BEAUTIFUL THOUGHTS

 KINDNESS . LOVE . PEACE

Where do we get kindness from? Where do we get love from? Where do we get peace from? We could say they originate in us, but the answer is incomplete. We could say they just are, but the answer is incomplete.

We could say they originate in God, then we'd have the true answer.

Love, kindness, peace speak their truth wherever they may be found. Those whose lives are full of love, kindness, and peace show remarkable facility for caring, giving, and gentleness. I love how these individuals demonstrate in their beings (without saying it) their walk with God.

My grandma walked with God. Her very essence exuded love, kindness, and peace. In the midst of distress, sorrow and suffering Grandma's inner light still continued to glow. She had worries, yes, but the Source of peacefulness lived within her, the light of life, the Lord Jesus.

Grandma trusted God, and He took care of her.

What made my grandma into the faithful servant she became? I assume it was because she chose to trust in God. She also had a dear neighbor friend. They prayed together and supported each other, especially when the burdens were heaviest.

Grandma prayed and talked to God as she gardened. She told me it was while she was gardening that she felt closest to God. Her spiritual garden grew at the same time. In it she cultivated kindness, love, and peace. Her garden grew as it was nurtured by her Father God and her own careful tending. Over the years she harvested crop after crop of kindness, love, and peace. All who knew her were blessed when they were in her presence.

Like Grandma, we all can grow in kindness, love, and peace and harvest a bumper crop of blessings.

WHAT'S ON THE OTHER SIDE

 

WHAT HAPPENED

I stepped away from teaching seven years ago. I stepped away from teaching children in church three years ago. I stepped away from leading women's ministry two years ago. In each case there were compelling reasons. None were done without a great deal of consideration and agony.

When you step away from something you love, it leaves a void, an emptiness. You can question whether anyone cares. Doubt has colored your self assessment. But this is a wrong way of thinking.

You eventually come to the realization that it doesn't really matter what people think. You did what seemed wise and best according to the circumstances. You sought God's help and leading and then pursued the next best thing.

WHAT'S NEXT

You know, it is not wrong to miss what used to be. You gave a lot of yourself, you sweat the hard stuff, you gave and gave, you cared and helped. Those were all good things, and they mattered. But now life is different. Nothing ever stays the same. You have to work at what is now your new normal. This is right thinking.

We all have a responsibility to fulfill our calling, whatever that may be. Situations that stretch us serve as a function to keep us on track. In our humanness it can seem like too much for us to handle. I look back and see how it has a domino effect; one thing leads to another. Each new hill to climb brings its own perspective, an expanding outlook, a greater understanding. We as people are ever-growing, ever-learning, ever-evolving. That is the way it should be.

Be at peace.

WHAT YOU'RE GOOD AT

 

WE KNOW A LOT

 

But Should We Use It?

 

On October 31, 2019 Tamela Hancock of the Steve Laube organization wrote an interesting blog post. She asked us what we could write about, what we are qualified to write about. It was a good question and my random thoughts quickly coalesced.  I've had a lot of varied experiences in my life. I have trained in many pursuits. Yes, I could write about many things though I am not an expert in any of them.

I wrote a response in the comments section. You see, it is kind of fun to play around with the ideas of what you know and how it could be helpful to someone else. I will share some of that with you here.

 

What books are in you? i.e. What books are in me?

Many writings float around in my subconscious and tickle my fancy every so often. I don't give them much heed, but it is invigorating to think about. Maybe I do have something to say that's worth saying in areas I've not yet promoted or presented. Here goes. . .

FARMING-I could write about farming as an analogy to spirituality from my years of farming and my country roots. I spent twenty years as a walnut farmer and that's no walk in the park.

TEACHING-I could write about the compassionate side to teaching, the many ways in which children are reached through novel methods and caring individuals from my years of teaching and as a reading specialist. Children respond to outward and inward stimuli; a thought worth exploring.

CAREGIVING-I might write about the caregiving role of adult children with their aging parents and the major earthquake it takes to make things happen when denial causes resistance. My observation skills and experiences say you persevere on through because you care and you must.

LEADING-I would truly enjoy writing about leading women in the deeper, freeing, spiritual walk, walking them though the areas of hurt and bondage to freedom and grace. This is heartfelt and from my years of experience both personally and in leadership.

MENTORING-I could write about my one-on-one experiences in mentoring grown women. There are ways to do this well, and cautions to avoid in doing it sloppily, that kill the effort. For me, this is one of the most rewarding ventures I have ever done. It is still unfolding and teaching me.

MISCELLANY-And there are several others because of my creative bent: Thematic Teaching, Artistry, Parenting, Visuals, Program Development, Creative Teaching and so on.

Expert knowledge versus experiential knowledge could be where the rub comes in. I think it is worth thinking about the many possibilities. Some day they just may be opportunities.

Maybe you're not an author. Maybe this doesn't interest you. That is not the point. What do you have in you that you could share with others? Think about that. You have learned and developed certain traits and skills and interests that might assist someone else. What do you have to offer?

THIS N THAT

MONTANA

PAUSE & CONSIDER no. 10

 

Random Thoughts on a Busy Week

 

BREAKDOWN
My son's pickup broke down in Ekalaka Montana. Population 400. Great people. Helped him out. Gave him a place to stay. Fixed the truck. Back on the road today. Small town America still has the home touch. Thank you.

YOUNG MARRIEDS
I met a group of singles and young parents last night. They're studying the bible together. I loved listening to their comments as the banter went back and forth. I appreciate their sincerity as they build together a spiritual foundation for living in a broken world. Beautiful connection.

LIES
The truth will set us free. We as a society must uproot the lies that sabotage what is right--like errant weeds in a vegetable patch--to lay claim to the truth that stands supreme above all else.

LIGHT
Come out of the darkness into the light. The light of the world is Jesus.

BEAUTY
Do you want beauty that lasts? Any woman can be beautiful her whole life. The inner self shines to the outer self. I Peter 3:3-4 says it well, "Your beauty . . . should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." The essence of beauty originates from within.

REMEMBERING THE CAMP FIRE

My friend took this photo as they were escaping Paradise that fateful day.

Today marks the one year anniversary of the Paradise Camp Fire; a day I'll never forget. Dad and I looked out his kitchen window in Capay at 8:30 am and saw a huge black plume rising in the eastern sky. It looked ominous.

We turned on the TV news. No way! Unthinkable. But it was true. Paradise was burning.

Later in the day I drove from my father's home across the Sacramento River to Chico (just west of Paradise) to get my computer, pictures, important papers, and run a medical errand for my dad. The atmosphere was truly eerie and scary, like something apocalyptic.

Long lines at the gas pumps; cars literally bumper to bumper coming down the hill from Forest Ranch; fire trucks rolling through town, everywhere; 15 EMT units parked in a row by the Twin Oaks care facility with more joining by the minute, darkness everywhere; I watched a plane fly into the black cloud and prayed for those manning it; I saw traffic crawling at 3 mph heading west out of town on hwy 32; I worried about my daughter's safety, friends' safety, Chico's safety...

As the day unfolded on into the evening, the news media carried the stories, unveiling their horror. We were hearing the terrible terrifying stories of people escaping through the inferno with fire blazing on every side; evacuating the hospital and schools; cars full of children wondering if it was their day to meet Jesus; and the elderly being assisted, unable to manage on their own.

A town wiped out in a day by unstoppable winds and a greedy all-consuming fire. Unbelievable.

For the next few months the town of Chico became a center for the misplaced. The local community and neighboring communities came together to help. Donations came in from everywhere.

But the trauma left its mark on those impacted by the experience and loss. I, also, do not feel as secure as I used to. Redding, then Paradise, too close, too devastating. So on this one year anniversary, I say thanks to all who helped in some capacity. And I thank God for every person who escaped the fire with their life. Indeed.

CHERRY PICKING

REFLECTIVE THOUGHTS

PAUSE & CONSIDER

BOOKS FOR PRISON
For several months I've wished to donate some of my books to the prison population, particularly those in solitary. The content is inspirational, spiritual in harmony with nature. What the research turns up shows religious gifts are discouraged. I need a lead. Can anyone help me?

MADE ANEW
God transforms a hard heart into a tender one once His love is received.

CHRISTIANITY
Christianity seems to be all over the map these days. Its beliefs, purpose, practices, doctrine, theology, the spiritual-social connection, and it's biblical interpretations are varied. Some common ground is needed as a uniter. What common ground? Christ with His message of life.

TRUTH TALKERS
I think it's important to be a truth talker. There's lots of pressure to say what society wants you to say ... at all times. That's not freedom, it's control. I've noticed the insincerity of it all. It's hard to be a truth talker when you know you'l  get stomped on. Still do it.

HEALING PLACES
How beautiful it is when the church lives its mission with compassion, grace, hope, love and acceptance. Christ lived it, modeled it, offered it. His arms are open for all.

CHARACTER
Interesting how this works. At 90 my dad's character still comes through. Today one of his new friends where he now lives had this to say, "I like your dad. He has a clean mind. He wouldn't hurt anyone." She's noticed his graciousness. My dad loves the Lord. His life speaks to it.

WHEN IT'S HARD
God is good. God is faithful. God is just. Somehow the knowing of these truths is freeing to me. I know I can trust Him no matter what, no matter how hard it is, no matter how contradictory it may seem from my perspective. Like others, I stress, get confused, despair. Nevertheless, through it all I know God knows what I do not. I can rest in that knowledge.

TREASURE TROVE

This Week's Random Thoughts

Pause & Consider

CARE, ANYWAY
Why not have a little generosity of heart toward those who see life through a different lens? We never know what opportunities lie ahead, where community will bring us together. Hatred divides. Love sees life as an opportunity. We need not compromise our beliefs to care about others.

FAITH
A nurtured faith is a steadfast faith. Like an anchor, it holds fast even when circumstances do not. To nurture faith, trust in God must increase and expand. Time with God in prayer and in the Word are required. This takes intentional choice along with determined effort. Then faith becomes strong.

PRAY WITH POWER
Little prayer, little power, little happens.
Much prayer, much power, much happens, that is, the fervent, real, heart-felt prayers of a spiritual person. True spiritual living rests on the character and depth of one's prayers, and the character and depth of one's walk with God.

CONNECTED
Engagement with God initiates a process through which people change their perceptions. A work of God in a life open to His ministrations, facilitates structural change in those places that are repositories of soul woundings and soul hiding. This results in a spiritual awakening.

HERE'S WHY
Figuratively speaking, when you come to bumps in a road, unexpected detours, or difficult obstacles, instead of avoiding or disparaging them. After the dust settles, you can look at them and say, what did I learn from this? Troubles become a teacher. We can learn a lot this way.

AMAZING
I hadn't seen this friend in decades. He was the conference speaker. He spoke of lives transformed and deeper prayer. I marveled at him now, a man with a heart for God. He, also, is transformed. We talked over lunch. Life has tempered both of us. A sweetness connected our understandings.

AS SOMEONE TO LOVE
When you're nervous about talking to someone or making that phone call, see the other person as someone to love.

BE BLESSED
I wish I had something witty to say--
  That I could roll out for you today,
But since I do not
   So much for the thought--
I'll just say, "Have a good day" instead.

AMEN
God's mercies are new every morning. His judgments are pure and righteous altogether. His love reaches to the highest mountain and to the lowest depth. God's grace is sufficient for you and for me. Holy is His name. Praise be to God.

** This post is a compilation of my Tweets on Twitter.

LIFE IN THE NOW: Random Thoughts

 

Spiritual Reflections

Pause and Consider

BE ENCOURAGED
A young woman in a social media group was frustrated with someone she was trying to help whose response was inadequate. I tried to encourage her by commenting:

"A seed is sown. It grows. It flowers. It produces fruit. God brings the increase. Some things take much time. Your loved one isn't receptive, that's okay. She may find it difficult to express herself. She may be worried, fearful, depressed. This is where grace comes in. Extend grace with patience. Open doors. Provide opportunities. Then wait, wait, wait in anticipation. Pray, pray, pray with an open heart. Then trust, trust, and trust some more. God's answers almost always play out over months and years, not days. God will make a way. Bless you for being brave. You have a voice at the table. Be wise and loving as you use it. God will help you keep in balance. Praying for you.

PURPOSE
Do you know your purpose? Purpose gives value to your life. Children of God have a dual purpose, like a layer within a layer. Christians glorify God while they simultaneously live their life's purpose. Kind of interesting how that works.

‪SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENTS‬
‪Comments on social media arrange themselves into two groupings. Their sensitivities form two ideologies. I fail to see the need for mocking others' conclusions. My beliefs are my own. Your beliefs are your own. Conclusions may be on opposite sides of the argument but are worthy of being heard.‬

FOLLOWING & SEEKING
The spiritual realm is about two major devotions: following and seeking. Following Christ guides the life of faith. Seeking God encourages an ever-deepening living reality. Both avenues provide life and health in our spiritual journey. We stagnate when there is no will for this.

PEOPLE WANT, I WANT
People want happiness. I prayed for joy.
People want to be entertained. I prayed for peace.
People want money. I prayed for respect.
People want power. I prayed for wisdom.
People get what they want. I got what I prayed for.
Every person received their portion. I was blessed.

SPAKE THE SCRIPTURE
I'll be reading a scripture passage when, BOOM, the words grip my attention. They spring alive. My mind matches it to things of life, experiences, knowledge, spiritual meaning, truth and so on. Its preciousness ministers tender truth to the interior hallowed place of being.

SELFLESSNESS
I've known a few selfless people in my time. They have a quality about them that I admire. They're there when you need them. They give of themselves to others without any hesitation. One of my friends houses people down on their luck. Her husband has got used to it. Amazing.

MADE ANEW
After Jesus took away the sorrow,
He gave a brand new tomorrow.

ABANDONED and AFRAID

ABANDONED, ALONE, AFRAID

but NOT FORSAKEN

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

GOD PROMISES to never leave us or forsake us. This promise is golden. Circumstances may defeat us. People may betray us. Conflict may depress us. God says He is here for us. We can count on Him. It's true. God is our rock in times of trouble. He doesn't abandon us.

WHEN YOU are abandoned, you can feel all alone. Fear, worry, and pain make it difficult to move forward. The isolation one feels is overpowering. God says, "I'm here. Let me help you. Give it to me. Trust me with it." You wonder how to do that. You picture your hand in His.

I WAS ABANDONED by my mate more than once. The pain went deep. My babies were hurting. Most people didn't know how to help us, though they tried. I needed God so very desperately. Knowing He was there and wouldn't forsake me gave me great comfort. I clung to Him. He said, "Trust me."

I LEARNED to trust God with the many difficulties that come when you are left and alone. When I'd been abandoned, it was with no knowledge of my mate's whereabouts. My life collapsed. I had to make a new path. I sought God every day for the strength I needed. I prayed and read His Word.

GOD MET ME where I was at. He heard my cries. He ministered to me in the deep places of the heart. He helped me find work, take care of the kids, and get a handle on things. It was harder than I can put into words. God became my 'enough' to make it to the other side. God carried me through. I am so thankful.

TGBTG

NEVER GIVE UP

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

I read her Facebook comment. She'd shared a book about abuse to help her relative. It hadn't opened up a dialogue like she'd wished. In fact, it seemed to have shut the door between them. Had it been worth it, she wondered.

You can't force people to be open.

You can't make someone change no matter how much you want them to. You can't make someone care, acknowledge the issue, or consider what matters to you.

Is it worth it? I think so.

A seed is sown. It grows. It flowers. It produces fruit. God brings the increase. Some things take much time. The other person may find it difficult to express his feelings. He may be worried, scared, or in denial.

Here is where grace comes in.

Extend grace with patience. You open the door. Give it time to settle in. Let God nurture it. Pray, pray, and pray with an open heart. Trust, trust, and trust some more. God's answers almost always play out over months and years, not days.

God makes a way.

Bless her for caring enough to engage in sensitive issues, for being brave. She is an example to us. We all have a voice at the table. We should be wise and loving as we use it. God helps us keep in balance. 

Trust in God's wisdom and grace, and His impeccable timing. We do our part; God does His part; we're in this together.

TGBTG*

LIFE BALANCE: Thoughts for Today

~THOUGHTS~

GOD
God lifts me up when I am down,
  holds my hand when I am weak,
    and shelters me when I am afraid.

MEMORIES
Sunday I went to church with my Dad at the retirement home. The pianist played "His eye is on the Sparrow" for the offertory. It's a beautiful old song. How lovely to be like the sparrow. "I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me."

LIFE
Be gracious. Be loving. Be kind. Allow your life to minister to others.
Be strong. Be brave. Be resolute. Allow your life to find its strength.
Be aware. Be honest. Be authentic. Allow your life to speak its truth to all you meet.

BALANCE
Spiritual life involves the heart, mind and soul. I suppose that is why scripture says to love God with heart, mind and soul. Doing so initiates and keeps in balance the purity and energy of the Christ life. The mind is often the emphasis, but it is incomplete without the heart.

JOY
Do you ever have feelings of goodness well up in you? I love it when that happens. I could call it, spontaneous joy. While I drive country roads--pass acres of farmland, notice native oaks and plants, view the Western, Eastern, and Sutter Butte mountain ranges--happiness stirs in me.

MOTHER
My mother taught me how--
-to cook, can, clean, and sew,
-to play and appreciate music,
-to take good care of my things,
-to do and be my best,
-to be kind,
-to be courteous and respectful,
-to know about God and to pray,
-to be helpful,
-to serve,
My mother taught by example.

ALIVE in the SPIRIT

I am thinking, praying, reading, listening, asking, seeking, revisiting things of God.

A few minutes ago I felt the intimacy of closeness with God while praying--like an insightful awareness of being extra alive in the Spirit, like of my prayer being active with feelings of freshness, not weariness or sleepiness. I've missed the sweet fellowship I used to have--the aliveness--the joy of my salvation.

Praise him! Thank you, Jesus.

Maybe the long night is done and morning is breaking. I just read in the Book of Numbers how the children of Israel uprooted at a moments notice, then landed for a night, month, year--until God moved them to their next destination.

The 'not knowing' when they would pack up and go had to be hard on them. The Israelites learned to lean on God, to trust and obey him. The same is true of us. We get discouraged or impatient, fearful and unsettled. Then God says, "I got this," and he does.

God constantly shows us that he is in charge, not us. Each of us must learn to trust God for the journey--and all will be well according to his plan. We wait on God, trust in God, and believe in God. Our hope is in God.

Our faith is being developed. God's ever-present grace breezes throughout the events of the day, be they tumultuous or peaceful. God is here. He is alive and well. God sleepeth not. Thankful am I for his re-assurance to me. Rich, indeed, is God's divine presence. Dependent am I on his everlasting love.

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS GONE WRONG

Let's be honest here. . .

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS LIMITS TRUTHFULNESS

I wish we didn't have to dance around PC correctness and other protected expressions and groupings. What we can say in public is limited to these guidelines and social constructs. I want to know what someone really thinks without its being white-washed into PC conformity. Society is that retribution is to be feared. Old writings seem more honest to me. I see a freshness in them rarely seen in today's literature. Such thinking is not allowed anymore in the public marketplace of ideas.

I don't know about you, but I constantly run my thoughts through a grid before I write or say them. Sometimes I can't say what I mean for fear the PC "police" will take notice. PC ideology goes too far in controlling the way we do life, literally. People take offense, make waves, sue, attack, accuse, vent at ridiculous "perceived" slights. Higher education has fed this monster and now we're reaping its reward.

There's no end in sight to this path we're on.

Freedom is being confined to the PC mentality, which is re-classifying the way people and beliefs are being viewed. It's scary. Read the tweets. Lots of hateful statements about traditional, patriarchal, matriarchal, familial, moral, religious, and institutional belief systems. While some of this is deserved, much of the rhetoric is unkind, arrogant, and hateful. Some day it will make fools of us all. Truth will be silenced. Honest writings will be impaled for some reason or other.

The intelligentsia of the day will, most likely, control the public conversation. Some of this has already infiltrated major players, public entities we all use. Where will it ultimately land? What is the logical conclusion? People will be falsely accused. Careers will be tanked. History will be shamed. Concepts will be limited. Religions of God and Christ will be deconstructed as myths...and effectively silenced. No longer will freedom reign. Censorship where only certain voices are allowed to be heard has an agenda. Well? Worst case scenario...welcome to a society where most everything is controlled.

I see it as an injustice creeping into mainstream America. In some ways, to me, the ideas being circulated as true have skewed the ability to listen well, to consider or entertain an idea separate from their own. "You have to believe like we do or you're wrong," that sort of thinking. Candidates for public office walk a fine line, at least most of them do. To not play the PC game brings on the haters, and I'm not kidding.

I hope I'm wrong and the path turns in a different, better, less PC, less to slap undeserved labels on people (i.e. "racist," "sexist," "misogynist," "bigot") more honest direction. We must speak to it.

I love my country. I want her to be a shining light. I want justice for all. My heart says, let freedom ring. I pray for America, land of the free and the home of the brave. Just saying.

PROOF: Article on Big Tech Censorship here to learn more.

* * *

For more, visit my author site at nlbrumbaugh.com.
Have a blessed day.

AUTHOR BIO

N. L. BRUMBAUGH

AKA

MERIDIAN WOMAN

Thought you might like to see this.

Why I do what I do. In April I updated my Bio while on vacation visiting my kids in Florida. Somehow I forgot all about it and noticed it this morning. Guess it's time to get with the program and add it to my writing home. Here's a looksee.

BIO

Norma Brumbaugh is a memoirist and writer of Christian non-fiction. Her writings pull from her country roots as a farm kid plus 20 years as a walnut farmer, her profession as an educator and reading specialist, and her life-long participation in ministries as a teacher, leader and speaker.

Norma writes lyrical prose in a blend of life's experiences and personal story with its practical application for daily living. She enjoys contemplative silences while practicing meditative prayer. She prefers thinking outside the box. Natural elements compliment her spiritual interests.

Her book "The Meeting Place: Moments with God at Lookout Point" distills a year's worth of contemplations written at a bluff overlooking Butte Creek Canyon. Another of her WIPs is a collection of thoughts written at Abbey of New Clairvaux, a Trappist monastery in Vina, CA, foreword by Abbott Paul Mark.

Norma has several manuscripts near completion. Her passion is to show the beauty found in an ever-deepening, intimate relationship with God. Her favorite of her writings is "Silent . Sacred . Space: The Secret of Alone-Time with God. She is also writing a novel, "The Girl With No Name."

Follow Norma
- nlbrumbaugh.com
- meridianwoman.blogspot.com
- twitter.com/nlbrumbaugh

- Facebook.com/nlbrumbaugh.

FALLING AWAY

Is the sun setting on Christianity?

WHAT ON EARTH IS GOING ON IN CHRISTIANITY TODAY? 

HAS GOD CHANGED? Has Christianity changed? Are we of the Christian Faith in a sieve as culture impresses change? I spent today reading article upon article about high profile personalities leaving their faith in a high profile way. What do I make of it? I'm concerned, not surprised, interested, saddened. I care deeply. 

This is personal for me. I've been through it with people close to me. I get the void, pretending. I also get the denial, emptiness. I understand the angst, disillusionment. To choose their own way is painful because it necessitates loss of connection and community--but the monkey is off their back.

Let's be honest here. People don't always tell everything--what some of the real issues are. We know people get hurt by other's choices. When someone walks away from what they preached, it's utterly demoralizing for those whom they have influenced. Many grieve the loss.

More destruction. More disillusionment. You might think, maybe Christianity doesn't work. Afterall, it didn't work for them. Some will cheer the person's release as some sort of freedom from religion/Christianity, as a choice to be fully who they are and were always meant to be.

However, I don't think that explains any of this. Will you really leave something real to you? Will you leave something life-giving, life-inspiring to you? Not likely. Christianity is nothing without Christ. Christ is its everything, its answer, its basis--its richness and joy.

Christ is life eternal. Christ is loving, living, giving, helping--thriving. Maybe that got buried somewhere along the way. Maybe Christ became irrelevant to the conversation. Maybe it seemed too limiting. Maybe doubt overcame belief. Maybe it seemed fake, all work and no play.

I wish I knew some of these going their own way. My heart is heavy when I think of them. The truth is they missed it. They missed what this is about. They're walking away from something precious, the Precious One. Jesus loves you. Christ's arms are open wide. Wake up to life.

Pray. Please pray.

* * *

For more, visit my author site at nlbrumbaugh.com.
Have a blessed day.

FIRST RESPONDER

JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO

One of the problems is that church people don't know what to do or how to do it when the unexpected surfaces. They're out of their league or have not had the power of God as an effectual healer/helper in their own lives. I recall when it happened to me as a leader. While leading a small group on healing angd emotional issues, sparked by reading "When a Woman Finds Her Voice" by JoAnn Fore, two of the women shared very intimate details of past experiences. 

I knew we were on holy ground and we shouldn't move on without letting it sink in. But I was out of my league, and knew it. I didn't want to brush their honest comments aside. I wanted God to meet them in the recesses of their hearts and to let His healing breeze refresh their spirits in a way. Only He could do. I sent up a silent prayer to Father God, stood up, then lightly placed my hands on the two women's shoulders and prayed a specific prayer of healing, thankfulness, and for God's holy intercession. 

When I finished, the four of us sat there in a pregnant pause with tears in our eyes. The holy hush of God's presence was so very real at the moment of need. There is an intuitiveness from the Spirit that enters such divinely orchestrated appointments. I assume God did some healing during that encounter. 

The Christian community must equip its leaders to become conduits of God's healing grace in people's lives. None of us are exempt. We all need it.
 

* * *

For more, visit my author site at nlbrumbaugh.com.
Have a blessed day.

ARISE FROM THE ASHES

YES, YOU CAN ARISE

because God can

IN DEEP WOUNDS, whether of betrayal or loss, Father God reaches us and asks of us, “Will you give it to me? Will you stop burying it? Will you let me have it?” 

When we give him our sorrow, our anger, our unforgiveness, and our deepest secrets, he is able to begin a soft and slow restoring of peace to our inward self—our soul. In the safety of God’s love, his care, we face the ugliest of demons that reside behind a closed heart. The power of the ugly stuff, with its subtle but real influence over us, is then weakened. 

Essentially, God says to us: My child, I love you. Be free. Come to me. Don’t blame me. There are things you do not understand. This world is cursed—it is doomed—but I have life and I offer life to you. My love can transform the darkest soul. I, alone, can redeem the pain, the loss, and make you anew. I paint a new picture dispelling the darkness of your soul with light and shades of color in beautiful layers of joy. 

Thank you, dear God. Father God, I love you. Amen.

THE MEETING PLACE: Moments with God at Lookout Point  -N.L. Brumbaugh

* * *

For more, visit my author site at nlbrumbaugh.com.
Have a blessed day.

HOPE FOR BETTER DAYS AHEAD

OFFER HOPE to the HURTING and ABUSED

We must acknowledge people's pain while also offering hope for better days ahead. We have a platform for doing so when our own lives have been scarred by hurtful experiences, we are dealing with it, and moving forward in our recovery and healing. This gives validity to our message of hope. I know about this.

I've lived it. I can speak to it. I identify with the angst. I want to help: wherever, whomever, whatever.  I mean it, through and through.

I once had a student who I had concerns for. I was wondering if she was being sexually abused. I didn't know what to look for other than the obvious signs. I asked a special education teacher for advice. She gave me some specifics and then shared a story about a speaker in the field that had impacted her.

The speaker was a survivor of horrible abuse. She said that no one ever told her that it was wrong the way she was being treated, not her teachers, school personnel, or knowledgeable people. It was hurtful that no one validated her, even after it was known. That was the takeaway my teacher friend gained. 

Her comments stayed with me. Hope is the first step toward healing. I think we bear responsibility in offering solidarity in the healing journey. This can be of great benefit to all. Glad for everyone who adds to this poignant conversation. We can validate, encourage, and help. Compassion is where it starts, and ends.

Let's live it together.

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For more, visit my author site at nlbrumbaugh.com.
Have a blessed day.

AN UNLIKELY JOURNEY

  AWAKEN

WE SPIRITUALLY AWAKEN in fits and spurts. Not one size fits all. Individual though it may be, how far or deep the awakening rests with the individual. They must want it. The desire then blooms. Once it does, a craving for spiritual truth opens it up. 

To go ‘further still’ requires intention as the pursuit unleashes an energy that loves what is being pursued. 

The more the pursuit intensifies, the more delight it brings, and the more the soul finds its satisfaction. The real kicker is when spirituality becomes more than an intellectual pursuit of knowledge to become a personal pursuit of knowing God. Spiritual living became this to me in 2002, after decades of service in the church.

My spiritual journey is an honest one at least as much as is possible within me. I am a seeker of God and a follower of his way. God has healed me and renewed me. My life is changed because of God. I owe him a debt of gratitude. 

Father God blesses me at his table of grace and fills me with his ever-deepening love. I have received God’s unmerited favor. I experience his unadulterated peace and holy presence. To be God’s child is lovely beyond loveliness. I am safe and secure in my Father’s house.

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For more, visit my author site at nlbrumbaugh.com.

Be Bold, Be Strong

BE BOLD, BE STRONG

I WROTE an important article about abortion today on my nlbrumbaugh.com blog. I am rarely so bold. Joshua 1:9 encouraged me. God doesn't want me to be afraid. The song, Be Bold, Be Strong kept playing in my mind the way something speaks life to you.

JOSHUA 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” KJV

BE BOLD, be strong, the Lord your God is with you. Be not afraid. This is on my mind. Writing about abortion is the boldest thing I have ever done in the public arena. In the private context I've had many a bold moment out of necessity.

Like going to court in a child custody battle.
Like going through a marriage dissolution with lawyers at the table.
Like speaking my story in church.
Like addressing issues with my offspring when it is uncomfortable.
Like posting my private conversations with Emily on my nlb blog.
Like posting my personal testimony online.

But this is different.
But I'm not bold here for the most part
But not bold about the controversial topics of the day.
But I've been a wimp about speaking about what concerns me the most.

I think there are reasons for this.
I am afraid of what will happen.
I doubt my abilities, smarts, wherewithal to handle the backlash.
I don't want to be hated by the haters.
I like to be liked.

Can you relate?

BUT GOD  has called me to be truthful. He is the one who carries me through.
. . .
The link to the post on abortion is here should you wish to read it. I hope it stimulates your thinking and encourages right thinking. I am rarely so bold. Again, here is the blog link: Denial of the Truth About Abortion.

Remember this song?

BE BOLD, BE STRONG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S7ZIls9YDU&feature=youtu.be

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For more, visit my author site at nlbrumbaugh.com.
Have a blessed day.

New Book About 17 Historical Persons

MY BOOK REVIEW

WELL DONE

Well done, Annette Hubbell. Well done, people of note. Well done, faithful servants to His dear cause. Hubbell tells seventeen stories of people's life journeys that make a difference and leave a lasting impact. To take us there, she unveils their lives by using first-person narrative to tell their stories. These past heroes were overcomers in their own right. These individuals offered their lives in some remarkable way--and we can say the world is better off because of them.

One soon sees that these individuals are not a common mix of people. Their ordinary turned extraordinary lives were realized through events strewn with a greater purpose beyond the temporal state of daily existence. Courage, fortitude, vision, obedience, faithfulness, determined purpose, and personal strength defined each one's successes. All were extra notable by how their lives intersected with God's ability to multiply His grace in response to the human offering of self. The hard work ahead for each person was inspired and enabled by their relationship to God. Faith practically shouts in their lives.

Kudos to Annette Hubbell for taking on a daunting task to bring to life the character that drives action despite human frailty, disappointment, imprisonment, obstacles, and the 'whatevers' that make life a difficult row to hoe. They are examples to us all. Greatness need not be silenced by limitations. Obstacles are part of the journey. I eagerly await the author's next book, should she chronicle snapshots of brilliance in unfolding another set of historical personalities for the perusal of her readers.

Eternity Through The Rearview Miirror on Amazon
 

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For more, visit my author site at nlbrumbaugh.com.
Have a blessed day.

From Bleak to Blessed, The Interconnectedness of God to You

Despairing

My dear silent friend,

I see you everywhere. Angry, silent, insolent, elusive, in control, out of control, in-your-face attitudes. You're withdrawn, unhappy, ill-defined, pretenders, players, users, addicted to self-wants, soul sabotagers, relationship skuttlers, with blank realities, without character, wearing amoral masks that hide those not-so-good choices--and I weep. The emptiness, oh the pain of it all. Shall I go on?

Empty, bored, depressed, suicidal, frustrated; lives that lack meaning, definition, purpose, love, understanding, and hope. Am I too harsh? Possibly. Even two or three of these woes is two or three too many.

These need not define the conversation. What if  we could really see what is going on behind the scenes? What if you could see why there is a reason to hope. The spiritual world is alive, active, and productive. A lot is happening all around us all the time. Let's think about that for a moment. God is at work. But where? Everywhere.

What if?

WHAT IF
What if, for every rainbow--you could see the God who made it,
What if, for every sorrow--you could see the the God who heals it,
What if, for every mistake--you could see the God who forgives it,
What if, for every misstep--you could see the God who uses it for his glory?

What if, for every fear--you could see the God who upholds you,
What if, for every misery--you could see the God who helps you,
What if, for every temptation--you could see the God who delivers you,
What if, for every pain--you could see the God who ministers to you?

What if, for every failure--you could see the God who redeems it,
What if, for every frustration--you could see the God who calms you,
What if, for every disappointment--you could see the God who leverages it,
What if, for every curse--you could see the God who rejects it?

What if, for every problem--you could see the God who solves it,
What if, for every joy--you could see the God who celebrates it,
What if, for every kindness--you could see the God who loves it,
What if, for every obedience--you could see the God who honors it?

What if, for every gift--you could see the God who appreciates it,
 What if, for every sacrifice--you could see the God who approves it,
What if, for every prayer--you could see the God who blesses it,
What if, for every miracle--you could see the God who enabled it?

What if, for every praise--you could see the God who accepts it,
What if, for every life--you could see the God who made it.
What if, for every tune--you could see the God who plays it,
What if, for every wonder--you could see the God who created it?

What if, for every language--you could see the God who designed it,
What if, for every thought--you could see the God who hears it,
What if, for every action--you could see the God who beholds it,
What if, for every grace--you could see the God who initiates it?

Then, I believe, if we could see all the inter-workings going on behind the scenes and within the myriad of complexities that make up our lives, and if we could see how God is involved in every aspect of living on planet earth, then, I believe, there would be less angst, less boredom with life, less unhappiness and doom. I believe there would be greater purpose, centered liveliness, happiness, with  a stronger sense of selves at one with the universe and in full awareness of the divine touch of the hand of God in it all.

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For more, visit my author site at nlbrumbaugh.com.
Have a blessed day.

Where Unity in the Faith Lives

Where is true oneness found? Those who believe in the salvation that Christ offers through His death, burial, and resurrection; who believe through the eyes of faith, united in Christ--may know the perfect oneness of unity formed 'In Christ.'

Those who believe this truth are not of only one religious viewpoint or affiliation.

Truly, oneness is a matter of faith, belief, and soul. We are united in one faith--through belief in Jesus Christ--the presence and filling of the Holy Spirit--the love of God the Father--the redemptive work of Jesus Christ--and our hope for eternity.

. . .

I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me;that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

-John 17:20-23 KJV

Be Of Good Cheer

Much in life takes a great deal of courage to get through. We have to dig deep to push through to the other side of our trouble. One thing we know for sure, the sun will rise again. There is always hope. Christ said, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." He is the ultimate overcomer.

We can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances. But you may also be of good cheer. You will overcome. God will make a way for you and your family. I am asking God to make a way for you.

Keep a smile in your heart.
     Be kind to yourself.
          Be grateful.
               Be patient.
                    This too shall pass.
                          You will be stronger for it.

Look to God to help you. Seek God for understanding and direction. Trust Him to make a way. Be blessed.

I am praying for you. Leave a request in a comment or email if you have a specific prayer need.
God bless you.

Love 💓 Joy 💓 Peace 💓 Hope

Seek the best things.

Songs in the Night

YOU ARE MY HIDING PLACE

 I am glad God watches over me. Sometimes I fail. Sometimes I miss the mark. Sometimes I come across different than I mean. Sometimes I fail those I love. I am a peacemaker at heart. I don't want to disappoint or cause pain. Yet it happens. Then I can't sleep. Like right now. (4:00 a.m.)

Long ago I learned to take it to the Lord in prayer. He is where I receive comfort. When I hurt, when I am fearful, when worries crowd in, I can't handle them well on my own. I struggle. I need God. I need His wisdom. I cherish His grace. He gives me hope in the hard times. And then He gives me songs in the night.

"You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah." Psalm 32:7 NASV

You Are My Hiding Place https://youtu.be/uUx2WcC9JKoaa

Thoughts and Prayers Count (Part 1 of 2)

Thoughts and Prayers

“I’m praying for you,”  ‘thoughts and prayers,’ or ‘thinking of you,’ are statements that roll off the tip of the tongue, close out a Get Well card, and more often than not, end a Facebook or Twitter posting in response to the other person’s troubles or loss. ‘Thoughts and prayers’ speak to the need and says the message the writer wishes to convey to the friend or colleague going through a hard time. 

     But there is an outcry against this sort of thing. Some say it has little impact and falls short of caring, indicating it's trite and silly. But is it really? I beg to differ.

     When the person infers they’re praying, the other person receives it as ‘I’m standing with you in this, and I am backing you up in prayer.’

Yes, words like these bring comfort to the afflicted and light to the journey. People need each others’ comfort and encouragement. Dark days in the daily or on the horizon come to all people, spiritual or not. How others respond to the crisis, with love and prayers, makes a difference, and may determine whether the hurting person feels alone, or feels cared for by those who know their troubles.

I am more aware and self-conscious when I write the phrase ‘thoughts and prayers’ because of the criticism. Some see the sentiment as shallow, disingenuous, or as something that simply doesn’t work or move people to do the right thing. Is this criticism justified? Are ‘thoughts and prayers’ at fault? Does it not deliver the goods? Certainly, prayers should include right hearts and spiritual actions. The phrase is meant as an encouragement, a kind way to say, I’m hanging in there with you. 

For some, it’s not just a phrase, they do pray, and their prayers make a difference. How much difference, only God knows.

People reach out to each other in a way their community accepts and believes. In the Christian/religious community these kinds of phrases communicate the human element in combination with the God element. It invokes the Divine Presence to minister to the human area of need. “Thinking of you” is a secular form of addressing and acknowledging a loss or struggle. I think it brings comfort in its own way.

I mean it when I say, thoughts and prayers. How about you?

Your Place in the Cosmos

"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."

Jeremiah 7:11

You Have a Unique Part to Play

YOU ARE IN THE STORY. You are. You are an active participant, not as an observer but as a living, breathing, genuine, God-designed being. You have a gift that only you can give. You have a song that only you can sing. You have a message that only you can impart. 

This is your destiny. You are defined by your unique, God-given purpose. 

Before we were formed in our mother’s womb, God had a plan for each one of us. He put eternity in our hearts. God has a plan and a future for you, and he has a separate plan and future for me. God’s plan for us is our personal and spiritual destiny, combined into one. Our destiny is our number one purpose for living. Discover your purpose and you will know why you are here in the cosmos.

Be who you are meant to be. It is a waste of time and energy to build a false persona.

Find out who you are and then center yourself in this knowledge, your destiny. Stop trying to be someone you aren't and never will be, and stop trying to be like other people or like that other person you idolize. You never were meant to be those other people or like that other person. Be you.

God gave you your identity. Ask him to guide and direct in your pursuit of knowing him.  

The more you know God, the more you will know yourself (and your purpose). God has answers to our questions. When we begin to listen, when we pursue a living spirituality, when we make sacrifices of any personal, self-made ambitions, then we are able to come a little closer in understanding our own unique purpose. Let God in to help and guide you. Allow him access to your real self.

Your life will take on greater meaning and substance. You won't be sorry. Come alive.

The Best Way To Do Life

Godly Wisdom Speaks

He has showed you, O man, what is good. 

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.

            Micah 6:8

This is the life verse of a friend of mine. She is a spiritual mentor to me and is the mother of a friend from my youth. Not only is she a godly woman of depth and character, she is a professional woman in the real estate business. We have spent many long hours together. Her speech is full of wisdom and grace. I learn from her every time I am in her presence.

When she was interviewed by the local paper in regard to her work, she shared Micah 6:8 as the guiding principle for her work ethic. I thought it bold of her to do so. "To act justly and to love mercy" are words to live by; and she lives them. My friend trusts in God and follows his principles.

In a dog-eat-dog world, it is nice to have a friend who follows God's ways instead of the man's ways. Part of this is loving well. I have seen her love complete strangers while on the job. She amazes me. God's ways are pure in motive. He gives that purity of thought to those attuned to his ways. I think it a good way to live life.

Make no mistake, this is the best way to do life.

Become Healthy and Whole

You Can Do It

I was talking with my friend the other day when we touched on serious matters. She is growing, changing, and learning on her journey to health. This has required much of her. Destructive patterns and dysfunction have messed with her, big time. She is unstoppable.

Life used to overwhelm her. Major hurts set her back. She's been destroyed many a time. BUT SHE NEVER GIVES UP.  She chooses life. She embraces wholeness. Her lifesaver is God. I've been walking this journey with her. Watching her figure it out reminds me that one doesn't get well without facing your own stuff and picking up the pieces so you can move forward.

As we talked, I couldn't help but think how far she's come. Courage and grace have become her companions. It has taken both of them for her to get this far--plus God's help, faithful friends, and wise counselors. Besides that, her adult children are also taking positive steps forward. They follow her lead as she intentionally pours into their lives. She doesn't give up, even those times when bad things happen and she's in panic mode. I am amazed at her ability to move on after a crisis.

We grow if we want to. In the process of growing, we have to grow past wrong thinking. These are discovered day by day as they are faced one by one. For healthy growth--spiritually, mentally and emotionally--we actively sort through our opinions, conclusions and beliefs. 

Our minds refresh along the way. 

     Our relationships experience relief. 

          Our lives improve. 

Growth is dependent on our willingness to objectively go there in our self awareness. Though it is a painful process that takes time, it also is freeing and life-giving. God helps us see what we are missing and apply what we can access.

I have watched some of my dearest friends make this leap into health and wholeness as they become more the person they were always meant to be. They gain a precious new quality about them. This blesses me no end. They would say it's worth it. I do, too.

The Need to be Wanted -- Part 2

A universal need in all people is the need to be wanted. Performance often masquerades as acceptance when the outcome is equated with a perception of being wanted. The desire to be wanted for who you are is something most humans crave and expect. And why not? Everyone should be wanted and deserves to be wanted.

A conflicted message from others will cause them to ask a telling question of themselves, when their sense of ‘being wanted’ is in doubt. “Does that person ‘want,’ ‘like’ or ‘love’ me for who I am? Or do they ‘want,’ ‘like,’ or ‘love’ me for what I do, look like, provide, or financially support?”

Bottom line, people want to be wanted for who they are, period.

Relational structures as in family, professional, or intimate, that withhold acceptance until it is earned, that insinuate acceptance is conditional--that portray a person’s value is arbitrary, granted more to some and less to others--create an unhealthy tension within its ‘perceived’ lesser-valued and lesser-wanted members. Thoughtless, unkind words and actions that attack a person’s vulnerable, inward sense of self can deftly destroy the recipient’s self-image. These negatives, comment by comment, erode fragile personhood and imply ‘you’re not-good-enough’ conceptual beliefs about self.

To meet this very deep need within the self, to know they are wanted, loved, and valued, can cause the emotionally injured to go to extreme lengths to find it. Even then, it may not deliver. People devoid of nurturing love or positive human bonding, having been denied the basic components of meaning, value, and self-worth, squirm under a self-imposed deficit outlook. The negative perception remains until they are able to see it for what it is. Then they are able to work at undoing the damage by repairing their leaky love tank and deficit self-perceptions. They can rewire their negative self-talk. Progress is made when these individuals are able to accept, receive, and sustain love without doubt, suspicion, or fear. Emotional traumas heal slowly, but they do heal.

But first, one must want it.

 You can heal, become whole, and thrive. It takes time, intention, and focus. God helps us in this. He gives us grace. Burdens are lifted. Troubles are remediated. Life is given. Repentance is our responsibility. God gives us what we need when we need it. It is important to humble ourselves before the Lord. We won't have spiritual healing unless we desire God with our will and being. He is not fooled by false supplication. "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." Entreat your heavenly Father and He will draw near to you.
 
  It keeps getting better and better from that point on. You are loved, wanted, and cherished by the God of the universe. He takes a personal interest in you. Trust him with your life. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. He saves sinners. Redeems lives. Mends hearts. Sets people free.