Psalm 18:24

The day began just like any other day. I awoke to the news radio station announcing the time to be 6:00 a.m., although not a slice of sunlight permeated the darkness. I separated myself from the cozy covers of my bed, shuffled down the hallway, and stepped outside to retrieve the newspaper lying on the driveway. However, when I came back inside, I had a smile on my face and a giggle bubbling up inside. For some unknown reason, the theme song of Spongebob Squarepants was rolling around in my mind! Can you imagine waking up and beginning to sing these words:  “Who-o-o lives in a pineapple under the sea—SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!” Now is you were a member of the pre-school set, singing this chorus would be perfectly normal. However, I am well beyond the age to be singing about Spongebob! But, do you know what? It felt so-o-o good to be laughing at 6:00 in the morning; even chilled fresh orange juice, or the best coffee ever couldn’t accomplish THAT task!

The bible says in Psalm 2:4, “But the One who rules the heaven laughs.” I am exceedingly and abundantly overjoyed to know that God has a sense of humor. It’s strange how He can so skillfully and lovingly pull the rug out from under me, causing me to fall on my face, when I begin to take my concerns and myself too seriously. I thanked the Lord that morning, as I try to do every morning, for allowing me the opportunity to joyfully celebrate another day with Him. I also asked Him to use me for His glory, in whatever manner He chooses, whether I am gung-ho on the idea or not. With Jesus in my heart, and Spongebob on my mind, it’s bound to be a wonderful day!

Our God IS An Awesome God,

Carl & Bonnie Friedrich

Romans 14: 12-13  NLT

“OH—-MY—GOODNESS!”  There was no denying their existence. They were definitely there, dancing right before my eyes, parading their in-your-face” presence for the entire world to behold.  On a very sleepy Monday morning, my eyes were suddenly shocked and assaulted from every angle, with each pore, freckle, blemish, wrinkle, crease, crow’s feet, sags & bags, dark spots, smudges, shadows, red splotches, and any other imperfection, too numerous to even mention.  Yes, I was standing in front of a dazzlingly illuminated magnifying make-up mirror, receiving at that moment, a more-than-heaping dose of reality. My face was having a party, and all those little imperfections were thrilled to be there!

It would be difficult to give an accurate account of all the bumps and craters that there was to behold.  But the Bible also states in Matthew 12:36 that “…you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak.” Those ugly words that can so easily slip from between our lips, will be revealed, and we will be asked to give an account of them. The covers will be pulled on all of our words of anger, gossip, lies, jealousy, hate, and prejudice, and will be “illuminated” before Almighty God, as we stand ashamed and offer our feeble excuses, that will fall lamely at our feet. Taken with the same diligence as a multi-vitamin, Psalm 141:3 should serve as a daily reminder to us all:  “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and keep my lips sealed.”

Let Our Words Glorify the Lord,

Carl & Bonnie Friedrich

I’m a fan of Trader Joe’s and on most occasions that I frequent this establishment, I find nestled in the back corner of the store, a small stand where they faithfully serve a “surprise of the day”. You see, a friendly lady distributes to each passer-by, delectable morsels that she has prepared for patrons to taste; recipes gleaned from the shelves of Trader Joe’s products. On this particular day, as I made my dash to the rear of the store to collect my treat, she was enthusiastically serving mini-toastette crackers topped with bruschetta (an Italian tomato topping with fresh basil and garlic, for all you cooking connoisseurs). Mmm-m, crunch, crunch—now THAT really hit the spot, and teased my taste buds! Convinced of continued enjoyment at home, I tossed a package of mini-toastettes and a jar of mouth-watering bruschetta into my cart and proceeded to the checkout.

Several days later as I was rummaging for something to munch, I settled upon the toastettes and bruschetta, remembering the delightful crunch and burst of flavor they offered. As I opened the package of crackers, I was instantly dismayed. After inspection, I determined that about 95% of the crackers were broken into halves and thirds, few vaguely even resembling a whole and complete “toastette”. My enthusiasm for this snack was dimmed, but my hunger pangs were determined. I carefully assembled the topping on the mangled sliver of cracker and popped it into my mouth. Despite its’ broken and shattered condition, it still tasted WONDERFUL! I then considered how the Lord delights in us, when we acknowledge Him and bow before Him with all of our “brokenness”. Shattered dreams, wounded hearts, and broken joys are His specialty. He sees the potential within us, and with His unlimited love and grace, restores wholeness. Thank you Lord, for putting the pieces of my Humpty Dumpty life together again!

Broken, Yet Made Whole in Him,

Carl & Bonnie Friedrich

II Tim. 1:5

For those of you who have visited our home, you are mindful of the large wall of windows along the rear of our house, offering a splendid view of the yard, birds that visit, trees, and flowers. Now Pastor Carl is a fanatic when it comes to keeping the windows clean. He has appointed the task of window cleaning to him and him alone. Arming himself with his trusty bottle of no-streak Windex, newspaper, and some muscle-power, away he goes to eradicate those unmerciful smudges and smears. The resulting restoration of sparkle and brilliance is undeniable after the chore is finished, BUT we still have one very small problem.

It seems that mysteriously, there is always a steady sprinkling of fingerprints along the length of the window and its’ adjoining sliding door, their appearance coinciding with visits from our grandchildren. A common definition of a fingerprint is this:  “an impression of the lines and whirls of the inner surface of the end joint of the finger.” Yes, our dear little Abbey had left her mark and with her fingerprints she had stated—“I was here and I left my impression.

I then realized that as Moms, we leave our fingerprints on our children. From the time of conception, we are leaving our fingerprints, or an impression on their lives, right into adulthood. Chuck Swindoll once said, “Mothers, don’t ever forget the permanence of your imprint. The kids may seem ungrateful, they may act irresponsible, and they may even ignore your reminders and forget your advice. But believe this—they can’t erase your influence.”

As Moms, we need to care about the kinds of legacy we leave when the Lord calls us home, and with our words and actions, pass on our faith to our children. Remember, it’s never too late to leave your fingerprints on the precious gifts the Lord has entrusted to us—our children.

Happy Mother’s Day,

Carl & Bonnie Friedrich

My current mode of transportation is an absolute blessing, which I thank the Lord for each time I get behind the wheel, is my 2005 MiniCooper. It has very gracefully accumulated not quite 24,000 miles in the 5 years it has been in my possession. You can say it has been driven “by a little old lady”—me!  This vehicle has been pampered, resting in a cozy garage, with frequent washings, scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, and other necessary tasks of routine maintenance. Yet despite precautionary measures and “driving defensively”, the usual little dings and tiny scratches now mar the once satin smooth door panels and hood. Although the outside shows some signs of wear and tear, this car has proven its’ usefulness and reliability each time the key is placed in the ignition and the engine faithfully zooms to life.

I would liken the speed bumps, potholes, and flying pieces of debris that assail our cars each day, to the trials and tribulations we also encounter on a daily basis, often leaving our bodies wounded, battered and bruised.  I believe the Bible says it best in I Peter 4:12-13…”Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—because these trials will make you partners with Christ in His suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing His glory when it is displayed to all the world.” It’s Jesus, IN us and working THROUGH us that will cause us to be over comers, knowing that “I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.”  (Phil. 4:13)

Cruising With Jesus,

Carl and Bonnie Friedrich

IICor. 5:17 NLT

In the newness of this year, I like to celebrate with simple things like a set of new sheets and pillowcases, bath towels, AND a shiny new toothbrush! New sponges and dishtowels for the kitchen, and fresh candles throughout the house make the transition complete. The advent of spring also brings with it the hope of new birth. Shiny leaves now dot the rose bushes once pruned and void of vegetation, illustrate the evidence of this awakening. The incessant shrill chirping of baby birds recently hatched and now demanding nourishment, can be heard from their nest tucked within the bushes.

Just as we welcome the new-ness of spring, so we also welcome the presence of Jesus residing inside of us, and the new-ness that only He can bring. A zest for life and what each day will bring, replaces the dread and despair that may have once surrounded us with each sunrise. Knowing Jesus as our best friend, gives us a newfound joy for each day, and an unfailing assurance of peace and hope as we look to our future and the day our life, as we know it to be on earth, will cease. The Bible says in Lamentations 3:22-23… “His mercies fail not. They are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.” Along with my coffee cup, I choose to fill my cup each day with those blessings that He has selected just for me to enjoy.

Welcoming the New-ness of a Life in Jesus,

Carl and Bonnie Friedrich

Proverbs: 4:23

It seems like everywhere I turn, red, white, and pink hearts or a combination thereof assails me. Heart balloons, wreaths, candles, stickers, cards, wrapping paper, cookies, candies, cakes, cereal, lingerie, and even boxer shorts are sporting hearts these days. Among all the rainbow colors, I can’t help but notice the absence of dark, drab, and dreary hearts. As I sort through the motley assortment of heart-shaped trinkets, there’s not a black heart to be found, yet from what my Bible tells me, I know my heart is not always of a rosy-pink hue. I am ashamed to admit, that lurking within my heart, too many times to mention, are wicked thoughts and evil plots, and the funny part is, I honestly think that nobody has a clue! Oh, how ignorant I can be! Perhaps Jeremiah said it best in chapter 17 verses 9-10…”The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I know! I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives.”

Yes, once again, the Lord has my number and knows about all my wicked little ways and secret schemes. My only hope is in Jesus, whose residence is in my heart. Psalm 119:112 declares “I have hidden  your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Through a simple request to the Lord, I can banish these evil thoughts and ideas that periodically invade my mind. This request is found in Psalm 51:10…”Create in me a clean heart, O God, renew a right spirit within me.” After these words are uttered, the black murkiness of my heart is made clean and pure, and I can walk freely once again with my Lord. Now, just the thought of being squeaky clean from the inside out, really makes my heart start pumping!

It’s A “Heart-Thing”,

Carl & Bonnie Friedrich

Beyond the fence at the rear of our property we have a slope that extends approximately 40 feet and empties into a cement culvert. This area, I’m ashamed to report, was in dire need of attention. Weeds had sprung up everywhere, and dead, scrubby vegetation now occupied most of the landscape, choking the ice plant that had once thrived there. Due to our neglect, the land was now an eyesore, aching for some tender loving care. We decided to contact our friendly gardener and arrange for the necessary work to be done. One man, alone and determined, within 3 hours, efficiently had everything cleaned, cut, disposed of, and in order. I was amazed! We then asked him to periodically check this area and keep it free from further neglect.

As I surveyed the now tidy landscape, I thought about how often our heart can drift into the same neglected condition. Old habits, nagging sins, and unruly thoughts can gradually sneak inside and begin to choke the precious new spirit of Jesus that dwells within our heart. As the scripture states, we also need to seek the Lord, confess our sins, and ask Him to make us clean and whole once again. As this New Year begins, let’s start with a clean and pure heart, rejoicing in the precious salvation that Jesus has so freely given to us, and with a determination to live in obedience to Him.

Ready For A Clean Start,

Carl & Bonnie Friedrich

On a recent jaunt through our neighborhood friendly Wal-Mart, I happened to take notice of all the varieties of Christmas lights on display that one has to choose from, in order to bring brilliance to one’s home. While exploring just the first aisle, I counted no less than twelve different types of lights, which according to your personal choice, assures you of a unique twist on outdoor home decorating. If my memory serves me right, there were colored rope lights, crystallized rope lights, cracked ice rope lights, crystal teardrop lights, LED lights, chasing lights, mini-multi lights, twinkling ribbon lights, swag-style lights, soft glow lights, bubble lights, icicle lights, and just the plain “old-school” colored lights. Wow—that’s a lot of illumination power! I always look forward to the day we tackle decorating our home for the Christmas holiday, which is usually the day after Thanksgiving. String after string of lights are stretched out upon the garage floor, plugged in, and scrutinized for any “dead” bulbs that have lost their power, while being tucked away since last season. It’s easy to get carried away by adding “just a few more lights.” One year we actually thought the glow of our home would confuse the pilots on their approach to Orange County airport!

As we decorate and adorn our homes for the Christmas season, let us remember that Jesus came as the “light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in Him will no longer remain in the darkness.” Aren’t you glad that the light of the Savior will not shatter, nor will it grow dim and eventually extinguish? Yes, the light of the Lord can be represented through the glow of a simple candle flame, held in the hand of one who has accepted His simple gift of salvation, and invited Him to reside inside his/her heart. Make JESUS the reason for your Christmas season!

Have the Merriest Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Carl & Bonnie Friedrich

Psalm 34:8

Looking out my kitchen window one morning, while eating my oatmeal (topped with dried cranberries and brown sugar), I noticed a petite brown bird perched on the edge of the deck. He sat motionless, staring longingly at the pool, when suddenly he left his lofty perch and daringly SWOOPED down upon the water, barely skimming its’ surface, then promptly returning to his resting place. He tirelessly repeated this dance, and I continued to view his performance until my oatmeal was done, or he flew away, whichever came first. But I remember clearly with each swoop, he would as if on command, stop short of total submersion; instead would hardly generate a ripple on the waters’ surface, barely moistening his feet.

Amazingly, the Lord whispered a lesson to me through the antics of a little brown bird. I discovered that although I profess to “trust the Lord”, my actions mirror that of the bird, just b-a-r-e-l-y getting my feet wet, time and time again, until I tire of the whole ritual and go off in my own direction, only to return and begin the same pattern all over again. Proverbs 3:5-6 admonishes us to “Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in ALL you do, and He will direct your paths.” I want that scripture to be more than just a favorite verse posted on my refrigerator—I want it to become a reality practiced daily in my life!

Trusting God Is More Than Just Getting Our Feet Wet,

Carl & Bonnie Friedrich