accessible

This was my experience the other day...

Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring

Thank you for calling. If you are calling about a new order, please press 1.
If you are calling about an existing order, please press 2.
If you are calling for technical support, please press 3.
If you are calling to speak to an actual person and get some actual answers.... well.... hmmmm.... we don't have a button to push for that. Maybe press 0???....

(I pressed 0.)

Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring.

Thank you for calling. If you are calling about a new order, please press 1... and so on... and so on... and so on...

Sigh. Don't you hate that? Don't you hate being that person who is stuck following a recorded operator's voice? Don't you hate being that person who is treated like a statistical number rather than a valued individual? Don't you hate being that person who is doomed to hear every allotted service category assigned to your telephone's ten digits, but never really know if you will have the satisfaction to ever find or receive the help you seek from a living, breathing person?

While enduring such a circus the other day, I started to think about how we can sometimes forget that God is God... not man. We sometimes fall into the trap of comparing God's Way to man's way and how men are accustom to doing things. Thus, we can end up feeling dissatisfied with The Almighty because we feel stuck "waiting on the phone" for Him to answer our seemingly one-sided conversation with the recorded Voice of scripture.

Sometimes, when God is quiet, we start to think He is inaccessible, unattainable, far away. Our own life experiences, filled with the unfulfilled promises of this world, can easily but incorrectly lead us to surmise that God must not be on the other end of our call... that He must not care or be reliable either. So, why should we seek after Him... trust Him... believe Him?

Here is God's answer:

This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it — the Lord is his name: "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:2-4)

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath. (Deuteronomy 4:29-31)

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalms 9:9-10)

When we begin to doubt God's truth and reliability, we are following the same pattern of sin that Satan dangled before Adam and Eve. When we don't follow God's word and trust His Way, we always end up selfishly seeking to find our own solution and end up outside of God's will. So, when God feels distant to us and Satan tries to shake our faith away from following Jesus, we must always go back and cling to God's eternal, unchanging Word... He is good. He loves us. He wants what is best for us. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He has promised to be faithful to us. He has told us that if we trust in Him, He will never forsake us. These are absolute statements of truth that will never change. Our Savior is also our Shepherd and King... because of this, we must not only believe in Him, but follow Him to know Him and be in His presence.

We must always continue to seek after God while constantly asking Him to strengthen our faith. No matter how far away He may seem at any given time, God is more accessible and more in love with us than any other person we will ever know. That said, we must also remember that He is God, and does things according to His own perfect plan... His way works... our way, clearly does not. To find Him, we must not only hear His words, but put them into practice. We must do what He says and strive to never waiver from following His commands.

Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete. (Luke 6:46-49)

For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8)

Ladies, I share this news with you as the apostle Paul did when he said, "When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." Don't rest your faith and hope on the wisdom, actions, and the ways of men. And don't compare God's ways to man's. Man is not naturally reliable or loving. Man is sinful and unholy. Only by following Jesus, can man ever find God. There is no other Way.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

No matter if God feels close or distant, I encourage you to trust and follow His Word. Daily pray to Him as king David did in Psalms 27, "One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."

Let us live seeking and following our Redeemer, rather than questioning His accessibility. He is with us. He loves us. He wants what is best for us. Let us meditate on His promises and remember to walk in His ways and do what is right. No matter how we may "feel" from moment to moment, we can rely on the absolute truth of our Master and know that He is on the other end of the line always overseeing what is best for us.

God is God. God loves me. God will be with me and will bless me if I follow His Way... Remember that! Believe it! Call to Him and He will answer you... you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

If you do whatever I command you and walk in my ways and do what is right in my eyes by keeping my statutes and commands, as David my servant did, I will be with you. I will build you a dynasty as enduring as the one I built for David and will give Israel to you. (1 Kings 11:38)

I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. (Psalm 119:30)

Blessings!

Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson

home

Hurray!  I'm traveling home today!

I miss home. It's sooo nice to know that after a week of work/play in Curacao that my home is still there, waiting for me to return and relax alongside my family....

Isn't it nice to know that no matter what, we as Christians also have a heavenly home to look forward to in the same way?

For this very moment, our Redeemer is preparing our eternal home for us! He is meticulously seeing to all the glorious details so that when we arrive, we will be welcome.  I don't know about you, but I'm ready to kick back and rejoice and relax in His presence. How exciting! How wonderful!  How blessed that day will be!

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." (John 14:1-4)

Praise God to Whom all blessings flow! Hurray!  I'm traveling HOME!

XOX!

~Victoria

declare His glory

After finishing a little work today, Chuck and I decided to take a tour of the Hato caves while continuing our visit on the island of Curacao. It was very interesting to hear that these beautiful limestone caves were once completely submerged below sea level. Later in history, the Arawak Indians used the caverns as a shelter leaving many petroglyphs. These carvings have only been found in this area of the Caribbean and certain areas along the South American Orinoco river where this tribe originated from. Then centuries later, European slaves used to hide in these dark, musky caves for months on end to escape slavery from tyrannical plantation owners that had established themselves on the island.  Can you imagine such a life?

While walking together in total silence through these magnificent caverns, Chuck and I appreciated taking in the natural cathedral ceilings of stalactite limestone grotto. At one point, while looking at a covered section where the Arawak’s once lived, I turned to Chuck and said, “We are really so blessed to have shelter… to have a home with a roof, clean water, air conditioning, etc.”

This comment caused Chuck to recall the many places he had visited across the globe where people still struggle to survive. He especially remembered the outskirts of Manila where poverty seemed most rampant as the locals were living side-by-side in open plywood-type boxes covered in garbage, and clothed in nothing more than what we would consider underwear in the United States.

By the time we returned to our hotel this evening, Chuck and I decided to sit out on the beach and enjoy the breathtaking sunset God had already arranged as He drew the evening curtain over the blue sparkling ocean. While enjoying the show, we continued to discuss how blessed we really are and how much we take for granted each day of our life.

As we savored the faithfulness of God's provision in our lives, Chuck reminded me about another customer that he visited in Mexicali, Mexico many years past. During his visit, Chuck had left the customer to go grab some lunch at a nearby McDonalds. When he returned to the company, one of the employees asked Chuck where he had gone to eat. Chuck told him and the man said, “Oh yes, McDonalds. I’ve eaten there once.” Once?  Chuck later learned that this man earned a salary of $8.50 per week... A WEEK! Mind you, this was a higher salary than his fellow workers because he was a supervisor in his group.  But for this man to take his family of five to McDonalds to eat a simple dinner was a very BIG deal because the cost of the outing was equivalent to more than two weeks of this man’s earnings. Chuck said that this reality hit home for him spiritually… especially when many of us carry twenty dollars in our wallets without giving a second thought toward splurging on a extra value meal to feed our corpulent bellies.

How many times do we callously consume our food or take our homes and belongings for granted? These blessings are indeed gifts from God. We must never forget His grace and provision in our life.  We must never become haughty and forget to share what He has given us with others who may have less. For nothing is more valuable than loving God and loving people with all our hearts.  No possession or earthly security trumps our Redeemer's eternal love.

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:48)

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:24)

We each are accountable for the knowledge, resources, and abilities that God has blessed us with. If we have been given much, then He expects that much more from us to serve others by sharing His holiness. I challenge you to consider how frequently you stop to consider the beauty and benefit of God's universe in relation to your daily survival. How often do you give genuine thanks to Him for the many extraordinary blessings He continues to entrust in your care. Are you a good steward? Do you freely share the message of His grace to all the world? Are you open and faithful to trust, receive, give and love as Jesus did? Or is your heart clenched and selfishly guarded due to fear, pride, greed or ungratefulness?

Ladies, our God is faithful to us. Even the heavens declare His glory every single second - so shouldn’t we do the same? I believe so. I believe that we must remain open to receive all that God lovingly imparts to us. He is mindful of our needs and promises to give exactly what is best for us to grow closer to His grace. For His presence is truly what we need the most. Let's remember to give thanks to Him and rejoice in His goodness while always sharing His love to others. Let’s do this every day we draw each glorious breath that He has lovingly bestowed upon us to receive... with each heartbeat He has allowed our bodies to drum out in praise of His goodness.  Let us declare His glory!

Read, relax and rejoice in the Psalms with me today.  Let's give thanks to our wonderful Creator for all He is!  Let’s end today’s blog glorifying His majestic and Almighty Name above all other names!!! Let's start our weekend as devoted women... ready and willing to live pleasing in His sight both now and forevermore!

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8)

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat. The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19)

Blessings!
Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson

designer clothing

Here I sit at the Miami International Airport on a 3 hour layover waiting for my next flight out to Curacao (an island in the Netherland Antilles near Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea). While waiting, I decide to do one of my favorite things to pass the time… I watch people.

Sitting beside me is a middle aged European couple. The woman is garbed in Tommy Hillfinger flip flops, Calvin Klein blue jeans, a Gucci belt, a pink Juicy Couture t-shirt and next to her sits a sizeable Louis Vuitton handbag. The man traveling with her wears a team promoting rugby shirt, Guess jeans, Tommy Bahama shoes (I think), and sports a very fancy timepiece on his wrist. If you only took a passing glance at this couple, you wouldn’t give a second thought to their casual attire. But under closer inspection, it is evident that these two are dressed to the nines in expensive designer clothing pieces. And they aren’t the only ones.

As I scan the area around me, most of the travelers I notice are clothed in some form of wearable advertisement for a product, brand, sports team, political view, military division or country... some more obvious than others. (A group of men just walked by who look like they belong in a hip-hop music video.)

To be fair, I decide to take a look at myself to see if my appearance promotes someone or something… if I display any particular form of style. And then it hits me… there is a lesson in this. For artistically, whom do I really promote when you take time out to look at me in a spiritual fashion? What impression do I portray while jouryneying past others in this life? Do I showcase the talent, precision and flair of a Designer, a Creator, a Stylist, an Architect whose skills are supreme? And while wearing His handywork, do others naturally desire His elegance when they recognize Him on me? Are they eager to clothe themselves with His goods… to seek after His coverings?

Do I appear polished, wealthy, successful - with a presence that illuminates His richness and glory? Or do I seem tired, defeated, poor in spirit? Worse yet, do I accessorize myself cheaply with flashy, counterfeit forgeries only to later realize that I ended up losing more when I bought into them? For the quality of those knock-offs do not endure… their attributes do not hold up. I would have done better to invest in the real deal. For the original Designer took great care to engineer the finest pieces. He attended to every intricate detail to insure quality. Sure, His exalted wardrobe seems extreme at first… but His worth promises to advance my own value. His ways clothe me in guaranteed rewards beyond measure. My Almighty Designer promises an ideal fit because He is tailored to meet my every need.

When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." (Mark 5:27-28) 

Ladies, today I challenge you to consider all this. Think about what you are spiritually wearing - what knock offs you are still promoting. Consider if others passing by you see the elegance, worth and glory of Jesus when they look at your divine wardrobe? Is it obvious to see that you are clothed in the grace of the Savior... that you have invested in wearing His attire... that His goods are the real deal and soooo worth it!  Would others desire Him when they glance in your direction?  Really, what Designer are you showing with your life, ladies?  If it is Jesus, are you representing and wearing Him well or casually mixing Him with other gods, idols and beliefs?  

Please think about it.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17)

Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Romans 13:14)

Blessings!
Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson

the business of dying... the hope of living

As many of you may already know, last week my Grandfather passed on into glory. It did not come as a shock as he had suffered a stroke in early February and was under hospice care. In fact, in the last two years of Grandpa's life his body just started shutting down - preparing him (and us) for his ultimate debut into heaven.

My last memory of Grandpa (before the full effects of dementia and Alzheimer's kicked in) was of him standing before our family on Christmas day and sharing with us how much God had blessed his life. This was a man whose focus was on Jesus... whose hope was in the Lord... whose eternity was secure in God's grace. This was a man whose life was about love... he loved his wife, his family, his friends... but most of all, he loved his Master. Yes, I remember the heart attitude behind Grandpa's last Christmas speech and the appreciation he carried for a Savior that had proven faithful. I remember thinking with awe, "WOW! What a testimony!" For it was one of those monumental, defining moments of time that will forever surface in my mind each and every Christmas hereafter.

Anyway, this Friday I accompanied my grandmother and other family members to the funeral parlor to wrap up all the loose ends relating to Grandpa's passing. My grandparents have always been very, very frugal individuals and had predetermined many years before that they wanted their bodies donated to science. All arrangements and costs had been taken care of long ago, so our visit on Friday was to finalize Grandpa's final wishes and wrap up any paperwork required by the powers that be.

So, there we sat around the desk of a very sympathetic funeral director who checked off the many details surrounding my grandfather's past. He ran down his list confirming as much information as possible: Name of the deceased... check. Address of the deceased... check. Social Security Number of the deceased... check. Former occupation of the deceased... check. Remaining survivors of the deceased... check. Final wishes of the deceased... check.... etc. etc. etc.

As I watched my grandmother and family members answer the questions posed by the funeral director, I started reflecting: here before us was the business of dying... the final details that follow one's passing. Whether any one of us chooses to acknowledge it or not, someone at sometime will likely be answering these questions about each of our lives... about each of our deaths here on earth.

On my behalf, it is likely that someone will sit before a funeral director or coroner and confirm what they knew about me, Victoria Anderson. They will decide upon the wording for my obituary. They will review and summarize the basic identifying factors about my existence. Everything that will be agreed upon within this meeting will be reported within the confines of a simple 8x10 piece of paper and signed by the witnesses present. They will come to an agreement that the information pertaining to my life was accurately documented, and that I am no longer alive on this planet... that Victoria Anderson no longer exists in this earthly realm. Finally, they will decide what to do with my bodily remains. They will determine whether to hold a memorial in my honor. They will ration out my worldly possessions. Then... after that, my story will conclude and life will go on... without me. A sobering thought, don't you think? Especially when we are soooo consumed with ourselves. Especially when all that is happening today seems to overshadow anything else. But the truth is, both you and I will one day die. Every soul that has been or will be cannot avoid or escape this outcome. We each have a predetermined date with destiny and will, indeed, meet death face-to-face.

While considering all this, I went back to that last Christmas when Grandpa made his speech. I thought about what he actually said. He did not summarize the same details the funeral director concluded. No, Grandpa's life held more than the documentation of an earthly address or factual information. Grandpa's life was important to him because it included the blessing of Jesus. He trusted the words of his Savior. Because of Christ, he lived joyfully in the now of everyday and rejoiced in the hope of what an eternity in God's presence promised. That last Christmas, Grandpa thankfully took note of what God had already granted him, and paced himself toward faithfully reaching the glory that awaited.

So, as I sit here this morning writing to you this blog, I find myself going over the real check list to remember about my Grandfather: Here lived a simple man.... check. A man consumed with sin in need of a Savior... check. A man who followed the call of Christ and trusted Him as Lord over his life... check. A man who now rejoices in the presence of his faithful Redeemer... check. A man who followed THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE directly into the arms of The Almighty... check. Here lived a man who confessed with his mouth and believed in his heart that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. Death has come, but fortunately this ordinary man was saved from destruction. His sin was forgiven. His life redeemed. He was purchased by the blood of the Lamb at Calvary and is now in the living, healthy presence of JESUS forever! Here is a man whose faith has been rewarded with the glorious hope of living... with the presence of pure, holy LOVE! Here is a man alive, new, free! CHECK!!!

Friends, death on this earth is a certainty. Life here is brief. And each of our days are numbered. For this world is temporary... fleeting... finite. Despite all that seems so important in your day-to-day... in your moment-to-moment... do not miss what really matters. Do not overlook WHO really counts! Do you have the hope of salvation? Do you know the love of the Redeemer? Are you following THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE? Are you with JESUS?

I pray that you may know the hope of living in His glory forever. May your life point all those you encounter to seek after His grace. May those who witness your living testimony stop in awe and recognize Jesus in every step, every breath, every moment. With Christ, may you enjoy your new LIFE today and every day hereafter!

"It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth... Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10 & 12)

"God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. For, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" (Romans 10:9-10, 13)

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:16-17, 38-39)

"I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1-2)

Blessings!
Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson

it all started with a Star Trek jacket

Yesterday morning, as I was blow drying my hair and "primping" for the day, the doorbell rang and a package was delivered. Before I go on, let me just say who doesn't love getting a new package in the morning? Even if you know in advance what the parcel may contain, it still seems like a little gift from the delivery man, doesn't it?

Anyway, that was the case for me... I knew what this package contained. For last week I had ordered the cutest knit jacket from one of my favorite online stores. It was one of those items I just HAD to have because it had a unique collar and came in a peacock green-blue color that I absolutely love. Since I've been losing weight, I decided that I could periodically splurge on a special, new piece of clothing from time-to-time as my size proved to be shrinking. So yesterday, the first NEW article of clothing arrived.

I was so excited, I couldn't wait to try it on and wear it. Rather than wait for an important event or particular occasion, I immediately put my new jacket on and headed out the door to our office. Once I arrived at work, my husband took one look at me and said, "That coat looks like something out of Star Trek."

Wait... what? Star Trek? I'll have you know that this coat is ALL THE RAGE! (...according to the world of Victoria) This coat is COOL! He agreed that he liked the color and then teased me a little more with one last, "Beam me up, Scotty." Then he prodded me to get to work. And that was that.

While acclimating myself to my office and thinking about how men just don't get it, I started to get a strong urge. An urge to forgo jumping back into my work and instead going online to order the same jacket in the color black. I could justify the extra purchase because I'd wear the black version at my Grandfather's memorial service this upcoming Saturday. Yes, yes... I NEEDED the jacket in black. Nothing else I owned would do.

To my computer I ran and quickly logged on to order another knit jacket - this time in black. Ahhh, good. Got it... and the last one in my size. Now that's done. Now I really must get to work. But wait, I could really use a new pair of shoes to go along with my new black jacket. And while I'm at it, I could get a new bag to match. No, no. I must work. I must get these to do's finished. I'll think about all that later. But not too much later, because time is of the essence.

For the remainder of the day, all I could think about was what I still "needed" to get. New shoes and a bag. New shoes and a bag. I didn't even think about the many, many pairs of shoes I already own, or the endless amount of bag options collecting dust in my closet. No, I just thought about why a NEW pair of shoes and a NEW bag were a good idea. New shoes and a bag. New shoes and a bag... this is where the mind of Victoria was focused on March 9, 2010.

By the time I got home, the first place I went to was my computer. I was ready to shop til' I dropped! Never mind my budget or other financial responsibilities... all I could think about was BUYING! I didn't know exactly what I'd end up with... shoes, a bag, maybe even a new necklace.... it didn't matter, I just knew that I was in NEED OF MORE. And the more I started surfing the Internet, the more ideas and items I saw that I desperately needed. Surely I could justify their purchase... you know, for Grandpa's memorial and all.

Sigh.

Thankfully, the Holy Spirit got a hold of me. At one point, I glanced down at the sleeve of my knit jacket and remembered how much I really like it's peacock color. Then I realized that in less than eight hours, the jacket was already "so yesterday" to me. It was no longer new. In fact, Chuck was right... it really did look like a Star Trek top! (I'm sooo not cool!)

Mind you, my new black jacket, however, was on it's way... and it was still fresh in my mind. IT was something to get excited about! Then I heard God's still, small voice ask me, "Victoria, why is the black jacket cool and the peacock jacket so yesterday?"

Well, it's simple Lord... the black one hasn't yet been delivered. It is not in my possession yet. But when I get it, all will be fine. I'll have everything I need.

"But Victoria... it is the SAME jacket! Just a different color. And am I not all that you need?"

I sat there a minute blank faced. What the heck is wrong with me?

I immediately got up and went to my closet and looked at all the shoes and bags and clothes the Lord has lovingly provided to me throughout my adult life. Then I gulped. What kind of psycho needs another pair of black shoes when she already owns at least seven pairs? SEVEN PAIRS!!! And don't even get me started on how many bags I have. If I never bought another purse, I would still have more than enough to accommodate every outfit that I could possibly come up with for the rest of my life! While some folks in other countries (heck, in my country) are struggling for food and shelter, I'm obsessing about another new bag? Tell me, what is wrong with this picture?

When I realized how hungry my need to consume stuff had become (in less than a full day, mind you), I became embarrassed before my King. Now, I know it is not a sin to look cute in a new jacket... or to reward yourself for weight loss when you have the means to do so. But my urge to GET MORE MORE MORE was no longer about that. No, Satan had convinced me that I didn't have enough. He even used my Grandfather's passing as a means to justify that I needed more stuff. (What a jerk!) That evil enemy managed to persuade and redirect my focus. And I took the bait! As a result, my appetite was no longer about praising Jesus for an accomplishment resulting in His strength and guidance. No, my eyes were clouded with the cobwebs of new clothes... new shoes... and a new bag. So much so, that the thought of these items completely monopolized my mind for the greater part of yesterday. Rather than praising Jesus and meditating on His words and His way, I was looking to varying department stores for their thrilling forms of temporary fulfillment. How pathetic! If God hadn't stepped in, I would have likely ended up buying all sorts of nonsense that I really don't need and can't afford. And I'm confident that just like my Star Trek jacket, each item purchased would lose their novelty in less than a few hours. How ridiculous.

The psalmist prayed it best, "Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word." (Psalm 119:37) Yes, Lord. Turn my eyes away from these worthless things... let's get me back into your living word NOW!

Yesterday carried a great lesson for me. Among the many issues noted about my sinful appetite to consume and hoard more than I will ever need... most importantly, yesterday God's intervention made me rethink the whole idea of rewarding myself with fancy clothing when I see significant weight loss from my body. Rather than distract myself with more stuff (which is really weight in a different format), I think it would best honor Jesus if I gave those funds to someone who really does NEED. Sure, I'll still have to purchase some smaller sizes to clothe myself... but not in two different colors. Not with matching shoes, bags, jewelry. No, I have enough. He's given me MORE THAN ENOUGH. All those things, though exciting at first, are really worthless trinkets. They will one day collect dust. They will one day BECOME dust. No, nothing can compare to the blessing and honor of my Redeemer! Yes, He was right... He is ALL that I really need.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

(Words by Helen H. Lemmel, 1922)

I don't know about you, but it is clear to me how quickly I can lose focus on what really matters and become a selfish, hungry monster. Without my Savior and His focus... without His eyes to guide me, my appetite to feed my own fleshly longings would never be satisfied. In fact, my corrupt nature would overpower me so that I could not think straight. It is clear that to really LIVE, we must stop submitting to the enemy's distractions and allow Jesus to fill us up and preserve us rather than continue binding ourselves to this sinful world. Let's direct our hunger toward God's infinite faithfulness. For every new morning is a gift from The Master and a sign of His eternal love and presence in our lives. (Now that's a gift worth receiving!!!)

I am thankful for the many lessons that God brought to the forefront yesterday. I am grateful that He loves me enough to stop me in my tracks and expose my sin so that I can repent and be set free in His grace again and again. How great is the love of our Almighty Father in Heaven who only wants what is truly best for us? He is soooooo wonderful and good to His children. His way is the only way to lasting peace. Praise be His glorious Name forever and ever and ever! Hallelujah, I am free and I have more than enough. Precious Father. Sweet Jesus. Holy, Holy Spirit. YOU are my all in all. Amen!

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Blessings, ladies!

Blog Post Written By Victoria Anderson

memories of Mel

On Thursday, March 4th at 6:30 p.m. my stepdad and Victoria’s grandfather, Mel, went to be with the Lord at 93 years of age. He’s someone I wish you all could have known. Anyone who knew Mel would have wonderful anecdotes to tell you about him, but for now I just want to share a few of my memories.

Mel and Mom married when I was 16 years old. We moved into a new home and began life as a new family. Within the year there was another member who joined our group. After being an only child for so long, I couldn’t believe I finally had a baby sister, Debbie, and was she ever the joy of our lives. I also gained an older stepbrother, Mel’s son, Duke. Interestingly, Debbie was born the same night as Duke’s wedding rehearsal and dinner. Mom asked me if I would represent her at Duke’s wedding the next day. I was thrilled to attend.

Mel came to know Jesus as his Savior and Lord. As time went by, I noticed he no longer practiced certain lifestyle habits. One day I asked him how he could just stop these practices cold turkey. He said, “Bevie, when the Holy Spirit tells you to do something, you do it!” And that was that! What a profound impression that made on my teenage mind. From then on Mel was committed to serving Jesus and was very active in church ministering in several different capacities. After he retired, Mel and Mom enjoyed working together on many church projects.

Mel loved to play golf and was out on the greens as early as possible on Saturday mornings. When he wasn’t on the course, he would practice putting on the driveway or in the living room during the winter months. One of his proudest moments came when he made an officially recorded hole-in-one. After his 18 holes of golf, Mel joined Mom and they would go for their Saturday bike ride through the suburbs. When they returned home, Mel would mow the lawn and do yard work. Both he and Mom were very physically fit and were able to enjoy walking and exercising together up until two years ago. I don’t know how many hundreds of Bible verses Mel memorized while exercising.

Mom was a loving stay-at-home mother and always kept a beautiful, organized home. Mel contributed greatly by doing Mom’s painting and wallpapering projects as well as performing any necessary repairs and maintenance.

Just as there wasn’t a person who didn’t like Mel, there wasn’t a food group that Mel didn’t enjoy eating. He loved to get together with family, relatives, and friends which also meant there would be lots of good food.

Mel always treated me as his own flesh and blood. I knew he loved me, would have done anything for me, and was always there for me quietly cheering me on in any of my endeavors. Our first Christmas together, his present to Mom was a beautiful cashmere sweater. I was wowed. But when I opened his gift to me I was flabbergasted! He had also given me a cashmere sweater. I felt like a teenage princess. When Mel was president of his transportation fraternity, he asked me if I would type up the reports and paperwork for the group. I can’t tell you how important and wonderful it made me feel that he would entrust me with the responsibility. Years later after I was married and my husband’s health problems increased, Mel and Mom were always available to take care of Scott and Victoria when we had to rush to the hospital for medical emergencies. I remember several times tracking down the folks to restaurants where they left their meals to come help us. At one point, it was evident we needed more reliable transportation and Mel said to Mom, “Honey, buy the kids a new car!” When I expressed an interest in going to Israel, Mel said to Mom, “Honey, send Bev on the Bible Lands Tour!” Of course, I couldn’t accept such generosity but I share these incidents to give you an idea of what a wonderful, generous, loving person Mel was to me.

By the time my sister married and had her family, the folks were retired. After breakfast and mall walking, they would go over to her house to help in any way possible. As an example, when it was time to replace all the windows in the house, Mel took on the enormous task of staining and varnishing each one before they were installed. Because Debbie’s husband had a very busy job with teaching and extracurricular activities, Mel would take care of the yard work and home maintenance. Mom would do the laundry and help Debbie with projects. While Debbie and her husband were on vacation one year, Mom and Mel decided to help complete painting the entire interior of their house. When the grandchildren were little, we would all enjoy getting together each week with Mel and Mom for lunch and other activities.

I remember Mel recounting some of his life experiences. During the Depression it was difficult to find work to put food on the table for a family with five children. So Mel, as a teenager and the oldest sibling stood in lines with many others waiting for the chance to be hired. When it was finally his turn at the head of the line, he was asked what he could do. He looked at the workers on the other side of the fence and said, “I can do what they’re doing.” During World War II, Mel served as a Marine throughout the Pacific including Iwo Jima. At one point, so far from home, Mel learned his brother was in the area. I can’t even imagine what a joyous, yet bittersweet, reunion that must have been! In her later years, as it became more difficult for Mel’s mother to care for herself, Mel and his brothers and sister helped her in their own special ways. Mel regularly visited her and cleaned her apartment.

Mel and Mom were always together. I can count on one hand the times they were apart for any length of time. Even when Mel went out-of-state for three months to facilitate a new plant opening, Mom went along with her portable sewing machine and preschool Debbie. When they could no longer live together, it was made all the more poignant by their loving displays of affection when Mom visited Mel in the nursing home.

Two years ago at our Christmas gathering, Mel got up and told us all how much he loved his wife and family and how grateful he was to the Lord for the life he had been given. It was a precious, unforgettable moment! From that time on, Mel deteriorated into dementia and physical disability. After several hospital stays last year, it became necessary for him to live in a nursing home. February 13th, he suffered a stroke that paralyzed his right side and made one of the last things he could enjoy - eating - very difficult. Then March 4th, this devoted husband, proud father, doting grandfather and great-grandfather, and caring brother and uncle was released from his imprisonment and brought into the glorious presence of his Lord and Savior whom he loved and served with all his heart.

I am so grateful and honored to have shared 51 wonderful years with Mel, my Dad-at-heart. His kindness, generosity, encouragement, and love of Jesus have made an indelible impression on my life. Of this wonderful man it can be said he fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith. And now there is in store for him the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to him and to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Tim. 4:7-8)

Finally Home

by Don Wyrtzen

When surrounded by the blackness of the darkest night
Oh how lonely death can be.
At the end of this long tunnel is a shining light,
For death is swallowed up in victory!

Just think of stepping on shore
And finding it heaven
Of touching a hand and finding it God’s
Of breathing new air and finding it celestial
Of waking up in glory and finding it home.

Blog Posting Written by Momba (Beverly Drong - Victoria's mother)

reveille: a wake-up call to LOVE

On Saturday, my family and I were blessed to enjoy a 1 year birthday party to celebrate the life of my first cousin's daughter, Reveille. Yes... Reveille!!! What a great name, huh? And it is an appropriate name since this little sweetheart has proven to be a huge "wake up call" for our entire family to trust God more and more.

You see, Revielle was born early and has endured more medical challenges/surgeries/treatments than most people will face in a lifetime. (Note: Reveille was born with challenges such as spina bifida, downs syndrome, and a club foot.) However, God continues to prove that all things are possible in Jesus Name and that His grace is always sufficient and, in fact, abundant! We will rejoice as He continues to use Reveille's life to reveal how loving He really is. I cannot begin to share how many smiles this little princess has brought to our whole family! We all pray for her well-being every day... for she is such a blessing! God is indeed GOOD!

Happy Birthday, Reveille!!!

Anyway, at one point during the party, I sat with my Aunt Ruthie and caught up on the happenings of our sassy Rev's life. During our conversation, my cousin, Jon (Rev's father), came over to share some important news with my aunt (his mother). He leaned over and started to whisper in her ear. While he was doing this, I happened to notice that my Uncle Larry (Ruthie's husband) was watching across the crowded room for Ruthie's reaction. You see, Jon had just told my uncle the same news only a moment earlier.

Once Jon whispered into my aunt's ear, suddenly her eyes began to swell up and a big grin enraptured her face. She could not have held back her joy if she wanted to. Something wonderful was happening! Something BIG was brewing!

The very instant Ruthie's facial expression changed, I watched my Uncle Larry's eyes fill with tears as he laughed/cried while watching and sharing in his lovely wife's joyful reaction. It was a beautiful moment between them both. A moment that took place across a busy room full of friends and family. A moment where they never spoke one sentence to each other, but were rejoicing together in heart and mind. Yes, there was love in that moment. There was love in those emotions. There was love in that look.

So by now, I'm sure you are asking what was Jon's news? Well, turns out that my cousin and his beautiful wife may be expecting baby #2!!! Nine months from now, we may all be enjoying another little arrival to join the ranks of our crazy family!!! YEA!

Congrats Jon, Heather and little Reveille!

Since returning home from the party, I have not been able to stop thinking about my aunt and uncle's silent moment of joy when they heard that they would be grandparents again. The experience got me thinking about the divine blessing of marriage... the joy of being "one" with a lifelong mate and choosing to sacrifice our whole heart to love that special person with everything we've got. When we place ourselves in the shoes of our spouse and live our lives in tune to their experiences, needs and feelings, no words or distance can hold back such shared intimacy or closeness. Yes, the experience between my aunt and uncle reminded me of how wonderful marriage can be when two people share EVERYTHING together - rejoicing and praising God through their victories, and praying and trusting their Redeemer through their trials. In a glimpse... in a simple moment of time, I was able to witness a lifetime of partnership and commitment between two wonderful role models. Through the lives of my aunt and uncle, I was able to see what true love really produces.

So, as we wrap up another Valentine's Day and move on with our day-to-day lives, I encourage every DW to hear this important wake-up call. I challenge you to not only consider your earthly relationships, but more importantly your covenant relationship that is shared between Almighty God and His holy church. As devoted followers of Jesus Christ, we are His beloved bride. In Him, we can enjoy a deep, spiritual oneness with a Savior that has sacrificed His whole heart to love us with everything He's got. And as scripture confirms, nothing can separate us from His commitment to stay intimately close and to love us forever.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

Wake up, and seek only His face through a crowded, corrupt world. Know the heart of the ONE who loves you the most. He promises to walk through every circumstance with you... every moment... every emotion. Look for Him always and allow others to witness the eternal partnership you share with the ultimate, holy role model - JESUS! See what the love of the King of kings will produce! I promise you it will be BIG! It will be ABUNDANT! It will be SO GOOD that we will be unable to contain our joy when we finally see His complete glory face-to-face!

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5)

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Blessings!

~Victoria

mastering my waffle maker

I have mastered my waffle maker. HA!

I know, it seems like a silly thing, doesn't it. I mean, what grown woman can't make a waffle maker work correctly? (Ahem. I'm raising my hand now.) That would be me. It's true. For approximately one year, my waffle maker and I have endured a rocky, almost non-existent relationship together.

It all started late December 2008, when my brother, Scott, (and his lovely family) decided to surprise me with a fancy schmancy waffle maker as a Christmas present. You see, Chuck and I have traveled all over the globe for work and pleasure, and Scott once heard me comment that my favorite breakfast to order while out "on the road" was a freshly-made Belgium waffle. (By the way, did you know that you can enjoy a Belgium waffle for free at certain hotels offering a complimentary breakfast? I've noticed that those waffles in particular always seem to taste better. Hmmm... it must be the added ingredient of "free" in em'. LOL!)

Anyway, my sweet, big brother got it into his head to gift me a waffle maker last Christmas so that I might enjoy the delights of freshly made waffles in the comfort of my own home. Easy peasy, right? WRONG! I could not get that darn machine to work right. It was terrible. It would seep and spatter batter out the sides of the machine and all over my kitchen counter. The little portion of batter that remained, did not cook up thick and fluffy like the hotels had so lovingly prepared. No, these waffles were... well, chewy. EWE! CHEWY WAFFLES - YUCK!!!

Needless to say, after determining that the waffle maker had declared war against me, I did what any normal red-blooded American woman would do with an uncooperative waffle maker... I put it on the shelf and walked away. We would not share our future together, that ole waffle maker and me. In fact, in my opinion, that crazy machine proved to be no gift at all. Instead, I considered it an annoyance. I vowed never to lose sleep over my waffle maker and the savory delights it promised. No, the waffle maker was too good to be true. So I would move on... without the waffles I love.

So, fast forward to December 2009... a year later. My brother has come to town for his regularly scheduled holiday visit, and our families have decided to meet at a nearby restaurant to enjoy breakfast and badinage together. After ordering my breakfast (a Belgium waffle with strawberries), my brother turned to me and asked, "So, how have you enjoyed the waffle maker we got you, Vic?"

Thump. My heart dropped. What do I do? Do I tell him the truth or change the subject? I love my brother and never want to hurt or insult him. But since he did ask me directly, and since I always want to be honest and open, I choose curtain #1 and answered. "Scott, I love that you got me a waffle maker, but I'm soooo frustrated with your gift. It won't work for me." With that, I saw a little sadness behind my brother's eyes. Lovingly he looked back at me and said, "That's ok, Vic. Maybe I can help you get it working the next time I'm in town. I know how much you love a good waffle." (What a great guy, huh?)

A week or so later, while still thinking about the hurt in my brother's eyes, I decided it was time to go at it again with my nemesis, the waffle maker. However, this time I would be more prepared. I decided to place a large cookie sheet under the machine to catch the anticipated pool of batter that would surely seep and splatter all over. I measured out my ingredients precisely. And this time, rather than skimming through the instructions on the outside of the machine's accompanying box, I decided to patiently read through the entire user manual and follow it's directions to the letter. "Enjoying the perfect waffle" became my one and only focus. I was on a mission... a mission to make a waffle - and to make it right!

Once I was certain all the steps were complete and all the settings correct, I poured the batter and closed the lid. Suddenly, steam started coming out the sides of the machine... but thankfully no batter! Within minutes a yummy aroma began to fill the room. WHAT? Was I making a waffle!!!??? I WAS!!! And it smelled GOOD! I could hardly wait to enjoy it! And when I did enjoy it, it wasn't chewy. No, it was thick and crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.... PERFECT! My taste buds had secured a first class ticket to YUMSVILLE USA! (Insert Handel's Hallelujah Chorus here.) I had mastered the waffle maker! WOO HOO!

Life is like that. Here we are, believers who claim title to God's gift of grace, Jesus Christ. We begin our new life at the ready... a people who are lovingly promised a full and abundant life through a Savior who wants to spend eternity with us... with a God who wants us to enjoy His glory and richness up close and personal.

Upon first receiving His gift of eternal life, we become excited... thrilled that He is now our own to savor and enjoy personally... intimately. But then the trials come. Suddenly we realize that we must face the seeping and spattering danger of sin all around us while still attempting to model a Messiah who lived holy.

Inevitably, Satan will try to convince us that our new relationship with The Almighty is not working out as planned - for it is impossible to live like Jesus. Sacrifice is sooo hard. Servanthood is sooo challenging.

We determine that God's way of doing things is too difficult and His word too complex to understand. So we close up our Bible and place it on the shelf. In turn, we close up our hearts and relax in a generic spiritual security that "at least we are saved from eternal death."

Finally, due to our own neglect, our relationship with God becomes stagnant. Sure, we outwardly carry the title of "Christian" but no longer pursue the dream of actually being close to Christ or enjoy all that He has promised us.... the gladness that we are supposed to be rejoicing in each day we draw breath.

So, we share our home alongside a patient, loving King filled with saddened eyes and waiting for us to return to Him. For He knows how much we could enjoy His goodness. He knows that He can lead us to find true contentment, wholeness and peace. If only we would be willing to take the necessary steps to deeply know Him. If only we would offer up all our effort to read through His instructions, retain the information, and follow His teachings to the letter. If only we would not give into the first sign of trouble, but instead allow Him every opportunity to showcase His glory, allowing us to be blessed beyond measure with His sweet aroma of grace.

This is the grace that He freely prepared for us to receive. Why? Because He loves us. This is the gift of LIFE that He wishes for each of us to enjoy as we live triumphantly and fully satisfied under His covering. This is not a Savior at war against us. No, He is not our enemy. Rather, this is Jesus who longs to be our Comforter, our Ally, our greatest Friend. This is the mighty God who wants to give us ALL the desires of our heart! He wants our cups to overflow in His bounty.

Once I took the necessary time to read, understand, and follow the instructions of my waffle maker, I mastered the art of making perfect, delectable waffles and have enjoyed them ever since. The same is true spiritually. We must take the necessary time to seek the Lord... to read, understand, and follow His holy word so that we can fully know our Master and enjoy His abundance today, tomorrow... FOREVER.

Ladies, I challenge you to seek after the LIFE God has planned for you and longs for you to enjoy in His Name. Do not be discouraged by the trials of this earth. Instead, return to Him and KNOW His promises thoroughly - always trusting that His word is reliable and good. He has provided us with His useful "user's manual" to refer to regularly so that we may succeed on our mission and live triumphantly and fully satisfied in His presence. God wants to abundantly provide and sustain us - if only we would welcome Him and follow His guidance. Trust me when I tell you, there is no One greater than our Lord. There is no One more beautiful than our Savior. There is no One more perfect than our Creator and King of the universe! We are complete and secure and loved beyond all measure if we are abiding safely in Him.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (John 15:4-11 King James Version)

Ladies, let's keep our hearts and minds focused on the mission of following Christ alone. Let's enjoy the scrumptious Manna of Heaven that He has lovingly provided to us each and every new day.

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath. (Deuteronomy 4:29-31)

Hallelujah! For our Redeemer LIVES! Seek Him and enjoy these truths. Find Him and enjoy His love! Believe in Him and enjoy LIFE! His abundance is unending. His grace is complete.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Blessings!

Blog Post Written By Victoria Anderson

the formula for a happy marriage

Recently, Chuck and I invited my cousin Christopher and his wife, Ingrid, over for an impromptu dinner where I cooked parmesan tilapia, asparagus and potatoes, finishing with a yummy (but healthy) pear crisp for dessert. After dinner, we moved downstairs to our family room to play Wii bowling amongst other Wii games.

Throughout the evening, no matter how well Ingrid would bowl, Christopher would compliment her and lift her up. If Ingrid bowled a strike, Christopher would celebrate her achievement. If Ingrid bowled a gutter ball, Christopher would tell her how much he loved her and how beautiful she was to him. No matter how successful or unsuccessful Ingrid's gaming abilities proved, Christopher made sure to extend his full attention to his lovely wife while encouraging her to keep on. And Ingrid, filled to the brim with Christopher's love, responded in like. It was a wonderful relationship to witness.

After the party was over, Chuck and I were reflecting on the evening. I commented on how nice it was to see another husband who openly revered his wife rather than ignore or talk down to her. Equally so, it was wonderful to see a wife receive her husband's love and treasure him without focusing on his faults and/or being discontent with something about his character. In a world peppered with divorce and marital strife, such a relationship is indeed a rarity.

Yes, our evening with Christopher and Ingrid proved delightful and inspiring. It was a small but significant testament to what real love should look like between a husband and wife. In fact, it made me start to think about how I receive Chuck... not only in social gatherings, but overall.

Do I remember to show him respect and honor his headship? Do I make a point to share with him how much I treasure who he is in ways that he can see, hear, taste, feel, etc.? Do I love him more than I love pointing out his sin or finding fault in his character? Am I content to leave his shortcomings aside and give his life over to God to protect and influence? In fact, do I pray for him? Do I support him and care for him enough to frequently point out God's goodness in our lives? Do I share biblical truth with him regularly? Do I set a good example by living and speaking to and about him as my Savior would? Do I inform him of what I need or desire without playing games or complicating matters? Do I choose my words wisely rather than poisoning the air with nagging or excessive talking? Do I manage my emotions and remain fair and non-judgemental in our dealings? Do I intentionally make myself as attractive as possible for his sake rather than others? Do I always receive him and speak romantically to him while actively guarding and warning him against others who may wish to see him fall away from God's grace? Have I taken the time to learn about what he is interested in? Do I care about the things He cares about? Is he the most important person in my life, second only to Christ? Have I sacrificed myself for his sake, just as my Savior did for me? Do I reject and stand against his sin, but love Him more than I love my own self? Am I willing to lay down my own hopes, dreams, expectations in order to help my husband grow closer to The Almighty? And whether he chooses to receive me or not... whether he loves me in return... whether he holds true to his role or maintains his responsibility as the head of our household... do I still show up every day with a holy resolve to be his co-pilot... his helpmate?

We are told in Ephesians 5 to submit to our husbands the same way we submit our lives to the Lord. "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit their lives to their husbands in everything." In short, God clearly instructs wives to respect and submit to their husbands.

Now, I know in reading this, many women will come ready to argue against the men that have failed them in their role as husband. Many will spit venom at me for using the word "submit". But, to be fair, let's consider the husbands role too. Scripture says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church - for we are members of his body. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery - but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself." (Ephesians 5:25-33a)

When I read the Lord's command to husbands in Ephesians, all I see is submission. Husbands must love their wives. They must give themselves up so that they are able to help their wife become more and more holy. They must give her the room to become radiant, dripping in Jesus' beauty. They must treat their wives as they would treat themselves... caring for her, loving her, cleaving to her. Yes, it seems to me that both husbands and wives are bound by the same set of rules in how we are to relate to one another... how we were meant to treat one another... how we are to lay down our lives sacrificially for one another and uphold Jesus as our primary role model - - not only in our marriages... but in our lives.

This is the formula for a happy marriage - a biblical partnership. However, when one party does not hold up their end of submission and sacrifice, it does not mean that God's perfect plan should be thrown out the window. No, God has a reason for every marriage... for every life. To turn from His prescribed way and drop the ball on our covenant to Him and each other (irrespective of our spouse's actions) is unhealthy. Think about it... where would we be if our Savior dropped the ball on us whenever we didn't deliver? No, that is not how Jesus treats us... so it should not be how we treat our mates. No matter what we do, Jesus will ALWAYS seek after His beloved. Jesus loves us. He will always love us and will always strive for us to be with Him. Period. Without Jesus' faithfulness, we would be doomed to death and corruption. Without our Savior, we would be lost and hopeless. No, Jesus clearly hates hates hates divorce and division. Jesus is about building relationships. Jesus is about intimacy and closeness with God and each other. Why else would he emphasize the first two commandments to love God first and to love each other as we would love ourselves? Jesus shows up engaged and at the ready to be our spiritual helpmate. He is on our side always. If we "bowl a strike" and succeed in His Name, He celebrates our achievement with us. If we fall short and "bowl a gutter ball", He still holds true and tells us how much He loves us... how beautiful and precious we are to Him. Jesus' love for us is unconditional and His commitment to us is eternal. Jesus will always help us, encourage us, and teach us how to get closer and closer to The Almighty Father. His is the example we must follow and mirror. When we recognize this... when we follow His way... when we are filled to the brim with His secure love and leadership, we can become living witnesses and showcase His unchanging love to our spouses, our families, our friends, our co-workers, our world.

The questions shown above that both Chuck and I now regularly ask concerning our own marriage, are honest questions that all husbands and wives should biblically seek and sacrificially respond to daily. They are building blocks for each of us to measure our hearts independently and as a partnership while we seek to follow God's selfless way of life.

Ladies, I encourage every married DW to consider how you submit to your spouse. How you love and respect them. Ask yourself, does your husband see Jesus' delightful and inspiring way of life when he witnesses your own words or deeds? Are you a living testimony that represents your Redeemer's sacrificial heart and eternal commitment? Do you love your closest neighbor, your spouse, as you would love yourself? Are you resolved to lay down your life to serve the person you once claimed as your best friend... the one you swore before God to be bound to in marriage while living on this earth? For that is what marriage is - a holy union of two people living as one and representing God's love and union to His church. If you claim Jesus as your Heavenly Husband, should you not mirror His love to your earthly husband?

Please think about it. Please act on it. Please, please follow Jesus way and live it.

Love you all! Blessings!

Blog Post Written By Victoria Anderson

Copyright © 2010 The Devoted Woman, A Non Profit Corporation

mancala

Many of you have already visited The Devoted Woman Website and have read my dedication made in loving memory to my dear Grandmother who passed away in 2008. However, I wanted to share with you something that happened as frequent as this past month where my grandmother's life and love once again blessed me.

You see, over a decade ago when Chuck and I first got married, Grandma bought us a beautiful African stone game called Mancala. Upon receiving her gift, my hubby and I thanked Grandma for thinking of us and included it with the many different board games we both brought into our new marriage. However, as the years passed, we never seemed to find the time to play Grandma's Mancala game.

For years, I would notice the box sitting in our family room game cabinet. Sometimes, I would take the game out of it's box and admire the workmanship of it's beautiful base and smooth stones, but never would I actually stop and learn how to play the game. At times, I even considered re-gifting it so that someone else could enjoy Mancala. Fortunately, I could never bring myself to do that... mainly because I knew my Grandmother always bought gifts with great purpose and gave much thought to those that would be receiving her offering. I also knew that back in the day, when my Grandfather was still alive, he and my Grandmother would enjoy playing games together, as a couple, just about every singe day of their marriage. Long before the days of video games and what-not, Grandma and Grandpa always had a new game to recommend. Whether a board game, card game or domino game, our family would take note to learn whatever they endorsed... because the game would always prove to be the most FUN!

Over this past holiday, Chuck and I had to go into the office and wait for an important package to be delivered for one of our key customer accounts. Mind you, it was a day that our entire office was originally supposed to be on holiday. In fact, the business was technically closed between Christmas and the New Year. So of course, neither one of us wanted to return into work. We'd rather be home playing, relaxing. But, since Chuck runs the office, we had to go in and take care of the matter. To make us drag our heels all the more, it turned out to be a day when our area received a few inches of snow. We knew the ETA of our oversees shipment would surely be delayed as our delivery driver would be battling slippery road conditions. With the understanding that we would be sitting there for some time, Chuck and I decided to make it a game/movie day - just the two of us goofing off in the office. My hubby setup a projector to his laptop that would play movies on a white board screen in our conference room. It was clever and fun to grab a few board games, some popcorn for munching, and enjoy a "secret" play day together as we "holed up" at work. As you have probably surmised, one of the games we grabbed was Grandma's Mancala game.

Determined to finally learn it, we sat down and played a few practice rounds while referring back to it's instructions. After a few wins on either side, Chuck and I realized how much we absolutely loved playing the game together. Since that day, Mancala has been given a predominant place of status in the center of our dining table. Chuck and I go to great lengths to find time to creatively fit in a game between cooking times, phone calls, etc. We have downloaded a Mancala application to both our phones so we can also play whenever we are waiting on hold, in line at the bank, passing halftime of a football game, etc. etc. etc. We love Mancala!

Thank you, Grandma!

Yesterday, I was reading the words of Jesus in Luke 18 during my devotions. I paused when I got to verse 17 because it reminded me of this whole Mancala story.

I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. (Luke 18:17)

Now, I know you are wondering, how on earth does that relate to the Mancala story, Victoria? Well, I got to thinking about Jesus words and how a little child receives a gift they truly want. How they rip off the wrapping paper with gusto and start singing and dancing around the room in delight when they realize it is really theirs. How they jump in head first to know everything there is to know about the gift and center all their time around enjoying it. I thought about this, and then I thought about how Chuck and I first received Grandma's gift of Mancala. How we acknowledged it, said thank you for it, but never really got into it. How we allowed it to sit on the shelf and collect dust rather than spend time enjoying it.

Ladies, please think about Jesus words again, "Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." This is a very specific way that Christ expects us to receive His gift and follow His way. Like a little child - with enthusiasm, gusto and commitment. As I picture the many children on earth who ripped open a Christmas present this past holiday... who sang and danced around their homes with delight over what they had received... who called all their friends to brag about the great gift they could call their own... I wonder, how do we receive the kingdom of God? How do we receive His word, His truth, His promise? Do we jump in head first and center all our time learning it, living it, enjoying it, sharing the news of it? Or do we simply acknowledge the gift... thank Him for the gift... then quietly place His life-giving offering on the shelf to collect dust?

Only until we actually open it up, rejoice, and make it the central part of our lives... and only until we share our enthusiasm and delight, acknowledging the gift to all others we meet, will we truly be like a little child receiving the kingdom of God. I mean, come on... this is Jesus gift to all mankind that promises eternity in His complete goodness!!! Only until we dust off our Bibles and dive into His word with full-on gusto, consuming every section and enjoying His way of life as our own, will we enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.

Jesus bought us the gift of life with great purpose and gave much thought to those that would be receiving His offering. Let's not thoughtlessly acknowledge Him only to sit Him up on a spiritually dead shelf. Instead, let's receive His Precious Name in our hearts. Let's rejoice in Him being our own. Let's learn every aspect of His eternal words and follow His way of life to the letter. Let's receive His merciful, glorious gift... like little children.

This is the day that our Lord has made... TODAY! Let's remember to receive His gracious, perfect gift TODAY. Let's rejoice in it and be glad TODAY. Let's share it with everyone we meet TODAY. Let's use it, know it, and make it the central part of our life... like a little child - with enthusiasm, gusto and commitment... and let's do so TODAY!

Thank you, Jesus!

I am grateful to my dear Grandmother for this unexpected reminder! I'm sure when she purchased Mancala, she never imagined it becoming a means to bring me closer to my King. Nor would she have ever thought that this simple game would be used by God as a tool to share the Savior with thousands online. How great is our Lord, ladies? How magnificent is His timing?

Today, I am smiling as I picture Grandma rejoicing, singing, dancing in heaven this very moment as I type. I cannot wait to one day share alongside her the greatest gift of all... the physical presence of our Redeemer! The blessing of knowing face-to-face our Almighty King!

Thank you, Jesus, for this hope. Thank you sooo much, precious, precious Lord! Blessed be Your name forever!

Blessings!

~Victoria

filtered lips

Over the weekend, Chuck and I stopped into our local cell phone store to talk with our sales guy, Frankie, about an issue Chuck was having with his cell phone. Mind you, my husband talks for a living on his cell phone. In fact, he cannot easily do his job without it. He sells to customers and communicates to our European partners about engineering specs and technical details just about every single day while he travels heavily throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

However, recently after upgrading to this new phone, every five or so calls Chuck would experience a garbled reception where he could not hear his caller (but the caller could still hear Chuck). Because I also own the same phone but have never experienced this problem, we were both perplexed as to what was wrong. So, as we were out-n-about the other day, I suggested we stop into the cell phone store to see if they could offer some answers.

While there, Chuck began to explain to Frankie his issue and the actions he had already taken on his own to troubleshoot the matter. He rebooted the system. He changed out the SIM card. He updated all software, etc. Still nothing seemed to fix the problem. Fortunately, Frankie had an idea that will likely resolve the issue. So this week, Chuck is testing to see if Frankie's suggestion will fix the matter. Yea. A simple story, right? Hmmmm. Well, let me tell you the part of the story that included my involvement.

You see, on Saturday, Chuck and I had decided to go out and enjoy a "date day" together. During that time, we planned to run errands, price shop for a new washer/dryer (ours is dying a slow death and will have to be replaced), enjoy some sushi at one of our favorite restaurant while watching football on their big screen TV, perhaps see a movie, etc. Although we had been hit with twelve inches of snow earlier that week (I love Chicago), the roads had already been cleared and the bright sun was inviting us to poke our heads out and enjoy a weekend about town.

Generally, I'm pretty closed lip as an individual. But this weekend, I was so excited to be with Chuck that my enthusiasm go the better of me and made me like a little kid with much to say - rambling on and on without a filter. About thirty minutes into our day together, I realized that I had turned into a chatterbox. However I could not (or would not) stop myself from commenting on any given topic, instructing him where and how to drive, interrupting him, or talking over him (because my stories seemed more important than his to share). Soon, my gracious and patient husband's eyes finally glazed over. Let's face it, the guy stood no chance to get a word in edgewise. In retrospect, I wish I had just shut up. But alas, the ramblings of a overbearing, selfish wife on her day off got the better of me.

By the time we arrived at the cell phone store, Chuck had reached his boiling point. While trying to explain his issues to Frankie, my poor hubby would have to deal with me jumping in and taking over the conversation. (Real annoying, right!?) Finally, Chuck stopped talking, put his hand on my arm, and right in front of Frankie, God and everybody simply and calmly said, "Vic, you need to stop talking. Let me handle this."

Embarrassed. Corrected. Guilty.

If I could only put a lock on my mouth. How often do I forget that my husband also has a voice and, HELLO, is in charge and perfectly capable!? How often do I selfishly rush him through his thoughts so that I can get out what I want to say? How often do I fail to just listen and actually hear this wonderful, intelligent, supportive, hard-working man rather than monopolizing, or even worse, mothering him through a conversation. Who do I think I am?

Later, after the cell phone store... after my apology... after taking a time out break and allowing me to regroup and repent, Chuck said the most profound thing to me. He shared this, "There is a big difference between listening to someone and waiting to speak." Was he ever right. I spend the first part of our day together unfiltered and unkind. I was controlling, selfish and overbearing... allowing my emotions and temporary feelings to drive my conversations, rather than allowing Jesus to rule my words, thoughts and actions.

Instead of being meek like Jesus, I was acting more like Chuck's "trippy" cell phone - forcing only my voice over the airwaves while garbling out all others. No, Jesus would not have selfishly interrupted Chuck. He would not have disrespected Chuck's capability to handle matters. He would not have monopolized or mothered him through simple conversations and trivial matters. Rather, Jesus would be gracious, attentive, loving, calm, content and interested in every word that Chuck had to share. He would have showed up ready to relate, love and help out when necessary. He would have kept a relaxed day off... well, relaxed and enjoyable.

Ladies, how often do we forget to filter our lips with Christ? How frequently do we treat those we love with unwavering respect and interest? How many times do we selfishly demand control or attention without taking care to honor another's capabilities or position? Furthermore, how many times are we too busy waiting to speak, rather than listening to what our Almighty Father is trying to say through other people He has placed into our lives? Are we so caught up in our own selves that we can't hear Him... that we can't respect His authority... that we can't let Him handle things without our meddling or two cents being volunteered?

This Saturday, Jesus reminded me about being meek and quiet. He reminded me how important it is - not only as a person, but especially as a wife. Being meek, means being kind, gentle, humble, patient. It means allowing the peace of Christ to filter your lips, your thoughts, your heart. Although it was hard to hear, I am so blessed to receive this reminder. I am equally thankful for a wise husband who is willing to lovingly help and correct me when I need it. Through him, God continues to teach me, mold me, change me. For this I am grateful.

So, as I continue to grow in Christ... I am equally charged to challenge you to think about your own life... your own tongue. Are your lips filtered with Jesus? Does your character mirror Christ's meekness? Is your spirit quiet and at peace to leave the trivial things in His capable hands? I encourage you to please think on these things.

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (Proverbs 15:2)

But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. (Psalm 37:11)

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)

Blessings!

~Victoria

submit and rest, putting on love because our God is good

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. (Colossians 3:12-18)

Recently, Chuck and I were able to pull over from our busy schedules and stop to enjoy a week's vacation between the Christmas and New Year holidays. In that time, we have enjoyed relaxing together, sleeping in, and visiting with many family and friends. We have cooked together, played games together, enjoyed several movies, engaged in long discussions and snuggle sessions, and have even managed to go a few days without leaving the comfort of our pajamas. It has been a lovely time of calmness and replenishment while enjoying time away from our regular day-to-day work and travel schedules.

However, during this much-needed down time, I found it interesting that in the beginning of our week off together, whenever I truly started to relax and take a breath, Satan made every attempt to try and convince me that my husband was a disappointment. He began to point out little things that had not yet been addressed in the house... a window shade that needed re-hanging in our bedroom, a doorway transition strip that needed repair, a shelf that needed re-enforcing, etc. etc. etc. He stirred up trouble within me by pointing the finger of blame at my honey, Chuck... who was (in the enemy's estimation) clearly relaxing TOO MUCH. Satan argued that my hubby should pick up the slack and do more chores over our vacation. Of course, the idea that Chuck should be deprived of his time off by a discontent, nagging wife was ridiculous, but still the enemy tried to persuade me otherwise.

Please know that my husband is a very, very devoted man and hard worker. He always steps in to help me (sometimes when I don't even ask) and in truth, I am grateful that he is soooo attentive to meet my needs. There have actually been days where he was unable to move forward because my heart was troubled and his first priority was to make sure I was ok. He is so great.

On an average work day, Chuck is usually awake at a very early hour conducting business over the phone with our day job's overseas sales partners and engineers. He is both technically and socially savvy and uses his gifts to provide electronic testing solutions to companies throughout North America all the while earning enough money to put food on our table, clothe us, and even spoil our family with a few luxuries from time-to-time. The thought that Chuck does not contribute, or the idea that he is uninterested in advancing our family's well-being, is really absurd... but still the enemy came a'knocking and tried to invade my heart - subtly whispering his list of complaints and pointing out things in our home in need of repair or attention.

Fortunately, before we started our vacation, the Lord had reminded me of the verses above from Colossians and had also given me this verse to meditate on: Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. (Psalm 116:7)

And it is true... the Lord has been good to me. He has given me salvation! He has granted me access into His kingdom! What do I need to complain about?

Thankfully, God exposed the enemy's intention to redirect my attention toward worthless issues, and I was able to identify Satan's scheme and pray through any discontentment. The end result: instead of ripping my husband to shreds and ruining his well-deserved time off, I was able to look at him in love while throwing a blanket over his cold feet as he reclined in his chair and watched football (snoozing between plays and unconsciously scratching our beagle's tummy). I was grateful to let go and enjoy a peace-filled time with my family and friends without sweating the small stuff. I chose to keep my focus on my marriage and the health of the man I love... a relationship way more important to me than any possession. Thank you, Lord, for you have been good to me!

Sometimes I loose sight of what is truly important. I hate to admit it, but sometimes my attention is incorrectly directed toward property over people. Sometimes I forget to let peace rule in my heart and fail to submit to the needs of those I should be loving. I'm grateful that the Lord gave me such a reminder this past week. I'm equally thankful that the enemy did not win such a stupid battle... that I was a conqueror because I had God's word in my heart and followed the wisdom of my Master. Because of this, our marriage was strengthened and unified over vacation. In fact, last night Chuck and I enjoyed time sitting together in our living room just being thankful for one another and the lovely, peaceful week God had blessed us with. How thankful I am that I did not sour this time with meaningless issues, discontentment and complaining. Thank you, Lord, for allowing your word to dwell richly in me and teach me to submit to my husband's needs. Thank you for once again clothing my heart with your compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Without You, I would be an ugly, awful wretch. Jesus you are beautiful. I love reflecting your beauty to others.

Ladies, whether single or married, let's not give into Satan and expect the world to revolve around us. Let us lay aside all forms of selfishness and unrealistic expectations over trivial things and worldly trinkets. For all we have... all we enjoy on this earth has been given to us by God and is a gift from our Redeemer. Let us give up our preconceived timetables and expectancies and simply love one another as Christ has loved us. For God has granted us eternal life through Jesus and continues to provide for all our needs. He is always good to us. He is always faithful. Let's strive to enjoy life together and completely relax in the perfect presence of our King. Let's not receive Satan's ridiculous lies that are intended to turn us against each other... for that evil snake is really our true enemy. Instead, let's cover our hearts in Jesus' warm words of love - reclining in His presence and savoring His promise that He is always enough. Vacate with me into the arms of our wonderful Master. Let's allow Him to restore our souls for His Name's sake! Amen, dear Jesus! AMEN!

Blessings!

~Victoria