Who’s Got Your Back?

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  A week ago at sunset there was a wall of flames approaching our little town here in the Sierra Valley: #LoyaltonFire. More than 700 firefighters had battled it for three days before it headed down the mountain toward spent and dry meadows that bordered our town of 860. The same angry beast had jumped two state highways in other directions the day before—one of those eight lanes wide. Now it was headed our way. Because I have prayer walked my town for the last twenty-two years, I have seen the hand of God answer one prayer after another for my…

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Finish the Race

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  The second annual 5K benefit to aid the building of a local homeless shelter had ended successfully with a whopping $25,000 raised. Two walkers remained steadfast on the course. One had no original intention of walking; the other had every intention of completing the journey, no matter how long it took. That journey would take two hours. With the assistance of crutches, college-student Erin began the race. Runners whizzed past and walkers trekked toward the goal. The distance widened between Erin and other participants. Born with cerebral palsy, Erin displayed the fortitude of one who is not used to…

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Winning the Battle   

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  Yes—you are in a battle. You might see it. Maybe you don’t. Perhaps your anger flares, you lose control, your heart is broken, or you feel isolated. The enemy is trying to gain a victory. Reject defeat. Through Christ you can win. Purpose in your heart that God’s love will work in you to conquer doubt, fear, and distress. Fight. Keep fighting. Don’t give up. God will provide the power and strength. The right methods. Keep going back to him. Every minute if you have to. From Him come understanding and knowledge. Our struggles aren’t merely with people we…

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Let’s Be Salty!

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  Put yourself in the scene for a moment. You are sitting in a crowd staring longingly at Jesus. He has just said His followers should be glad when they are persecuted because they will receive a reward in heaven. Then he says, “…if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” Keep in mind being involved in a rebellion against Roman rule is no small thing. Many rebellions against the Romans have been squelched as the leader and followers are murdered. In those moments, could we possibly have a sense of the magnitude of what Jesus…

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With Thanksgiving

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  Anxiety is running high these days—riots in the streets, political confusion, and a silent virus  infecting the world. It’s enough to make anyone lose sleep. But Jesus reminds us to cast all our cares on him (1 Peter 5:7). He also invites us to ask for anything in His name (John 14:14), and He will grant it. In a world that seems hopeless, Jesus is our hope. In a world that seems helpless, He is our helper. In a world of anxiety, He is our peace. As I’m reading Bible verses and devotions to help me listen to God,…

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Living in the Kingdom of Heaven

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  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Have you ever stared into space with nothing but your very own eyes and been in awe? Have you ever witnessed firsthand such a phenomenon as the Aurora Borealis? Or seen a shooting star? Have you ever stood on a beach and marveled at the beauty of the ocean? Have you ever been astonished by power of the waves? The curiosity of its depths? Have you ever stood on a mountainside and had your breath taken away by the valley below? To be high…

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Staycations: The Stay-at-Home Alternative

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  In this pandemic season when travel opportunities are limited, there are other good reasons to take a staycation, which is a shorter time away from work with your family. Those benefits include money savings, travel time savings, and convenience related to school year demands, pregnancy, the need to care for aging parents, and work demands. Here are some ideas for one-day staycations: Plan a day hike. Take a picnic and outdoor games to a local park. Spend a day at a nearby lake. Rent kayaks for lake or river paddling. Fashion an outdoor tea party for the family. Create…

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Miracle Margaritas

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  “Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy” (Mark 4:16 NIV). Margarita is my name in Spanish––for Margaret. It’s also the word for daisy in Spanish. On a spring day, I found miracle margaritas (daisies) in a most unlikely place. Our world is a rocky place right now. It’s hard to see the bright side and the beauty of things during the Covid 19 pandemic. The suffering around the world is heartbreaking, and fear of the virus paralyzes life with lockdowns and isolation. But God gives us hope through His Word…

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Seizing the Moment–and Wishing that I Hadn’t

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I attended my first writers conference in 1999, convinced that they’d kick me out once they discovered I had no writing talent. The third year, I gathered enough courage to schedule an appointment with the editor of a major Christian magazine to pitch a personal experience article. While the piece didn’t fit his periodical, John liked the basic story and suggested changes to make before I submitted it. I was thrilled that he didn’t just say no. At dinner that evening someone asked if I’d had any exciting appointments. I told them about my meeting with John. Joanne shouted, “He’s…

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Freedom

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  It’s crazy-good what Americans do in July! We wave flags. Peacefully parade in the streets. Honor the military, first responders, and civilians. Gather as families. Picnic. Cherish freedom. As a retired military officer, I smile at our Independence Day celebrations, knowing a measure of the sacrifice in people and treasure that secured the liberties we live with today. Military, firefighters, police, and medical professionals serve in physically dangerous positions. And many in our nation sacrifice time, energy, and money to keep us free. Like many others, I’m a patriot. I defended our Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic,…

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