Stillness

"Then He said, 'Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.' And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. Be still, and know that I am God;" (1 Kings 19:11-12; Psalm 46:10a NKJV) In these verses, you will see that God was not in the strong wind, not in the earthquake, nor the fire. It does not say he wasn't in the still small voice. That is THAT is where God WAS. He was in the still small voice that followed. He is in the stillness that is like the quietness that comes after a heavy snow that leaves a soft white blanket that covers the earth. In that quiet hush that one experiences once the earth is covered. (You know what I'm talking about!) And, because God comes in a still small voice, He wants US to be still so that we can hear Him, through the world's clamor, and know that He is God. Being still is not just about being quiet and listening. It's also about stilling your mind and body as well, so that you are completely ready and open to hearing Him. He tells us, "Be STILL and know that I am God." Love, Beau

Rising From the Ashes

"For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." (1 Cor. 14:33 NKJV) Some people say that God caused the earthquake in Haiti, and or that He allowed it. We don't always know the reasons for tragedy and who/what caused it and why. What we do know is that God is for good and peace, not confusion and harm. Even though God can be parental and punish us, He loves us and only wants the best for us. He does NOT want harm to come to us. Another thing about God is that when does take something from us, He's not punishing us, but instead is opening us up to receive something even better. Sometimes everything has to be totally stripped away to be healed, cleaned, and to make room for all the newness. Haiti has this opportunity. If all of us who are helping take the time to properly rebuild Haiti, they will have better and safer buildings, that also can be more modernized; bigger and better schools, orphanages, and hospitals (also more modern); wells for receiving clean and fresh water; and safer and stronger homes. If we all take a look at what they need to improve their lives and work toward that, and not hurry just to replace what they had, they can not only rise from the ashes but they can have a better, new life...and that can give us all hope. Hope that no matter what happens in life, no matter how stripped of everything, we can ALL rise from the ashes and be better for it in the end. Thanks be to God!! Love, Beau

Our Refuge and Strength

"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;" (Psalm 46:1-2 NKJV) God is with those who follow Him. He helps them, protects them, and gives them shelter. God is with His followers in Haiti. Amidst all the rubble, devastation, and death God is there. He is there in the people that have come to help and give aid. He was with the 3-year-old found buried in rubble, keeping her safe, and despite everything she is fine. God is giving strength to those who have lost family, friends, and neighbors. God is giving strength to the children who've lost everything, who are traumatized, scared, and alone. He is there holding them, comforting them. We do not have to fear anything because no matter how bad the devastation, He is there with us helping us to get through it...He is our strength and our refuge...forever and always. Love, Beau

Dwelling in Safety

"The poorest of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety." (Isaiah 14:30a NKJV) God takes care of all our needs. He provides for the poor, giving them a place of safety, rest, and food. And, in one way or another we are all poor. It could be financially, in spirit, physical health, mental health, or in some other way. He takes care of all our needs, looks over us, leads and guides us, and protects us. We can go about our day knowing God is watching after us. When we go to sleep at night, we can rest peacefully and soundly knowing God is on watch! Love, Beau

Healing

"But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves...And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people." (Malachi 4:2; Matthew 4:23 NKJV) This is the time of year when many people (and animals) get colds, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, and a host of other physical illnesses. It is also the time of year, especially around the holidays, when many people (especially the elderly and homeless) experience major bouts of depression. The Holy Bible teaches us that whatever sickness and or disease one has, God can, and will, heal it. I do have to say, however, that sometimes God says yes, sometimes no, and sometimes not yet. It depends on what God's will is for one's life. Also, He can heal us in ways we didn't expect or plan. But, God does, and will, heal a person in whatever way we need Him too. God also uses others to help heal...by intercessory prayers of healing, by witnessing about what God can do, by providing rides to doctors, and even by companionship and visiting those who may need a friend or a support person. Young, old, single, married we can all be a minister of healing to others just by reaching out to others and sharing words of kindness. So, this year remember these two things: God can heal ANYTHING, and we can all be His representatives and also be healeers by our words and deeds. Love, Beau