tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79420979582744697522024-03-09T20:47:54.638-06:00Life to LIFEBecky DietzBecky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.comBlogger1721125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-46246455834302037202024-03-02T09:16:00.001-06:002024-03-02T09:16:28.482-06:00Trauma<img id="id_b3b_3bef_a9a2_f398" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Tc2UXEF1AzUWnEJoRCoGO1HswWoI93bQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>Have you experienced trauma lately? It could be evacuating from a fire or losing everything in a fire. It could be the loss of health or the loss of a loved one. It could be losing a job. Trauma usually involves a loss of some kind. </div><div><br></div><div>My sister reminded me of these verses this week:</div><div>“<span id="en-NKJV-23488" class="text Matt-11-28" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span class="woj"><font face="Times">Come to</font></span><font face="Times"> <span class="woj">Me, all <i>you</i> who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. </span></font></span><font face="Times"><span id="en-NKJV-23489" class="text Matt-11-29" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span class="woj">Take My yoke upon you</span> <span class="woj">and learn from Me, for I am</span> <span class="woj">gentle and</span> <span class="woj">lowly in heart,</span> <span class="woj">and you will find rest for your souls.</span> </span><span id="en-NKJV-23490" class="text Matt-11-30" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span class="woj">For My yoke <i>is</i> easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30</span></span></font></div><div><font face="Times"><span class="text Matt-11-30" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span class="woj"><br></span></span></font></div><div><font face="Times"><span class="text Matt-11-30" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span class="woj">REST is interpreted as “to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labor in order to recover or collect his strength.” When is the last time you did that? Our bodies respond to trauma in negative ways. When we’re yoked to Jesus, He stops for rest. Have you kept going when He stopped? Do you have vacation or sick days accumulated because you won’t stop? What about after a traumatic event? Have you permitted yourself to cease from labor? I recognize in the stress of the moment, you may not have time to rest yet…but when that moment is over, do you allow for rest? If you don’t, you may be going from one trauma to another without recovery. God knows you need rest!! Stay yoked to Him. He stops. He rests. Learn from Him. </span></span></font></div><div><font face="Times"><span class="text Matt-11-30" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span class="woj"><br></span></span></font></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Anapauō: “Cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labor in order to recover or collect his strength.”</span></div><div><br></div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-64842514558091908472024-02-28T15:54:00.001-06:002024-02-28T15:54:06.782-06:00Disaster Fire Relief<img id="id_106f_49ac_e8f0_a502" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1vNpjigRWPCNZ5PB0pa1LFzBjdqRO5LSY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><div><br></div><div>Disaster Fire Relief</div><div><br></div><div>Having worked disaster relief before, these are some things I’ve learned. </div><div><br></div><div>People helping with things like clothing will get overwhelmed with the sorting. Their energy would be better served if you either take new t-shirts, jeans, boots, tennis shoes, underwear and socks in packages which are clearly marked. Or…put gently used clothing in ziplock bags with sizes. Please don’t overwhelm volunteers with items which are useless to those working the fires or recovering from great losses. </div><div><br></div><div>Fireworkers will need work gloves, goggles, chapstick, eye drops, beef jerky, granola bars, nut bars, Gatorade early on. Eventually, homeowners will need tools like hammers, shovels, axes. Ranchers will need feed for animals. </div><div><br></div><div>Homeowners will eventually need everything you need to set up a home—furniture, blankets, pots & pans, dishes, silverware, glassware. </div><div><br></div><div>Find a church or benevolence ministry which has become a donation center and volunteer time and money. As you know of homeowners who have lost everything, set up accounts to help them. (Please note that certain funding apps take a large percentage of money). </div><div><br></div><div>Pray with people Hug people. Minister with time, money, and what you have. Bring your gifts in an organized manner. And love big! Emergencies always bring out the very best in Texans!!!</div> Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-9828345866549268252024-02-27T09:38:00.001-06:002024-02-27T09:38:32.994-06:00Being Fashioned<img id="id_6211_2965_b0f1_37b1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1T5pOIXpnklb_HoDxC4EXVH3pchUG0wNH" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div><font face="Times"><span id="en-NKJV-18894" class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">But now, O <span class="small-caps divine-name" style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>,</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">You are our Father;</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">We are the clay, and You our potter;</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">And all we are the work of Your hand.</span></font></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">Isaiah 64:8</font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times"><br></font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">God has been fashioning you since you were in your mother’s womb. As I look at examples of God’s creations in the Bible, I’m thinking the process is our story—not the promise, the great moment, or the ending—it’s the process. </font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times"><br></font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">For instance, let’s look at David.</font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">1. Anointed as the next king while a young shepherd</font></span></div><div><font face="Times"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">2. David kills Goliath</span></font></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">3. Plays music for King Saul (don’t you imagine he and his father thought this was the pathway to king?)</font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">4. David becomes King Saul’s son-in-law</font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">5. King Saul sought to kill David—for years</font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">6. David ran and hid with his mighty men</font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">7. David becomes king</font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times"><br></font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">Which step(s) would you leave out? If we left out steps 2-6, David would have been a different kind of king. He might never have become a “man after God’s own heart” without the process. And isn’t that the most important thing?</font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times"><br></font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">A potter:</font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">1. Kneads the clay</font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">2. Potter knows the design</font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">3. The potter fashions the clay at the wheel with pressure and water</font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">4. If there is failure, the potter remakes the clay </font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">5. The finished piece dries and is scraped</font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">6. The dried greenware is fired after glazing</font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">7. The pottery is glazed again</font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times"><br></font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times">It’s all about the process. </font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="position: relative; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font face="Times"><br></font></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br></span></div><div><span class="text Isa-64-8" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br></span></div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-29420783344114325852024-02-26T08:47:00.001-06:002024-02-26T08:47:22.062-06:00Satan’s Prison<img id="id_5ce2_e35a_7717_fc45" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ZQtmfseByvcOVjRIav2PppwV3p37VsKN" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>When we choose to sin, Satan has legal authority to trap us. When we continue in that sin, he’ll imprison us. </div><div><br></div><div>Jeremiah 52 tells us about Jehoiachin. He was put in prison by the king of Babylon. After many years, he was brought out, given clothes, a room, food, and an allowance…but he was still in captivity. </div><div><br></div><div>That’s what Satan does. He traps us and imprisons us because of our sin. He’ll entice us to continue in our sin with the promise of power, fame, and money—but he never intends to let us slip out of his control. </div><div><br></div><div>All the while, the jail door is open. God offers us an escape! All we have to do is admit we’ve sinned and turn away from that sin—and we’re set FREE!!! God offers ABUNDANT LIFE, soul peace, and hope!! He’s also promised to take care of all of our needs. </div><div><br></div><div>Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy. He wants to destroy you. That’s his ultimate goal. Read God’s truth, walk in it, and obey it—let it transform and renew your mind. That’s where freedom is found. When you dig into the word of God, you’ll find true treasures. </div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-32492506557693814392024-02-16T08:44:00.001-06:002024-02-16T08:52:11.646-06:00The Outstretched Arm<img id="id_5116_1c0e_cb4_bdb3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1RDNPvALL_kA17odcFdVNTYm-R-yjY3hA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><div>Anyone older than 40 remembers mom’s outstretched arm. You’d be riding in the front seat of the car (underage and without seatbelts) and she’d come to a screeching stop and her outstretched arm would fly across you and—WHOP! You wouldn’t hit the dashboard (hopefully). You might have whiplash but you’d been saved. God stretches out His arm to rescue you, too. He restrains you to rescue you. <br><div><br></div><div>How many times have you fallen into deep waters (literally or figuratively)? Did you cry out to God for help? We took the youth on a rafting trip a few years ago and we had a boy fall out of the raft and the river took him swiftly down the river. We were terrified! But when we got close, I think everyone on the raft had their arm extended to reach for him. God desires to pull you out of deep waters with His outstretched arm. He wants to help you. </div><div><br></div><div>Like Moses extending his arm with the rod of God to part the Red Sea and save the people from being killed by the Egyptians, God still raises His arm today. I’ve lifted my arms in faith and prayer and have seen God do the impossible. I’ve seen His outstretched arm heal a marriage, miraculously pay for three weddings, heal a girl of seizures, pay off debt, stop a bullet, bring home a prodigal—and so much more! God wants to do miracles for you, too. </div><div><br></div><div>God’s arm is outstretched toward you! He wants to restrain you to rescue you, reach out to help you, and do the miraculous and impossible. Jeremiah 32:17 says, <font face="Times">“<span style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Ah, Lord </span><span class="small-caps divine-name" style="font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">God</span><span style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">! Behold, </span><span style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. </span><span style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">There is nothing too </span><span style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">hard for You.”</span></font></div><div><font face="Times"><span style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></font></div><div><font face="Times"><span style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Nothing. Absolutely nothing is too hard for God’s outstretched arm. </span></font></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-2554472749411795892024-02-14T08:05:00.001-06:002024-02-14T08:05:15.306-06:00Critical Spirit<img id="id_de2_dc07_7d9_c5d1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1n_Ldxq9haYb3_FDmtlvSkTovXfhJ5OWQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>You disagree with what you’ve just read. What’s your response? That response is so telling. </div><div><br></div><div>Social media has created monsters—even among Christians. We all have a voice…and we’re willing to hide behind a screen and give full vent to an opinion we’d never say to another person’s face. </div><div><br></div><div>I recently saw a sweet photo of Julia Roberts sharing tea and a card game with her niece. People were hateful! Julia was relaxed in her home with no makeup. People were incensed that she’d post a normal, natural photo. She didn’t measure up to their expectations of her—and they were critical and hateful. Never mind she was enjoying time with her niece. </div><div><br></div><div>Do you strike the keys of your phone with a quick response when you disagree with someone’s FB post? Are you quick to judge or be critical? Do you feel “right” and need to set the record straight? Do you have a need to add your own editorial after someone has offered a scriptural post—to show there’s more to think about or that God has shown you more? Do you feel the need to critique and can’t restrain yourself from doing just that? </div><div><br></div><div>Examine yourself for a critical spirit…also known as a pharisaical spirit. Ask God to give you a gentle spirit—a spirit allowing God to change the hearts of others. Ask for a spirit of grace which recognizes we’re all in process of growing and learning. God MAY have you respond. But He’ll never ask you to be critical. He’ll have you speak truth in love. It will be a spirit to edify, love, and help someone grow. </div><div><br></div><div>I encourage you to read all of Ephesians 4. Below are verses 15-16:</div><div><font face="Times">“<span style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the </span><span style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">head—Christ—</span><span id="en-NKJV-29289" class="text Eph-4-16" style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.</span><span style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">”</span></font></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-41416900447928227522024-02-05T08:19:00.001-06:002024-02-05T09:43:19.657-06:00Waiting…Expecting…Twisting<img id="id_5982_f895_afbf_9622" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1KElkDc8QMqAIW83CH8jpe-htGRosfReK" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart: Wait, I say, on the Lord!”<br><div><br></div><div>When you look up the original word for “wait,” it says this: “expect, look eagerly for, hope, bind together by twisting.” It’s the last part of this explanation that’s had me shaking my head trying to figure out what twisting or braiding has to do with waiting. </div><div><br></div><div>In our culture, we think of waiting as being idle. We wait at a red light, wait in a doctor’s office, wait for a friend to show up. But when God talks about waiting, He’s not idle and He doesn’t expect us to be idle either. We’re waiting on God to fulfill a promise, hoping for a good outcome, or eagerly looking for God to invade our situation…all while God patiently binds our hearts to Him. He’s twisting something beautiful as we wait. He picks up a thread of Himself…then a thread of our longing heart…a thread of someone who’s praying with us…a thread of our cries…a thread of someone investing in us…a thread of Jesus praying for us…a thread of our hope…a thread of the Holy Spirit encouraging us…until there’s a beautifully woven piece that displays the handiwork of God! Its no longer one single thread—it’s become strong because of the twisting. It’s not just handcrafted for others to see; it’s a piece of art hanging in God’s gallery to remind us of His goodness and faithfulness. It’s a reminder to agree with God for His perfect outcome every.single.time. It’s a trophy of God’s grace. </div><div><br></div><div>Waiting is hard…but it doesn’t have to be idle. And maybe it shouldn’t be idle. Waiting is expectantly looking with hope for God to fulfill the cries of our heart. All while He is deftly creating something of wonder to hang on His wall. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-31299202318975161872024-01-29T10:55:00.001-06:002024-01-29T10:58:26.392-06:00Expectations of a Pastor’s Wife<img id="id_149a_c6d3_ee9d_dc58" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1AbKyj0T4I9hLcdud24M8O6zB1d6IOc9Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>My husband & I have been in the ministry 48 years—serving 43 in the Church. There have been a few expectations placed on me. I thought I’d just share a few:</div><div>•Playing the piano for the church</div><div>•Having perfect children</div><div>•Being my husband’s secretary after a service</div><div>•How I should dress</div><div>•My kids should be a leader for their children</div><div>•That I should lead the women’s ministry</div><div>•That I should teach a women’s Sunday School class</div><div>•That I should teach a Bible study</div><div>•That I should go on each mission trip</div><div>•That I should stay home with my children instead of going on a mission trip</div><div>•That my children should be at each children or youth function</div><div>•That I should go to children and youth camp as a sponsor</div><div>•That I should be like the former pastor’s wife (whom they loved!)</div><div>•That I should host an open house</div><div>•That I should cook and serve for each funeral meal</div><div>•That I should teach in the children’s ministry</div><div>•That I should teach in the youth ministry</div><div>•That I should speak at their women’s conference</div><div>•That I should counsel anyone in the church (and lots outside the church)</div><div>•That I should help maintain the church building</div><div>•That I should shut up and sit down</div><div>•That I should be friendly to everyone</div><div>•That I should have no say in church politics</div><div>•That I shouldn’t have friends</div><div>•That I should be friends with everyone</div><div>•That I should visit everyone in the church</div><div>•That I should visit people outside our church</div><div>•That I should make hospital visits with my husband</div><div>•That I should be an evangelist</div><div>•That I should be a prayer warrior</div><div>•I should never be on a church committee</div><div>•I should be a part of anything going on at the church</div><div>•I should never miss church unless I’m sick or one of my children is sick</div><div><br></div><div>Whew! I’m sure there are more—but these are the ones which came to mind easily. NO ONE could live up to all of this. No one should. You may just have one expectation—but if everyone has one expectation—it adds up to a burden which will crush your pastor’s wife. </div><div><br></div><div>The worst expectations are the ones I place on myself (and if you’ve heard me teach about how Satan speaks to us in first person singular, you know it’s really HIS voice!). </div><div>I should…</div><div>I could do that…</div><div>I know how…</div><div>I’m just being lazy…</div><div>And on and on it goes. </div><div><br></div><div>Expectations kill. It’s living under the law instead of grace. And you know what? I love doing a lot of those things!! I’m even gifted in some of them. And I WANT to do them. But if someone implies I should, it takes the joy out of the equation. And one thing most church members never think about—most pastors’ wives can’t afford to do all of them. It takes money to do a lot on that list (or hire a babysitter so I can) and money is in short supply in most pastors’ houses. </div><div><br></div><div>Let’s get rid of expectations. Embrace your pastors’ wives!! ASK them what they love doing. Encourage them. Do it with them. Bless them with love gifts. Pray for them. Send them a note. Pray for their children. Send them a note. Pray for their husband. Send him a note. Be a friend. Invite them into your home—kids and all! Ask God what they need…and do it. </div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-70057263294565713832024-01-18T09:52:00.001-06:002024-01-18T10:10:14.197-06:00Way • Truth • Life<img id="id_4353_efb_44c2_4fed" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYTeq4jGUrDioMeWCc9eafLb_JRu7C-iAzna-kSbYR8WLttzB0yMlWTzrpNqflBP8mT7BPQIF6fbuwOenj4R48_yyM5O0Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>I was searching. I was married. I had four kids. We were in the ministry. But I was asking, “Is this it? Is this all there is?” There was a longing in me for MORE, for purpose, for LIFE!<div><br></div><div>I remember I was reading the 14th chapter in the book of John. I read these words, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. This thought came to me: “That is a progressive statement!” We have to know Jesus as the WAY to the Father…and then we have to go through TRUTH…to experience LIFE! Jesus is all of these things. But I saw it so clearly—if I wanted abundant life, I needed to embrace truth!</div><div><br></div><div>That began my search for truth. There were so many mile markers pointing to truth in those days. God used people like Major Ian Thomas, Peter Lord and Bill & Anabel Gillham. He used books like Love Hunger by Minirth & Meier, Surprised by the Power of the Spirit by Jack Deere, and Classic Christianity by Bob George—and so much more! But the Holy Spirit was my best teacher. It’s like my mind was a funnel and opened in a new way to receive truth. I was on a journey—searching for truth. Every day I’d ask God to lead me to truth and keep me in truth. Truth became the key that unlocked every door. God taught me so much. My friends at that time were so tolerant—truth was in every conversation. Truth was changing me. </div><div><br></div><div>Truth brought abundant life. Scripture changed before my very eyes. What had once been a rule book to strictly follow was now the life and breath of freedom! God LOVED me! He wasn’t waiting on me to fall and mess up so he could discipline me. I was His favored child whom He loved deeply and was there to help me grow and overcome every lie Satan had planted in my mind—and there were many. I was being set free. Truth brings freedom. “You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32. </div><div><br></div><div>How is my life different? I recognize the lies of the enemy much faster. Satan brings fear…Jesus brings abundant life. If I’m fearing, I need to drop everything and run to Jesus and His truth! I still chase truth—and will until I die. It’s constantly changing me, transforming me, and rearranging what I’ve been taught or thought on my own. None of us has all truth which is why we need a good teacher—the Holy Spirit. Truth brings peace and abundant life. Interestingly, there is a holy discontent because of truth. I’m not satisfied to stay where I am. I constantly want more!</div><div><br></div><div>Are you satisfied where you are or are you asking, “Is this all there is?” Ask God for truth. You’ll start on an adventure you’ll never regret!</div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-42289445869409918422024-01-15T10:45:00.001-06:002024-01-15T10:50:52.242-06:00It Doesn’t Make Sense<img id="id_298_1519_bd38_5e5a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYRjz0w2gdG4WjZ45TWCNaKhVPrQ3iebxVoDdN2rKQl_FOx55EyfLZCNj4Mwiu6jqcdLyuMpyntes8Jr2U8HrtOnqyvG0A" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><div>It Doesn’t Make Sense</div><div><br></div><div>David Cory was teaching Luke 5 to our Sunday School Class yesterday. Jesus told Peter to cast his net again (after he’d fished all night and caught nothing. Also after he’d already cleaned his net.). And then Jesus told Peter to follow him (to leave his lucrative business and follow a guy with no obvious income). This thought went through my mind, “None of that made sense!”</div><div><br></div><div>It didn’t make sense for Peter to launch his boat and fish—after he’d already fished all night with no luck. It didn’t make sense to get his net dirty after he’d already cleaned it. But he obeyed. We have to obey even when it doesn’t make sense—maybe especially when it doesn’t make sense!! Jesus knew what Peter didn’t know. He’d called the fish—enough fish to almost sink two boats. Jesus set Peter up for a miracle and a way to glorify Himself. Jesus told Peter to leave it all behind and follow him. It didn’t make sense! He had a lucrative business that met his needs. He was married. But he obeyed…even when it didn’t make sense. And his life was forever changed and used for the kingdom of God!</div><div><br></div><div>What has God asked you to do that doesn’t make sense? Is it to move to another town? Quit a job? Change schools? Trust this…if God has asked you to do something that doesn’t make sense, He wants to glorify Himself. Did it make sense for Moses to go back to Egypt? Was it logical for Noah to build a boat? Did it make sense for David to face a giant with five smooth stones? What about Esther? Did it make sense for her to go before the king on behalf of her people when she could have been killed?</div><div><br></div><div>God still wants to do miracles! Obey Him…even when it doesn’t make sense. He wants to glorify Himself through your obedience.</div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-74382885287138299562024-01-01T07:18:00.001-06:002024-01-01T07:18:21.053-06:00New Beginnings<img id="id_d5e4_da48_ae30_8ef7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYRESZo4pdPh0BXtUaCOnjhYsDzRVyopxnCKbrzwlS_S5VIHLgAgGQQ9y8G5OizheVr438tIjlUV5cvi71Fq5gUaOzIAOA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><div>New Beginnings</div><div>by Becky Dietz</div><div><br></div><div>“Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.” </div><div>Isaiah 42:9</div><div><br></div><div>The old is over. God is doing something new! Don’t you love new beginnings? I love a new unmarked calendar. It’s fresh and full of possibilities! It’s a new chance to do things differently. There’s hope for a better outcome. It stirs up a desire to make everything we do COUNT!</div><div><br></div><div>You can do new things in 2024:</div><div>•Make God a priority—read His Word!</div><div>•Love others more than you love yourself. </div><div>•Listen. Hear. </div><div>•Put your phone down more than you hold it. </div><div>•Turn off the TV. </div><div>•Read the Bible to build relationship with God. </div><div>•Ask God for BIG things!</div><div>•Share God’s good news. </div><div>•Slow down. Rest. </div><div>•Establish the right priorities for your family. </div><div>•Be intentional with relationships. </div><div>•Build community. </div><div>•Invite others into your home. Let them see the real you. </div><div>•Fast & pray. </div><div>•Ask God for direction daily. </div><div>•Join a Bible study with others. </div><div>•Journal your thoughts. </div><div>•Give. You’ll be surprised at how much this opens your heart!</div><div>•Help…others, your family, your church, a ministry, your neighbors, widows. </div><div>•Read. There are some really great books by Christian authors. </div><div>•Forgive others. </div><div>•Forgive yourself. </div><div>•Be invested where you are. </div><div>•Be diligent with whatever God gives you to do wherever He puts you. </div><div>•Be kind. </div><div>•Share joy!</div><div><br></div><div>We have so much opportunity to be a light and to show the world there’s a better way. Let’s do it!!! Take one step at a time—being better tomorrow than we were today. God is about to open some amazing doors!! I want to look back at this time next year knowing I finished well, don’t you? </div><div><br></div><div>Here’s to a BLESSED 2024!</div> Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-5610272851263294012023-12-31T14:15:00.001-06:002023-12-31T14:15:55.074-06:005784<img id="id_6e0f_1773_1939_f3e2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYR0ExqWLq8B6OL0OszB8DVRvwYa9Av0CtCa3MaBMxeUImjYLQR_Hmz9AA1cvHXMK4BHDJsu1aNC6WVkeiZ8lCtJb5Mv2Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>I always search for the Hebrew year and its meaning when our New Year rolls around. The Hebrew year actually begins at Rosh Hashanah which was in September. There is a Hebrew meaning to the numbers in the year. I remember 2020 was the Year of Tottering—and boy! Didn’t we totter??</div><div><br></div><div>This year is the Hebrew year 5784 which is the Year of Open Doors. This excites me! Don’t we all hope for open doors? Doors which God opens and no man can close. The ultimate open door will be the rapture—when God’s people go to heaven together. </div><div><br></div><div>I also ask God for a word for the new year. This year, I felt like God was telling me “MIRACLES.” As I began sharing miracles I’ve seen during my life on Facebook, I asked God not to stop! I don’t want all of the miracles to be in my past—I want to see them every day! So it’s so cool that He gave me that word. </div><div><br></div><div>Open Doors and Miracles. I think 2024 will shape up to be a very good year! God, give me eyes to see and ears to hear! </div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-49367573933913952962023-12-29T23:26:00.001-06:002023-12-29T23:32:26.343-06:00God Waits…<img id="id_47e_ec0f_87db_2221" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYRafek89zmGZKU3QlLuITFDAekrVsx1OM2SH6p2mgT3WJjOcePDpDTBHlvV2yI2OtoqlPUKTNXIQC2XlXWRQGN2XROE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Whenever I see a verse about “waiting,” it jumps off the page at me now! Isaiah 30:18 says, “Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him.”<br><div><br></div><div>Does God wait to see if we’ll wait on Him? Staying with the story of Moses (and after bouncing this</div><div>off my prayer partners), you’ll remember that when God called him to come up the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments, Moses waited six days—and then God spoke on the seventh day. Moses waited…and God was gracious to him. God is exalted when we wait on Him. </div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, back at camp, Aaron had been told to lead the people. They waited…and then they didn’t. When Moses didn’t come back in a timely manner, they constructed a golden calf to be their god. Because they didn’t wait…and because they disobeyed (so quickly!), God punished them. </div><div><br></div><div>Does God wait to see if we’ll wait on Him? Is that what the waiting is for—to test our obedience and commitment? </div><div><br></div><div>He wants to have mercy on you. Wait. You’ll be blessed!</div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-12769127273031211772023-12-28T08:20:00.001-06:002023-12-28T08:24:43.148-06:00Waiting Time<img id="id_7f42_91c5_e739_cc7f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AEYmBYRRpcxMr9WojY6DeHV5aV59T1bDPBa69dLeuxY1mzxnw6D0trDKazSCfZ3BFRlpuzl064LpmxWxrRW36Uf5PirJ6uuv" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>Moses had taken 70 elders up Mount Sinai where they saw God—and ate and drank with Him. What an amazing experience! Then God told Moses to come up higher and He would give him tablets of stone containing the law and commandments which he was to teach the people. <br><div><br></div><div>Moses climbed the mountain and was enveloped in a cloud. The glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai for six days. On the seventh day, God spoke. </div><div><br></div><div>My daughter-in-law, Shanna, made this point with me this week. God sent Moses. But why did he have to wait seven days until God spoke? What was God doing? Do you think Moses questioned God? He was human after all—just like us. I’m sure he called out to God, “I’m here! Do I need to find some stones for you?”</div><div><br></div><div>God made him wait. Why, do you think? Has God ever sent you somewhere and then made you wait? Why does He do that? I have some theories. Maybe He’s quieting our hearts. Maybe the distance that’s created makes us want to pull in closer to hear His voice. Maybe He’s giving us time to examine our hearts. Maybe He wants us to rest, trust, and hope in the waiting. Maybe all of that and more. </div><div><br></div><div>God still makes His people wait. He may call you to a place and a task and then make you wait. It feels unsettling. It may make you question the call. But wait anyway. Press in close to the heart of God. He just may be preparing you for what’s ahead. </div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-51859115553591479152023-12-10T01:59:00.001-06:002023-12-15T13:54:27.667-06:00The Steadman’s Rebuilding Pt. 5<img id="id_19ef_dc4_5be9_d7e5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAmm9kuSuZCTCdhUUjW0Pw_wBJqQIUiOLZ6nIPP36puWG2Qrpo4S0i8c7bW6p9aCY6ua-OkAxLn7ID3AB_e7HQf4vWnaw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><font face="Times"><br> </font><div><font face="Times">Caleb and I had marked a date on the calendar for our projected move-in date. It was two weeks away and I was worried. “Caleb, how are we going to furnish the house?” I asked. We’d spent every penny on construction. In fact, we’d had to take out a loan to finish up the house—the insurance check just didn’t go far enough to cover a new water well and septic system. “Merry, God knows what we need. We’ve asked and we’ll keep on asking. You know He’s never failed us!” I replied, “I know. It’s just…I don’t want my kids having to sleep on the floor!” Caleb laughed and said, “You and I have both slept on the floor many times as a kid. It won’t kill them.” I knew that. But we had nothing. No furniture. No household goods. Not even a blanket. Everything we were using was on loan. </font></div><div><font face="Times"><br></font></div><div><font face="Times">We were spending this week painting. I was good at rolling and Caleb was the best at cutting in. At least our contractor had come with a paint sprayer one night and painted all of the ceilings—and saved us that work. “It’s my final gift to you,” he said as he handed us the house key. Honestly, the house looked better than I’d ever expected! We’d added a front porch and back patio that we hadn’t had before. We’d painted the outside of the house white with black trim with big cedar posts holding up the porch overhang. There were also cedar shutters. It looked very much like an updated farmhouse. We’d also made the kitchen and living room more open. The kitchen had a huge bar where the kids could do homework and the living room had a big, beautiful fireplace. We’d tried to keep it just like the original one which was made with Chicago brick and had a barn beam for a mantle. Henry was getting his own room. The twins would share a room as would the girls. The kids got to pick the color of their rooms—with a little guidance from me, of course. I was excited about our bedroom—it was larger than the original and we’d added a big walk-in closet. Our bathroom got an enormous shower and a free-standing tub. I couldn’t wait to take advantage of that tub!</font></div><div><font face="Times"><br></font></div><div><font face="Times">It was Monday night and the painting was finished—which meant the house was finished. At our last dinner in the FEMA trailer, Caleb asked each of us to share what we’d learned since the tornado. We went around the table and each person had to answer. Henry went first. “I found out how much work it is to build a house,” he said. Sadie giggled and put her hand over her eyes. “Ummm…I learned how to do a flip on the trampoline!” David was next. “I learned how to hit a nail with a hammer.” He’d become quite the expert with that hammer. Matthew, not to be outdone, said loudly. “I learned not to put my arm in a pipe!” (Thank goodness! But…time would tell.) Ellie, following her big sister’s lead reported, “I learned how to climb the ladder.” And then it was my turn, “I learned what a hard worker Daddy is. I also saw his patience and encouragement almost every day. I watched my kids learn new things and help with every project in some way. I learned that we have very generous friends and a big, good God who loves to provide for ALL of our needs.” Caleb started to talk, but choked up—which meant he had the attention of each of his kids. When he could finally talk, he said, “I learned what an amazing family I have. Everyone did all they could to help with the house. But more than that, I saw Henry grow in patience with his siblings. I saw Matthew learn to obey. I saw David eagerly learn new skills. I saw Sadie learn how to wait her turn. I saw Ellie learn how to entertain herself. I saw Mommy find a new level of trust. We all learned that God is good in bad times just like He is in good times. </font><span style="font-family: Times;">We are a blessed family!!”</span></div><div><font face="Times"><br></font></div><div><font face="Times">Last week at church, Gwenneth, a widow who has wind turbines on her farm and is known for her generosity, found us and gave us a very sizable check. She wanted to pay off the loan for our septic system and water well—and to buy all of the furniture and household goods we would need. She told us that she and her husband, John, had been through a tornado and lost everything and they’d had no help. She wanted us to have a fresh start without struggling. We were blown away—what a huge blessing! A furniture truck was arriving tomorrow. </font></div><div><font face="Times"><br></font></div><div><font face="Times">Steadman Farms was rebuilt. But even better…so were the Steadmans. And tomorrow? Tomorrow was the beginning of a new adventure for the Steadman family!</font></div><div><font face="Times"><br></font></div><div><font face="Times">“Mom?!” Sadie yelled, “Matthew jumped out of the tree to do a flip on the trampoline!”</font></div><div><font face="Times"><br></font></div><div><font face="Times">THE END. </font></div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-52406208831112925962023-12-10T00:42:00.001-06:002023-12-10T08:34:51.376-06:00The Steadman’s Rebuilding Pt. 4<img id="id_9bd_f15_619a_c58" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDW6K7uzGh93VA0ZkVs9HjZLm4Ocu_xiHnLOzQkm0W_7CQzLT5aUTp6I-5JE-na3ptf6Jymzkjk2oK6GuhpxZwUQbMeZg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>Ugh!! Anything that could go wrong, had gone wrong with this rebuilding project! We’d had to dig a new water well and go 50 feet deeper than the one before. The septic system had to be replaced. Finally, our contractor told us that if we could do any of the work ourselves, it would help keep the costs down. Caleb borrowed a ditch digger and dug the trench for the pipes leading from the house to the septic system and replaced pipes himself. The electrician came and showed him how to run the wires through the walls and he did all of that work. We both did the mudding and taping after the sheetrock was hung. Caleb put in recessed lighting and hung ceiling fans. Then the electrician came and connected it all—praising Caleb for a job well done! While he did that, I grouted around windows and trim on the outside of the house. A friend came and showed us how to tile a shower, so we did the tile work in the other two bathrooms, entryway, and kitchen. We also planned on painting every room in the house. No doubt about it, we’d have a bunch of new skills after this house was finished. </div><div><br></div><div>I was in the middle of hanging wallpaper in the master bedroom when Henry came running in and said, “Mom! You better come quick! Matthew’s arm is stuck in a drain pipe!” It was the uncovered pipe leading to the old septic tank—and Matthew had dropped a Hot Wheel down the pipe and was trying to retrieve it. We eventually got his arm out after dousing it with a bottle of Crisco vegetable oil! “Caleb, we’ve got to do something for these kids,” I told him, “They’re bored because we’re too preoccupied. They’re going to get hurt unless we give them something to do!” We’d involved them as much as possible, but it wasn’t enough. Caleb said, “You know, we told them we’d replace the trampoline the tornado destroyed. Let’s do it now.” That night, after we fell into bed, we ordered a trampoline online. It would arrive in two days. We decided to wait and surprise the kids. </div><div><br></div><div>We were exhausted. Building a house (especially with continually skyrocketing prices!) was not for the faint of heart. Practically every night as I showered, I had a good cry. I was so tired, I literally hurt. Some nights, I was so tired I couldn’t sleep. My house was a mess and we hadn’t had clean clothes in a week. I could tell my ever-calm husband’s nerves were being stretched to the breaking point. Just tonight, I heard him telling David, “Son, I’m sorry for yelling at you today. I was wrong. Will you forgive me?” We needed this project to be over. Even though we were seeing progress, it was hard to get excited because so many projects still needed to be completed. </div><div><br></div><div>I came home to our FEMA trailer house after hanging wallpaper, and saw two cars parked out front. That looked like Jason & Jennifer Wilson’s car. And George & Miss Shirley’s! I walked in the house and saw what they’d done, and sat down and bawled like a baby. They’d cleaned the house, the washer was going, they’d brought a meal, and were feeding the kids. George whispered, “Caleb told us you had something that needed to be put together. Lead the way! Jason & I brought our tools.” I took them to the barn and showed them the trampoline which had arrived that afternoon. Within an hour, our five kids and the Wilson’s two kids were taking turns doing flips. The safety net was worth the extra money for my peace of mind. Even Ellie was loving it! She squealed, “Look Mommy, I jump!” Thank goodness Henry could help her up and down the ladder which would free me up in the days to come. </div><div><br></div><div>Before we fell asleep that night, Caleb pulled me close and began praying, “God, we’re so rich! Thank you for the friends You’ve given us. People have helped us, loaned us equipment, brought meals, babysat, slipped us money, and done hard labor to save us money. Please bless them all! We’re so tired. Please renew our strength and give us the stamina to push through to the finish line. And God? Let us be the kind of friend others need. Don’t let us get tunnel vision. Help us always to be looking for ways to help others. In Jesus’ name, amen. </div><div><br></div><div>Right before falling asleep, I thought “There WILL be an end to this, right, God?” </div><div><br></div><div>It felt like the tornado had happened years ago. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-44307341646475826592023-12-09T09:04:00.001-06:002023-12-09T09:23:01.987-06:00The Steadman’s Rebuilding Pt. 3<img id="id_b8de_7ae7_7429_b292" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDhXDRtkm7Am8W4j6d4DRYNfXTn-_4ebi5gS0gihSGmAPG-qfgJ_P7__x9QehS9JhuyIc-mIFYA27mmoUInwe7cu-AL" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><div></div><div><div><font size="4">Two</font> months. We were two months past the tornado. The trucks were all gone. People were gone. Everyone had been such a huge help, but now we were left with the help of insurance, FEMA, builders, and our own hands. Of course, God had never left us. And thank goodness He knew the way past this mess!</div><div><br></div><div>We were so glad another town who’d walked through the same thing a year before, sent their point man to share what they’d learned through the process of rebuilding. That’s how Caleb knew to apply for a FEMA trailer house to set on our property so we’d have a place to live while we rebuilt. Honestly, that town’s pain was used to help us and we hoped to do the same for someone else down the road—not that we wished this on anyone!</div><div><br></div><div>Caleb woke up this morning excited! He was like a kid before Christmas. “Today’s the day we start framing our house! I’ve asked Jennifer to come take photos of our family in front of the new foundation,” he told me. We were both nervous about the money stretching. The insurance company had been quick to total our house and to send a check. But prices of EVERYTHING kept going up every single day. We also needed a houseful of furniture! We had dreamed a little with what we wanted in this house but we’d kept the same basic floor plan because it worked so well. A lumber store in Amarillo was sending trucks with everything we needed. Our contractor was a friend and he was working hard to help us keep the costs down. </div><div><br></div><div>“1…2…3…smile!” Jennifer was clicking away. We were all wearing the new clothes mom had sent us. “Merry, it’s time to get out of the donated clothing,” she chided. What she didn’t realize is that it was actually nicer than a lot of what had been in our closet. But it gave us a boost to have something new. We’d waded through more mud, dirt, trash, and piles of broken lumber than I ever hoped to again. It took dump trucks weeks to haul off trash—and they were working eight hours a day to do it. </div><div><br></div><div>The kids all thought this was a grand adventure thanks to Caleb’s attitude. (I was the resident worrier!) He’d put the boys to work helping clear the property. They were pretty proud of their work gloves. The girls and I kept the trailer house clean, animals fed, and the meals cooked, although we’d eaten pizza more often than I cared to admit. But today was framing day! “Girls, do not cross this line today,” Caleb told the girls as he drug the heel of his boot in the dirt. “Boys, grab your hammers. You’re helping,” he told some wide-eyed, excited boys. </div><div><br></div><div>Caleb told me, “Merry, go in the house and sit down and rest. I won’t let the boys do more than they can handle—I just want them to remember building this house with their own hands. The girls will be well-entertained for a bit just watching,” He knew I was exhausted…but he was also rubbing the frown lines between my brows. He knew I was worried. Too many things were going on. Too many decisions had to be made. And there were way too many expenses. And some days it felt like there were too many kids in the trailer house. “They’re a gift!” I reminded myself. </div><div><br></div><div>So I did…I went in the house and sat down. I needed some time to lay all of this at Jesus’ feet. I felt like I’d been living in a tornado myself with no time to turn things off and sit at Jesus’ feet. Caleb knew me well. I opened my Bible and it fell open to Psalm 37. My eyes fell on verses 3-7 underlined in my Bible: </div><div><br></div><div><div><font face="Times"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Trust in the</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"> </span><span class="small-caps divine-name" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">, and do good; </span></font></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Delight yourself also in the Lord, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">And He shall give you the desires of your heart. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Commit your way to the Lord,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">And your justice as the noonday. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Yes, Caleb knew me well, but God knew me better. “God, I confess my sin of worry. You are already in our future. You know what it’s going to take to rebuild. Would You rebuild me in the process? Rebuild us as a family. I commit my way to You. I WANT to delight in You! I want Your desires…and I want to trust that the desires that are in my heart are from You. Please help me rest in You. Change me. In Jesus’ name, amen. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">I sat awhile with God. He loved on me and filled me. We even had a couple of laughs together. And then I was ready to face building a house and whatever it might bring. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">“Girls! Do you want to come in and make some cookies for our builders?” They jumped up from making mud pies and squealed, “YESSSS!!!” We hadn’t made cookies in a good, long while. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">It was time. Time to start rebuilding all that Satan had destroyed. </span></div></div></div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-32394644833260754092023-12-08T08:28:00.001-06:002023-12-08T08:32:46.984-06:00The Steadman’s Rebuilding Pt. 2<img id="id_3d31_8c20_3606_be37" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBREPikfWBUWNvOmj0HQjcPJyZT-ndZJWUf-zsVJ6DRouzjFZuKLJuJbjBuff85MZGVpbTIBCBl1hfRdDKyZIemmy-Rxg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>The sky was full of sunshine this morning and there was a lingering smell of rain in the air. You’d never know a tornado had devastated Sunrise, Texas just twelve hours ago. Our house was uninhabitable as were 75% of the homes in our small community. Fortunately, we’d only heard of two non-life threatening injuries; one was a lady in the nursing home and the other was a 14-year-old delivery boy who was caught out in the storm. Two churches were unscathed—ours, First Baptist (where Caleb was part-time pastor), and First Methodist. Big coffee urns filled with Folgers were going full-blast this morning at both places to give pseudo-energy to dozens of adults who were now homeless. We’d managed to cobble together cots, air mattresses, and old-fashioned pallets (quilts on the floor) for everyone last night. Ellie had cried for Miss Bunny at bedtime—her stuffed buddy. She was inconsolable until Miss Shirley brought a teddy bear from the church nursery. She’d told Ellie, “Ellie, baby…look who I found in the nursery! Mr. Teddy was crying and needs some love. Would you sleep with him tonight?” It did the trick. I only wished I could be comforted that easily. I also wished I could have gone to sleep as quickly as the kids did. Poor babies! So much had happened so quickly. I was exhausted from loss and from trying to console my family. </div><div><br></div><div>There was already the sound of 18-wheelers and pickups with trailers rolling into town. Caleb had become the point man for our community. Even though so much was going on, I couldn’t help but take notice, “God, You are amazing! This is the same man who could hardly have a conversation with a stranger 13 years ago! And now…look at him!” He was on the phone and directing trucks all at the same time. Help was on the way!</div><div><br></div><div>The Baptist men from the Texas panhandle had shown up with their food trailer and had fed us all breakfast. They promised they’d be there for every meal. It was such a comfort to know that this basic need would be provided—because I didn’t even know if I had any pans left. Caleb found me an hour later and told me, “Jennifer and Jason have offered to watch the younger kids. I want you and Henry to go with me to see what we can salvage at the house. I also need to go feed the animals.” Jason was our youth minister. And they had two kids of their own who were the ages of the twins and Sadie. We were together all the time, so I knew the kids would love getting to play together—and have a sense of normalcy. Thank goodness the parsonage they lived in was still intact. </div><div><br></div><div>We took a minute just to stand and look at what was left of our house. Henry asked Caleb, “Dad, will this fall down if we try to get things out?” It did look a little precarious. Caleb told him, “Henry, you start digging outside first and see what you can find. I’ll try to stabilize things after I feed the animals. Merry, the living area is fine to dig in. Start there. Bring anything you find to this open place under the tree. And please be careful!” It sure would be nice to find the kids’ immunization records to know if Henry had had a tetanus shot!</div><div><br></div><div>We were dirty, sweaty, and exhausted two hours later. I’d given in to my emotions as I worked—it was heart wrenching! And our pile of salvageable things was small. We heard a pickup kick up gravel and we all turned to watch it come down our road. Three men got out of the cab and reached in the back to get their chainsaws and one said, “Preacher, we’ve come to take care of things for you so you can get back and oversee things in town. There are a lot of questions people have and no one knows how to answer. Caleb shook their hands and thanked them and then turned to me and said, “Merry, let’s head back to town. Henry, grab a few of those things and toss them in the back of the pickup.” I turned to give one last perusal to our devastated house and happened to see a pink ear lying under some boards. “Miss. Bunny! Henry, help me get Miss Bunny out from under these boards.” I pulled out a very muddy bunny rabbit with one ear barely attached. She would need surgery and a bath before she slept with Ellie tonight. </div><div><br></div><div>We arrived to a town we didn’t recognize. Trucks and trailers were everywhere. Food trucks, a shower trailer, a trailer with washers and dryers, trucks bearing men with chainsaws, electricians to restore parts of the town’s power, cell phone company trucks, trailers with water, port-a-potties, women cooking over 5 gallon pots, a tent going up to house a truckload of clothing. Henry exclaimed, “Whoa! Where did all of this come from?” Caleb replied, “From the heart of God, Henry. From the heart of God.”</div><div><br></div><div>A verse was rolling around in my head and I had to give voice to it before it left me. “<span style="font-size: 16px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><font face="Times">I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” I couldn’t have even thought to ask for all of this! As devastated as I was about losing so much, I had to stop and acknowledge what God was doing. “Thank You, God. You are good. No matter what we lost, You are good. Thank you for saving our family, our church, and our town. Thank You.”</font></span></div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-71205710224059295722023-12-07T08:53:00.001-06:002023-12-07T10:10:03.353-06:00The Steadman’s Rebuilding Pt. 1<img id="id_4ba9_e82c_1a7d_cb46" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBsINhMTSU4nwB7-vnU9cDVo9icZh3Kd-jRQ4a6-5A-cZ8GKCVI0ka3E7WTKIJ_g4ovH-jlFRaRr7n0zU4920Q-uEOzpw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>“MERRY!!! Get the kids in the cellar! NOW!” Caleb was screaming at me. At first, my legs felt like they were in cement but my mind finally connected with my feet. A tornado was coming! “Henry! Get your sisters and RUN to the cellar! I knew his 12-year-old body could get the heavy cellar door up. “David, go with Henry! Where’s Matthew?!” I was frantically trying to find David’s 9-year-old twin brother. Where was that boy? In all likelihood, he could be on the roof watching the tornado! That boy was too adventurous for his own good. </div><div><br></div><div>“Matthew! MATTHEW!!! I felt like my voice was being sucked up into the winds. “Mom! Look at this!” Matthew was standing in the second floor bedroom by the window with his binoculars watching the approaching tornado. There was no time to talk. I grabbed his arm and spun him around and began half-carrying him down the stairs and out the back door towards the cellar. Henry was standing at the top of the steps holding the door open enough so he could see us coming. Just as I was about to step into the opening, Caleb grabbed Matthew and practically threw us into the cellar and locked the heavy door. My heart was about to pound out of my chest. Our first tornado at Steadman Farms. </div><div><br></div><div>The girls, Sadie-6, and Ellie-2, ran to me. Sadie sat next to me with her arms clung around my waist and Ellie was against my chest with her arms squeezing my neck. They were both sobbing. We could hear the roar of the winds as the door banged and sounded like it was going to be lifted off its hinges. The boys’ eyes were as round as saucers. David was sitting on his hands and shaking. In a very calm, yet loud voice, Caleb yelled, “Henry, thank you for getting everyone into the cellar! You did great.” He got up and moved over between Matthew and David and put an arm around each of them and pulled Henry near them. He began to pray loudly, “God, please protect us!! Protect our animals and neighbors, in Jesus’ mighty name, amen.” And just at that moment, we heard what sounded like a train coming. The tornado was here. We huddled together as far away from the cellar door as possible. Would it never end???</div><div><br></div><div>And then it was over and we heard rain and hail pounding on the tin-covered storm door. Caleb and I looked at one another. What had just happened? What would we find when we opened that door? We were still huddled together, waiting for the hail to subside. The little arms weren’t quite as tight around my waist and neck. I wanted to have a good cry—but knew I needed to remain calm for the kids’ sakes. When we no longer heard hail, Caleb walked up the steps to the door. He unlatched it and began lifting it. Matthew was right behind him and we all heard his, “WHOA!” We all walked out of the cellar and stood looking at what used to be our house. You could tell it had been a two-story house but it was seriously unrecognizable. I was in shock. The girls were crying and the boys were staring. Interestingly, the barn looked unscathed. I couldn’t speak. </div><div><br></div><div>Caleb pulled us into a big huddle and began praying, “God, thank You for giving us this house. It’s been such a gift. Thank You for keeping us all safe. We don’t know what lies ahead of us, but we trust You. You have NEVER failed us. And we know You won’t now. Bless us. And bless every family in Sunrise who was affected by this tornado. In Jesus’ name, amen. </div><div><br></div><div>I knew God was in control…but where were we going to sleep tonight? The kids and I were sitting in the pickup with the heater going full blast while Caleb checked on the animals. Ellie was still crying and we were all hungry. Caleb came out of the barn and came to my window. He’d already started calling our church members to check on them. He couldn’t help himself—he was the consummate pastor—always checking on his sheep. He told me, “Jason said the church was untouched. George and Miss Shirley have already met him there and they are setting up a shelter for those who need it. Let’s go, Merry.” </div><div><br></div><div>I really wanted to go dig through the remains of our house and see what was salvageable…but my adrenaline had drained and I was as limp as a wet noodle. I knew I was really close to falling apart—I’m really no good in emergencies. I slipped out of the pickup and fell into Caleb’s arms. He held me close and whispered, “It’s going to be ok, Merry. I promise.”</div><div><br></div><div>The seven of us left Steadman Farms in Caleb’s old pickup. As Caleb made the turn, I looked out my window to the remains of our home for the past 13 years. A tear began making its way down my cheek. What lay ahead of the Steadman family?</div><div><br></div><div>“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!”</div><div><br></div><div>It’s the only words my mind could form. </div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-18563196309737404152023-12-02T08:44:00.001-06:002023-12-02T09:16:36.667-06:00The Shattering<img id="id_b413_aedb_5ed0_ed83" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaDc9XoDlKzmPV2qfhYs14lhw8YgMMVctvGjavQwtBr84ZPvBn75KN3Af5ppxHAUXVOasasJJvqn924wG0oEKfubfdbJbQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>I’ve been trying to make sense out of what’s been happening in my life. I’d be lying if I told you the past nine months (significant?) have been easy. I’d also be lying if I told you I hadn’t kicked and screamed a bit. <br><div><br></div><div>You see…my life was beautiful. I’d been in the ministry for 48 years and a pastor’s wife for 43 years. I knew what to expect. Plop me down in any Baptist church and I could figure things out pretty quickly. My life was like the top mosaic—pieces of my life put together to hopefully reflect God’s great love for me and others. </div><div><br></div><div>I came to understand what those pieces were this week. Why? Because there has been a great shattering in my life. After retirement (or reassignment, as we like to call it—because we never intend to quit ministering), we were busy selling stuff, moving stuff, and visiting all four kids. But when the dust settled, I was left with this question, “Who am I!?” I was no longer a pastor’s wife. It’s like my carefully crafted mosaic fell apart and I was left with a pile of glass pieces—like the middle photo. None were broken…but it was no longer a beautiful mosaic. </div><div><br></div><div>This week, I began to understand the shattering. Those colorful pieces of glass are my desires. Psalm 20:4 says, “May He grant you according to your heart’s desires, and fulfill all your purpose.” God began putting those desires in my heart years ago. How? “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4. I’d never trusted the desires in my heart. But God says they lead to fulfilling my purpose. My desires are legitimate and beautiful because they’re from God!</div><div><br></div><div>As I stood looking at what the shattering in my life had caused—a pile of colorful glass—I realized this shattering had been necessary. I was no longer a pastor’s wife. I’ve entered a new season. My desires haven’t changed! (None of those glass pieces were broken.) I still want to have alone time, invest in others, write, create, travel, teach, encourage and all of those wonderful desires God has placed in my heart. But…it’s going to look different. </div><div><br></div><div>I’m not sure what the new mosaic of Becky will look like. But God will pick up the pieces and solder them together with His very strong-holding solder. The amazing thing is He lets me participate in this remaking after the great breaking. As I submit and explore how to use those desires in a new way, a beautiful mosaic develops. I hope it’s a mosaic of beauty, freedom, and life. </div><div><br></div><div>My greatest desire is that His light reflects through each desire He has placed in my heart. May His purpose be fulfilled. </div><div><br></div><div>I’m ready, God!</div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-62366542722725029372023-12-01T21:55:00.001-06:002023-12-01T21:58:42.276-06:00Shattering<img id="id_4c2b_32c5_fd03_737c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCLTJCHOM3BjItXfKK8QliSNPZGVmWPuYMmbN-VQ_52KoKI52MTYlYZiI4041Qq1EPdoJaOlul2SybRRRb2nMJwZ8Nw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>I’m trying to process what God is showing me about my life right now. I’d be lying if I told you the past nine months have been easy. I’d also be lying if I told you I haven’t kicked and screamed a few times. But isn’t it amazing that when God gives you His perspective everything changes? That’s what happened to me this week. <div><br></div><div>Andy knew early this year that it was time to retire—or be “reassigned” (because we’ll never stop doing ministry). I was ready—or so I thought. At first, I was consumed with the details of moving. We had to sell furniture and “stuff” to combine our household with my mom’s which was where we were landing. We also visited all four of our kids from May-September. We were BUSY!!</div><div><br></div><div>But when the dust settled, I began to wonder who I was and what I was to do. I felt like a square peg in a round hole. I didn’t know where I fit anymore. I’d been a pastor’s wife for 43 years and it was disconcerting trying to find my new role. I felt like my life had shattered. </div><div><br></div><div>God used Psalm 20:4 to begin explaining things to me, “May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.” Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” So I can trust my desires when I’m intimate with God. He gives them to me. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_e683_4b02_ccc8_9a99" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaARkSfNmC9K2-OvBgIgxktD38EWi1oR2XbOTEzuChWiUFzXUfWhBPSVmAjvGQaBuxq_jxNtxoXXXU8xPJURcJOFx0qVhQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>These glass pieces represent my desires. When my circumstances changed so drastically, I felt like my life had shattered. It’s like I’d been the stained glass window above and it broke and fell apart. But as God began opening my eyes and my heart to my desires, I knew the old picture of my life had shattered. It had to. But nothing was truly broken. My desires are the same. God’s just going to pick up the pieces to create something new. The old picture of Becky is gone. God is creating something different—something even more beautiful from the desires of my heart. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_a962_2076_1195_96b9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaCunXeKPKc5rgPJRdlzrSsQK9t5tdLhut-yUm2LjXaeVA3GAaNNVrePFCJfY6Xl0YyEXT0Mwy72UaqEgEvNyIAoq1Dl3w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-75262400340291140292023-11-30T00:47:00.001-06:002023-11-30T08:19:17.201-06:00Heart’s Desire<img id="id_c0fb_ac9a_c2d6_afa4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAov-4WrqwNWKPKziDqdSkY01goaJXJFtgJWOE_czyoXvrHiWr7a0MH6f1ujgRgLSOYXqbKEczAQO_nmdUNRsOBRcQ6Hg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>What is your heart’s desire? Do you know? Have you thought about it? Where did it come from? Is it a worthy desire—or selfish? Who put it there?</div><div><br></div><div>Psalm 20:4 says, “May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.”</div><div><br></div><div>I never would have put those two things together—my heart’s desire and my purpose! First of all, I haven’t trusted my desires; I’ve believed they are fleshly or selfish. And because of that, I wouldn’t have put my desires on the same level as my purpose—which I’ve understood to be God’s plan for me. </div><div><br></div><div>But maybe I need to qualify my desires with Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” So if I’m delighting in the Lord, my heart’s desires are from Him! How do I know if I’m delighting in God? The picture from the Hebrew is to be “soft or delicate—intimate: to laugh with.” Are you spending time with God: sharing your heart with Him; laughing with Him? If you are, then trust that your heart’s desires are from Him! But the opposite is also true…if you haven't delighted in God, your desires will be fleshly or selfish. </div><div><br></div><div>When you delight in God and follow your heart’s desires, you will fulfill your purpose. Why else would God put those desires in your heart? He knew you would need a stimulus to chase after His purpose for your life!</div><div> </div><div>I encourage you to examine your heart’s desires—write them down. And then, ask, “How has God already used these desires to fulfill my purpose? And how does He want to use them next?”</div><div><br></div><div>He has a plan. </div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-55040260555359237902023-11-19T05:50:00.001-06:002023-11-19T06:13:56.610-06:00The Week of Your Pastor<img id="id_205d_2545_8522_84cb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAWEj5YuqrNU8CUH719iR02nCaFbNDd1MGYlRqAbKBNa742ExEOiDQK-GDQqyOJDFu--4lx7CrB-T2REB81rI0z37vENA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>Many people have no idea what their pastor experiences in a week. In fact, if you were to shadow them, you probably couldn’t keep up or handle the emotional drain, mental tiredness, physical expenditure, or spiritual assault they experience each week. </div><div><br></div><div>Let me give you a taste. Mind you…this is just in one week. Your pastor has had to:</div><div><br></div><div>•Prepare a sermon or two. He doesn’t flippantly choose a verse to preach on. He studies, prays over the sermon, prays for his people to receive it. </div><div>•Counsel. The need for counseling is growing exponentially! The average person can’t afford a professional counselor—so they’re seeking counsel from their pastor. Your pastor may have had to deal with a marriage falling apart, a teenager who is suicidal, sexual abuse, physical abuse, parents who can’t cope with their teenager’s addictions and needing help, or helping a family as they decide how to help their aging parent. You have no idea the things your pastor has had to face in just one week. It’s overwhelming to him. </div><div>•Deal with conflict in the church. It may come from elders who disagree with the direction he’s going. It may be over finances. It could be from people in the kitchen or nursery who can’t get along. There seems to always be a conflict going on. </div><div>•Deal with the needs of their own family. Pastors aren’t exempt from family crises. Did you know that most pastors’ wives have asked their husbands to leave the ministry at some point because of the pressure on their families? It’s a very real thing. Pastor’s kids often feel as if they have a target on their backs. </div><div>•Plan and purchase materials for the church’s growth and outreach. </div><div>•Deal with inner struggles. Pastors are human and the overwhelming needs they’re faced with today can take a huge toll. The pressures are endless and most pastors feel like they’re not doing enough because the needs are so great. It affects their body, soul, and spirit. </div><div>•Minister to the sick or injured. There is always someone sick or hurt in the church and the pastor wants and needs to minister to them. But it usually comes in the form of a crises—a diagnosis of cancer, surgeries, or a car wreck. Many of those calls come in the middle of the night and the pastor rushes to pray and help. </div><div>•Deal with expectations—either spoken or unspoken. </div><div>•Love on the dying or the family of those dying or deceased. This may not happen every week—but just think about how many people in your church who have died this past month. Your pastor ministered to each of them. Not only does he pray with them as they’re dying, but then he meets with the family to plan a funeral and prepares a message for the funeral. </div><div>•Plan with the staff. Regardless of the size of the church staff, your pastor has to meet and plan with someone. They have to coordinate their efforts for the week. </div><div>•Deal with finances—either for the church or his family. He has to make sure expenditures are covered. Many times it’s hard caring for the expenses for his family when he may use his own gas to make hospital visits, have to pay for youth expenses for his kids, or for his wife to purchase books for a women’s Bible study. It’s just hard to make those dollars stretch when the needs are so great—and possibly expected. </div><div>•Deal with extra things which may pop up bi-weekly, monthly, or yearly. Things like planning a mission trip—which is a huge undertaking with calling airlines, making deadlines, preparing the participants, and coordinating with those on the field. Or it could be hiring a new staff member—praying for the right person, interviewing, and praying the church accepts them. Or maybe it’s a building project, a mission offering, baptisms, a revival, baby dedication, communion, special holiday services, church fellowships, VBS, outreach program, connecting with visitors, ministering to the staff, children or youth camps, training or mentoring, prayer meetings—the list is endless! Even if your pastor doesn’t head all of these things, he’s involved in some way. And he may feel stretched to the max!</div><div><br></div><div>How can you help? Pray for your pastor! This is the most important thing. Offer to take on a project dear to your heart. Minister to your pastor and his family—whether it’s inviting them to your home for a meal, giving them a monetary gift (which is always appreciated), loving and investing in his kids, offering your vacation home to his family, or insisting they take their vacation and maybe even helping with it. Give them a sabbatical. Pastors have never needed time away, and to be ministered to themselves, like they do today. Our world is in a crisis and it’s affecting your pastor as he strives to meet the needs of your church. If you have a good pastor, you are blessed! Take care of him, encourage him (send a note or a gift), and help him. </div><div><br></div><div>Pray for your pastor. And be kind. You have no idea what he’s dealt with this week. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-180607135282620562023-11-18T19:23:00.001-06:002023-11-19T04:48:37.623-06:00Despair<img id="id_c2a9_bbdb_781_c45f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaB7YmwL1OeEl8s03-g6CXRUfAvR7R00kOxKtgoSuLoch0BSKsmZNcc_DExZyEmaIygsc9fIZsZePjyrRzok2jOP0Avw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><div><br></div><div><div><font size="4">Do</font> you know any family not going though something really hard or traumatic? I’ve never seen anything like it in my 67 years. In fact, my mom said she hasn’t seen anything like it in her 90 years! Satan is hitting hard—his time is short. </div><div><br></div><div>Tonight, I told Andy that if we have so many friends and family members going through such hard things—and it’s all coming so fast—I can’t imagine what it will be like during the Tribulation! Either the rapture will cause so much chaos or there will be other traumatic events going on, that when the Antichrist arises and says, “Peace, peace,” that people will readily embrace his peace—and him. And there will be a semblance of peace for a time. But then will come:</div><div>•War</div><div>•Famine</div><div>•One-fourth of the people dying</div><div>•Martyrdom</div><div>•World-wide earthquake</div><div>•Stars falling from heaven</div><div>•Sky rolled up</div><div>•EVIL WILL BE UNRESTRAINED</div><div>•People wanting to die—but can’t!</div><div>•One-third of all vegetation burned up by hail & fire</div><div>•Meteor which causes 1/3 of the seas to turn to blood, 1/3 of ocean life destroyed, 1/3 of ships destroyed</div><div>•Wormwood causes 1/3 of rivers to become wormwood causing men to die</div><div>•One-third of the sun, moon, & stars go out</div><div>•Demonic locusts are loosed from hail to attack men not sealed by God</div><div>•An army from the east kills 1/3 of mankind</div><div>•God’s two witnesses will be killed but resurrected</div><div>•Antichrist will become Satan personified</div><div>•All mankind will have to have the mark of the beast to buy or sell. Those who don’t will have their heads cut off</div><div><br></div><div>There will be so many horrible and traumatic things which will happen so quickly, that people will want to die. It’s going to be awful. You don’t want to live through that time. </div><div><br></div><div>As hard as things are right now, we have an opportunity to avoid the Tribulation. How? By following Jesus with all of your heart! Recognize you’re a sinner and confess your sins to him. Acknowledge Jesus is God—he died for our sins, was buried, and was resurrected after three days. By that great sacrifice, he can be your savior. You have to receive him and follow him with all of your heart! It’s giving him ALL OF YOU! You choose to obey him the rest of your life. How do you know how to obey him? You have to read his word to you—the Bible. </div><div><br></div><div>Make sure you KNOW. So many people think that by repeating a prayer without a real heart change, they’re saved. But they haven’t given him their heart and followed him. </div><div><br></div><div>As hard as things are for everyone right now, it will be minuscule compared to the atrocities of the Tribulation. Jesus said the road to him is narrow and few find it. If you’re unsure, message me. Let’s talk. </div></div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7942097958274469752.post-21639355319507546072023-11-16T08:35:00.001-06:002023-11-16T08:36:52.927-06:00I’m Right!<img id="id_227b_586b_5c4e_5e4f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaAQHJx5tY38CJqvafzg0E4ccm3_eK4rmBBtbiRwvrgxCNAHouV4rL_Mwv_DN_lLQW2CzVWhdhkmKX7sgI3ecQA4hB3W" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>Isn’t it amazing that we always assume we’re right? I mean…how can we ALWAYS be right? But we honestly think we are. Proverbs 16:2 says, “All the ways of man are right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart and it’s motives.” Maybe instead of trying to convince everyone we’re right, we should just ask God to put our hearts on the scales. </div><div><br></div><div>Father, stop us from assuming we’re always right. Instead of arguing, cause us to stop and ask ourselves, “What if I’m wrong?” We give you permission to weigh our hearts against the Truth of Your Word. Open our ears and minds to what others are saying. Help us not to be reactive…but open, calm, and loving. Season every word we speak with grace—always grace. Remind us in every conversation that it’s better to have a relationship than to be right. In Jesus’ name, amen. </div>Becky Dietzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04267931062208654627noreply@blogger.com0