Small Town Life In Big L.A.

Ransomed And Rich

 “The ransom of a man’s life is his riches,

But the poor does not hear rebuke.”

Proverbs 13:8

It can be easy to read a Proverb and miss the meaning. This is such a verse. After asking, researching and praying the message is quite simple and something to rejoice over. 

The key is the word

RANSOM.

A ransom is payment for release from prison.

If your life has been ransomed you are rich. There is only One who can ransom your life and set you free from every prison. His name is Jesus.  

The poor on the other hand do not hear the 

REBUKE.

They are not interested in God’s ways so they remain eternally poor even though, on this earth, they may be monetarily rich. 

Rich and poor in the kingdom of God are completely different than the world’s view. Something to think about during this Christmas season.

The One came humbly, poor in the world’s estimation. Yet He is exceedingly, abundantly rich and prepares a place for you when you have been ransomed by Him. 

The ransom of your life is your riches. 

When Your Faith Offends Others

What does Jesus say about those who say they know Him yet don’t?

In these verses He is speaking to the ones who are “religious” but yet are offended by Him and His followers. Here’s what He said:

“These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips but their heart is far from Me”

These are people who may go to church, be part of a denomination, say they believe in God, pray with their mouth. Yet their heart, their true selves, the way they live their lives, is far from the Lord’s way and what He says in His Word.

”In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrine the commandments of men” Matthew 15:8-9

They spend their whole lives following a religion, perhaps that their parents followed, that teach things that are not even in the Bible, but man made, and in fact, against the Bible. They think they are OK because I’m a __________. 

This chapter goes on to say that these religious ones, who think they will be saved from their works and what church they belong to, get offended at those who speak the truth. 

So when someone claims that your faith offends them what do you do? 

In verse 14 Jesus says “Let them alone”. You don’t owe them an answer because they are not asking a question. They are accusing. He goes on to say they are “the blind leading the blind and both will fall into a ditch.” 

Meanwhile pray for such that perhaps they will humble themselves and repent that the Lord may forgive them. That they would sit quietly before the Lord and ask Him where they stand. That He would open their eyes so they won’t be blind anymore. That they would open the Bible they claim to follow and ask the Lord to speak to them through it.

The gospel of John is a good place to start. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How To Get Rich

Wealth, position, popularity, and eternal youth are highly prized in the world system. Especially in Los Angeles, a world wide destination with movie stars, Hollywood, and all that goes with it. 

People can look really good on the outside but underneath the exterior so many seeking these things find themselves unable to sleep well, stressed, tired, and unhappy. They look to therapists, drugs, alcohol and other man made things for a cure. Or, seeking peace, the THINGS God made like stars, crystals, rocks, the universe. Many are deceived following spirits who disguise themselves as angels of light but are in fact enemies of God. They commune with them through various rituals and affirmations trying to call things into being and get what they want. Basically being their own God and controlling “their universe”. 

As I once again begin a new study of Proverbs I find in it’s pages the secrets to true riches. It’s actually not a secret but right there for anyone that will take the time to spend in God’s Word. 

WISDOM

UNDERSTANDING

The Bible says these two things, when you find them, offer much:

“For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,

And her gain than fine gold.

She is more precious than rubies,

 

And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.”

Proverbs 3

In addition you will get:

Length of days

Riches

Honor

Pleasantness

Peace

Happiness

The Tree Of Life

God’s protection

Freedom from fear

Sweet sleep

So how do you find WISDOM and get UNDERSTANDING? By seeking God and spending time in His Word. Get to know Him. Find out what He loves and what He hates. So many of His ways are written plainly in the book of Proverbs. It’s like a handbook of how things really work. 

One thing is very clear. God hates the world system. If you love the world, the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, the PRIDE of life, you have no part with the living God. This world system, run by the “prince of the power of the air”, Satan, is passing away. God is allowing it for a time as He is the One in control. The Lord in His infinite wisdom has given each one of us free will. The right to choose the world system which results in death, or to choose Him which leads to eternal life. Who will you choose?

Forever Faithful

My morning routine: Rise. Walk. Word. When I went to bookmark my Psalm for the next day to my surprise I was finished! How could it be? I have been dwelling on it’s verses for a year now. I don’t want it to end. And then it hit me! 

MY HOW THE LORD HAS PROTECTED US AND TAKEN US THROUGH THIS TIME!

Last year when everything was especially scary He led me to this book. My friend and I had done a photo shoot of our neighborhood and I had several hundred great pics. He inspired me to put the Psalms to the pics and post them. A steady reminder of who the Lord is and His grace. I needed it and I felt others did also. 

And now as I look back I am so thankful for all the Lord has done and is doing. I’m still in the Psalm posting process as my reading is faster than my posting. But as this last Psalm 150 says “praise Him for His mighty acts…LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD!”

PRAISE THE LORD!!!

 

How Is That Working Out For You?

”For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” Matthew 11:30

SIMPLE. Simply. Simplicity. 

 

One thing we can all agree on is that this pandemic has changed our lives. Things we used to do we have been prevented from doing. In some cases it’s like a burden has been lifted. A chance to rethink ourselves. 

 

BUT... there are certain things, pandemic or not, that God says do. They are SIMPLE things. So simple in fact that many miss them. Or, as is human nature, justify themselves in doing things “their way”. 

 

The question is “How is that working out for you?” Are you truly joyful and at peace in your heart? Do you feel the Lord’s presence in your life and regularly hear His voice? Are you confident that you are living a life that pleases Him or are you under conviction? 

 

CAN THINGS BE BETTER?

Have you strayed away from the BASICS?

 

“ NOT GIVING UP MEETING TOGETHER, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25

 

If you are feeling discouraged the place to be is in church. It’s a SIMPLE thing. It’s how God works. He says “do not neglect meeting together”. He uses His people to encourage you and He wants you to use the gifts He has given you to serve and encourage them. That’s how it works. If you call yourself a Christian and have time for all these other things, but church is an “option” when it’s convenient, things will not go well for you. SIMPLE truth. 

 

Oh and Zoom is not church. Your TV is not church. “Do not neglect MEETING TOGETHER”. God wants you with His people, face to face. That’s how He works.

 

Feel the joy and the presence of the Holy Spirit as you worship and sing together. Those people singing behind and around you will bless you in a way that only happens when you are there.  And oh the glories when you “get over yourself” and sing to the Lord with your voice. Miracles happen then.  The prison gates get open. 

 

LISTEN. God speaks to you at church. Listen to the message. Take notes. Apply it to your life. 

 

FELLOWSHIP. Don’t go rushing off as soon as the last hymn is sung. You are missing one of the best parts! The fellowship of the saints. Luxuriate in it. It is like a balm. 

 

It’s a SIMPLE thing. If you want God’s blessing in your life you need to do things His way. Do not be deceived. There are no shortcuts. Get in your car. Get on your bike. Get on your horse. Move your legs. However you do it, make it your priority to be in church.  On time. The Lord will honor your obedience beyond what you can imagine. Your situation will change.

 

PS: I am so very thankful for our church family. Sunday mornings in that heavenly setting with people I love, worshipping the Lord as a giant hawk flys majestically overhead and doves sing, hanging on every word of the message, having fun catching up with folks! There’s nothing like it! Thank you Lord!

 

Are You Ready?

I have been reading through and dwelling on Psalms since the pandemic started but these last few days I detoured to Matthew. I wanted to reread what Jesus said about the last days. And there it was...

THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS

I wasn’t planning on that. But it hooked me. 

10 virgins

10 lampstands

All in the same place and reacting to the same thing.

Yet 5 of them are called FOOLISH. They tried to get into the wedding feast but the door was SHUT. The worst part is Jesus said to them “Assuredly I never knew you.” They knew who He was but all that time they did not KNOW Him or belong to Him. WOW! 

I read. Reread. Reread again...and again. Prayed and asked the Lord to show me what this means. Why virgins? Why the same lamp stands? What about the oil? 

I was also wondering about the basics of living the Christian life and how during this pandemic, and even before that, how often they seem to be neglected. Things like being in FELLOWSHIP, making the gathering of God’s people a weekly priority, showing honor and respect by being on time or even gasp! early... Being IN THE WORD daily, alone with the Lord, letting Him speak to you, learning what He loves and what He hates, as in the ways of the world...TITHING, giving a tenth of what He gives you every week for the work of the ministry...Using your God given abilities, GIFTS, to serve others in the body of Christ. Maybe it’s cooking? Cleaning? Gardening? Decorating? Calling? Visiting? Organizing? Fixing things? Writing?

All these questions and here are even more: Do you belong to Him? Does He know you? How are you treating His body of believers? What are you doing to help them? Are you a good example to others in what you do, say, post?Are you obeying Him in the basics?

 

ARE YOU READY for the wedding feast?

 

The oil talked about in this parable represents the indwelling presence of the Holy Sprit in ones life. You receive Him when you REPENT of your sin, and BELIEVE in your heart that Jesus shed His blood for you, on the cross, to forgive you of your sin. The 5 foolish virgins were in church but they weren’t born again. They were religious but didn’t have the Holy Sprit living in them. Their life was not a reflection of true repentance and forgiveness. If you are born again you know it. If you wonder than you are not. It’s very simple. 

We are living in a very exciting time as we see Bible prophecy unfolding before our eyes. The bridegroom, Jesus, has been delaying. His bride, the church, can grow weary. Let’s WAKE UP. Be WISE. Reprioritize our time. LOOK UP!...for He is at the door. 

Here is the parable from Matthew 25. Please, read it for yourself... 

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

 

 

Under The Pepper-Berry Tree

Perhaps you feel the same way I do. aka “WHAT A WEEK!” “WHAT NEXT?” “WHAT IS HAPPENING?”

 

I have embraced the last 2 1/2 months of the “stay at home” order. It’s the first time in decades that I could go at my own pace, not having to be somewhere at a certain time. I have cherished my time in the chair, reading the Word, talking & listening to the Lord, looking out the window, leisurely. 

Then as suddenly as it started the announcement was made. Retail stores, like mine, could open again effective immediately. So last Friday it was back to work in a place I love and have missed. 

We weren’t sure what to expect as things around town have been very quiet. What an encouraging day it turned out to be with a steady flow of well wishers and shoppers. The best compliment and support you can give a small business is to purchase their goods. We were nicely complimented that day and I thoroughly enjoyed tying the colorful ribbons around each gift bag.

It felt so good to be back! But the very next day, Saturday, trouble again as the world watched in horror seeing riots, looting, and mayhem. This happening as we are reading 6 pages of detailed protocol to prepare for the opening of church on Sunday. Surreal!

 

Signs posted, masks on, disposable bulletins, and sanitizers in hand we opened the doors. PURE JOY! I cried as we sang “The Heart Of Worship”, thankful to hear our church family praising the Lord together again. Also devoured the message as Dale has begun teaching through the Revelation. Everything we are seeing happen before our eyes has been prophesied. It’s in the Book as well as what is coming. Clear as day. 

The icing on the cake, or I should say cookie, happened UNDER THE PEPPER-BERRY TREE. When the abbreviated service was over we grabbed our chairs and headed to the shady spot under the tree. A gentle breeze was blowing as we gazed at a view of the chapel, above. We shared stories of our week, enjoying the fellowship.

And then came the surprise. A box of cookies with sprinkles. I saw them at Trader Joe’s and thought “I’ve got to try these!”  I grabbed the box as we were leaving for church “just in case”. At the right time we shared them under the pepper berry tree. There was just enough for us all to have a taste. They were SO GOOD even more so as we got to experience them together. 

The FELLOWSHIP of believers is so rich with blessings. It’s simple and the way the Lord has set things up. It’s hard to be encouraged when you are alone, at home. We need to be around the body of Christ regularly. It’s even more important in unsettling times like these. 

“LORD, I have loved the habitation of Your house,

And the place where Your glory dwells.“ Psalm 26:8

 

 

Think Before You Speak

”They speak idly everyone with his neighbor;

With flattering lips and a double heart they speak.“

Psalms 12:2

Treasure, wisdom, and God’s ways are embedded in the Psalms. As I sit in a quiet place at home during this time when the whole world has been told to shelter, what better thing to do than LISTEN and LEARN from the Lord. How can you learn to love what God loves and hate what God hates if you don’t spend alone time in His Word?

I find myself dwelling on this verse today. The psalm starts out ”Help Lord, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.”, then goes into a description of what is being observed. 

They speak IDLY. In other words they don’t think before they speak. No discernment. No awareness of others, what they need, or their edification. 

With FLATTERING LIPS & a DOUBLE HEART they speak. People pleasers, gossips.  Telling others what they want to hear even if it’s not true. Thinking one thing but saying another. 

Verse 6 says “The words of the LORD are pure words.” It’s good for us to THINK BEFORE WE SPEAK. And ask ourselves if what we say honors the Lord? Do we speak the truth in love or are we, as the unbelieving world, using His name as a casual expression? “Oh my God! Can you believe that?” or “I had the best pasta last night! Oh my God it was so good!“ Or OMG! These expressions indicate a lack of maturity in the Word, and perhaps someone who calls themselves Christian but doesn’t really know Him. 

Dear Lord for those of us who do know you, please help us to honor you and your people in our speech. To think about what we say before we say it. To speak the truth in love. To be gracious and a good witness for you. Amen!

 

 

Where Do You Put Your Trust?

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Tim 6:17

 

Imagine being born rich! To parents with money, a big house, a successful business, and a legacy of attending the best schools, just like their parents before them. You would “have it made” in the worlds eyes. The danger is, since all your needs are met,  you really have no reason to seek God. Your trust is in your riches and you go about your life, perhaps attending church at Easter and Christmas, more out of a sense of tradition. 

God to you is what you have made Him in your own mind because you don’t know Him. But look what happens when you put you put your trust in Him, and not yourself and your possessions, which God calls uncertain. He then gives you richly all things to enjoy. God is not stingy with what you need and He, your creator, and the One who created the universe by the way, knows what is best for you. His desire is that you enjoy His gifts which come in many forms, not just money. 

There is another word that describes God. He is the living God. Not some old, disconnected being somewhere out there. So how do you get to know Him? 

 

1. Humbly ask Him to show you the truth. 

2. Get a Bible and start reading it. Not like a novel but slowly, letting God speak to you. Start with the Gospel of John. It’s in the middle of the book. 

3. Find a good Bible believing and teaching Church. 

 

The Lord wants you to turn to Him so He can bless you. All other paths do not bring true peace and joy. They may seem to at first, boasting great promises, but somehow that anxiety and fear keeps coming back. The true riches are from God. Only He can give true peace and set you free.

Matthew 7:8

 

For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Las Vegas Gift Show 2019

Our January trip to the LAS VEGAS MARKET begins very early in the morning. It's so much easier to fly out of Burbank which is closer to home and less crazy than LAX. It always fascinates me to board the plane outdoors.

The one hour flight goes by fast and beats five hours of driving!

We arrived in time to check in to our hotel and have breakfast at our favorite French café.

One of the best breakfasts ever! It includes a house made English muffin and there's enough to share.

The views are lovely with lots of French inspired scenery and crystal chandeliers. 

We had just enough time to catch the last shuttle to the famous World Market Center where some serious wholesale shopping is done. Buyers, manufacturers, and designers from all over the world meet here.

As you walk the halls you never know what you might see to entice you to enter a showroom. This one cracked me up! 

What a treat when you run across a chocolate company with trays of their best sellers to sample!

Sweet Tea! So many creative refreshments along the way! It helps when you are doing hours and hours of shopping and ordering.

It's also important to get off your feet from time to time. Hint: travel light and wear comfy shoes. A scarf is also a good idea for drafty showrooms.This new plaid tunic with pockets from Revelation TOPS was perfect for the show and then out to dinner.

Outside the air is brisk. It's nice when you can cozy up by one of the fires. This day I wore our new baby thermal tie front top with a hi-low hem. So comfy and I love the color. 

This is a working vacation for us and we look forward to a relaxing dinner in the evening. We thoroughly enjoyed Jasmine at the Bellagio where we landed one of the best tables! Thank you Lord! We sat all the way up front in the window for a close up of the famous fountains.

Here the chopsticks are trimmed in gold, the service is impeccable, and they play classical music. My speed and such a treat.

The Bellagio is known for their elaborate displays. There was a whole room decorated in the year of the pig. This pig was gigantic, as big as a multistory building!

Just amazing! You keep looking up, up, up! The peaceful music and sounds of waterfalls all add to the experience.

Time to head back to our hotel, the Paris. I think this is one of my favorite photos...EVER. It just captures this getaway and you know how I love GRAY and the Eiffel Tower!

This was our view another evening from the patio of Mon Ami Gabi which is right on the strip. Once again we scored on the table. Imagine enjoying Steak Frites au Poivre as you watch the fountains from across the street. This is where all the Oceans movies were filmed. LOVE it!

Above us, past our heat lamps, is the Eiffel Tower. Another amazing trip. The Lord answered our prayers with good energy, great finds for Mountain Rose Gifts, and foodie fun!