Encouragement for the Journey: Weekly Words and Devotions

In My Heart

2012-02-10T20:43:00.001-05:00

Philippians 1:3-7
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.

I stood in the store and looked through the red, white and pink sea of cards. As I searched for just the right sentiments to send out for Valentine’s Day, I read funny notes of love, serious declarations of eternal devotion and cute messages just right for our grandkids. I wanted to remember the little ones who I hold in my heart. As I sent each card, I prayed for them with joy, just as Paul prayed for the Philippians.

The apostle Paul loved his friends in Philippi. As he traveled on his mission trips, he knew that he could rely on them for support and that they shared a love for Jesus. He carried them in his heart and prayed for them. Jesus holds me in his heart. He loves me more that I can imagine. I humbly pray that I return even a fraction of the joy that he gives to me. I praise God that he remembers me and loves me.

Whoosh!

2012-02-04T11:28:00.003-05:00

Jude 1:20-22
But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Tim and I recently attended a high school basketball game. One player, #22, caught my attention. He handled the ball as if it were an extension of his hand. I sensed that he was probably the kid who lived under the basketball hoop at home and in the gym. His fluid shots whooshed the ball through the net.

The whoosh of the basketball, the crack of the bat, the tennis ball that barely smacks the edge of in-bounds gives the athlete the feeling of connectedness to their sport. That’s the bond God wants me to experience with prayer. That I am so united to the Holy Spirit that my requests flow right to God. Number 22 achieved his perfect shot through practice, going there again and again. The same is true of my prayer life. I must go to God everyday and seek his help, advice, love, and all he has to give. He welcomes my conversations 24/7. Praise God for his Holy Spirit who carries my prayers to God.

Fire!

2012-01-28T10:11:00.000-05:00

Daniel 3:16-18
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver usfrom Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

When King Nebuchadnezzar installed a 90 feet tall golden image in the middle of his city, he expected every person in his kingdom to fall to their knees and worship. But three young men said no. They defied the king and refused to worship anyone or anything but the God who created them. He threw them into a fiery furnace, clothing and all and they survived. When the king looked into the furnace he saw them walking around and speaking to a fourth person, no doubt God. I’m sure his mouth dropped open and he said, “What on earth?” Immediately, he commanded the men to come to him and they stood before him without even a singed eyebrow hair or a fiery furnace smell. King Nebuchandnezzar fell to his knees and worshipped the one true God.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego embraced their faith. They knew that God had their back and that he promised to go with them through the fire. This week I prayed for God’s guidance and his reassurance that I was on the right path. When I opened my Bible to the book of Daniel, he reminded me of the faith of three young men and how he walked with them in the fire and carried them out unharmed. God is with me, no matter what I go through. When life takes me through the fire, I trust him to protect and guide me. Praise God that he keeps his promises!

Person of Interest

2012-01-21T10:47:00.000-05:00

Romans 12:2-3
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

My husband and I have been watching the television show, Person of Interest. I watch it because I find the premise of the show interesting but a bit scary. In the show people are being watched either because they are about to do something evil or because they need protected. Throughout the episodes we’ve noticed the many cameras that tape people’s movements. I want to think that I am not watched like that every day. But I am.

I may not have cameras following me (or men with weapons), but I do have eyes on me. Everything I do, say, or act on is witnessed by other people. They know that I am a follower of Christ and they watch to see whether I show it or not. If I profess to love others, I better be doing it. If I say that I follow the words of the Bible, I need to keep that in check. If I’ve let Jesus change my heart, then I need to let him change my mind. Of course I will stumble and make mistakes, but that is my opportunity to talk about grace and forgiveness. God gives us his desires for our life, I want to tap into that and show to the people around me how he has changed my life and that I am a soul saved by grace. When people watch me, I pray they see Christ.

Icing on the Rolls

2012-01-14T09:31:00.003-05:00

2 Timothy 3:14-17
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of Godmay be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

One evening as I worked at my computer, I heard the sound of crinkling plastic. I thought maybe one of the dogs was playing with something they found on the floor. The noise continued for a few minutes longer than I thought it should. When I walked into our extra bedroom to investigate, I found our daschund/corgi Olive looking mighty guilty. For Christmas, Maggie made cinnamon rolls with a package of butter cream icing for Tim. With all the rolls eaten, I threw away the bit of left over icing. Dear little Olive, who craves food, sniffed out the sweet confection and helped herself to the leftovers.

Before we adopted her, Olive was abandoned with several pups to feed so she learned that she had to scavenge to stay alive. Her natural instinct was to dig in and find whatever she could to survive. I want that attitude when it comes to reading my Bible, that incessant craving in order to survive. I see the Bible as a precious gift that I am fortunate to have. I can read Jesus’ own words and letters from the people who walked with him. And I love the Old Testament stories that teach me so much about life. His book is filled with incredible stories, amazing wisdom, and the path to salvation. He leads with his word. Praise God for the scripture!

I Know I Can (through Christ)

2012-01-07T08:49:00.001-05:00

Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

In January, I reacquaint myself with my treadmill and wave good-bye to the sugary treats from the holidays. I’m not one to make resolutions in the New Year, but I do like to set goals. Since I am tired of all the rich food by the time New Year’s rolls around, giving some of it up seems easier. But, I know at some point the temptation to eat the fattening stuff will creep up and I will need to engage self-control. Through prayer and positive thinking, I rely on God’s word to keep me in check.

Titus refers to self-control several times in his short book. He encourages the men, women and young people of the church to develop self-control. When I am disheartened and let go of my resolve, I need his help and the support of my brothers and sisters in Christ. As I seek to reach my goals (no matter what they are) and stay obedient to God, I keep my eyes on the hope that I have in Jesus. With him all things are possible.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

A Gentle Spirit

2011-12-31T11:57:00.001-05:00

1 Peter 3:15-16
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Our two year old grandson watched as relatives passed out colorful packages. With wonder-filled eyes he took in the red, green and blues of the ripped off wrappers that littered the floor around his sibling’s gifts. His teenage sister saw that he needed help with his package, so she sat with him, and together they pulled off the wrapping paper. Once the gift sat before them, she showed him what he received and helped him take it from the box. With a gentle spirit Vanessa helped Max with his gift. She didn’t hurry him, she guided him.

God requires a gentle spirit from his followers. When I see someone in need, I want to approach them with a quiet, helpful attitude, rather than “let me show you how” because I know more than you. I have a good friend who shows her gentle spirit and I’m not even sure she knows it. Anytime I have needed guidance, she speaks to me with kindness and love. I appreciate her gentle reminder that God cares about me. This new year I pray that my gentle spirit shows as I serve others.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Prince of Peace

2011-12-23T11:38:00.003-05:00

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
   to us a son is given,
   and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Every day I am thankful for God’s faithfulness. When I wake up in the morning, I know that God greets me with his arms of love. As I journey through my day, he travels beside me. When I lay down at night he watches over me and wishes me a good rest.

God was faithful to keep the promise he spoke through Isaiah. He sent his son, the Prince of Peace to live as we live. His birth in that manger near Bethlehem, under the stars, surrounded by shepherds and angels marked the beginning of Christ’s reign and his inevitable sacrifice. As I celebrate Christmas, I am reminded of God’s faithfulness and my responsibility as his follower to produce a faith-filled life. Praise God for the gift of Jesus.

Happy Christmas!

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Oh my Goodness!

2011-12-16T20:01:00.001-05:00

2 Peter 1:4-5a
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness…

The large box jutted over the end of the cart making it difficult for the woman to see where she was going. She managed to maneuver the awkward package to her car. With the trunk flipped open, she struggled to lift the box. A gentleman walked up to her and asked if she needed any help. At first she said no, but he encouraged her to allow his help. He placed the package in her car without difficulty. When she thanked him, he said it was his pleasure. He had just returned from the war and witnessed so much distress and evil, that he wanted to come home and do good. As she pulled away from this gracious stranger, she watched him approach another person in need.

The soldier fought in a physical war. Each day a spiritual war swirls around me. Satan and his army attempt sneak attacks and outright assaults. He wants me to make bad choices and ignore people in need. During the holidays, he lurks around waiting for me to wear down from the hustle and bustle so that I might lose my patience, criticize others, or just give up. But Jesus comes along and, like the soldier, carries my load. The night of Jesus birth, the angels sang to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” He gives me peace so that I can spread goodness to others.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Kindness in the face of Belligerence

2011-12-10T09:10:00.001-05:00

Titus 3:4-7
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

The lady giving away samples of Christmas flavored coffees smiled and tried to explain to the belligerent customer that the cups only held a few ounces because they were samples. He continued to throw harsh words at her. Yet, she remained kind and patient. Tim and I tried to help her out, but the man demanded more coffee and upped his irritation. He continued to harass the gentle woman. No matter what the man said through the entire interaction the woman remained kind.

The Christmas season often adds extra stress to my life. The stress may not be a bad stress, but certainly adds to my to-do list. I enjoy giving, decorating and watching the Christmas programs, but I also find myself tired, short-tempered and impatient when I am too busy. Yet, God asks me to show kindness to everyone in my path. Watching the coffee lady reminded me that no matter what, I need to show God’s kindness so that folks see God’s mercy and grace.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Patience!!!

2011-12-03T09:04:00.001-05:00

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

I remember one Christmas, as a child, I snooped for gifts. Under my mom and dad’s bed I spied a toy ironing board and iron and a few other items that looked like they might be for me. That was the year that I figured out that Santa left the presents early and in my parent’s charge :) . My lack of patience in waiting for Christmas morning brought some disappointment. I wondered if Santa even existed. I think I was about five or six years old. Had I waited until Christmas morning to unwrap my treasures, I could have avoided my doubt and enjoyed the morning through a child’s eyes one more time.

Sometimes as an adult, I forget the lesson I learned so long ago. I still resist waiting. In some translations of the Bible, the fruit of the Spirit lists forbearance as patience. Webster defines forbearing as holding back with effort. Patience requires acknowledgement and effort. I’ve never been what I would think of as a patient person, perhaps I’m not trying hard enough. I know from my experience that when I do produce patience, God blesses me. I continue to work on this part of the fruit of the Spirit, and I thank God that he is patient with me.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Peace on Earth

2011-11-25T09:14:00.005-05:00

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

My family gathered at my brother’s home for Thanksgiving, and as usual our noisy clan enjoyed good food, laughter and love. In the midst of the clamor, I sat in the rocking chair for a bit with my great-nephew, our newest family member. Little Liam (barely 6 weeks old) looked out the window then dozed off to sleep, and he slept despite his siblings’ and cousins’ fun. Holding this precious soul filled me with peace in the midst of commotion.

God’s peace transcends any chaos that might arise in life. As I prepare for the Christmas season, life’s already hectic pace picks up, and at times I am overwhelmed with all that I need to accomplish. That’s when I seek peace. I grab a moment of quiet and let his calm envelop me so that I can share that peace with others. As the busyness of the Christmas season begins, I pray that God’s peace brings you calm and rest.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

I Have the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in my Heart!

2011-11-19T09:43:00.000-05:00

John 17:13
“I am coming to you [Father] now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they [Jesus’ disciples] may have the full measure of my joy within them.”

Imagine with me that you are a child walking through the forest. A fragrance wafts under your nose and you follow the scent. Before you stands a bush filled with shiny pink, plump berries, when you pluck a berry off the bush and pop it into your mouth, the flavor of fresh baked sugar cookies bursts on your tongue. Your body fills with the pure joy of a child enjoying a favorite snack that tastes so good that you want to share it with friends. Pure joy, not happiness, not greediness satisfied, but joy fills your soul.

The child did not work for the berries, nor did they buy the berries, the fruit was a gift left for them to enjoy, appreciate, and share. Jesus gave his life as the ultimate gift. No greater joy comes to mind than for Jesus to love me so much that he died for me. In John 17 he prays for his disciples and he talks to his father about the joy he wants for them. Jesus wanted his disciples to be full of his joy, and he wants us to overflow with that same joy, the joy of knowing him.

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

All You Need is Love

2011-11-12T10:06:00.002-05:00

Romans 12: 9-10
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

My mom shared with me this week that my grandson, Zeke, told her “I love you, Ma” in his sweet little toddler voice. Her heart was blessed. Every day when I come home from work, my dogs greet me at the door with their rendition of love, jumping and barking and practically knocking me down. My husband showers love on me and we share our love with our children. God calls us to love, not just those who are easy to love, but all people.

Jesus tells his disciples, in John 13, to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (I love quoting Jesus) He knew that when he went to heaven he needed to leave his followers with a direct command. Those words are for us, too. Jesus wants us to love each other and to show that love by listening, showing compassion, meeting needs and sharing Jesus. Loving others is not always easy, but God gives us the tools we need and if we tap into his tool box, the Bible, we can love.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Fruit of the Spirit

2011-11-05T09:30:00.000-04:00

Galatians 5: 22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Bananas taste good, they look pretty in a bowl, and they fill me with nutrients. I’d rather eat a banana than an apple. Oranges drip down my chin when I eat them, but I enjoy their citrusy sweetness. I’d rather eat an orange than a grapefruit. Blueberries, the perfect fruit, add sweetness to my cereal and give me antioxidants to fight off disease. I’d rather eat a blueberry than a strawberry.

God created many different fruits for me to eat and he doesn’t care which ones I choose. But, He does care which fruit I nurture in my own life. As a follower of Jesus I am called to produce the fruit from Galatians 5. There are not fruit “s” of the Spirit only fruit. I am not called to choose the ones I like; God wants my life to yield them all. As we head into the holiday season, I will be looking at the fruit of the Spirit and how I can weave them into my life and bless others. I hope that they will bless you as well.

It's the Great Pumpkin

2011-10-28T20:29:00.000-04:00

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

In autumn, children run through patches looking for the perfect orange globe to carve into a shining light. Adults seek that just-right fruit for pie or the golden-brown beauties that stand tall, squat short, or sit with a lopsided nod. The pumpkins that dot porches, yards and orchards bring a smile to my face. In my younger years, the pumpkin I enjoyed the most appeared on television. As the theme song played, Linus made his trek to the pumpkin patch, with Sally in tow. He waited on the Great Pumpkin and every year the pumpkin passed him by. But, Linus never gave up, he held on to his hope that the Great Pumpkin would appear to him year after year.

Linus’s simple faith reminds me of the hope and faith I have in Jesus. I believe that Jesus will return one day to take his children home. As I wait for my Savior, I trust in God and know that he is faithful in his promises. Praise God for hope and faith.

Free Expression

2011-10-21T19:26:00.001-04:00

James 1:25
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

In the movie Yours, Mine and Ours (the 2005 version) a widow and widower combine families. He’s military and she is a free spirited designer. In the midst of combining chaos with order, the mom tells the family that, “Homes are for free expression, not for good impression.” I love that thought. As our children grew up, our house resembled a cross between an art studio and an athletic field. We lived in our home and encouraged the kids to be themselves. God created them with talents and we wanted them to find out who God intended them to be.

When I think about Jesus and the gift that he freely gave when he hung on the cross and rose from the dead, I know that he wants me to know freedom from sin. He encourages me through his word and through prayer to take my free will and turn it toward him so that I might live apart from the world’s stresses. Sometimes my life might look like a mess, but in the midst of my mess is the God who loves me and provides me freedom.

God's Delight

2011-10-14T17:38:00.000-04:00

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD your God is with you,
   the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
   in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
   but will rejoice over you with singing.

When I think about the things that bring delight to my heart, I picture my grandchildren running to me with their arms reaching out, reading a well written book, and witnessing an autumn sunrise. But when I realize that God, who created the entire universe, cares to know me well enough to delight in me my heart sings.

How can a God filled with the power of a mighty warrior look at me and find the time to love me? That’s who God is. He is my Savior, my friend, my hope. I praise God that he sings over me with rejoicing and that he finds me delightful. I am humbled in his presence.

Just as Zephaniah wrote these words as a comfort and hope to the people of Judah, God included it in the Bible as a hope for you and me. I thank God that he stands as a mighty warrior and surrounds me with his grace and protection. His love surrounds us and he sings over us. Our God, who is mighty to save, delights in us, loves us and rejoices over us.

Which Pooh Are You?

2011-10-08T09:31:00.002-04:00

1 John 4:17-19
This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.

I grew up reading about the hundred acre wood before Winnie-the-Pooh turned into another Disney phenomenon. My daughters enjoyed the tales and embraced their favorite character. Tigger still sits on one of my beds for the grandchildren to enjoy. Did you know that you can take a quiz on the Internet that tells you which Winnie-the-Pooh character you are the most like? (Maybe you don’t care.) I always claimed to be like Piglet, the baby, since I am the youngest of my family. My daughter disagrees she says I am like Kanga, the sensible mom. I appreciate her compliment and I do strive to be sensible. But sometimes on the inside I am Piglet, the little pig afraid of his own shadow.

Praise God that his love removes the fear. Because he loves me and accepts me as I am, he guides my path and encourages me to forge ahead. When I read verses about fear, the only fear I should have is for God himself. And that fear results in an overwhelming respect for his word and an appreciation of his grace. So, when I have a Piglet like fear, I ask God to remove it and to help me walk forward. He takes my hand and leads the way.

Awesome

2011-09-30T17:21:00.000-04:00

Isaiah 40:26
Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
   Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
   and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
   not one of them is missing.

A friend noticed that I often write about nature in my devotions. The truth is—I find myself closer to God when I sit by a flowing stream, watch the ocean ebb and tide or admire my neighbor’s flower garden. I love the natural world that God created. The stars that glow at night remind me of the hope I know in Jesus. The ocean and the roaring tide make me recall the strength of my Lord. The moon reminds me to reflect in his Word. His colorful buds and blooms show me that God has an eye for color and that he created each person with different gifts. Green trees that turn to gold show me that he desires me to grow and change then grow some more.

Recently my daughter captured a remarkable photo of two of our young grandsons. They stood by a body of water on a beach of pebbles, their eyes fixed on the sky. One little guy has his hands reaching out in front of him while the other gazes in fascination. Their little faces speak volumes. My daughter later told me that a flock of geese grabbed their attention. I have to tell you, the amazement in their faces could only be brought on by God’s own creation. I have often had that same admiration and fascination in my heart when I look upon something that God crafted. He not only built every living thing on earth, he also gave his handiwork purpose. Praise God for his incredible world.

We Plan God Laughs

2011-09-23T19:28:00.002-04:00

Psalm 16:9
In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the LORD establishes their steps.

Over the years, I’ve realized that when my day follows a rhythm I am more satisfied with the results. When I catalog books at work I follow a routine, repeat my actions and complete the task. Unfortunately, anomalies in the type of book or record I’m using throws off my tempo. I’m not saying that I am not flexible or that I can’t regroup and make the best of the situation, but I am saying that I work far better when I follow a plan.

God created me with his plan in mind. He molded me with purpose and knows what he wants me to accomplish. Fortunately he supplied me with the Bible, a how-to manual, that answers many of my questions and lets me know when to be patient and have faith.

When I get out of step with Jesus, I’m a walking disaster. I really should go back to bed or better yet to my knees and spend time with my Lord. There is nothing sweeter than knowing I am walking beside my Savior and he matches me step for step. I am at my best when my spiritual rhythm syncs up with God’s desires for me.

God's Radiant Gift

2011-09-17T09:06:00.002-04:00

Revelation 21:18-21

The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

God dipped his paint brush in violet and coral and splashed the morning sky. By the time I arrived at work the violet faded to lavender and the coral to pink. As I looked at the sky the stress and weariness of the week faded away. The splendor of the morning sky brought a calming hope to my soul.

As I looked across the sky I was reminded that Jesus, through his love and sacrifice, invited me to heaven. As beautiful as the sunrise appeared, I cannot imagine the brilliance of heaven. In Revelation John describes the streets with earthly elements, but just think, heaven is not earth and the elements of our God spill over onto everything. The radiance of heaven shines out an invitation to anyone who will follow. Praise God for this amazing gift.

Teach them Well

2011-09-09T18:33:00.000-04:00

Deuteronomy 4:9

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

In 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young shared their parenting wisdom through the song, Teach Your Children Well. The lyrics, written during the Vietnam War, warned parents to teach children from the lessons they learned in life. I find it interesting that the Bible gives that same advice.

God created the family unit to work in sync with his plan. Parents teach children and grandchildren and children teach their children and grandchildren and the circle rolls on. As a mom I strive to show my children how God wants me to live, and I pray that I might share what I know about life with my grandchildren. God wants me to remember the lessons I’ve learned along with the wisdom I’ve gained from his word and pass that along to the next generation. Even if you do not have children, God may put a child in your path who needs your experienced voice and example. And if you are like me, as I teach a child I learn as much from them as they do me.

God's Renewal Plan

2011-09-02T12:49:00.000-04:00

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.

One thing I’ve found in my recovery from surgery is that weariness seems to envelop me. By late afternoon I’m ready for a nap, most of the time I don’t get one. But, I know from experience that my physical tiredness will be restored over time. The weariness that concerns me more comes from my soul, that spiritual exhaustion from serving God and people. Sometimes I just cannot keep going.

What I can do however is pour myself out to God in prayer and read his word to gain insight. He may direct me to step out of my ministry for now or lead me in a totally new direction. God lets me know when I’m finished and when I need to begin again. I love the verses in Isaiah that promise me that God renews my energy and shows me what direction to fly. He has plans for me, as I have hope in him.

Compassion is not for Wimps

2011-08-27T10:45:00.005-04:00

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Until my knee heals, I am not allowed to walk for long distances. So a recent Saturday evening trip to Kroger included riding around in one of their carts, with the handy basket. The first thing I did in the cart was back up instead of drive forward (it figures). Once I got my bearings straight, I zipped around in this handy dandy mobile. As I cruised the aisles, I noticed that most people were either annoyed that I was in the way or just didn’t see me. I wondered if I was wearing an invisibility cloak. Many shoppers dashed around me, a few cut me off in the aisle and only one person asked if I needed help. I didn’t expect to be waited on, but I thought the general population might be respectful. Then I wondered, do I pay attention to the people around me when I’m shopping or do I just plow through and try to finish? Am I watching to see if someone needs my help, or am I too busy looking for a bargain?

As a child of God, I should be watching out for other people. The Bible reminds me that God is a God of compassion and that Jesus showed compassion to the folks who surrounded him. The least I can do is give grace and consideration to the people I see each day. This week I plan to see with eyes of kindness and show a caring spirit whether I am chair bound or not. Praise God for the love and compassion he pours on me.

I Will Endure!

2011-08-19T10:02:00.000-04:00

Romans 15:4-6
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Right now I am praying that God builds in me the endurance to practice my physical therapy everyday so that my knee will gain complete mobility. Through arthroscopic surgery, the orthopedic surgeon invaded my knee and found severe arthritis and a floating body (now that’s an interesting term). With his skill and instruments he cleaned out the aggravating culprits that caused me an uncomfortable amount of pain. Now that I am back to my senses and off the pain meds, I need to endure and exercise. If you know me at all you know I’m not really into exercise. I like to walk and that’s about it. But I know God is helping me in this and that I have many prayers of encouragement.

Just as I endure physical therapy, I pray God pours the ability over me to endure life’s circumstances. My day to day life brings frustration and anxiety but also brings joy and wonder. I ask for God’s encouragement and pray he fills me with his love and that I keep my eyes on him. Praise God he gives us his word to teach and encourage.

2011-08-14T12:51:00.000-04:00

I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

At 2:00 am Friday morning I told my husband what a wonderful man he is because he woke up to give me my pain medication, after my knee surgery. I would hope that I don’t just wait until I’m on pain meds to appreciate him or anyone else in my life. Thank you to the many friends and family who have helped me out at this difficult time. The surgery went well and I will start therapy next week. If you want to hear some funny stories check with Tim and Sara (the meds and anesthesia took over).

I Remember You

2011-08-06T10:04:00.002-04:00

Philippians 1:3-4
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy…

My co-worker and I traveled to Ohio University for a Library Staff Conference. Route 32 wound through the greened hills and shot us into Athens in no time. We registered and found our rooms and then joined other library folks for a time to meet and greet. The whole time I mingled with people or sat in quiet observation something nagged at me. For several years Tim and I made trips to Athens to see two of our daughters who attended and graduated from there. That was it, I missed the girls. They should be on campus for me to visit and hug. Of course they had left Ohio U years before and moved on with life. Never the less, I missed them.

I love how Paul, in his letters, reminded the recipients that he remembered them, thanked God for them and prayed for them. Often the Holy Spirit brings people to mind, whether in a particular setting or just in my thoughts. When the Spirit brings that person’s name to me, I stop what I am doing and pray for them. Many times that person has acknowledged that the day I prayed was a day they especially needed prayers. The Spirit knows what we need and works among us as Christians to further God’s kingdom. Listen to the Spirit’s prompting and pray.

Peace

2011-07-29T17:26:00.002-04:00

Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

When I was a child my family referred to me as the peacemaker. I wanted everyone to agree to watch the same TV show (and enjoy it), I tried to befriend everyone at school and I never enjoyed arguing, confrontation or controversy. As an adult, I’m not much different. If I think a disagreement might grow from a discussion, I’ll try to redirect the conversation. This explains a lot about how I deal with conflict. I try to see the good in people and the best in a situation. I know that sometimes that leaves me ignoring reality and that things might not work out. But even in the worst circumstances I want to show Christ’s love through the act of peace.

Romans 12:18 starts with the phrase “If possible”, sometimes a peaceful solution simply cannot be reached. When conflict occurs, I hope to learn from it and see how God uses it for good. But as long as it depends on me and not others I pray that I can bring peace to any situation. May God bless you with peace.

Under God's Wing

2011-07-21T18:40:00.002-04:00

Psalm 57:1
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.

Tim and I visited the MidUSA Balloon Challenge. We intended to ride in one of the tethered balloons that would take us about 100 feet off of the ground. Unfortunately, the wind kicked up from a nearby storm and the balloonists struggled to get the flying globes steady. As they filled the balloon with air, the basket tipped to the ground, first one way and then the other. Our ride was cancelled.

Watching the giant bulbous contraption shift from side to side reminded me of the daily battle I fight with Satan as he tries to turn me away from God. But, like the twisted rope that keeps the balloon from floating away, God reaches down and takes me under his wing to protect me from sin’s attack. No matter what Satan throws at me, God keeps me safe if I keep my eyes on him.

Bark before God

2011-07-15T19:28:00.002-04:00

Matthew 7:7-8

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Our dog, Olive, let’s us know when she needs something. About the time she usually goes outside for exercise and to do her business, she sits at our feet and stares at us, and then she barks. She’s not afraid to say, in own doggie way, “Get up from that chair and take me outside.” Knowing that she will only wait so long, Tim or I grab her leash, hook her up and walk her. She’s not afraid to speak up. She gets our attention and gets the job done. If a dog can be bold when asking for something, why can’t I?

God wants me to come to him with my prayer needs. He wants me to sit at his feet and ask. Prayer communicates my wants and needs better than any other communication with my Lord. Like Olive I just need to make my request. Jesus tells us that we should ask, seek and knock, so that God can give, help us find answers and open the door to his salvation. As I take my requests before God, I go with confidence knowing that he answers.

The Flowers Appear

2011-07-09T08:28:00.000-04:00

Song of Solomon 2:11-12

See! The winter is past;
   the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
   the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
   is heard in our land.

In the summer as I drive along the country roads, I watch for God’s ditch flowers. In Ohio, the ditches fill with bright orange lilies that trumpet their beauty. Queen Anne’s lace graces the roadside standing with royal elegance, and the soft blue chicory waves to me inviting me to take a mental snapshot. I cannot forget my favorite flower, the black-eyed Susan that dots the slopes with happy smiles.

God created an amazing natural world for us to enjoy. I have come to believe that the beauty of nature is God’s gift to us to counter-balance the ugliness of life. No matter how much I mess up or how much sad news I see, I can still appreciate and enjoy the Rose of Sharon blooms in my backyard, the soft swoosh of the willow tree that Tim planted for me and the sweet welcome home from my dogs. Sometimes I think of them as the simple things of life, but the truth is they are complex, amazing creations that remind me how much God loves me. I praise God for his beautiful gifts.

Fountain of Love

2011-07-01T09:01:00.000-04:00

John 4:7-14

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Under the summer sun, I played at the splash park with my grandchildren. We swooshed through the daisy spraying water down, ducked under the squirrel guns shooting out streams of water and played in the circles that spouted water up like a fountain. (The two youngest grandsons tried to drink it.) The water running over us while the sun shined offered refreshment.

The water Jesus offered to the woman at the well refreshed far beyond any water we can drink. His water offers a cleansing that washes inside out and offers eternal life. On Jesus journey he met many different people. Some cultured, some not, some Jewish, some Gentiles. He never hesitated to offer his love to them. Jesus sees the person, not the culture. He wants everyone to be filled with his spirit. He wants all of us to drink from his spring of water that wells up to eternal life.

My Soul

2011-06-24T15:04:00.000-04:00

Matthew 16:26
What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

My daughter and grandchildren dropped me off at the airport. Flying for only the second time in my life gave me butterflies. Not a seasoned traveler, I read ahead of time about what I needed to do to pass through security. As I walked into the gate, I removed my shoes and my jewelry. I took my laptop out of my bag and put everything in the bins that would roll through the security check. That done, I walked through the “people scanner”. As I went through, the machine beeped like the security gate at our library does when someone forgets to check out a book. What did I forget? My hair barrettes-yikes-they were metal. I took them off and put them in a bowl to send through. I entered the people scanner again. Beep, beep, beep. Now what? I was down to my clothes. The women checking me in asked me if I had on a belt, a metal implant, etc. No, none of those. What I forgot was that I was wearing my knee brace due to all the walking in the airport. I should have smacked my forehead at that point, but instead I graciously removed my brace, put it on the belt and walked through beep free.

The situation left me a bit flummoxed. There I stood at the airport feeling vulnerable, no shoes, no watch, no rings, my hair hanging in my face and I was standing on my unstable knee. To get through security I had to set aside all the things that made me feel more confident and secure. Too often I think that I need the things of the world to make me who I am. When what I really need is Jesus. Toby Mac sings one of the ring tones on my phone, “I don’t want to gain the whole world and lose my soul.” That reminds me that the things of the world are not as important as my Savior and my soul. I strive to prepare my soul for the day I will meet Jesus.

Answered Prayer-Surprise!

2011-06-18T10:01:00.001-04:00

Acts 12:11-16 (NIV)
Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.”
When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!”
“You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.”
But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.

King Herod arrested and punished Peter and other Christ followers for their faith. He beheaded John, the brother of James, and threw Peter in to a cold, dark, dirty prison. Peter’s friends gathered to pray for him, asking God to release him from jail and bring him back to them. And that is just what God did. He sent an angel to free him from his chains. When Peter showed up on their doorstep, they were amazed; they could hardly believe that God did what he promised to do, answer their prayers.

I am the same way. So often I pray for specific needs and when those prayers are answered and the needs met, I am surprised. God promises that if we pray with faith that he will answer our prayers, the answer may not always be the one we think we should get, but it is always the best answer. God’s timing and wisdom far outweigh my greatest desires. He knows what I need. I praise God for his answers to my prayers.

In the Heart

2011-06-10T21:02:00.002-04:00

1 Samuel 16:7b

The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

With layers of wedding cake carefully stacked into the back of my Jeep, I headed down the road on a delivery mission. My daughter baked and iced the cake layers the day before so that she could assemble it once we reached our destination. Driving with a cake in the back of the car takes some care. I took all of the curves at a slow crawl. When I reached a major intersection I traveled at a snail-like pace as I pulled out of one road and on to another. The driver who came up behind me, obviously ticked at me, did not know my story. She had no idea why I drove at an unhurried pace or that I was delivering a beautiful cake to a special couple. She only saw that my Jeep crept along like a turtle, and that aggravated her.

Too often in life I lose my patience, yell at the driver in front of me, become aggravated at a co-worker, wonder what’s with so-and-so and on it goes. God tells me to take time to know the whole story. Look at my friend’s heart, listen to my co-worker’s situation, and consider that the driver next to me might be having a bad day. While I see the outside of a person’s life, God sees the inside. He knows what’s going on in our lives, he listens to every beat of our heart and he loves us. The next time I get frustrated with someone, I want to stop and find out what is really going on. I want to see their heart.

P.S.-The cake was delivered, set up, and enjoyed by the wedding party.

Flowers Fade

2011-06-03T20:53:00.000-04:00

1 Peter 1:23-25
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

On the corner, an old house stands curtainless. A black shutter severed from the window leans against the pocket-sized balcony. The yellow paint curls and drops to the ground. Knee high grass needs mowed and weeds choke out summer bouquets. The home’s life seemed to disappear except for the hosta whose rich, green, broad leaves stretch across the sidewalk and drink in the sun. Their spikes shoot out bearing lavender lily-like flowers, a sign of hope.

Every day I drive by this abandoned house. I remember when the owners painted it yellow with white trim and added the black shutters. That was just a few years ago. Since then they moved away, and no one has come along to care for the house. Sometimes I am like the old dwelling. When I pull away from God, stop praying, or forget to read my Bible, my spirit fades like the paint. My heart aches and my mind drifts. But, Jesus does not give up on me. Like the hosta plant, the Holy Spirit grows in me and brings the joy back to my life. If I listen to the promptings of the Spirit, and obey God, he renews my desire to read my Bible and pray. I praise God for his word that endures forever.

Honor the Heroes

2011-05-28T10:17:00.000-04:00

Romans 12:9-11

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

A young wife in Joplin, Missouri sheds tears for her husband who loved her so much that he gave his life to save and protect her. A family in Russellville, Ohio mourns the death of their son, brother and friend who gave his life protecting our country. Everyday heroes all over the world die for the people they love. And everyday heroes all over the world live to make a difference. With all of the tornados, earthquakes and flooding, many heroes stepped up to help those who survived. Our friend Rick loaded his truck and headed south to help the flood victims along the Mississippi.

Memorial Day is a day to remember. I think about my dad and the many men and women who served in World War II and those serving today. I think of loved ones who no longer reside on this earth, the heroes who went before me to preserve my freedom, and the folks who made a difference in my life. I think of Jesus who gave his life so that I can look forward to heaven. All of these heroes honored others above themselves. Pray a prayer of thanksgiving with me as we honor the men and women who gave so much.

The Judgement?

2011-05-21T10:13:00.003-04:00

Colossians 4:2-6

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

According to the billboard I saw on route 125, the Lord is returning today(May 21). He may or may not; no one knows the day that Jesus will return but God. I’ve heard many comments on the prediction of Judgment Day, mostly jokes and negative comments. Even if I don’t agree with the person predicting the day, since only God knows the day, I take the reality of it happening as serious as I do my next breath.

Whether Jesus returns today or next year or in a hundred years, I want to be prepared to be with him. Each day that I wake up on this earth is one more day that I can help someone else, talk to them about Jesus, encourage another Christian, read my Bible and talk to God. Paul tells the Colossians to “make the most of every opportunity”, I should too. Many wonderful opportunities find their way into my life, but not one of them holds a candle to being with Jesus in eternity.

Storms of Hope

2011-05-14T10:36:00.002-04:00

Psalm 107:28-30

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
   and he brought them out of their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper;
   the waves of the seawere hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm,
   and he guided them to their desired haven.

I glanced in my rearview mirror yesterday as I was driving to work. A black cloud filled with moisture hung over the land. The meteorologist predicted more rain and storms. This spring has been excessively wet. I think I heard that April 2011 had more rain than any other April on record.

Sometimes in life I experience more storms and rain than usual. I wonder if I can find my way through the lightning and the rain. But, I know that if I take God’s hand and seek his guidance, I can stand against life’s storms. One thing I love about rain and storms is the rainbow at the end. God reminds us of his promise,”Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life”. The storms will not destroy me; instead they remind me of my God who is faithful to calm the storms to a whisper of hope.

Women of a Certain Influence

2011-05-07T08:34:00.000-04:00

2 Timothy 1:5
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

As a child, I saw my mom and my grammy reading. They often sat with their Bibles and drenched themselves in God’s words. My mom loved to learn, and she instilled in me a love of reading and learning. She also taught me respect and adoration for God. My grammy prayed for me and often reminded me that God loved me and he watched over me. I am blessed to have two great women who mentored me as I searched for God’s truth and grew in him.

The apostle Paul reminded the young minister, Timothy, that his mother and grandmother set a great example of faith. He also assured this young man that the same faith lived in him. Timothy and I were blessed with women in our lives who shared their faith in God. I praise God for their influence. As a follower of Christ, I pray that I lead by example as I share my faith with my children and grandchildren.

Thank you to all of the mothers who pray and study God’s word. I pray God pours his blessings on you this Mother’s Day.

More than Facebook Friends

2011-04-29T22:30:00.002-04:00

Philemon 1:6-7

I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

I signed up for a Facebook account a few years ago so that I could see pictures of my grandchildren, great nieces and nephews and my friends’ growing families. During the time I’ve been a member of Facebook, I’ve received several friend requests. Many from family and folks from my church, and quite a few from people I went to school with.

This week my friend Janice suggested that several of our college buddies and I “friend” one of our mutual college pals, Kim. I remembered that she married one of the guys from college, so I was acquainted with both of them. When I visited her page, I found out that her husband was in the hospital with serious medical issues. He was in need of prayer. Soon these friends who reconnected sent up prayers for Joe and typed words of encouragement to Kim. I have not seen these people in more than thirty years, yet God brought us together again so that we could lift up our brother and sister in Christ to him and pour our love over them. God knew that Kim and Joe needed encouragement and he knew who to send their way. He does that for all of his children. I pray that he continues to give me opportunities to refresh and encourage the hearts of his people.

Celebrate Easter

2011-04-21T22:33:00.002-04:00

Luke 9:47-48
Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”

My daughter Sara invited me to attend the Easter program she was directing at her church. Dylan, my five-year-old granddaughter had her first speaking part ever, and I was excited for her. When I arrived at the church, I sat down with Maggie, Zeke and Eli ready to be entertained by an enthusiastic group of children. With microphones in place, they stood before the crowd anxious to begin. From the very first note to the praises at the end, those young hearts glorified Jesus as they told the story of his crucifixion and resurrection with a sincerity that only a child could have.

About midway through the program, Dylan spoke her well practiced line, “It’s amazing to think what Jesus did, just for us.” From the heart of a child, the truth that sets us free flowed with joy. As the children continued to raise their voices and sing about Jesus, I sat humbled and grateful to be in the presence of the one who died for me. Celebrate Easter this year with the sincere heart of a child, praising Jesus for his great gift.

God's Gift

2011-04-15T09:20:00.002-04:00

Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

Romans 5:15
But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!

Walking through the yard in spring, I am delighted to see one of my favorite flowers. The purple, forest violets pop up among the scraggly green grass, greeting me and reminding me that warmer weather is just around the corner. These little blossoms sprout up without any help from me. They grow and take care of themselves. God waters them and shines the sun on them. They are a free gift that I never have to labor over.

Much like the grace that God gives freely to his children, the violets bring hope. Jesus died for me. He wrapped my sin around him and took it to the cross, and Praise the Lord he rose again. I cannot earn grace. I cannot buy grace. I can only accept grace as God’s loving gift. With Palm Sunday approaching, I am reminded of the way Jesus suffered so that I might live. I pray that as we approach Easter that our thoughts go to Jesus and the promise of heaven. He is the way, the truth, and the life.

Kick it to the Curb

2011-04-09T09:41:00.000-04:00

Ephesians 1:6-8a

…to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.

On Friday morning the garbage trucks weave in and out of our town’s streets. They stop by house after house picking up the trash left out the night before. On Thursdays we gather up all of our rubbish and fill our cans with the unwanted junk, everything from used tissues to the science experiments that grow in my fridge (not as much as when the kids were home). My wonderful husband rolls the can to the curb to await pick-up, leaving us thankful that the stuff is taken away and not left to smell up the neighborhood.

Our sin much like the trash could be left to fester and stink, destroying our lives and hurting the people around us. But, God says in his word that we need to lay down our sins at his feet and ask for forgiveness. He wants to lavish us with his grace. He wants us to recognize that he forgives us. He wants us to kick our spiritual trash to the curb so he can take it away and bury it forever. God sent Jesus to earth as a sacrifice for our sins. He loves us and wants us to know that his grace covers us. Praise the Lord for his love and grace.

The Voice of Truth

2011-04-01T21:08:00.000-04:00

Hebrews 4:12-13

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

The library where I work has two floors. Students seeking quiet study space go to the second floor. And on the first floor the voices sail around the room at a low roar. From my desk, I hear people laughing with their friends and some groaning over a poor grade. Many are studying in groups and others are talking on their phones. Just hearing all of those voices makes me want to cover my ears and stop listening.

Sometimes, I feel that way in life. So many voices call to me, and try to influence me; the news, emails, commercials, co-workers, family, friends and on it goes. Only one voice speaks the truth, the Bible which God inspired to be the book that guides our lives. Sometimes I get discouraged because my understanding comes at a slow pace, but then God opens his word and shows me his desire for my life. Casting Crowns sings one of my favorite songs, The Voice of Truth, which tells me “do not be afraid”, because above all of the other voices, I can choose with confidence to believe God’s voice of truth.

Hope All Day Long

2011-03-26T09:52:00.003-04:00

Psalm 25:4-5

Show me your ways, LORD,
   teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
   for you are God my Savior,
   and my hope is in you all day long.

On Monday, spring sashayed through southern Ohio. In her path she left golden forsythia bushes, bright yellow daffodils and green budding lilacs. My willow tree, covered with baby buds, swayed in the light breeze. Right behind spring’s grand entrance, winter lurked. By Thursday snowflakes floated in the air.

When life flows along a trail littered with goodness and joy, hope walks beside me. But, then Satan noses in and wants to create havoc and make my days unpleasant by planting seeds of doubt and anger. When that happens, I cling to my hope that comes from God, a promise that he will not leave me. He is my hope all day long. Much like spring, the hope I know in Jesus, carries me through those unexpected winter days.

The Box

2011-03-18T17:43:00.000-04:00

Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Do I “think outside the box”, someone might ask me. Sometimes, I do. I like to problem solve and find creative solutions for situations that might not be typical. Thinking in imaginative ways works sometimes, but not without God's wisdom and guidance.

I like to think that my “box” is a place of safety, where I can go to regroup using the equipment that God set up for me. I imagine my box filled with my Bible, prayer time, worship songs, the sweet smell of fresh rain that washes away the dirt of life, grace, mercy, love and Jesus with open arms. I may move about outside the box and think outside of it, but I don’t want to move away from it without those treasures that restore my soul. Cherish the box God gives you and use his offerings to refresh your heart as you go out and do good things.

Shine Like Stars

2011-03-11T19:38:00.001-05:00

Philippians 2:14-16

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. -Paul

As I sit here in my recliner, I hear the steady rain on our roof and think how thankful I am that I have a roof and warm home. I am off work with a virus and none too happy about it. But this will pass and I will wake up in a few days feeling fine. Again I am fortunate. I hear the hum of the electricity running through my house like a river flowing through a valley. I am blessed. The food in the refrigerator will feed us for several days, my clothes are clean, and I have hot water and tea bags. Yet before the day is over, I will complain about something. More out of habit that ungratefulness.

I often return to one of my favorite verses to remind myself not to complain or grumble. When I am disgruntled, my dissatisfaction begins to sound like the nails on a chalkboard and no one enjoys that noise; especially God, who has blessed me with all that I have. All things come from him and I need to make a conscious effort to be grateful and to share my wealth on this earth. I may not be wealthy by American standards but I am more than blessed by heavenly standards and for that I am thankful.

Sharing Treasures

2011-03-05T10:26:00.000-05:00

Acts 2:42-45
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

This week, for the first time, I attended a writing group at the college where I work. I was meeting with people who wanted to listen to the words I penned, my anxiety rose a bit. To my delight, I enjoyed the time and the sharing. We chatted about our writing experience and laughed about life. The fellowship with other writers renewed my writing energy.

Spending time with other writers, reminded me of how people flock together in groups to share the treasures of life. I love going to church to fellowship with people who worship God. Meeting together with people who praise God and love Jesus reminds me of sitting around the kitchen table at my mom’s house and feeling the love of friends and family. God calls us to meet together with other believers so that we might be refreshed in him. I praise God for the church.

I See the Moon

2011-02-26T08:23:00.001-05:00

Psalm 8:3-4
When I consider your heavens,
   the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
   which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
   human beings that you care for them?

When my children sat with me on the porch swing in the evening, I sometimes sang this little tune: I see the moon, and the moon sees me. God bless the moon, and God bless me. I also sing it to my grandchildren when I have the chance. As the sun and moon dance around each other, I enjoy the moon’s different phases, especially the full moon and the fingernail moon (crescent moon).

God created the moon and the stars so that light would shine on us. He loves us and cares for us. As a sovereign God, he knows what is best for us and what will harm us. He is not a puppeteer who makes us dance on strings like marionettes; instead he gives us the choice to follow his lead. Like the moon, I go through different phases in my life. I much prefer the phase of living my life in full recognition and obedience to God. It frustrates to be like the fingernail moon and only give God a sliver of my heart.

I love that he thinks about us, that we are on his mind. I praise God for his caring heart.

Refeshed

2011-02-19T08:41:00.001-05:00

Philemon 1:6-7

Last evening I spent time with some lovely ladies from our church. We gathered together to play a crazy game called Bunko. After a long and busy week at work, I found joy spending time with women who love God and love to laugh. We enjoyed each other’s company and found an added bonus of refreshment for our tired minds.

We all need refreshment and encouragement from time to time. One way I find this is to read God’s word. I enjoy choosing a book in the Bible and just reading through it. Every time, God speaks to me and assures me that he loves me. He encourages me with his promises and refreshes me with his love. In turn I want to pass that encouragement on to others.

I pray that the joy of our loving God brings you an uplifting and refreshing week.

Reach Out

2011-02-11T17:20:00.000-05:00

Luke 9:10-11

When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

Last week, I caught a cold and felt poorly enough to miss a day of work. By the weekend I felt better, but not great. This week I came home from work on Tuesday with a fever of 102.3. Tim took me to Urgent Care and the doctor told me I had a virus and that he could not help me. “Go home and take Ibuprofen and plenty of fluids and rest,” he said. So I did. Lying in bed with a high fever, chills, and a major headache made me want to cry. Fortunately, as the doctor predicted I felt better in a few days.

Once I felt better, my mind went to some folks I know who are suffering from long-term illness, serious surgery, as well as unknown reasons for physical ailments. My short bout of discomfort reminded me that God wants me to show compassion. He wants me to pray for my friends, family and acquaintances. He wants me to reach out and show his love just as he did. I may not be able to physically heal someone like Jesus did, but I can bring comfort through words, cards, and hugs. Jesus wants us to reach out to the people who are hurting.

There is No Crying in Heaven

2011-02-05T09:02:00.000-05:00

Revelation 21:3-4

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Sometimes I need a good cry, one that clears my mind and helps me move forward. Other times I would rather suck on a lemon than cry. The aftermath of crying leaves my head hurting, my face blotchy and my sinuses screaming. God gave us tears and emotions to help us work through this life. Jesus cried over his friends and he instructs us to mourn with those who mourn. There is no shame in crying, but sometimes it is just plain frustrating.

Praise the Lord that God has prepared a home in heaven for us that does not include tears. God himself will dry our eyes. Plus an awesome bonus, no more arthritis, disease, stomach aches, headaches, backaches, or any aches. No need to mourn or cry. I thank God that John wrote down the words in Revelation to give us a glimpse of heaven. This week thank God for heaven and spend time imagining what it might be like to live in the constant presence of God.

Where You Go

2011-01-29T08:04:00.000-05:00

Ruth 1:16

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

In the book of Ruth, Naomi urges her daughters-in-law to return to their homeland after their husbands (Naomi’s sons) died. Orpah agrees to go home, but Ruth wants to stay with Naomi and follow her back to her country. By doing this, Ruth also chooses to accept God, who Naomi loves.

As a child I remember playing games like follow the leader and mother-may-I. The object was to mimic the exact movements of the child in charge of the game. If you did not repeat the actions correctly, you were booted out of the game, to sit on the sidelines and watch while your buddies tried to follow.

Chris Tomlin sings a song with a chorus that says, “Where you go, I'll go --Where you stay, I'll stay -- When you move, I'll move -- I will follow you.” He is singing to Jesus and making a commitment to follow wherever he wants him to. When Jesus asks us to follow him, he knows we may not mimic the exact steps that he does, and he knows we may fall. But he does not sit us on the sidelines; instead he picks us up and asks us to continue on our path with him. Where he goes I’ll go. I want to follow him.

Snow white

2011-01-21T22:54:00.000-05:00

Psalm 51:7, 10-12
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
   wash me, and I will be whiter than snow…
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
   and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
   or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
   and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Living in southern Ohio in the winter, usually means at least one snowstorm that blankets the fields with pure white glistening snow. As I drove to work one morning after a midnight storm, the pure white fields flanked either side of the road. With no wind, the still snow lay quiet. The sun glinted off each individual flake creating a sparkling quilt.

A few days before the snow, that same field looked dull and dirty. Brown grass drooped over bare ground. I couldn’t help but think about my own life and the way God has covered me with his grace and made me whiter than snow. He promises that if I seek him in prayer and ask forgiveness for sin, that he will pour his love over me and create in me a renewed spirit. God not only covers our sin, he promises to remove it through Jesus. Trust God to cleanse your soul and restore your joy.

My Network

2011-01-15T11:06:00.000-05:00

John 11:1-5

Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

God created people to connect with one another. He has blessed me with a great network of family and friends. What I love about many of them is that they keep me accountable to my commitment to Christ. At times I struggle with depression; they surround me and lift me up. When I have cause to rejoice my “people” rejoice with me. In all the journeys of my life, God has provided folks who love him and love me.

Jesus loved Lazarus, Mary and Martha. He surrounded himself with the disciples and other folks who cared. Jesus had a social network. He reached out to people and they reached out to him. As followers of Christ, we need each other. I pray that God opens my eyes to the needs of the people around me and moves me to support and love them.

Too Much Time?

2011-01-08T11:08:00.001-05:00

James 4:13-15
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

I was at a meeting talking with a friend and made the comment that I like calendars and clocks. I purchased three different 2011 calendars and was given two. I own several clocks (one with three faces that can be set to different time zones), a watch and a phone that shows the time, not to mention the clock on my computer and phone at work. I asked my friend what it means for me owning all these time oriented items, and she thought it must mean that I’m organized. I’m not so sure about that. But, I am beginning to think that I am just a bit obsessed with time.

Driving home from the meeting I was thinking about how God views time. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t wear a watch. We often talk about how events happen in God’s time and that he has perfect timing. James tells us that life is just a mist, the blink of an eye and that instead of focusing on when things will be, know that God has perfect timing in all that he does. I’ve heard the saying that “I make plans, God laughs,” he may not laugh at us, but he may shake his head and then reminds us that he is in control. Take time this week to praise and thank God for his knowledge of our life and his wisdom to guide us forward.

Begin Again

2010-12-31T10:20:00.003-05:00

Proverbs 15:30

Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones.

I grew up reading and watching the Peanuts cartoons. Lucy frustrated me, I felt bad for Charlie Brown and Snoopy, well he was just funny. But my very favorite character of all is Linus. He may have carried a blanket and been a bit insecure, but he had a way of bringing to light the great philosophies of life.

For Christmas this year, Maggie gave me a cup with Linus and his blanket on the front; inside the cup is written, “Tomorrow I start with a clean blanket.” I love that. I have often said, “every day I get up and start again”. The good news is, Jesus gives me the forgiveness and grace to start again, every day. Each day, I can begin again through prayer and repentance. As I begin this New Year, I praise God for his message of salvation and love and the opportunity to begin again.

God's Gift

2010-12-23T09:47:00.002-05:00

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Two days before Christmas

The gifts are all wrapped,

The stockings are stuffed

And I need a nap.

The food must be cooked

The house sparkling clean,

I’m beginning to see

Why the Grinch was so mean.

But then I remember

That Jesus loves me,

And came to this world

So his grace would be free.

During the hustle and bustle of Christmas, it is not always easy to stop and know that God’s love came to earth so that we may have life. During this crazy, busy holiday, take time to be still and listen to God. Hear his voice telling you that he loves you. Feel his arms around you. Jesus came to earth so that we could live with him forever. There is no greater gift than that.

I wish all of you a Merry Christmas, filled with the joy of the season.

Love Him

2010-12-18T07:58:00.001-05:00

Luke 2:4-7

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Each year I display the nativity (defined by Merriam Webster as the circumstances of birth, particularly Jesus’) that I inherited from my Grammy. It has three pieces, Mary, Joseph and Jesus all in an antique white. I love its simplicity. One of my daughter’s has a lovely Willow Tree set with many pieces. I like that the shepherd’s and angel surround the holy family. Artists have rendered the nativity as everything from rugged to glitzy with some bling.

Last year, Maggie gave me the Fisher Price Nativity set, and I think it is my favorite. I don’t display it on a shelf as an untouchable piece of art. Instead, the characters sit on the floor where our grandchildren can interact with them. Isn’t that how it should be with Jesus? When he lived on earth as a human, he didn’t want to be on a throne. He walked among the people, all the people. He created relationships with his disciples. He loved the unlovable. He doesn’t want to sit on my shelf, he wants me to connect with him, befriend him, and love him. Praise God for Jesus!

Heart Light

2010-12-11T09:56:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

When I was about 13 or 14 years old my brother, Darryl, climbed the pine tree in the front yard and filled it with Christmas lights. Please understand that this tree stood about three stories tall. Somehow he shimmied to the top and strung the bulbs all up and down the branches. I am thinking that my brother, Ron, and my dad probably helped him. What a beautiful sight, when those lights blazed. Drivers could see that tree from two roads away.

Every Christmas Tim and I drive through the local neighborhoods to see the lights. I love the warm glow and the cheerfulness they bring to celebrating Jesus. Yet, with all of the lights shimmering outside, the most incredible light that I experience is the light that shines in my heart from the grace that God gives me. The grace that he pours over me is the most beloved gift I will ever receive. This Christmas I want Jesus light to shine and his grace to flow. Praise God for his light!

The Spirit of Christmas

2010-12-04T09:31:00.001-05:00

Luke 2:8-14
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

I usually start thinking about Christmas in October; preparing my list of what we want to get for who and figuring out if I am making any of the gifts. But I have a confession to make. When my thoughts went to planning for another hectic season of busy, busy, busy I decided I would rather be Scrooge. I thought about not putting up our tree, not worrying about gifts and not being too busy. But like Scrooge I was visited by a Spirit. Stay with me here. I’m not saying that three spirits came and dragged me around my life; I am saying that the Holy Spirit, my comforter, prompted me to pray about Christmas.

When I finally stopped feeling sorry for myself and talked to God about my issues, I saw Christmas with fresh eyes. I saw Jesus in the manger and on the cross. I saw the joy in my grandchildren’s eyes. I saw opportunities to celebrate with family and friends the joyous event of the birth of the Savior of the world. Like the shepherds I stand in awe of the truth. God sent his Son to save me. He made a way for me to spend eternity in heaven. He loves me and because of this I celebrate this Christmas season with praise. Everything I do for Christmas is done as a praise to God, even lighting my Christmas tree. I praise God for his giving Spirit this Christmas.

God Remains

2010-11-26T22:28:00.001-05:00

I Corinthians 15:57-58

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

After a busy day of visiting with family and sharing a meal on Thanksgiving Day, my daughter posted this on Facebook: “Thankful to know that at the end of the day God remains”. Most days when I wake up, I ask God to guide me and make me aware of opportunities that lead me to serve him and love people. By doing this I attempt to have a positive and humble attitude. But too often discouragement jumps in my path before I even get started.

But I am reminded, through the Bible, that God walks beside me and that the Holy Spirit directs my path. No matter what the day brings just knowing that God’s goodness continues gives me hope. Like the warp threads that are wrapped tightly around a loom waiting for the weft threads to be woven through, God holds strong as we weave our life in and out of his hands. Knowing that he remains the same day after day fills me with his peace and joy.

Pray With Me

2010-11-20T09:29:00.001-05:00

Psalm 100:3-5

Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

I listened to my daughter explain why we celebrate Thanksgiving to her niece. Surrounded by children’s books, she showed her pictures of the Pilgrims and the scene where they feasted with the Native Americans. As she told the story, she shared how the Pilgrims escaped the English countryside to seek a place where they could worship God without restriction.

This year as I plan to enjoy turkey and dressing with my family, I praise God for living in America, a country where I can worship, write about and talk about God freely. I live in a land that does not restrict me from walking into my church to sing and learn.

Please join me this year as I pray for those who do not share that freedom, the many Christian folks around the world who must hide their praise, memorize the Bible as they find one because they cannot own one, meet secretly, give their lives for God and quietly share their faith with their children. “For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Pure Wisdom

2010-11-13T09:18:00.002-05:00

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt…

James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

My husband and I attend a small group each week. We get together with friends, study the Bible and pray for direction in our lives. This week we talked about passion, and one of the ladies asked us if we would share the one thing that energizes us with enthusiasm. I tend to be a person who enjoys many different activities, especially anything to do with reading, writing, and arts and crafts. I also love spending time with Tim, and our family and sharing in the Women’s Ministry at church.

The one thread that weaves its way through all that I enjoy and find exciting is learning. I love to learn. While knowledge adds depth to my life, the most important understanding that I will ever gain is the wisdom that comes from God. Knowledge helps me in life but wisdom leads me in to eternity. James tells us what wisdom from God looks like. As I journey here on earth, I seek God’s wisdom in my life so that I might be peace-loving, considerate, submissive to God, full of his mercy and the Spirit’s good fruit, impartial and sincere. I love learning from God’s word. Now that’s exciting!

A Comfort Like No Other

2010-11-06T11:00:00.000-04:00

Isaiah 49:13

Shout for joy, you heavens;
rejoice, you earth;
burst into song, you mountains!
For the LORD comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

Living on earth brings pain, sadness, suffering and grief. I know that is a depressing way to start this devotion, but unfortunately that is the truth. The good news is, is that life also offers the joy of seeing a child grow, the beauty of spring, the warmth of friendship, the love of our family, and the opportunity to fall in love with Jesus.

Recently I’ve heard a lot of sad news about people I know and love. As I walk through this journey with them, I am reminded that God gives us a comfort like no other. He wraps his arms around us and holds us close. His compassion brings me joy. No matter what you are going through, if you are a believer in the grace of Jesus, God holds you in his heart and hears your prayers. He loves you.

He Calls the Stars by Name

2010-10-29T10:29:00.000-04:00

Psalm 147:1-4

Praise the LORD.
How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the exiles of Israel.
He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.

The other day as I walked to my car to go to work, I took a few minutes to look up. The clear, dark sky filled with stars mesmerized me. I could have gazed at them for hours. I recognized the Big Dipper and searched for other constellations I might know. When I look at the night sky, I’m still amazed at the order of the millions of stars and how they stay in place.

God positioned every single star in the sky and he named them. He knows where they hang and keeps them all in line. If he pays that much attention to the stars, how much thought does he pay to us? God created you and me in his image to be his cherished family. He loves each of us more than we can imagine. I love that the Psalm says he heals the brokenhearted and binds their wounds. He does this because he cares, because he loves us. As you gaze at the stars remember his promise to heal and to love. Praise the Lord for his love!

What Kind of Shoe are You?

2010-10-21T21:08:00.000-04:00

Ephesians 6:13-15

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

My family tells me that when I attended Kindergarten, I insisted on wearing my cowgirl boots every day. Mom let me wear them because I was terribly shy and the boots kept me from crying each day on the way to school. I’m sure the clickety-clicking sound they made on the linoleum floor drove the teacher crazy. But I loved my boots; they brought me comfort and familiarity like an old friend.

I hope that I am like an old worn shoe to my friends and family, a shoe that soothes and comforts instead of like a high heel with a narrow toe that pinches and throws the wearer off balance. Or I could be like a boot, the kind with the warm shearling lining that offers protection and gives stability, or a pair of flip flops that show all of me so my friends can see my heart. No matter what footwear I put on, God wants my feet to carry his peace to my friends, family and acquaintances. A peace that only comes from knowing Christ as my Savior.

The Bush is Burning

2010-10-16T10:09:00.000-04:00

Exodus 3:1-4

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law…and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up." When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."

Driving home from work, I’ve noticed a bush that bursts with brilliant red leaves as it dresses for fall. Every time I spotted the bush, I thought about Moses and his experience on Mt. Horeb. My mom has one of these bushes growing by her front door. When I asked her what kind of plant it was, she answered, “burning bush”. Ah, no wonder it drew me to it.

God commanded Moses attention with a bush that blazed but did not burn up. He wanted Moses to take the Israelites out of Egypt. But, Moses first reaction was, “Who me?” And God said, "I will be with you.” God promised that if Moses obeyed him, He would walk with him step-by-step. God makes this promise to us too. If we choose to follow Christ and accept him as our Savior, God has great things in store for us as his followers. Most likely the tasks he asks us to undertake will not be easy ones, but we have the promise that He walks with us and will be with us in all we do for Him.

Brittle and Brown

2010-10-07T20:27:00.000-04:00

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says:

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

As I drove to a workshop in Kentucky this morning, I looked up at the tree covered hills and expected to see an array of autumn color. But instead of scarlet red, bright orange and golden yellow I saw tree limbs covered with brown dry leaves. I am thinking that the lack of rain in our area probably caused the premature aging of the leaves and left us without the beautiful bright colors.

Unfortunately, our spiritual lives can look just like those leaves, brittle and fragile from a lack of soul-feeding nourishment. When I don’t read the Bible, pray, or spend time with encouraging family and friends, I find my spirit drying up. But, when I dig into God’s word and talk to him, I know my soul is renewed because hope and joy bubble to the top. When my soul is renewed, God’s hope shines through. Praise God for his promise of eternal life.

Eat Your Fruits & Veggies

2010-10-01T19:43:00.003-04:00

John 15:8-9 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

My doctor tells me to eat more fruits and vegetables. I admit that I do better with the fruit food group. My favorites include blueberries, bananas and oranges. When I shop for them, I look for freshness. I check the bottom of the blueberry container to make sure there are no smooshed berries, I search for bananas that have no bruises and are not overripe and I look for good color and freshness in the oranges. If I need to eat fruit to be healthy, I want what is fresh and good for me.

In John 15, Jesus encourages the disciples to produce good fruit; he reminds them that the fruit they bear reflects God’s glory. Jesus means this for me too. I keep a wall hanging above my kitchen stove that lists the fruit of the Spirit. Each time I read that list, I am reminded of who others should see when they look at me. Just like the physical fruit that keeps me healthy, the spiritual fruit keeps me humble and seeking Jesus. Praise God for his love and grace!

Puzzled About the Body

2010-09-23T22:23:00.000-04:00

I Corinthians 12:14-20

Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

Last winter I put together a jigsaw puzzle. The scene featured a harbor town with a lighthouse and a boardwalk along the water. Several of the pieces looked similar and I placed some of them in the wrong spot, making a mess of the scene. When I twisted and turned each piece until they fit together, I created a complete and pleasant picture.

Like the puzzle, God intends for us to fit together as his body, the church. The Lord made each of us different on purpose, because we all serve a different purpose. But as Paul teaches the church at Corinth, even though we are different from each other, we can still work as one body loving God and loving people. Paul said, “God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” He has a plan and we as a body can make it happen.

Rain Down

2010-09-18T11:20:00.003-04:00

Psalm 72:6
He will be like rain falling on a mown field,
like showers watering the earth.

When I step on the grass in my yard I hear a crunching sound, as if I stepped on dried up leaves. With little to no rain in the last month, the grass turned brown and the only things still growing are a few scraggly weeds. One of the neighbors tried to mow and they looked like Pig Pen from the Peanuts cartoon with a whirlwind of dust surrounding them.

Sometimes my spirit feels like the dried up grass; fragile, drooped over and ugly. Then my heart longs for the rain that only God can pour over me, a refreshing rain that revives my soul. Through his word and his people, his love pours over me. Praise God for his refreshing showers.

To Seek Wisdom

2010-09-11T10:00:00.002-04:00

James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

I attended my first MOPS (Mothers of preschoolers) meeting this week. My daughter, Maggie, invited me to be the “Mentor Mom”. That is a seasoned, experienced older mom who survived and thrived while raising children (that’s my definition). I asked the group leader what the Mentor Mom should do at the meetings and she told me that the young moms appreciate hearing the wisdom gleaned from years of experience.

Wow, God wanted me to pass wisdom along to these young ladies as they grew their children. I have to say this was a bit daunting. I prayed for God to show me what I needed to share. As always, God directed me to the scripture. As I read James 3:17, I fell in love with what it said. To seek wisdom and know that it is from God, measure it against this; “is the wisdom pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” What a gift to know God’s checklist for wisdom. Anytime I make a decision I can look at this and decide if the wisdom is God-given or Penny-given. Praise God for his wisdom!

Pure Joy

2010-09-03T10:24:00.002-04:00

James 1:2-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

I love to play with my grandchildren. Last night, Eli sat on the floor in front of his Momma and I sat across from them and we rolled a ball that fit his tiny hand-grasp back and forth. Eli loved “catching” the ball. He waved his hands in excitement and aimed at the ball and grabbed it with his little dimpled hand. Then he laughed. From his belly he giggled and it spilled out into the room. He poured out his pure, untarnished joy on me. I’ve heard all of my grandchildren laugh without inhibition, and with a clear purity that God loves.

That is the joy that I desire for myself, that pure joy that only comes from God. Even when I experience trials, anxiety, depression, self-doubt, hurt from others, I can be filled with God’s pure joy. I want it to gurgle up and spill out, so that others may see God in my life. Praise God for his joy!

Entwined

2010-08-28T10:33:00.001-04:00

Romans 5:5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

In Ohio in August the weather has cooled a bit (that will change again soon). At night the temperature has dipped as low as 41 degrees, and for a few days we were teased by a fall like coolness. With the changes in the weather, I’ve noticed that early in the morning a light fog hovers over the ponds and wet areas. Occasionally, I even see tufts of grass wearing tiny fog hats.

The fog swirling across the surface of the water, reminds me of the nearness of God. I’ve heard people say that God is in heaven, or he is watching down on us. But I know that God dwells right here with me. He is not some faraway being who directs my life like a conductor. Instead he walks with me. He knows me. As a believer in the grace and glory of Jesus Christ, I know that God lives inside me through the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t dwells on the surface like the fog; he is entwined in my life, woven into every fiber. Praise God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Renew Me

2010-08-19T20:39:00.000-04:00

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (New International Version)

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Tomorrow morning as the sun rises, several of the women from our church will travel to the Women of Faith Conference. Last year, the first year I attended, we listened to speakers like Patsy Clairmont, a wisp of a woman, who made us laugh, cry and rejoice in the love of our Father. Sheila Walsh shared a heart wrenching story of faith and endurance, and Steven Curtis Chapman and his family spoke of the grief they shared over the loss of their daughter and the strength they found in Christ.

As each person shared their story of renewal, the Holy Spirit worked to renew me. I look forward to another weekend of renewal and I love that the Bible tells me that I can be renewed daily. The things of this world waste away, but what I gain from God, the grace and love he gives, last forever. Praise God for his renewal through the Spirit and the Word.

2010-08-13T17:33:00.001-04:00

Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

John 14:26
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

A few days ago, I heard thunder rumble through the library where I work. The sound echoed as the rain splattered on the skylights. I was working on a document and as I went along, I saved it every few minutes. As I expected, the lights flashed and the electric went off. The library was so quiet. With no computers or fluorescent lights humming, no printer swooshing out papers and no air filters roaring, only the sound of the rain and distant voices penetrated the air. Too soon everything revved back up and the “white” noise blocked the pure sound of God’s rain tangoing on the roof. For a brief moment, my mind had relaxed.

Sometimes my spiritual life is full of white noise, too. I pray and get interrupted by random thoughts. I read my Bible and my mind wanders. I study a passage and I am besieged by someone else’s opinion. Why can’t I just turn off the confusion and focus on what the Holy Spirit is trying to show me? Through him God directs my path, so I need to listen to his murmurings and follow his guidance. Today I pray for discernment as I ask the Spirit to lead me, so that I may know the plans God has for me.

Light the Lamp

2010-08-07T10:32:00.001-04:00

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.

Several years ago, Tim and I visited the caves in Carter County, Kentucky. I remember going in the caves and feeling the coolness compared to the summer temperatures outside. Moving in and out of the shallow caves was fun, but when we climbed down into one that laced through the rock and led to darkness, my enthusiasm waivered. My feet lost their sense of place because my eyes could not lead them. We crawled through a space that made me want to run screaming, except I couldn’t stand up let alone run. I needed light for my safety and security.

Sometimes in life, I feel like I’m in that dark cave again with no light to lead my path. When that darkness comes I struggle because I cannot focus my eyes on God. Opening the Bible and reading what the people of God lived through and searching for words of encouragement and guidance illuminates my life path. They are the lamp that lights my way. Praise God for his words.

God's Son Will Shine

2010-07-31T09:51:00.003-04:00

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

My co-workers and I celebrated the birthday of one of our student workers who recently turned 19. One of them asked me if I would like to go back to the age of 19. I said, “No.” I have no desire to start over. There is no guarantee that I would be any wiser, and there are many things I would not change anyway. Everything that has happened to me, every circumstance, every person I’ve interacted with, every job, every event, everything in my life has shaped me to be who I am today. With God’s help, I have learned from difficult situations. Through God’s blessings I’ve gathered many wonderful memories.

As a believer in the grace and hope that Jesus Christ offers, I find peace. Looking toward the future, I know that difficulties will still litter my path, but I also know that the bright rays of God’s Son will shine on me and offer the light called hope. Praise God for his Holy Spirit who renews our hope.

Encourage One Another

2010-07-23T08:54:00.002-04:00

I Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

This week, my family and I have been ministered to by so many people. My dad passed away on Monday and the outreach of encouragement has overflowed.

Thank you to everyone who has sent a message, said a kind word, sent a card, prepared food, sent up a prayer, and given a hug. God has truly blessed my family and me with loving family and friends. If you ever wonder if you should send a card, write a message on Facebook, email a note; the answer is yes. Every word of encouragement is like a warm hug.

Praise God for his encouraging words and the people who bring them.

He Holds My Hand

2010-07-16T08:36:00.001-04:00

Psalm 139:9-10 & 13-14

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

I have witnessed our children take the hand of their child before they cross the street. The mom or dad carefully instructs their little one to look both ways before they cross, as they explain the possible dangers of the cars whizzing by. The parents guide the children. They love their little ones and want what is best for them.

Much like God who, if we reach out to him, takes our hand and guides us through each day. He created us and he loves us. He wants us to follow him and trust him, just like a young child follows his/her parent. Knowing that he knit me together before I was born, he knew me and wanted me, brings me joy and peace. He is my guide.

Rest

2010-07-09T16:48:00.001-04:00

Matthew 11: 28-29
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul.

A co-worker and I were talking about how stressful our week at work had been and how the four-day work week seemed longer than a five-day work week. All the work we needed to do would, in the long run, make our jobs more efficient and effective, but trying to do it all in four days made me tired by Friday. On our way out to our cars that afternoon, the two of us stopped by the art gallery in our building. A lovely display of watercolors, recycled art, paintings, quilts and other beautiful art filled the room. As we wandered through the gallery, we noticed an interactive display. A note invited us to draw on the art paper that was provided with pastel chalk. Both of us like to draw, so we did our best and created our own mini-art. We both commented that we felt so much more relaxed after a few minutes of doodling on the paper.

Another day at work when I felt weary, I took my Bible outside at lunch and just spent my lunchtime reading. God's word refreshed my soul. When life gets hectic and stressful and you feel weary and tired, what do you do? Jesus encourages us to come to him. Like me, you may go to him through reading, art, or writing. You may sit quietly at his feet or sing with all your heart. Whatever it is that you do to renew your Spirit, seek out Jesus. He wants to hug you and give you rest.

Lay Up Treasures

2010-07-03T09:56:00.001-04:00

I Timothy 6:17-19
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Yesterday, two of my daughters came to help me with my yard sale. I don't particularly enjoy having yard sales, but we had things to get rid of and I had a specific need for the money I might make. During the course of the day, we discussed America's obsession with money and the pros and cons of our economic system.

As we talked, I tried to put into words what disturbed me the most about how we tend to look at money. This verse says exactly what I was trying to put into my owns words.I need to put my hope in the Lord, not in my finances and keep my eyes focused on how God wants me to use my money and my posessions with a generous and sharing spirit. I praise God for all he gives me!

He Intercedes

2010-06-26T09:13:00.003-04:00

Romans 8:26-27
26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

I am not a good conversationalist. When I am in a situation, usually at work, where I need to make small talk (whatever that is) my mind either goes blank, or I think of things to say that no one wants to hear anyway. Fortunately, I am not in that situation too often. Thank goodness I do not need to worry about coming up with just the right words when I talk to God.

As a believer in the grace and redemption of Jesus Christ, I am blessed with a powerful weapon. God’s Holy Spirit lives inside of me, prepared to guide me, pray for me, and show me the truth. At times in my life, when words do not come and I desperately need for God to hear my prayers, the Holy Spirit takes over and carries my thoughts to God. I know this because God answers those prayers. So, when my mind cannot form the desire of my heart into words, I depend on the Spirit to lift up those desires to God. Praise God for His gift of the Holy Spirit.

Encouragement and Hope

2010-06-19T10:52:00.001-04:00

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

I am blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren (OK, Grammy is bragging) and I love it when I see joy and excitement in their faces. My granddaughter Dylan often calls me and I love to hear the joy in her little voice when I answer the phone. She also runs and hugs me when I see her. To me she radiates encouragement and hope, two of my favorite actions.

Through Jesus we find encouragement and hope. Through his death and resurrection, He secured the hope of an eternal life filled with praise and joy. Through his words I find much needed encouragement that carries me through the difficult days on this earth. I praise God who gives us the hope of heaven and encouragement through the Holy Spirit. Some days just seem impossible to navigate through, those are the days I turn to his word even more and dig into the stories of Job, Paul, Mary and so many others who shared their earthly journeys with us. I pray you find encouragement and hope through my devotions and most of all through the Word of God.

Tiger Lily Praise

2010-06-12T10:21:00.002-04:00

Psalm 63;3-5
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

Driving home from work this week, I have enjoyed seeing the bursting orange color of the tiger lilies that live in the ditches along the road. All winter they hibernate, and in the spring they gather nourishment. When the heat of late spring/early summer arrives they burst forth like trumpets sounding toward the sky.

The stretching of their long stem and trumpet like bloom remind me of someone extending their arms and voices toward God with praise. God loves to hear us sing his praise and wants us to share our prayers. As the tiger lily stretches toward the sky, leaves out-stretched and head tilted up, let it be a reminder of our God who loves us and longs to hear from us. Let us praise God in all that we do.

Fear and Joy

2010-06-05T09:59:00.000-04:00

Matthew 28:7-9

Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.

After Jesus crucifixion, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (that's what they call her in scripture) decided to visit the tomb where Jesus was buried. Traveling up the path in the quiet of the day, they expected to find the stone resting on the cave opening. Instead they found an angel sitting on the stone surrounded by soldiers lying on the ground as if they had been tased. Imagine the confusion and fear that filled them at that moment. Most likely they had never encountered an angel and they expected to find their leader dead in the cave.

On top of that, the angel spoke to them and told them that Jesus was alive. The women must have stood their with their eyes wide and mouths open. Alive? Fear of the angel and the situation mixed with the joy of what was possible swirled in their hearts, as they fled to find the disciples. Then who should they run into, but Jesus. Talk about surprise and joy. With joy they dropped to their knees and they worshiped him. What a beautiful time for these women, a time they could bow at Jesus feet knowing he died for them and yet lives. We live in the time of knowing that Jesus died for us and that he lives also. Praise God for Jesus and his love.

Suffering & Joy

2010-05-28T20:22:00.001-04:00

I Thessalonians 1:4-7

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

The apostle, Paul, writes to the Thessalonian church with the hope of encouraging them to continue to receive the message brought by the Holy Spirit. A message of joy and power enveloped the church and the people continued to move forward despite difficulties and suffering.

During the months of May and June many folks celebrate graduation ceremonies. Seniors graduate from high school, undergrads from college, some schools even host Kindergarten and eighth grade graduations. One thing all of the graduates have in common is their call to move in to the next phase of life. I know when I graduated from high school I wanted to race into the world and pursue my dreams. In my exuberance to conquer the world I stumbled and suffered along the way. But, the beauty in the suffering is that with each heartache and mistake, I drew closer to God because I welcomed his joy and power through the Holy Spirit. By seeking Him, I grew with the Spirit's guidance and rejoiced in my Savior Jesus Christ.

Prayer and Petition

2010-05-21T20:31:00.000-04:00

Philippians 4:5-7

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

When my daughters (as young children) prayed their prayers at night, I loved to hear them rattle off all of their loved ones names as they lifted them to Jesus. They folded their dimpled hands and closed their shining green eyes and believed that God heard every word. As children they trusted God with their hearts and requests.

My girls are grown, and I know they still pray for me and all of their family and friends. I am so thankful that God hears them and that he wants to listen to me. When I cry out in despair and pray through tears, he hears my pleas and opens his heart. As my friends and family come to mind and I lift their needs to him, he rejoices. God sees my prayers as an act of trust. When I lift my deepest desires, he knows I believe that he is God, that I know he is in control, and that he holds the answers. The Bible tells me to pray, not just when I want to, not just if I feel like it, but continually as I lift my needs and requests to God who loves me and wants to hear from me.

Love Covers

2010-05-15T09:01:00.001-04:00

1Peter 4:8-11a
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms...so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

Yesterday evening several men and women prepared our sanctuary for the "Beautiful You" women's brunch. We moved chairs, rolled tables in, spread table clothes and decorated. As we rolled the tables in and set them up, I noticed each one looked more worn than the next. Some had chips on the edges, duct tape adorned a few and the tops varied in color. Overall, they looked rather dreary. But, when the crisp white table clothes dressed each table, the mismatched mess turned into an inviting area for the beautiful women who would worship God.

Just as the table clothes covered a multitude of dents and tape, God's love covers our ugly sin. He pours his love on us and we in turn pour that love on others. Praise God for his unending love and grace.

Timothy's Faith

2010-05-08T17:50:00.001-04:00

2 Timothy 1: 3-5
I thank God, whom I serve... as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Paul wrote these words to Timothy, the young preacher he mentored and encouraged. Through Timothy, Paul saw the faith that the young man learned through his mother and grandmother. Growing up, I remember visiting my grammy and seeing the evidence of her faith. She read her Bible often and prayed for all of us every day. My mom taught Bible study classes for women and still enjoys learning about God. Fortunately, I saw my mother and grandmother's faith and grew my own from the roots they propogated.

As Mother's Day is celebrated this year, stop and think of the women who make a difference in your life and who show their faith. As a mother and grandmother, I hope that I can encourage my children and grandchildren to love Jesus and embrace him as their Lord.

Happy Mother's Day!

It's What We Do

2010-04-30T21:06:00.001-04:00

Psalm 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Romans 5:5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

A few years ago a commercial played talking about “verb-it’s what you do”. The people in the ad ran on a beach and tossed a ball. As a writer I am often reminded to show not tell; use action verbs, make the characters actions tell the story. Of all the wonderful verbs I read in the Bible, my favorite is ‘hope’. From this word I conjure up an image of God reaching out his hand to lift me up. Hope draws a picture of a person bent in prayer, praising God, the love of a parent smiling at their newborn and the joy of a friend when good news finally comes.

God’s word brings hope to all nations, all people, all generations. Where do we find hope? The Holy Spirit reveals it to us in the stars on a black night, in the sunrise on a foggy morning, in a friends hug on a tough day? God delivers hope in the darkest times through his word and his Spirit. Hope-it’s what we do.

Dressing in the Armor

2010-04-23T09:38:00.003-04:00

Ephesians 6:10-18
10Finally, be strong in the Lord… 11Put on the full armor of God… so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground… 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 …take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…

Recently, two of our granddaughters dressed up for Crazy Days at school. They wore colorful mismatched clothes and fun and unique hair styles. (Of course they looked adorable.) As a child I enjoyed dressing up and pretending to be a cowgirl. My mom has pictures to prove it. As much as I liked putting on dress-up cloths for pretend, I have an overwhelming desire to put on the armor of Christ.

Living for Christ often draws unwanted temptations, ridicule, and despair. With his shield I deflect the temptations, with his belt of truth I stand firm in his word, and with the helmet of salvation I know I am protected by God. With the Holy Spirit as my guide through prayer, I live each day as a child of God knowing that he gives me the endurance and hope that I need.

Trees

2010-04-16T18:17:00.002-04:00

I Corinthians 12:4-6

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

On my drive home the other day, I noticed two trees entwined, one held petals of pale pink, the other bright white blossoms. I thought how wonderful it was that the two trees, so very different on the outside, could stand side by side with their branches crisscrossing, showing the beauty of creation.

Like the trees, God made each of us individual, with our own fingerprint and DNA. He gave us similarities, yet made each of us different. As a follower of Jesus and a member of his church, I have an opportunity and a calling to allow God’s plan to bloom in me. He created me with a purpose and gifts, through prayer and Bible study I seek his will and follow his path. Side by side I stand with other believers declaring the glory of the Lord.

I Love the Mountains

2010-04-10T10:54:00.001-04:00

Psalm 21: 1-2

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

As we've traveled to visit my daughter, Hannah, in the mountains of South Carolina, I look up at the peaks covered with pines and oak trees to see the majesty of God. He is evident in the solid granite, the blooming rhododendron bush, and the tiniest woodland flower. Looking to the mountains renews my faith in God, who dwells everywhere and watches over me.

When I am troubled or sad I know that I can close my eyes and picture those majestic mountains and know without a doubt that my help comes from God.

The Darkness Came

2010-04-02T09:49:00.000-04:00

Luke 23:44-46
It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Good Friday is the day we set aside to contemplate the death of Jesus. Over the years, images of that day have been painted to portray the beauty of Christ on the cross; a man who gave all, God in the flesh. What about the ugliness of that day? What about all the sin that swirled around that cross as Jesus hung there to die an excruciating death?

Jesus chose to hang on a cross for people he had never met, people like us. As he hung on the cross, the Holy Spirit did not repeat to him his sins, he had none. Instead he heard the sins of everyone else; Father forgive the cheating, gossiping, murder, adultery, lying, drunkenness, and on and on the list cried out. But Christ took them on, all of them. He loves us that much. He loves us enough that he created a path for us to God. He paved a way to heaven. He gave us hope.

As Easter approaches where are you? Are you at the foot of the cross, or on a far away hill watching from a distance?

Jesus Prayed for Me

2010-03-27T10:54:00.000-04:00

1After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you… 3Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent… 20 I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you…24"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. ----John 17:1, 3,20,21,24

When I know that I will be facing difficulties, or I sense that my anxiety wants to control me, I email or call people who pray. Knowing that someone else prays for me, comforts me and allows me to let go of the anxiety and instead spend time listening for God’s voice.

Did you know that before Jesus died he prayed for you? I encourage you to read The New Testament book of John, chapter 17. The entire chapter is devoted to Jesus praying. He prays for himself, he prays for his disciples and he prays for you and me. I love the thought that Jesus himself spoke a prayer on my behalf. He loved me and prayed for me before he even knew me.

Road blocks

2010-03-19T22:50:00.002-04:00

Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." ¬¬– Matthew 16:23

Recently, a road crew started working on the bridge that we cross to enter our town from the west. We can currently drive one direction on the bridge but not the other. When I leave town traveling west, I use the bridge –¬¬ when I return I drive around the edge of the village and enter from the south. My frustration increases as I drive out of my way to get home. And that is not all; I read a sign this week that said the ramp to the main highway near my home, which I take every day to work, will also be closed soon.

At times in my life I have felt blocked, unable to move forward. As God calls me and I try to follow, Satan hinders my way with distractions, detours and road blocks. Even Jesus told Satan to move out of his way when Peter denied Christ’s impending death. Through prayer and scripture, God shows me how to put Satan behind me and move forward on my journey of faith with him.