2011: The Year of Living Dangerously by Paula Friedrichsen

Have you read the story of the birth of Jesus in the books of Matthew or Luke? If you haven’t, you should! It’s a story full of mystery, danger, risk, and fear. In the narrative we read about dramatic dreams from God, terrifying angelic encounters, and perilous escapes. And Jesus’ birth isn’t the only Bible story full of intrigue and risk….just think about David and Goliath, Daniel in the lion’s den….Samson, Joseph, Gideon, and more.

The stories found in the Word of God are intended to serve as a template for how God moves in the lives of men and woman. They are meant to inspire and propel us to dig deeper into the nature, personality, and character of God….to find out more about Him and then to boldly live out our own adventures in this life.

Think about the stories you tell when you’re reminiscing around the Christmas dinner table with extended family… You tell about the times you risked much, when you did something dangerous, when you lived on the edge and went outside of your comfort zone.

But some people don’t have a story. They have allowed fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or even fear of being uncomfortable to hold them back from any kind of meaningful or risky experiences. But where’s the fun in that? How can God possibly use someone who won’t leave the house? And let’s face it, no one wants to hear about the day you did nothing, right?

Life was meant to be lived. It was meant to be experienced. The Lord intends for us to have dramatic encounters with Him…times when He reveals Himself to us in new and spectacular ways. If we’ll obey Him, going where He says to go, doing what He says to do—He will fill our lives with adventure. Yes, there may be danger along the way. And yes, we may have to risk looking foolish. But would you have it any other way? Would you really want to allow your fear of failure, or your fear of being outside of your comfort zone to dictate what you’ll accomplish in 2011? I won’t! 2011 is going to be my best year yet. I’m going to step out more; doing the things I’m called to do….using every talent (no matter how mediocre) to His advantage.

The quote below describes perfectly how I’m feeling:

“Life is not a journey to the grave, with the intention of arriving safely, in one pretty and well-preserved piece, but to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out and defiantly shouting ‘Geronimo!!!’” (Author unknown)

I love this quote and the imagery it conjures. When I read it I think about how people will sometimes pass an open casket at a funeral and say, “Ohhh, she looks so good” – almost as if the aim in life is to be physically well preserved right up until the end….to leave this earth with a wrinkleless forehead and plumped lips. But the true aim in life is to be poured out and used up for a purpose bigger then ourselves. To live dangerously for Christ. To allow Him to take us on adventures, to save us from peril, and to see Him use us in radical ways—and to live to tell the story!

So here we are on the cusp of a brand new year. And my question is; what has God told you to do? What is it that He’s been prodding you to achieve? I can tell you this; it will likely be bigger then what you can accomplish by yourself. You’ll have to rely on Him in greater ways then you have in the past. You’ll most likely have to hook up with other believers and ask for their help too. Perhaps you’ll have to do some fundraising….or you may have to do some writing and speaking… It might involve a loan from the bank and a brand new business… perhaps you’ll have to learn to do some marketing and promotion to get the word out. But whatever “it” is, I can tell you that it’ll be worth any amount of effort. It’ll be worth any amount of sacrifice. It’ll be worth risking failure, and foolishness, and odd looks from those in your circle—because doing exactly what you’re called to do is LIVING!

Make 2011 the year you finally get out of your comfort zone. Make 2011 the year you conquer fear of failure and finally begin to be the person you know you could be. Make this year the year of living dangerously for God—and I promise, it’ll be the best year of your life so far!

Paula Friedrichsen is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

More of Him by Tom Hovsepian

Remember the movie The Hiding Place which tells the true story of Corrie Ten Boom and her family’s attempt to hide Jewish refugees from the Nazi occupiers of Holland during WWII. There’s a scene when Corrie is a little girl and asking her father about death. Her Dad’s explanation is a classic. He said, “Corrie, when we travel by the train, when is it that I give you your ticket?” Little Corrie answers, “Just before we are about to board the train Poppa.” He says, “That’s right Corrie and it is the same way with death, when the time comes, the Father will give you your ticket just before you are to board.”

The other day I was re-reading The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind by Bill Johnson. In it, Bill talks about his 8 month pursuit of God, and how he continually cried out, “More of You at any cost.” At the end of that time Bill has as dramatic encounter with God which changes his life. What struck me about this story was whether I could cry out like that for 8 months (or even 8 hours for that matter) proclaiming my willingness to pay any price for “more of Him.”

It made me sad to be honest and realize that I probably couldn’t. In my opinion there was no way I could tell God that I would be willing to pay with my health, my family, my comfort, my freedom, or most anything else to have more of Him. My mind couldn’t grasp it and so I wasn’t sure I could forfeit any one of those things.

As I reflected on this more I began an assessment of my life. Where has my pursuit of God taken me? Slowly I came to realize that my wife Kandi and I have actually paid a lot to have more of God. In fact, if someone had asked us to pay in advance some of the things we’ve given up in our pursuit of Him, I would probably have said, “No way!”

It was then I understood my life was like Corrie and her train ticket. My destination is definitely, “more of Him”, no doubt. Yet in getting there, most of the time I need the ticket of His grace handed to me just before I board. Otherwise I’ll FREAK at the prospect of what is required for the journey.

With tears in my eyes I think of the journey of my friends Danne and Daphne over the last few years; out of work… forced to move in with a friend…. truck repossessed….. and their daughter tragically dying after a botched surgery… But then, they finally moved to the Coachella Valley to work at The Father’s Heart Ranch (A group home for abused boys), and are now filled to the brim with God’s love and purposes for their lives. Their gifts and callings have bloomed into great beauty and importance.

Asked to pay the price of these things before hand, they absolutely would have said, “No way.” They were handed the tickets of God’s grace to those difficult destinations just when they needed it. And they continued to pursue more of God through it all!

Same is true for you. There is a hunger and thirst that resides in you that nothing else can fill. Most likely you are a lot like me….not sure you could sustain that pursuit for 8 hours, much less 8 months. All I know is that I need as much of God as I can get right now. I had to just assure myself of that fact, and be confident that when the time comes the ticket of His grace will be there. It makes it so much easier to sit back and enjoy the journey.

Tom Hovsepian is a former pastor of Church on the Mountain who currently resides in Arkansas with his wife Kandi. Tom will be speaking at COTM next Sunday, December 19th, at 9:30 a.m. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

This Season, Celebrate REASON! by Paula Friedrichsen

There is a brand new billboard right outside of the Lincoln Tunnel which reads, “You KNOW it's a Myth—This Season, Celebrate REASON!” The picture depicts a traditional nativity scene. The billboard was paid for by the organization “American Atheists” and it cost a reported $20,000. It’s scheduled to remain up throughout the holidays.

According to their website, American Atheists aim at putting an end to Christianity—claiming it is built on myth.

When I saw this news story yesterday I thought, “Just what evidence do we have that our faith in God is more than a myth?” And then I laughed! The proof is so “in your face” that it makes me pity the poor soul who simply cannot see what is in plain sight. Of course God exists. Hello? Sunrises… newborn babies… rushing mountain streams… the love between a man and a woman… starry nights… The evidence is everywhere!

Let me give you my short list of why I believe in Jesus:

1. I know God exists because He changed my nature. I did not have to clean myself up before I came to Christ. I came, just as I was, and He accepted me and made me new. He IS my salvation.
2. As my first child was laid in my arms I was filled with an unspeakable joy and my eyes were irrevocably opened to the goodness of God and the wonder of His many gifts. He IS the giver of perfect gifts.
3. I know God exists because only He can give me peace. In any situation, no matter how upsetting, dangerous, traumatic, or chaotic God gives me peace as I spend time with Him. He IS the Prince of Peace.
4. I believe in Jesus because He’s healed me many times. He healed me of Lyme disease 11 years ago—and the list just goes on and on. In fact, this headaches illness that I’m currently struggling with doesn’t worry me too much because God heals. It’s just who He is. He IS my healer.
5. I know God exists because He leads, warns, and counsels me in a myriad of interesting and intriguing ways. He IS Wonderful Counselor.
6. God has made Himself real to me by fulfilling many of my dreams, desires, and longings. No, I’m not living a perfect life with perfect circumstances—but I am living proof that God will shower His love and abundance on anybody who comes to Him with childlike faith. He IS unfailingly good!
7. As my husband and I prayed for our kids last night it occurred to me that God has so wonderfully answered our prayers recently. What a blessing to be able to clearly discern the hand of God in your children’s lives. Again, we’re not living a perfect life with perfect kids—but we do plainly see the hand of the Lord upon them. And we are thankful! He DOES answer prayer!
8. Lastly I know God is real because I am filled with love for Him, and I am convinced that He loves me! I have encountered His presence in ways that are undeniable, and these experiences stand as a testimony that is unshakeable and stalwart. Nothing can shake my faith in the reality of God because I know Him. Just as nothing can shake my knowledge of my husband (there’s just too much evidence to prove that Jeff exists), nothing can shake my knowledge of God. He IS Mighty God.

How could I not worship and adore the God who has made His works manifest in such a way that they have been painted across the canvas of my life in bold, bright, vivid colors.

And it’s not just me that He’s blessed, right? He’s blessed you too! He’s given you a roof over your head, food, clean water, a warm bed. Perhaps He’s given you a spouse to enjoy… to eat dinner with… to have companionable conversation with… to snuggle with on cold nights. Maybe you have a couple of kids or grandkids—with all the challenges they bring—but what a blessing they are, right?

He’s given you fresh air, sunshine, and the awe inspiring High Sierra Mountains to gaze at and enjoy. He’s given you an adorable town to live in with many quaint shops, delectable bakeries, homey restaurants, and a small-town movie theater right there on Main Street. He’s given you a world class ski resort 45 minutes up the hill, the Buttermilks to explore and climb, and numerous mountain lakes to fish and hike around.

The Lord has made His works manifest in our lives in every conceivable way—and He longs for us to simply open our eyes and see Him for who He is. Like the billboard said, let’s celebrate REASON this season. And any reasonable human can plainly see that God does indeed exist.

Paula Friedrichsen is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

A Father’s Gifts by Pam Payne

Yesterday my daughter gave me a picture of my grandson Jude. I had forgotten all about it. It showed him reaching out to touch a little horny toad. Seeing that picture made me smile in surprise because I remembered how much I loved horny toads. I grew up chasing and catching them as a child in Oklahoma, and had not seen one in over 35 years. That reminder also made me think of the other times God has surprised me with things I will never forget (like a daddy who brings a surprise present home for his little girl but keeps it inside his pocket until the time is just right to pull it out).

The biggest surprise God ever gave me came in the form of whales…

A couple of years ago my husband took me to a bed and breakfast near Carmel to celebrate our anniversary. It was on this trip that went on a whale-watching excursion. I still remember it clearly….

As we waited to board the boat the captain came down to introduce himself and told us that we were in for a real treat. He said that they had not seen whales like this in over 50 years. It had something to do with the way the currents were flowing in this one particular area and how the currents were pushing up food from a deep pocket right where the whales were feeding.

I squeezed Paul’s hand and looked up at him and I am sure what he saw on my face resembled the face of a little girl on Christmas morning, and my heart raced as we boarded the boat.

About forty minutes into our boat ride the captain told us that he just got off the radio with his colleague who was already in the whale space, and that they were seeing even more whales than they had the day before. He then told us to find a spot, settle in, and start looking for the sprays that come from the blowholes. I wiggled my way up to the front of the boat, settled on a wooden plank, and leaned against the railing.

Within minutes we began to see the sprays, and then a huge body would surface and a tail would come out as the whale dove back under the water. Then, a few moments later a giant humpback came out of the water 20 feet in front of me. Its eye was parallel to mine and I could not believe the size of it! Its face was covered with bumps, and I watched it roll onto its back before it dove down, with its huge tail coming up out of the water. The force of it sprayed my face and the seawater mixed with my tears. God’s love was all over me as He reminded me how long I had carried this desire in my heart, and how happy it made Him to give this gift to me.

The captain came over the loudspeaker again and said that although humpbacks were especially playful and curious, he had not seen one get that close to his boat before.

A few minutes later the captain came back on the radio to point out a pair of blue whales about 150 feet in the distance. In his excitement he told us to watch for their sprays and that’s how we would know they were blue whales. Still overwhelmed with awe and overwrought with emotion, I saw the sprays and knew what he was talking about. They were so huge I could hardly believe it! The captain told that these whales mated for life and that the air comes out of their blowholes at 250 MPH!

Because they were so far away, I could not really get a good read on the enormity of them until one of them dove and its tail came out of the water. Wow! Talk about a tail.

The day could have ended right there and I would have been walking on clouds for hours afterward, but God was not finished with me yet. He had one more surprise in his pocket.

As the boat made a final loop and turned to head back to shore, a family of humpbacks, three of them, popped right out of the water 30 feet to my right. They swam along side the boat for several minutes. First their heads would come out, then their backbones as they rippled along in the water and blew air. After a few minutes, they simply dove away and were gone.

I will never forget that whale excursion. Nothing on earth existed in that hour except my Father, His magnificent creation, and me. And that picture, the picture of a Father giving his daughter the desire of her heart, is one I will cherish and remember as long as I live. That is love in its purest and truest form.

Pam Payne is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Perseverance by Paula Friedrichsen

One may go a long way after one is tired.

~ French Proverb ~

There's a story about the California gold rush that tells of two brothers who sold all they had and went prospecting for gold. They discovered a vein of the shining ore, staked a claim, and proceeded to get down to the serious business of getting the gold out of the mine. All went well at first, but then a strange thing happened. The vein of gold ore disappeared. The brothers continued to pick away, but without success. Finally, they gave up in disgust, sold their equipment and claim rights for a few hundred dollars, and went back home.

Now, the man who bought the claim hired an engineer to examine the rock strata of the mine. The engineer advised him to continue digging in the same spot where the former owners had left off. And only three feet deeper, the new owner struck gold! With a little more persistence the two brothers that left would have been millionaires themselves.

“Perseverance” is defined; to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.

What is the “gold” that you’re pressing toward? What difficult thing are you trying to undertake? Maybe you’re trying to embark on a new career path… Or perhaps you’re attempting to overcome an addiction…. It could be that you are asking God to restore your marriage and you’re doing your best to cooperate with His guidance for your life. It doesn’t really matter what exactly the gold is that you’re digging for—it takes fortitude and perseverance to keep digging.

Perseverance is essential when you’re tempted to give up and call it quits. C.S. Lewis said, “What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step.” When things get difficult I find it helpful to focus on the next step ahead, instead of ruminating about the entire journey in front of me. I just look a bit ahead, ask for God’s help, and keep taking steps in the right direction. Even if I fall, even if I loose momentum, even if I fail, I must keep getting back up and taking steps forward.

The dichotomy about perseverance is that you can’t get perseverance without first being put in a position to need perseverance. It’s “on the job training”, so to speak. Perseverance develops as the Lord allows us to endure difficult circumstances. And it becomes so much easier to persevere in difficulty when we have a proven track record of God’s faithfulness in our lives. We become utterly convinced that He’ll strengthen us, help us, and see us through no matter what.

The really agonizing experiences of my life have deepened my walk with God (and my trust in His goodness) in such a way that I have learned to trust Him, even when I’m suffering. This is perseverance, persistence, and pressing through. It’s digging until you reach the gold.

I have learned to press through to God’s goodness in every situation. To press through (even in the midst of pain, hardship, or distress) to that place of peace I have with God. To press through to receive His healing even when everything around me says to give up. To press through no matter what! You know why? Because He’s worth it. He’s worth my steadfast trust and perseverance—and He’s worth the effort to dig a little deeper until I reach the gold.

Healed for Good by Launa Strickland

I used to believe that being sick was a sign of weakness–almost a moral failure. I was proud of myself because I rarely ever got sick. Then I got really sick!

Four years ago I developed allergies that caused chronic sinus infections. I tried everything to cure it but nothing worked. I ended up relying on daily doses of cold & sinus medication with extra ibuprofen. I also needed antibiotics two to three times a year to treat the really bad infections.

Then things escalated… In June of this year I woke up with a bad toothache. I was in Virginia and a local dentist prescribed a ten-day, high-dose antibiotic and lots of ibuprofen. I saw my regular dentist when I got home and I continued to take the antibiotic as prescribed.

On the ninth day of the antibiotic treatment the back of my neck starting itching, and within twelve hours I felt like I had biting insects crawling all over my body. I drove myself to the Mammoth ER and was told I had hives that were probably caused by the antibiotic I was taking. I was given medicines and sent home with prescriptions for more. After 24 hours I was in agony! In addition to the hives, I was horribly swollen from head to toe. A call to the ER resulted in stronger drugs. Two days later, I was still not better. I was now also covered with huge bruises and sores from scratching so hard. Another doctor visit and my meds were switched again. I was also given steroids by injection. I started feeling better within 24 hours. By the end of the week the swelling was gone and the itching was much less frequent. Then the pain began….

It began in the morning with a dull ache in my shoulders, elbows and wrists. By 3:00 p.m. the pain was worse and I was losing my ability to move my arms. By 8:00 p.m. I was totally incapacitated by pain. For the next several days I had to make sure I was ready for bed by 5 p.m. On the sixth day I had to go back to work. I got through two days of work and then, praise God, the weekend came!

Sunday morning arrived and I made myself go to church. At the end of the service, someone read James 5:14; “Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.” Pastor Eric invited all who were sick to come up. I resisted because everyone would know that I was ill. Then I heard the Holy Spirit say, “you have been praying to believe Me for healing-go now and let Me prove what I can do.” So I swallowed my pride and went forward. Pastor Eric anointed my forehead with oil and a small group of people prayed over me. I closed my eyes. The gentle voice spoke again, telling me to raise my arms. “NO!” I argued, “I can’t. It hurts too much!” Then I saw a vapor or mist rising from my shoulders, elbows and wrists and I ‘saw’ the pain rise with it. I slowly raised my right arm above my head AND IT DIDN’T HURT! I raised my left arm and it was also pain free! I shouted to the Lord and wept with joy! I was healed!

When I got home from church the pain began to return. So I started praying… I thanked God for my healing and told Him how it had strengthened my faith as well as encouraging others. I asked Him to remove the pain then I surrendered to His will for me. And…. He took away the pain. Again!

To this day I am free of hives, joint pain and sinus infections.

I still wonder why God healed me in such a huge way. I’m not a great and powerful woman of Christ—I stumble in my walk every day. Maybe it’s just so I can tell you that God does heal His children. Even one as weak as me.

Launa Strickland is a member of Church on the Mountain, and will be sharing more about her healing experience at the COTM Women’s event on November 1^st. at 6:00 p.m. Bring a potluck dish to share. www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Lock Up by Leyla Williams

My friends left for the week and asked a neighbor to feed their cat. The wife gave instructions to “go on in, we leave our door unlocked”. Unknowingly, the husband gave contradicting instructions for his employee to “please lock up every night after returning the tools”. Faithfully the employee locked up at five each evening. Faithfully the lady that was to feed the cat came at six. Perplexed but determined, she found a ladder, climbed to the upper deck, and found an opening into the house. Upon leaving, she left the door unlocked and was confused when it was locked again at six the next evening. Not until the last day was the mystery solved when the owners returned and couldn’t get into their home. The husband had given away his key and now had to climb the same borrowed ladder and scramble through the same open window.

Do we ever give mixed signals to our inner man? Do we relinquish access to our souls by giving the keys away? We are the owners of our inner life. We hold keys and determine what has access to us. Do we decide we are NOT going to get angry like that again? See that type of media again? Spend more than we have again? Eat more than we need again? Yuck. You’ve had those moments. It is over. Those things that leave the stench of shame after their stay, are marched out and you lock the door. That is IT! Not again. So why do we often leave upper story windows unlocked?

We can’t solve the ancient dilemma right this minute, but we can rally ourselves to practices that might protect us a little better. The gospel of Luke pleads “Stay alert, always praying that you will have the strength to escape all the things that will happen” (Lk 21:36). In Ephesians 6, Paul exhorts us to put on the full armor “as you pray at all times...vigilantly and persistently” (Eph 6:18). James states “Therefore, submit to God. Moreover, take a stand against the Adversary, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and he will come close to you” (James 4:7,8). Connect to Jesus! He is the ultimate locksmith. You pray, authorize Him to change your locks so the enemy of your soul is shut out, and He issues a fresh set of keys. But if we keep the window unlocked or give our keys away, we give permission to things that will ruin our inner house and destroy again.

Why are the gospels and letters declaring a need to pray, to come close to God? Because when we draw near to God, we draw near to light. All of a sudden we see. We go into prayer thinking we are a victim and I can’t believe so and so did that, and wanting God to sympathize, and then the light of Jesus reveals that the real problem is that we are stubborn. So now we are repenting….coming clean….and are relieved, with tender hearts toward so and so.

There will always be intruders. There will always be issues that are trying to break into your inner life with Jesus. Prayer is like a hyper alarm system. In prayer you learn to sense trespassers (like anger, lust, bitterness, dullness), and the flood lights come on with warnings bellowing out of the speaker system to paralyze the intruder. Prayer is one application of the “taking thoughts captive” practice. I can not pray and be fake with Jesus. If I am not honest, my heart does not come alive to Him. Being honest allows His light to shine on my darkness and I am freed. That is why prayer is so essential for your soul’s security system to function properly. The light that prayer brings exposes that wolf dressed up in sheep’s clothing and can give you the peace to stay in and lock up when he comes a knocking.

Leyla Williams is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

At the Hands of the Shepherd by Tara McDonald

Sheep have some of the most unintelligent minds in the entire animal kingdom. Their stupidity is sometimes frightening. A flock won’t move unless they’re following at least one sheep that seems to know where he’s going…. and this is not often the case. In eastern Turkey in 2006, 400 sheep died because one of them tried to cross a fifteen-meter deep ravine and the rest kept following. Sheep have terrible eyesight, and it isn’t surprising in the least to see them crash into obstacles, back up, and then crash into them again. Since they are almost entirely covered in wool, the only highly sensitive area of the sheep is on its face. You can imagine what distress this causes. While they will follow their shepherd, the sheep resist his guidance and stray off on their own. Without the shepherd, steep and dangerous terrain can easily get the best of the dim-witted sheep. Even if they ignore him, the shepherd will come looking for his lost sheep to save them. While the sheep simply trot about brainlessly, the shepherd puts all of his effort into keeping them together and safe. If the sheep don’t follow and begin to stray, the shepherd uses force and punishment, if only to keep his flock from greater pain in the end. He himself will lead them to green pastures, clean waters, and safe places to rest; he doesn’t trust his job to an inadequate amateur.

God uses images like these in the Bible as perfect depictions of His relationship with us. Instead of a Shepherd, we have God. In the place of a flock of ridiculous sheep, we have us. John 3:1-2 reads, “See what love The Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” God is our Shepherd and our Father. We are His children and His flock. What father doesn’t want the best for his children? What shepherd doesn’t want his sheep to be safe? Our Shepherd wants to snatch us out of harm’s way the moment we step into it, but sometimes He waits until we’ve experienced the consequences of rejecting His guidance. It’s not that God wants to see us hurt, but he wants us to repent and come back to Him. We don’t know to do so unless we know what it is like without Him. “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, ESV).

Human beings can sometimes be guilty of blindly following each other. People get so excited when someone stands up for what they think, that before we’ve even looked at what that person is saying we have made sacrifices and choices for something we don’t even understand. Even if that person is leading us into a fifteen-meter deep ravine, we follow them blindly and passionately if we don’t stop to think our actions through. Since going to God to find out the truth is so tedious and hard, we just act on our emotions and what we think our ‘heart is telling us’. Let me tell you something – Listen to your heart AND DIE. We were born with imperfect emotions; often times, your emotions are going to deceive you. Don’t act on them just because of how you feel in the moment. Zechariah 7:11 illustrates this wonderfully: “But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.” They shut their ears and listened to their own counsel. I’m guessing that they ended up at the bottom of a ravine.

We may profess to be following Christ, but is that what our actions show? Do you join when the flock goes another way, or do you keep following the Shepherd? You may try to believe that you’re on the path God wants you to be taking, but are you really trying to achieve the end result on your own? You can’t handle God’s job, so don’t try. You can’t lead yourself to peace, nor can anyone else. Many people try to find peace in places that provide only momentary rest and ultimately end in discontent and turmoil. God asks that we come to Him for rest, for He promises to give it to us completely and freely. “I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down” (Ezekiel 34:15). The only way that you will end up on the right path is if you are following the right leader. Listen. He’s calling you. He’s holding out his staff to show you the way. He’s standing between you and pain. Do you choose to listen and obey, or are you going to try to fight life’s battles yourself? Even though he cares for us with his own hand, we still stray from His chosen path, forget his blessings, and try to live our lives how we want. As a human born with a sinful nature, I will always sin; this does not mean, however, that I will always stray. Even when I walk beside Jesus, I will still stumble; that only means that it’s easier for Him to catch me. Jesus, the wise and forgiving Shepherd, loves me, an unwise and imperfect sheep. Even when I struggle and resist, He will never stop trying to lead me home.

Tara McDonald is a sophomore in high school and a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake, CA. We meet Sunday mornings at 9:30. To find out more you can log onto our website at www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org or call 760-935-4272

Rock Creek with My Man by Paula Friedrichsen

Yesterday my husband Jeff and I took a long hike up at Mosquito Flats (above Rock Creek Lake). This is one of our favorite hikes, and took us about 3 hours round trip. The fall colors were spectacular; the meandering streams we passed crystal clear; and the temperature a balmy 80 degrees. The cloudless blue sky was a gorgeous backdrop to the jagged mountain peaks, which were reflected in each perfectly still lake we hiked by. At each lake Jeff would throw in a line, hoping to score Old Moe. And while he did have a few nibbles, the fish did a great job of eluding his lure. We encountered happy hikers every 15 or 20 minutes on the trail, and each person we passed had a huge smile on their face. We ended our adventure at a shady picnic table tucked into a group of flaming orange aspen trees by Rock Creek Lake. Peppered turkey, swiss cheese, and homegrown tomato sandwiches, fresh picked apples from my friend Janet’s apple tree, potato chips, and ice cold bottles of water… Is there anything better than a delicious lunch after a long hike? We both agreed that it was the most pleasant day we’ve spent together in months.

What joy I experience in the daily companionship of my husband! I’ve discovered through the years that my marriage is one of God’s greatest blessings to me. But twenty-five years of marriage have also taught me how easy it is to take my husband for granted. To get annoyed with his quirks, blasé about his great qualities, and blind to his many efforts to please me. And it’s not just my marriage I can take for granted… it’s everything.

It’s crazy how easy it is to pass through each day oblivious to God’s many blessings. To become blind to the dazzling sights, sounds, smells, and textures of our everyday lives. Whether it’s a companionable hike with my man on a warm September morning; or a luscious organic tomato slice in my sandwich; the feeling of a weathered picnic bench under my bum; the sound of the breeze through the brilliantly colored aspens; or the jutted mountain peaks I get to look at every day—it’s easy for me to become indifferent to the grand realities of my life.

What are the “grand realities” of your life that you may be overlooking? They may not be as showy as the brilliant autumn colors around Rock Creek Lake—yet they are just as praiseworthy. Are you a stay-at-home mom to a houseful of little ones? Maybe you recently retired and you’re wondering what the future holds for you? Do you work full time at a challenging job? Are you on the verge of a huge life change or move? In each one of those circumstances there are grand realities in your life just waiting to be uncovered and realized. There are things to see, hear, touch, and smell in your present circumstances that are magnificent and beautiful and heaven-sent from God.

Sometimes it’s the simplest things in our everyday lives that are the most surprisingly precious. For instance, our son has been living at home for the last year to save up money so he could continue his education. He’ll be moving away next month to begin his next grand adventure. Last weekend, the four of us (son, daughter, husband, and me) sat on our little patio, under a tree, eating barbequed burgers for dinner. The sun had set, Sweet Pea our chubby mutt lay under the table, and we all sat lingering over our empty plates talking and enjoying each other. The funny thing was…we hadn’t planned a “special” dinner. It’s just turned out to be special. Life is like that; full of special blessings just waiting to be noticed.

I don’t want to go through each day dull to the many gifts I’ve been showered with. To always be looking for things to be bigger, better, shinier… a nicer home…. a thinner body…. better hair… and on and on it goes. No. I want to determinedly enjoy each day God has given me. To stop complaining about what isn’t—and to enjoy and embrace all that is. So whether it’s a perfect day like yesterday, or a day like today (sitting in front of my computer for 8 hours at work), I want to be thrilled with my present circumstances, because I have my eyes opened to the beauty and blessings that surround me every day!

Paula Friedrichsen is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Baking Soda for the Spirit by Leyla Williams

I have been sick this week and in a panic to get better, so I looked up remedies that could aid a speedy recovery. One remedy was to gargle with baking soda and warm water to heal a sore throat. Apparently baking soda helps get your body back in balance. It actually did work, and it made me think of how the Bible is the balancing agent for our Spirit. Each hour I would stand by the kitchen sink with this simple concoction and gargle, letting the baking soda and water rest in the area of injury. Our practice of reading the Word needs to have that same element of suspension. I’ll let you in on something personal to illustrate what I mean.

This year has been wonder-filled. We have a new baby girl, we bought a house, and we purchased the Looney Bean in Mammoth. There have been so many encouraging words and provisions during this past year from Jesus, which surpassed anything I could have asked for. However, this last month has been extremely difficult and I am not surprised my body finally protested and I am now sick. Our children’s lives were threatened and we still have an open police case; a key member of our staff had emergency surgery and is still not fully recovered; another staff member got kidney stones leading to an infection; another staff member who is pregnant had to go on bed rest because of complications. I was thrust into working 20 hour days for almost two weeks until new staff could be hired and trained. These details are just the tip of the iceberg. So many serious things occurred in unrelenting succession that it caused me to question how it all could be happening…. Feeling like I was tumbling in whitewash, I had to take in the Word over and over again until finally I caught a thread which could then become my anchor.

In Isaiah 50:7-8 I found words that brought me back into balance; I had to gargle, or suspend, these words over and over again to let faith emerge and occupy all the places where I had felt bewildered and off balance. Using the verses as my prayer, I began to state, “For the Lord God will help, this is why no insult can wound. This is why I have set my face like flint, knowing I will not be put to shame. My vindicator is close by.”

I realized as I prayed that the series of bad incidents felt like an insult in the wake of such a wondrous year. These troubling events were harassing us, and threatened to diminish my resolve to trust God.

The best of the “anchor words” from Isaiah came a bit further down in verse 10: “Even when he walks in the dark, without any light, he will trust in the Lord’s reputation and rely on his God.” That Scripture described exactly how I felt… No light, yet walking. I had to keep going, but I couldn’t see. As I prayed these Scriptures in Isaiah faith flooded in! A fresh understanding came that even though I am walking in the dark and it might not be over yet, I trust in the Lord’s reputation and I rely on Jesus. I know it sounds like, “duh!”, but I needed to see my strategy in the context of being in the dark. I needed the Lord to remind me that His reputation was trustworthy, even when I couldn’t perceive how He was helping.

When things get out of whack, a word from the Lord rebalances our spiritual chemistry, and well-being returns even if our circumstances don’t change immediately. Suspend God’s Word over the imbalances in your life and you will see the steadfast effect of His word bringing order and healing to you again and again.

Leyla Williams is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

The Future Looks Bright! by Paula Friedrichsen

God has a bright future for you—one that is full of promise, full of hope, and full of healing! He has plans to restore your broken relationships, fulfill your desires, and open doors for ministry. He wants to free you from addictions; to heal your heart from the hurts you’ve endured; and to liberate you from any bondage you may find yourself in. God understands you and loves you. He forgives you of your failures and has great compassion for you. He has plans to help you every step of the way. God is not mad at you, so don’t give up. Don’t let discouragement divert you on to the wrong path. Simply continue in the way that He has been leading you (even when it gets dark along the trail) and trust that His way is the right way. The Lord has never forsaken you in the past, right? Well He won’t forsake you now. Trust Him with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.

The challenges of this world make it easy to veer off the path that God has for us. It’s easy to allow one little act of disobedience to lead us to another and another, and pretty soon we feel like we’ve derailed our future. Each time we do things our own way and depart from the Lord’s specific directions for our life, we stray a little farther from the wonderful things He has planned for us. We certainly don’t need to walk a tightrope of perfection to please God (and we couldn’t if we tried), but we do need to walk according to the revealed will of God for our lives.

And so my word of encouragement to you today is: Stay the course! There is a daily battle for our obedience, affection, and attention. Nothing and nobody has the power to remove us from the path that God has marked out for us—except for us. We can choose daily to stay the course, obey even when it hurts, and refuse to be dominated by fear and temptation. And thankfully, we don’t have to “stay the course” alone. We can lean on the Lord, calling on His name to empower us, to help us fight temptation, to resist the pull of the world, and to fight the good fight of faith.

Paula Friedrichsen is a member of Church on the Mountain, and will be speaking at the September 12th Sunday morning service. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Parking Lot Panic by Paula Friedrichsen

This summer my daughter and I decided to take a girl’s trip and one of our stops was Sea World in San Diego. It’s unusual for me to take a vacation without my husband—and after you read about my ridiculous parking adventure, you’ll realize how much I rely on him. Here’s how the day went:

After a quick breakfast at our hotel Lovely Daughter and I jumped in the car and drove over to Sea World. We were herded into an immense parking lot where we quickly parked and joined the throng of people slowly entering through the turnstiles into the park. Grabbing a map we made our way from one exhibit to another, enjoying our day together.

By late afternoon our desire to not have to purchase another mediocre and expensive meal at Sea World (our lunch was $30.00 and we split a sandwich!) meant it was time to call it a day. So with the sounds of barking sea lions still ringing in our ears we began our trek back out to the car. By this time of day the entire parking lot (acre after acre after acre) was full of cars. And it was at the exact moment that I froze dead in my tracks and remembered I had forgotten to make a mental note of where we had parked the car (something my dear husband is usually in charge of). Dread hit me and I could feel the blood draining from my face. Neither of us had a clue as to what section we parked in. So there we stood right outside of Sea World with blank looks on our faces…. The only thing I could think of to do was to call my husband. But what was he going to do from 350 miles away, other than feel helpless to help me? So I nixed that idea.

Finally, I decided that we should just begin to walk in the general direction we felt we might have parked and ask God to lead us as we went. Honestly, we had no other choice. There was no way we could search a parking lot of that size. It was either depend on God to show us—or wait until midnight when the parking lot emptied out (which seemed like a fate worse than death at that exact moment in my life). So we tentatively headed toward the south part of the parking lot, and prayed quietly, “Lord, please show us where our car is. We are completely dependant on you right now.” We just kept walking, trying not to think too much about where we were going. After only 10 minutes Lovely Daughter stopped in the middle of the parking lot, swiveled a quarter turn, pointed to her left and said calmly, “Could that be our car over there?”

I was so hot, tired, hungry, and irritated, that I wanted to shout to Lovely Daughter, “No, no, no! You have no idea where the car is! Nobody does! We’ll be out here all night!!!” But instead I looked where she pointed and said something like, “Well I don’t think so honey, there are lots of white Hondas out here.”

But then she said, “Look, that’s our triple A sticker on the window! And there’s the little dent on the trunk!”

That did it—I finally realized that the Lord had literally led us right to our car in 10 minutes! And He used Lovely Daughter to notice it. We were both SO thankful.

In retrospect, I realize that losing our car in the Sea World parking lot was not a crisis of enormous proportions. But honestly, God’s faithfulness in that situation was a hallmark experience for me. The fact that the Lord worked in my life in such a tangible way was not a surprise to me—He’s been faithful more times and in more ways than I could count. And yet, every time He shows His kindness in the small things in life I am bowled over by His love!

Paula Friedrichsen is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Roller Coaster Faith by Paula Friedrichsen

Two years ago I woke up with my very first migraine headache. It turned out to be the first of many, many migraines to come. Thus began a journey which has required fortitude, courage, faith, and the expertise of several gifted doctors (thank you Dr. Green & Dr. Will!). I’ve had my ups and downs, and I’ve grown as a person throughout this ordeal. Honestly I would have to write a book to tell you all the lessons of the journey—but in this article let me share just one: Roller Coaster faith is no faith at all.

Roller Coaster faith is the kind of faith that goes up and down, up and down, up and down. It’s almost completely dependant upon present circumstances. Here’s the scenario: God speaks to you about your situation (through a Scripture, through a friend, or even through an article like this), and you’re greatly encouraged and riding high on the wings of faith. Then symptoms hit you like a baseball bat across the forehead and you find yourself in the depths of despair. But because God is faithful, he speaks to you again about your situation. He greatly encourages you, and you are joyful and confident in His word. Nothing is going to shake you this time! That is until your circumstances get rocky again—then you find yourself sinking to the depths of despair.

This cycle is called, “Roller Coaster faith” (so named by me), and it will make you double minded and bankrupt of any genuine faith. It’s definitely a ride you want to get off! Why? (other then the fact it’s making you miserable). Because even though God is faithful to continue to encourage you with His voice and His word—He wants you to grow in your faith. He wants you to be able to receive from Him easily, without struggle and striving.

Here’s a perfect example of Roller Coaster faith, taken from the book of Exodus. It’s amusing to see just how much like the Israelites we really are. While God was trying to free them from the bondage of Egypt, they vacillated between hope, and doubt. Here’s a short synopsis:

HOPE - God announces that there will soon be freedom from the slavery in Egypt. The Israelites respond: “And when they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.”
DOUBT – After Moses confronts Pharaoh, Pharaoh increases the Israelite’s hard labor. The Israelites say venomously to Moses: “May the Lord look upon you and judge you! You have made us a stench to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.”
HOPE - God spares the Israelites from the last plague of death, and they finally leave Egypt. The Bible tells us: “the people bowed down and worshiped.”
DOUBT – The Egyptians chase the Israelites to Red Sea. The Israelites say to poor, beleaguered Moses: “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?”
HOPE - God parts the Red Sea and saves Israel! The next thing we know: “Miriam took a tambourine and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. ‘Sing to the Lord for he is highly exalted.”
DOUBT - The people are thirsty, so…: “The people grumbled against Moses, saying ‘What are we to drink?’”
HOPE - Then God provides water and the Israelites are happy and confident again.
DOUBT – The Israelites get hungry in the desert. Now they are back to grumbling and doubting. They say to Moses (who has the patience of Job): “you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.”
HOPE – But God gives them manna, and they are happy.
DOUBT – Then as they travel around in the desert, they get thirsty again. They say to Moses: “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children die of thirst?”
HOPE – But God provides water, and they are happy.
DOUBT – Moses is a long time on Mt Sinai getting the Ten Commandments. While he’s up there the Israelites say: “Come make us gods (idols) who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.” Idol worship and revelry followed—and as the Message translations puts it, “It turned into a wild party”.

I find it interesting and alarming that circumstances deteriorated so fast for the Israelites: They went from doubt, to fear, to grumbling, to complaining, to false accusations, and finally to idol worship and a wild party (and yes, everything which that implies). I used to think the opposite of “faith” was “fear”. Now I know; the opposite of “faith” is “idol worship”. Faith is an unwavering trust in God’s goodness in spite of present circumstances. Idol worship is seeking relief from our trials and suffering apart from God and His ways.

The lesson of the last two years of my life (backed up by this outline of Exodus) is that when God speaks to you—believe Him! Take Him at His Word. Write down the things He speaks and meditate on them morning, noon, and night. Keep them taped to your bathroom mirror. Keep His Word in front of your face until your trial has come to an end. You have to be willing to hold on to the promises of God tenaciously. Be a spiritual pit bull. Lock your jaw around those promises and don’t let go until they are fulfilled. It may take a while, and you may have to make some changes in your life. It may mean some repentance, and you’ll definitely have to do things God’s way. But eventually God’s Word will come to pass. Trust Him! He is 100% faithful, 100% of the time.

Paula Friedrichsen is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Road Trip! by Leyla Williams

Do you remember ski trips, or long drives to visit family that meant jumping in the car and settling in for a drive that you expected would be an adventure? Sometimes these trips included people you didn’t know yet. Every year I went on ski trips with a mix of people that I knew, and plenty I did not. Confined for a distance in a car with people that you don’t know very well, when you first click in, can feel intimidating. What are you going to say for the next 6 hours (or most recently, 17 hours)! But from each trip, I would come back with a new list of phone numbers and there would be inside jokes and memories that marked the best parts of the journey.

Discovering God in His Word and in prayer is very similar. Once you snap into your seat of devotional time, if you aren’t used to keeping company with God for extended periods of time, you might feel nervous. What are we going to say to each other? You might feel pressure to keep the whole conversation going. Relax. Jesus is a great travel companion and He has a ton to say.

A set devotional time will become the favorite part of your day once you get the hang of just enjoying Jesus and navigating your day with Him. In Psalm 139, David describes this intimate truth: “You know when I sit and when I stand up,...You are so familiar with all my ways that before I speak even a word, Lord, you know all about it already.” (Psalm 139:2,4). Only a best friend or spouse can get close to this synchronized fellowship. Jesus, like our closest companions in life, can finish our sentences. He is the one who searches our hearts and knows exactly what the Spirit is thinking (Romans 8:26).

Meet up with Jesus in a special place. There is something private about a car that makes people feel safe and able to open up quickly. There are no distractions and usually requires only the maintenance of making sure you are still heading in the right direction (does this make me a dangerous driver?). Think of a place you can regularly relax and make memories with Jesus without distraction. Maybe that would be your deck with a cup of coffee in hand, your drive to work, or a walk on a trail. Spend time wondering about Jesus. Start with His word. As you read, you’ll be reminded of how He thinks and how He loves you. Use His word to begin thanking Him, and then move on to asking for Him to govern a situation in your life. Write down verses that really stand out to you on little cards that you can meditate on throughout your day.

Like anyone else you would take a trip with, get to know His story, His dreams, His thoughts about life. Praying is not a ritual. Praying is personal. Every prayer affirms that you deem Jesus worthy of attention and value Him. You value His help for your concerns, but you also value knowing Him as someone you love. It would be very lonely if my husband, kids, or close friends only talked to me when they needed something. I love them and am happy to help, but just making memories together is equally valid and necessary in having a relationship. Learning about His heart energizes mine every day and He is wonderful company. Strike up a conversation, He is already buckled in.

Leyla Williams is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

The 3 Symptoms of Unforgiveness by Paula Friedrichsen

Unforgiveness is like smelly trash—it tends to build up: Yesterday a few coffee grounds and an overripe cantaloupe sat rotting in the bottom of the kitchen trash can, and it began to smell. Add last night’s chicken bones, leftover pasta salad, and an empty cat food can, and its worse. Smash it down and throw in today’s orange peels, egg shells, and spoiled salsa. The trash can is overflowing and stinking up the whole house!

Unforgiveness is the trash that can smell up your marriage. Even though hurt feelings make it tempting to hold a grudge, it’s important not to let grievances build up. You have to take out the trash, so to speak. The secret to forgiveness is to not wait until you feel like forgiving; because frankly, you probably never will. Instead, decide to forgive. Below you'll find three symptoms of unforgiveness, as well as solutions to tossing it out of your life.

Symptom 1: A hard heart
Your spouse tells you they’re depressed about work, and you think, Whatever… She tells you the doctor say her cholesterol is dangerously high, and you think, Whatever… He tells you he thinks he may be having a mental breakdown, and you think, *yawn* Whatever… The inability for a marriage partner to care about what concerns their spouse is a screaming symptom that unforgiveness has caused their heart to grow cold.

But there’s a Solution. Although you may be tempted to harden your heart toward your husband or wife because they repeatedly hurt your feelings, make an effort to stay in an attitude of forgiveness. Remind yourself that you love your spouse! You may not be feeling deeply loving toward them right now—but choose to make the decision to love and care about what concerns them, in spite of a lack of romantic feelings.

Symptom 2: The silent treatment (also known as the “I’m not punishing him, I’m just not talking to him right now” treatment).

The silent treatment is usually an indicator that a husband or wife has a rap sheet of their spouses past offenses tucked in their hip pocket. In fact, their mate’s behavior has so infuriated them, they have no words left. You could interrogate them for hours under a glaring spotlight in a dingy, smoke-filled room—they’re not talking.

The Solution: Talk… communicate…share…open up. In my twenty-five years of marriage my husband and I have seldom had major change without conflict. If you’re in the habit of giving the silent treatment, begin today to humble yourself, open up, and communicate freely.

Symptom 3: Expecting the worst

As another offense is committed, the husband or wife is almost glad because it’s one more that can be added to an already long list. They’ll pull that list out at an advantageous moment to use as proof of their spouses continual disregard for their feelings.

An attitude of unforgiveness will set us up to expect the worst in our husband or wife. And when we expect the worst, it’s often exactly what we get. Expecting the worst can become like a well-traveled road—it’s familiar, it’s safe, and it protects us from being disappointed…again.

The solution lies in seeking God’s perspective on your mate and “choosing” to search for the good in your husband or wife.

If you’ve found it difficult to forgive in the past—I have good news for you; today is a new beginning! Don’t wait until you “feel” like forgiving; because frankly, you probably never will. Instead, decide to forgive. Why not start today?

This article has been adapted from Paula's book, "The Man You Always Wanted is the One You Already Have" (Multnomah, 2007). Paula is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Out of Darkness by Paula Friedrichsen

On a deeply cloudy morning in 1975 I sat waiting…highly anticipating my very first airplane ride. My parents and siblings had driven home the week before from my Aunt Sharon’s ranch in Oregon, but I was given the opportunity to stay an additional week and fly home by myself.

I found Oregon a nice place to visit with one exception; it had been overcast, rainy and dreary for our entire stay. By the end of my vacation, I longed for sunshine. And because I’d never flown before, I assumed I would have to wait until we got closer to sunny California to enjoy those golden rays. But I was in for a big surprise…

Like a bullet our airplane zipped down the runway, became airborne, and soon plunged headlong into the blanket of menacing thunderheads that had held office for the entire month of September. Moments later we catapulted through the other side of the thick quilt of gray clouds, and with saucer eyes I was astounded as our airplane broke free from the gloom into glorious sunshine! I still remember the joy and exhilaration of that moment and the epiphany that even when it’s dismal below—the sun is always shining just above the clouds.

The trials and tribulations of my life have at times made me feel like I’m permanently stuck in Oregon (no offense to any rain-loving Oregonians out there).

And in those dark times I’ve been deeply comforted by a passage of Scripture that says; God calls us out of darkness and into His wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

Just as that airplane pulled me up into the sunshine, out of the depressing gloom—my connection with God has repeatedly pulled me out spiritual darkness and into His wonderful light.

When I wake each morning and spend time in God’s word and prayer, I begin to see myself reflected in the Lord’s eyes. It’s in that place of fellowship with Him that I know who I am; I am His beloved daughter, a work in progress, a thing of beauty. I’ve learned the hard way that if I’m hoping to find my identity reflected in anyone else’s eyes, I’ll end up disappointed.

As I make my way through this sometimes wonderful, sometimes difficult life, it’s my daily relationship with God that gives me insight, stability, and joy. And in the event that I find myself languishing under a leaden heaven (that dark cloud feeling where nothing seems to be going right), it’s my connection with Him that pulls me heavenward.

So…with this wealth of blessing just waiting for me each morning you would think I’d never miss my quiet time with God, right? Wrong. Knowing what’s good for me and doing it are two different things. The biggest hindrance to making daily prayer a solid part of each day is my hurried life.

It’s an indisputable fact that most people are living at an accelerated pace these days. But… it’s impossible to hurry up and build a deeply personal prayer life with God. My prayer life suffers when I hurry through it, just as my marriage relationship would suffer if we hurried through each opportunity for communication and companionship.

Imagine for a moment that I planned some quality time with my husband. Here’s the scenario;

“Honey, let’s spend some time together. We should go out to dinner tonight after work.”

“Okay Paula. You know I love spending time with you.”

Later that evening, Jeff pulls up in front of the house and while leaving the car running, rushes in breathlessly yelling “Come on Honey, times-a-wasting!”

We speed over to McDonalds, where he proceeds to buy us cheeseburgers and fries from the drive-thru window. With my value-meal balanced precariously upon my lap, I do my best to eat without spilling as we drive home. Pulling into the garage Jeff says, “That was fun, let’s do it again soon!”

Thankfully, my husband does not approach a “date” this way—as I’m sure few husbands do (unless they like sleeping alone). And why not? Because they know that this is not the kind of intimacy a wife longs for. She longs for her husband’s time… for his attention… for an unrushed evening of adult conversation.

I’ve learned that intimacy cannot be rushed. The best way to get to know someone is to spend time with them. Likewise, intimate prayer cannot be rushed.

Prayer has a way of changing the topography of our lives in dramatic and definite ways. What appeared to be a mountain before prayer is recognized as an inconsequential molehill after prayer. What looked liked an impenetrable valley before prayer, is seen as an easily accessible land of promise after prayer.

Prayer. A simple childlike act, a humbling activity, and an avenue of blessing. And for me personally, a ticket out of Oregon.

Paula Friedrichsen is a member of Church on the Mountain, a vibrant community of believers in Crowley Lake. We meet at 9:30 Sunday mornings. Call for more information: 935-4272 or www.ChurchOnTheMountain.org

Six Days with Corra by Ed Tandy McGlasson

Something happened this week that I just have to share with you. It contrasts against the fuss that the liberal media made about Tim Tebow’s commercial during the Super Bowl. The commercial wasn’t a diatribe against abortion as many expected. It was about a mother’s choice to have a baby, even when she had been told the baby needed to be aborted because of her medical complications. The parents prayed, “Lord, if You give us another son, then we’ll raise him to be a preacher.”

We all know the story of how Tim has grown to be an amazing man of God and a future leader on and off the football field. His future is bright and promising because of the love of his parents.

The story of Corra didn’t have the same ending to her life that Tebow’s had. Her story didn’t happen under the lights of the Florida Gators’ home stadium. Corra’s story happened in a modest home in Arizona with a mom and dad who demonstrated to her what the extraordinary love of the Father looks like.

Little Corra’s birth mother had lined up a family to adopt her, but after hearing that Corra would be severely handicapped and probably would not live very long, they respectfully declined.

Ted, the adoption attorney, called me to pray. He shared that not only was Corra in harm’s way, but the family who was going to adopt her decided to back out. Ted asked, “Ed, pray that I will be able to find a family to adopt her.” I remember hearing those words and thinking that to adopt a healthy baby is one thing, but to choose a baby who would be handicapped and might not live long, is an extraordinary kind of love.

Ted made the next phone call to David and Rebecca in Arizona to ask them if they would be interested. David said, “Ted, you could not have called me at a worse time. I am out of a job and my youngest daughter is starting chemotherapy. But you know, I will ask my wife and pray about it.” They called Ted back and told him, “We want this child!” When David arrived in California, he found a reluctant birth mom. Not only was she hurting from her disappointment of the first adoptive couple, but the hospital was putting pressure on her to make a decision concerning Corra’s life. The young mom called Ted and said, “David keeps calling the social worker every day. I can’t believe he’s still interested. I can’t believe that they still want her with so many problems.” The birth mother’s heart was so touched. She could see the love that Corra would receive living with David and Rebecca. Finally, the call came to the Lawson family—their daughter was ready to go home. David and Rebecca moved little Corra into her new home. With welcome cards taped around her crib, and the loving gaze of her four new brothers and sisters, Corra finally had a family who wanted her.

They had only six days with her before she went to be with the Father. When asked why they went so far for just six days, David said, “Why wouldn’t we do that? She was our daughter!” To choose someone to love that can love you back is one thing, but to choose a broken son or daughter is a God kind of love. As a matter of fact, we were all like Corra when God’s love was poured out on us. The Bible says it best:

“You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, ‘Papa! Father!’”(Galatians 4:6).

Ed Tandy McGlasson will be the featured speaker at the July 30 – 31 COTM Men’s Retreat (contact Brian Burns for info: 760-937-3884). Ed is a former lineman in the National Football League where he played with the Giants, Jets, and the Rams. Ed's call to ministry began in college after getting healed from a career ending knee injury that led to his conversion while playing for Youngstown State. Ed eventually entered the ministry in 1984 after a dramatic call, and started traveling and sharing his testimony. Ed is a best selling author, conference speaker, and the pastor of Stadium Vineyard in Anaheim, CA.

The House that Smiles by Ed Tandy McGlasson

I read an article this week on Google Answers from a young girl who asked: “Does my dad like me? And what can I do?” She writes, “I’m really confused about my dad. I’m not even sure if he likes me. He always talks about the kids he teaches kayaking to and forgets about me. And if I ask him to take me kayaking, he always thinks up of some lame excuse of why he can’t. A few days ago he even said that he “didn’t want me”, and that I am only around because my mum was getting older and she insisted that they were to have a kid then or never. I can never remember him spending any time with me when I was little and he is always at work. I am an only child and I have no idea who to talk to. What can I do?”

How many young people today feel this way? How many of you still feel stuck with questions that your own dad didn’t answer in your life?

Here is the answer that one reader gave, “Just try to get through your adolescence as best as you can. When he gets really old, he will want you to keep him company and be nice to him. Then you can ignore him and treat him the way he treats you.” Great advice, huh!

How many of you have messed up parenting your own kids? I did! I struggled being a good dad because I didn’t know what to do. Did you know that men repeat the same patterns our broken dads used on us?

For years, I did the same things I learned from my stepfather and made my parenting more on what was broken in my kids rather than building a home where my smile resides. I forgot what they wanted most from me was not just my love, but the clear communication of “liking” them. I know that you love your kids, but do you like them?

This past year while doing a breakout session with young people, I asked them to raise their hands if their parents liked them. Not a hand went up in the room. One young man burst into tears, and said, “I know my dad says he loves me, but he never says he likes anything about me. No matter how hard I try, I will never be good enough.”

Have you ever seen the miracle of a dad who becomes a grandfather? It is truly of one of greatest wonders of the world. The same man, who constantly pushed me, changes into another person when his grandkids walk into the room. Have you ever wondered why that happens? What is the goal of most dads? Performance! Right?

What is goal of most Grandpas? Relationship. The same guy who would lecture me about how hard he worked for his money, opens his pockets with reckless abandon when his sweet and perfect grandson walks into the room. I think God gave us grandfathers as a gift to say, “Why don’t you grandfather first.”

What is the atmosphere like in your home? If your children do not think you like them, then it is almost impossible for them to feel your love. On the weekend of July 30th at the Church on the Mountain in Crowley lakes, we are doing a conference called “The Power of the Blessing of a Father.” How many of you are stuck and unable to move forward because of the lack of love and blessing from your own father? Our hope is that this weekend might change your story and put a smile back on your home. If God can change this old football player into a loving husband and father, then there is hope for all of mankind.

Ed Tandy McGlasson will be the featured speaker at the July 30 – 31 COTM Men’s Retreat (contact Brian Burns for info: 760-937-3884). Ed is a former lineman in the National Football League where he played with the Giants, Jets, and the Rams. Ed's call to ministry began in college after getting healed from a career ending knee injury that led to his conversion while playing for Youngstown State. Ed eventually entered the ministry in 1984 after a dramatic call, and started traveling and sharing his testimony. Ed is a best selling author, conference speaker, and the pastor of Stadium Vineyard in Anaheim, CA.