Today I’ll Focus on Love…

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. The sun burst forth in the morning sky as if it were proclaiming that the day would be warm(er) and more beautiful than the day before. It’s been cold lately, and we’ve already had a bit of snow, but they say these next few days will be in the 50s. Since I like nothing more than fields covered with snow for Christmas, I’m hoping for the temperature to drop soon, along with the snow. When I met with the Living God this morning, I had the hardest time trying to take captive every thought to bring His Word into my spirit. A long list of things to do kept popping into my head, and my Praising turned into planning over and over again. All of the holiday preparations filled my mind, and instead of focusing on the Greatest Gift of all, I was focused on all the gifts I’m making for others. I finally confessed my weakness to Him, and it didn’t take long for Him to take me to the Spiritual Woodshed with a Firm Reminder about the Heart. No matter what I do – no matter what need I’m trying to fill – no matter who or how I serve – no matter what I say – no matter how elaborate the gift I make – if I don’t have the right Heart, all of it is MEANINGLESS. I began to weep as I thought about how my labor of love could so easily transition into lame projects. I never want to “go through the motions” when it comes to the Living God, and I never want to work myself into a frenzy just for the sake of doing good. Isn’t that the way you see the Journey of Faith, too?

I know that without the right Heart and without a Prepared soul, I stand the risk of being “a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” because without Love there is no meaning to my words at all. No matter if the words warm the heart and no matter how profound the words sound sometimes, without Love, there is no meaning to my words at all. The “greatest of these is love,” and no matter what act of kindness I do today, if the kindness is done to make me look and feel better and not out of Love for the other – it is worthless to the One who matters the most.

No amount of nice things I do for my family and friends and no matter how many handmade gifts they’ll all receive this year, if they aren’t given and driven by Love they’ll be meaningless to the receiver. Love is the greatest of all things, and it takes a whole lot of Love to do the Will of my God, no matter what’s going on in my life. Nothing I do for Him can earn His favor in my life or justify the Sacrifice He made for me, but when I do His Will with Love…no, no matter how large or how small…my Works are priceless in the Kingdom of God and I know that they’ll have an eternal impact.

Today I’ll focus on love. The love I have for the Living God and the love I have for His people. The love I have for my family and friends, and the love I have for strangers I’ve yet to meet. Whatever I do today, I’ll do out of love despite the distractions that come my way. As I busy myself making gifts for my family, I’ll focus on Love a lot more than “perfection,” and those simple little gifts will be Priceless when I do. The distractions will just motivate me to try a little harder to battle against the one who brings confusion to life. Absolutely nothing will change my heart OR my direction as long as I’m doing the Will of a Mighty God, and I’ll continue to persevere through the obstacles until I succeed.

How about you?

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing”

There Really IS a Secret to Being Content!

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. A few days ago, we had a dusting of snow, high winds with a wind chill factor in the teens, and today isn’t much different. Welcome to the Four Seasons of Virginia! I met with the King of all kings inside a warm farmhouse, and I gave thanks for all that He is and all that He does for me. I “relocate” this time of year for my quiet time. It’s too cold outside, my office has been repurposed, and the Christmas tree blocks my view of the fields from my living room desk. I’m not necessarily happy about the changes…BUT that’s just a selfish human reaction. Like Paul, I’ve learned to be content in all things, so a little cold, icy weather and a blocked view of the porch, all because of a beautiful Christmas tree, won’t stop me from spending time with the One who died for me. He’s my King, and I’m His child…how could I ever want for more?

It’s a blessing beyond measure to be content, but unfortunately, Genuine Contentment doesn’t come to the average Heart. The average Heart wants what it wants when it wants it, and we aren’t happy when life circumstances cause us to “relocate.” Death, debt, disease, and divorce have the potential to knock the wind out of our sails, and sometimes we question God as a result. But NONE of those things have the power to rob us of our Peace or contentment UNLESS we allow them to. The God of the Universe is already in tomorrow…nothing takes Him by surprise…AND all things really do “work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His Purpose”. If He knows our circumstances even before we do, and if He’s ready to turn the “bad” into “good” (anytime we’re ready to surrender it), then how can we not be content in all things? The secret to Genuine Contentment is understanding that He ALWAYS has a Plan for Good, no matter what it looks like to us on the outside. When you think about it, the outcome of our circumstances isn’t about whether or not He’s willing to change them…it’s about whether or not we’re willing to Trust Him instead.

Just like Paul, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty”. Although I can’t say I was necessarily joyful when I’ve been in need, I CAN say that I Trust Him with my circumstances and I believe Him when He says “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” and that’s enough for me. I know what it is to sit in a cold farmhouse living without heat all winter long because I couldn’t afford to buy it – and I know what it is to turn up the thermostat to be sure my family and friends are warm when they visit. Even better yet, I know what it is to have the means to pay to keep someone else warm and cozy for the winter. I know what it feels like to struggle through this life on my own for decades and what it feels like to be responsible for every piece – AND NOW I know what it is to lock arms with my God-given Covenant partner, ready and willing to ease the burdens of the Journey of Life for me. I know what it is to be well-fed, and I’ve been blessed to have dined with “kings”, and I know what it is to be hungry and worried about what I’d feed my family. I know what it is to be surrounded by amazing people who love me and aren’t afraid to show it, and I know what it feels like to be betrayed by the “closest” ones. Despite my circumstances, I have had the favor of God ONLY because I give it ALL to Him, day after day and year after year. I have genuine Contentment because I Trust Him through it all.

There are lots of people in the world who are stressed out over the holidays. Most of them are stressed about where to find the perfect gift and how much room they have on their credit card to buy it just to please someone else. They don’t think much about the hungry (and cold) ones because they’re too focused on the sizzle. It wouldn’t occur to them to dial back their spending enough to pay a utility bill for a suffering soul, or what it would look like to modify their own food budget to provide a meal or two for a hungry family. Sadly, these people will NEVER find Genuine Contentment in life UNLESS or UNTIL the world quits revolving around them, and all those things they think they “need” become less important than meeting the needs of someone else. Jesus said, “Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” so I know that EVERY morsel I’ve shared, EVERY spare room or bed I’ve shared, EVERY penny I’ve shared to meet the needs of another I DID FOR HIM and I pray I hear “well done, good and faithful servant!” when He calls me Home. Until then, I’m content as long as I can do the work of my Lord and Savior, and I’ll give and give until there’s nothing left.

How about you?

Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Blessings…Too Many to Declare!

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I woke up just as the Master woke up the world, and I kicked off this new day in His Presence to give Praise and Thanks for this new day of a new year of my life. A new year is something to Celebrate from the inside out, that’s for sure, and even though I don’t like what I see in the mirror these days, I like what I see on the inside much MORE than I ever have. After a really good dose of Wisdom from my Instruction Manual and a hot cup of coffee, I’m ready to Celebrate this beautiful new day in my Journey of Life in a manner that will Please the One Who “knit me together” in my mother’s womb…the One who died for me! Without Him, I might be celebrating a day, but with Him, I Celebrate my Life. Isn’t that the way you look at your birthday, too?

My heart overflows with Gratitude this morning for countless things. Psalm 40:5 says, “Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” It’s impossible to count my Blessings – there are too many to declare. But on this day, in honor of my birthday, I’ll declare a few…

I’m thankful for a saving Faith and that I know, with all that I am, that One Day I will spend the rest of my days in the Presence of the One who died for me and with all those Faithful ones who have gone before me. I’m thankful that all my children have a Saving Knowledge of Jesus Christ too, and that parting from this earth won’t mean parting forever for us! We’ll have a Family Reunion in Heaven one day that will be so beautiful it will defy words. I won’t just see the people I’ve loved here on earth in Heaven, I’ll also see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Daniel, Peter, Paul, Barnabas, Job, and countless others that I read about in His Word! I’m grateful for the promise of Eternity for those of us who Believe – “too many to declare.”

I’m thankful for the world’s most amazing family. The Love that runs through my children for me and for each other is only possible through God, and it’s an answer to a daily prayer since I became a Mom. God blessed me with children I don’t deserve, and He has answered my prayers for Wisdom to raise them, a Heart to love them unconditionally…to forgive them just as Jesus forgives us…a Heart to speak Kindness and to reflect gentleness no matter what. I’m thankful for the strength and health of each one of them and for joy and laughter year after year. It hasn’t been a perfect journey, and there have been plenty of storms, but we’ve Celebrated Victory together after the storms, and we’ve always clung to our Faith to see us through. The things I’m grateful for are “too many to declare.”

I’m thankful for my Covenant partner…my husband, my brother, and my friend…a gift to me from God in the final chapter of my life. After decades of being content to fly solo, God brought me the perfect man for me, and he has filled my life with Love. My covenant partner loves Jesus MORE than he could ever love me, and THAT’S how and why he’s so good to me…Christ is the center. Together we serve the King!

I’m thankful for my friends. Some I’ve known for decades, and some who have entered my life in this winter season of my Life. Some I’ve never met in person, but I love them all the same. Each one has Blessed me in ways “too many to declare.” I’ve felt their prayers in the trying seasons of my life, and we’ve celebrated Victories at the end as I climbed back up to the mountaintop while they cheered me on – and we ALWAYS give thanks to God for the new Testimony they know I’ll BOLDLY Share with the world. The goal of Christian friendships is to “spur” one another on to be all that we can be for Jesus, so I spur every chance I get, and I’m grateful for when they spur me on, too. I love to belly laugh with them at every given opportunity, and my Heart and prayers can be counted on when they need me…and I know that theirs can be counted on when I need them too. “Too many to declare.”

My morning is already filling up with calls from my family and friends – each one with a priceless message of love for me as I celebrate a new year. Today I’ll celebrate over lunch with a few friends, and tonight I’ll be serving the King by way of a Bible study. What better way to honor the One who died for me? Our family will gather soon to decorate our Christmas tree, and we’ll be celebrating each December birthday (there are 4) – decorating the tree for my birthday has been a tradition for as many years as I can count. Our home will overflow with love and laughter, and I know that all the things I’ll be grateful for on this day as I celebrate my birthday will be “too many to declare”.

Thank you, God, for another day – ANOTHER YEAR to make a Difference in this Journey called Life. Thank you for each life MY Life touches throughout this coming new year. May I be a Reflection of you as I share the Truth with them with Christ-like Love. May I not squander even one day of this new year so that I can Live it out for Jesus Christ! Thank you, God, for the Peace and Love that overflows in my life.

Thank you to my precious tribe and to all of my friends for each sweet birthday message for me.

My thanks are “Too many to declare”. My heart overflows.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Watch Out For All Those “Little” Things!

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I met with the One who breathed Life into my soul, and once I got into His Word, I couldn’t get enough. I read Words I’ve read many times before, but they Touched me in ways they never had before, and today they had New Meaning just for me. I’m growing more each day because of Him AND because I’m a Willing student. No doubt my days are getting shorter and shorter, and there’s no longer “all the time in the world” for me. So I work hard to get my nature as close to the Nature of the Perfect One who died for me as humanly possible before He calls me Home. Like the branches on these trees, there are pieces of me here and there that need Attention so that the smaller, weaker parts of me can eventually become Mature like all the others. If I keep strengthening some parts, but overlook all those other “little” things that need to Mature, I can’t become ALL that He Created me to be. So, I keep working to become the Best I can be for Him. Isn’t that the way you look at your life, too?

It can be so easy to feel good about ourselves based on Maturity in some areas of our lives, while we overlook the importance of developing all the other “little things.” We can be strong and well-rooted in some ways, but as weak as a newborn colt in others. If we continue to pour Living Water on the strong parts, no doubt they will stand firm for the long run, BUT if we overlook the “little things” that need attention too, we risk thwarting the entire Journey of Faith. Sometimes those small branches need to be pruned to make way for all the others, and sometimes they need to be cut away entirely. Either way, unless we pay attention to the “little things” that stand in the way of us becoming all that He Created us to be, we never reach the Ultimate Goal. There aren’t many things that scare me as much as thinking I could end my Journey with a “MISSION INCOMPLETE” all because I refused to address the “little things” that stand between my God and me.

Sometimes we don’t realize our Journey is being thwarted, but that’s because we excuse away the “little things” as if they don’t matter. We easily deceive ourselves into believing that the “little things” don’t matter as long as there are some Strong parts…but THAT’S NOT TRUE. After all, the human body is made up of TRILLIONS of cells, but all it takes is a few active cancer cells to prevent all the others from thriving…and the same is true for the Journey of Faith. We often tell ourselves that “nobody’s perfect,” and while that’s true, that’s no excuse for not giving it everything we’ve got to be more like the Perfect One who died for us. Don’t take my word for it – He says, “Be holy as I am holy”. It takes each piece to Grow into a Strong Vessel that is worthy to be used by the King, and sometimes it’s all those “little things” that are standing in the way of Spiritual Growth, no matter how many other Strong branches we have. As long as we’re Willing…and Seeking His Face…and Determined to please Him more than we’re determined to please ourselves… He’ll keep revealing those “little things” that need our Attention, and He’ll teach us how to Prune them out of our lives so that we become the Vessel He intends for us to be.

The Lord used the winter backdrop of dormant trees this morning to drive home a message to my Heart, and I’m grateful for the Pruning we did together. He loves me. HE Created me for a Purpose. He wants to Use me. He wants me to be Strong. He has command over every cell in my body. He wants me to Grow. He wants me to be a Walking Testimony of His Love and Grace in every area of my Life. If I need to go through a little pruning and cutting away every once in a while so that I can be the Best for Him, it’s WORTH it. He’s WORTH it.

I won’t reach perfection on this side of Heaven, but that won’t prevent me from trying to be more like Him every day until He takes me Home. “MISSION INCOMPLETE” isn’t an option for me. Is it for you?

How Deep Are Your Roots?

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s cold outside, and I’m grateful for a warm house to spend my time with the Living God inside looking out today. For some reason, I woke up with a heavy heart this morning, and it took a little Work for me to find my Joy. But when you have the Right Foundation, and you know how to Follow the Instructions for Life, Joy can be found no matter what’s going on. So, my Heart went from heavy to overflowing in no time at all. As I looked out at this old walnut tree at sunrise, God used it to remind me of the importance of having a Firm Foundation. A hundred and fifty years or so after this tree first took root, it has a firm foundation with hundreds of limbs of growth drawing on its strength still today. What a Sweet Reminder straight from the Throne of a Loving God this morning that because of my Strong Foundation, hundreds of Limbs will draw from the Strength of my Faith over my Lifetime. Hallelujah! Isn’t that the way you look at your Life, too?

It can be so easy to get caught up in circumstances that make the Heart heavy, but we (willingly) surrender our Joy when we allow that to happen, and we show signs of a weak Foundation. If this old walnut tree lacked a firm foundation, even the tiniest breeze could potentially make it fall. But its roots run deep, and the foundation is strong, and this tree has had the strength to endure many storms because of it. Life is like this walnut tree. Sometimes we experience a strong wind, and once in a while, we’ll even lose a limb or two in the process. But if the Roots are Deep and the Foundation is Strong, we might waver here and there when the winds pass through, but we will never Fall. The root system is the source of the strength and longevity of this old tree, and it’s the roots that can’t even be seen with the eye that are forever digging in deeper. It’s through the root that the tree receives its nourishment, and if the roots get compromised, it will cease to bear fruit and grow limbs…and eventually it will fall. The same is true for you and me. Jesus Christ is the only way to a Strong Foundation that can endure all that life brings our way, and it’s the key to leaving a Remnant behind that will last long after we’re gone, just like this old walnut tree. The Bible says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

One day, this old walnut tree will have had enough, and it will die as surely as I will. Nothing lives forever on this earth. There’s no way of knowing how many meals it provided to the squirrels or how many birds found refuge on its branches. There is no way of determining how many other walnut trees around this farm were planted from this one or how many strong limbs it has managed to sprout. There’s no way of counting all the prayers that were prayed over this old tree or how many times thanks were given for its beauty. There’s no way of knowing how many people sat in its shade or how many limbs have fallen over time. With a foundation strong enough to last over 150+ years, it’s impossible to calculate what it has produced during its lifetime. I know that if I have a Firm Foundation and a Deep Root System, the same will be true for me and my life. There won’t be any way of calculating how many branches took Root on their own, all because of my Firm Foundation, or how many new trees were planted because of mine. I won’t know how many people took refuge in my Branches or found refuge in my Shade… or how many prayers were prayed for me in my lifetime. But I DO know that the Foundation of my Faith will bear fruit for generations to come…if I stay Strong and if I’m diligent about making sure my Root is Deep enough to withstand even the strongest storm.

God used this old walnut tree to touch my heart this morning, and I went from feeling downcast to Celebrating because of Him. I’ve put in the Work to secure my Foundation, and my Roots are growing deeper every day. I may not get 150+ years on this earth like this walnut tree, but the Impact that my Faith will leave behind will last for all Eternity…one Branch at a time.

How about you?

Bold and Beautiful…Seen AND Heard!

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s cold and rainy this morning, and there was no color to cling to at sunrise, so I spent my time inside looking out. As I considered what the Master has in store for me on this new day, my attention went to this simple plant. While the birds and the squirrels are outside fighting to find their food, this plant will be nourished inside by the hand of man. Fighting for good things… righteous things… is AWAYS a GOOD thing. But when it comes to those things of God, so many people are unwilling to “fight,” and they’re content to hide the “color” of their Faith inside and away from the world, just like this poinsettia plant. Is that the way you see your Journey of Faith, too?

It’s so easy to sit back and wait for somebody else to do something, especially when it comes to those things of the Faith. Just like this poinsettia plant, our Faith can be bold and beautiful when we’re inside in the warmth of our home, but it’s an entirely different story when we’re out in the world. There’s a battle going on in the world, and it’s a battle that threatens all people of Faith. It’s not a time for wussies, and it’s not a time to refuse to do Battle. Some people have been convinced that people of Faith are to be seen and not heard, but that’s surely not according to God. Some believe that we are to live in peace no matter what, and they refuse to take a stand even when it comes down to defending those things of our Faith. But that’s not according to God either. Some people believe that we are prize-worthy if we just turn the other cheek and ignore the offense against us. But that advice was given by Christ in reference to how we are to forgive, NOT how we are to Live.

It’s bizarre how willing people are to stand up and be heard when it comes to defending one of their own. For instance, when a child is bullied in school, moms and dads fight like pit bulls to defend them. When innocent animals are needlessly harmed, plenty of people will stand up and speak about the injustices. Many people fight for those animals much more than they would ever fight for a human being. Some people are willing to do jail time as they fight for environmental things that threaten our planet, while there are other groups that keep the fight going as they demand to be seen and heard and accepted for who and what they are, no matter what. When people are passionate about what they’re “fighting” for, they’ll defend it to anybody, anyplace, and any time…no matter what. It’s the passion that drives the human heart and the passion that gives us strength and staying power. But when it comes to things of Faith, most people remain silent, and they cower down under the threat of persecution or political backlash. They hide the “color” of their Faith away from the world, and they have been convinced that this is what God wants. The REAL problem is that they lack passion for the Living God, and because they lack passion, they refuse to speak up or stand up for all that He is…our only Hope…our Savior…our Redeemer. These people live out their Faith just like the poinsettia plant…bold and beautiful but hidden away from anything and everything outside of the home. How can God be honored in silence?

I’m always ready to do battle because I know who my enemy REALLY is, and I’m confident that I have what it takes to be Victorious every single time. I know that I infuriate my enemy… but that’s okay because He doesn’t scare me at all. I don’t need to insult people or do them harm as I do battle, I just need to lean on the One who Protects me, and I need to be willing to walk the walk AND talk the talk for my God. I don’t need to preach, and I’m not called to judge, BUT I am Commanded to be courageous and passionate, and willing to Serve. ALL people of Faith have been Commanded to tell the world about Jesus Christ…the God of Hope and Redemption, no matter what kind of adversity we face because of it.

How is that possible if we remain silent and hidden away from the world? Nobody ever won a battle by doing nothing! I’m doing battle for my Faith today and every day, and I “take one for the Team” more often than most people can imagine.

How about you?

Refusing to Get Lost in The Shuffle…

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It’s 25° and snowing, so I had the most important Meeting of my day inside the warm farmhouse with a hot cup of coffee, and I gave thanks for the warmth to the God of all Creation. I don’t think most people pause to give thanks for something as simple as a heated home, but that’s because they’ve never been cold. Our plans are to shop for our Christmas tree today, and I can’t think of a better way to grab on to the Christmas spirit than to shop for a tree with snow on the ground. This time of year is filled with family and festivities, and if we aren’t careful, we can find ourselves in a state of exhaustion even before Christmas Day arrives. It’s this time of year that takes more focus on equipping myself for the Season, so it’s this time of year that I am sure to take the time for me and my God despite the madness. My focus won’t just be on the birth of baby Jesus and presents under the tree – my focus will be on the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life, and I’ll be sharing Him far beyond the manger. Isn’t that the way you see the season, too?

It’s so easy to hoard for our own pleasure this time of year if we aren’t careful. We get busy decorating our homes with a tree and some lights and a multitude of other things, as if there’s a contest we hope to win, and somehow the gentle beauty of the season gets lost in the shuffle. The 3 wise men may have found their way to the manger where Jesus was born by following a beautiful, bright star, but I’m sure the rest of the sky wasn’t lit up in bright, flashing colors in celebration of the birth of the King. We’ll shop until we drop for our loved ones, and we’re inclined to spend money that we don’t have to make people happy, as if the more we buy for them, the sweeter the season will be. But the 3 wise men KNEW that they were headed to meet their Savior, and they didn’t bring a U-Haul to shower the King of all kings with gifts. Sadly, we’ll see a whole lot more of Santa than we will of Jesus in and out of our homes, and somehow the legend of a mysterious guy in the North Pole bearing gifts has overshadowed the greatest Gift of all and the reason we celebrate this time of year in the first place. We’ll cook, and we’ll bake and we’ll have more treats than any human could possibly consume, while countless others will spend the season alone and hungry…and cold. Yes, we are definitely inclined to hoard this time of year for our own pleasure – I just wonder how that feels to the One who was born to die for you and for me?

I’m not legalistic, and I KNOW how to have fun. I don’t believe for a second that Christians are supposed to be broke and miserable. I’m filled with Joy for my King every day of the year, and when I celebrate Christmas with my family, it will be obvious that the day is all about Him and not about us. I’ll have a Christmas tree, and I’ll put out a few decorations in my home. I’ll be busy making gifts for my family and a few of my friends so that I can share a piece of my Heart with them that carries a whole lot more meaning than merely pulling out a credit card. You won’t even find a HINT of that mysterious guy named “Santa” in the farmhouse because we’ll be WAY too busy celebrating the birth of our Savior and giving thanks to the King of all kings…our Prince of Peace.. our Wonderful Counselor and Almighty God for ALL that we are and ALL that we have and for the Hope that He brought to the world when He was born in that manger so long ago.

I’ll have a lot of fun with my family (and a stray or two as the Lord sees fit), and this old farmhouse will rattle with laughter and love. We’ll exchange gifts, and we’ll eat too much food while we give our time, our attention, AND our Honor to the REAL reason for this season…and we’ll give thanks for the warmth. I’ve got a feeling that the One who was born to die for me and for you likes it that way.

How about you?

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty!!!

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. I spent my time in the Presence of the Alpha and Omega in a warm home this morning, and I approached His Throne with the Reverence He deserves. It’s the most amazing thing to have a personal Relationship with the King of all kings, the Creator of the Universe, the Great “I am”! So, when I meet with Him, it always begins with Praise and Thanks, and soon after that, it becomes like a heart-to-heart chat with the Best Friend anybody could ever ask for. Isn’t that the way it is with you, too?

The Bible tells us that the Throne of God is surrounded by praise – “Day and night they never stop” and I get goosebumps just thinking about what it must sound like to hear “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come” 24/7 in Heaven. Sometimes when I praise Him, I say those very words over and over again, and I mean them with all of my Heart…and I try to imagine His Throne and how amazing it is. When I give Him the heartfelt Reverence He DESERVES, it doesn’t take long to feel His Presence, and I get goosebumps when I do. But of all the experiences I have with my God, and all the Words I savor that were breathed into existence by Him, the most amazing thing to me is being able to approach the One who is surrounded by Praise “day and night,” and He welcomes me as His child. He knows me by name. If that doesn’t give you goosebumps, NOTHING WILL.

Like anything else, a Relationship with the Living God takes balance. Some people spend their entire lives in “reverence mode” and live in fear because that’s all they know of Him. They tiptoe through life for fear of THE consequences if they don’t partake in rituals or recite manmade prayers, and they rarely Serve Him because they don’t understand their Purpose. They’re in perpetual Reverence mode without the friendship part. Somehow they miss the point that HE IS approachable and they don’t see themselves as Royalty…His child, His “heir.” If they did, I have to believe they’d get goosebumps too.

Some people get the “best friend” part, but their Relationship has become SO CASUAL that they forget to Revere Him and Praise Him in the Process. Oh, maybe they utter an occasional “hallelujah” but not in the way He wants to be Acknowledged as the Alpha and Omega…the Beginning and the End. He IS the best Friend anybody could ever ask for, BUT HE DESERVES a whole lot more than a pat on the heavenly back like a big buddy in the sky – “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name!” What makes that Friendship too incredible for words is that it comes from the Throne of a God who has been praised in Heaven twenty-four hours a day since the beginning of time and will be forevermore, AND Jesus is standing at the right hand of the Throne of God interceding on our behalf. Goosebumps!

The Author and Perfecter of my Faith hears every prayer, and the Bible says that they’re like incense in Heaven to Him. He sees every tear and stores them away in a jar, and One Day, He will wipe them all away. HE LOVES US enough to die for us, and He loves us enough to intercede on our behalf. Goosebumps? That doesn’t begin to describe what my Heart feels.

My day began in the Presence of a Mighty God, and I was so caught up in Praise for Him that I never got around to a “list” of requests. He knows what’s on my Heart. He knows my needs, and He knows my burdens. He already KNOWS everything! The Alpha and Omega is my amazing, approachable God – but it all begins with ” Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”

How about you?

Are You Getting Warmer OR Are You In The Ice Age?

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It is hovering at freezing temperatures this morning, the rain is falling, the sleet is mixed in here and there, and to many, the sky is falling for sure. Whether it’s later today or tomorrow, the temperature will eventually rise above freezing, and the threat of the “ice age” will be gone until the next time. There is always hope that a wintery day will be warmer at the end than it was at the beginning – and that’s a Truth that applies to all areas of life. As I sat alone in the Presence of the One who died for me, that message of things becoming warmer at the end than they were in the beginning, was driven Home to my Heart, and I began to weep for the ones who become COLDER in the “the end” than they were in the beginning. Isn’t that something you think about too?

What is it about old age that leads some to believe they’re entitled to speak cruelty into the world as if God told them they’ve lived long enough to stop being nice? What is it about old age that convinces some that they’ve earned the right to do as little as possible to contribute to the world, as if God told them they’ve already done enough? What is it about old age that makes a way for so many people to become gossipers and world critics for what they see happening around them, as if God told them they’re old enough to take over as judge and jury of the dark world? A sweet life doesn’t become colder in the end, AND a child of the Living God matures into the most magnificent fruit-bearing Vessel as it warms up with age. What does that mean for all the others who have gotten colder as their life gets closer to the end? Well…let’s just say that people like THEM keep people like ME busy adding warmth to the end of my own Life, and I won’t allow my adversary to make an enemy out of me by coercing me to become cold in the end. So, I share the warmth of the Son with the cold ones, and I show them The Way to find Warmth on their own that will sustain them for the rest of their Journey of Faith.

From where I sit, this is THE warmest season of my Life, and I’m just getting started in my Service to Him. I get tired of people asking me when I’m going to slow down or when I’m going to “take it easy,” because those of us who Serve the Living God…the ones who Live FOR Him and not just with Him…we DON’T SLOW DOWN, and we DON’T NEED TO TAKE IT EASY! The fields are ripe and ready for Harvest, and it’s the ones that have grown Warmer over the years that will be usable Vessels for the King of all kings!

I’m in the final season of my Life, and I’m Warmer than I’ve ever been before. I’ll leave the ones who choose to sit back and watch from their easy chairs, while they squander these valuable years to (attempt to) justify their lack of effort to the Living God. I’m not quite sure what God thinks about all the people who have voluntarily been “put out to pasture,” but I know He DOES NOT HAVE a Retirement Plan. If you’re sitting back “enjoying retirement,” I’d get on with it if I were you. After all, Abraham was 90 years old when God revealed His Plan to him – Moses was 80 when he set out for the Promised Land – it’s never too late. As for me, I want to hear “well done, good and faithful servant,” so I’m NOT slowing down any time soon and I’ll Work on getting Warmer all the days of my Life.

How about you?

Standing on the Promises of Christ my King…

/ www.LivingLarger.life

Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. This time of year, I meet with the Author and Perfector of my Faith from inside a warm house instead of on the front porch, but I don’t miss the morning view, no matter what. It is cold and (usually) windy this time of year, but God provides a shield of protection over it all…even our furry friends. We have lots of deer around the farm that find everything they need for a high-quality life, just like we do. There is peace. There is shelter. There is food, and there is water. So, they bed down in the wooded area across from the porch, they get their nourishment from the fields, and when they wander to the pond, they find water. Although they “depend” on God to provide all their needs just like all of nature does, they don’t need God the way I do. They don’t long for God the way I do. They don’t run after God the way I do. The Bible says, “As a deer panteth for the water, so my soul pants for you, Oh God”. Does your soul panteth for the Living God, too?

There are plenty of things we all THINK we need, especially this time of year, but nothing that can be purchased in this life is something we really need at all. If you’ve ever spent time with me, you’ll hear me say things like “I need coffee”, or “I need sunshine”, or “I need peace”, but in reality, all I ever NEED is God. Because I panteth for the Living God, He brings favour into my Life and because His Word says “The righteous will never go hungry”, I am confident that He’ll provide for all of my needs. Because His Word says “Joy cometh in the morning”, I am confident that if I find myself downcast for any reason whatsoever, if I just continue to panteth after Him, my Joy will return in the morning. Because I know that HE KNOWS the Plans He has for me, all I need to do is take His Hand and let Him lead, and I don’t need to concern myself with all the in-betweens. Because I know that He has gone to “Prepare a place” for me, I don’t have to concern myself with where I’ll live in the Future. Because I know that Victory is MINE, no battle I face will overwhelm me, and because He says that “No weapon formed against me shall prosper”, I don’t need to run and hide. Because He says that whatever I “bind on earth, will be bound in Heaven”, I don’t concern myself with the darkness that surrounds me…I bind it all instead. Knowing His Word and standing on His Promises is the only way to genuine Peace in the Journey of Faith.

I enjoy my furry friends around the farm, but I don’t admire them. They live as so many people do – wandering around aimlessly with a short-sighted perspective on wants and needs, forever focused on their survival.

I am blessed beyond measure for all that He is and all that He’s done for me, and I’ll be standing on His Promises until I draw my last breath. I panteth after the Living God day in and day out…I live FOR Him, and not just with Him. He’s everything I need, and BECAUSE my Heart remains inclined toward Him, He always takes care of all the rest.

How about you?