This is a new experience for me, so if you are a blogger, it may seem too simple. I hope you were drawn by the title. I am interested in encouraging and being encouraged here. It is my hope that this will be a place of warmth, caring and sharing. A place of honest contemplation of the best way to deal with everyday life challenges.
I must confess, I want to use every legitimate means I can to reach others with messages of hope and joy. But in this venue, you can join along, because shared joy makes it even better!
If you have been invited it is because we have mutual interests and expectations. The true JOY of my life is Jesus Christ. My life really began when I accepted Christ as my Savior at the age of 25. So for 33 years, I have been living in His love and learning that He is my all- in-all. One of my favorite Bible verses is where He says, "Neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength". (Neh.8:10) Before I became a Christian, I didn't realize there was real hope for happiness in this world. I despaired of my life, had no power to live above depression.
Belonging to Christ doesn't guarantee a trouble-free life. There will be times of earthly sorrow. But God says in Christ we are able to be joyful in our hearts even when in hard circumstances. Christ gives the strength to go on as we realize He dwells within us as believers!
Sunday, October 18, 2026
A Sure Path
God's desire is that we know Him, love Him above all others, and trust His guidance from day to day. Prov.3:5-9 As we do this, all else follows. If each of us had nothing but Him, and yielded to His control, it would be easy. But our struggle comes from all the other choices and options along the way that He allows us to experience.
As the earthly realm is enlarged, Satan works his ways to distract us from God's original purpose...a changed life, a truly holy life, motivated in our hearts by the great love we have for Him. We love Him because He first loved us. We serve Him, because He first loved us. We have faith in Him because He first loved us. Complete trust is fully based on the awareness that the Lord has always loved us, loves us now, and will continue to love us. Not for what we do, but because He created us to love and be loved by Him. Our loyalty and love for Him should reign supreme in our lives, and as it does it clarifies our view and gives us the right perspective.(Rev.4:11)(Ps.119:1-4)
In my life, knowing God's will for me is not always about knowing what I should do, in a particular circumstance. In fact, many times, as I ask for guidance, He reveals or reminds me of the things I know I shouldn't do; the things He clearly reveals in His Word to me. He does not always show me the choice to make, He often shows me a choice I shouldn't make, or a better way. This type of direction depends on a day-to-day desire to be close to Him and to please Him..(Ps.119:133)
Jesus Christ is my enduring leader. Although every human relationship is different, and every personal circumstance new, Jesus Christ is the same as He was yesterday, is today, and will be tomorrow. (Heb.13:8) The sheer wonder of such consistency and His promise! It inspires me to trust Him to lead me through life. Circumstances of life can often seem ambiguous or confusing. He says in His word, He knows the end from the beginning. This means the Lord also knows the order of things that He planned! Therefore, I can trust Him to lead me through to that end, can I not?(Deut.31:8) (Rev.22:13)
Jesus is my enduring lover. I am promised an everlasting love, not based on my character, or what I do, but on His Divine Eternal character and the Holy Spirit within me. Not only will He always lead me; He is also there with me loving me as He guides and leads me. He is my true and faithful friend above all others. I realize an awareness of His presence and His love(Jer.33:3)(Heb.13:5)(John 13:1)
Jesus is also my enduring example of excellence. He embodies precept, promise and power. He is the best example I can follow. He will never falter or fail. He will never disappoint. He will always bless and accomplish His purpose through me as I obey.(John 13:15) (Matt.4:19)(Phil.2:12,13)
In summary,My Lord is good, wise and unchanging. He knows the end from the beginning and has the wisdom and power to lead me from that beginning to that end. He gives me the enduring promise of His undying love.
GTD2/17/14
Our Christmas Miracle
Our Christmas Surprise – A True Christmas Miracle
It looked to be a very humble Christmas for us that year, in earthly treasures. Of course the celebration of the main reason for the Christmas holiday would be most glorious! My husband was the assistant pastor of a church in New England, and we always had so many festivities planned to remind folks about why we celebrate Christmas. We had the Christmas cantata, and caroling to the nursing homes, a Christmas party for all, and a beautiful candlelight Christmas Eve communion service. Yes, it was tremendously splendid and something we always looked forward to so much.
However, early in November that year I had found myself sitting at the table praying about a Christmas present for my husband. I really wanted to get him a new suit. I had seen an article in a Christian publication that told of how a Christian businessman who owned a men's clothing store actually gave suits, ties, and shirts to missionaries and preachers so that they would always look their best. I had wanted my husband to have a new suit which he so badly needed, since his birthday in June. It was shortly after that when I saw the article about Mr.Tatum. I was impressed to write a letter to him and find out if he would sell me a suit and be willing to take the money in small installments, since I had absolutely no idea when I could pay him back.
As I sat there, I felt like I was begging and my pride would not let me write the letter, so I decided to forget about it. Every time I would go to pray or read my Bible after that, it was as though there was a wall between me and GOD. I knew I needed to try to compose that letter. One day, as I sat there, I realized that my husband was the most wonderful, compassionate, hardworking Christian Man that I knew. I began to write a letter about my husband, telling about his labor and sacrifice for the Lord's work. I ended the letter in this way..." I know these things to be true and oh so much more, for this man is my husband!"
That November ended on a sad note. A dear preacher that we looked up to and was my husband's earthly hero, Lester Roloff, had been killed in a plane crash. Although we knew that he was with the LORD, it would make a difference in many lives that he was gone.
One day in early December, a very large package came to our home from Mr. Jim Tatum. A letter enclosed stated how his heart had been touched by my love for my husband, and he had sent Steve a wardrobe of clothes that had originally been intended for his dear friend Lester Roloff, whom he had dressed for many years and loved so deeply! He said when he saw the size I had given him, he knew immediately that the LORD wanted Steve to have these things. (Of course, he didn't know how special that would be for my husband, until we later told him.) And enclosed with the letter was a very large check to buy presents for our children. He wanted us to have the best Christmas ever.
I was trembling by then and quickly called my cousin, a new Christian, and asked her to come and see what GOD had done! I know this was a great encouragement to her. We were dumbfounded as we pulled out item after item. Two suits, a sports jacket, three pairs of pants, shirts, ties, and even an all weather coat! Beautiful, high-quality clothes that would give him years of wear! But I knew the greatest thing to him would be that they were to have been Brother Roloff's clothes. And the fact that everyting was the exact size, was just too much.
I shared with our Pastor about the Christmas miracle, and he too was so touched by the kindness and generosity of Mr. Tatum. He knew the connection with Lester Roloff would be such a blessing to Steve. Steve actually carried a picture of Lester Roloff in his wallet! My husband loves children, and I think the fact that Brother Roloff loved kids so much and had the many ministries for them, touched his heart, as well as his great, uncompromising love for the LORD.
Well, I was able to do some Christmas shopping for the children, and kept busy with all the activities of the season, all the while so excited about the coming presentation of the gifts. I had held out a tie and a shirt and wrapped them. And then I wrapped the big box, and left it in the basement. I hid a tape recorder under the sofa, so we could catch the comments that were sure to come. Even the children did not know, since I was afraid they would ruin the surprise.
When we arrived home from the Candlelight service, it was time. I stated that I wanted Daddy to open his gifts first. So I took out the tie and handed it to him. He commented on it...then I gave him the shirt...he did make a comment about where did you get the money for this...
I asked my son to come with me and get one more thing. We carried the heavy wardrobe box up the stairs and into the living room, placing it in front of my husband. He said, "Now what is this?" I said just open it....by then the children were making comments such as..."Wow, folks she hit a goldmine! " As Steve began to see the contents of the box, he was overwhelmed, but also fearful that I had done something stupid to pay for this.
"Where did you get the money for this?" he said over and over, until I handed him the letter. Then as he began to read, the tears streamed down his face. He was totally overcome with emotion.
"I have to call Pastor", he said. I smiled to myself, knowing that Pastor was probably sitting by the phone waiting. As he made the call, I brought out all the children's gifts and when he got off the phone, we sat and rejoiced at the goodness of GOD to us.
This happened many years ago, but I never tire of telling it! GOD is good!
Gail Dunbar 2001 
It looked to be a very humble Christmas for us that year, in earthly treasures. Of course the celebration of the main reason for the Christmas holiday would be most glorious! My husband was the assistant pastor of a church in New England, and we always had so many festivities planned to remind folks about why we celebrate Christmas. We had the Christmas cantata, and caroling to the nursing homes, a Christmas party for all, and a beautiful candlelight Christmas Eve communion service. Yes, it was tremendously splendid and something we always looked forward to so much.
However, early in November that year I had found myself sitting at the table praying about a Christmas present for my husband. I really wanted to get him a new suit. I had seen an article in a Christian publication that told of how a Christian businessman who owned a men's clothing store actually gave suits, ties, and shirts to missionaries and preachers so that they would always look their best. I had wanted my husband to have a new suit which he so badly needed, since his birthday in June. It was shortly after that when I saw the article about Mr.Tatum. I was impressed to write a letter to him and find out if he would sell me a suit and be willing to take the money in small installments, since I had absolutely no idea when I could pay him back.
As I sat there, I felt like I was begging and my pride would not let me write the letter, so I decided to forget about it. Every time I would go to pray or read my Bible after that, it was as though there was a wall between me and GOD. I knew I needed to try to compose that letter. One day, as I sat there, I realized that my husband was the most wonderful, compassionate, hardworking Christian Man that I knew. I began to write a letter about my husband, telling about his labor and sacrifice for the Lord's work. I ended the letter in this way..." I know these things to be true and oh so much more, for this man is my husband!"
That November ended on a sad note. A dear preacher that we looked up to and was my husband's earthly hero, Lester Roloff, had been killed in a plane crash. Although we knew that he was with the LORD, it would make a difference in many lives that he was gone.
One day in early December, a very large package came to our home from Mr. Jim Tatum. A letter enclosed stated how his heart had been touched by my love for my husband, and he had sent Steve a wardrobe of clothes that had originally been intended for his dear friend Lester Roloff, whom he had dressed for many years and loved so deeply! He said when he saw the size I had given him, he knew immediately that the LORD wanted Steve to have these things. (Of course, he didn't know how special that would be for my husband, until we later told him.) And enclosed with the letter was a very large check to buy presents for our children. He wanted us to have the best Christmas ever.
I was trembling by then and quickly called my cousin, a new Christian, and asked her to come and see what GOD had done! I know this was a great encouragement to her. We were dumbfounded as we pulled out item after item. Two suits, a sports jacket, three pairs of pants, shirts, ties, and even an all weather coat! Beautiful, high-quality clothes that would give him years of wear! But I knew the greatest thing to him would be that they were to have been Brother Roloff's clothes. And the fact that everyting was the exact size, was just too much.
I shared with our Pastor about the Christmas miracle, and he too was so touched by the kindness and generosity of Mr. Tatum. He knew the connection with Lester Roloff would be such a blessing to Steve. Steve actually carried a picture of Lester Roloff in his wallet! My husband loves children, and I think the fact that Brother Roloff loved kids so much and had the many ministries for them, touched his heart, as well as his great, uncompromising love for the LORD.
Well, I was able to do some Christmas shopping for the children, and kept busy with all the activities of the season, all the while so excited about the coming presentation of the gifts. I had held out a tie and a shirt and wrapped them. And then I wrapped the big box, and left it in the basement. I hid a tape recorder under the sofa, so we could catch the comments that were sure to come. Even the children did not know, since I was afraid they would ruin the surprise.
When we arrived home from the Candlelight service, it was time. I stated that I wanted Daddy to open his gifts first. So I took out the tie and handed it to him. He commented on it...then I gave him the shirt...he did make a comment about where did you get the money for this...
I asked my son to come with me and get one more thing. We carried the heavy wardrobe box up the stairs and into the living room, placing it in front of my husband. He said, "Now what is this?" I said just open it....by then the children were making comments such as..."Wow, folks she hit a goldmine! " As Steve began to see the contents of the box, he was overwhelmed, but also fearful that I had done something stupid to pay for this.
"Where did you get the money for this?" he said over and over, until I handed him the letter. Then as he began to read, the tears streamed down his face. He was totally overcome with emotion.
"I have to call Pastor", he said. I smiled to myself, knowing that Pastor was probably sitting by the phone waiting. As he made the call, I brought out all the children's gifts and when he got off the phone, we sat and rejoiced at the goodness of GOD to us.
This happened many years ago, but I never tire of telling it! GOD is good!
Gail Dunbar 2001
May Messages Enjoying my Olive Tree
I have been on a calm quest this month. As I sit under my favorite tea olive shade tree (whom I have affectionately begun to call Olive) there is everything I consider to be pleasant. Peaceful calming naturesounds are only occasionally disturbed by some wheeled manmade contraption riding by. The gentlest of cool breezes to enrich what is already an extremely delightful atmosphere with Olive. Birds singing and winging, bees abuzzin'. It must be a similar experience that led Joyce Kilmer to pen his fondly acclaimed poem.
Two views... looking out from sitting under Olive and then facing Olive:
Marital Longevity. HAPPY 66TH !!!
Republished January 27, 2016
To GOD be the glory! So thankful Mom and Dad have triumphed through another year of marriage. 66 YEARS and looking ahead!
Each year is a milestone for any marriage these days, but one marriage between one man and one woman for a lifetime is an awesome and very inspiring example of what devotion to God and commitment to each other will do! This is rare and so very wonderful to observe. The secret is continual consciousness of the Oneness gift God gives couples who strive to build their marriage relationship.
These last few years for Mom and Dad are typical of those growing older. Aging, health issues, loss of many family members including even their daughter, my sister Karen, have opened a pathway rough enough to cause stumbling, bewilderment, or bitterness. Yet they have leaned hard on each other and fed their renewed faith by seeking the Lord and taking one day at a time. Church attendance is a valuable and treasured accomplishment of these latter days, having learned the futility of self reliance in the past. Life has been the schoolmaster of eternal truths found only in God's Word.
My mom is the sole survivor of a family of 12, many of whom she and my dad helped in their last days of illness and aging on to eternity.
My dad, also from a large family, has also lost his last remaining sibling during this last year.
Through these various circumstances, the precious bond and presence of each other has been a tremendous force to supply help, encouragement, affection, emotional strength and support as they face the challenges of earthly living.
So I lovingly rejoice as they celebrate their oneness life of 66 years today!!!
Psalm 48:14 ..."For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our Guide even unto death."
The Ultimate True Experience
I could say, "This was the hottest summer ever!" This would definitely not be the truth. Statistics and records could factually prove that to be an incorrect statement. However, just by adding two little words to this statement I can qualify it to be the truth as I know it. "This was the hottest summer ever for me."
JULY Went By...
Nearing the end of July 2015, I must say that it was basically a usual July, yet specifically there were some atypical aspects. Personally, and not typically, I seem to have gained a resergence of physical energy! I have attributed this to my loving, powerful and prayer-answering God! I deeply praise Him and am daily trying to determine the best use of this precious commodity, so that prior goals yet incomplete, can be achieved and new ones can be sought.
However, even the healthiest version of me has never been able to abide the extreme summer heat, especially if mingled with a high percentage of humidity! Alas, I have therefore not accomplished as much as I expected. Praying for guidance, I remembered the blog and here I am.
Having been blocked from travels by a medical crisis in May and June, I knew it was unlikely the trip could be made in July, but my bags remain packed.
I look to the future with true hope, backed by the promises of God. Even when days are difficult, as I focus on the comforting presence of the Lord and all He means to me and think about His plan for my life l am always inspired and encouraged. I love the scripture that comes to mind...
Psalms 71:16 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. 71:17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. 71:18 Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. 71:19 Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! 71:20 Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. 71:21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
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