June Foster's Blog, page 8

Does God Hold Board Meetings?

The other day, I read a devotional that began by reminding us that the God Who created all things including the universe wanted to spend time with me. My first thought was in the form of a question. How could I interrupt the Lord from all the important business going on up in heaven? I pictured Him as CEO over an important board meeting. Billy Graham, Martin Luther, Moses, and Dwight Moody were all sitting around a huge, mahogany conference table, their eyes fixed on an imposing figure at the end.

Perhaps God was conferring with His board about how the fields were white and ready to harvest. Or perhaps Mr. Moody was giving a report on how he’d like to start a publishing company. Or Mr. Moses reminisced about how the Lord had parted the Red Sea, and the Israelites escaped from Pharaoh’s army. No way I could intrude on the meeting.

But then I smiled as I remembered. 1Peter 3:12 says, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer.” Jeremiah 29: 12-13 says, “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” These verses don’t say, “After I finish with my board meeting, or get done talking to the angel Gabriel, you can call on me,” or “After Mr. Moody’s report, I’ll listen to you.”

My musings led me to realize God’s role in the universe is countless times more crucial than holding a board meeting, yet He still has time for me whenever I seek Him. When I’m in trouble, when I’m sick or suffering, or even when I’m chatting with Him during my prayer time, He’s listening.

What an amazing privilege we have. God hears His children anytime, anywhere. I urge you to speak to Him now!

Lord, thank You for always being there for me. Indeed, You are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You are my faithful and loving God. I praise You today. In Jesus’ precious name.

Are you a fool?

Whoa! That title alone may turn some away from reading this post. These words, however, are not mine. They are from King David from the Hebrew Bible, in the Psalms.

David begins by saying “the fool says in his heart, there is no God.” Psalms 14: 1. Then he goes on to describe people who say these words. They are corrupt, their deeds are vile, and there is no one who does good. I looked up the word corrupt. It is someone who is willing to act dishonestly if offered money or some other kind of gain. He can be bought out with the lure of riches.

Vile is defined as someone who is morally wrong or offensive as to be thoroughly disgusting—despicable, ugly, and generally awful behavior. I can’t imagine anyone who wants to be described as corrupt or vile. But the Bible describes people who don’t acknowledge God as being like this.

The psalm goes on to describe these people. He says they devour people, likely meaning they will do anything to destroy others. They never ask God for help. Yet—here’s the part that impacts them personally. The psalm says they are overwhelmed with dread. I’m not so sure I want to live dreading each day.

As grim as this sounds, the last verse of the psalm brings hope. God will restore his people so rejoice and be glad. I’d rather live with joy and gladness every day.

If you have been one who’s said there is no God, ask Him to restore you—show you who He is. You can see evidence of God everywhere. Open your eyes and be glad.

A Real Live Visit to Cranberry Cove

The Cranberry Cove series takes place at the imaginary bed and breakfast, The Inn at Cranberry Cove, in Washington state. The real-life location is The Inn at Harbour Village in Ilwaco, Washington. My husband and I lived in Lacey, Washington for twelve years and had the privilege of staying overnight at the inn and visiting the small town of Ilwaco. Our dear friends Jerry Mallory and her daughter TerriAnn Hawkswood and family live in Olympia on a beautiful lake. Both are avid readers and have read the Cranberry Cove series. Several weeks ago, they took a day’s trip to Ilwaco and enjoyed a visit to the inn. TerriAnn sent me pictures and a wonderful description of their day. I’d love to share it with you.

“It was actually a beautiful, sunny day. We were celebrating my birthday with a day trip. It was an extra-long drive because we took back, windy roads. Neither of us had ever been to Ilwaco, so it was an extra treat. We drove all over town, down to the waterfront, and saw the boats at the marina. The town June wrote about was much more picturesque than the real town. The inn was just as charming as the Inn at Cranberry Cove. The setting was beautifully nestled under the trees. We didn’t find anywhere we wanted to eat lunch so we drove to Long Beach. There was a cranberry museum in Long Beach, and we drove around and saw the bogs. We didn’t take time to tour there because we were running out of time.”

Note from June: In all three books, I renamed Long Beach with the fictional name Oceanview. I hope you enjoy the pictures TerriAnn sent.

I Can Explain how I cut my finger on icing

I wonder how many can actually say they have cut their finger on icing at least once in their lifetime. Likely, not too many. Here’s how it went down.

It was Christmas morning. Four of the cranberry orange muffins I baked still remained on the festive paper plate. I think Santa’s helper ate two yesterday, but the rest were fresh, yummy, and waiting to be devoured today.

The recipe had suggested that a sweet, refreshing orange icing would enhance the flavor of the muffins, and indeed it did. Who wouldn’t love the taste of icing created from powdered sugar and fresh-squeezed orange juice? Well and good, however, said icing tends to dry out overnight and form sharp little ridges where it escaped onto the plate.

When I reached for a muffin, I figured I’d get a bit of extra icing that was still on the plate. I swiped my index finger across the sweet goodness. Ouch. As if I’d handled a sharp knife, my finger hurt and began to bleed. So much for extra icing. I didn’t need anymore, anyway. 

We Trust in Him

My church is going through the book of Isaiah. I’m learning more than I could’ve ever realized through this in-depth approach to studying the Bible.

If you are a Christian, you no doubt have trusted in salvation through Jesus Christ. The truth is familiar to church-going people who have confessed that they are a sinner in need of forgiveness from the only true God. Christians are assured of eternal life with the Lord forever. The best part of these familiar truths is they will never change. The Bible tells us we will spend eternity with him. 1John 5:13. Great news but how did the Old Testament book of Isaiah spark the thought?

As I read, Isaiah 25: 9 jumped out and grabbed me, gladdening my heart. “In that day they will say, ‘Surely this is our God, we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him, let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.'”

Isaiah is speaking of a day when the Lord, Jesus Christ, will return to His people and make all things right. We will look up, see Jesus with physical eyes, and say, “This is our God, we trust in Him, and now He has saved us.” We will see the very Savior whom we as Christians have revered. The object of our faith will appear before our very eyes. It is a hope we need to hold onto. Especially in these difficult days. And the Lord told us about this during Isaiah’s day—740-701 BC. The book of Isaiah has strengthened my faith just as the New Testament gospels have.

Hope in the New Year

The years whizz by at the speed of light, it seems. I can remember bringing in the new year way back in 1960 when doo wop and poodle skirts ruled. Well over twenty years ago, my mother died on January 1. Time doesn’t march on. It sprints, and I can barely keep up.

I got a little nervous when I hung my new calendar on the wall. This sparked the thought. What will the new year bring? How much longer will God see fit to allow me to live on this earth? How much longer will He put up with the godlessness of the United States?

I picked up my Bible and found some mighty encouraging words in Ephesians 3:20-21. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is a work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”

That brings me an amazing amount of confidence. My God is faithful, and He has a plan for the rest of my life —and yours, too. He’s all powerful and will bring victory to His own. What a glorious thought.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'” Jeremiah 29:11

Dear Lord, I place my faith and confidence in You because you can use me at any age or stage in life. Amen.

The Christmas of 1973

I know some people reading this are too young to remember that year, but the time came to mind right away when I searched my memory for an unforgettable Christmas.

When I was a child, Christmas always centered around my mother, her incredible plans for the holidays, her yummy recipes, exciting parties, and the abundance of gifts for everyone. Christmas held the number one spot in her heart – her favorite holiday, and she wanted to savor every moment. After I got married and had children, Christmas wasn’t Christmas anywhere else except at Grandma’s. The girls’ presents went on and on. Some were from Santa, some from Rudolph, some from the elves, and even from Frosty. The gift opening ritual lasted from early morning to night.

In 1973 my soldier-husband received orders for Germany. It’s hard to describe the experience of living in a foreign land – the pros and cons. Many exciting, unique places to visit captivated our time – a weekend flight to London, a journey to Greece on spring-break, and plenty of trips to the beautiful Black Forests and Bavaria. Rather strange, though, were the words on countless billboards along the autobahn in a language I couldn’t read.

What I didn’t anticipate were the events of the following winter when we would celebrate Christmas at our government quarters – alone. No mother, father, or extended family. Wait! I couldn’t have Christmas without them. But that year, we did delight in the holiday. Just the four of us. We were a family. We began to establish our own traditions. Allowing the girls to open one present of their choice on Christmas Eve, baking cookies together, creating cute Christmas decorations. Sure, I missed my family, but for the first time, I realized my husband and kids were my family, too.

That next year I discovered I had another group of relatives as well. That was the year I met my Heavenly Father and found out how much He loves me and values me. It happened when I came to know His son, Jesus, as my savior. God welcomes anyone and makes them feel right at home. His family is the best.

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

Dear Lord, though my earthy family may be far away, Your presence is always with me. Amen.

Can We Conceptualize the Eternal God?

For most of my Christian life, I’ve thought about the concept that God had no beginning and no end. Each time I stopped to ponder the notion, it’s as if I hit a blank wall in my brain. I couldn’t go further. I couldn’t fathom the idea.

So, I figured there are some things that we won’t understand until we see Him face to face. I accepted by faith that God has always existed, and He always will. Give it a try. Try to truly conventionalize that He had no beginning and has no end.

Then last week the same thoughts came to mind. But this time something different happened. As if I heard the Lord speaking in a still small voice, I understood the concept.

Once again, I expected to hit a brick wall when I attempted to understand how God has no beginning. And yet, I sensed these words: I had no beginning because I am God.

It’s difficult for me to describe what I mean. Perhaps you’re saying, yeah, well I know God is God. But the words sank deep within me and took on a new meaning. He is God. All things are possible with Him. Therefore, he can have no beginning or ending.

As a sidenote—I’ve never heard the audible voice of God.

The Vine and the Branches

At our former house, my husband built a fire pit out in our backyard with the intention of burning limbs, grass, and yard debris. He’s become quite a gardener since we moved into our house. He cleared some branches from a stand of maple trees at the edge of our property and tossed them into the fire pit with intentions of burning them.

A few important things such as golfing and fishing delayed him so the branches remained in the pit for well over a week. The dying limbs and leaves caught my attention sparking a spiritual message.

In John 15, Jesus says: I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

My husband’s branches grew dry, discolored, and brittle and would soon die—much less have a chance to bear leaves again. Oh, that sounds kind of sad. But that’s what happens when we do our own thing and ignore God’s word.

God loves us and calls us to abide in Him. Let’s remain attached to the True Vine.

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7

Dear Lord, I want to remain in You all my life. In You alone is joy, peace, and rest. Amen.

Guest Author: Penny Zeller

She builds websites. He builds houses. Together, can they build a family for two orphans?

Irelynn agreed two years ago to help raise her best friend’s twins should anything happen. When she is called upon to fulfill that agreement, there is only one problem—Irelynn must share the responsibility with the arrogant but handsome Quinton Gregory.

Quinton takes the role of raising his niece and nephew with all seriousness. He will do anything for the twins, even if it means putting up with the beautiful but stubborn Irelynn Brady.

When forced to be in each other’s presence far more often than is comfortable, things slowly begin to change. Will the unexpected attraction between Irelynn and Quinton become a love under construction?

Available for purchase:

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Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics. Today Penny is a multi-published author of several inspirational books. She is also a homeschool mom and a fitness instructor.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters while camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, cycling, gardening, and playing volleyball.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her www. pennyzeller.com and her blog, random thoughts from a day in the life of a wife, mom, and author, at www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com.

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