“I can take her home....”

A soft, loving voice; giving me an option, a choice.  NO, Lord! I cried, feeling frightened and selfish.  And I continue to hear that voice and all I can do is respond to God like Ezekiel did, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know!” Of course, I don’t want to lose her.....especially so soon after Losing Kristina.  But, that is the earthbound me, the self centered me talking.   I want what is best for her, I want God’s best for her.  Watching this unfold....modern medicine at it’s finest, the machines and the people that fill this room , all trying to heal her, to make this awfulness go away, I realize there is nothing greater, stronger, or more powerful than the healing power of our God. She is in the palm of His hand, wrapped in His love, surrounded by His grace and mercy. He alone is in charge and in control.  All I need to do is rest in that knowledge and apply what l learned the last time I stood facing a similar giant. 

       Your will not mine, Father.......No matter what.

EAGLES

 The Old Testament shows multiple references to Eagles as images of God. They depict him as strong and able to bear much weight. Exodus 19:4, “you yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on Eagles wings and brought you to myself”. And, further in Deuteronomy 32:11, “like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that flutters over its young, spreading out its wings, catching them, bearing them on its pinions”. God is symbolized as strong and caring. The symbolism also is used as a God of judgment against Israel and against Israel's enemies. Eagles represent God's sovereignty and supremacy, and his protective nature as in Psalm 91:1-4. “He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord “my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. For he will deliver you from the snare of the Fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness is a shield and a buckler"

The most powerful analogy given to us by God in Scripture is the Eagle analogy and how it is reflected in our Christian walk. Anytime there is an analogy, I feel that God wants us to explore it to the depths and how it applies to our lives. This particular analogy is so rich in so many ways.

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint”. Isaiah 40:31

The first thing we noticed about eagles is how they fly, high, gracefully, wings locked, in ascending circles, without really flapping their wings. Their wings are spread straight out and they are literally soaring on the wind currents Eagles have very large, heavy wings spanning up to 8 feet. It's important that they learn to fly without flapping their big heavy wings for long periods of time because it would expend too much energy and they could die. They've learned to wait for the wind thermals to come up under them and launch them to soar on the wind. Their wings are extended and locked, there's no need to flap them and expand their own energy. This is the main point of the analogy. We are the Eagle, the wings represent our faith, and the wind represents the Holy Spirit. What we see in this analogy is that in order to accomplish what we are called to do for the Lord, we need to do it in the strength of the Holy Spirit not in our own strength. We are incapable of accomplishing what we are called to do if we try to do it in our own strength. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord.

We need to learn to step out in faith, to take the leap and know that the net will appear, we need to learn to fly and soar on the wind of the Holy Spirit

Eagles are master fishermen. They can lock in on their prey, swoop down and catch it. We are called to be fishers of men, to be disciples, and disciple makers. This is our number one job. We are each called to make disciples, just like the apostles the very beginning of the New Testament. It's important to be ever ready and listening to the voice of God telling us to share Jesus with someone. 

Scripture tells us that many are called but few are chosen. I think this refers to our personal call from Lord, that we are chosen for various reasons, and we may need to separate and be alone for a time to develop that calling. Eagles spend time alone. They soar and circle in the sky gracefully, effortlessly. We need to use the time alone to rest in the Holy Spirit and to listen for God's leading. If we fly alone, in those times, God will bring us to a place where we can fulfill the call that he has placed on our lives.

Eagles nests are found on high ground compared to the rest of the world. And we are to be like that as Christians. We are to live a higher life,  on higher ground. We are in the world and not of it. We are holy, blameless, and without fault or blemish before God. we need to strive to be separate from the corruption and vices and pollution and sins of the world. We can live on higher ground because of Jesus Christ.

Eagles are bold, courageous, and powerful. We are, as Christ followers, to be these things as well. We are called to be mighty warriors, soldiers in the army of Jesus. Were to put on his armor, we are to fight the enemy. And just as the eagle has no fear, we do not fear since we have the power of God on our side. “Greater is he that is in me, than he who is in the world. 

Eagles have a regal, majestic look. As Christians, we have the same air of royalty about us. We are kings and priests, children of the Almighty God. We operate in majesty through Jesus Christ, through his blood that was shed on the cross for each of us. Not because of anything we have done. But, because of this we can be regal and majestic, like the Eagle.

Eagles are patient. They have been known to wait for hours for a prey to move or for a wind current to be just right. In the same way we need the patience of an eagle to wait for God's word and God's timing to reveal his plan for us. Patience is one of the fruits of the spirit.

Eagles have exceptional vision. With two different abilities to see, one is in the natural, the second allows him to see up to 3 miles away and it also protects the eye from the elements when in flight. The Eagle's eye is nearly the size of human eye, but it does not move in the socket. This allows him to stay focused and single-minded. This is a lesson for us to learn. Keep your eye on the prize, stay focused, and above all, be able to see things from God's perspective, not just your own. Since the Holy Spirit lives within us, we have his eyes available to us at times to see things from His perspective. He will allow us to see things as He sees them. We also will see different Scripture verses in the new light and how they might apply to us. 

I love the contrasting color pattern of the Eagle. The dark feathered body and the white head and neck. There's no mistaking it when you see an eagle soaring in the sky.  We are to stand out in our environment; we are to be salt and light, we are to be different, and there should be no doubt as to who we serve. We are to operate in the power in the presence of God Almighty and this anointing should radiate out of us.

Study the Eagle, this is a powerful and profound analogy. Listen for your call. Draw close to the Lord. He is raising up an army of mighty eagles, prayer warriors, disciple makers, all who are rapture ready.

We are to mount up on wings as eagles. 

Wings locked, soaring on the wind currents

Master flyers

Master fisherman

Flying alone

Living on higher ground

Bold, courageous, and powerful

Majestic 

Patient

Focused

Notable from a distance

Transcript of the message to the RLM Widow's  in Community Christmas luncheon on Dec 6, 2020 

The ambulance driver.

I rode in the ambulance as we drove Kristina to the ER once again. I talked about my faith and how it sustains me in times like this. 

Surprisingly, he asked where we went to church.  I told him “Real Life” and proceeded to tell him how I love the community that offers something for everyone and how it feels like a smaller church and how there are multiple campuses and church plants.  

He told me his family went there also.  I asked , “Do you?”  No, he said I don’t go anywhere.   I pressed on.   “Are you a believer?”  Again, no.  I felt a rush of wind as a spiritual door swung open!  He listened and drove, and I told him how knowing Jesus gives me such peace and comfort. Guidance and grace. He’s heard it all before, but we talked of his work as a first responder, and the things he sees and the things he does that he can’t do in his own strength.  That his work is a calling , a ministry.  I told him that our meeting was a Devine appointment, no accident.  There is a call on his life.  I talked of salvation through Jesus. He listened. I left him with “what if I’m right??”   Please T., think hard.  Please Lord, bring him into the fold.   

Dear Theresa Hernandez,

Today is Matthew’s 40th birthday.  I wonder if you are thinking about him.  Do you try to picture who he has become, what his laugh sounds like, what TV shows he watches.....

He is a delight, Theresa, and we love him so much.  He is the family clown, rarely in a bad mood, loves everyone, and is liberal with hugs.  As with many Down Syndrome folks, he is still childlike, speech is minimal, and he loves his routine.  He still loves Barney the purple dinosaur, and has lots of stuffed Barneys and all the videos.  He likes basketball and golf on TV, he likes music, and sings (sort of) Badboys and Barbara Ann, as well as other tunes we have yet to identify.  

He will dress himself in multiple layers, some backwards, and always needs to have warm clothes on.  No sense of style at all!  He walks for exercise with his brothers and sisters.  He tends to put on weight if he isn’t walking every day.   Also, typical for Downs kids.  

There has been so much I have wanted to share with you over the last forty years.  I looked for you on social media and in the Seattle phone book.  I think about you often with love and thanks for your sacrifice of this child.  I am so grateful to be his Mom, and grateful to you for allowing us to adopt him. 

Thank you.  

COWGIRL

I’m an old western woman

A cowgirl through and through

But I’ve sold off all the cattle

Just kept a horse and a mule

My memories and photographs 

Of wild and wooly times

Remind me of the days gone by

When I was in my prime 

I still ride the old, familiar trails

The old mule knows them well

We’ve both begun to show our age 

But out there, No one Could tell. 

When I climb into the saddle

My heart and soul return

To the good times...cutting cattle 

Slapping leather, turn and burn. 

We have followed in the footsteps 

Of the girls from long ago

Who rode the broncs and wrestled steers

At the Pendleton Rodeo 

Now it’s time to pass the torch 

Our glory days have passed

Teach the young ones cowgirl ways 

So our traditions last

God’s Promise to Me

Forty years ago God gave me a vision while we were reading our morning devotionals at the kitchen table.   I saw distant mountains with a bright glow behind them. I asked, “Lord, What is this?” And a voice in my heart was so clear.....”This is my Glory shining for you on the other side of the mountains!”  This brief event remains as fresh in my memory as the day it occurred. 

Early this morning, doing devotionals at a table in my daughter’s  seventh floor  hospital room, I looked out the window and saw that same glow behind the mountains in the distance.   

She has been in the hospital for a week, most of it in intensive care, with some serious medical issues that have yet to be resolved.  It has been difficult for her .....and for me as well. 

She has been poked and prodded, tried and tested and seems to be coming out on the other side of it now.  The crisis has passed.

I, too, have experienced  tests of my faith and trust in Jesus,  and in the sovereignty of Almighty God through this ordeal of hers. For me, this has been another refining moment.... more of the dross has been skimmed off transforming me, molding me, making me more in His image.  

I believe He wants what is best for me. I believe that all things work together for good. ...I know He hears my prayers,  and I know I am loved.  Through it all, I am able to say “I trust you, Lord.....no matter what!”  

Seeing that glow that has been a part of me for over forty years, was reassurance and conformation that God’s Glory does shine for me and lights my path. I hope it also shines through me to bless or encourage the people I meet.  

I Trust you, Lord.

I prayed all the way into the hospital as I followed the ambulance that was bringing my daughter to the Emergency Department. A sudden altered level of consciousness and a nearly nonexistent blood pressure prompted a call to 911 soon after dinner. She was pale, blue around her lips, and out of it. I thought she was starting to have a seizure. They were bringing her for evaluation and I was right behind them. My prayers were childish, but sincere.....”Please God, Fix her, heal her, make this okay. I was praying frantically, and I began to pray the only prayer that is always answered......”thy will be done”. This led me to think about God’s sovereignty. My God is sovereign I know this and trust this, and never doubt Him. But, here I was driving into the unknown praying for healing, trusting God and realizing how hard that really is. I was tearful and cried out to Him.....” I trust you , Lord. I know you are sovereign. But in my frail humanness, your sovereignty is really hard.”  
I think I had a small glimpse of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, also asking for “Your will, not mine...” it was hard for him also.

Spring

Daylight is dawning at five AM these days. It’s still chilly, some mornings are even frosty, but it’s definitely Spring. The grass is as green as it will get, trees are budding, horses and dogs shedding, and the swallows and hummingbirds are back. I love watching the birds flying around, they seem to just be having fun.
The Winter blahs are gone, and everyone seems to be happier, ready to get outside and walk, garden, mow, sweep, or any number of chores that mean being out of doors.  The work really starts now, but no one minds.....we are grateful to have been released from the dark winter prison.
The barbecues are ready, lawn chairs and tables have appeared on patios and in yards, neighbors wave and chat over backyard fences.  Soon there will be camping, garage sales, farmers markets, outdoor music venues, parades, and fishing derbies.  We pack an awful lot into a few months of the long days of summer, and Spring is the time to get everything ready for a running start. A few frosty mornings can’t dampen the anticipation of things to come or diminish the energy level that being outside brings.
I’m burning daylight, have got to get out there and get things done.

My gift of Service.....

Amarillo by Morning

The party was nice there was lots of people I know......friends?.......yes, many I call friends. Some, good friends.
There was music and food and the sun was shining warmly.  Thee was laughter and conversation, there were many hugs and birthday wishes.
I still have moments......more than I can count.....of grief and pain when I’m out in the crowd.  I’m a “single” in the midst of a sea of couples. Oh, not everyone is paired, there are other single women, but I only see the happy couples.....the couples like we were once.  One minute I’m talking and smiling, the next I am fighting tears as the reality of loss stabs my heart.
I miss dancing. I miss Jim’s arms holding me as we danced. (“Hang on to me now”). We were pretty good dancers. Steve and Danny played Amarillo by Morning for me. That is the one song we danced to all over the country. It always brings such a flood of memories. This is my acknowledgment of Jim when I’m out listening to music, and my musician friends know this and always play it for me, for him, for us.....for what was. And, for a moment I am able to imagine myself in his arms again and not feel alone.