Twelve and a Storm

Twelve men climbed into the boat, and prepared to cross the sea. It had been a tiring day. Their Master was exhausted, for sure. The crowds following Him had been very large and His miracle of supper for the whole group of over five thousand people had been wonderful to witness. Now He had asked for time alone and had told them He would meet them at the other side of the Sea of Galilee.

This was an unpredictable body of water. About the time that the twelve were nearly half way across, a storm that had only appeared as a few clouds just a few minutes earlier, erupted into a nasty squall. The wind whipped the waves into a froth, tossing their craft hither and yon. The thunder crashed all around them, while bolts of lightning ripped through the black of the night. These men were not unfamiliar with storms, but this one seemed to test their seafaring abilities to the maximum. At times their boat seemed to crest on the top of a rogue wave, and in the next minute they would find themselves fearing a looming, rolling wall of water. And so it was that they seemed to make no progress to the other side.

Suddenly, from out of the wind and the mists and the darkness, a figure emerged. It seemed to be moving towards them, and indeed, it appeared as a man walking on the sea. Fear and terror gripped the hearts of the twelve. For surely they must now be doomed, as this apparition looked like a spirit from another world. Uncertainty, a sense of dread mixed with alarm, and near panic were taking hold of their very beings. Until, out of the midst of the chaos of the storm, came a strong, steady, clear voice.

“Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

Immediately, Peter only, arose, and called out to the Being. “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water!” And Jesus said, “Come.”

Many times, we read this story, focusing on the part about the storm, about how Peter was so impulsive, and how he so quickly looked down at the waves, taking his eyes off of Jesus once he started towards Him. And indeed, he did and was all that. But the other day, as we were reading my son's Sunday School lesson, another side of the story was brought out. Let us look back at the boat that left shore, and was rocking on the waves. Look into that boat and count the men. There were twelve men. Twelve that called themselves followers of Jesus. Twelve that had seen thousands fed only hours before by a miracle of God. Is it possible that Peter could have actually been the only one with enough faith to step forward, call out to Jesus, and climb over the edge of the boat at the call to ‘Come’? Where were the other eleven? Were they hunkered down in a corner, superstitious and afraid of the spirits of the darkness? Didn't they recognize the voice of Jesus? Were they so afraid of the boisterous winds and waves that they couldn't believe in the One who was walking towards them on the water? Perhaps Peter, in all his humanity, with his impulsive nature, is actually the example that we need to observe at times. Maybe sometimes the spiritual storm in my life is raging. An inner turmoil of soul can boil inside of me just like the furious storm on the Sea of Galilee. Maybe it's not spiritual, maybe it's life's circumstances. Sometimes it's ‘overwhelm’, sometimes it's frustrations, sometimes there are hurts or rejections. We think we feel the safest by holing up in a corner of our craft, away from exterior influences. We build walls around ourselves, when in reality we need to climb over the edge of the rocking boat, look at Jesus and walk towards Him.

But, I hear you say, Peter looked away too. And he did. But Peter had glimpsed the destination and while he must have experienced tremendous fear as he looked down at the waves in doubt, he soon found himself caught and rescued by Jesus’ own hands.

I find that Jesus' disciples exemplify human nature so many times. Some days we climb over that edge, knowing our Jesus will help us all the way. Only to find ourselves caught in a trap of fear or doubt and sinking. Other days we don't have the courage to even try. We sit in the boat uncertain about that ghostly figure (the future) coming our way. In the end, Jesus wants more faith from us either way. He wants faith complete. He wants faith in its most whole form. And that means every part of ourselves, with our eyes on Him alone. Maybe the eleven sat in the corner hoping, hoping, but not really having the faith to move forward. Then Peter, when he heard Jesus’ voice, took that first giant step of faith and climbed down to the water.

Oh may we do the same! For when He says Come, He has no intention of letting us sink. No, He wants us to learn the lesson of true faith. Let's keep our eyes on the One who cares for us more than we will ever understand.

Robyn Schultz

09/01/26

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An Ark

Hebrews 11:7

[7] By faith Noah… prepared an ark to the saving of his house…

Noah was a man of faith. Intent on serving a God who had just warned him of impending destruction through rain and flood- a phenomena never experienced by the world before.

There were many instructions to follow and he obeyed them, knowing that to disobey would be disaster. And so, Noah built an ark. An ark of safety. A haven, a refuge, a place where his family could weather the storm. There weren't many windows so one could watch the terrible things happening outside. No, but rather a warm, safe place where Noah knew he could gather his family together. There they could pray to the Father even though the ship tossed violently, there they could uphold one another, they could sing together, even though the thunder clapped loudly and the rain beat down. Oh beautiful ark! Beautiful safe place! Beautiful place where many could gather for refuge- if they wanted.

But, while Noah built the ark, he was jeered at. “Why are you building that huge, beastly boat in the middle of dry land?” When Noah cried back at them with warnings of impending disaster, they laughed. I often wonder if they still laughed when the animals came from the corners of the earth and entered of their own accord. Somehow I can imagine cold prickles may have started to creep up their spines. Maybe then, they wished they had not laughed. Maybe then, once the door started closing by no man's hand, did they sincerely begin to wonder if they should have entered.

Today we gather around our tables. We laugh and talk and share about our day. Sometimes the ugly comes out, sometimes the beautiful. On a quiet evening, we pull out the songbooks and sing a few songs together. Sometimes we get carried away and get into the art of it, other times we get into the heart of it. At break of day, when the light is dawning, we part ways. Prayers are on wings accompanying each one in their various duties. Our days are not all roses and sunshine. Sometimes they are stormy and windy. It's a part of this old earth. But at the end of the day, if hearts are drawn towards home, to a place where loving and caring, praying and sharing are done, then we know we have an ark. An ark like Noah built. An ark of safety, a place called home. Because most of all we want them drawn in.

Today we gather in the benches on a Sunday morning. We try our best to each leave our daily lives at home as we listen to God's word being spoken. We try our best to forget social differences, and instead share our hearts freely with each other in Sunday School. We sit in the sanctuary of God, praising His Name in song, feeling Him touch our souls’ needs, feeling His gentle hand move among us. But most of all, our service to God should not only be seen from the outside, but it should spring forth from an inner depth of soul that feels at peace with our Creator. This kind of depth is what draws the sinner to the safety of the Ark.

The waters about the ark are sometimes stormy, but sometimes there are calm seas as well. In times of storm, the Father desires to encircle us in His arms and protect us from the outside forces. During these times of calm, there are other small boats out in the water as well. Small, fast and attractive, they are jetboats, speedboats, and many other kinds of entertaining forms of water sport. While the ark doesn't have many windows for seeing out there, you can still hear the noise. However, there are ways for the determined to catch glimpses of the world beyond the ark. But the waters are very unpredictable, and storms can, and often do pop up very fast. This puts anyone out there in a treacherous position, because climbing back up into the ark isn't as easy as it looks. The ark wasn't meant to be a place of safety only during the storms. It wasn't meant to be left behind when the outside waters seemed more attractive. But the Father has made a way for everyone to safely get inside the ark, if they make the choice to do so. His Hand of Love is always there just waiting to help, to protect, to rescue and save.

Our homes are the arks of safety that we build for our families. God's Church is the ark of safety that is built for His children. May we take care first of all, that we are found inside. And may we also find ourselves drawing others in, just as Noah stood by the door to the ark beckoning for all to come in.

Galatians 6:9

[9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Ephesians 2:8

[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Robyn Schultz

08/13/26

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Less of Me

It's okay to be
Just little me.
I don't need to make 
Impressions for the sake
Of raising my name
Or spreading my fame.

It really is okay
To walk the humble way,  
To wear quiet shoes,
To be the one to lose,
If I can help them see
Others, and not me.

It's okay to be
A little less of me.
To gently step aback, 
To lift another's pack,
To help the down and out
Along my daily route.

It is quite alright
To let another's light
Cast a forward shine
E’en ahead of mine.
Then I can smile and say
I appreciate their way.

It's not the easiest street
To walk with humble feet.
But it's the happy road,
And it's the lightest load. 
The blessings- they are sure,
And the joy- it is secure.

For a little less of me
Is a path that's truly free.
It's a path that has His Light,
It's a path that's true and right.
With a heart that's filled with love
On a path to heaven above. 

Robyn Schultz 
08/02/26

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Only My Best

They raised their voices in grandest song,
Their notes of praise ascended long. 
Above the trees, to heights unknown,
In melody joined, no one alone. 

The music spread through the forest dense,
Their Maker smiled with love immense.
His own created, His own so dear, 
Singing praises of hope and joyful cheer.

In a tree nearby, perched a mocking bird, 
He sat and listened and sat and heard. 
He thought to himself and puffed his chest, 
“I think I am better, I think I am best.”

So he tried his best to copy their song,
He tried his best to mock along.
But his warble was off and it sounded bad-
Like a voice with a wobble when you're feeling sad.

Soon the little bird gave up his fight for fame,
(Did he actually realize that he was living to his name?),
Then he sat and listened as the song came to an end, 
(Did he know that they were singing to a Mighty Mutual Friend?)

Then in the stillness of the eve, the bird lifted up his voice, 
The melody was beautiful, the chords- the perfect choice. 
He sang his song with grace, just like it ought to be, 
Not trying out another one, that really wasn't meant to be.

And so it is with us, God's own created hands,
He only asks we do our best, not another man's. 
He doesn't want an imitation, He only wants my song, 
Just my very best for Him, all my whole life long.


Robyn Schultz 
07/27/26

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God's Got This

He really and truly does.

His control surpasses any level of leadership available to mankind.

His care about each situation is beyond the understanding of man.

You think that you love and care about the things around you?

His level of pure and undefiled love outdoes anything that we can conjure up.

We may think we have things fairly well under control in our lives, our businesses, our families, our relationships.

But one blip in the routine of life, one storm, one comment, one word is all it takes to upset the whole picture.

But God in His beautiful, majestic way can turn any such thing into the most gorgeous event of our lives.

He's got it. He's in control.

My contribution may seem big and bountiful in my eyes. I may think I'm getting a lot done with one action. I'm efficient, I'm active, I'm doing my generous part.

Suddenly the Master Controller stops me and asks me to change my tactics. He asks me to step out of the style that I have created. To let go of what I think is right.

It is painful. It is not easy, as I relinquish my ideals. I give up trying to be the best version of myself. Yet, it is freeing when I can lean on Him and know there are blessings, instead of trying to please the human nature of man.

He knows, He cares, He understands. His ways are past finding out.

And then I discover that His ways are the best ways.

His is a road of trust.

A daily giving of myself into His control.

An acceptance of the unknown way ahead of me.

A willingness to do as He asks.

Unabashed and unhindered,

Humble enough to back up and

Humble enough to go forward.

His is the way of holiness, and blessings of courage and grace.

But I must let go.

For, God's Got This

And I need only to trust and

Hold His hand.

Robyn Schultz

07/15/26

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In the Waiting

“Wait upon the Lord”, they said. 
And I waited long and hard, 
But in the waiting, I felt anxious, 
All alone, afraid and scared.

And I said, “why, Lord?”
Why this apprehensive state?
I even asked Him, “when?”
I really didn't want to wait.

And then I questioned, “how, Lord?”
For I could not understand, 
I felt taut with my worries,
Nervous, stressed and in demand. 

And then upon my knees, 
I felt a hand rest on my soul. 
A quiet, calm, and rest
I felt them take control.

All He asked was for my eyes 
To look upon his face.
All He asked was for my heart
To avail itself of grace.

He said that in the waiting
Is a perfect time to grow. 
In the quiet, in the stillness, 
Even when the storm winds blow.

Even if the gales
Try to toss me all about,
Even if the questions
Linger round and call me out.

It's all because the waiting
Is not a comfort zone, 
It's all because the waiting
Was not meant to be my home.

Somehow He offers peace
Amidst the waiting out the storm,
Somehow He gives me rest
Enough to strengthen and to form.

It's in the waiting that my soul
Finds true joy in letting go,
All my dreams and my worries,
All my cares on Him bestow.

For I don't have to carry
Every piece of weight and strife, 
I can give it all completely
To the Master of my Life.

For it's then that I know
That this waiting is His plan. 
It's then that I know
That this waiting makes a man. 

I can trust and simply wait
For its all in His control,
For the Maker of my being
Is the Master of my soul.

Robyn Schultz 
06/25/26

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The Service Station

When I was growing up, north of the Canada/US border, it was common that when you stopped at a service station to put fuel into your vehicle, there would be an attendant by your window within a minute or two, asking what you needed. And the places who trained their workers well, would also wash your windshield for you while the fuel was pumping. I remember them going all the way around our full sized van and washing all the windows. No extra charge. Just service with a smile. If I'm not wrong, it is still this way in Canada. Though there are stations labeled as self-serve as well.

A couple months ago we listened to a church service where the elderly man who spoke, quoted a minister from years earlier. The quote:

“If you have a vacant lot in life, build a service station.” -Benny Heibert

Do I have any idea what I'm filling my life with? Are there vacant lots in my life, just waiting to be filled? There is a never ending, background drumbeat that is pounding in the world today. It says, more, more, more. It tells me that I need this and I need that. It even says I need to “be” more. It offers the chance to be a better human being with books and podcasts about how to be a better version of myself by following any certain diet trend or by saving so many dollars, or by making easy money, or by living an extremely disciplined lifestyle. More- to improve. More- to be better. To be fair, many of these ideas are not bad in themselves. However, they are designed to obsess, consume and control our lives when we follow them so completely. The devil loves this. We are consumed by whatever idea we are following and eventually our spirituality is being affected by it too. We want to be more, more, more for our families, our loved ones, our neighbors, and soon we are overwhelmed. We are literally consumed. We think we're doing the right thing because we're working on improvement. Surely God is happy with this, we think. But in among the loud drumbeats, can we hear His Voice? Have we forgotten His words? Have we forgotten His promise?

Psalm 46:10

[10] Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalms 107:9

[9] For he satisfieth the longing soul, And filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

His promises tell us that if we commit our hearts and lives to Him, we shall surely see the beautiful work of His hands. That doesn't mean that we won't ever struggle or question. It simply tells us that we have a Mighty Someone who is offering His blessing on a full commitment to Him.

Each of us is in the time of life where God intended us to be. Perhaps He's asking the busy mama of youngsters to stop running hither and thither and tend the service station she's been posted at. “He satisfieth and filleth”. While she may look around and see what all the others are accomplishing, this is already part of the act of stepping away from her post. Instead, she needs to fill those tanks and wash those windshields. Upon obeying, she will be amazed at the fulfillment she finds in performing His will.

Maybe you find yourself in the fields, working, trying your best to do what God asks of you. Youth, parents of youth, grandparents, missionaries, people on the home front…doesn't this actually include all of us? We're working the soil, planting, and tilling, anxious for the harvest. We are all at a sort of service station in life. Do you look around and see the grand works of others? Does it look like everything is just working out great for them? Do you sometimes feel like your days are blank ones, running one after the other, filled with only the everyday, ordinary things? Perhaps that is the station you were posted at. Maybe God wants you right there in the middle of your humdrum life.

I have sometimes felt this way. That I don't know if my life is even making a difference. Routines can run our entire lives and we become kind of numb to it all. But once in a while, God folds back the ordinary-ness and gives us a glimpse of His work. He did that for me one day. And I don't take any of this to my credit, but rather I want to make a point with it. A lady came to my stand at the farmer's market one day. She appeared to be somewhat of a business woman. Suddenly she said to me, “Did you know you're a celebrity?” I kind of laughed and said that I did not know that. This is what she told me next. “Yes, at my work, the girls are all talking about you! They say, “You should go see her at the market! She'll chat you up and you can get some of her goodies!” I don't remember what I replied. But the part that impressed me was how they talked about me chatting with them. I have this habit of making small talk with my customers as they're coming by my tables. Sometimes different ones in my family have made joking comments about me talking to everyone. But here this customer was, and in essence, she was telling me that my little effort at conversation, sometimes almost a nervous effort, was one of the things that they liked about coming to my booth. As I considered it later, I was impressed at how God takes our “little” and makes it His “big”. Here was a habit that I almost didn't even think about, and He figured out a way to use it.

Perhaps we are looking for the big ways to serve Him and all He asks is that we tend our station. Maybe it's a grocery store run, maybe it's a picnic at the park, maybe it's a message on your phone. You might not need to have a long conversation, answering many questions. God might decide to use your smile instead. Sometimes we only prep the soil, we don't even plant the seed. That might be for someone else to do. Maybe it feels like the only ones who use your station are your children or your family. But their tanks may be empty too.

God can use each of us right where we are. His is the Hand of Miracles. His is the moment of grace. Let us be willing and able, and ready to obey. Fill those tanks, and wash those windows.

Robyn Schultz

06-24/26

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Allowing the Gentleman

The group walked up to the doors of the building. Just as she reached to pull the handle of the tall glass door open, another hand reached around her and a deep voice said, “Here ma'am, I'll get that for you!”. Used to being independent, her initial reaction wanted to jump forward and prove that she could get it herself. Because she could. As easily as he did. But there was something about that masculine voice and that strong arm reaching past her that made her want to let him do it. Little did she know, but by allowing him to be the gentleman that he wanted to be for her and the rest of the group, his heart swelled with a feeling of manliness and a desire to be a true gentleman.

The gathering of young folks were together for supper and an evening of fun playing their favorite game. The meal was quickly over, and there was an eagerness to move on to the next fun thing. Young ladies started gathering up dishes and cleaning up while the young men looked with an intensity towards the ball field. Some of the young girls soon started picking up tables and chairs in order to finalize their duties inside before playing. Already some young people were heading out the door. Suddenly in one corner there was a quiet conversation and the young men in the group moved to where the girls were picking up tables and chairs, and said, “We can take care of these for you!” Already having started, some of the girls were inclined to shrug them off and finish the job themselves. However, the boys worked with such stealth and quickness, that before any objection could be made, the boys had completed the job. Feeling pleased at their accomplishment, they headed for their play. These girls learned that by letting the young men be the gentlemen that they wanted to be, they felt like winners, as well as watching the boys feel good about themselves!

There is a verse in the Bible that speaks of the woman being the weaker vessel. (1 Peter 3:7) Many women and young girls have balked at these words with a genuine distaste at the idea of being weak and frail and needy. Perhaps their misinterpretation of the words has led them to playing the role of Miss Independent, when a better understanding would have given them the opportunity to appreciate the order that God has put in place. The Bible speaks of being in subjection to God first. Being subject to someone is a voluntary act of submitting oneself to authority or rank, to create structure and order. God has put an order in place that we as people must first be subject to Him and his plan. He also instructed that the woman be subject to the man. As Christian women, we must recognize this order as Godly, and not merely a sign of rank or status. It has more to do with respect. God intended for the men and boys to be strong, physically, emotionally and spiritually, and to take the lead in our churches, our homes, and our organizations. He created them with a sense of masculinity that thrives when they are able to fill their God-given role. We as women and girls need to honor and respect this. In honoring and respecting the men and boys in our lives, as God has ordered, we will find that submission is an almost natural result. I say ‘almost’, because it is not completely natural. It does take effort. This is a part of our human makeup and also a result of our sinful nature that wants to resist that which God has ordained. However, if we desire to be treated as ladies, we must give due honor to the role of the man.

There is a common argument regarding this topic that focuses more on individual personalities. It is true that every one of us is created differently, with a unique disposition that makes us better suited for one than another. Somehow God, in His infinite wisdom and defining insight, made it this way. It is a part of the beautiful masterpiece that makes us easily choose to be subject to His will. It is the miracle of His guiding hand that two people in need of friendship find each other and form a lifelong bond that miles cannot change. In the same way, it is for sure the miracle of God's divine leadership that a man and a woman who may not have even known each other before, can meet, fall in love, and spend 50+ years living together happily. There is no other thing to call it than a miracle. Every couple that has or is experiencing such has learned how their two personalities mesh. By God's divine order, the man takes the lead in the home. While his masculinity makes him appear strong, there are days where his strength ebbs. However, it seems that these are the days where the strength of the spirit of the woman is there to offer courage and hope. Is this anything less than an act of God? That is why we call it a miracle of divine leadership. Only an All-wise Master could orchestrate this.

Just because we as women are to be the weaker vessel, submitting, and allowing the men and boys to be gentlemen, does not mean that we can stand idly by and expect them to fulfill their duties. This will become distasteful to them and they will lose the joy that comes with the true order. A man loves to see a woman who is innovative, creative and lives her life with a purpose. I chose the picture above as an introductory image for this reason. Not only is the young man being a gentleman in opening the door for the young lady, but she is standing beside as a support, with the umbrella, shielding him from the rain. There is magnitude in this picture and depths could be read much farther into it than we will today. I remember a certain significant lady in my life whom I have often wanted to pattern after. She was someone who filled her position with creativity and innovation, yet held submission in its rightful place. She loved her husband and fully respected him and his position in their home. However, life could be busy. If she decided to plant flowers in an area that had not had them before, she did not stop at getting the small tractor and hauling a few buckets full of soil to where she needed it. If the project was more than she could handle, she would wait until her husband could help her. At times, she tried more than what her husband thought was necessary, but she took his reproof with a good attitude. Also, when he needed her, she was there. Sometimes it was fixing something in the barn, sometimes it was working in the field. But when he called, she could come. I don't want to portray that she was perfect. But I do believe that together they built their home on the order that God had instituted, and that by obeying that order, she even helped her husband to stay faithful to God. (1 Peter 3:1)

A God-fearing man will recognize his part in keeping this order also. He will portray a willingness to step forward and take responsibility, not in a domineering, forceful way, but in a gentle manner that invites respect. He honors the woman's role by being protective, caring and helpful. He respects her as the weaker vessel, knowing that even from the beginning of time, she was a gift.

While there are times when neither the man nor the woman completely understands the other, it is still important to give due respect to the other. A man, treated as a gentleman, despite his failings, will radiate a manliness that a woman can't help but respect. Also, a woman, treated as a lady, despite her ups and downs, will shine like a queen. This is all in God's beautiful order.

This is a Biblical instruction that perhaps is one of the most tested in our world today. But by the grace of God, we can instruct our young children, we can live as examples, and we can trust that the way of the Lord will stand the tests of time.

Ephesians 5:22-33

1 Peter 3:1-6

A blessed and happy Father's day to all the young, middle aged and elderly gentlemen among us!

Robyn Schultz

06/16/26

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A Cup of (?) Water

Someone mentioned that it would be neat if we could see a growth chart on a wall, with our measurements on it, but the markings would depict our spiritual growth instead of physical growth. But we don't have such. At least not marks penciled onto the wall. But perhaps we have more of it than we realize.

Every single person is living in the middle of a knot of relationships. Some are friendships, some are marriages, some are parents and children, some are employees and employers, teachers and students, business acquaintances, the list could go on. Am I doing my best to help the others along? You may be the parent or the child, the employee or the employer. Really it doesn't matter whether you're at the top or the bottom. Sometimes the one at the bottom needs a hand to help climb up. Sometimes the one at the top needs to be caught when they start to fall. It's not our responsibility to remind the other of what rank or status they are in, but rather to encourage them along, give a steadying hand, give a listening ear, have a praying heart.

Everyone needs a cup of water at some point. It seems that the easiest thing to do is to see what someone else could do differently. Perhaps you feel like throwing a dash of salt in their cup of water thinking it would show them a thing or two. Or give it lukewarm. Do we actually know their circumstances? Do we understand their hearts? Too often we leap forward with good intentions and a mind and mouth full of advice. Perhaps we thought it was a cup of cold water, but to them it tastes like pond water. A chair pulled up, a ‘how was your day’, and an ‘I'll keep praying’ are probably the most refreshing cups of water that a person could give.

These moments of refreshment can mark the beginning of growth changes on someone's spiritual growth chart. Give a compliment. Tell someone you appreciate their spirit or their smile or their talent. A compliment to your child, your student, or your employee will bring a renewed endeavor in them to do their best. Not only will they want to improve on their work, a compliment will boost their self confidence. Too often we think that compliments will cause pride. Perhaps that does happen occasionally. But a compliment does so much good that it outweighs the chance of pride being an issue. And if pride does come into the picture, there will be time enough to deal with that. Compliments simply can't be left out. Many years ago, a school teacher passed a message of appreciation on to a set of parents regarding their child who was in his class. Did he know that student needed that vote of confidence? Maybe, and maybe not. Nevertheless, that former student has not forgotten it to this day. Maybe it's your kid brother who needs to know you think a lot of him and have noticed his growth. Maybe it's your spouse. Maybe they need to be reminded of your appreciation for that paycheck that buys groceries and makes payments. Sometimes it's a parent who needs to know that what they do doesn't go unnoticed. Yesterday morning my oven overheated during church, causing half the food to have a crisp, blackness on it. Most of it was edible, once you pulled the black off. It was frustrating to me though, and maybe it showed. I noticed one boy said, “Good salad, Mom!” (It, of course, hadn't been in the oven.) Another boy said, “Good potatoes, Mom!” (They had been on the bottom shelf and had not burned at all.) I really think their compliments were genuine.

Maybe the important part is that the cup of water is refreshing. Some like their glass full of ice. Some like it just cold from the faucet. But no one cares for salty water or for water with sludge in it. If we could see that growth chart on the wall, and see each other's growth lines shoot upward after each refreshing cup of water, and perhaps see them plunge when we used water that was less than refreshing, maybe we would be a little more cautious with our words and actions. For after all, we're all just wanting to grow upward. And the more we can help each other along, the more pleasant the journey will be. And in growing upward, we're reaching for the skies where the Master is waiting for us.

Robyn Schultz

06/15/26

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One Who Cares

I believe that God instilled into every one of us the desire to be of service to others. Perhaps for some it isn't as recognizable as others, and then there are those whom it appears are always bustling around doing this or that. (Note: This writing is probably more oriented towards the woman's side of life.)

Have you ever observed the lady who seems to never sit down, she's always wiping the counters or washing dishes at social functions, you hear via the grapevine that she brought snack to the teachers after school again, she's having a table full of company on Sunday (and not the first time this month), etc, etc. Then there's the one whom you often see in the middle of a deep discussion with a group of friends or perhaps quietly whispering in some private conversation, and you find out she's been invited to go for coffee to share hearts (again, you say), and in Sunday School she's an ever flowing fount of inspiration. And you feel like you're just you. Busy with life, maybe taking care of littles, maybe driving school children twice a day, maybe helping your husband with his duties, maybe making food to send to the youth meeting, maybe taking care of aged parents. By the time you get to that social function, you can't deal with one more dirty dish or counter. You are barely getting all the food made that gets consumed by your own family, much less snacks for teachers or meals for others. And when it comes to inspiration for deep conversations and sharing, you feel like you are the needy one at the table.

The Bible says that we must not compare among ourselves. Do we take this verse to heart? Ladies and mothers today, we are all walking a trail, and we're walking it together. Let's embrace the walk as one. We are not made the same. And for good reason! Some will wipe the counters, and some will vacuum floors, some will listen to a crying heart while others will give a flower bouquet. Some will send a song or message, some will give a smile, some will ask you how you are, and some will stop by with a plate of cookies. Embrace the inspiration that hits you, and don't ever, ever think it's too small. Our pride is the biggest problem that keeps us from receiving blessings. While God instilled in us the desire to be of service, Satan is trying to weave his thread of deceitful pride through there and make it so that we are terribly influenced by what we see others around us doing. We want to look important! We want to be the one who makes a noticeable difference. We want to be the one whom they say, “Oh she's the one who helped me the most”. Let's drop that desire for recognition. Be willing to be the humble friend who sends a personal message of care rather than a flamboyant public show of affection. Be okay with doing something that never gets noticed or even acknowledged. But our pride wants just a tiny bit of acknowledgement. It wants someone to say, “oh was that you?” We even want to be a part of that cute, little, private whispered conversation, because it looks important. Oh the hurt and trouble that pride can cause.

So today, let's beg God for humble hearts. He's the answer. With humility, I can accept my lot in life. I can walk the trail arm in arm with others, rather than trying to be the exception. I can be okay with being on call for God, and not the one who appears to always be there. If God asks me to stay at home and be a mother to my littles, I can happily do that, knowing I am performing His service. If He asks me to send a message of encouragement to someone I don't usually interact with, I can be humble enough to step out and do the little task He asks me to do. Perhaps, all He is asking is for me to visit with someone whom I don't usually visit with after church. An unexpected blessing can be lurking in places you don't know about.

On God's agenda, we usually have to let go of our own plans and ideas. We may have no idea why He is asking us to do a particular thing. It may seem so ordinary. Perhaps we don't even realize it was His guidance until after we've followed the nudge.

Let us link arms and walk together. The trail to heaven is winding, and we need each person to make it all the way. Let us be humble enough to care, and humble enough to do it however God asks us to. In the morning, it will be worth it all.

Robyn Schultz

05/09/26

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SEVEN Girls?!

They never know for sure if they heard right or not. Sometimes it comes out as an exclamation of surprise, sometimes of wonder, but sometimes in question format… kind of like “how did your Dad survive that?”, or “how did you manage without brothers”, or “was that disappointing?”. When we were little there was a man who went to church where my Grandpa's did, and he would invariably ask us the same question, with a twinkle in his eye, in a teasing way, “where are your brothers?” Dad finally told us to tell him, “they'll come in twenty years”. And so we did. That was even before there were seven of us. The truth was that by the time our last few sisters were born, we kind of hoped they would be girls. What would we do with a brother anyway? For the sake of those who don't know our family, I am the oldest. There were four of us in a little over six years, then a six year gap, and then the youngest three came. We still like to refer to them as the “little girls” occasionally. Some name tags just stick.

Having a family of daughters didn't stop Dad from being innovative and adventurous in his occupations. He usually had some farming venture going on the sideline that involved us. We had two calves that we raised to butchering size and he suggested we name them Frank and Joe. He laughed when he suggested it and we were too young to know they were the names of the Hardy Boy detectives. His various runs with cattle farming gave us many hours of fun and hard work. In the first years we used small square bales and had to walk along beside the bale wagon and throw bales on, or maybe we'd be lucky enough to be the tractor driver. That graduated to driving the 4020 and learning to run the small square baler, manure spreader, bale processor, and field cultivator. I'll never forget the first time I drove the big tractor and couldn't remember how to slow down, throttle down for the corner turn, so I took it in road gear, with my foot pressed firmly on the clutch, hoping I would make it. I did make it, but possibly shortened the lives of those following me, or at least gave them gray hair. There were the ever present broiler chickens that had to be fed, and barns to clean out and prepare every batch. Our imaginative minds found games to play while we were working to help pass the time. ‘Headbands’ as we called it, was a great pastime, choosing a name for each person secretively, and then they had to figure out who they were. It worked to play while working, traveling or just about anything. This got very entertaining at times. Not to mention the distraction of the barn phone that got used on occasion for things other than the necessary. Then we got a little older and Dad had us invest our money into a Jersey dairy cow, named Bessie, which I milked by hand the first summer. Then we graduated to a small five gallon pump, and got a second cow, Rosa! The neighbors bought milk and Mom and we girls learned to make cheese. There are so many memories intertwined into the farm life that I can't begin to cover them all. For example, jumping from bale piles into loose straw stacks with visiting friends, or the winter it stormed so heavily that the snowdrifts were rock hard and as high as the corral fences, so the cattle could walk right out, or in spring when the snow would melt and we'd pull out the big tire tubes and throw a piece of plywood on top to use as a raft, or taking our turns getting up in the middle of the night to check for calving cows or naming cows or chickens after people they reminded us of.

Just because Dad needed us on the farm didn't mean that we didn't learn a lady’s work also. Mom always had a huge garden and plenty of flowers. She was often brewing up new ideas for flower beds and landscaping. Overflowing pots of petunias, alyssum that lined the edge of the beds, giving it an almost lacy appearance, lilies, roses, cosmos, calendula, poppies and we couldn't forget the lithrum bushes that we picked endless bouquets of, but it was technically an illegal plant because of how quickly it could spread. Baking days, sewing days, and Saturday work (aka house cleaning) filled up many days as well.

It was always busy, but fun was not left out. After supper softball games, bike rides to the local ice cream shop or an afternoon swimming in the dugout. Our parents loved surprises. Waking us up to find out we were going to spend the day at the lake or at the zoo (with a miniature train ride too), or, sometimes on a Sunday we'd meet Grandpa Baergs for lunch at the Chicken Corral restaurant in Neepawa. In winter time, we might spend an afternoon sledding at Abe’s Hill, or using four wheelers and snowmobiles to pull tubes in the field, ending with hot chocolate. Once in a while at Christmas, we would drive southeast of Steinbach and hire a man to take us on a sleigh ride behind his huge horses. One winter we boarded a couple Shetland ponies for a neighbor. Their names were Tom and Jerry and they even came with a cart and a sleigh. What fun we had!

There must have come a day when Dad began to wonder what his daughters would all do for jobs. I had already spent a couple years doing health care aide work and had decided to start teaching school. Sometime during my teaching years, Dad decided to start Mum's Country Bakery. And what an era of life that was! In just a few years, we went from baking in a tiny garage bakery, to an on-the-yard bakery and café, with an apple cider press (Apple Junction), to a restaurant in Landmark for three years, and throughout this all, farmer's markets in Winnipeg and Pine Ridge Hollow.

In the beginning of this era, I accepted a proposal of marriage and moved approximately 1730 miles away. After that, we planned our trips to be able to enjoy their busy seasons with them. Today all seven of us are spread about the continent, with three of us in the United States and four in Canada. Dad and Mom kind of like it this way, (I think) because they get to travel. Life has not gotten boring because we're not all in one place though. Thanks to technology we can keep in touch on a daily basis. And when we do all storm the home territory occasionally, well, let's just say it still is lively and entertaining, though there are quite a few more gray hairs than there used to be. Together, we have brought five “brothers” into the family, who now have to choose whether to stand up for Dad in their manhood, or stick up for their wives. (They all do a fine job of doing both actually!) Also, together we have brought fourteen grandchildren to the family, five girls and nine boys. This means that even though we spent all our growing years as a force of girls, the men and boys have finally caught up and outnumber us, 15 to 13.

This walk down memory lane would not be complete without mentioning the hours we spent singing. Thanks to parents who loved to sing and taught us to enjoy it as well, there were songbooks in the van, songbooks and sheet music that occupied a corner of the living room, songbooks that had to be dried out after falling from their perch on the kitchen window sill into the dish washing sink, and sometimes an end of the dining room table that didn't get cleared of songbook material until the wee hours of the morning. We even got the quartet songbooks out sometimes and rolled out four-part harmony.

It is becoming evident to me that I have only scratched the surface of my childhood. In closing, I hope that you have been able to sense that I am thankful for my heritage and my happy childhood. May God continue to bless the world with happy, secure homes where the children of the future can develop into sincere adults.

Robyn Schultz 04/29/26

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A Table Set for Two
(So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart;
and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.  Psalm 78:72)

I have an invitation, and I'm following my cue,
I've been asked to dine with Jesus at a table set for two.
He meets me at the doorway, as I timidly step through,
He welcomes me profusely, in a manner kind and true. 

The ambience is calming, and I feel my tension flee,
Then I see that He is planning to sit and dine with me.
His helpers- they are busy, in the kitchen bustling ‘round,
Their chuckles of delight are happy- a most contented sound.

Jesus sits across from me and He prays a blessing true,
There is nothing quite so warming at this table set for two.
His gentle eyes are set on mine, He inquires of matters deep,
He wants to see my inner heart, get to know the real me.

He asks me why the teardrops flow, and why my back is bowed,
He offers to unstrap my pack, to lift my dark and gloomy shroud.
He tells me that my heavy loads were never mine to bear,
And at the cross there is a place where I can leave them there.

He says that my allegiance to His Father up above,
Is the key to overcoming and a life of joy and love.
His teaching is so gentle, it feels like sunlight on my soul!
I bask in all the soothing rays, healing hurts, becoming whole. 

His forgiveness for my sins is a river running free,
And it washes o’er my being, cleansing waters, pure and deep.
I immerse my broken spirit, I lay down my feeble ‘tries’,
For I see my own efforts as inconsequential and unwise. 

He holds my hand so tenderly, He listens to my heart,
I can tell He understands, and cares about each little part. 
He gives me all the time I need, there is no rush or hurry,
Time to let me tell it all, each hurt, each fear and little worry.

There is not another place, no experience quite so true,
As this dine-in spot with Jesus, and a table set for two.
For while the food is tasty morsels, made by angel servants there,
It is the company I dine with, not the type of hearty fare.

It is then my vision clears, and I comprehend it all and see, 
That this dining time with Jesus is everyday for me!
It happens by my bedside, or in my closet dark,
It doesn't matter where I meet Him in the morn or at my work. 

He's always watching, listening- He's waiting for my voice,
For when He hears me call on Him, it makes His heart rejoice.
And so I highly recommend: you find your dining room,
For there you'll find a sacred spot at a table set for two.

Robyn Schultz 
04/28/26

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What's Next

The captain of the Carpathia had to navigate a treacherous and potentially disastrous ice field as he made his way to the scene of an even worse catastrophe. The darkness of night and the black of the North Atlantic Ocean blended together, illuminated only by the lights that his own ship was able to cast before him. Given the fact that it was nighttime and only the stars were shining that night, it is widely assumed that the icebergs appeared as black masses instead of the traditionally depicted bright white floating ice chunks. No wonder then that, upon being asked how he had managed to navigate the icefield in his speedy dash towards the sinking ship, he said that he could only assume that there had been another hand than his on the wheel that night.

Often our Christian life is referred to as a journey that we walk. In a way it is like a path that we follow, never knowing what will come next, because our particular path has never been traveled before. We can be walking along, enjoying the sights and the lush green meadows, viewing the mountains and rocks from afar, and suddenly the path takes a turn that we didn't expect. Just as the captain of the above mentioned ship, we must put our faith in our unseen Guide. Perhaps what appeared as a meadow or plateau from a distance turns out to be a field, strewed with rocks of all shapes and sizes. At first it doesn't look so bad. We enter confidently, thinking we can easily navigate this stretch. However, it is not quite as simple as we thought. It had once appeared as a maze with boulders that we would only need to dodge around. But reality tells us that sometimes our path is taking us up and over the rocks instead of around and through, creating the need to climb. In doing so, we are much more subject to falls, scrapes and gashes. In the very first experience such as this, we find that while it can be a hard and difficult thing to clamber over this rock, and there are times of precarious uncertainty and near calamity, we can usually find a place at the top where we have a lovely view that renews our strength and we can feel the empowering breezes from throne of God.

Sometimes the night is very dark though, and the rock strewn field and the sky blend nearly as one. It is a moonless night and only the stars twinkle a tiny bit of light from their places high above us. Any rocks that you can bring into focus are such dark blobs that they almost seem to disappear and reappear. Yet, in determination, you move forward, realizing that God alone can bring you through this terrible darkness with its dangers and uncertainties. Trust is the key factor. Trust, and a God with eyes that can penetrate any level of darkness.

Upon reaching your destination, you look back and are struck with awe. It is then that you realize and comprehend fully, the magnificence of a Great and Marvelous God with an unseen hand that knows the path you are taking. He knows about every twist and turn of the path. He knows about each cumbersome boulder that needs to be scaled. Simply, He alone knows what's next. And in His care and guidance, you are the safest that you will ever be.

Isaiah 43:19b

[19]....I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Psalm 91:11

[11] For he shall give his angels charge over thee, To keep thee in all thy ways.

Robyn Schultz

04/23/26

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The Choice of Positivity

Does the early spring flower make a determined decision to burst through the cold, hard ground, (and sometimes snow), and seeing it is first to arrive, shake its imaginary fist in winter's face and demand its departure?

Are the words that the little birds sing so merrily on that first sunshiny day of spring, actually the battle hymn of their species, and they are fighting the war on winter's harsh winds and cold brutality, giving them a last warning cry to make a quick escape?

When the little children step outside with rain slickers and yellow rubbers on, and dance with delight in the puddles to the happy cries of one another, does winter cower in the corner, nearly wishing he could stay an extra day and have some fun instead of speeding off to lands unknown?

Do all of spring’s cheery counterparts come together in a joyful celebration when they see winter's tail disappear over the horizon, and sing a song of positive collaboration? “I thought I could, I thought I could.”

None of them speak of the little niggling fears they had, worrying that this time Old Sir Winter would turn about face and come roaring at them with all his fury and wrath, trampling their little treasures and covering their world with his tendrils of frost and snow. None of them speak of their trembling hearts that fear his hoarse threatful cries, breathing chilly winds of gloom over the hills at them. No, that is a subject that they don't approach. They are too happy to watch the last vanishing snow piles, to see the leafy green shoots peeking through the soil and to hear the sound of the peepers start up. Old fear just has to vanish with the snow.

For a man once said,

Whether you think you can or you can't, either way you are right. ~Henry Ford

But an even Greater Being once promised,

Genesis 8:22

[22] While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

What a beautiful promise of the continuity and omnipresence of an Almighty Creator. He hasn't just created and then left His creation in the created's hands. But He did decide at the beginning of time to give each one of us as humans the power of choice. We can choose to be positive and live our lives with a forward mindset, looking ahead and choosing joy despite the world around us, or we can choose to be negative and focus on the downside, our downfalls and constantly feel the darkness creeping in on us. We can choose to trust even when “Old Sir Winter” flings his biting winds of despair in our unguarded faces. We can dig our roots down deeper into the bedrock of God's love, and clamp tightly onto His strong arms. While the little birds and flowers don't have the ability to consciously make those choices as depicted, they can still be an example to us and show how fortitude and strength can work against negative surroundings. I believe Henry Ford was implying just how much the human mind can influence one's ability to be successful. I do not know whether he was a believer in God or not. In a subtle way, perhaps Ford was saying how much of an influence positivity or negativity can affect our walk in life. However, we must not forget that ultimately God is the provider of strength and courage. It is through Him that we can acquire these gifts of grace.

Psalm 91:1-2

[1] He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust.

Robyn Schultz

04/08/26

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The Betrayer, The Betrayal, The Betrayed

Judas Iscariot, one of the chosen twelve disciples, was a man who, it appears, started out to follow Jesus with good intentions. He spent three years listening to His teachings and watching His miracles. He was even put in charge of the “purse” as it was referred to, or the money bag which belonged to the group as a whole. The Bible is not very clear about when Judas’ loyalties started to turn. Some have questioned whether he was someone who was truly searching for the promised Messiah as a Savior, or did he expect that Jesus would overthrow the Roman Empire as was the belief among so many? Others have suggested that perhaps he felt a little offended at Jesus’ slight rebuke when he tried to suggest that the woman should have used her money for the poor rather than purchase the expensive ointment to anoint the feet of Jesus. According to the Gospels of Mark and John, it was soon after this encounter at the house of Simon the Leper, that Judas made his proposal to the chief priests and scribes. They had been fuming around for a long time already, angry at Jesus’ methods and one of them had even commented, “behold, the world is gone after him!”. It irritated them to see the people so obviously following this Man. However, the Bible clearly states that there were those among these officials who believed Jesus’ teachings and words also.

John 12:42-43

[42] Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: [43] for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

When Judas came forward with his offer of betrayal, they were more than happy to accept. It solved their problem. Now they had a contact inside the group of disciples. What more could they ask for? And so, a deal was made. Judas, friend of Jesus, had just agreed to accept thirty pieces of silver if he could somehow get Jesus into the hands of the men who claimed to be religious leaders. Did Judas understand that they wanted Jesus dead? Was his intent to see Jesus die? Or did he think he would simply have fun watching them interrogate Jesus, (he did know they could be ruthless), and perhaps beat him and let him go? Maybe he thought that would assuage his still burning feelings from the rebuke he had received. Whatever the case, Judas had made a decision that he would later regret.

We focus on Judas as the Betrayer in the story of the crucifixion of Jesus. But what of the men that John spoke of who made the choice to feel satisfaction from the praise of the Pharisees rather than that of God? They didn't have to go sneaking around telling of a change of allegiance. Oh no. They could sit in their places of honor, or walk in the street in their flowing robes, or be recognized by passersby as someone of importance. But if deep in their hearts they knew that Jesus was the truth, yet they still chose to take the path of least resistance and please earthly man, then these men were betrayers in every sense of the word, just as much as Judas. And then, what about each of us? Truth is, we were not there in Jerusalem, caught up in their web of politics. We don't have to be intimidated by high ranking Pharisees who live by the law. No, we can stay in our warm houses, with our coffees in hand, and go to church on Sunday. But the reality is, that probably almost every single day I make the decision in some way or other whether I will betray Jesus or not. The thought of taking a few spare minutes to read my Bible is interrupted by the reminder of something I needed to look up on my phone. It isn't even unnecessary. But the decision is mine. Or perhaps there's a habitual thought pattern that I know isn't good for me to go down. The notes of a song whisper in my ears and I know I have a choice to make. Listening to Jesus or listening to Satan.

Betrayal is best defined in a setting where there are two forces. Your heart is set along with one side, but in a moment of confrontation or disturbance, you must either reinforce your heart's decision, or switch allegiance, deny your involvement with the previous force, and turn away from that which you have only moments before been aligned with. Betrayal often happens in a secretive, dishonest way.

And so it was that Judas continued to mingle with Jesus and his disciples, even planning to partake of Passover with them, all the while secretly conniving how to pull off his plan of deception. In his heart, the betrayal had already happened. Now there was just the physical work to be done. And then it happened. Jesus confronted the group, saying that one of them should betray him. Guiltily, Judas slunk out. Now he had one intent, and with that purpose he made his way straight to the chief priests and Pharisees. They readily agreed to follow Judas to where he thought Jesus could be found. There was a certain garden that Jesus and his disciples frequented, and that is where he led the band of angry, seething, blood thirsty officers who were determined to bring this man to justice. There, in the darkness, they met Jesus. Judas stepped forward and greeted Jesus with a kiss. Jesus, who remained calm as always, even rebuking his defender at one point and healing the high priest’s ear, looked at Judas with love and a question. “Judas, betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss?”

How more cynical and deceitful could Judas have been than to take the well-known greeting of love and fellowship and use it in an act of the complete opposite context? To kiss his friend, but mean it as a sign of wicked betrayal to killers? To kiss his friend as though in greeting, yet behind him stands the force of the devil waiting to pounce? Jesus’ heart must have hurt deeply. His heart that had poured true love into his followers. His heart that had been a true friend and kind example. His heart that had proven depths of loyalty and understanding like no other friend. Yet, in truth, only a short time later another of his friends denied vehemently that he did not know Jesus.

In the heat of the hour of our fiery trials, do we stand firm and resolute, or do we begin to crumble, backslide, and then turn to see the hurt in Jesus’ eyes? Any choice that we make that goes against what Jesus wants us to do is a form of betrayal. We have all been Judas at some point in our lives.

Jesus was captured. The disciples didn't know where they should be right then. So they followed the mob of soldiers. They watched their betrayed Friend get questioned, they watched Him get scourged and beaten. Did they want to step in and stand up for Jesus? Or were they afraid that they too would get caught in the merciless tangle of politics that these people called religion? It must have been a painful night for Jesus’ friends. Some were still unsure of how He was going to accomplish being the true Savior. Many had acknowledged that He was God's Son. But now this? Being arrested by earthly men? It seemed too much. But every time they looked up, their betrayed Friend had the same compassionate, loving look in His eyes. Even as they watched, He was convicted and He was chosen to die instead of an impoverished thief in a dark, dank cell. A rough cross was thrust upon his back for his already weakened body to somehow drag up the hill to the crucifixion site. A noble bystander offered to carry it for him. Jesus, the betrayed Friend of the common people, the Healer of many broken people, the true King of the world was going to die.

The scene at the cross was bloody and messy. But it was there that a thief on another cross was forgiven. It was there that Jesus cried, “Father, forgive them!” It was there that men cried, “Truly this was the Son of God!” It has been said that “the ground at the foot of the cross is level”. This is the platform of grace. Here is where the sinsick, the hurt, the wounded, the bitter, and the betrayers can all meet on even ground. I believe that on that night, there was a place at the foot of the cross where Judas, had he been minded to do so, could have gone to plead for forgiveness. Jesus would have looked at him with love, and seen the terrible agony in his eyes. Instead, Judas ran to those city officials and threw the silver coins back at their feet. He admitted to them that he had sinned in betraying innocent blood. They didn't care and told him it wasn't their problem. Then he went out and took his own life.

Jesus, the betrayed Friend of all who will come to Him, offers us the choice today too. There is room for everyone at the foot of the cross. Let no one delay the opportunity to look up to Jesus. There is compassion and love in his eyes. There is healing and forgiveness flowing from his side. The reward is peace in your heart.

Robyn Schultz

04/05/26

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Dear Comrade,

Is there a Jordan River in your path? Is there a mountain standing tall, looming large and foreboding, right in your way? Maybe it's a large area of swampy marsh land, or maybe it's a barren desert of wilderness like the children of Israel had to wander for so many years. Whatever it happens to be, it looks entirely immovable. It seems exceedingly difficult if not impossible to go through. And the road around it? Well, it's really too dark to see too much about that option. And there's so many corners and turns, you can't really tell if it's an option or not. How do I know all this? Actually, I don't know what you're facing. But I do know we're on the same journey. And while our journeys may vary in a lot of ways, we follow the same map and we follow the same Master. And I have faced mountains and rivers, and in fact, I still do. Some days there doesn't even need to be anything so very large that looms in front of me, maybe it's just a puddle on the path, but it still feels like a mighty rolling river that I have to get through.

But it turns out that we have an amazing God with a broad palette of riches that He wants to bestow on each of us on our journeys!

Romans 11:33

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out!

The way may look dark, impassable and uncertain. But our understanding is so limited by our human way of thinking. We must lift up our hands and reach forth for God's guiding hand. Perhaps He has parted the waters and we cannot see it for the darkness. Perhaps He has provided a comrade to climb the mountain with us. Perhaps we will only see the next step as we're taking it. God wants us to grab His hand in faith. He wants us to believe Him! For He has made a way and He will guide us on it, if we only entrust our path to Him.

When Joshua stood before the people after Moses had died, he quoted the words of the Lord:

Joshua 1:5b & 6a

…I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

[6] Be strong and of good courage…

These words ring through the ages to every Christian on the journey to heaven. They are for you, and they are for me. The battle may seem all uphill. The river may seem rough and treacherous. The night may seem dark and long. But His promise of unfailing love and care no matter where the path takes us should provide us with courage for each step.

And so, dear comrade, your journey is yours, and mine is mine. Different they may be, but perhaps we will meet along the way sometime. My prayer is that we can offer courage to each other no matter the differences, and that our loads will be lighter as we continue on to the same destination.

Your fellow traveler

Robyn Schultz

03/15/26

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A set of very perfect hands reached down and scooped up some dust. All around was a most beautiful setting of lush and flowering garden greenery. Animals gazed in awe at the gentle touch, the commanding voice and swift skill with which this Master worked. His reverence, coupled together with His deliberate intention for each detail was immaculate and purposeful. This creation was going to be in His own personal likeness. What higher honor could He bestow on the crowning point of His creation? This final addition to His masterpiece of the last few days would be the desire of His heart, and one that He would go to the greatest length imaginable to protect and save.

Because we are human and God is a Deity, it is very hard to imagine and understand how He can know all things and see into the future and view all our failures, yet proceed with His plans anyway. I believe that even as He was creating the crowning point of His creation, He knew that man would turn away from Him. He knew that there would be times that man would look at Him, and see what He was offering, yet still turn and walk away. He knew that man would struggle with feelings of bitterness and pride and even with the thought that they were useless and of no value. He knew they would doubt Him and become entrenched in unbelief. He knew that some would know His benefits, yet finding the battle so difficult, they would fall into a form of lazy resignation, performing, but not having the true spirit. Yet despite all of this, He continued working with that clay in His hands, shaping, molding until it was just as He wanted it. For in His heart of hearts, He was devising a plan that would be able to rescue and save each soul that was born into the earth for as long as the world existed. In those moments of creating Adam, the first man, and Eve, the first woman, His far-reaching vision extended through the ages, and I believe that He saw each soul as an individual. His precision, His deliberate intention, and immaculate skill reached through the centuries and He loved what He saw. He saw you, and He saw me. He smiled because He saw that every single person was a necessary component and He couldn't wait to use each one in the certain way that He had planned.

Today there's you and today there's me- in the middle of a creation that still functions just as it did when God designed it. Yet evil and sin and wickedness have wrought their many dark works and have tried their best to destroy and ruin what God designed so beautifully. But they will never destroy and ruin it completely. Hearts may choose wicked ways, souls may fall into depths of sin that are incomprehensible. But as long as God continues to give life, there will always be hope. There will always be the opportunity to choose the beautiful path that God wants me on. Because God values every single person, He will provide a way for each one to follow Him. True joy will come through believing in His Great Love for me as an individual. When we have that full belief, our hearts will overflow to those around us. Bitterness and pride flee in the face of God's love. Hearts that once hurt deeply are healed because of His love. We no longer doubt our worth. We know that by God's divine hand, we were placed right here, right now, and that no matter what anyone says or does, we have the choice to continue to live in that belief. It is a beautiful miracle of healing and hope. May we find ourselves completely immersed in His great Love, knowing that He created us because He needed us, and may we go forth joyfully submitting to whatever He has in store for us.

Robyn Schultz

03/08/26

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"And when they had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints." (Revelation 5:8)

Those vials, though. What a beautiful, immense way for our Father to portray his love! Golden vials, FULL. Full of your prayers and mine. Full of the prayers from ages past.

Am I doing my part to keep the vials full? Do you think there are ever times when they start running low? Or is there always a steady stream pouring into them? That's a very, very human thought. Almost too human to print. It puts all those little nudges to sigh a prayer in a completely different spectrum for me. Maybe I'm busy at work and I suddenly find myself thinking of a troubling situation. I can speak to God about it from right exactly where I'm standing. Or I wake up in the morning with a random person on my mind, and I don't have any idea why. Then the thought comes to pray for them. Sometimes I have found my mind wandering quite a lot while I pray. Not necessarily about my day but usually it has been other extremely random scenarios or people that I have known in the past that would pop into my mind. It often really bothered me that this would happen. It felt like I wasn't being reverent enough in my prayer if my mind strayed all over. One day, a friend suggested that maybe God was bringing these things or people to my mind as a kind of way to tell me to pray for them. Since then, I have tried to do that. Sometimes it feels a little odd because I don't even know what to pray exactly. But this is the beauty of Jesus our Intercessor. I can pray a simple prayer that says, "God, you know their needs. Be with them today." And by the Divine Plan, that prayer is used in a way only God can.

Oh dear ones, let's keep the vials full. Sometimes we have situations in life that we face or are around us and we wish we could help. And because we don't always know what to do, we say, "well the least I can do is pray". Should we be saying, "The MOST I can do is pray"? It is a power that goes beyond all human understanding. It is what we should do first. I often wonder how non-praying people handle life. Do they rely on chance and luck and hope for the best? What a grim way to have to deal with the conundrums of life. I like to imagine that one of the times God uses those vials of prayers is when we humans are unaware of a situation that needs our prayers. He is completely omniscient and in that way He can see ahead and prompt our hearts to pray for certain things as needed.

I am so very thankful that I have the opportunity to be able to pray. I don't have to hide in caves to launch my petitions heavenward. I can call my children around me and plead for heaven's help anytime I want to. If I have a prayerful heart at all times, it keeps that channel open between God and I, and when I recognize my neediness it also helps me to keep that constant communication with God. And communicating with God is what keeps the vials full.

Robyn Schultz

08/23/2022

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On Letting Go

It's a road less traveled-
Not the easiest path to climb, 
Yet the joys in the journey
Come by giving up what's "mine".

It's watching little pigtails
Jump in the bus for school, 
Knowing that to keep them
Would be to raise a fool. 

It's standing by their sides
Through rocky teenage years, 
Letting them learn through trials
While wiping falling tears. 

It's cheering them when they win, 
And helping them when they fall, 
Letting them fight the battle-
Inspiring to stand up tall. 

It's crying into your pillow
When hurts assail their souls,
Knowing this time a bandage
Won't heal or make them whole. 

It's watching the smiling face
Cross the stage with confident stroll, 
Receiving a statement of honor
Inside their diploma scroll. 

It's watching them drive away
With keys of their very own, 
Knowing that you can trust them
Even when gone from home. 

It's from pony tails to car keys,
To dust behind the wheels, 
From teaching dolls to students, 
From flip flops to high heels. 

It's from preschool to eighth grade, 
A voice that's turned to bass, 
From riding bikes to tractors, 
And a sudden manly grace. 

But the joy is found in giving, 
In watching each one grow, 
It's okay to shed some tears
While trying to let go. 

For there's laughter in the sunshine, 
Despite the chance of rain, 
There's joy for the moment, 
Despite the chance of pain. 

It's because the love runs deep, 
And our hearts are filled so full, 
It's a blessing sent from heaven:
This deep and inner pull. 

So love them when they're little, 
And love them when they're grown, 
Each step we walk together
Is another step towards home. 

Robyn Schultz 
02/27/26

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