It's All Up To Me

Hey Friend,

It's 3:45 am. and the coffee is brewing.  I've read scripture and a devotional and now I find myself staring at this blank computer screen. 

I am not a stupid person.  I graduated summa cum laude from high school and magna cum laude from college.  I've handled some enormous administrative challenges, both in college and in work, and have come out smelling like a rose.  Why then, is this keeping me awake at night?

Currently, I am in the process of working with a wonderful Christian attorney (a gift from God) who is walking me through the process of applying for non profit, tax exempt/501c3 status for a ministry I have helped form.  The application is thicker than many books I've read.  (I'll spare you my thoughts on our government).  Understandably, though, they want to make sure that any tax exempt monies are not winding up in nefarious hands.  I get that.

So, in my usual M.O., I am leaving no stone unturned trying to answer all their questions, dispel any doubts, leave nothing to the imagination. I am trying to nail this sucker down.  My mind is always spinning with the question: What is the best way to present our ministry so that an IRS examiner will put our application in the acceptance pile?

After all, lives are depending on me...literally.  I have 32 impoverished, destitute, illiterate, hungry, innocent, and wide-eyed children counting on me.  (With many more on the waiting list).  Our ministry, Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc. exists to "Promote the hope and love of Jesus Christ with people around the world with a particular focus on providing a Christian education to those who are impoverished, oppressed, or persecuted for their faith."

If I don't get this application approved, then people will not donate because they can't write it off on their taxes and these children will be hung out to dry.  I don't want that to happen...not on MY watch! 

The only problem, and it's a big one, is that our ministry operates in the epicenter of evil.  We are taking on Satan and the evil he stirs up, smack dab in the middle of his stomping grounds...the Middle East.  I want the IRS to see that we are not training up children to strap bombs on themselves...no, just the opposite, we are training them up to love in the way that Jesus loves.  We are on the same team...I have to make them see this. 

Just writing this leaves me exhausted!  When I look back over what I've written, I see the words, "I", "me", "my", "our".  This is when being smart is sometimes a curse.  I think that God, the One who created the universe and hung the stars in space, needs my help.  That's great God, that you are the great "I Am", but aren't you lucky that I'm here to help you out?

How vain, prideful, and downright silly is that?? (two day gap in writing)...

Needless to say, the two days away from my laptop, I truly crashed and burned.  I ran right into that wall that I always do....AGAIN.  If I'm so smart, why don't I ever learn??

So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight.  (Proverbs 3:4-6)

In other translations, the verse said:

"do not rely on...."

"do not depend on..."

"do not trust upon..."

I am hitting the ground, running furiously, because I think it's all up to me.  I have forgotten that the "Alpha and the Omega" has got a good handle on this.  The "Name above All Names" has a game plan that I can count on, if I would just let Him coach me up.  The "Good Shepherd" knows the needs of His sheep in the Middle East far better than I do, so why am I relying upon me? 

The Great I Am wants me to "rely on", "depend on", "trust upon", yes, "lean upon" HIS understanding not my own.

I remember, as a child, when we would spend lazy summers in a beautiful mountain home that my dad designed and built himself with our "help".  After furious rain storms, my dad would always want to go down to the lake and check to see that the dock and the boat were in tact and check on the property of others.  He was good that way. 

Begging to tag along, I went with him one evening.  It was still dusk as we headed down the path through the woods to the lake.  I'd walked this path thousands of times, so naturally I bounced off ahead of my dad.  After checking everything and buttoning down loose tarps and covers, we headed back up the hill.

This time it was pitch black.  My dad, always prepared, had a big flashlight.  Still in typical fashion I tried to run on ahead (after all, I KNEW this path).  That was until some tree roots and random rock outcroppings tripped me up and I wound up face first in the mud and dirt.  Calmly, my dad brushed me off, took my hand, and suggested I let Him lead the way.  Oh stubborn and silly girl that I am.

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."  (John 8:12)

Jesus promises the Light of Life to those who FOLLOW Him...not to those who, in their own might and wisdom, run on ahead.

Follow = imitate my example;

govern yourself by the dictates of God's Word and Spirit

If I continually run ahead in my own might and understanding, I am not imitating my Lord.  I can't be because I'm not following Him.

I can't be governing myself by the dictates of God's Word and Spirit if I'm not in His Word and calling upon His Spirit to LEAD me.

A wise friend reminded me that this battle belongs to the Lord.  If Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc. getting 501c3 tax exempt status is in HIS will, then it can't be thwarted. 

The Lord will fight for me (us), I need only to be still.  ( Exodus 14:14 )

There was a reason that I was laid low in weakness this week.  It was so that when this victory happens...and I'm certain that it will...the glory will go to God and not to me. 

It's not all up to me to make the victory happen; but it's up to me to point to Whom the victory goes!

What about you?  Do you ever find yourself running on up ahead of the Lord?  What has been your experience?  If you have wisdom from the Lord to share...would you?

Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me, once again, for taking matters into my own hands and leaning upon my own understanding.  Help me to see that this is YOUR battle, and these are YOUR children.  Enable me to hold your hand and FOLLOW your Light to guide me through the dark.  Your promises of love, and wisdom, and guidance are so very good.  You are a good, good, Father.  Help me to walk in Your footsteps.  The only way I can imitate You is to follow You.  Humble me in order that I might follow dear Lord. In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Be blessed...

BOYS IN BOOTS

Your generous contributions at Christmas, gave these boys some waterproof boots for Christmas so that their feet will remain warm and dry as the weather turns wet and cold.

Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc. exists to promote the hope and love of Jesus Christ around the world with a particular focus on providing a Christian education to those who are impoverished, oppressed, or persecuted for their faith.

We are enrolling, and people are sponsoring, new students who could benefit from some warm clothing this winter.  Would you consider making that happen??  Any amount you feel led to donate will help tremendously!!!

Send checks payable to:

Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc.

103 Silver Lining Lane

Cary, NC  27513

**Include your email address because WHEN we get tax exempt status soon, ALL gifts during 2016 will be tax deductible and we will send you a year end receipt for tax purposes. 

What Is God's Good Pleasure?

Hey Friend,

As I mentioned in my previous post, my watch word for 2016 is "See".  I want to slow down enough to truly see God's marvelous works all around me and the unique qualities that He has woven into the people that surround me. 

I also want to not only "see", but to go a step further and discern His Truth from His Word.  I confess that I have a problem...well actually two...or more.  First, I procrastinate which is why this post is late.  Second, when I read His Word I am prone to skim.  Especially, if I know the scripture, I breeze past the words.  Yeah, yeah, yeah, got this...know that...heard that before...done. 

That is why I am challenging myself to read scripture that I am less familiar with and to read it in small chunks.  At the advice of a writing friend, I am reading the same small portion of scripture three different times in different translations.  This has been a great help in getting me to slow down and see. I am also reading commentaries (remembering they are opinions and insights, not gospel truth).

So step one:  Crack your Bible open.  We can't expect to know and discern God's heart if we don't lay eyes on His written Word.

It's a new year, so go with some scripture that is new to you.  Think of the Bible as God's love letter to you.  You've found His love letters to you tucked away in a shoebox in the attic and now you're going to open them one at a time and really focus on what He is saying. 

Today, I have camped out in Ephesians 1: 7-14.  Yesterday I read Ephesians 1: 1-7.  Reading in sequence and grasping what comes before and afterward greatly helps as well.  I also read it three times in different translations.  I put on my miner's hat and here is what I discovered:

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.  He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure (one translations reads: With immense pleasure, he laid out his intentions through Jesus). And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ - everything in heaven and on earth.  Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.  (Ephesians 1: 7-11 - NLT)

**Note I stopped after verse 11 because already there is such good stuff to mine here. 

First, I laid eyes on, and dwelled on the beginning of the passage.  I visualized Christ's blood freely flowing down the cross - setting me free.  With such great love for me/us, He has poured out the richness of His grace upon me.  I am covered.  I am forgiven.  I am truly, truly loved by a God who is kind.

That, alone, is a great nugget to carry with me today.  I admit, however, that my eyes were caught by words in the next phrase, "God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure." (vs. 9)

I admit wondering, What is God's good pleasure?  One version said, "His immense pleasure."  If God can be pleased....can He be displeased?  Can He be displeased with me?  I know that I am pleased with some things and some people, and conversely am displeased by some things and some people.  I am made in God's image, so is He like me? 

I realized what I was doing was (okay, here comes the big English major, six syllable word) anthropomorphizing God.  I was trying to understand God as if he were a man. 

God is not a man.  We are made in God's image, not vice versa.

I'm learning it is extremely damaging and untrue to attribute to God human characteristics.  I am made in God's image...He is not made in mine.  Can I hear a Halleluiah??

God is not affected by others like I am.

I am also a highly sensitive person, so what others around me say and do can affect me greatly.  It ought not to, but it does.  My mood and outlook can be changed.  Then, what I elect to do can be changed.  I am affected by others and then others, in turn, may be affected by me.

God is not like that.  I can count on God to live in a determinative fashion.  What does that mean?  I can count on God to be fixed, unchanging.  He defines, directs, and determines the course for others...He cannot be defined, directed, and determined by us.  Can I have another Halleluiah??

God is not influenced by anything outside of himself.  There is no force in the universe stronger than God.  So, when I think my actions and reactions are changing how God thinks about me...nothing could be further from the truth.  I can no more change God than I can stop the stars from shining. 

God at His very core is Love and Goodness.  So therefore His "good pleasure" is His will.  I believe that God cannot have a will or pleasure that is other than good. 

Good and bad things happen to people, not because God is displeased with them.  Okay, read that again...

God's will for us is always good, but He does give those around us and gives us free will which allows us to affect others (sometimes in a bad way) and to be affected by others. 

I am so thankful that God's will...His good pleasure was to offer Christ as an atoning sacrifice for my sin.  He knew that man was not going to cut it attempting to follow the Law, and so He gave us a new covenant which is that we are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. 

When God looks at us/me.  He doesn't see my sin; He only sees the cleansing blood of Christ. 

That will never change...because God has always been good and His will and "good pleasure" are changeless as well. 

What misconceptions do you have about God?  How would digging into His word change that?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the love letter of Your precious Word that You have written to me.  Make it my desire to want to read Your words of love to me and truly "see" your loving and kind heart.  How thankful I am that You are changeless...that nothing I do will make You love me more or less.  You are fixed and You are faithful.  On those facts, I can depend.  Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit You have given me as my guide while mining in Your Word.  May I not only see, but be changed, day by day, into the likeness of Jesus.  It is in His precious name that I pray, Amen

Be blessed...

This is Nisha wearing the warm sweater/coat that you gave her for Christmas.  For a young girl that was cleaning houses just to survive and eat, she feels immensely blessed to have found refuge in the loving arms of Redeemer Christian School, Pakistan...made possible by Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc.

Over 25 impoverished and orphaned children remain on the waiting list to be sponsored in order to be able to attend RCS, Pakistan.  For ONLY $12/MONTH OR $144/FOR ONE YEAR, YOU CAN MAKE THIS DREAM POSSIBLE.

Help us get these children off the streets and into the classroom!!

Send contributions (in any amount) to:

Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc.

103 Silver Lining Lane

Cary, NC  27513

**include your email address for end of the year giving statement**

Wanting To Truly See

Hey Friend,

When I was a child and we'd cruise down the highway in my parents' Chevy station wagon, I would often gaze out the window and watch the scenery whip by me in a blur.  Every so often, my eye would catch a glimpse of something that I wanted to go back and take a closer look at, but it was too late - we'd already sped past.

Much of my life is like that - I'm moving at laser speed and I don't slow down to truly "see" what is right in front of me.  For 2016, I have chosen the word "see" as my watchword for the year.  I am smart enough and old enough to know not to set lofty resolutions, but I can work on truly seeing. 

Our God is El Roi...the God who sees.  He never takes His eyes off me.  I am created in His image, so I too, am called to see.  I want my eyes to not only glimpse, but to dwell long enough to take in the depths of:

His Creation

His gifts to me

His will for me

I believe that the eyes are the window of the soul.  I want to look beyond the facades and masks that others wear and look long enough to see others' hurt, pain, and suffering.  Having lived my life with on again/off again depression and anxiety, I can look (with pretty good accuracy) and see when others are depressed, suffering, aching, or are in need of being "seen".

My choice now, is am I going to slow down long enough to show Christ's love to them?  Or, am I going to leave their faces as a blur as I whip by at my hectic pace?

I like the passage in "The Greatest Gift" by Ann Voskamp that says:

"People aren't bodies; they are hearts.  We could train our eyes to turn everything inside out. 

'Why should the eye be so lazy? Let us exercise the eye until it learns to see,' writes G. K. Chesterton.  Let us exercise the eye until it sees through the fat of things, down to the eternal of things.  Let us exercise the eye by walking with Christ.

There is this call for every Christian to answer His calling to be an ocular surgeon.  Our seeing must cut through surfaces and down to souls."

Scripture says that God looks not at the outward appearance, but at the heart.  I, too, want to be one who sees others' hearts.  A also want to "see" the heart of God as He sees me. 

Seeing is a two way street - being seen, and seeing God and others.

I ask the Lord to give me rich insights as I see Him in EVERY circumstance of my life. 

Give me insight - let me "see in" to God, others, and the world around me.

Often horses in a race or pulling carriages have blinders on so that they don't get spooked by distractions around them.  I pray that God would remove the blinders I've fastened on my eyes.  Full vision is needed for seeing the complexity of God's signs and wonders.

When I am "spooked" by the enemy's lies, I pray that God would give me eyes to see and DISCERN His truth.

                              

                                     Seeing = Discerning

In order to see His Truth, I need to keep my eyes firmly fixed on Him!

When I take the time to truly see God - to gaze into His eyes, I sense Him lifting my head ever so gently and gazing at me with the soulful eyes of a Good Father.  He whispers to me, "You are loved!"

What is your word for 2016??

Dear Lord, help me to stop, be intentional, and actually see You in new and glorious ways.  I also want to truly see others and what's going on in their lives so that I might love them better.  I want to not be in such a hurry that I can actually focus on the here and now...what is right in front of my nose.  I pray for the ability to truly see the pain others are suffering and lend support whether it's across the street or across the globe.  I want to see myself as You see me...to look at life through Your lens...not my own.  Lord, let it be so in my life.  In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Be blessed...

ps.  Will you take the time to truly "see" the young, destitute victims of the evil going on in the Middle East?  Hate is making orphans out of these precious children of God.  For just $12/month you can get one child off the dangerous streets and into the classroom at Redeemer Christian School in Pakistan. 

Check out the MISSIONS tab above and send your contribution now to:

Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc.
103 Silver Lining Lane
Cary, NC  27513

25+ impoverished children are on the waiting list, waiting for your response.  Please make 2016 a life saving year for them!!

**giving statements will be sent at the end of 2016**

Why Do I Need A Savior?

Hey Friend,

Several years ago, I was active with Prison Fellowship Ministries.  This is a wonderful ministry that goes into the prisons and reminds inmates that Jesus was crucified beside criminals.  Yet, to the one who believed in Him, Jesus gave him the promise that the same day they would be together in paradise in heaven. 

These men and women know they royally messed up.  Sure, there's always some rationalizing, but deep down they know they are in need of saving.  They NEED a Savior.  The difficult part is prying open their hearts for the Holy Spirit to do His miraculous work of convicting them of the fact that Jesus loves them, beyond their crimes and sins, and came to die for them as well.  Sometimes, it was a tough sell.

It wasn't too different when Jesus walked among the people teaching.  The prostitute he met at the well, the tax collectors he ate amongst and invited one to follow him as his disciple, the adulterers, murderers, and dregs of society, all were drawn to Him.  They knew they were sinners.  They didn't need convincing on this point.  No, they needed convincing that Christ came for them and loves them too.

If you trace the lineage of Jesus, his family tree reads like a police rap sheet.  Jesus came from a line that included prostitutes, adulterers, murderers, cheaters and liars.  

Jesus came FROM sinners FOR sinners.

The "problem children" of Jesus' day were the Pharisees - the religious leaders.  They were well versed in Old Testament scripture.  They knew all the do's and don'ts and were quick to point out, with a judging, pious finger, the sins and failings of others.  They really didn't think they needed saving.  After all, they followed the Law religiously.  They really didn't think they needed a Savior.

If you ask someone in today's society, "Do you think you'll go to Heaven when you die?"  Most people will answer with something akin to, "Yes, I think so.  After all, I've tried to be a good person. I haven't killed anyone or anything like that."

Trying to be a good person may get you a gold star in elementary school, but it ain't going to get you to Heaven. (please excuse the bluntness)

Even Christians, myself included, get misguided notions that one can and needs to, in some way, earn their way to Heaven. Getting to Heaven and into God's good graces is like climbing the rungs of a ladder.  In our own power, we laboriously climb these imaginary steps of goodness in our mind's eye.  Each good deed somehow getting us closer to God.

I love how Ann Voskamp describes Jesus in her book "The Greatest Gift":

"I tell you the truth (Jesus speaking), you will see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth." (John 1:51)

"Jesus doesn't show you the steps to get to heaven - Jesus IS the steps to heaven... Jesus doesn't ultimately give you a how-to, because Christianity is ultimately about Who-to.  Every religion, every program, every self-help book is about steps you have to take. Jesus is the only One who BECOMES THE STEP - TO TAKE YOU...He comes to us not in spite of our failings - but precisely because of them." 

So what do I need saving from?  I haven't murdered.  The only thing I ever stole was a pack of gum from Gracie's mom and pop store when I was about nine years old. 

Like the prisoners, I need saving from my past and from my inherent sinfulness. 

The list gets a little trickier when I think about needing saving from:

Pride a notion that sometimes I think I can get to heaven on my own merit.

Legalism living under the law instead of living freely under grace.

Perfectionism the lie that says I have to do it perfectly or God won't accept it.

Anxiety worry that doesn't claim the truth that God's got this...He's got me.

Fear Oh the projecting of worst case scenarios that forget that His grace is sufficient for ALL my needs.

Anger I rationalize that I have "righteous anger" at times.  Jesus doesn't hold a grudge.

Unforgiveness I forget that God is the ultimate and just judge. 


From sinners, He came, for sinners.

"Nothing, you see, is impossible with God."  (Luke 1:37)

Last, I need a Savior because nothing but Jesus will satisfy this longing in my heart.  Not people, or things, or position, or anything of this world.  My heart longs for the perfect beyond this place called earth.  This world is not my home and I will always be homesick until I am in my Savior's arms. 

I need a Savior because I can never be complete without Him. 

I need a Savior to enable me to Savor light and love...not only to take it all in, but to give it out in the form of light and blessing to others. 

I need a Savior to satisfy the longing of my soul.

I need a Savior because my heart was designed to belong to Him. He loves me more than anyone in this world loves me!

Do you need one too?  Take heart...He is coming soon!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you that you care so much about me that you, as God, made yourself man in the form of a tiny baby so that you/he would ultimately bear the sins of the world.  From the wooden feeding trough that cradled him to the timbers that crucified him, you cared enough to send me a Savior.  Lord, forgive me of my sins.  Let me live free in your grace...knowing that I am utterly and completely forgiven.  As far as the east is from the west - that's how far you have removed my sins from me.  Thank you for coming from sinners, for sinners like me.  May my lips ever praise your name.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.


Be blessed...



Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc. supported bringing the joy of Christmas to the orphans and impoverished children of Redeemer Christian School, Pakistan. 

Acting out the Christmas story...



New shoes for Christmas...




25+ destitute and desperate children on the waiting list to get into RCS, Pakistan.


$12/month and you can sponsor a child and give them the love of Jesus and the hope of an education for 1 year.


Send a check made payable to: Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc.


Send to:  Bev Rihtarchik
               103 Silver Lining Lane
               Cary, NC  27513


*Include your email address for end of year giving statement*


Taking a little Christmas break...be back in the New Year...blessings to you and yours!  May you have a joyous Christmas!!

It's All About Him

Hey Friend,


I was all set to write about "peace" in my usual Thursday post.  I was going to talk about how this year I was going to take the chaos out of Christmas and usher in peace.  I was going to talk about our Advent Jesse tree being the focal point of this season and not about "Winning Christmas" as Best Buy claims in their advertisements.  This was going to be the ultimate of peaceful Christmases.  I had even started on my Christmas cards earlier than usual so it wouldn't be a last minute stress item. 


I was well on my journey toward a peaceful Christmas season.  Then, it hit.  Not sure what triggered it, but I found myself  in a really bad ocd episode.  Ocd is an anxiety disorder and this episode came packed with an extra punch of gut wrenching anxiety. I found myself in bed for a couple of days.  My son called me the second day and he was in a pickle and needed a ride.  I dragged myself out of bed and went to pick him up.  I wound up in a fender bender accident...it was truly an accident (both of us backing out at the same time), then hearing the awful "thud" of striking something solid. 


This woman proceeded to get out of her car and started screaming at me at the top of her lungs.  She called me all sorts of lovely things.  Then a gentleman came out of a store and asked if I'd kindly move my car out of the middle of the parking lot so he could get out (he wasn't about to approach the other woman).  I obliged.  I got back in my car to move it.  That's when the woman began beating on my car and screaming that I was fleeing the scene of the accident.  Even after I pulled into an unoccupied space...she was still shouting.  So much for the Christmas spirit...


Hours later, after the police had come and ruled it a mutual, no one at fault, accident.  I went home and climbed back into bed.  I called a mentor friend of mine and she prayed with me and then she encouraged me to read the 23rd Psalm.  This was the second time someone had suggested I read it...I felt God speaking.


The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.  He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me. 


You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.


What jumped out at me in reading this Psalm is that Jesus was doing all the actions...
He makes me lie down...
He leads me...
He restores my soul...
He guides me...
He is with me...
He prepares a table...
He anoints my head...
Not only does Jesus go before me and do the work...He hems me in and follows me with His goodness and mercy all the days of my life.


The only thing He asks of me is to "dwell"...and to "walk and follow Him".  Period.


You see I had been trying, by myself, to achieve perfect peace this Christmas.  I was striving and doing in my own power to make this a less chaotic season. 


It was all about me when really...IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM!!


The same is true about Peace...it too, is all about Him. 


I was trying to seek perfect peace, rather than let the Lord's peace work in me. 


"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts." (Colossians 3:15)


Jesus Christ is the only "perfect peace" that I know of.  I have His perfect peace living inside of me...now here's the clincher...I have perfect peace dwelling in me, now I need to let it... "Him" rule. 


When it comes to peace...Jesus and only Jesus does the working. 


My job is to dwell, abide, be still...


The pressure is off...I don't need to go seeking peace.  It dwells in me and so I need to be still and let Him rule with His peace. 


My main job is to keep my eyes firmly fixed on Christ and then abide in Him and wait, expectantly, for what He is about to perform. 


So this is Advent Season "Take 2".  I can't make a peaceful Christmas.  Only Jesus can do that.  So my fervent prayer right now is that I would:


Be still and know that HE is God.  (Psalm 46:10). 


I will ask Him for the ability to keep my eyes and mind steadfastly fixed on Him and He will give me the gift of peace. 


And even if I don't do this perfectly, because I am a stupid sheep...I get distracted. Thankfully, His rod and His staff are there to guide me back into His presence and into His peace.


In the end, it's truly all about Him...


Dear Lord Jesus, I praise you because you ARE the Prince of Peace.  I thank you that you left your heavenly home in order that you might live and dwell in my heart.  I thank you for your Holy Spirit who comforts and guides me.  Thank you for your promise that you will work in me, if only I am still.  Help me to get myself out of the way so that your will be done...not mine.  Let me be glad about my weaknesses so that your glory will shine and the world will know...it's not about me...it's truly all about You!  In your precious name I pray, Amen.


Be blessed...





ps. Thank you to all of you who have contributed so that the children of Redeemer Christian School in Pakistan will have gifts, a celebration, and a hearty meal this Christmas.  God bless you!!


GOOD NEWS:  Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State's office and Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc.  is now a fully accredited organization in good standing.  PRAISE!!  Look for more news in posts to come. 


NEEDS FOR 2016:  25+ children are on the waiting list desperately wanting to be able to get in the doors of Redeemer Christian School, Pakistan.  Only $12/month will sponsor a needy student for a year. We will send you a picture and bio on your child.  A child needs YOU!


For more information on RCS/RCF go to the MISSIONS tab above.


If you can help: Send a check made out to Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc.  and send to:


Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc.
c/o Bev Rihtarchik
103 Silver Lining Lane
Cary, NC  27513


**Send your email address for end of year giving statement**

Whose Birthday Is It Anyway?

Hey Friend,


At the age of 54, my memories of my childhood are fuzzy at best.  I do remember, however, my very first birthday party at the age of five.  This was a big deal because it was the first time I got to make up the guest list and invite friends from my kindergarten class as well as friends from the neighborhood. 


I got to pick out the vanilla cake layered with pink butter cream icing and the pretty, frilly dress I was going to wear.  With a little guidance from my mother, I had say in what would be served for lunch.  I had final veto power on what party games we would play.  My mom was so creative, I wanted to play them ALL!


The day of the party, it was all about me...friends brought gifts picked especially for me and I got to be the one to open them.  I got to pick who went first at pin the nose on the clown.  I got to decide who sat next to whom at the big dining room table and who would have the choice seat next to me on the two seat bench. 


A lot of the fun (for me) came in the anticipation of the party.  My poor mother... I probably drove her crazy, because at the age of five you have no concept of how long a month or a week is.  With each passing day leading up to my party, I got more and more excited.  With each passing day my mother probably wanted to tear her hair out with my perpetual asking, "Is today the day?"


What if we had a birthday party and everyone at the party paid attention to everything else but us?  We'd be offended.  If this had happened at my first birthday party, I may have thrown a tantrum?!


This, I believe, is what we do with Jesus.  We get so wrapped up in the party that we forget just WHO it is for...Who we are there to celebrate.


Fortunately, Jesus is not like us...He doesn't get offended and He certainly doesn't throw a tantrum.  I wonder sometimes, though, what He does think?


When He sees all the commercialism and people stressing themselves out with massive "to do" lists, what goes through His mind and His heart? 


Does it hurt that everyone has come to the party, but no eyes are upon Him?


Jesus didn't come into this world, as God made man, with a triumphant entry.  No, He came quietly and humbly.  God, made flesh in the form of a tiny baby, was born in virtual anonymity in a barren stable in the town of Bethlehem.  His king's throne was a feeding trough for the lowly animals.  This is how the King of Kings came to His first birthday party.


This is how Jesus entered the world and this is how he wants to enter out lives:


"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."  (Revelation 3:20)


Jesus doesn't burst through the door and proclaim His presence.  No, He knocks softly.  We must be quiet and still enough to hear His voice because He will not shout.  Then, if we hear His voice we must choose to open the door.


The Jews waited centuries for the coming of the Messiah that was prophesied in the Old Testament.  Yet when He did come they missed it.  All those years of waiting and anticipating and then the moment arrives and in all their excitement...they missed it. 


Have you ever had that feeling the day after Christmas, that everything leading up to it was just a blurr and now comes the disappointment that it's over?


I have...and I don't like it. 


I think back to my first birthday party and how much fun it was to prepare for the party and to anticipate its arrival.


What if, this Christmas, I approached Jesus' birthday from the mindset of a five year old?


What if I slowed myself and put more emphasis on the preparation of my heart and the anticipation of the birthday of the greatest person ever to be born?


What if the beforehand held the same excitement as the day of?


What if I quieted the commotion around me so I could hear His voice?


What if everything I did was centered on the birthday boy and not on his party?  What would that look like?


Last year I began, on December 1st, reading Ann Voskamp's "The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping The Full Love Story Of Christmas".  It is a short, easy to read, daily devotional for the season of Advent. (Available at www.dayspring.com ). Ann's writing, however, brings the beauty and the mystery of the season alive. 


I also bought a small Jesse Tree and each day of Advent, I put the corresponding ornament on the tree (Dayspring sells the ornaments or you can make your own).  I looked forward each day, with great anticipation, to what that reading would be about. 


Preparing each and every day helped me to remember and appreciate the most awe-inspiring thing that happened in the whole of history: God becoming man in the glory and mystery of the incarnation.


Setting aside time each day to prepare my heart for His coming was the best gift I could have ever given myself.  I didn't let Christmas just sneak up on me.


This year I am looking forward to reading the devotional and hanging the ornaments with my husband.  I think I'm looking forward to this more than the actual Christmas day. 


There is true beauty in letting our hearts experience the anticipation of Advent. 


Don't hurry past the "coming" in our rush to get to when He "comes".


That's why I'm posting this on December 1st.  It's not too late to grab a copy of Ann's book or prepare an Advent wreath.  There are a myriad of ways to celebrate this season of anticipation of Christ's coming. 


Would you share in the comments how you best like to prepare your heart for Christ's coming?...I'd love to hear. 


Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you that you love us so much that you were willing to leave your place on high and become flesh in the form of a tiny baby.  Thank you for coming into the pain and sin of this world so that you could fulfill your destiny to become our Messiah.  Lord, we are powerless to save ourselves from our own sin.  Help us not to be so busy with what the world would have us get caught up in that we miss the true meaning of this season.  Lord, DON'T LET ME MISS YOU!!
Let me let YOU be the focus of my excitement and anticipation.  Let my heart be filled with joy as I prepare to welcome YOU. Let me remember it's YOUR birthday that I am celebrating.  I proclaim your name above all names.  For it is in Jesus' name I pray, Amen. 


Be blessed...



ps. What if you woke up on Christmas morning and there were fewer gifts under your tree because you gave to those whose needs were greater than your wants??


25 destitute and impoverished children are waiting to be sponsored this year at Redeemer Christian School in Pakistan.  Only $12/month will get them off the streets and into the classroom. 


If you would like to sponsor a child send your contribution to:


Make check payable to: REDEEMER CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION, Inc.


Send to:
Bev Rihtarchik
103 Silver Lining Lane
Cary, NC  27513
**Include you email address for end of year giving statement**


For more information on Redeemer Christian School, visit the MISSIONS tab above.


Give the gift of HOPE this Christmas...thank you!!

When Life Is More Like A Steady Drizzle Than A Storm

Hey Friend,


I read in the news, that in the past few months, North Carolina has had more rain than Seattle.  Now that's a lot of rain.  There were two very distinct weeks in which we never saw the sun.  The wind did not blow or rage and the rain wasn't pelting like in a storm.  No, it was more of a perpetual drizzle.  After two weeks of non-stop drizzle I found myself more weary, more down in the dumps, less optimistic, and wondering if the sun was ever going to shine again?!


Sometimes life is like this.  Most of us will face some incredible storms in life.  Times in which the seas are angry and the wind and rain leave devastation in their path.  I think of people I know or who I've been asked to pray for...a couple that recently had a stillborn baby at birth...loving Christian parents whose son committed suicide...a young man in his prime being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.  These, my friends, are STORMS!


These are the events in life that will test and try our faith like non other.  They will ask us to choose if we will bless God or curse Him.  They are defining moments in our faith walk and how we walk through them will leave a forever legacy for those who watch us go through them.  By this, I don't mean how stoic are we?  Far from it...we can have our spirit crushed until we become mere shadows of ourselves, but if onlookers can see God pick up the pieces and breathe beauty into our ashes...that is the blessing in the pain. 


I've been through several major storms in my life, but sometimes what wears me down more so are the weeks of perpetual drizzle.  None of the trials are life threatening.  None of them, on their own, are big enough to be considered a storm, but the piling on of many smaller trials can be enough to sink me into a state of despair. 


Sometimes I wonder why life is like this.  Why do we often get hit with a perpetual barrage of annoying trials?


I think partly that God, in His wisdom, is giving us practice for when the big storms hit.  He's in essence saying, "Here, practice with the small stuff."


Anyone who has ever trained for a marathon doesn't sit on the couch for weeks and then get up one day and try to run many miles.  No, they practice with the small stuff.  They might start out with a mile and then build upon it as their endurance increases so that when marathon day comes, they are equipped and ready.


Just like that marathon runner, we can practice with the smaller trials.  We can practice patience that may last a few weeks vs. patience that demands years of perseverance. 


We can practice trusting God with details that are difficult, but not life altering.  Trusting God with the small stuff enables us to build our confidence in trusting Him with the really big stuff.


Accepting grace in our smaller misdeeds and experiencing God's grace pour over us will enable us to accept His grace when we think how on earth can God not be truly disappointed in me to the point of wanting to disown me?


Life's drizzles let us practice with the small stuff so that when the big rains come...we are prepared.


Another truth I've learned is that the promises God gives us for life's biggest storms, hold true for when we are overcome by the perpetual drizzle. 


"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the fire burn you."  (Isaiah 43:2)


Listen to the beauty of God's promise...whether you walk through a puddle or a raging river...


"I will be WITH you."


He will never leave nor forsake you...He'll walk along with you and carry you if He needs to.


Furthermore, read how He is going to be with you...


"THROUGH the waters, THROUGH the rivers, THROUGH the fire."


God promises to not leave us stuck there.  His grace is sufficient to bring us through whatever we are going through. 


So again, whether it's a seemingly never ending drizzle or a monumental storm, God will see you through to the other side.  God has proved this to me over and over again and each time I come through, it gives me more confidence that whatever comes in the future, He will bring me through that too.


Back up a verse to Isaiah 43:1: The Lord says,


"Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine!"


I remember being out on a boat once and fog and drizzle rolled in.  We weren't in a raging storm, but yet we couldn't see our way through the drizzle to the dock and to the shore. 


My dad was standing on the dock and he was calling my name through the fog.  Though I had not a clue exactly how far I was from shore, I kept following my name being called.  Eventually my dad came into view and I was able to guide the boat safely back into it's slip.


Like my earthly father called my name, my Heavenly Father calls me by name.  He doesn't give up...He continues to call my name through the drizzle until I'm safely back to shore. 


Exclamation points are not used a lot in the Bible, but look at where one is used in this verse...after the declaration by the Lord that says,


"You are mine!"


God emphatically tells us that we are His.  He claims us and you can rest assured that when God claims you as His own, He will do whatever it takes to bring you through the storm or even the perpetual drizzle you are going through.


Nothing you can ever say or do will cause Him to release you from His hand that has taken hold of you.  What comfort to know that God has a hold on me and He's NEVER going to let go.


Maybe you're in a storm right now or maybe you are in what seems to be a never ending drizzle?  Either way, God is still God.  He is still Able to see you through.  If you are in a drizzle, what small stuff may God be asking you to practice with so you will be equipped in His love for when the big storms hit?


Dear Heavenly Father,  Thank you so much for your promises that you will never leave nor forsake me.  Thank you that, whether I'm in a drizzle or in a storm, you will not let the waters sweep over me.  With your grace you will keep my head above water.  Thank you for claiming me as your own and in that I have the assurance that you will never let me go...no matter what.  Help me to practice patience and trust in the small trials of life so that I will have confidence when the storms come.  Just as your resurrection power was with Jesus who overcame the grave, your resurrection power is with me to overcome whatever storms (or drizzle) life may bring.  In Jesus precious name I pray, Amen.




Be blessed...



ps. Please pray for a hedge of protection around the children of Redeemer Christian School.  In light of what's going on in our world, they need your prayers.  Also if you want to get one child off the streets and into school, we have 25 children desperate to get in.  Please visit the "MISSIONS" tab on this blog to find out how you can help.  Lives are depending on your love...Only $10/month can make a mighty difference!
Praise for your contributions to Christmas Joy for RCS...all 31 students will be blessed due to your generosity...thank you!