Boy was I challenged this weekend! The Inland NW Christian Writer’s Conference was my first experience at spending the weekend with writers–like REAL writers!! On one side of my emotions was the “Yikes! I’ll never be like these people!” On the other side were these thoughts, “Wow, what a great cloud of witnesses these people are!”

It’s easy to get intimidated amongst writers who are on the bestseller’s list or THE publisher/editor of major companies. But as I sat there I pondered the truth behind all of the words these people represented. Truth is– not one of them could do a thing without the Almighty’s influence in their creativity department. And at this conference all the presenter’s reiterated this same point in one way or another.

God is the Creator. Not only of all creation - our glorious surroundings - but He is also the Source of our creativity. That is quite mind boggling. But this set my heart straight because my tendency at this conference was to compare myself to those all around me. I felt like I came up short from all dimensions and yet, when I realized God was the Source of their creativity I could not compare myself but glory in His amazing work in and through them! Talk about a change in perspective!

May He alone be magnified in our creativity!

There has been much fruit from this study and it is guaranteed to “stir the pot.” 

The reason for doing this study: Galatians 5:1 “It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set us FREE. Stand firm.  Do not be burdened by a yoke of slavery any longer.”

Most of us have no clue the devastation of strongholds in our lives. This study is a true eye opener! Be courageous fellow saint!

Though not exhaustive, it is a Holy Spirit catalyst to get you pointed in a direction toward freedom that you never knew was possible!

     Yes, that’s right: miracles.  Here is a sampling…

An empty envelope with these words on it: “$100 cash in Morna’s folder at church. This was received the day before we were to head out of town when we had no money for gas and food.”

A miracle? You bet!

A folded letter saying: “Mr. Gilbert, enclosed you will find an accommodation check for $3300 to transfer a gift that was given to your family. Along with a check, we received a letter explaining that the gift was to be used for your ministry in Spokane and your living expenses. The donar has asked to remain anonymous.”

A miracle? You bet!

A note on green paper: “Thank you for blessing others with prayer, meals, visits and love! I pray this little meal blesses your family today!”

A miracle? You bet!

A Christmas card: “Please have fun for Christmas! I know you probably need this money for bills but you have to do one thing first. Everyone is to get at least one nice present with this money. Then you can use the rest however you want!”  There was $1000 inside the card.  We bought presents, paid all our bills, and bought a starter for our vehicle.

A miracle? You dare say, no?

A yellow sticky note: “Dear Don and Morna, I love you. God”  This had been attached to a roaster pan the Thanksgiving our stove/oven died and we were expecting a house full of people for Thanksgiving day.

A miracle?

Friends, I could go on and on. You see our coffee can is stuffed with cards, notes, and scraps of paper. Every piece of paper inside represents a miracle where someone was JESUS with skin on to our family either by word, gift or deed. 

Do you know what a miracle is?  Anything that happens to us with precision timing that glorifies God because only He could have known there was a need for a miracle at that moment.

Each year as we sit around our Thanksgiving table we remember these miracles that have blessed us beyond all measure. How dare we forget to give thanks unto the Lord for He is GOOD!

Is it time for you to start your own “Remembrance Feast?”

Please have a Blessed Thanksgiving focused on HIm and His Hand on your life!

I wondered how many of us are like that “tin can” on wheels? Do we buckle with the slightest pressure? Are our “insides” messed up by the pressures of the “outsides?” Would we survive a major “hit?” Oftentimes the things of this world cause pressures on us and we collapse under the “heat” - don’t we?

I am convinced the Lord chooses to allow certain pressures to come into our life because first of all, He knows He can trust us with it IF we choose to seek Him first in the midst of it all. Job, would be a perfect example of this.

Other times the Lord chooses to allow us to be refined with pressures because there is something preventing intimacy between us and Him. His jealousy toward our “other” affections unleashes justice and we often react by saying “a loving God would never allow that.”  Truth is He is justified in pursuing us with a relentless pure Divine Love because HE IS LOVE. His big picture knows that if those affections are removed from our perspective then we will wholeheartedly love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and be blessed beyond all comprehension.

I think getting good gas mileage is a true asset but more importantly I believe you and I getting amazing eternal mileage out of those “hits” in life is an asset worthy of all pursuit!

At the same time, I’ll be honest: I would really like to drive a tank since I am in this world with all its pressures! My T-A-N-K is made up of this:

Thanking Him - no matter what

Abiding in Him - nestling close

Nurturing others - helping me to get my eyes of me

Knowing His Word - clinging to His Love Letter

“He who has begun a good work in you, will complete it in the Day of Christ.”  Philippians 1

Praying for you….

Morna

 I’m afraid the church has not helped. The proverbial stick your head in the sand syndrome has given the enemy free reign when it comes to distorting, maligning, and perverting sex. 

Where is the church talking about sexual ecstasy as God designed it to be?

What do we “do with” sex addicts sitting in our pews?

Some are known. Most are not.

How should a woman respond to all of the devaluing of womanhood?

And how are women sabotaging men in the process?

With the help of God Almighty and several courageous women God has done a work in putting together my latest book project:

A Look at the Secret Destroyer of Real Intimacy

Damsels Fighting for True Love

How to Rescue a Relationship Locked in Sexual Addiction

The “Damsels…” message is for those women who are married or engaged. It applies to ALL marriages in ALL situations but especially those concerned with how to slay the “lust dragon” of our culture on a daily basis. Though you may not agree with what is presented (it is guaranteed to be controversial!) - I challenge you to test it against God’s Word and His principles for marriage.

The “Damsels…” message is prayerfully close to being published…

I covet your prayers!

I covet your courage to tackle this monster head on!

And please pray for protection, resources, and for Him to be glorified!

Here is the current link:  http://words.net/?s=morna&x=5&y=22

January 27 - 29 (2012) - Discovery Point’s Women’s Retreat - Lincoln City, OR

March 22-24 - Northwest Ministry Conference, Overlake Christian Church, Redmond, WA

      March 23 - 11:40-12:35   “Hush, Hush…Porn in the Pews?”

      March 24 - 12:45-1:40    “Wives…Dying Inside from his Porn”

April 27-29 - Berean Bible Church, Spokane - Ross Point, CDA Lake, ID   “Lord and Ladies”

May 11-12 - Christian Family Home Educators Conference

Sept 7-8 - “A Woman of Character” Curlew Ladies Fellowship, Camp Ortoha, WA

Oct 12-13 - Summitview Ladies Retreat, Ellensburg, WA

That very busy, either extremely happy or obnoxiously angry little boy has grown into a mighty man of valor. There’s never been a prouder mama.

C Gilbert and C Wright became one today.

Groomsmen decked out in tuxes with “body guard necessities” - having way too much fun - and in all their manly frivolity each man demonstrated his strength of character. As I watched each young man line up beside my son - my mind went back through our ’stories.’ Precious memories full of laughter and…worries! Will these guys ever grow up? Today proved - they have grown into protectors, providers, and powerful men who are changing this world for the better.

The beautiful bridesmaids - including my two daughters - graced the decor with their beauty - their little black dresses - and their 4 1/2″ red heels! How do you describe lovely when it is more magnificent than words? I know my girls were there out of a pure love for their big brother and their desire to prove to C that C is worth loving on!

Some told me the most cherished moment was when Ch surprised Ca during the ceremony as she sang with a heart full of pure love, a voice filled with sweet strength and passion - a song that she wrote - for my baby boy who is now all hers…

It was then that I knew this gorgeous woman was perfect for my son.

It was a moment when Heaven’s doors opened wide and the Glory of God shone around this beautiful couple. The back drop could not have been more glorious: lake, pine trees, lodge, rock work, a few billowy clouds, and a very bright blue sky. God has His ways of smiling on us, doesn’t He?

Some said the most precious moment was when the mother of the groom and the groom danced. How do you look into the bright brown eyes of your son whom you would die for, who you have sacrified for, and who you have given your all to? What do you say? How do you release all that you have held onto so dearly? Those memories? Those naughty moments? Or those desperate times when he has been your strength, your support, your reason to keep living? How do you fall into his strong protective arms - wanting to stay there forever - and then realizing…it is for this very moment that you have nurtured him! Let’s dance! And let him go…

Some said the crowning moment was when one brother ministered so deeply to his little brother - it was redemption at its best. How do you take tragic memories and watch the Hand of God turn it into something so beautiful that only tears can describe what is going on? His beautiful bride held him…it is as it should be…

This is right. Afterall, God is the one who designed marriage. He knew this young man before the creation of the world would be united in oneness to a beautiful young woman who is perfect for him. Heaven came down and glory filled our souls.

And I got to be a part…thank you, my Jesus.

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why did I do this?” or “How did I get here?”

Obviously, you have. Most ALL of us have. As I was recommitting myself to the ‘battle of the bulge’, I was asking myself these questions.

Then I asked the Lord these same questions. 

“So Lord, how did I get to this place in my life?”

He promptly reminded me of the verse in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and SELF-CONTROL. Against such things there is no law.”  I have read and quoted this verse many times but never before had I seen SELF-CONTROL in neon lights!

So I started thinking about it. I realized almost every battle I am facing, almost every blunder I have made, and almost every barricade in my way is due to MY lack of SELF-CONTROL! That’s depressing!

So I decided it was time I address my lack of SELF-CONTROL and study to show myself approved by my Maker.

Obviously, since SELF-CONTROL is a part of the fruit of the Spirit—we need to be filled with the Spirit in order to demonstrate it. So the first assignment was to intentionally post reminders for me to ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit; not quench the power of the Spirit; and to listen to His promptings. His Spirit is already within me but oftentimes He is masked by….me. So I need to get ME out of the way!!

How about you? 

This last summer while spending time with friends, my daughter’s ‘man-friend’ took to the skis and did some phenomenal skiing. It gave me a picture of the stark difference between him skiing and me skiing. (Don’t laugh!?) For me to ski would take an act of Congress for one thing but it would also raise the level of the river due to my sink-ability when it comes to swimming!

That is…unless I relax… and let the water hold me up. It’s when I try to control my situation myself that I start to sink. But if I can mentally remember the water CAN hold me up, allow the water to do what it is designed by God to do, and then learn a little skill—it is free sailing for this ole gal!

For me to trust the water to do “its thing” is very similar to us allowing the Holy Spirit to do “His thing” in us. We all need to allow Him to do what He was designed for and then trust Him to carry us…and “float our boat.”

There is also some responsibility on our part when it comes to self-control. We can’t ski unless we put the skis on. We can’t make awesome “rooster tails” unless we have practiced and practiced and break through the “wake of life” and do the extraordinary.  This is where self-control gets practical. Not a list of do’s and don’ts but definitely a list of guidelines for mastering this character quality so we will reach the ultimate goal: being a genuine reflection of Jesus to a sin-sick world.

As a child, do you ever remember being tempted with fresh cookies on the kitchen counter, or maybe some candy in a dish, or something else that you know was not yours but it was like a strong magnet pulling you in its direction? “Take me…take me…take me” It’s haunting call is sometimes more powerful than us. In fact, MOST OF THE TIME that ‘call’ is more powerful than us. This is where the Holy Spirit steps in with a small quiet voice and gives us an option: to say “NO!” to the temptation.  The Spirit IS strong enough to resist the temptation, but we are not—in ourselves. This is how God designed us. God WANTS US to be dependent on Him!! The key: are we listening to His quiet voice? Are we obeying Him?

So we’re in the water but now we need to get equipped.  Here are some keys from Character First!

Look beyond today: pursue something greater than your own immediate satisfaction and think about what will give you the greatest benefit tomorrow. Set goals—and even if you change your mind—goals are good to help you discern what is good, best, and better.

Guard your steps: recognize your weaknesses, and identify those people, places, and circumstances that lower your resistance to temptation.

Restrain yourself:  determine beforehand how you will respond to temptation.

Turn away: walk away from compromising situations.

Seek accountability: find trust-worthy friends who can point out your bad attitudes; don’t keep secrets from them; and listen when they try to help you. We ALL need others to help us!Holy Spirit and GOOD friends!

So now we have our skis on but we are dying to hit the wake and perform above the ordinary!

Focus your energy! A nuclear bomb spreads destruction across a wide area, but a nuclear power plant takes the same energy and controls it for the benefit of thousands. Similarly, an undisciplined person distracts others and undermines good efforts; but a disciplined person makes a positive contribution.

So now we are in the water and skiing up a storm, but part of perfecting that awesome power on skis requires letting go of some bad habits!

Losing our temper because we “need to get something off our chest” is like dumping gasoline on a fire because we didn’t have time to grab some water. Maybe we had a rotten day—we still don’t have a right to take it out on someone else. Whatever we struggle with, we need to take responsibility and break the cycle. Take the blame—get help—tell the truth—do something different—and practice.

Get on those skis and let’s see some rooster tails!!!

 IF you are interested in Character related materials from Character First! go to:  http://store.characterfirst.com/cgi/refer.rb?0054

 www.rbc.org (radio/tv link – then Words to Live By link)

This broadcast will be on 325 stations worldwide including Canada, the Caribbean, Singapore, the Philippines, Central America, and South Africa.

Morna

www.regeneratedheart.com

“A woman’s heart should be so hidden in Christ

that a man should have to seek Him first

to find her.”

I know God is still here/there – so I plod on through the sand, wind, and heat knowing He will administer an oasis with precision timing.

I actually read three books in the past five days – that’s how starved I’ve been!  “Do Hard Things” by Brett and Alex Harris, “Why Pray?” by Philip Yancey, and “When God Breaks Your Heart” by Ed Underwood are the books I have devoured.  I highly recommend all three of them.

The thought I woke up with this morning comes from John 11 (the theme of “When God Breaks…”) where Jesus is speaking to Martha at the onset of raising Lazarus up from the tomb. Both pondering Mary and practical Martha had approached Jesus, when he arrived to do his ministering, in their typical manner:  Martha – running anxiously demanding an answer (vs. 20); and Mary – waited to be summoned by the Lord, and then responded obediently (vs. 28-29).

Both stated, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (vs. 21, 32)

Jesus comes to the tomb and makes a request for the stone to be taken away.

Martha does what so many of us do: “But Lord…by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”  (vs. 39)

How many times do we say: “BUT Lord?!”  

We always seem to have a practical and logical reason to say “but Lord…” don’t we?

Jesus replied by saying, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”  (s. 40)

This verse has gripped my heart with the reality of living by faith in a God Who is sovereign-ly faithful. I wonder how many times I fail to believe He is always at work and never sleeps – or I fail to believe that He truly loves me – or that His timing is always perfect or I fail to believe that He can only demonstrate perfect love, mercy, and truth because that is Who He is? He cannot do otherwise.

And yet, I fail to believe at times that He has my best interest in mind.

“…if you believed…you would see my Glory.”

This hits me hard especially in light of my husband losing one of his two jobs – meaning we are desperately in need of more income. Or when I face the trials of remembering past pains and have to face those people one more time. Or when I have to return a phone call to someone who hurts me deeply and I’m not sure I can take their comments. Or when my body feels horrid and is not cooperating. Or when I read the news – the politics – the direction our country is spiraling into – do I truly believe He is still on the Throne?

And yet, He says, “If you believe – you will see my Glory.” 

This is not saying that in the midst of the storm my specific prayer requests, my timing or my wishes will actually happen the way I desire them to happen. In reality this verse is promising that if I am committed to responsibly believing He is capable of choosing what is best, then He is committed to fulfill His promise: “YOU will see my Glory!”

We believe and then will see Him in the midst of our drama!

Therefore, anything that comes into our life is an opportunity to demonstrate faith – for without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6) – and more importantly it is an opportunity for Him to demonstrate HIS GLORY!

Isn’t that what we are on planet earth for? Isn’t that the ultimate in blessing: to experience His Holy Presence in our circumstances?

If you believe – you will see His Glory. It’s a promise.

Even from the desert – a cactus flower can bring His Glory to a weary soul.