What do you "VOW" this Year?

 What do you “VOW” this Year?

My crossroads and a hard choice to move forward..

Promises, 
Promises,
 Promises..

To self, to others, to God…

So here before us is a New Year and the tradition of making those far reaching promises to improve ourselves is the talk on radio, blogs and cable shows. Do you listen? Do you care? Yes, you’re the one reading this blog. Or are you looking for the escape X to opt out of this conversation. 

Bare with me a moment,  I won’t keep you long!

Not long after, say January 15th your list of commitments to do better, be better has dismally been washed in your favorite jean pocket twice and soon looks like lint.

If you had a running list of what you said would be your New Years resolutions from 30 years old and up, would you be. “Oh so disappointed” or “Pleased as punch?”  Yep, take that frown off your face!  Why? Because God has created GRACE and man created the rear view mirror!

Don't get caught looking in two directions, reflect and move on

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead...” Phil 3;13

The thing about God is that he doesn’t look back, he guides you forward. God created timing and the calendar of the New Year after all.  The start to all things fresh! Look, he invented fresh starts with his son Jesus Christ! A forgiven past is certainly refreshing. Look at Lot's wife and how she looked back and lost her life, or the Israelites looked back and saw a battle to big for them and lost their hope.

“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend" Proverbs  22:11 NIV

So whatever your desire in your flesh will be tough to accomplish. But that which the Lord Jesus is calling you to do deep in your spirit be led by the Holy Spirit and washed in grace!

So don’t lose hope this New Years. Spend time sitting quietly and asking God what your focus should be... The talk shows have their own version but God’s is accurate. Trust him to lead you in going forward. After all, if you fail he has the grace that no man really can pour over you!

A reminder to me what my focus will be!

So for me, 

  I am committed to grace ! 

Be Grace, 

Serve Grace, 

Have Grace 
Repeat Grace when I fumble !

May the  grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with my dear friend in your spirit. 

Happy New Year,   Rebekah  

A compiled list of Resolutions for you if you are looking for one :) 

http://tatertotsandjello.com/2013/01/do-you-make-new-years-resolutions.ht

Fishing for the Peace

It could’ve been a clear or even an overcast day on the sandy shore. Several boats are moving up and down in the waves nearby at the harbor. You hear the husky voices of many men each with his own opinion on where to cast the net. One says cast it to to the aft, several says to the starboard. Frustration has mounted, feelings are frayed and ropes have tangled. The waters are murky and unclear and very dark.

On the shore a man stands in quiet strength as the morning dew gives way to a glimmer of growing light. He is unrecognized by those in the boat who are closest to him. The fisherman’s focus is on the water with attention drawn into the perplexed situation of no provision. Searching for a sign of fish. Any fish.

They never knew a dark night

always had the Son's light

on their face

Perfect in glory

Broken by the story

of untold grace...

come that day

This man who is strong physically and in spirit and who has the wisdom the men need for their situation is now lighting a small fire. Short distance separates the group from the man who is nearby. Frustration of the fisherman is countered by a man of peace. This single man is not alone as his spirit is full and he is at the helm. The group of men are depleted wrapped up in nets and boats and looking for their provision. They’re vision is shortsided. Little do they know as they are looking into the deep dark water around them how much they need that man. If only they would pull their eyes up away from what has them occupied. That which is draining and frustrating their spirit. 

Majesty had come down 

Glory had succumbed now 

to flesh and bone

In the arms of a manger

In the hands of strangers

that could not know

Just who they hold

If you were to close your eyes and think of this as a fantasy movie you could envision the dark cloud hovering over the boat. The net that is dropping from the sky as this unseen rope is entangling them. With no fish to be found and a night has been wasted with vacant holds, and the weight of empty pockets. If you were to take your supernatural vision to the shore you would see the light shining brightly with rays that glimmered gold like that of a fantasy movie. Maybe the angels are gathered whisking the darkness away with their wings. And the man on the shore knows where the fish are swimming, where the provision of Spirit is.

          But it is no movie. It is our reality.  It is Jesus.

To break the chains

Of guilt and sin

To find us here 

To pull us in 

So we can join in Heaven's song

And with one voice around the throne

In our hustle of doing the traditions. Buying gifts that are not for the one we are celebrating. Getting impatient with others as we drive and stand in lines. As we prepare for what? The purpose of Christmas and the Christ child gets buried under the nettings of the stress. Financial spending and overload. Family drama. Feeling alone and for some left alone and uninvited. Just to much to do or not enough!  Lost in the wrong flow of the season. It can all feell like heavy wrapping paper covering up the issues that we wish were different. Bright and shiny instead of dark. 

And all fell silent 

For the cry of an infant,

the voice of God

Was dividing history

For those with eyes to see,

the Son would shine

From earth that night

What do we need to reclaim the things of Christ? To be like Jesus who touched the lives of those in his path. Or in training to fish for men? To forgive those who are persecuted by their own sins in a world where everybody is a sinner. Many are moored in un-sailed rigs. The pier is comfortable. It bridges our own fears, anger, or justifications we have let sink in our mind and lives. Like a lure on a hook. It dangles until more weeds than fish are caught  As we let it flow we work really hard during these holidays not to go under. To put the smile on our face to those around us. Only the closest know the hook is full and weighty. 

            

All the Angels filled the sky

And I can't help but wonder why 

Why this King would choose to be

Be a baby born for me

Be a baby born 

Be a baby born to die

So how do we open the door to the cargo to unload the burdens? You know how! Stop! Spend a moment reflecting on the baby who was born to die! For you, me, and this sinful imperfect world. This perfect child, Our Savior! Ask Christ to fill your heart and take away the burdens and rest in His peace. He was born so he could die for all of this stuff. The man-made Christmas. Our dramas, opinions, spending and unloving spirits.. 

Join Christ, Be Christ, Live Christ, Love Christ!                          

Love and Merry CHRISTmas to you as you seek and catch His Peace!

*Born to Die 

Bebo Norman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S5cQhx2nZA

Saying goodbye

Vivian Nadine Darlene Oman Gaiser

Saying goodbye again. Being grateful for my Mom. When you think you have grieved all that their is to grieve there always seems to be one more emotion that sneaks out of no where.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Ecclesiastes 3:1,3

As the sun set, we quieted our conversations and had our last family prayer around the big kitchen island that my Mom called home. It has not been her home in 10 years since her death. This night we celebrated a Thanksgiving meal at my mom's, Nadine Vivian’s house. It was a final good-bye as my dad is moving on in life. This was the house he built on a promise to her after she battled cancer the first time. I spent the afternoon helping with the preparations of the meal. Greeting lifetime friends and family. Plain busyness. Not wanting to think about this chapter ending. I finally sat spanning the room. It was one of those moment where you want to take a forever picture but you know that moment will fade. 

Love of family and friends

I started looking around and made eye contact with my husband's kind eyes and I got weepy.  Reality finally came.  I let myself feel the inevitable emotions of that moment. I am great at turning off the valve when needed. My mom did that too. We think that makes us tough but actually it is not a good trait. It’s like playing dodge ball. Eventually your going to get hit and come unglued or unhealthy. Take your pick. When something is missing in your life it is part of the plot of your storyline.The missing familiar.

Gabriella Nadine at Nad's Casa

I think the kicker for me was when my oldest daughter came walking up the driveway with her niece the namesake of my mom. They had escaped the crowd for a moment of peace. Nichole and Gabriella Nadine had ventured to the neighbors porch across the street. The one with the rocking chair that was one my moms favorite resting places. One where she had a perfect view of her house and she could rest her tired body and reflect in her last days. Or it could have been the minutes with my younger daughter Nichelle, as we looked upon her Great grandmother Emma’s antique piece that was no longer ours. We reminded each other it is just stuff.  Good stuff. Good memories of good people long gone!

Patio in the Pines

I read this yesterday ... People want to live on one side of the line. But if you don’t feel sadness you cannot feel joy. So as I post these photos I need to say goodbye again. Tomorrow I will change the view and look for the new sunrise. 

Gaiser staples, pecan rolls and cranberry ice

Antique sideboard

Sold Out

Turning the Corner to Sold Out

"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” I have gratitude in my heart that I am sold out! *

What are you sold out to?

Sold out boys to CU BUFFALOS

Today is another Bronco Sunday! This day I can go on Facebook or through a store and see blue and orange shirts. There is unstoppable enthusiasm for a team that everyone around me wants to win! Oh the fun and hooting and hollering that goes on in homes around Denver is at a all time pitch! Pride and excitement rules the scene! Their is value that brings family and friends together in these celebrations! There is no denying it!

I can make you a list much like yours of things that I have supported and been important to me. My marriage, family, football teams galore, products, and it goes on and on.  I like many have lived a life for the things of this world. Pride has stepped in countless times and made what I am sold out to more important that those around me. But now humility needs to turn me nearer to the truth of the cross.

As I finishing an amazing novel (*See Link) that has changed my perspective on life! The things of this earth grow strangely dim and I am more than ever sold out to those around me who need joy, love, care, and a Savior.  Every word, action, decision or path we take needs to have purpose and direction.. I know those in my sphere who can't stand what I am sold out to but thats the cool thing about being sold out to something that is life changing. It does not matter to me what they think but it does matter to my boss! 

My version of HEAVEN, Picture of this year, 5774

"SRO"

Standing room only! I want you to be standing next to me in that beautiful destination? Come be SOLD OUT!

Lord, I pray that I can live a life that makes sense for eternity. I ask that you direct me to make a impact to those around me I humbly pray that many have "eternity of YOU in their destination!"

*http://www.jackiemacgirvin.com/angels-of-humility

*Photo"5774" by Bill Mutz

Intent

Don't get tangled!

If you know my heart then you know my intent. This Equals: If you know my intent then you can see my heart.

Intent: fixed on, determined, resolved, committed to.

 I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:18 (MSG)

After so many years of knowing somebody you can pretty much guess their motive. There are those that put themselves out there as servants, helping on a difficult day or in the midst of tough financial circumstances or someone who rearranges their time to pray with you when things are upside down. Then there are those who injure your heart over and over again because they themselves are hurting. Words or actions are used to tamper with your bruised heart.

*Put your best foot forward. Every journey starts with a single step.

We all have both sides to us. and would never think or believe we are harming someone. The thing about knowing people by their fruits is the intent. It is hard not to prejudge a person from years of behavior but within that God teaches us to forgive, forgive, forgive! He says 7 times 77 times. That's 539 times. Can someone hurt you that many times? Yes we can and we do! God says a thought or comment that is not edifying is hurtful. How many times in a situation does that happen where we want to act out and hurt someone who is intentionally hurting us?

Last year, God asked me to take my shoes off. Ok, "I said." And then he told me to stand in somebody else's shoes. Yes! In my mind God got the point across. He changed the angle of my view. What I saw was a guarded heart that could not take knowing new reality so their heart was set in a different direction. Upon removing those shoes I got in my prayer mode and prayed for a healing to their pain and an understanding of what they could handle. Even though we are called to not do certain behaviors we all fall in the mirey pit. Staying away from returning ill words is hard when your are hurt. The opposite action is a must!

As I entered the Christian walk I have tried my best to follow God’s intent and instructions for a happy life filled with love and mercy and forgiveness. Even though I fail at times, those around me should understand, I am choosing God’s principles to lead my life. Sometimes we sit on a different ledge and have a different view of understanding. That’s ok. I can only look at the shoes I have to fill and the healing my heart is set on. I have honorable intent!

So upon this Day I have gratitude of intent to love with all of my heart! Peace be yours!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

~Song by LeAnne at GZI "Put your best foot forward."

Seasons

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, Coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

Their are many variation of changes and seasons. Many people relish change but for some they are comfortable in the present season.  Adjusting to a new one for some, does not hold much excitement. Some people are lovers of fall and all their colors and some like the spring rain and blossoms. Some love the fresh snow of winter and some relish the hot days of summer. Others have great delight in the fresh change of the next holiday or celebration.

God spoke: “Lights! Come out! Shine in Heaven’s sky!

Separate Day from Night. Mark seasons and days and        years,  Lights in Heaven’s sky to give light to Earth.” And there it was. Gen. 1:14

There are other things we get eager to change. We girls love to change our sandals to heels to boots and back again. Kids love to change into the next grade or video game level to show their maturityYoung women hunger for the ring that changes into a house and children. Men love to change their sports jerseys or teams in season. The older generation are not in such a rush and know that savoring of life season has so much value! next grade or video game level to show there maturity.                    Do we really like the season of change?

The lady bug enjoying the fall season!

For our family we have been in a odd change that feels like the hand of God moving and directing us into something new. With the ending of a old season we are stretched into a place that is different and uncomfortable. This has a certain excitement of new unknown possibilities. It’s is like we know that we know it will be good. But this has reflected the death of a certain time of life. The loss of familiar is like a death of sorts that has required grieving. But within that is new growth. So in this season of everlasting gratitude I am grateful for being stretched into a season of change and remolding. 

         What God is tearing down he will certainly rebuild stronger!

“What is normal at any given time? We change just as the seasons change, and each spring brings new growth. So nothing is ever quite the same.”  Sherwood Smith

Thorns

Thorn in my side.. Grateful really?  Yes,Ever so grateful! Why I was asked? Because it makes me a better person. Tell me more, tell me more!

Everlasting Gratitude

So recently I had this thought and I wondered if I had been transported back in time to Ephesus sitting next to Paul comparing the size of our current thorns, (straight spike, prickle or curved barb). His was large, but mine was adequate for me. Hmmm? So what in a thorn would make you ever so grateful? Oh yes, my mind said, as I smiled! Why oh why, you crazy girl?!

2 Corinthians 12:7, There was given to me a thorn in my flesh… Three times Paul pleaded with the Lord to take this away from him. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness. So therefore I will boast all the more gladly for my weakness so that Christ's power may rest on me.” “That is why for Christ’s sake I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecution, in difficulties. For when I am weak I am strong!”

We enjoyed this recipe so sharing it~Jalapeño Cornbread Poppers

A thorn is something that makes you have to look to the heavens and turn to our Lord. I have at times allowed that thorn to fester. But I learned early on, that a fester turns into a bitterroot and who needs bad health? So Paul’s thorn might be different than mine. But for me, I know when it is irritating me. The inflammation can be my actions or the actions of others. I have this place on my body that knows when there is something not right. The thorn in my side makes me go into prayer. In life and particularly mine, I understand without these challenges spoken by Paul I would not be the woman of faith formed by these test. As I contemplate the pain of Christ thorns I realize the pain I cause Him. Oh yes, this journey is long but without my weakness's how would Christ had formed me? So I have gratitude for the difficulties that have grown my life!

~JALAPEÑO CORNBREAD POPPERS! 

**Let's spice things up! 

http://www.ohbiteit.com/2012/08/jalapeno-cornbread-poppers.html — with Tammy L Barton.