Cindy Aten

Believe

We see this word used a lot this time of year, particularly in Christmas movies. While I thoroughly enjoy a good Christmas story, they are not real or a basis for belief.

In reality, BELIEVE is a word to be treasured and meditated upon. What we choose to believe goes to the very core of who we are and it impacts our lives.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, what He says, what His Word says, and His promises are the anchor of my soul. In good times, in stormy/hard times and every other time, I choose to stay anchored, believing that He is the way, the truth, and the life.

Storms may come, but He is a good Father, perfect, never changing, so this is what I BELIEVE:

Jesus explained, “I am the Way, I am the Truth, and I am the Life. No one comes next to the Father except through union with me. To know me is to know my Father too.
John 14:6 TPT

…I am the Resurrection, and I am Life Eternal. Anyone who clings to me in faith, even though he dies, will live forever.
John 11:25 TPT

My own sheep will hear my voice and I know each one, and they will follow me. I give to them the gift of eternal life and they will never be lost and no one has the power to snatch them out of my hands.
John 10:27‭-‬28 TPT

A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect —life in its fullness until you overflow! I am the Good Shepherd who lays down my life as a sacrifice for the sheep.
John 10:10-11 TPT

“I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!
John 14:27 TPT

For the Father tenderly loves you, because you love me and believe that I’ve come from God.
John 16:27 TPT

We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold,
Hebrews 6:19 TPT

So now wrap your heart tightly around the hope that lives within us, knowing that God always keeps his promises!
Hebrews 10:23 TPT

One Thing

On Sunday, Pastor George Pearsons read Psalm 100 and a little later in the service, Pastor Terri encouraged us to close our eyes and focus on just one thing and then to express thankfulness to God for it. So we took a few minutes and did just that.

You know what, that act of choosing to be thankful and give thanks for that one thing was very good. But in a really positive way, it wasn’t enough. I couldn’t stop there. More and more blessings, both large and small, came to mind, leading to me being more thankful.

It’s been really good for me all week. Life isn’t perfect. Relationships are challenging, things don’t always go the way I want, and work can be stressful this time of year… But then I remember Sunday and choose to give thanks. By doing that, both my attitude and outlook get adjusted. I feel His grace, peace, and presence, and I am grateful.

Based on this Psalm, here are some things to meditate on or do:

Sing joyfully to the Lord
Recognize the He is God, He made us, and we are His
Know that we (you) are a sheep of His pasture — He is The Good Shepherd (Psalm 23), and He cares for you
Enter His presence with a song
Be thankful and give Him praise
Think about His goodness and mercy (at work in our lives and the lives of those we love)
Consider His lovingkindness and His faithfulness to all generations

Serve the Lord with gladness and delight; Come before His presence with joyful singing. Know and fully recognize with gratitude that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.
Psalms 100:2‭-‬5 AMP

Happy Thanksgiving, dear ones. Oh, how He loves you and me!

Our Father

I’ve heard and said this prayer more times than I can count, and possibly you have too. But tonight I ŕead it in The Passion translation for the first time. Then I read it again and again while thinking on His great love, of the king of the universe, the Almighty, Most High God. And I was reminded that FIRST of all, his desire is to be known as our beloved father.

OH how He loves you and me.

My Shepherd

God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
Psalms 23:1‭-‬6 MSG

It’s been a long night and now its early morning. One of my loved ones is in the recovery room after emergency surgery. I am reading the Word and feeling grateful for the peaceful presence of the Holy Spirit and for the faithful love of God. I read this version of Psalm 23 in The Messsage, and I am grateful to be His. I hope it will encourage you today too.

Sing a Hallelujah, Even When It’s Hard

I remember a time in the last year or so, things seemed so hard, overwhelming, impossible, but God. I heard Holy Spirit whisper to my heart, sing a hallelujah. It wasn’t easy to start. I went out to my back porch and turned the volume up all the way, and I started to sing a long as loud as I could, with tears streaming down my face ….I sing a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies…fear has lost its hold on me… By the time the song was done, I felt his grace surrounding me, I was stronger, knowing He is for me.

It isn’t always easy to praise God when we are going through difficult times. But it is so important, so freeing, so healing, so right. Praise is powerful and it drowns out the enemy. As we praise God we are resisting Satan and his lies, and he must flee! I can imagine him screaming nooooo….as he runs away.

Think about this… if the praises of toddlers and babies are powerful enough to shut the enemy up, we (as his children) can expect the sane when we praise with child like faith!

You have built a stronghold by the songs of children. Strength rises up with the chorus of infants. This kind of praise has power to shut Satan’s mouth. Childlike worship will silence the madness of those who oppose you.
Psalms 8:2 TPT

Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you; toddlers shout the songs That drown out enemy talk, and silence atheist babble.
Psalms 8:2 MSG

Be Still… He is A Refuge

According to the Websters 1828 Dictionary, A refuge can be defined as “That which shelters or protects from danger, distress or calamity; a strong hold which protects by its strength, or a sanctuary which secures safety by its sacredness; any place inaccessible to an enemy.“

I think at times we all know that we need a refuge. I sure know I do. To reinforce my awareness I recently added scriptures and sayings to my bedroom walls. Now no matter where I look I am reminded of Him. To look unto Jesus. The author and finisher of my faith. My refuge, my strength, and my secure hiding place. To trust Him every day, in every circumstance.

God, you’re such a safe and powerful place to find refuge! You’re a proven help in time of trouble— more than enough and always available whenever I need you.
Psalms 46:1 TPT

He’s the hope that holds me and the stronghold to shelter me, the only God for me, and my great confidence.
Psalms 91:2 TPT

So it is impossible for God to lie for we know that his promise and his vow will never change! And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakable hope!
Hebrews 6:18 TPT

Be encouraged dear ones. Oh how He loves you and me!

My greatest treasure

I love the Word of God and so by faith I am choosing to live with that in mind. There are so many reasons to do this, here are a few:

The rarest treasures of life are found in his truth. That’s why God’s Word is prized like others prize the finest gold. Sweeter also than honey are his living words— sweet words dripping from the honeycomb!
Psalms 19:10 TPT

For God’s Word is something to sing about! He is true to his promises, his word can be trusted, and everything he does is reliable and right.
Psalms 33:4 TPT

All God accomplishes is flawless, faithful, and fair, and his every word proves trustworthy and true.
Psalms 111:7 TPT

Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep into your spirit. Then, as you unwrap my words, they will impart true life and radiant health into the very core of your being.
Proverbs 4:21‭-‬22 TPT

It’s easy to be distracted with all that’s going on in the world, but I want to be able to say like King David did in Psalm 119:11 (TPT), “I consider your Word to be my greatest treasure. ”

Let’s pray: Dear Father God, I thank you for the precious treasure of your words. Thank you for using them to reveal who you are, your nature, your character, your faithfulness, your mercy, kindness and unfailing love. Thank you for giving me Jesus The living Word as my Savior (John 1 & 3), your Holy Spirit as my teacher (John 10) and your written Word, which declares your will. I choose to treasure your Words. I ask you to continue to teach me, to open my spiritual eyes to know and understand more of you. I love you Father, I trust you and I choose to rest in your love and care for me. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

Undeserved Kindness

Take hold of it, receive the Father’s love for you. We don’t deserve it, but He thinks we are worth it. Oh how He loves you and me.

Say this: Thank you Father. I receive your love, your kindness and the wellbeing flowing from you and Jesus toward me today. Thank you for sacrificing Jesus for my sins, for setting me free. I give you all the glory, now and forever, Amen!

Hope and Expectation

But this I recall and therefore have I hope and expectation:

It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. [Mal. 3:6.]

They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness. [Isa. 33:2.]

The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him. [Num. 18:20.]

Lamentations 3:21‭-‬24 AMPC

The Rest of Faith

We rest in faith knowing that God is love. Believing in the love that God has for us. Trusting in His care for us. And that Jesus reconciled us to God. He was made to be sin so that we can be made righteous.

And there is still much more to say of his unfailing love for us! For through the blood of Jesus we have heard the powerful declaration, “You are now righteous in my sight.” And because of the sacrifice of Jesus, you will never experience the wrath of God.
Romans 5:9 TPT

“I love each of you with the same love that the Father loves me. You must continually let my love nourish your hearts. “So this is my command: Love each other deeply, as much as I have loved you.
John 15:9‭, ‬12 TPT

My favorite, Psalm 103

If Psalm 103 had a scent I think it would be like these roses. When I pray it I hope it brings a sweet fragrance before my Lord.

Yahweh, you are my soul’s celebration. How could I ever forget the miracles of kindness you’ve done for me?

You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I’ve done.

You’ve healed me inside and out from every disease.

You’ve rescued me from hell and saved my life.

You’ve crowned me with love and mercy. You satisfy my every desire with good things.

You’ve supercharged my life so that I soar again like a flying eagle in the sky!

You’re a God who makes things right, giving justice to the defenseless.

Psalms 103:2‭-‬6 TPT

Being Still

Being still doesn’t come naturally to me. Most of the time my hands are doing something (like knitting socks) even when I do have time to sit. And I can’t seem to think about “nothing” – ever. It amazes me to think that’s even possible, but my husband says it is. 🙂

Yes, my life is busy. I work full time from home and have been caring for my husband and all of the matters of our household (gratefully with help from family) since November of 2019. But I can’t let “busy” rule my life. It’s not sustainable, it’s not as God designed me to be. As I once heard Mark Hankins say, “we are human beings, not human doings.”

So at times I choose to be still, to pause, to be quiet, rest, and listen. This afternoon I am doing just that. Through my bedroom window. I am enjoying watching the leaves on my maple tree gently sway in the breeze, listening to little birds chirping. I am enjoying the quiet and counting my blessings. I am resting in His care and listening with the intention of being more like Mary than Martha.

I share these scriptures that inspire me in hopes they will minister to you too. Oh how He loves you and me!

Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me.
Matthew 11:28

Surrender your anxiety. Be still and realize that I am God. I am God above all the nations, and I am exalted throughout the whole earth.
Psalms 46:10 TPT

But even if we are faithless, he will still be full of faith, for he never wavers in his faithfulness to us!
2 Timothy 2:13 TPT

The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).
Numbers 6:24‭-‬26 AMPC

Don’t Worry

“And why would you worry about your clothing? Look at all the beautiful flowers of the field. They don’t work or toil, and yet not even Solomon in all his splendor was robed in beauty like one of these!”
Matthew 6:28‭ TPT

I have heard that worry defined is a greater belief in something or someone’s ability to do us harm than our belief/faith in God — that he cares for us. So the next time a worried thought comes I encourage you to refuse it and take these thoughts instead. It helps me to say them out loud, as a way to take ownership of them.

So if worrying adds nothing, but actually subtracts from your life, why would you worry about God’s care of you? Luke 12:26 TPT

I repeat: Don’t let worry enter your life. Live above the anxious cares about your personal needs. Luke 12:29 TPT

For the Lord takes care of all his forgiven ones while the strength of evil men will surely slip away. Psalms 37:17 TPT

So here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you.
Psalms 55:22 TPT

Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 TPT

“So above all, constantly seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.” Matthew 6:33‭-‬34 TPT

Believe it! Oh how He loves you and me.

It matters…

As I wrote earlier, God wants me (and you) to think His thoughts, because they are higher, better, and they accomplish the purpose for which he thinks and speaks them. Following up on that, I am listening to, reading and hearing about the importance of what I think – because it matters.

I have heard this saying: You can’t stop the birds from flying over head, but you can stop them from nesting in your hair. It’s the same with thoughts. Just because a thought “flies over” doesn’t mean it’s something I have to take ownership of. I have the opportunity to judge each thought. I may choose to accept as truth and meditate on it, or I can reject it as a lie and refuse it.

Here are a few of the scriptures that remind and help me to embrace the power of God’s thoughts, as communicated in His Word:

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
Philippians 4:8 AMPC

Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.
Philippians 4:8 TPT

Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm.
Colossians 3:2 TPT

Embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword of the spoken word of God. Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times. Pray the blessings of God upon all his believers.
Ephesians 6:17‭-‬18 TPT

We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One.
2 Corinthians 10:5 TPT

Think about, know and believe this today beloved: His thoughts toward us are precious, His plans for us are good, for our peace (shalom – wholeness, nothing broken, missing or lacking). Oh how He loves us!

Every single moment you are thinking of me! How precious and wonderful to consider that you cherish me constantly in your every thought! O God, your desires toward me are more than the grains of sand on every shore! When I awake each morning, you’re still with me.
Psalms 139:17‭-‬18 TPT

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
Jeremiah 29:11 AMPC

Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ThePassionTranslation.com. Other verses are taken from The Amplified Classic (AMPC).

Fishing for Walleye

Last week Thursday and Friday we went to the other side of Michigan and fished for Walleye in the Detroit River. It was quite an experience with perhaps 300-500 other boats doing the same, plus big barges passing by occasionally. The 1st day was warm but very windy, the 2nd was colder, and I was grateful to be wearing my son’s ice fishing bibs and jacket (I am sure that was an amusing sight since he is much taller 😉). We didn’t get a lot of fish and the guys caught all of them but it was wonderful to have a short getaway. I am very grateful my son was willing to take us. It’s the 2nd time Ed has been out to do something fun in 2 1/2 years.