GOD IS

 God is.

God is right here.

And He reminded me this morning.

Those old feelings wanted to creep in.  Those false notions that I am not valued, I am not respected.  Who cares?  Your opinion don't matter.  Nobody wants to hear.  You have nothing to offer.

The enemy wants to redirect me, sway me, get me to turn.

BUT God is.  He is right here.  He nudged me to "put on a praise song".  This is something I used to do every morning to start my prayer time.  I've gotten away from it because of my ears - not hearing enough, picking up too much twang, just not being right.  I'm trying to overcome my ears!  So this morning, being the old fashioned gal that I am, I open my laptop and then went to Spotify and clicked on one of my many Praise lists.  A beautiful song by Jason Lavik came on... "I Need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord." "I Need Thee, O I Need Thee, Every Hour I Need Thee".  

This is a song that has come up in the last week.  In my devotions, in my head as I woke at 3 am, on the radio, and in church.  Yes, what a beautiful way to Praise My Father as He reminds me, HE IS right here.

I'm a routine person, so next I went to eat my small breakfast and read devotions.  The scripture was Psalm 107.  This is one of my favorite Psalms.  God has so much to say in these words.  Over and over in this Psalm people cry out to God and EVERY SINGLE TIME - He hears and delivers them.  GOD offers hope and encouragement through these words.  When "mental stress" comes and no one else is here... GOD IS.  God IS right here.

The devotional today starts in the middle of the Psalm and I am drawn to verse 30 and 31.  As I'm thinking and stressing that I should DO something to have value, DO something to be respected, have a plan to DO, DO, DO, God reminds me of the storms He has taken me through.  We got through them together and now His word says to find "a blessing in the stillness and quiet".  Another version says, "they rejoiced when the waves grew quiet", and yet another, "they were glad when it grew calm".

So this is my season of stillness, of quiet, or calmness.  And I am to rejoice, praise Him, embrace it.

SO BE STILL MY SOUL

GOD IS

GOD IS HERE.

And then the next verse says "then He guided them to the harbor they longed for (their desired haven)".

So I know - after this chapter of  stillness and quiet - there is great adventure ahead because 

GOD IS

GOD IS FAITHFUL

GOD SATISFIES.

GOD IS HERE.

IT'S MAY 2022

 Wow - I haven't written in this blog for almost 5 years!  I've been reading my old entries - and I've enjoyed reading them, smiling at the memories, amazed by God's goodness and how He can use a weak and ordinary woman to show who He is!

Perhaps I'll try again to write - and share again this normal, messed up adventurous, ordinary life,  as reading these stirs something in me.  I like to write - it brings some fresh perspective out of me.

 It's Tuesday so the week is still new - but  --

~ I called my Aunt Ardis yesterday and sang her "Happy Birthday".  She's 6 1/2 years older than me so she's always been more like a big sister.   She has a strong sense of family and I always feel accepted and loved by her.  I love this and want to convey this same sense to my family.

~I texted a friend for some information only to find out she needs my support as a friend.  It was a God connection and I encouraged her and sent her God's words!  I am thankful to God for calling me to prayer and giving me His words so I can share them.  I want to continue to do this.

~It was my son-in-laws 40th birthday!  I am so blessed to have him in my life!  He is an adventure seeker and brings so much fun into our family.  I want to have more of this adventure sense!

~Marlys is a friend who has taught me about prayer and marriage and relationships.  I called and checked in with her as I want to visit and SEE her soon.  Marlys is losing her eyesight - yet she shows me Christlike strength and confidence.  She and her hubby were at the ocean - because she wants to SEE it one more time. This attitude of embracing life and being thankful is something I want to cultivate!

~Yesterday 5 of us girlfriends went to a small coffee shop to support the owner, to have a fun drink, to get out of town, and to visit.  It was a short trip, relaxing and fun and we prayed for one of the gals who is having a lot of drama in her life.  I was intentional in asking "can we prayer for you" and then -- well, praying.  Listening, being intentional, praying for and with others -- I want to do this more.

Some people have "bucket lists" -- I think of mine more of a "stirring list".  Things that stir my soul.  Stirred by the One who created me.  

Convicted

Honesty.  Being real and raw. Living transformed.  Letting your lives be an open book.  That is what "Convicted" by Jameel McGee and Andrew Collins is all about.  These men share about their anger, revenge, corruption, mistrust, and selfishness in the chaotic world they live in.  Then they share their humility and transformation.  

This is such an inspiring story and shows that anyone can be restored and revived.  This is definitely a page turner.  It was a quick read for me because I couldn't put it down. I learned a lot about racial tensions from this book.  I learned how we are so quick to judge others and label them as guilty when they are in fact innocent, even if they don't act innocent.  It was interesting how a good guy with a dream to succeed could lose his sense of integrity by making small indiscretions that led to huge ones.

Forgiveness is a major theme of this book and not because these two men are so tough and strong; but because they are willing to turn from their own ways and live for Christ and His way.   A very moving story worth reading.

I received this book from Waterbrook Press for my honest review.

REACHING OUT & WALKING BY HIS SIDE

HEARTACHE, CONFUSION, FRUSTRATION, BROKEN HEARTS, BAD NEWS, JUST ONE BURDEN AFTER ANOTHER AS WE WALK THROUGH THIS LIFE.  THIS WORLD IS A HARD PLACE TO LIVE.

LAST YEAR I ASKED THE LORD TO HELP ME WALK CLOSELY AND TO SEE THROUGH DIFFERENT EYES.  NOW I'M ASKING FOR SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING.  TO SEE WHAT I CAN'T SEE.  OR TO BELIEVE WHAT I CAN'T SEE OR TOUCH OR KNOW.  IT'S WALKING BY A FAITH THAT IS FIRM AND SUSTAINS AND LIFTS AND CARRIES ME; ONE THAT CAN ONLY BE GOD, BECAUSE IT'S WAY BEYOND ME.

JUST TODAY I FOUND THIS OLD SONG. "REACH OUT TO JESUS".  I'M AN OLD ELVIS PRESLEY FAN AND THIS IS ONE OF HIS GOSPEL SONGS.

I LOVE SONG LYRICS SO HERE THEY ARE:

Is your burden heavy as you bear it all alone?
Does the road you travel, harbor dangers yet unknown?
Are you growin' weary in the struggle of it all?
Jesus will help you with all His name you call

He's always there hearing every prayer, faithful and true
Walking by our side, in his love we hide all the day through
When you get discouraged just remember what to do
Reach out to Jesus, he's reaching out to you

Is the life you're living filled with sorrow and dispair?
Does the future press you with its worry and its scare?
Are you tired and jealous, have you almost your way?
Jesus will help you, just talk to him today

My favorite author, Stormie Omartian in her book "Led to Follow God"  says we are "Led to Follow God to an Intimate Day-by-Day Walk with HIm.  She goes on to say:  "Everyday the Holy Spirit will lead you to an intimate walk with Him.  And He will work on you so that your heart is clean before Him.  You don't have to be perfect, but your heart must be right.  You can't live your life doing what you want, when you want, you must be submitted to the leading of the Holy Spirit."  "When you live by God's laws and walk day by day, you will always be headed in the right direction.  And it is not difficult, because He does all the heavy lifting."  "HE BECOMES YOUR STRENGTH WHEN YOU HAVE NONE" HE IS YOUR GUIDE WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.  HE IS YOUR COMFORTER WHEN YOU ARE HURTING AND DISTRESSED."  "We all have a tendency to bring suffering upon ourselves needlessly because we want to take complete control of our lives and not allow the Holy Spirit to perfect us."

"God wants us to live a life we cannot possibly live without Him."

"WE CAN FALL OFF THE PATH GOD HAS FOR US 

IF WE DON'T MAKE A DELIBERATE EFFORT 

TO WALK CLOSELY WITH HIM EVERY DAY."

"BE CAREFUL HOW YOU WALK."

"WALK SO CLOSELY THAT YOU HEAR HIS HEARTBEAT!"

REVIVING

This song was going thru my head this morning.  

I'm singing it for my family and friends.   

Oh, how we need Jesus.

HE IS OUR GREAT FORGIVER.

GRACIOUS AND COMPASSIONATE.

SLOW TO ANGER.

ABOUNDING IN LOVE.

HIS  KINDNESS TO US IS SO GREAT 

EVEN WHEN WE TRY TO RETURN TO OUR BONDAGES.

NEHEMIAH 9:17-21 

 17 They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt. BUT you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them, 18 even when they made an idol shaped like a calf and said, ‘This is your god who brought you out of Egypt!’ They committed terrible blasphemies.

19 “But in your great mercy you did not abandon them to die in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud still led them forward by day, and the pillar of fire showed them the way through the night. 20 You sent your good Spirit to instruct them, and you did not stop giving them manna from heaven or water for their thirst.21 For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell!

LORD,

~HELP US TO OBEY

~RECALL TO OUR MINDS THE WONDERS 

YOU HAVE DONE IN OUR LIVES

~DO NOT LET US HARDEN OUR NECKS

~HELP US DESTROY OUR IDOLS 

NOT HAVE THEM DESTROY US

~MAY WE SERVE ONLY YOU, OUR LIVING GOD

Another book review

Beauty Begins: Making Peace with Your Reflection

byChris Shook & Megan Shook Alpha

It's great to see a mother and daughter team up to write a book on a difficult subject.  What a blessing to raise your daughter and have a close relationship as they do.  Even though they both have some great points to share on loving yourself I could not get into this book until about half way through.     I could relate to some of times to what Chris was saying and many points were quotable.  Megan's points and stories were cute and very much for a younger person.   I ordered this book to give to my granddaughter and hopefully she will relate to it and have a greater take away than me.  I received this from blogging for books for my honest review.

31 Verses

Having trouble sleeping?  Do you want to hide God's word in your heart?  Do you want to really know the verses you are hiding?  This book, "31 Verses to Write on Your Heart" by Liz Curtis Higgs is the perfect tool to help you.  I loved reading a chapter in bed before I turned off the light.

Or you can just use it as a devotional book.  Liz shares her favorite verses with us and is candid about her own life and filling it with God's word.  A refreshing book and not too long. 

I received this book from Waterbrook Press for my honest review.   

THE JAM YEARS

THIS IS OUR YEARLY LETTER.



THE JAM YEARS 2016

The FAMILY

Dakota Rose Breker joined our family October 14.  She’s grandchild #16!!  

We all met in Moorhead, MN at the Toops home New Years Eve for a  family get together!  Look closely and find JaM !

The FARM  Still farming and enjoying it. This time of the year you’ll hear the song “UP FROM THE GRAVE HE AROSE” being sung loudly & joyfully!

CALL EARLY  Book your room early for the 2017 snow and storms

If you missed it in December 2016, book now.  See snow like never before (jump of the roof into the white fluff).  Get exercise shoveling daily - the heavy, icy chucks will get you ready for a nap.  Get pictures of long wide icycles.  Enjoy cleaning snow and drifts and driving through ice tunnels.  Never go anywhere without having to walk home in the glistening  snow as your wife waits in the car for you to get the tractor and clear the road. Or sometimes go get your wife so she can steer the car out of the snowbank.  Be snowed in and watch every movie on PureFlix. Become a master at 2 handed pinochle.  Yes, it’s the winter you’ve dreamed of and JaM has lived through it to tell! Call 626-7502 for reservations for your peace and quiet.  Comfortable beds and good food guaranteed.

   The FRIENDS - That’s YOU.  May you have a wonderful and blessed year!

Taste and See

Taste and See: Savoring the Supremacy of God in All of Life by John Piper is not really a devotional to read before you go to sleep, but that is where I read it.  I really like that the 125 daily meditations are short but they are thought provoking and they are challenging and they have me underlining and highlighting and wanting to discuss them with my husband (who is sleeping already).  Piper's writing are deep and real.  He shares with the reader his deep faith and a lifetime of listening and obeying His Supreme God.  God has given him wisdom and he shares it with us boldly and pushes us to look beyond what we see and to go under the surface of our lives to taste and see God with renewed zeal.  This is not your foo-foo devotional.  Piper calls us to take a good look at our lives and the difficult world around us and to step up to be the disciples Jesus called in Matthew 28.  I received this book free from WaterPress for my honest review.

ELECTION YEAR

PEOPLE SPENDING 

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 hours on Facebook or social media

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 minutes in God's word

AND THEN WE COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR CANDIDATES!

Under the Surface

GO DEEP

LIVE BRAVE

WALK BOLDLY

NO REGRETS

Reset

I met him at "Famous Dave's", my husband's favorite restaurant.  He was a young energetic college student with a passion for life.  I connected with this passion that led to prayer that led to a power beyond all of us and paved a path for the future.  My son-in-law and daughter joined him in fervant prayer for this new movement to reach the people around them.  None of them knew that God was about to do something greater and more than they imagined.

The college student was Nick Hall, now the author of his first book, "Reset". This book is proof that one life can impact a generation.  This book shows us how "Jesus Changes Everything" (as the subtitle says) when you "Reset" your life with Him.  This book tells how one heart turned towards God and saying yes can stir the people around you and start a movement that cannot be stopped.

God is on the move and the message of this book confirms that.  What a great blessing to review it.
Thank you Waterbrook Press for this honor.

FAVORITES QUOTES CONTINUED...

"I HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO MAKE ALOT OF MONEY, BUT I KNOW I WON'T BECAUSE I'M PRAYING GOD'S PROTECTION AGAINST THIS."  [A.TOOPS]

"I WAS WRONG ONCE, AND THEN I REALIZED I HAD MADE A MISTAKE."  [M.WILLOUGHBY]

Four Stories of Love & Family

My favorite stories always have an element of intrigue, mystery, and love with twists and turns and of course, happy endings.  That is what the four stories are in "Amish Christmas at North Star" by Cindy Woodsman, Minday Starns Clark, Amanda Flower and Katie Ganshert.  The stage is set for the reader in the beginning and the whole book is a fun and relaxing read interwoven with the lives of real people who are connected in the most unique ways.

This book is one of those books you look forward to picking up during a break in your day and sitting in your favorite chair with a cup of coffee, and you will not be disappointed.

I received this book from Waterbrook Press for my honest review.

TEXT OF THE YEAR

Text of the year  (so far):

"I know mom.  I value your opinion but follow God before you :)"

QUOTES AND THOUGHTS

Songs run through my head. 

 I love the lyrics.  

Here's one of them from this morning.

Reading is my favorite hobby.  This year I'd like to put down my favorite quotes.

Here's one:  

"Biblical change is not the absence of struggles 

but the freedom to choose holiness in the midst of our struggles".  (C.Yuan)

THE JAM YEARS - WALKING

I grew up listening to my mom's Patsy Cline album.  One of my favorite songs was "Walking After Midnight". 

Last year I listened to my hubby whistle over and over and over again "Walking in a Winter Wonderland".  Now I'm listening to him sing the Mylo Hatzenbuhler version "Walk Until My Pants Will Fit Again" over and over again.

A few mornings ago I woke up with the chorus of the song "Step by Step" going through my head.  It's an old praise song by Rich Mullins. The lyrics are a prayer that say "I will learn to walk in Your ways".  The full version is right here.  The first 3 minutes are a testimony. It's a beautiful video.  

Or you can listen and sing along with lyrics. 

In January of 2015 my hubby and I attended the Be In Health "For My Life" Conference in Georgia.   It changed our lives. We stayed a second week for the "Walk Out Week".   We are walking out this life differently because of this teaching.

In April we walked in one of the most beautiful places in the world - the Grand Canyon and we stopped to enjoy it.  

Walking around our farm is our main activity with lots of family and friends visiting every year.  June brought a wonderful celebration of walking out 70 years of marriage for our parents, John and Dolores Haugen. 

In November we walked (hiked) up the Inspiration Point - enjoying a family weekend.  

I love words.  And many times when I'm praying for people, the Lord impresses a word or words for that person on my heart.  So for our Christmas with our family I gave everyone a pair of socks with a word or words on, encouraging them to WALK for the Lord.

For "Grandpa's Christmas" - we WALKED around Jericho, tearing down the walls of our enemy by listening, following instructions, and praising and shouting out loud. We gave everyone a pair of shoes as a visual reminder of this. 

Today my morning devotions again confirms this walking theme.  "The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him, though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand."  Psalm 37:23-24

So whether I'm walking after midnight or Jerry is walking till his pants fit again, we WILL be walking step by step with our Great God in 2016. 

Happy New Year! 

A Fast Read

I wanted a book that would be fun to read.  I wanted a book with a good ending.  I wanted a book that I could curl up in my favorite chair and read and relax and enjoy getting to know some people kinda like me.  You know, people that make mistakes, and sometimes run ahead of God, but keep trusting Him to rearrange their lives for His good.  "A Moment of Weakness" by Karen Kingsburg was that book.  Karen is one of my favorite writers as she weaves faith throughout her books.  This book is no exception.  I think I read this book when it was first released but it was fun and relaxing to read it again.   I received this book from Waterbrook Press for my honest review.  

WAKE UP!

"Lazarus Awakening" the DVD's and book and study guide by Joanna Weaver are wonderful.

There are 12 of us from different churches doing this together.  The book is easy to read and full of insight and easy to relate too.  Joanna is just like "one of the girlfriends" as she teaches from the DVD filmed in Israel.  It's beautiful!   The study guide questions help us stretch and grow in our relationship with Jesus as our Savior and Lord.  This is a great study for a women's Bible study but I do think it would work well for a couple's study also.

Thanks Waterbrook Press for sending me the DVD and study guide for my review.

The Crocodile and the Princess

They are twins.  Numbers 6 and 7 in a family of 8 kids.  In my attempt to spend time with each one of the eight kids during my visit, I sit on the floor a lot.  It was Monday morning and the youngest was napping and the others were in their home-school. 

Job is strong and rough, with a gleam in his eye,  and I have to remind him all the time “not to jump on gramma”; but he’s a boy and loves to play a little crazy.  So I became “the crocodile”.  Over and over the crocodile moved along the floor catching him and throwing him down, both of us laughing and enjoying our play.  He became a crocodile and had to be rereminded “not to jump on gramma”.  He giggled loudly and snapped at me in delight.

Liesl is a fellow instigator in getting in daily trouble with her twin but she is innocent looking and tender and loves wearing dresses.  She watched as we played crocodile and when the crocodile tried to snap at her, she backed up and said in a gentle little voice, “no, I’m a princess.”   So after at least 4 times of being told “no, I”m a princess” the gramma crocodile turned into a princess ballerina and twirled around the floor.  The  soon to be 3 year old  princess ballerina lifted her little leg and pointed her toes in princess style.  

I"m so glad I found "the crocodile" and "the princess".  Hey, you're never too old or too young to become something new.