Hand of Protection

Isaiah 59:1 (KJV) Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear

Recently, my husband and I took an anniversary excursion to a beautiful Florida beach. I’m always awestruck when I look at the enormity of the ocean and the vast grains of sand along the shoreline. It is incredibly humbling to serve and know the Almighty God who created the ocean, the stars, and the moon. The very same God who knows the exact number of hairs on my/your head…knows every grain of sand. His beautiful creations are immeasurable. His knowledge omnipotent.

As I enjoyed relaxing on a chase lounge, covered up in the complimentary blue towel offered by the hotel, a little girl in a white and pink bathing suit caught my eye. Her skin was glowing pink from time out in the sun; her curls were wild and springy across her head and shoulders. She looked to be about four years old. The picture of innocence and joy.

As one of the waves came crashing toward the sand, her face lit up. She giggled and spiritedly ran toward the turbulent water for a few seconds. My heart skipped a beat as I thought of the undertow and the potential danger. (There had been significant storms that week, so the water was more tempest than usual). I looked for an adult who might be watching the charming little youngster.

Within a few seconds, the girl’s face went from joy to terror. As the water hit her feet she got scared. I started to get up from my position…instincts kicking in.

At the same time, a lithe, tall, dark-haired gentleman grabbed her arm and pulled her safely back onto dry land. Her face just beamed with adoration…She held her arms up for a big hug and proclaimed, “Oh! Thank you, daddy! You didn’t let me die!”

Wow! That was about the sweetest thing I've ever seen. The scene stirred my soul. She was genuine. Sincere. So very thankful to her dad! It brought tears to my eyes. I just grinned and smiled to the dad as he glanced in my direction. He grinned back – it was his way of assuring me that he had his eye on his child.

It struck a chord with me that our Heavenly Father has His arms stretched out toward us! Offering a safe hand. A protecting hand. A loving hand. Have we thanked HIM lately for sending His only Son to die on Calvary’s cross…So that as Believers, we can live in heaven after this short life?

I am reminded that during the storm…His protecting hands are there!

During the tempests of life…we are safe in Jesus!

When it seems we’re drowning and troubles are over our head…God will lead us to dry ground! His eye is eternally on His child! 

Look UP my friends!

25 Ways to be a Blessing

March 24, 2014 is our 25 year wedding anniversary! I’ve posted a few pics on my personal FB page and a few things have been posted to our church’s FB page, so hopefully it’s not ad nausea for you, the gracious reader of Cornerstone of Strength. It’s just HARD to NOT share the goodness of God in our lives, right?!

I must say, “Wow, how time flies when you’re having fun! And how time flies when you’re living an obedient life for God!”  Blessed. I’m not trying to sound obnoxiously happy, but I’m extremely blessed! B-l-e-s-s-e-d.

We can find tips and points on just about everything on the internet: How to DIY your wallpaper, DIY replacing ceiling fans, tips on communication, points on effective marketing, tips on how to ask for a raise. You name it – you’ll probably find it!

So in honor of my wedding anniversary, I wanted to comprise my own short list of 25 things to be a blessing to your spouse. (Although, these 25 tips are awesomely great in my estimation, there is no easy recipe for marriage. It takes sacrifice, work, and undivided love).

25 Ways to Bless Your Spouse

·         Be nice in the morning. (If you’re not a morning person, but your spouse is, don’t spoil their special part of the day by being grouchy)

·         Smile. (I’m just a fan of smiling. In the movie, Elf, Buddy the elf says smiling is his favorite! It makes me laugh every time. But there’s a simple truth in it). There’s powerful communication in making eye contact and offering a genuine smile.

·         Pray for your spouse daily. (They may have unspoken and unknown requests that you don’t know about).

·         Try not to complain over simple things. (Whining and complaining tends to grate on the nerves). I don’t know anyone who enjoys listening to whining.

·         Be appreciative – of small things your spouse does as well as the bigger things. Actually say, “Hey, thank you so much for…”

·         Honor basic house atmosphere. (By this I mean, putting the cell phone down during a meal. Remembering that they may prefer the television off in the bedroom even if you like it on. Perhaps your spouse drinks coffee, but you don’t. Things like that).

·         Don’t dwell on the negative! (We have all negative traits. It’s best not to dwell on them or your apt to over react when something triggers your irritation nerve).

·         Follow your role in the house. (If you’re a lady, be willing to follow. If you’re the gentleman, be willing to lead). Easier said than done sometimes.

·         Remember your spouse’s birthday – whether you celebrate it with a “party” or not. Saying, “I didn’t forget today is the day of your birth” is special.

·         If you’re leaving for work or to run an errand – don’t forget to say “I love you,” before you go.

·         When you’re leaving in different directions, take time for a quick hug and a smooch. Don’t get in too much of a rush to offer this physical connection.

·         Offer a compliment – at least once or twice per week. (We compliment the dog when they go potty outside. We reward kids with praise when they learn to spell words right. Our spouses need praise too!)

·         Know your spouse’s favorite restaurant or meal. Go there sometimes – even when it’s not a birthday or anniversary.

·         Wear your spouse’s favorite dress (or shirt for the men) sometimes. If your spouse likes you in blue – then treat yourself to something blue. (Don’t let go of keeping your spouse’s eye on you.)

·         Say thank you and please.

·         Do not point out disappointments – over and over.

·         Bite your tongue when things aren’t going like you thought they would. At least on occasion! Be refreshing by NOT taking over a given situation. Wait to respond…see how it goes before you speak!

·         Be willing to say, “I’m sorry,” first! (This can be hard when you’re irritated, right?)

·         Offer to pray for your spouse’s circumstance. (Your spouse may not be looking for you to solve a problem or burden – but rather to listen and pray about it).

·         Refrain from making comments about other men and women – those of a sensual nature. It can cause jealousy, division, and mistrust.

·         Stick to the present! (PLEASE do not bring up the past – past mistakes. If you’ve forgiven it, then forget it!)

·         Be aware of communication…try not to use words like “never.” (You NEVER take out the trash! You NEVER wear makeup anymore. Be leery! These are divisive fighting words).

·         Hold hands – at every stage of life. (It’s a special connection to each other).

·         Don’t be rude. Rudeness can be a barrier. (Refrain from things like rolling our eyes, or mocking, or critical language).

·         And tip number 25…If you SAY, “I love you,” then really mean it. (Demonstrate it consistently! Understand that not agreeing doesn't mean you love them any less)

I pray that you are blessed with a wonderful spouse too…a fantastic best friend…maybe children…fur babies…a good job. Blessings come in all shapes and forms! I know one thing, time goes by too quickly, and we can use these tips to be a blessing to SOMEONE in our life. As God blesses each of us, let’s try to be a blessing to someone else!

Look UP my friends!

Daily Checklist

This checklist struck a chord within me, so I thought I would share it for today's blog!

It's short, to the point, and I love each point on the list, especially the following two:

* HE guides, HE guards, HE heals, HE saves completely!
* Live so that ALL who meet YOU, meet Jesus.

Look UP my friends!

Tips for Spiritual Warfare

Today’s post is a very serious topic. I generally try to keep Cornerstone of Strength® positive, short, encouraging, and humorous, because I feel that people need those things in their daily lives. But today’s blog is quite serious, and I have found over the years that the topic of “warfare” makes many people uncomfortable, yet I need to be obedient to God.

Recently our pastor brought out a tremendous message on our adversary, the devil, and his mission to devour the Christian. You are probably aware of the Scripture in 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) that tells us, “ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

For the skeptic and non-Believer, the whole idea of LIONS, CONSUMPTION, and Spiritual Warfare might bring about a good chuckle or laughter. In fact, the concept of God and specifically Jesus Christ is “made fun of” or mocked in comedy sketches throughout the television industry. You might recall the SNL skit about the “Church Lady,” or more recently Conan O’Brien’s mocking sketches…perhaps the comedienne Sara Silverman who mixes the name of Jesus with more profanity and anti-Christ comments than I even care to articulate. (I, personally, do not watch either comedian mentioned – but for the purpose for this blog – I felt it necessary to be specific in real life examples).

And naturally, people laugh. Big laugh! No judgment here, but most do not understand Biblical truths and they wouldn’t take such “Godly” things seriously. The small examples I listed are illustrations of how pervasive spiritual warfare is for the current Christian!

Have you ever walked by a doorway, and had a cat jump out at your leg unexpectedly? For a brief moment, it “scares the daylight out of ya!” You might jump. Yell out! You might verbally scold the critter because it scared you.

Have you ever been in a room with a group of people and a balloon unexpectedly pops? You might see people duck their head– thinking they've been shot! People might scream in fright. Clasp their chest. Look around the room nervously. This just happened to me a couple of nights ago...

Listen my friend…spiritual warfare is a real thing. And you may not even realize you’re dealing with it! It’s like the cat that jumps out at you – or the balloon that pops – it’s unexpected. Often effective. And largely unseen.

But! And this is an important “but!” …………….

We must remember FIVE things:

1)    satan {small “s” on purpose} is a DEFEATED adversary!

2)    We have God’s infallible Word to lean on.

3)    We have prayer directly to God the Father, through His Son, Jesus. (We need not ever pray in fear!)

4)    God promises to ALWAYS be with us when we need Him. (Not when we think so, but when HE knows so).

5)    We do NOT stand alone in our battles! The strength and grace of God will help us!

If you’re a loyal reader, then you know I always end my blog with “Look UP my friends!” I do this for a few various reasons, but one is to remind others (and myself) that looking and listening to God’s voice in our lives is extremely important! It’s HIM, His Word, and our personal relationship with Jesus that are the weapons that will help us when we’re facing our adversary!

Pray this prayer with me – It’s rather lengthy – I encourage you to get quiet for a minute…Settle your thoughts. This prayer is what God impressed I share. For someone. Somewhere. 


Heavenly Father, I pray in the precious name of Jesus. I understand that YOU alone are most worthy to receive all glory and all praise for every good thing! I am thankful that in Jesus, you have made me complete. You offer to be my daily help, my hope, and my strength. Even though I fail You every day, You are faithful! I am thankful for the whole Armor of God that You provide. In my dependence upon You, You grant protection. It is under Your wings, I place my rest.  Today, I will put on the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Girdle of Truth, and the Sandals of Peace!  I am thankful for the Blood that Your Son, Jesus Christ, shed for ME on the Cross!  I believe in His virgin birth, His resurrection, and His soon return! As I lift up the Shield of Faith against all the fiery darts of the enemy; I hold fast to the promises in Your Word. I know Your hands are the mightiest and truest hands! Thank you for where you've brought me from! Thank You for taking me to where you want me to go! Thank You for being my Redeemer and knowing that my mere words could never describe Your matchless power or grace! Thank you for knowing the deepest part of me, and loving me anyway! In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Look UP my friends! 

Baby Steps

Spring is “finally” in the air! And with a new season, there is new life. There seems to be a lot of babies in the community right now…puppies, foals, kittens, expectant mothers, and human babies. Don’t we just LOVE babies?! They’re so adorable. Innocent. Precious. And baby feet! Aren't they the cutest!? Baby paws? Nothing sweeter! 

I enjoy looking at baby pictures and photos of grandchildren…I understand they are a gift and a source of joy! {Ladies, bring out the pics of your babies and fur-babies!  I’m ready!}

How many times does a human baby fall down on his way to becoming a toddler? It’s a process…it begins with crawling, which leads to pulling themselves up. Wobbly but holding on to something solid. They start scooting on their bottom…they crawl to their destination. They stand up. Countless times.

Then with eagerness and expectation, he stands there. He/she lets go of their stronghold. What happens? They fall. Over. And over. And over.

I've never seen a baby or a toddler give up permanently on standing have you? (Naturally, I’m not speaking of a one with a physical challenge or medical issue). I've just never seen a toddler willingly volunteer to crawl any longer than they need to. They want to walk!

The Christian (we) should practice a toddler’s perseverance…keep going! Keep trying! Keep standing! Putting one foot in front of the other. If we've seemingly lost hold of Jesus, our true Stronghold, then “crawl” back to the foot of the Cross!  He will never leave you.

Don’t lose faith (or heart) because of falling. Or failures. Or aging. Or disappointment. Or criticism. Or pressure. Or anything else…

Remember, God’s hand is the unseen hand in whom you CAN depend! He will not lose His grip on YOU.  As the “Footprints” poem reminds each person, when you can’t walk, He will carry you! 

On days, or in times, when baby steps are all you can do, that’s fine! God is still there, teaching, protecting, and growing you into the person He wants you to be. Just keep walking in His image.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

King James Version (KJV)

¹⁶ For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

¹⁷ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

¹⁸ While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Look UP my friend!

Biscuits n' Gravy

Our niece recently made biscuits and gravy for her family. She got it perfect the very first time! That’s a big deal where I come from! 

She used the right amount of pig fat, or bacon grease as it’s called. (I just like saying pig fat – it makes me laugh). She used the right amount of all purpose flour, and salt and pepper. She let it simmer and thicken up as the biscuits fluffed up and baked in a hot oven. Aaahhh, I can practically smell it from here!

 Biscuits n’ gravy (all one word – all one entrée) in the south is an everyday staple, but where she lives in Washington state, it’s quite rare, if not unheard of. Sort of like sweetened ice tea – it’s how it comes automatically and without question in restaurants in the south. Good ole’ sugar cane sweetened tea! But in “the north” and on the west coast, it automatically comes unsweetened. (We don’t hold a grudge about it though!) Ha!

Our niece said as she inhaled, swirled the delicacy around, and dipped her fork into the savory gravy it transported her back to her mom’s kitchen. Now, many years later, her own home-made breakfast creation was delicious!

I am happy too, that our niece will be passing her mom’s recipe to her own kids as they get older. I know she’ll add her own special touch of love and seasoning into each pot as well. (Everybody knows the secret ingredient to every great meal, and every great relationship is a healthy dash of love!)

It reminds me, that just as this family recipe is passed from generation to generation, God wants US to pass on our love to each person in our lives. We need to share HIS love (within us) with everybody we can!

It’s grand to pass along, or pass down, family keepsakes, heirlooms, stories, photos, and rich histories to each generation. That’s what having “roots” means. Those are good things that define the word family.

Let’s take a moment, step back, and consider a simple approach to life…free and heartfelt hugs, walks in the park, a Frisbee toss in the yard, a walk with the dog, an unexpected compliment, a family prayer, a hand written note, a quick phone call, a commitment to pray for someone, sharing a recipe, an invitation to church, an extra setting at the dinner table.

Let’s say, “I love you,” as we experience our own daily walk with the Lord. He loves us = we in turn show that love to others!

1 Cross + 3 Nails = 4 Given! Amen and Amen. 

Look UP my friends!

Tips for Happiness

I needed, or felt I needed, to be encouraging to someone this morning, as she asked me for advice. It’s challenging to be optimistic when you or someone is going through a tremendously discouraging time in their life! Advice can be dangerous – because it is often rejected – so I do tread lightly sometimes. Instead of advice, I gave a few tips. I like tips! Little nuggets. Simple things. You can carry them around in your mental pocket all day – and incorporate them if you want to.

It is human nature not to feel happy 24/7 – but we can do things to help propel us forward. To keep going! It’s good not to get stuck in a mental or spiritual rut!

Here are some quick tips in random order:

1)    Play your favorite Christian song as loudly as possible – and sing along! If you’re at the office right now…use good judgment on the volume level. But we know that music can lift our spirits and bless our soul even when we don’t feel particularly joyful.

2)    Call someone you love. Hearing someone’s voice cannot always be substituted in text or email. Refrain from negative conversation. Just offer a quick “Hi – wanted you to know I love you,” moment.

3)    When you spend time in God’s Word today, or this week, ask Him to help you identify the people who are holding you down. Discouraging you. Distracting you. You probably know who they are already! Then start asking for help, from HIM, in letting them go, to a healthy point.

4)    Smile at someone you don’t know. Greet them with a smile. You’ll probably make them smile, which will really make you smile inside.

5)    Read your favorite Bible passage 3 times – at different times throughout the day.

6)    Accept the things you cannot change…the good, bad, and the ugly. There’s a reason this Serenity Prayer is a theme in AA and other addiction groups.

7)    Understand that most often, WE are or own worst critic. Imperfections allow you to experience God’s grace. To recognize our own humanity is to better understand God’s divinity.

8)    And last but not least…Talk to Jesus. He will comfort you, heal you, guide you, and bless you. Knowing Him within your heart is to know the true meaning of joy. Real happiness. 

Take your thoughts back to the time in your life when you accepted Him as your

personal Savior. Those memories WILL remind you of happy times! Probably one

of the VERY BEST days of your entire life, if not the best...

Look UP my friends! 

Room With a View

The story goes (as told in my words) that there were two strangers sharing a hospital room. This was well before private rooms and “personal space” were incorporated into the wellness part of recovery. A simple curtain divided the two men.

The stranger by the window would tell his roommate what he saw happening in the street below – specifically the park. He painted, with words, beautiful images of trees, people talking, parades, and traffic going by. He spoke of picnics and family reunions. A soldier’s proposal of marriage on the bench in the middle of the park.

His moment-by-moment descriptions became a type of medicine for the roommate. The stories were something he looked forward to. Comforting. Encouraging. Interesting.  UNTIL this thought slipped its way into the roommate’s heart…

“Why does HE get the side with the view and not me?”

Consumed with the thought, bitterness soon crept in. Resentful. Envious. The negative emotions eventually evolved into hatred.

He rejected the stories. No conversation. No fellowship. No balm to sooth his spirit as he had experienced before. No more friendship.

After his roommate died, the gentleman in the bed by the door had a revelation. He demanded and insisted on moving to the bed by the window. At LAST he would get the “room with a view!”

Expectantly, he looked with anticipation as the curtain separated to reveal his prior roommate’s bed…the scenic window he had heard SO much about! He felt like he already knew the park, he had heard so much about it.

He looked out! The window faced a brick wall.

Proverbs 14:30 (KJV)  A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.

Look UP my friends! 

Arachnid Fears

It’s never good to hear, “Now don’t panic…” ugh! Don't panic...but! That’s exactly what my lovable husband said to me a few years ago.

We were standing in the dark. Literally. The one light bulb in the hazy room seemed to be burnt out – or the electricity wasn't working. We weren't sure.

I can’t tell you (Or, more accurately, I would rather not tell you) which state we were in at the time, but we were traveling for “religious” purposes. {Sometimes that phrase just makes me laugh – “religious” purposes. You already understand that our RELIGOUSNESS is no good in God’s eyes!}  But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6 (KJV)

Anyway, I digress. There I was, standing in an unfamiliar room, holding my breath. Was it a mouse? Was the dusky and stagnant air actually a fire from the radiator? Did we walk in on someone?

No! It was worse! I looked to my right, and there was a spider the size of a football ready to leap at me and rip my carotid artery apart like butter! He had that look…Killer! Death trap! Messenger of death!

I ran screaming from the room. I think I ran so fast; one of my shoes was left on the muddled carpet. Possibly from old chewing gum or something worse. My husband walks out and calmly says, “Well, it’s too big to kill with my shoe. Wonder if I could find a big stick out here?”

On moments like that, there are two kinds of people in the world. Those who don’t mind arachnid assassins and those of us who are petrified. (Please don’t judge me for being in the latter, more brilliantly-minded group). Okay, that’s a joke, but it just seems logical to my brain to be in group number two. There’s no thinking about it – it just is. It’s within me. Auto-pilot. Subconscious. Spiders = horror. I even had a hard time finding a “friendly” looking spider pic on the internet for this posting! Ha! I’m just “down-right skeered” of them. (I have friends who actually own a spider as a pet – I cannot relate – but I don’t judge).

Thankfully, we carry a couple of flashlights in our vehicle, and upon further inspection, my husband found a beautiful colony of bedbugs and a few other critters that he didn't want to tell me about. I think it may have been roaches and centipedes. I tried not to ask!

Either way, we gingerly darted back into the car. Well, he did. Me…not so much. I buckled up and locked the doors several times – I needed to be careful in case one of the assassins tried to open my door! I just KNOW they were looking for ways to sneak back and chew my eyes out.

Off to the nearest Wal-Mart we went. It was well worth the additional 45 minute drive each way, let me tell you! We quickly purchased bleach, extra bleach, light bulbs, bed sheets, sanitizer, towels, and insect repellent. Lots of insect repellent. I’m pretty sure I looked for blow-torches but I didn't find any.

It was a sleepless night. (For me – not for hubby). We disinfected and protected and ‘barriered’ (A word I just made up) as best we could. He, rather quickly, much to my chagrin, fell asleep. The drip-drip-drip of the russet colored water from the sink didn't mesmerize me into much needed sleep.

I played with the shadow images from my flashlight for what seemed every bit of 2 or 3 hours. My exhaustion and trepidation had kicked in again, so I became adept at finger puppets – childhood shadow puppets. I had convinced myself I was making artistic sharks, pelicans, rabbits, airplanes, clowns, books, and all sorts of objects. In reality, I was confined to rabbit ears – but I had transformed into Picasso somewhere after 1:00 a.m.

When we left the “hotel of torture” early the next morning, the bags under my eyes told of my sleepless night. However, the water bottle in my gym bag came in handy. I used that water to brush my teeth. No sense in exposing myself to extra bacteria and death molecules, right?! It’s amazing how creative humans can be when we’re in a jam.

What does this arachnophobia story have to do with Christians, you ask? I’m glad you asked…

1) Upon further inspection and brighter light, what would non-Believers find in us? How would you look? I cannot even tell you the grime and other scary stuff I saw on the bedspread that night. I didn't see it until a NEW bright bulb was illuminating the room though! Our lights can dim easily! 

2) Stay connected to the Power. God’s power.  Some people are as afraid or turned-off by Christians as I am spiders…being aware of opportunities to be a GOOD example is important.

 3) When we’re in spooky or anxious times – we have Someone there to help us!  To be our protector! That Someone is Christ, Jesus. 

4)A fearful mind is a dangerous mind! The Bible tells us, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10 KJV.

5) We can find blessings when we’re LOOKING for them! (Like the bottle of water I found in my gym bag)

When we arrived at our morning destination, a very nice clergyman greeted us with a smile. He brightly asked, “Did ya’ll sleep well? How was everything?”

Thankfully, my husband spoke up. “I slept really well,” was his answer. Whew!

Another life lesson – don’t be so fast to speak up! God will provide an honest way out! 

Look UP my friends!