes to discuss the contents of the book. Along with the others, I committed to read a chapter a day and attend weekly meetings for the next six weeks. Rising early on Day One, I picked up the book and began to read.

"The average life span is 25,550 days; that's how long you will live if you are typical. Don’t you think it would be a wise use of time to set aside 40 of those days to figure out what God wants you to do with the rest of them?

The Bible is clear that God considers 40 days a spiritually significant time period. Whenever God wanted to prepare someone for His purposes He took 40 days. For example: 40 days of rain transformed Noah’s life; 40 days on Mount Sinai transformed Moses’ life; 40 days in the Promised Land changed Joshua and Caleb’s lives; Goliath’s 40-day challenge transformed a shepherd boy named David; 40 days in the wilderness empowered Jesus; 40 days with Jesus after His resurrection transformed the disciples’ lives; and the next 40 days will transform your life, too!”

Prior to participating in the 40 Days of Purpose Driven Life study group, my attempts at socializing as a divorcee' in religious settings were unsuccessful and somewhat disappointing. Nonetheless, I wanted to meet new people, craved healthy relationships, and hungered for Truth. So, I made another attempt to 'connect' with my brothers and sisters in Christ by participating in this six-week study group. And indeed, the 40 days I spent with them transformed my life! For in that 40 days I learned I was planned for God's pleasure, formed for His family, created to be like Christ, shaped for serving others, and made for a mission.

After reading The Purpose Driven Life, I realized that my time on Earth is temporary...truly a vapor. I was not created to live for the purpose of pleasing myself or others; nor was I created for the purpose of being a daughter, sister, wife, mother, or friend. I was planned, formed, created, shaped, and made to please God...through worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism.

During our last meeting together, the group discussed how the individual believer and Body of Christ are made for the mission of evangelism. Day 40, "Living with Purpose", focused on creating and writing a Life's Purpose Statement. We were encouraged by the Leader of the group to include what worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism are in the daily life of a believer. After several rough drafts I finished my Purpose Statement:

I will celebrate God's presence in my life through Worship; Love and Share Christ through service to my family, friends, church, and community; Teach others to do the same.

Oh, one more thing. During my 40 day experience I discovered I was an 'old' Christian...not a mature Christian. Even though I’d followed Christ my entire adult life, an invisible baby bottle still hung from my lips. Like many children of God, the ‘milk’ of His word had sufficed through the years. However, the time had come for me to stop acting like the baby of the Family, throw away that disgusting bottle, ingest the 'meat' of God's word, and grow up.

So...I did.

To be continued...