29 days Kenya 2015

4 Suddenly the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, Come out, you three, to the Tent of Meeting. And the three of them came out.
5 The Lord came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the Tent door and called Aaron and Miriam, and they came forward.
6 And He said, Hear now My words:If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make Myself known to him in a vision and speak to him in a dream.
7 But not so with My servant Moses; he is entrusted and faithful in all My house.
8 With him I speak mouth to mouth [directly], clearly and not in dark speeches; and he beholds the form of the Lord
(Numbers 12:6-8 AMP)

What do you think about that?  How do you foster a relationship with God that makes Him willing to talk directly to you.  Not in a vision or dream, but the scripture says mouth to mouth (directly).

The Africa team has talked much about expecting the unexpected, that part of the challenge of a trip like ours is that you prepare, but things can change and most likely will.  I have to admit I have trouble with left turns, I adjust but it takes me a minute and it doesn’t always happen without a squawk or two.  That’s part of my prayer that I’ll hear God’s voice so clearly that a  change in plans will be of no surprise nor cause me to stumble.  This is a lesson for us all to learn whether we are going on a mission trip or not.

There’s a passage of scripture that Matt Kutz shared with us in his class called the Leadership Mind and as I pondered this whole subject I was reminded of it.  Listen to this: from Romans 12:2 Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you…

I think that is the first clue.  Let God Transform you . . . God has to do a work inside our hearts and minds to be able to understand Him.  His nature, His heart, His thoughts . . . help me Lord to learn of you with every breath and step.  To know Your voice and follow without hesitation.

Blessings,  Neva

30 Days Kenya 2015

Planning, preparation, protection and priority . . . Today was the last of my vaccinations.  I am so glad that is done.

I attended a class tonight called The Leadership Mind, taught by Dr. Matthew Kutz.  In the course of the evening he pointed out a leadership trait that set men like Moses, Joseph and David after Gods own heart.

The trait seemed to be the depth of their relationship with God.  Especially Moses, it seems that Moses knew God.  Think about it.  We have no doubt that God knows us, but knowing God is different.  Most of us know about God, but do we know him, his nature and his temperment.

This has challenged me to study to understand what happened between Moses and God that won Gods heart.

Blessings!

31 Days – Kenya 2015

In just 31 days I will be leaving on a jet plane for Kenya, Africa.  I’m excited, solemn, unsure, confident and fully know that Only God.  It’s a good thing that all I have to know is the last on my list that Only God is important in this trip.

In Acts 13 verse 2 says:  2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate now for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.

(Acts 13:2 AMP)

This is the beginning of any adventure with God.  Do we always go through the ritual of fasting and prayer to know if we should go.  Not always, sometimes we just know: however don’t be misinformed.  Always prayer, fasting (preparation of the body and spirit) are a part of the adventure.

So I prepare: the list is long and boring because it includes from hand sanitizer to the right shoes to the right size toiletries in my carry on.  The most important preparation is the spiritual, physical and honestly mental.  Today lets talk about the spiritual side.

I’ve been asking God for a couple of things.  First I want his voice in my head.  I want to be so alert to his voice that I will be alert and attentive to what he wants from me.  I’m also asking him for something that is harder to describe.  How people perceive you is important in sharing Christ.  Recently at Restoration Church where I belong we have been talking about the fact that we are spiritual beings walking in the natural.  The two run side by side.

In the story of the Samaritan Woman, Jesus basically outed her and all her past.  But, because He is clothed in love and grace, she was not offended.  She went to Samaria inviting everyone to come hear what He had to say.  I would like to walk in that.  I want to be a truth teller that walks with such love and grace that people wonder why they are drawn to me.

Now, because that was so transparent, I feel that I need to just stop right there and pick this discussion up tomorrow, so you can have a moment to seek God.

As we walk out the coming days I will be journaling my preparation and my adventure.  I have added a special song of preparation and declaration. Kenya 2015

AN OPEN LETTER TO WOMEN UNDER 100: A MOTHER’S PERSPECTIVE

Very proud of my brave sister pastor who is willing to speak the truth in this desensitized society.

Pastor Karen

I’m not one to outlandishly speak out on “controversial” issues, and I’m aware that I may be lambasted for speaking my heart on the matter. But I must make an appeal! As a mentor of so many younger than myself, I am deeply concerned about the lack of conviction that we, as women of God, have about the things in which we engage.

In particular, as the movie “50 Shades of Grey” is coming out, I am hearing how many people are “so excited” about seeing it…just like it was when the book debuted. Why is it we don’t see this theme as being a detriment not only to our minds and hearts but also to those over whom we have influence?

Curiosity is how Satan “gets” a woman. A simple introduction to such topics can lead both young and old minds down a path leading to abuse, insecurity and…

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Coming and Going

The Bible is full of directional commands. Don’t you wish we could discipline our minds to obey simple commands. Our willful desire to avoid looking foolish or appearing to fail, stops us every time. GO:

Mark 16:15
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

In Matthew 13 Jesus talks about the seed and the sower. This parable itself explains that inside the GO is an explanation in the Kingdom “A sower went out to sow.” Listen to Jesus explain the parable. Its not the fault of the sower, some seeds fail. BUT when the seed bears fruit –

Matthew 13:23
As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Did you notice where the seed becomes He? The seeds of the gospel sown becomes a person bearing fruit and yielding more seed to be sown. Can you think of the sowers in your life? I think first of my mom and dad, Miss Murray and Miss Ryker, Uncle Mel Nelson, John and Judy Huseby, Russell Kaufman, Wayne Benson, Dawn Jones and the list goes on. I especially remember the seed sowers in my childhood, and those who sowed into my life when it was dry and dormant.

The biography of a sower; If you are a gardener, you understand that there are several steps to a successful harvest. Some are called to:

1. See the field
2. Prepare the soil, remove the rocks, plow deep to pull up the rich soil, and smooth it for planting.
3. Plant the seed
4. Water the seed
5. Keep an eye on the seed (protect it, keep the weeds out, thin it so it can grow).
6. Wait for harvest season.
7. Harvest and set some fruit aside to seed next crop.

Oh my goodness each of those steps could preach. None of the steps create life, every step is stewardship. God brings the increase. Even in the simplicity of the command to GO -SOW God knew His people and that they would get tired in the field. He then said COME.

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

COME, don’t wear yourself out, the results aren’t on you. It’s just simple steps and if you will yoke up with me I’ll make it doable. Harvest will come, looking for the well done good and faithful servant.

Back to my original thought, why do we fight to reinvent the simplicity of the gospel, and fail to follow simple commands? I’m not making small the Kingdom, I’m just suggesting that we make it too difficult in our flesh. Pride says I can’t do this, and you are right the proud can’t.

I am going to stop right here. No need to say more, that’s the job of Holy Spirit.

Love You, Blessings, Neva

Be Still

I’m sitting on my couch, the sun is shining and reflecting off the snow covered ground. It’s quiet. What’s more amazing is my comfort level with the quiet. Over the last six months I have learned to respect and cherish the quiet. Maybe quiet isn’t the right word, undistracted is a better description. The ability to listen and “hear” without distraction in your own head or external disruption.

It has taken the full six months to settle down the distraction of panic, fear, weakness and the lack of reserve. I have no doubt that this process is on going. I look for the day when external/internal noise and pressure can no longer hinder me in the purpose and destiny God has for me.

God is so faithful to complete the work, I just needed to quiet down long enough to get out of the way. It is a life long discipline to be a conduit of the Holy Spirit rather than a monkey wrench of the flesh.

God took me to Psalms 47 for my inspiration today. This chapter is full of verses we all know. Take time today to purposely get quiet and hear them, digest them, so that His word brings healing, refreshing and wholeness to your life.

Psalms 46:1
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

Psalms 46:4
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.

Psalms 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”

May God’s word bring peace and quiet to your soul today.

Blessings, Neva

Desperate Pursuit

Over the past week or two I’ve been reading a book by Andrew Murray. Humility the Beauty of Holiness originally written in 1859.

To be honest this whole book has challenged me at every turn. In the course of everyone’s Christian walk, you operate on what you know and understand. BUT at best it comes down to what you have been told and learn. Pride is, your best at what you know to do. Because when the response depends on your need, want or desire its self centered.

I can hear you say, hold up! You’ve gone too far. I need to feel that I’m favored and that God will meet my every need. I need to be free from my humiliation and walk in confidence and strength. How many personal pronouns are in statements like that.

If I’m understanding humility its to be so focused on God that my will and emotions are subject to His initiation. To remove focus from me, my, mine, I, and any other self promotion, and only pay attention to what comes from the heart of God. His will, His way, His timing.

Sounds all good on paper right. Pretty Holy right? I’m scared! Not scared of Satan, but scared I won’t be pleasing to God. Every time I turn around I find myself exhibiting behavior or thought processes that show lack of humility and the presence of pride. It may have sounded honest to be afraid of failing God, but even pleasing God is not within my ability to do without the Holy Spirits help and the model of Jesus to follow.

Jesus the Bible tells us made Himself of NO importance. He did nothing but that He saw His Father do it. He didn’t defend Himself, He did what He was destined and purposed to do without worry about what man thought. He loved people, yet didn’t force Himself on anyone. What does that say to how you and I should live our life.

Here’s the clue, I can’t make myself humble, I can only repent when I see it try to invade. The only thing that can change is my submission to Gods presence and my willingness to allow His nature to drive out the nature of Satan. As I seek Gods presence and model my life after Jesus, with the help of Holy Spirit, I daily submit to a life marked by humility.

The funny thing about blogs is the chance to verbally process in the midst of learning. In the days ahead I’m sure I will visit this subject again and again. If you have any comments or thoughts, I welcome the dialog.

Blessings, Neva

Start Up or Stand Firm

Great encouragement on fresh starts and amid the process.

Pastor Karen

I love reading about all of the new “starts” for the new year. New goals, fresh perspective, new strength, epic motivation – all encouraging us to press forward toward God’s best this year. But what about those who are in the middle? Sometimes you can’t start over in a situation or relationship just because it’s a new year, whether positive or negative. There are things lingering that have to be maintained or managed. Some of these things can be draining mentally, physically and emotionally. So what do those of us who are not “starting fresh” do at this obvious open door for newness?

Well, I have an encouragement! Whether you are starting up or standing firm, what we really need is fresh perspective! The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 2:14, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma…

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Perplexed

2 Corinthians 4:8  We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Aporeo is our English word for perplexed.  Often and quickly after the New Year’s resolutions are written and a plan of action is devised, we find our self perplexed.  By itself to be perplexed is uncomfortable but it is especially so on the heals of excitement over what positive changes you will be making in this new year.

The Greek word Aporeo’s (perplexed) definition reads . . . to be without resources, to be in straits, to be left wanting, to be embarrassed, to be in doubt, not to know which way to turn . . . to be at a loss with one’s self, be in doubt . . . not to know how to decide or what to do, to be perplexed.  To understand the context of this verse and get to ahah, listen beginning at verse 6.

For GOD, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

Here we find a continuing theme ‘the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”  Therefore if we are under pressure and feel like life is going to crush our mortal body (what this verse calls jars of clay or in other instances earthen vessels), know this.  The power to over come belongs to God and we need not in our own strength try to figure it out or solve the issue at hand.

Throughout scripture the nature of the King and life in His Kingdom shows opposite of our human nature.  Our goal is to be the first in our flesh, He says you can only be first if you are last.  Our goal is to overcome and conquer all our problems, and he says the only way is to let it go and let Him conquer the problem.  If you are poor you are considered rich, if you are lowly of heart and humble you are said to inherit the Kingdom. If you want to lead, God says follow, serve, and humble your self, following Jesus’ example.

This concept does not need a lot of my personal opinion or expounding.  When perplexed we relax and do not allow despair to come, because God alone has the power, answers and guidance to the next step.  Despair need not come.  Take a couple of deep breaths, do you believe God’s word on this?  I do.  I’m praying in this new year a quick response when pressure comes, I’m praying for quick surrender when pride tries reign.  How about you?  I’ll close with one more passage of scripture that sums up my thoughts for today.

Ephesians 1:19-23

19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. 23 And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

Blessings,  Neva

Mom . . . Mildred . . . Mil . . . Aunt Millie . . . Grandma . . . GG

Tomorrow will mark the two year anniversary of my mom’s passing.  It’s funny I stopped to decide how many ways there are to say someone dies.  There is home going . . . promotion to heaven . . . great reward . . . into the arms of Jesus . . . passed away . . . deceased . . . expired . . . gone from us and on and on they go.  No matter how you say it, they aren’t here with us anymore.  Well, only technically is that true.  The life and spirit aren’t here anymore, but their influence is.  Their heritage is evident in the lives they influenced and invested in.

With the invention of Facebook, there has come an opportunity for families to reconnect.  I communicate with cousins I haven’t seen since I was 5 years old.  Yet when you look at their pictures you see the blood relationship.  When you hear the stories of their fathers, my dad’s brothers, you hear similarities in our personalities and views on life.  What traits do I carry from my mom and dad, how about my children and grandchildren.  Some are physical, I’m tall with brown eyes and brown hair (before) (smile), and I favor the Swinson side of the family, as does my brother Dave and sister Jill.  My sister Lois favors the Cook side of the family, with her blond hair and blue eyes.  Some of the traits are beyond physical, and lean in on temperament.  From our Dad we got the peacemaker trait, not liking conflict and always taking life as it comes with grace and quiet humility.  From our Dad we also got the drive for justice, inability to lie, and community service.  From mom we got, stubborn drive, care-giving, creativity, skill, determination, willingness to serve, love for privacy and protection of family. In watching mom and dad’s marriage we without a doubt saw devotion and commitment modeled.

When I leave this world if Jesus tarries, I’d like to think that I left a legacy of positive influence behind.  A  life that modeled total dependence on God.  A life that revealed that you never stop learning, growing and changing more and more into what God has called you to be.

My mom gave her best and her all to our family.  She loved us in ways that to be honest I didn’t necessarily count special in my younger years.  I wasted a lot of energy trying to get my mom to be what I thought I needed rather than what she could give, and bottom line what God equipped her to be.  I have faced good times and hard, and for 16 years of my adulthood most times were bad, I then spent the next 10 years getting over the bad 16. (smile)  However even though my mom had not experienced the things I had, hardship she understood.  I got from her, stubbornness of will and determination to not give up and keep going.  I got from both my parents the drive to take care of my kids, when at times meant working 3 jobs, walking a couple miles to catch the bus to work because we didn’t have a running car, and doing my best.

Because I grew up in a Christian home, church Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday night and Saturday morning (to help Daddy clean the church), I’m not exactly sure where the family traits and Godly nature end or begin.  They inter-weave and I as their child received the benefit of both.

So today I celebrate my mom.  I see her in my sister Lois, who is creative, loving mom, devoted to her husband and doesn’t believe in idle hands.  I see her in my son when he gets stubborn determination, and talks straight about his view.  I see her in my granddaughter Madison’s eyes and her love for creativity and art.  I see her in my daughters drive.  When I see my brother, I’m reminded of the devotion and care he gave to my dad and mom.  He cared for my mom to her last breath.

Mom’s influence is not only evident in the lives of her family, but her quiet steady influence was felt in the neighborhood, to her friends, community and definitely her church.  I could go on and on.  Thank you for indulging me this walk of remembrance for Mildred Madge Cook Swinson (7/18/1921-1/7/2013), my mom.

My mom at 90.

Mom and dad on their wedding day.