All around us “Hallelujah” choruses break out— We are done with 2020— bring on the New Year! 

I have always loved how new hope arises at the start of a new year. Around the new year I often like to sit down and record all the best thoughts of the year we are leaving behind and record hopes and dreams for the next year. My eyes are always opened to valuable nuggets from the past year as I go back and do this, but I know most of us are saying “Good Riddance” to 2020. We are ready for a New Year with a new start and along with that hope of the New Year perhaps we’d like some guarantees for 2021…

Like maybe a guarantee that we will be home free from coronavirus 

Or that our local coffee shop will be open for dine in again. 

Or how about a guarantee of a nice vacation— perhaps somewhere tropical? 

Or guarantee of a new house, 

Or return of a loved one. 

Or freedom from an illness… 

What about a guarantee for a year of better health? For ourselves, family and friends. 

Or a guarantee of a good, productive year 

Perhaps finally doing that thing we’ve always wished to do…

Yes I’d like all these guarantees and more… wouldn’t you? 

As much as I wish these things were guaranteed for 2021 the truth of the matter is that a new year will unfold and there is only one thing 100% guaranteed for sure— and that is the steadfastness of God. 

Each Christmas season I find myself meditating on one of Jesus’ names: Emmanuel- God with us. In that name is all the treasure trove, all the help, all the secure protection we could ever hope for. 

God loved us so much He sent His Son— apart of himself— into this dark night— dark world. The Light has come! 

The same is true for us today— His name still is “Emmanuel: God with us”. He is here— in the darkest night— in the moments of 2020 we thought we couldn’t go on. 

And now we can know, without a doubt— 

It is guaranteed 

He will be with us in 2021 too— 

Steadfast to the end. 

Now the truth of that, if we’d just take a moment to mediate on it, will wrap us up in comfort and hope just like a big cozy blanket. Big cozy blankets… they are just the thing we need right now, aren’t they? They are warm and safe. Our kids each received a fuzzy blanket for Christmas, and let me tell you, it is hard to get them out of those things. Once they are snuggled in, reading a book or watching a show, it is a most comfortable spot they are not willing to forfeit easily.

The same can be true of us—sure grab your physical blanket— but also make sure to “clothe” yourself in the peace that comes from meditating on the steadfastness of God. It’s a comfort like no other. It drives away the darkest night, sends fear packing, and brings light into the situation. 

In Psalm 119: 7-12 it says is no where that we can go to flee His presence. There is no year that He is not there. No situation that He’s unaccounted for. 

He is with us. 

And perhaps in these moments of extra challenge— we see His light burn brighter than our eyes would have seen in the normal light of day— it’s in the darkness that our hearts yearn for the Great Light and, just like a cozy blanket, it brings us warmth and comfort to us weary travelers. 

I think of the shepherds— accustomed to roaming the dark fields and guarding their sheep— that night the dark sky lit undeniably with Heavenly Presence and their night of darkness was interrupted by the news of a baby in the manger. 

And the wisemen— their scopes in hand— took in the night sky, yes they had each star memorized. But there— something new— a star— a Presence of Heavenly Glory guiding them to the Christ Child. It interrupted their normal sight for a view of the spectacular that led them to the new king. 

So you see— the darkness— the normalcy— it is interrupted by a Great Light and that light shines even GREATER because so dark was the night all around.  

Perhaps in the darkest night (or a challenging year) where our normalcy is tested— we see Him shine all the brighter. 

We see that He is “Emmanuel- God with us”. 

Nothing (no virus, no lack, no fear or worry) can separate us from His presence— from His love (Romans 8:38-39). And that is about all the guarantee I need for this new year— that I will NEVER be alone. His presence is with me. And just as surely as He is with me, He is with you too. 

So cozy up with the warming truth of that statement— yes drape that warm fuzzy, comfy blanket on your shoulders— and ask God to continue to reveal who He is to you more and more. Ask Him to teach you, to open your eyes in a new understanding. I believe He will. And that truth, it will set our lives ablaze… for when we behold the steadfastness of our wonderful Father, we in turn realize that we are steadfast because we are found in Him. Nothing moves Him, nothing shakes Him. And because we are found in Him, we can be immoveable, unshakeable through the greatest challenges too. 

Yes, it is the best guarantee (only guarantee we can be sure of) is that He is Emmanuel God with us. 

“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Happy New Year, friends! 

Until next time, 

One of the best cups of tea I have ever was from the breathtaking, historic Brown Palace Hotel in Denver at their afternoon Christmas tea. The Brown Palace is featured in many books, movies, and tv series (Hallmark’s Sign Sealed and Delivered being one of them) and with its history dating back to 1892, it has been visited by royalty, presidents, celebrities and the like. And my, it is a beautiful site especially when all spiffed up for Christmas.

Our tradition is going to the Brown Palace for afternoon tea during the Christmas season with the women of our family: my grandma, my mom, myself, my sister, and just recently my oldest daughter. We make sure to dress up and take our time.

Once tea time is announced (it has been reserved for at least a year!) we make our way to the dining area where the quaint tables and chairs are. After cozying up in a spot (some have nooks and crannies) we all order: would it be earl grey, rooibos or perhaps an oolong? And your choice of finger sandwiches: classic cucumber, a turkey with spicy aioli on rye bread, or curry egg salad? (They are finger sandwiches, so try all three!)

We make our selections and settle back to enjoy conversation and the beautiful atmosphere of this historic hotel.

Soon the server arrives with the tea, and after making quite a production (at least it feels that way to me— I do not usually enjoy meals at such a refined place!) the tea is poured and the teapots set to the side. The infusion is the perfect blend— not too strong or too weak. Yes, they are masters at their craft. They also add a little server of real Devonshire cream (shipped from England) and sugar cubes (both raw sugar and the refined white). We use the little tongs to place the proper amount of sugar in our tea cups and add cream if we like, then lift our pinkies and smile as we act like the refined ladies that we are (not). 😆

The rest of our tea time unfolds as if it was straight from the pages of a story book, and far too quickly our appointment is done. But we comfort ourselves with the thought of coming again next year (or one year soon!) and enjoying this special holiday tradition. 

Having tea prepared for you at a fancy tea is much different than trying to make the concoction at home! I just recently experimented with brewing loose leaf tea at home and, without the proper strainer,  I  ended up with tea leaves floating in my tea cup. Yikes! I have since brewed a few more cups and the results have often resulted in too weak of a tea. How long should I let it soak? These things are a mystery to me! What talent goes into making that perfect infusion…

The other day, while enjoying a (imperfectly infused) tea, I sat next to my Christmas tree and the whole house was still and quiet. I don’t know if you value quiet like I do but my, it was just so peaceful! I felt the spirit’s nudging… to get out my Bible in that moment instead of waiting until my usual time before bed. I pulled out my Bible and sped read through the first few verses as if I was on a deadline…. Just grabbing the necessities. 

Slow down, my heart whispered. 

Oh yes, that’s right. This was not a race or a “read quick to absorb main gist of things” situation. This was God’s Word… God’s presence awaiting me here, beside the Christmas tree– with my Bible and weakly infused tea in hand. I took a deep breath and reread the verses, slowly— taking in the details of the angel telling Mary about his plans and vision for her, then the majesty of the birth of Jesus. And you know what? The story came alive. It was the same when I turned to my verses for the day. They spoke softly right into the crevices of my heart— the part of my heart that I didn’t even know was tender, worn, or tired. 

And let me tell you friends, this was seriously no longer than 10-15 minutes (I mean that is only 1/4 of a binge worthy show to watch, right?) and the results were incredible.

I felt that “infusion of strength” inside of me in the form of encouragement, a glow, and excitement for the Word– for God and what He has done and is doing in the world and in my little life.

I was amazed at the results I encountered from that special time away SOAKING in the word and with the Lord. It was just the perfect blend… perfect infusion that I needed for the moment.

Just like how that tea needs just the optimum time to infuse properly we need our own time to let the Word and God’s presence INFUSE into us in the proper measure.

If we allow time for the Word, for time in His presence, His infusion of strength will transfer to us and we will emerge different, new, BOLDER than we were before.

Oh, that time with the Lord is so precious! I now find myself forward to that special “infusion of strength” time again… and again. I still hold onto my nightly devotional routine (because that is just what works for right now) but I am learning to also let God speak to me in random times (not just my scheduled times).

I’m learning the strength that comes from the example of the tea brewing… the proper infusion of the strong tea leaves and the lifeless water to make the perfect blend. The blend that emboldens my heart and sets my heart on His path for the day. Do you know it can be the same for you too? Soon presents will be unwrapped and moments of the content afterglow of Christmas will linger. I plan to take time (maybe while my kids tackle their new lego projects! 😉 ) to grab my Bible and settle in by the Christmas tree. I’ll go in with the purpose to just soak with the Lord, letting Him infuse me with His strength, direction and encouragement. I encourage you to do this too. He knows just what each one of us need!

And, in being realistic…. there are those moments we aren’t able to sit still or quiet ourselves. And that is okay. Perhaps we are in the middle of errands or doing family activities or making a first cup of coffee (or tea) when we feel that gentle nudge on our hearts— the gentle tap of God’s whispered, “I am here”. Even in the busyness, we can acknowledge His presence and let the Lord transfer a bold emulsion of His strength.

Just this week we had one of those nudges of His presence while busy viewing the Christmas lights together as a family. Coming upon a beautiful scene, including the nativity scene, our youngest called from the back seat— “Mom, I feel the Christmas Spirit. Do you feel it?” I took a moment to breathe, to smile, to acknowledge the sweet reminder of His presence there with us even in the midst of the simple notion of looking at Christmas lights. “Yes, sweetie, I feel it…” we proceeded to talk all about Christ– the true Spirit of Christmas. Even in the quick, little things God has a transfer of just the amount of peace, love, PRESENCE that you and I need. 

I encourage you to INFUSE yourself in the word this week and in relationship with God. I get it, there are so many things calling our names…. Deadlines, appointments before the end of the year, children’s school work, not to mention all the things that need to be done for Christmas/New Year…. But this season is precious, so much deeper than any one of us comprehends.

Take time to slow down and savor the “royal blend” our savior Jesus has for you today. You will find it is exactly what you need! 

So grab your tea (or coffee), your Bible and head over to the Christmas tree. Sit there, and even if it is noisy… imperfect, or interrupted, let God speak to your heart through His Word. Let His Word infuse you. It’s the perfect blend every time! 

Here are a few of the scriptures that spoke to my heart the other day: 

Luke 2:1-7

2 Corinthians 13:11

Galatians 5:22

Ephesians 2:14

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10 

Until next time, 

I have to say that unexpected gifts are the best, wouldn’t you agree?  I will always remember the Christmas that I received the best and most unexpected gift…

I heard my sister’s soft socks muffled on the upper stairway as I snuck around the corner of the downstairs stairway to where we would meet on the main floor. The scene of the tree, aglow with plenty of presents beneath, took our breath away. It was Christmas morning, 2 a.m., and my ten-year-old self was excited to see if any present under the tree would fit the shape and size of something on my wish list. As I took a closer look, I gasped out loud, for there, sitting on top of a large box was the kindest, royalist, softest lion— a tribute to Aslan, the main character, from the stories my dad read me aloud from “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. I could see, even from a distance, the flowing mane of the lion, and the kind brown eyes– just like I had imagined as we read chapter after chapter each night. More than anything I wanted to go touch it, feel the wispiness of the mane. Instead, my loyal sister and I snuck back down to my room to talk about the unexpected gifts we had seen…I don’t think we got a wink of sleep after that “sneak peek” and if my memory serves right… it was the last year we had a large unwrapped present under the tree. 😆

These pictures are a few years prior of me & my little sis at Christmas time:

That Christmas, so many years ago, remains a strong memory because the gift was exactly what I desired even though it hadn’t been a part of my official wish list. Isn’t that true of unexpected gifts? It can be exactly what we need before we even know we need it! 

This Thanksgiving weekend, I am surprised to find a gift in my hands. After all, isn’t the gift giving supposed to wait until a little closer to Christmas?

I pull back the gift wrap a bit at a time… 

I hear God’s gentle and loving whisper, “It’s a gift especially for you… and in it is the greatest power to overcome this current world and all its challenges. Every attack that would come against you.” 

Now my curiosity is really running rampant. A sword to fight my way through battles? Something that could erase all wrong? No, neither of these sound right.

I know… it’s a Bible. Perhaps that is what is inside. The Bible does hold such power to overcome every attack. But no, this box is as light as air…

I release the ribbon and slowly ease open the box… a tuft of a sweet aroma fills the air. I am suddenly at ease. All the world’s power, the enemy’s power, even my own struggles… they melt. They have instantly lost their power. Song lyrics swirl through the air causing freedom inside of my soul, the tethers that have bound me, instantly loosed: 

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I stand

“In Christ Alone”

“What is this gift?” I whisper, in awe, not wanting to break the beautiful aura around me. 

“Eternity.” He whispers and the words reverberate in my heart. 

“Yes,” I find myself saying. “That’s it.” 

“This is a gift that no one can ever take from you. No problem, challenge, enemy, not even death itself can take this gift from you. It is my gift to you and it is secure, eternal.” 

I (Jesus) give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

John 10:28-30

Somehow, minutes, hours, even days after receiving this “gift” the words continue to circle around in my heart and head. I think on them, meditate on them and the truth shines it’s light into my heart. 

I find something shifting inside… the way I was so focused on making things right here in this world, fending off challenges and pain like this was my place to live for all eternity… that is gone. Gone is also the power of death and problems and hurts and fears. It has tried to bombard my soul for so long, but suddenly… the tethers of the soul are ripped away. Fear no longer has a hold on me because of this precious gift God has given me through His sacrifice. I now have a secure eternal destination in my Savior. I am not fighting to get to heaven… I am awaiting heaven, knowing it is my home and everything here on earth that tries to hold me down, limit me, hurt me… it cannot have a hold on my eternal destination. 

I feel the truth of that changing me… 

When we live from that truth, that precious unexpected gift, it rips all power from sin, death, hell, the grave. It no longer has the hold on us it once did. Our heart can now be established on the fact that no matter what comes our way, no matter what the enemy tries to rail against us, there is one thing that is untouchable: Our secure eternal destiny. (If we have made Jesus our Lord and Savior https://www.agapelife.org/next-steps/ for more information) 

And with this knowledge, something releases deep down. Fear is gone. Freedom is here. Peace is here. 

And along with that… an urgency. An urgency to tell others of this gift that God has for them too. God, in His goodness has a gift for each one here on earth. It has been marked with their name. It is theirs for the taking, yet so many of this “eternal gift” lie unopened. Some even cast aside, or thrown in the trash. So many people right now are without hope. Looking for the smallest ray of sunshine… the smallest glimmer of hope. We know that “hope” and how it is found only in Jesus. Only in His gift of eternal life. The fact that we can say, “come what may… my eternity is secure”. 

It’s so important for us to reach people with this knowledge and this gift. They are hungry for it… so many hearts are ripe and ready for this good news in this time and hour. We want them to know the hope and comfort and peace and security we have found in the Lord and to experience it for themselves too. Nothing else matters. No other gift compares to this unexpected and perfect gift from the Father. 

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. (Eternal, secure, destiny!)

John 3:16

So as you start your gift shopping, searching for that perfect gift to gift to a friend or family member, include in that “gift” a few words, encouragement of the eternal gift we have—the most perfect, yet unexpected gift. If they do not know Him yet… make sure that is on your “to do” list for the holidays. I will be praying for hearts of relatives, friends, and loved ones to be opened in new and wondrous ways and that the accepting of God’s gift would happen in great measures all across the globe this Christmas season. 

And may we remember, as the presents are opened and another holiday comes and goes, that God’s great gift of eternal life is really the only gift that carries weight for all of time. It’s the one that will last through all the difficulties and mess of this present world… the gift of a secure eternal destiny. Heaven. 

Until next time, 

When they were younger, my kids used to go around the house singing the song made famous by Mary Poppins, “Just a Spoonful of Sugar”. The last thing I needed for my kids was one more teaspoon of sugar (ha ha!) but I loved to hear their voices singing the positive message of the song. I mean, who doesn’t remember the iconic scene when young Julie Andrew’s reaches out the window and the whistling robin lands on her finger to help her complete the singing of her song? 

This song comes to mind this morning as I think about the meaning of the lyrics in a quite literal way. Yes, each of us parents have had a time where we all but bribed our children to suck down the icky pink medicine or the strong cough medicine that made them wince (or even gag!). Perhaps they were offered a “spoonful of sugar” to help the medicine go down, or perhaps it was more in the form of a sugary lollipop from the doctor’s office. Something about those yucky medicines is made a bit easier with the reward of a sweet treat immediately afterward.

It got me to thinking about our lives now as adults. Most of us have figured out how to stomach the gross tasting concoctions that will help our bodies grow stronger or fight off infection without a sweet treat. But in real life, many of us have faced many difficult situations, situations that seem that have no way of escape… I know I for one would rather swallow a million spoonfuls of the icky stuff instead of face some of the heartache and pain of the challenges of life. But, there they are. The hard days. The difficult moment you didn’t see coming, Maybe it comes in the form of grief, sadness, lack of health or loss. The thing is more than just a sour taste left in your mouth, it can sometimes cause your heart to break in two. Perhaps we look around… how are we to outlast something so hard? 

That’s when the power of the “spoonful” comes in. No, not a mere spoonful of sugar to help stomach life’s aches and pains both mentally and physically. But a spoonful of something so much more effective and necessary in these days we are living in. It’s the “spoonful of hope”.  

Our darkest days. Our hardest challenges. The moment we don’t know if we have strength to go on. Our body or heart may just crack in two. Those are the days to take the spoonful of hope. Hope diffuses the darkest situations with light. 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:5 

When darkness is all around and there is no light to be found… in enters the spoonful of hope. 

Now, as much as I wish this “dose” was a classic delivery from the Amazon truck— arriving at your door at 8 a.m. each morning to be taken before facing your day. It’s not. Instead, this dose of hope comes in the form of the very physical Bible lying on your table, your nightstand or perhaps lost somewhere in the shuffle. It’s time to dust it off and get our dose of hope for the day. 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

No, don’t loiter around in the Old Testament for today— your best friend will be the Psalms and New Testament. Crack it open to the middle- the Psalms- and identify with a person much like us, riddled with human emotions from soaring positivity to moments of anxiety and fearing for his life. Yet, he poured it all out to the Lord and time and time again he saw how the Lord came through for him. Here are some verses from the New Testament and the book of Psalms based on Hope. Look them up. Mark them. 

• Romans 15:13, Romans 12:12, Psalm 39:7, Romans 8:24-25, 1 Peter 1:3, Psalm 31:24, Mark 9:23

And a few more from the Old Testament: 

• Jeremiah 29:11, Isaiah 41:10, Proverbs 23:18

This verse is a favorite of mine: 

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

Hebrews 6:19

Because we have hope in the Lord, no matter what tries to DROWN us and sweep us under its current, we will buoy back up. We will not be swept away. We have hope as an anchor. We have Jesus as our anchor, our light, our shield. 

Even in the moments where my mind has been so overwhelmed I couldn’t physically read the Word, I drew comfort from the fact I could listen to the Word. I could listen to praise and worship. A song would come on the Christian radio and just filter its light deep into the darkness that was trying to surround me. 

A Christian friend’s presence, a loving spouse’s hand to hold, a hug from my children… these are other ways to get in a daily dose of hope. 

I encourage you this week to get your dose of hope in. The good news about this nutrient is you cannot overdose! You can take as much as you want. In fact, the more we take now, the more we are prepared for the next storm that comes our way and tries to sweep us off our feet. 

If you need a hope partner, I encourage you to reach out and find one. Find one that speaks the Word, will pray with you, and keep you anchored in the Word. I know for me, my husband, my parents, my sister and specific friends have been this for me, each of them shining in different times of my life. Just this last week, my mother’s words straight from the truth of the Bible shone light into the darkness that was sweeping by. The good news about the spoonful of hope is that we can share them with others. There is no risk of covid or germ infection from sharing… no, it’s something that actually grows in us the more we give it away. The more we shine God’s light into others lives and speak against he darkness that threatens others, the more hope grows in our own hearts, ready to face and fight back any darkness that would try to overcome. 

My oldest daughter’s name was chosen specifically for her and the meaning is “the beautiful light of God”. Don’t you know that every day she is fulfilling that call? She’s bringing light into dark situations, into friends’ lives. We also wouldn’t be surprised if one day she may want to visit her heritage from her father and shine the light of Christianity into the situation there. Do you know that God names each of us? Each of us have specific name meanings and callings but we all are cloaked with the name “CHILD OF GOD” and, “BOUGHT AT A PRICE”. “PRICELESS”. “COVERED BY THE BLOOD”. “LIGHTBEARERS”.

Yes, we are lightbearers to this lost and dying world. It really is just a short time (and it will seem even shorter in the light of the length of eternity) that God has us being His light here in this dark world before He gathers us together and takes us all home where there is no darkness, there is no shadow. Only the light remains there. 

So, I pray that this week: you may find the light– the dose of hope– breaking through any darkness you may be experiencing in your body, heart or mind. May you reach for the Word– the Light– and take your daily dose (and more) each day! May God cause the song you hear “randomly” to speak hope deep and cast away darkness. May you find songs rising up even from your own spirit, causing you to praise God and combat the storm even as you face it. May you find His light and experience HOPE the anchor of the soul. May you also, as you are filled with His light, become a lightbearer to this dark and dying world. May you take Hope from the God of Hope who never fails to minister hope to our hearts in the moment we most need it. 

Now, spoons up! Here’s the dose of hope your heart needs today! 

Until next time, 

Each year the squirrels in our backyard get a JUMBO SIZED dream in their little heads. It comes the moment we bring enormous pumpkins home, placing them on the front porch, awaiting the moment they will be carved and lit with a candle inside. It’s almost as if we can hear the squirrels cheer as we place the pumpkins on the porch. Never mind that they have garden remains from the whole neighborhood or more than enough trashcans to root through… those pumpkins and the consuming of those pumpkins become the squirrels’ goal for the next week or two. How in the world can a little squirrel or two manage to eat through not just one jumbo pumpkin, but three?! It seems impossible! Their little stomachs are like the size of a nickel and the pumpkins must have weighed in at a good thirteen pounds each! So how in the world did a small squirrel(s) manage to “carve” our pumpkin so completely? 

One bite at a time. 

Maybe he’d saunter down the tree… take a bite or two and then go about his business. 

Then, later, on returning home, he’d see the pumpkin again… and guess what? 

He’d take another bite or two. 

Let’s not even talk about how he might invite all his friends over for dinner—On our jumbo sized pumpkins. 

As I looked at these carved out pumpkins, I started to think about the determination in that little squirrel. Determination to come back and take one bite at a time until the whole pumpkin was gone.

What if that determination was a major key for us to obtain something great, too?

Now I’m not about to recommend you go take a bite out of your raw pumpkin on the porch…  😆  But what about that JUMBO SIZED “dream” God placed in our hearts? When I look at it, wow, it seems sooo big. Bigger than a prize winning pumpkin to a squirrel (did you know they can grow to be over 1,000 pounds?) Looking at our enormous dream seems so grand, so exciting, so wonderful! But yikes, where to even start? Anything I do seems so small, so insignificant compared to the big, wondrous dream. That’s where the small steps of determination come in. 

During his time here on earth Jesus was given a HUGE mission: The redemption of mankind. He could have done it anyway He wanted, He could have even called down angels and gotten the whole ordeal out of the way quickly, yet He entered His ministry one small bite sized moment at a time: talking with the temple priests when He was only twelve, growing within His parent’s household, the calling of the twelve disciples, performing His first miracle, facing the enemy out in the desert. His ministry started with the bite sized moments and, as we know, grew into the full ministry that God ordained for him to have here on earth before accomplishing the greatest sacrifice by dying on the cross for our sins. If Jesus, the Son of God, started out this way, isn’t that such a good lesson to us too?

A major key to fulfilling our God-sized dream is this:

determination each day to consistently take small steps. 

These small steps can feel frustrating… like they will never add up to much. But, like those squirrels, if we can just take one small bite size at a time, before we know it, the big dream will be ours. And that’s not even counting that we as Christians have the Spirit of God working in us: He’s faithful to whisper to us what steps to take and when. He takes our small steps and multiplies them bringing us to our destiny in Him.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose”. He is the One working in and through us… helping us take one step at a time to fulfilling the destiny He has for us. 

Philippians 2:13

When I think about determination and faithfulness— consistency in taking small steps again and again— my parents come to mind. They followed God’s call to become pastors here in Colorado nearly 40 years ago! The dream– not only to pastor here in Colorado but to pioneer their own church– was a big one that God placed in their hearts. Talk about one JUMBO SIZED dream! Hand in hand with the leading of the Holy Spirit they learned to say yes to the bite sized moments that came every day…. First— how about gathering for a Bible study in someone’s home? “Yes, we can do that”. And they did. Next— church is growing… can we meet at a high school? “Yes, that’s going to work”. And they did that too. Then next up—we need somewhere even more permanent… can we find a building to rent? “Yes, we can”. And they did. Next— maybe we need to buy this whole building… “Yes!” Several years later—let’s tear up the mortgage check because this place is paid off. “Yes!” And they did. That’s just an example of the physical needs of the church. I see them both being faithful each day to say “YES” to the moments God brings them in spiritual matters, too! Saying “YES” when God whispers for them to ask someone if they can pray with them. Saying “YES” when the Holy Spirit nudges them to be a witness in word and deed. All those “YESes” have gotten them to where they are at today. Oh, I’m sure there were quite a few big “I am not ready for this” moments too (maybe that will be another blog post!) but showing up every day, saying “YES” to the moments that come… no matter how small they are, is part of what has led my parents to the BIG dream God had for them. In fact, those moments didn’t just “lead” them to the big dream… those moments are apart of the BIG dream.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9

And here, in the spirit of October as Pastor’s Appreciation Month, I’d like to say: I couldn’t be more proud of you, Dad & Mom, both as my parents and pastors! ❤️ I thank God that you followed His call. You have reached so many for the Kingdom. Love you!

So this week, may you be reminded of the “big dream” God has placed in you. You know what I am talking about… the dream that is right there… nestled next to your beautiful, beating heart. It’s something you feel passionate about, hold dear, and it even makes you cry. That’s the dream God gave you… His gift of a “JUMBO” plan waiting for you. It is yours for the taking. All we got to do is whisper a “Yes” and get ready to dig in for that first bite, no matter how small it is. 

Bon Appetit! 

Speaking of a big bite, here is a recipe for my family’s favorite Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins. It’s delicious! 

• 

• 

If I was expecting to find a nugget of inspiration it couldn’t have been in a more unlikely place. There, stapled on the rustic wood fence rail, was a white poster board proclaiming truth in bold, blaring letters for all to see. Yes, it was just the encouragement this world-weary heart needed to hear. 

It was a bit of a dreary Monday morning and after dropping my kids off at school, I made my way through the back roads towards home. This certain morning seemed filled, once again, with chaos. As if all the headlines have not already fully overwhelmed a body. Fires. Hurricanes. More storms to come. Political unrest. Election nearing. Coronavirus. It’s all too much and it is blaring louder and louder every day. I had chosen, months ago, to chose to turn the volume down— to be particular in the news broadcasts I allowed in my home, in my reading and media, and ultimately, in my mind— yet still, the negative news still hammered down hard. With these thoughts swirling in my head, I looked up and saw the poster board of truth tacked to the fence ahead of me: “THIS TOO SHALL PASS”, it proclaimed, loud and clear in black permanent marker.

• 

Something about the simple reminder reached into my day and wiped away the negative tint that had been threatening to overtake my thought process. Yes, these days seem saturated with negative… but the fact of the matter is that THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

There has never been a single event in history that has never failed to pass. It’s impossible! Seasons change, days change, situations change, people change, weather changes, disease changes… it all changes (Ecclesiastics 3:1). It all shall pass away (Matthew 24:35). The one who is eternal and who will never change… never pass away, is God (Isaiah 44:6, Rev. 1:8).

Something about that silly handwritten sign on the corner fence made me smile and shifted my day into a better perspective. What truth was in those words! 

Perhaps the encouragement you and I need today is not posted on a physical poster board on a fence, abundantly clear for all to see, but I guarantee you that there is plenty of encouragement here for the finding (in fact it may not be further than the person next to you). Yes, one of the primary ways God reminds us of His faithfulness is through other believers. There is something amazing that happens when we take a moment to “testify”. Testify meaning “give evidence, bear witness, give a testimony”.

For us Christians this “testifying” means recalling about something particular God has done for us or retelling of how we became a Christian.

When we put words to what God has done, we just naturally receive a boost in our Spirit, just like when we hear someone testify about what the Lord has done in their lives.

This “testifying” can look like this: a chat over coffee with a friend and exchange of encouraging words, a brother in Christ sharing a scripture passage, a sister in Christ posting her answer to prayer on Facebook. It can look like: Church services, Bible studies and seriously any gathering of believers (yes, even on Zoom!) We are to gather together and encourage each other in the Word and also encourage each other about the faithfulness of God— how He came through for us then. He did it then, He will do it now. One other AWESOME thing about this “testifying” is that it is a sharing of testimonies— it not only boosts our faith and other believer’s faith, but it reaches out, offers light, and draws those who have yet to believe.

• 

• 

• 

So, in a similar spirit of encouragement as my last post (all about the importance of legacy https://melanietalevski.com/2020/10/02/sprinkles-of-tradition/ ) let’s put words to our testimony. Let’s talk about it at our dinner tables with our family and children. Let’s talk about it on social media and in church services. Let’s talk about it any chance we get. By doing so we are reminding ourselves how God’s faithfulness outlasts anything it ever comes up against. Present problems included. 

THIS TOO SHALL PASS/ THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD WILL LAST. 

It always outlasts, outshines any chaos.

Until next time, 

Tradition. What’s the first thing that you think of when you hear that word? Quite honestly, I cannot help but hear the strains of the song “Tradition” from Fiddler on the Roof— Tevye singing in his robust voice as he snaps and dances down the country lane. I also instantly think about the tradition of the holidays that will soon be approaching! 

This last week, our family was introduced to a new experience. Something that more than likely will be a new tradition in our family of five… 

It all started with a simple question I asked my husband: What would be a fun way to celebrate his birthday this year?  

“Maznik, Zelnik,” his answer was instantaneous.

I repeated the words quietly… I’d heard them before… oh yes, the special delicacies his grandma would make for him as a little boy in Macedonia. He’s talked of them often but we’d never prepared them. 

I listened as he recalled the process of preparing these pastries, his eyes lighting up showing me a glimpse of that lovable twelve-year-old boy he used to be. 

So it was settled… we would make Maznik and Zelnik together as a family for his birthday this year. 

The birthday rolled around and it was time to get down to business. 

My husband gathered our three kids in the kitchen, causing them each to gasp as he flung a handful of flour on the table. “Let’s make it the way my grandma used to…”

Each child was instructed to throw a handful of flour on the table, roll it out, stack it up and repeat the process several times. We did this, one sprinkle of flour upon another, until we looked up and there was flour everywhere- including the floor and our cheeks! 

We continued the process (outlined in recipes below) and into the oven the Maznik and Zelnik went, delicious smells wafting through the house. 

When my husband cut the Maznik and Zelnik, sharing them with the children, the truth hit me. This event wasn’t solely for the purpose of celebrating his birthday. Something else rare and wonderful had occurred… a sharing of my husband’s history, culture, tradition. And in sharing this our children are finding out more of who their father is… and the heritage they have. One child’s eyes lit up as her dad talked about his upbringing in Macedonian and Grandma Neta.  Another child laughed as his dad told him about eating nearly half the tray in one sitting. Our youngest smiled as she rolled the dough, doing a more efficient job than any seven year old I’ve ever seen (she’s got her Great Grandma Neta’s rolling talent). 

So to see the kids enjoying this tradition of their dad’s past— here in our own kitchen in the good old USA— it made me realize the importance of tradition, of legacy. Of passing down what we know, what we love, and parts of us that are true no matter how many years have passed. By passing that down, it is also opening our children’s eyes to a part of who they are. 

Later that day, as I cleaned the flour that had been sprinkled on the table and floor, it got me thinking… how much more so are we to pass down God’s legacy into our family? 

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

Deuteronomy 6: 6-9 

Loosely paraphrased this verse says, “Listen! This is important! You must pass the faith legacy on to your children. It’s your story, your life, your love. Without it, there’s nothing of kingdom importance. Do everything you can to sprinkle the tradition, God’s Truth, into every day.” 

If we don’t pass these stories— our story of how the Lord has changed our life— how He is our everything— how else will our children know? How else will future generations know? It’s a lot more serious than just losing a family recipe. This is urgent— there are literally millions of things competing for our kid’s attention— most of them with no eternal significance. 

It’s our job as parents to protect our stories, share our stories, inspire our children— open their eyes to their legacy and who they are— because we believe and serve the one Almighty God. And how do we share this faith legacy? By living it, displaying it.. But also talking about it. Sprinkling it around—a bit at a time— like that flour as we rolled out the dough balls— until, next thing you know, you look up and there is an abundance of testimony! 

Melanie Talevski

I find myself whispering a prayer. 

 “God, may you help me sprinkle around truths from your word. In every conversation. During meals, Bedtime. When we rise and when we sleep. May you be sprinkled throughout our day… may your truths be bound on their hearts. Just like the over abundance of flour sprinkled in our kitchen, may your truths be overabundant, sprinkled everywhere in our household. May we gift our children with your presence, your words, your truth that it would not depart from them when they are old (Proverbs 22:6). That, along with their own traditions in the future with their own families, the Truth would continue to ring out, strong, purer than anything else. May that faith legacy– remembering all you have done, dwelling on your truths from the Bible– may that be the tradition we grasp on tightest to. “ 

So, with one piece of Maznik in a hand and one piece of Zelnik in the other, I call to my children. Let’s talk of our past, our history. Our legacy. And, most importantly, the One who has always been there and always will be. 

Until next time, 

PS. My husband recommends eating these delicacies with plain yogurt for the authentic Macedonian taste! For American version, dip in spaghetti sauce.

Pumpkin Pie. Chai lattes. Fuzzy sweaters and falling leaves in rustic shades of orange, burgundy, and yellow. It’s nearing the official start to fall, and some of us are screaming at the top of our lungs with excitement while others are sighing with resignation. It depends on the day, but lately I have been falling into the latter of the two. If I could just 

hold 

on 

to 

summer 

longer…. 

Our freak snowstorm a week ago sort of hindered any thoughts of a long Indian summer. Sure, we are back to eighty degree weather, and the trees have yet to lose their leaves (that’s a good thing considering often they fall in one fell swoop after a snow), but the cucumber vines and the squash plants… they have turned into that palish green color. The lawn too. Not such a dark, healthy green… but more of a fading into fall green. Even the sky has dulled slightly too– The bright blue of the summer now seems to bend to the light airy blue of fall time. Nothing is wrong with all of this per se (you fall lovers may still think I’m crazy!) but something in the season signals a shifting from days full of light and life into a time that is… well, less full of life. I’d find this discouraging… overwhelming in fact, as I watched my garden freeze under the first frost and the harvest slow considerably. That was until a whisper came on the light fall wind… 

“Fall is actually a new beginning.”

It’s funny that in all my years of living here, I have never thought to phrase it that way, but it truly is. Here’s just a few examples of these new beginnings: 

*School starting: The kids begin new grades with new teachers, new friends, new backpacks and new school supplies on their desks. 

*Sports: In both baseball and football a brand new chance is offered. MLB-  although it is almost through, with it comes a brand new chance in October for reaching the World Series. Teams that haven’t made it hold their breath in wonder… could it actually be their year? And the NFL- your team has a brand new chance to start out their season right!

*Fashion: It seems as if there are always new cozy sweaters, patterns, boots, scarves galore for this season. It’s a chance for a new wardrobe (and an excuse to get those boots that are on sale!)

* Coffee Drinks: It seems as if every fall there is a new fall line up of drinks. Pumpkin spice, creme brûlée, a cloud macchiato, anyone? (what is that anyway? I’m sure it is delicious!) But again, a wonderful new chance to change or vary up your palate even in the coffee industry!

*Babies! I know that I have several friends welcoming new babies this fall and nothing could be more exciting! I was born in the fall as was my little sister, niece and nephew. What a glorious time for something new to begin, best of all, a life. 

This season, although it is beautiful, it can honestly be quite a hard season for me. I hate falling away from the long days of summer, baseball, gardening and no school. I love having my kids around me without any homework involved. So fall can be tough, but I have challenged myself to see fall this year as a new beginning, not an ending. 

Here is one quote I found and posted on my facebook wall awhile ago: 

“She saw every ending as a beginning”

Naturallife.com  

I love that. Because yes, fall is an ending. An ending to the wonderful long days of summer. An ending to the carefree afternoons at the pool. An ending to staying up late past bedtime and hearing the crickets chirp. An ending to so many things I love and live for. But… the good news is it is a season of a new beginning as well. For there cannot be an ending without a new beginning right on its tail. 

So may this season of fall, this new beginning of sorts, be one that you run into with arms wide open. May we embrace the new adventures and challenges that come. May we not squirm away when things change or get uncomfortable but may we embrace it, knowing that God had the last season in his hand and he surely has this season too. 

(I cringe as I write this blog post because often I will make bold statements encouraging others in my blog only to be met with the challenge to live it out myself within the next day, week, or sometimes even hours!) 

But truly, God, would you take us all in your arms… hold us tight, steady, fast, during this time of transition. Whatever that may entail for each one of us. 

Whisper to us. We are waiting. Tell us once again… we belong to you. 

Here comes your gentle whisper now…“You are mine,” you say. 

I feel that truth reverberate all the way to my toes. 

I am yours. Your daughter, No matter where I walk or what I do, I am yours. That is a mighty safe spot to be. 

In that spot, I can confidently look at any change that comes and know without a doubt that somehow, someway God works it out. 

I can look at challenges that arise and not be fearful, because I know you are the God who holds my hand. 

I can look at the times to come, I can face the thoughts of tomorrow— because you are the faithful God. 

And even when the green, the newness falls away… I can know that there are new beginnings with you, God.

May it be true for you, too, dear friend. 

He is whispering to you now, “You are mine.” 

And there is no safer spot to be. 

May you find that in every ending, every change… there is a new beginning, 

And God is right there with you. Holding all your days. 

Until next time, 

PS. The fall scenery pictures above are from last year’s wonderful fall drive through Guanella Pass here in Colorado. I hope you get to enjoy the fall colors this year!

Sprinklers. Beautiful summer sunsets. The smell of fresh grass. The garden growing. Bicycles and laughter. Baseball.

These are the pleasures of simple summer days. 

• 

• 

• 

Here we are in mid/end of July but until this week… these moments had eluded me. Sure, I’d watch on while the kids ran in the sprinkler, or played catch in the yard. I’d encourage them to lay on the grass and watch the leaves sway in the breeze (isn’t that just the best?). Perhaps we’d take a nice bike ride and watch the sunset with its brilliant pink and orange hues over the Rocky Mountains. But in the midst of these simple moments, my mind was anything but still. 

This summer has been a different one, hasn’t it? Sure, we all have summers of “adulting” and regular work and chores. But this summer, with the pandemic, it feels like my mind has been on a search for the solution. It’s like trying to place the correct order of a puzzle—a figuring out of items both present and future… a preoccupation of sorts. It’s this knowing that somehow we need to get through this— but how? Somehow the puzzle pieces will line up if I keep working on it, right?  Then I can rest. But no matter how I work it, no matter how many times my thoughts go around… there is no where concrete to settle. There is no producing of the so-desperately-needed solution. 

I was talking to the Lord about this the last couple of weeks—how it feels like the simple joys of summer are being upended and replaced with this puzzling, wondering and swirling thoughts— and God, as sweet and gentle as He is, doesn’t give me a lesson on “doing more” (exactly what my mind thinks I need to do). Instead, I feel His Presence settle upon me. His Presence has been there the whole time but now that I take a moment to reach out, to quiet my mind, I am reminded He is there. 

“But what about the solution?” My heart asks. 

It’s almost as if I feel his warm brown eyes on me as his gentle, loving presence surrounds me. 

“But what about this?” I whisper, outlining some of the concerns on my mind.

His hand on my back. He’s here and He’s listening. He cares.

“And this?” We go through my questions. One at a time until, they drop from my mind and instead a peace comes over me. 

He doesn’t rush me as I talk openly to Him… baring every part of my mind and soul. He already knows my thoughts… my feelings, emotions. Yet there is a great connection that happens when I (on-purpose) become transparent with Him.  

Have you ever experienced a friend or spouse or family member being there for you in just the right moment? Perhaps you spoke to them openly, and they listened. They didn’t judge or have pre-put together phrases to say or perhaps they didn’t even offer a solution. They just sat there with you, perhaps over a cup of tea or coffee, or maybe on the church bench after service, or maybe just over a long distance chat. It usually isn’t anything fancy— but that’s not important. The most important thing is that connection you shared. That you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were there for you… when you needed them most. When your heart needed a bond. That’s how God’s been showing up for me this summer. Like the gentle friend who listens and is for me. 

• 

• 

• 

After this time of sitting together and sharing my thoughts, my heart with Him, and feeling His heart towards me too… a realization dawns on me: Perhaps I have been looking for the wrong “solution”. I have been looking for a solution that was of brick and mortar… something I could touch, feel, contain. Something that could be written down as a to-do list and if I followed it, it would lead me to the ultimate solution. But after sitting with Him… my cheeks warm in embarrassment. 

“It’s you… isn’t it?” I whisper. 

His eyes are warm, accepting, and full of love. “Yes, Dear One,” He whispers and a surge of awe and reverence reverberates through me. 

No longer do I need to search for a concrete solution… no matter what other pandemic, trial, challenge or disaster comes. He is the solution. As long as I have Him with me, I have all I need. I have the ultimate solution. 

I may not be able to write it down, puzzle it out, figure it out… but I just have to hold tightly to His hand with the trust of a daughter with her loving Father. 

I know that this can come off as such a basic thought… but to truly live it out and experience it is such a powerful, wonderful, awe-inspiring journey. 

And this journey continues…. With God as my source. My solution. My all in all. 

There is such treasure to be found by coming to God in every circumstance. Just as we’d come to a friend. Or even perhaps more honest than we’d meet with a friend…messy “mom bun” hair (with growing out highlights! Ha ha) , pajamas on, morning breath or tears streaking down your cheeks… He is the friend who is there for you, just as He is for me. 

I read the verse this week, a verse I am sure you are no stranger to: 

“Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me (Jesus).” 

John 14:1

Before when I’d read this verse and my first thought would be— I know this is true. I know this is something I need… but HOW? 

The great news is God always equips us to follow His word. The ANSWER is Him- His Presence. 

The only answer to “not be troubled” is to come to him. Through prayer. Through sitting together. Through reading the Word. Yes, reading the Word like looking God in the eyes. Hearing his heart. 

So when we need a dose of His peace… something to slow the swirl of thoughts in our minds… sit with him. Look Him eye to eye through the Bible (the Book of John is a good place to start, or even Psalms- as it is filled with emotions and ups and downs but how the Lord was there for David just as He is for us). 

It’s these moments that put a peace and a calm into my soul. It’s the moments of being transparent with God, soaking in the great reminder that He is my all in all, my solution to every problem… that lead me to the freedom of enjoying the simple days, the simple moments of summer.

So excuse me while I go grab my favorite chai latte, sit on the porch and smile as my children squeal as they run through the sprinkler, this time with a lighter heart. (I encourage you to do the same. 🙂 )

Until next time,