Tag Archives: Methow Valley

Soothing Praise

Posted on by
4
Sunrise in the Methow

It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, Psalm 92:1

Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! Psalm 147:1

The “good” mentioned in these verses doesn’t just mean “the right thing to do.” It means praising God is good (healthy) for our mind body and soul. Praising God allows us to leave the past, the present, and the future in God’s hands. As we praise Him, it diminishes our stress and worry. We begin to relax as the joy of the Lord soothes our mind, body, and soul.

Morning Mist

Posted on by
3

SHg3_0266-6704

Burning away the mist.

“I, the Lord, made you,
and I will not forget you.
I have swept away your sins like a cloud.
I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist.
Oh, return to me,
for I have paid the price to set you free.” Isaiah 44:21-22 NLT

As I struggle with the ups and downs of life it is good to remember: God made me and paid the price of my sins that I might be with Him forever. With that in mind I keep facing the Son to let Him burn away all the mist.

“Because of God’s tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79 NLT

Thank You Jesus.
Merry Christmas

The Light of Life

Posted on by
Reply

SHg3_0266-6707

The sun chasing away the darkness in the Methow Valley

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” Matthew 4:16 NLT

Christmas is coming––let His light shine and push out and push out the darkness.

Where Rest Begins

Posted on by
Reply

SHg3_0266-6857-Pano

The key to entering His rest

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. Hebrews 4:1 NIV

What causes people to not enter His rest? It seems unbelievable that someone would stop short of entering God’s rest. Like a mountain climber turning back a few meters short of the top, it doesn’t make sense. That’s where the second part of the verse comes in:

For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Hebrews 4:1-2 NIV

Entering God’s rest happens when we trust Him. You can’t enter His rest unless you stop trying to do it your way, and trust Jesus––following His way.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

So trust Him and enter.

We wish you a…

Posted on by
2

Merry Christmas
Take time out this Christmas to remind yourself of all the wonderful gifts you have been given:

Grace
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.   Ephesians 1:7-8

Peace
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6-7

Joy
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9

God with us
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:22-23

Love
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 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 8:37-39

And many more amazing gifts to numerous to mention:
Forgiveness
Righteousness
Goodness
Hope
Purpose
Life

Merry Christmas

Anger In the Night

Posted on by
1

SH_170921-0226In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26-27

Anger robs me of enjoying the day.
It prevents me from loving those around me.
It leads to bitterness of spirit.
It keeps me in turmoil.
It puts me on edge ready to lash out.
It makes me ugly.
It shortens my life.
The bondage of anger is to strong I cannot walk away.

Forgiveness breaks the chains
Forgiveness leads to restoration
Forgiveness leads to peace.
Forgiveness allows me to love instead of hate
Forgiveness is what I need
Forgiveness makes me someone who can be loved
I need God’s forgiveness, so that I might forgive,
And live.

Alone at Christmas

Posted on by
1

lonely pine in the Methow Valley, Washington

Cold and alone, but the sun is coming

This time of year (Christmas) many feel terrible loneliness. This season brings that about because we are reminded of past holidays when departed loved ones were present. Also we look around and see others enjoying the company of family and we grieve at our loss. At such times it is good to let your heart and mind dwell upon God’s message to us at Christmas.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

Christmas is about Jesus, coming to die for us, so we might live in Him and with Him never to be alone again.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20

Unfortunately in the holiday hubbub the message of Christmas becomes cliché and thus tossed aside when we need it most — when we feel lost and alone.