We’ve all heard the phrase, “Stay tuned.” Often, I hear it when I’m watching television. “Stay tuned for an important update.” “Stay tuned for a preview of next week’s show.” It’s a phrase used to keep you watching or listening. I think it’s a phrase we should be using when it comes to reading and living the Scriptures.

I had a boss that expected her employees to go over and above their regular responsibilities. I was OK with that. As a tour operator, I was sometimes expected to attend and present at events in the evenings. I enjoyed this aspect of my job but I also enjoyed and participated in several Bible studies each week. My boss tried to be understanding but at one point asked me, “When are these studies going to end? When will you be available on a regular basis?” I replied, “Oh, I believe the more you study and understand the Bible, the more you want to know, and the more time you want to spend in His Word.” That’s not what she wanted to hear at all!

I’m sure you will agree with me — when you are given a gift as precious as the very Word of God you can’t help but want to spend time understanding the truths He shares, the joy His promises give, and the peace that comes from knowing you are His child.

But wait – there’s more!” This phrase is another gimmick used by the advertising industry. This is also another promise given by our Father as we read Scripture. As I listen to the news, I am reminded of the urgency to share God’s message of hope and forgiveness. In this world filled with hurt, it would be devastating to think this was all there is — Jesus promises us, as His children, that there is so much more — we live in His grace and look forward to an eternity in heaven. Like a discovery too good to keep to ourselves, we need to shout and sing about the hope found in Jesus.

Stay tuned — the best is yet to come!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace, Debbie

Last week, I was sitting on the couch enjoying a second cup of coffee when I heard the tractor start. Wonderful — Scott was already unloading the trailer of logs to be split for firewood for our winter fires. Well, I wasn’t going to miss out on that! I jumped up, threw on the clothes I wore the day before, grabbed the closest pair of shoes, work gloves, and a jacket, and headed outside.

There are few sites as beautiful as a morning in the Colorado Rockies. We had rain the night before, so there was dew on the grass and on the ponderosa pines. Normally, in this dry climate, we don’t see dew in the morning, so it was a rare treat. The jacket lasted about 10 minutes before it was thrown off. Yes, it was work, but I found it to be exhilarating. It’s nice to enjoy the autumn season and the crisp temperatures but it’s also fun to imagine our morning fires any day the temperatures dips below freezing.

We live on a ranch. There are cattle on the property, but they are owned by a neighbor rancher who rents out the land for grazing. I enjoy seeing the cows around the ranch and watching the calves play. On occasion, we chase them out of our front yard.

I grew up on a farm in North Dakota and I do know how hard my parents worked. I understand farming. We had cattle, horses, sheep, and chickens. I had chores around the house and gardens, and a few chores around the barns, especially during lambing season. My life now is vastly different, even if we live on a ranch.

Scott helps maintain the ranch roads in the winter but that is the extent of “working the ranch” for Scott. He keeps busy finishing the construction of the shop, replenishing our supply of firewood, and completing all the projects I put on the “honey-do” list. For the most part, my ranch life is porch life! I love sitting on the porch under the aspens,
enjoying the mountain views, watching the deer, the cows, an occasional bear, and listening to the coyotes howl in the evenings.

So, a little log hauling and splitting is a very good thing. This is our life living on the ranch. We love it and we are blessed! There is no point to this blog. I’m just feeling very thankful. I hope you will look at your life and find a multitude of reasons to be thankful to our God also!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
Debbie