A Final Charge

If you knew today that your time on this earth was short, what type of advice would you give to those you know, to those you love?

King David was now old and "full of years". His time left on this earth was now short. He began to make sure that everything was ready for his departure. This included making his son Solomon the next King of Israel as God had directed him to do.

David summoned all of the officials of Israel to assemble at Jerusalem - the officers, commanders and those in service to the King. He gave them directions on how to carry on according to Gods plans in his absence. His final charge to them,

"So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever." 1 Chronicles 28:8

And then it was time for David to give a charge to King Solomon. It was more than one King passing the torch to the next. It was loving Father speaking directly to the heart of a beloved son.

"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing spirit, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever." 1 Chronicles 28:9

David had learned many lessons in his life. He knew the blessing of living in the favour of God. But he also knew the agony of a life stained by sin. He wanted his final charge to his son to be one that would make a difference in his future:

• Acknowledge God. Acknowledge Him as your creator, your God. Live under His authority. Commit yourself to seek His will and live according to His Word. Give Him the glory in all things - good and bad. Humble yourself before Him and you will be blessed.
• Serve Him with wholehearted devotion. Don't let anything or anyone take a higher priority in your life than loving and serving Him. Don't be distracted by things. Don't let people lead you astray. Seek God first and do His will. Keep your heart pure and He will direct you in all things.
• Serve Him with a willing spirit. Take delight in serving God. Let it be your greatest pleasure. Serve Him and honor Him because you want to, not out of obligation. Let it be your choice. You will find that serving Him will become your greatest joy.

If today were my last to share with my son, I don't know that I could add much more to what David said to his son Solomon. But why wait to share them. There's no time like the present.

Lavished Love

What a time away! God has been so good to me. I left on vacation totally spent. I was mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted. I arrived in CA to the love of family and just a wonderful time.

We had a cookout the second day as my whole family came together at my parents home. I honestly can't remember a time when I laughed so hard. My brother and sister-in-law telling the story about her playing "four-square" with the fourth graders and the injuries she sustained had us all in stitches.

On Sunday I visited my old church and I cannot adequately express the overwhelming sense of love that I felt. This verse comes to mind.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

It was so good to be at home with Gods people once again. Just a glimpse of what the fellowship will be like when we all get to heaven. Oh how I'm looking forward to that day.
This is my Heart Friend Connie. We've sure been through some times together. On Tuesday we went to breakfast and spent the day in a beautiful park, just taking in God's glory. We shared from our hearts..., (although I think I did most of the talking as I unloaded everything that I had been holding in). Thank You God for allowing her to be your ears, your hands, your heart to me that day.



I spent the afternoon and evening with the most precious family I know, the Tajima's. Cindi is one of my Heart Friends - God has definitely knit our hearts together as one. Before leaving that night the entire family joined in a circle and each one prayed for our family. What a gift they have been to our lives.


On Wednesday we headed to the coast for what Randy calls my "Sand Therapy". There's something about the ocean, the waves and just running your hands through the sand. As my Sister, Brother-in-law, Jonathan and I walked the beach at Pismo, God just ministered to my heart. With every sand dollar or sea shell I collected it was as if the stress and strain of life was lifted away.

Just walking and giving praise to my Lord for all that He has done. Exalting His name for Who He is! He is King of King and Lord of Lords. He is Creator of all of the beauty I was seeing. He is the composer of the symphony that I was hearing each time that the waves crashed on the shore. He sent the sun to shine brightly on my skin and the Son to shine brightly in my soul. Oh how He loves me.

Thank You God for lavishing your love on me through my family (especially my sister), through my Heart Friends, through your church, through all of creation! I am truly overwhelmed! Who am I that you would love me this way?

Leave the How’s to Him

I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Mark 11:23

Does that verse describe your faith? How many mountains have your prayers moved? Jill Briscoe is one of my favorite authors. She has written the following poem, which I love to quote.

Ask Him to do it, but don’t tell Him how.
Ask Him to answer, but don’t tell Him now.
Ask Him for strength for the task.
Thank Him for giving you more than you asked.
Ask Him to cleanse you whenever you pray,
And be honest with God at the end of the day.
Ask for the power & faith it will take,
To say to this mountain,
“Go jump in the lake”.

Do you have a loved one you want to see trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior? Let’s see what Gods word say about that:

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9”.

The Bible tells us that God wants them to be saved too. So pray His word back to Him in faith believing that He will hear and He will answer; but leave the hows to Him. Allow the Holy Spirit to open the doors (don’t go looking for a pry-bar). Be available to His leading. Thank Him for His moving and working, even though you may not see the results with your physical eyes. That’s where faith comes in.

For over 20 years our family prayed and wept for one of our loved one to get saved. Her name was written on the leaf in the back of all of our Bibles. We planted the seeds, at times pushing a little to hard (using that pry-bar). The answer was always the same, NO.

With our physical eye we saw only the rejection, but in our prayers we trusted that God was at work. A surprise phone call indicated that not only was she saved, but her two sons as well. God chose to use a friend of one of the boys to lead all three to Jesus.

It wasn’t our way; thank God it was His. It wasn’t our time; praise God it was His! Please don’t stop asking, don’t give up. But remember to leave the how’s to Him.

Thankful Thursday #2

It's time for Thankful Thursday again. Thank You Sonya for hosting. It's amazing when I sit down and start thinking about what my 5 will be this week, my heart begins to overflow. Here goes:

1. I am thankful for the snow this week (yes you heard this California girl right). Tuesday night we received about 8" of fresh snow. Though I often complain about the cold weather, I thoroughly enjoyed being outside as we dug out the driveway. When everything around you is white and fresh and clean, it's just so peaceful. It's as if there is a stillness in the air and you can just take in the beauty of the moment. It was definitely a God Stop for me this week
2. I am thankful that after working all day and cooking dinner, I don't have to think about the mess in the kitchen and the dirty dishes. It really makes me feel appreciated and loved by my family when my guys say, "Go sit down, we'll take care of this." Thank you both!
3. I am thankful for the new Christian sisters & siestas I meet each day online. You challenge and encourage me as I read what God is showing you, teaching you and just how much He loves you. Thank you for the comments you leave on this blog that make me smile.
4. I am thankful for songs that at just the right moment draw my heart straight into worship.
5. I am thankful for the safety of those I love. So many accidents on the slippery roads. Thank you God for your protection.

I know your hearts must be busting at the seams with Thanksgiving. Feel free to leave at least leave one thing you're thankful for in the comments.

Blessings - Lisa