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Independent

I hope that you all had an enjoyable Independence Day. We celebrate being an independent country. Where we have freedoms that other countries don’t. This all came at the cost of many young men and women’s lives. I am grateful that I live in America. To worship as I please, to do many things as I please, in the confines of the law. Yet, it came at a price.

I used to get a kick out of Hermey in the Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer movie. He always stated, “I’m Independent”.

As a child of God, do I really want to claim that I’m independent? Yes, we like doing our own thing, being unique, making our way in this world, but is that the way?

God orchestrates every detail of our lives. We find comfort in this. However, when things don’t go as we would like, what then? Do we exercise our independence and rely on ourselves? Do we blame God for” not holding up His part of the bargain”? (How dare we) Do we disregard Romans 8:28? 

We often read this verse and claim that all things will work out good for us and overlook the remaining part of the verse. “those called according to His purpose”. HIS purpose, not our purpose. 

I am often like a little kid, wanting my own way. Settling for things that are not the best, because I don’t have adequate vision. It’s all about me, me,me.  Our God has a purpose for everything He does. He gives us glimpses into His purposes but many things, He wants us to take by faith. Knowing that He loves us, despite what we can see. Trusting in His loving hand to guide us through those things that are difficult and those that bring us joy. Knowing that it isn’t about me, it’s something much, much bigger. Yet, God loves us – you and me,  He’s asking us to join Him in His journey to greater things. We are just a tiny piece of His plan but He treats us as if we are the biggest part.

Hermey also asked Rudolph if he’d like to be independent together.

So, maybe that is the way to look at being independent. Independent together – independent from the world. Joining God and being intertwined in His story and not my own. For our independence from this world and freedom from sin came at an extremely high price. 

I have been really paying attention to the second part of the “Serenity Prayer”

“Living one day at a time,enjoying one moment at a time”

” Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace.””

Taking, as he did, the sinful world as it is,”

  “not as I would have it.””

Trusting that he will make all things right
if I surrender to His will;”

 God does use our hardships as a pathway to peace as we come to Him–the author and finisher of our faith.

For this, I am grateful. Will you join me in being independent from this world and dependent on our Heavenly Father?

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More on Control Girl

As I stated in my last post, we are going through the book, “Control Girl”.

Today’s lesson, asked the following question: “Have you ever been the victim of a controlling person?”

Oh my goodness! All through my life, I have been surrounded by controlling people!

One of my irritations with people that are not only controlling but also dominating is this…They pride themselves, and others praise them for “telling it like it is”. For stating boldly what they feel, what they will allow, their opinions as if they are law. Yes, they are truthful, but at what cost? Most people that have these traits, in my opinion, don’t want to hear anyone else’s point of view. They do not give others the same liberties that they, themselves take. Their interests, opinions, actions and how others relate to them is their only priority. Simply put, all of life evolves around them.

It seems that I am married to one of these people and through the years has caused me much frustration.

It is funny how God orchestrates things. As we are doing this study, a recent event has caused me to take inventory of my own self.

We recently, had our roof replaced. We have had a skylight in our bathroom since we purchased our house. I have loved having that skylight because it brought light and joy into that room. My husband decided that it would be more energy efficient to just remove the skylight and just roof over the top of it. I did not want this, even if it would be more efficient. As of yesterday, that bathroom is dark and gloomy even midday.

Where does my mind go? I am so very saddened and disappointed that outside light no longer enhances that room. I know! Seems like a small thing. Yet again, where does my mind go?

When we picked out our home, the model had a fireplace with a beautiful bookcase and sliding door in the dining room. Does my house have these? No. Apparently, they are not efficient. Over and over, my wishes of things that would bring me joy are of no value.

As I type this, I am reminded of the love chapter in 1 Corinthians 13, where it states that love keeps no record of being wronged.

Again, our lesson, asks the question: “How have you responded to that controlling person?” Then, it asks the question. “How would you respond differently if you were putting God in control?”

If I had put God in control, I wouldn’t be tallying up all my hurts.

The author, made this statement: “You don’t have to be in control to be a control girl.

God is asking me, as He did Hagar. “ What are you trying to escape and what do you want to find?” Again, the answer to both is control. God pressed Hagar to look both directions. Was she truly on the path headed for freedom?

When I pout and get bitter about all the times that my opinions didn’t matter, I am trying to take control. It puts me into bondage of unforgiveness. Which harms my heart and my relationship to God. It’s only in laying this before God, the author of “equality” that I get freedom.

Throughout this study, over and over, I am reminded that when I get upset about things, I am trying to control the situation. For my voice to be heard. Last week, In this chapter that focuses on Hagar, it reminded us that God sees us.He sees us when we are (or feel as if we are) mistreated.

So often, I have stewed about situations that were out of my control. I pray, as I continue to go through this journey, that God would give me the power to show my husband and others, the same enormous grace that He has given me.

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Seeing What I Don’t Want to See

A bit ago, my friend was doing a book study with her church and suggested that I do it also. I bought the book, but didn’t start it. While cleaning out my bookshelf, I noticed this book and suggested it to the Bible study that I go to.

The leader of our Bible Study found a test on this book. Which I took. What an eye-opener!

If you had asked me prior to taking this test, if I considered myself a control girl. I would have stated, “Definitely not!”

Some of the questions that I answered, “yes” to: Do you struggle with worry or anxiety? Do you worry about the safety of those you love? Obsess over small concerns because you are worried about where they will lead? Do you tend to project into the future, consider all the “what ifs” and overreact? Are you undisciplined? Do you regularly eat too much, stay up too late, or spend too much time on social media? Are you constantly late? Do you struggle to live within any sort of boundary lines or limits?

The Lord has been showing ways where I struggle with selfishness and I am looking forward to what He will show me in this study.

Please pray that I will have ears to hear and a heart to rely more on God and less on myself.

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Longings

Recalling a time when my kids were in school. I had a conversation with a women and she mentioned how she had four kids and they all lived in different states. I remember thinking to myself, “How can she live? How can she survive without seeing her kids everyday?” I thought that I could never handle this.

As it turns out, my kids have lived in Lansing, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, California, Seattle, Kalkaska and traveled to many states and other countries. I still wish that they lived close, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

This mum still longs to see my kids and grandkids frequently. I am thankful for the times that they are here and joy fills my soul at the time I spend with them. I see my daughter and family more frequently as she lives just an hour away.

Contact has been hard in regard to my son and two grandsons since he lost his wife in November 2024. Even though I knew it to be true, it broke my heart when he said that he has been in a rut with feelings of apathy. I wish he would draw near to us during this time. As I long for this, it seems that he feels his healing will come from a different place. I will share his Facebook post below.

“Hyunjin adapted quite well to American life when she uprooted her life in Korea to live with me in America. Given her ability to adapt, along with her proficiency in English, sometimes people were surprised to hear that she grew up in a different culture.

That doesn’t negate her background. Hyunjin was Korean. It’s a part of her heritage, and now, that heritage is also a part of our family. It’s a part of me… and it’s also a part of who Andrew and Lucas are – they’re half Korean, after all.

The kids are getting older. It won’t be long before they’re grown adults. I’m proud of both of their work ethic, and I’m glad that they’ve lived well here in America. After all, they are Americans. But they’re also half Korean. They have memories of their mom, and they know what it’s like to visit their grandparents in Korea. But they don’t know much about Korean culture. They don’t know what it was like for their mom when she grew up.

To that end, we’ve decided to live for a year in Korea. Not with Hyunjin’s parents. Not with her brother. But to try to experience what it’s like to live as an independent family in Korea for a little while. Andrew and Lucas were both accepted to Seoul Foreign School, which is a well-known English-taught school in Korea. It will only be for one year: the 2026-2027 school year, starting in August. But I hope that during that time, Andrew and Lucas can come to learn more about their heritage – maybe some of the things that their mom experienced… and maybe some things that have changed since Hyunjin lived in Korea.

It’s a big decision, and there’s definitely some risk involved. But I hope that during this year, the boys will not only experience a different culture, but also come to understand their mom – and an important part of themselves – a little better.”

As much as I long to “be there” for my son and grandsons, I understand why he has made this decision. He continues to honor his wife and her heritage. I do think it is a good opportunity for the kids. Helping them understand their mom more. They will be going to Korea in June for 3 weeks, back to their home for a few weeks and then to Korea for a year. It doesn’t make it any easier for this mum who wants to draw them close.

Having stated this, what I have learned is… Mostly, don’t count on anything! I did survive without seeing my kids everyday. Even though things aren’t as I’d like them to be, it doesn’t mean they are not playing out a better way.

Mostly, God gives us grace for each step of our journey wherever that takes us.

Posted on by landktheluckyones

My Story

Today, the pastor’s message was in regard to telling, “ our story”.

Growing up in a household with a high moral standard, caused me to strive for this and be pleasing to my parents. When my actions after I left home did not meet up to what I knew to be right, I felt much guilt and remorse. This lead me to repent and ask Jesus to be my Savior in December 1987.

At this point, I must ask forgiveness from my children and husband. I did not really understand salvation. Just the part of forgiveness for sins that I personally had committed. I didn’t really grasp that we were born in sin. That I needed a Savior to make me clean of what my nature desires. Self. Yes, I read my Bible, prayed, went to church…even taught Sunday school. The fact is, I spent most of my Christian life reading the Bible and striving to live out what I read.

I’m not saying that this was not helpful. It caused me to hang on to the Word of God when things don’t necessarily go right. To bring peace and unity.

What I have come to learn through these years is this:

*He doesn’t want us to have our life and Him as a side to call upon when we get in trouble.

*When we come to Him, we die to ourselves. He doesn’t fix us up. We are new and the best part! No condemnation.

*My natural man cannot please God. No matter how moral I might be, I can not obey, understand or please God on my own.

  • The “new birth “ is faith in the crucified Christ. That I need nothing more.
  • I share in His crucifixion when I place myself on that cross too. Saying no more to me. Sometimes, I forget and let self creep in and have to go back to that cross.
  • He owes us nothing but, He is always trying to connect with us but we often choose to ignore it.

I am thankful that He is always pursuing me. Thankful, that He speaks to us. Thankful that we have won the victory in Christ. Thankful that He IS my new life .

Yes, He is my life. I can only testify to what I have seen.

He has always provided. He has spoken to my heart to help me understand. He is my purpose and friend. He really is everything.

Does that mean that life is smooth. No way! He told us it wouldn’t be. How often do we put God in a box? Expect Him to act in our limited thinking?

There is much I have learned about the One who saved me but, as with any relationship, it continues to grow. I am thankful that I don’t have to worry that He doesn’t understand me. I am thankful that He has created forgiveness in me. So, I can be forgiving to others.

That is my story, and I am thankful.

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My Thoughts for This Day

Reading in the apostle Paul’s letter to the holy people in Colosse, it has caused me to ponder a few things.We often ask people to pray for the needs that we have. Usually, these are in the form of our loved ones getting saved, physical ailments, financial situations, the list goes on and are as unique as our individual situations.

I am thankful for those who have prayed for me and also thankful for the answers of the prayers I’ve prayed.

I have been thinking about living in the world but not being a part of it. We, as sons and daughters of the most High have been rescued from the one who holds the darkness and God has brought us into the Kingdom of Christ, our light,. Wow!

If we take the example that Paul shared with other believers. We can bring those that we will share eternity with before the Lord. Yes, we will continue to pray for those things that disrupt their lives due to the darkness of this world. The exciting part is we can also pray for God’s holy people in our neighborhood and around the world.

How? Paul tells us how. 

  1. Continually
  2. That God would give them a complete understanding of what God wants to do in their lives.
  1. That God would make them wise in spiritual wisdom.
  2. They would be strengthened to have all the patience and endurance they need by God’s power.
  3. That they would be filled with joy and always thank God that He has enabled us to share in His inheritance.

Then he tells them  the reason why he prays these things. So that:

  1. The way you live will honor and please the Lord.
  2. You will continually do good, kind things for others.

The result of this..Then, you will know God better.

Isn’t this the desire that we have for ourselves and others? This is a challenge to me personally. Yes, I may have prayed for these things, but…continually? 

May the endurance and patience that God gives us through His power within us, cause us to pray these things for other believers, for the unsaved…for ourselves.

For in the midst of this world, isn’t this the most important thing, to know God better?

Pray on, brothers and sisters in Christ. 🙂

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Easter 2026

Easter this year was a little different.

My dear, dear friend and sister in Christ decided to have a full immersion baptism as an act of obedience to our Savior.

She has been a devoted Christian for many years. As a loving sister, she has shown me support, encouragement, love, sincere friendship, and honest conversation when I needed it. She has been my prayer partner, mentor, a true friend, who has walked beside me through difficulties in this life and has always been an example of relying on Christ.

It was a privilege for me to witness yet another act of her obedience. I am thankful.

I share these photos because it was such a blessing to me to see the joy on her face!

That joy comes every time we know we are obedient to something our Savior reveals to us. Such a blessing!❤️

As an added bonus, I saw two additional friends that I have not seen in a while. ❤️

In the afternoon, my daughter and family came to visit. I thank the Lord for them. I thank them for coming. Sometimes, children “do their own thing” but I am grateful that they chose to spend the afternoon with us. Such an extreme blessing. I so enjoy their company.

I am grateful for Easter Sunday, a day that causes us to pause and reflect on our Savior. That He took that awful punishment for me- for you. Yet, He did not remain in the tomb. He lives! He guides us and teaches us what is important, what matters in this life and the one to come. That loving Him and loving others is our mission every day. He did not leave us alone to do that. The Holy Spirit helps us and prays for us as Jesus does. Amazing! The words to the following song, is are true!

He Lives

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today; 

I know that He is living whatever men may say; 

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, 

And just the time I need Him, He’s always near. 

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! 

He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. 

He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart! 

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart. 

In all the world around me I see His loving care, 

And tho’ my heart grows weary I never will despair; 

I know that He is leading thro’ all the stormy blast, 

The day of His appearing will come at last. 

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! 

He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. 

He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart! 

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart. 

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King! 

The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find, 

None other is so loving, so good and kind.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! 

He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. 

He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart! 

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart. 

I am grateful…

Grateful to my Savior

Grateful that He has been merciful to me.

Grateful for family that bless my heart

Grateful for friends

We all have struggles and joys in this life, I am grateful to the Lord that gives us hope and peace and places people in our lives to accompany us on that journey.

We are the lucky ones!

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Birthdays

Today is the “blank-th” anniversary of my birth. My Mum used to say that everyone needs their own special day. I believe that also. That just as Esther, we were born for such a time as this. Each with our own special way of accomplishing God’s purpose and plan. Each uniquely crafted together, using our God given gifts to share with the world. That’s why I enjoy people so much. Each one placed on His path. It’s just up to each one of us to choose which path we will follow. The path of Christ or the path of our own making.

In my own path with Christ, I celebrate this birthday, too. I was born again by the Spirit in Christ on December 31,1987. I agree again with my Mum. Yes, we all need our own special day, where we are born by the Spirit thru Jesus’ sacrifice..

In 1 Peter 1:3, it states: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus

Christ from the dead.”

This is what I celebrate today. I encourage you to celebrate as well, the mercy of God, who has given us this incredible gift! 

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Thank you

Thank you for your input. I after weighing back and forth, I have decided that I will continue on with this blog. At least for this year.

Thank you again for your input.😊

Posted on by landktheluckyones · 3 Comments

What do you think?

I have enjoyed writing these posts but I am wondering if they are beneficial to anyone. It is drawing near to time for me to renew my domain. I am considering letting my domain expire.

I don’t have a lot of followers but, those of you that do read my posts…should I continue or call it quits?

Would like to hear what you think.

Thank you,

One of the Lucky Ones. 🙂