The Shiny of Christmas is the Star

 I would always start the Christmas season pretty reasonably, but as time went on, I became more frazzled. After spending our planned amount for the kid’s Christmas I would begin to fret that it was not enough or that it was all wrong. After gazing upon the beautiful trappings of the season at every store my heart was far from content at this time of supposed Peace on Earth! I felt that our meager funds had stolen Christmas. This of course collided with my dear husband’s practical take on my favorite holiday. As I watched people spend, spend, spend, my heart became more and more distraught, my Christmas faded into disappointment instead of joy because I had forgotten the real meaning of the day.

Doing all the traditional things that made the season complete, I forced myself to watch, “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” and I must say there were frequent looks at my husband as I watched the wicked green Grinch. If you remember this miserable green creature tried his best to destroy the beautiful feelings that are born at this time of the year. Thinking that gifts and glitter were the reason for their joy he determined to remove everything that could remind them of this day.

In our day it’s not the glitter and glow that is taken from our reason to celebrate but it is the baby Jesus himself that the world tries to remove. They think that if Jesus is removed our hope will also be removed. Joy will disappear if we are faced with the trouble of life.

That silly movie brought me to a bit of sanity along with a wise statement that our green friend made, “Maybe Christmas, he thought doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more!”

And then at the end of the terribleness of the Grinch’s deeds, the tiny people grabbed each other’s hands and sang with giant smiles on their faces. The Grinch could not take away their joy even as the world cannot take joy from the hearts of those who celebrate the Babe in the Manger today.

Through the years I have become more sensible when it comes to gift-giving at Christmas but I am still intrigued by the shiny of Christmas and my heart knows without a doubt, “It’s a little bit more!”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Slingshots, Frogs and Lost Stories

 How much does your family know about you? My dad did not share his life and thoughts with us though I believe he was tormented by memories of his time as a prisoner of war in World War 2. I have shared before that I think he was a ponderer because many times he would be deep in thought where he did allow visitors. I have many times wished I had more information about him. I have written about his boyhood in Mclean, Illinois with stories others shared. This was where he fished in the creek, made slingshots, and learned to shoot so well on a bet of one nickel he shot the hat off the man walking across the street. I would love to know more about him in his childhood unfortunately his story died when he did. Did he have a good time growing up on a farm? How did he feel about fishing at the creek in the early morning? Did he think about God? Was he close to his mother? Did he do things with his father? How terrible were his 26 months in a POW camp in Germany during WW2? Did he call into the heavens for an unseen Father to help him, did he recall his mother’s poem about her God? The story of your life is invaluable to your children and grandchildren even if they might not fully realize it now. I love writing so it is easy sharing the many stories I have in this mind of mine, but for you who do not love writing find ways to share. The bible says many times to tell your children your stories especially times that God has saved you, blessed you, guided you, loved you, and forgave you.

 

I read in Deuteronomy 4:9 about this very thing.

But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.

One of my favorite verses is Psalm 71:18.

So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Sadly the Bible also tells of the tragedy of generations who were godless.

And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel. Judges 2:10

Talk with your children as you walk along about the Lord. Maybe as you bait his hook as you sit on the bank of a creek, tell him of an adventure you had as a child. Even better if you can recall your God blessing you or protecting you. Tell them how important praying is in your life and recall how your family has been the recipient of great answers to prayers. Put Him first in your life so those who come behind you will find you faithful to our God.

To my own family, I have shared many stories in these last years and will in days to come. It’s amazing how many memories clutter an old woman’s mind after 74 years of living!

Seven Days To Glory

 Like everyone else, I have watched the countdown to Christmas. It seems the days have sped by like Santa’s reindeer flying from chimney to chimney. I thought just yesterday we were roasting that turkey and giving thanks over noodles and dressing. And then the countdown began as we were taking the last bite of pumpkin pie.

Today I noticed that it is now seven days until Christmas day and many people still have a to-do list that is still very long. When Mary was seven days away from delivering the baby Jesus what was she thinking? Maybe there were many things unchecked on her list. I can’t imagine how uncomfortable she must have been riding a donkey all that way to Bethlehem or perhaps even walking. Being so uncomfortable could have made her forget who she would soon deliver. Was the angel’s visit pushed to the side as she looked ahead to seven difficult days of traveling in her condition? She might have been concerned she might not make it to an appropriate place to give birth to the Promised One? Will the whispers as she walked by people in her little village be dismissed or the fear she sometimes felt as she tried to sleep dissipate?  In just seven days, in God’s timing, happiness will replace the sadness and her former discomfort would flee when she looked into the glorious face of Hope?

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear. Luke 1:42

 And His name shall be called Jesus! Luke 1:31

 I wonder what the shepherds were thinking about just days out from the first Christmas. Since they had no idea of what would be taking place seven days from then, their minds might have been on lost sheep or the wild animals that surrounded their flock last night. They didn’t know angels would soon announce the birth of the Savior to this motley crew. That peace and goodwill would be proclaimed as sung by a chorus of celestial beings. They had no idea that they were to see glorious hope in the face of a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and that they would kneel at the manger bed and worship Jesus the Savior.

The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they heard and saw. It was just as the angel had told them. Luke 2:20

My thoughts go also to the magi who would start their travels in just one week from then because according to them the star would appear that would signal that the Messiah would be born. Finally, the prophecies would be fulfilled and the sighting of the star would at last be realized. How would it be to say goodbye to the family for who knows how long? Their travels would not be easy but in seven days they would begin seeking the glorious face of the Son of God, the Hope of the world. May we seek Him also.

 And Mary pondered all these things. Luke 2:19

How could our lives be changed in seven short days? Like Mary, the physical discomfort as we travel the road of our life or the fear of troubles to come might plague us? As the unsuspecting shepherds, do we see the enemy surrounding us with sin? Do you see a great distance from where you are now to where you want to be? Maybe you, like the wise men, are waiting for a sign of when and what way you should go next. What is God’s will for you? Prayers might be answered as we kneel to praise the baby boy who grew up to die for our sins. Joy may radiate from your very being as you are freed from the chains of sin. Don’t push to the side the promises of the word of God instead as you gaze into the face of Hope this Christmas open and receive His salvation as His gift to you.

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.” Luke 2:10

 After seeing Him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said about this child. Luke 2:17

Hope Unwrapped

 Hope Unwrapped

This Sunday is the beginning of Advent which is a preparation for our Christmas Season. In many churches candles will be lit to celebrate different themes. Hope, love, joy, and peace. Today my mind went to the HOPE that we have as Christians.

One of the technological wonders that we enjoy these days is Facetime. It of course is being able to talk to people face to face on our phones. Happy faces crowd the screen telling of the newest game or toy they have or even a tour through a cleaned bedroom could be on the agenda. At the bottom of the screen is a little symbol that you can use to turn your screen in another direction. Many times little fingers have interrupted my struggling saying, “This button Grandma.” Indeed the screen was focused outward. Oh, it was wonderful for viewing new Christmas decorations, an updated view of Illinois weather, including snowdrifts, or the ten-foot-tall corn outside our door. An amazing thing to say the least.

Sometimes we even Christians can direct too much focus on the world outside with the sin that steals and destroys lives. Unfortunately, if we tarry there too long it can change our whole perspective on life. We turn the camera of our eyes to the hopelessness of the world instead of the hope of God which can lead to a joyless heart. We can forget the promises that are ours who believe on the Lord Jesus. The world does not give us hope but usually just the opposite. I love Psalm 42:11 that says, “why my soul are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

My favorite verse on hope is in Romans as it sustained our family through difficult times. I like to call it Larry’s verse.

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

Jesus, himself told us that we would have trouble in this life but by no means should we live in hopelessness. He is our HOPE.

As hearts hope this Christmas for all kinds of things including peace on earth, no more hurt and sorrow or even a superhero game, may we be filled with the joy that only hope in Jesus brings.

 

Find Us Faithful

 I am not a singer but boy do I love to make a joyful noise unto my Lord! The strains of old vocal cords cause an occasional crack in my voice that can cause the dogs to howl but still, I reach for notes that I shouldn’t attempt. This morning I sang ten Christmas carols all in a row that my dear husband had to endure. Full force, “O come all ye faithful”, “Angels we have heard on high” and “Silent Night, Holy Night”, echoed throughout the house. I’m not sure about my husband but I was truly blessed. I love everything about Christmas including the happy music, but as I listen to the lyrics, my heart was blessed. As I finished, “Ten of the Most Popular Christmas Carols” one of my favorite songs came up and I just had to sing it too. “Find Us Faithful. I thought it a suitable song to end with since our faithfulness is rooted in the Christmas songs I had just sung. Angels singing, the holy baby Jesus coming to earth one silent night. O come all ye faithful!

Across the country, the “Nihiser” Thanksgiving will be served with homemade rolls, sweet potato casserole, and of course noodles. Christmas trees will be cut down and decorated or as with us be taken out of boxes to grace our living rooms. Many traditions will be observed in each house of my children and grandchildren that have come down through the years but as our footprints are followed will we be found faithful to the Lord. As each one wriggles their feet into the prints left behind will the perfect fit lead them to our Sovereign Lord?

 

O may all who come behind us find us faithful.

May the fire of our devotion

Light the way.

May the footprints that we leave,

And the lives we live

Inspire them to obey.

O may all who come behind us faithful.

I love the stirring words that precede the chorus about those who’ve gone before us. Those who have encouraged us when we were weary and cheered us when we had lost hope, reminding us of God’s sustaining grace within our hearts. Great clouds of witnesses they call them, those who line the road on which we walk as pilgrims. So let us run the race not only for the prize but those who’ve gone on before. Let us leave to those behind us, the heritage of faithfulness.

The last part of the song hit home with me since we have been looking to downsize and leave our home. Because of this, we have gone through a lot of our things and laughingly say we are saving the kids from having to go through all our junk.

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone

And our children sift through all we’ve left behind

May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover

Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

May the fire of our devotion light the way

May the footprints that we leave

Lead them to believe

And the lives we live inspire them to obey

Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful.

In fifty years will “Mom’s Rolls” or “Noodles by Mom” show up on tables across the country as they do now? Years have a way of changing things including favorite dishes but if God tarries, will He be glorified by those who have come behind us? Come All Ye Faithful!

As Feathers Across The Generations

 I have a cup that says, “I’m a writer, what is your super-power?”  Sounds like a confident writer doesn’t it? Well, let me tell you, I am not always confident. Sometimes my fingers dance across the keyboard with haste and purpose, but sometimes I start cold with only a thought, an idea or scripture to lead me and I never warm up. Writing is much like carefully placing your treasure for others to see but not having the slightest idea whose eyes will see it.

Why do I do it? Because I love it and because I believe I have been called by my gracious God to write. I take no credit for the gift He has given me. Whether a million people read what I write or no one but me, I will still praise Him for His favor. And so I write!

It wasn’t until 2010 that I began to write as I sat outside in what I fondly call my prayer chair after my retirement. That is where I heard the Lord’s voice, not audible, but in my heart, as I read scripture, prayed, and sang songs to my loving heavenly Father. Many of the words fell like feathers on my soul as I waited quietly in the early morning. Words given to me by my Father were scribbled down on a yellow notepad to later be fully written as a devotional thought.

It was said among family members that my paternal grandmother, who I never met, wrote many things including spiritual songs and poems. I would love to have some of her writings even the chicken scratchings as I call my rough draft. Though I’m told my grandma Neva, short for Nevada had a hard life, working the family farm, she wrote from a heart of gratitude and praise to God. She and my grandfather Thomas died while my dad was a prisoner of war in Germany. What anguish she must have felt with three sons fighting in the war and one captured and held prisoner for twenty-six months. I’m sure her writing reflected her broken heart.

Maybe my grandmother read of the love written throughout the scriptures, as I have, and just had to write it down. Zephaniah might have bolstered her, as she was told that her God delights, even greatly delights in her. In his love, he rejoices over her with singing. It could be she knew heaven was near for her and wrote of He who sits on the throne in Paradise. Perhaps Isaiah encouraged her with the thought of increased strength for the weak. Could she see in her heart the renewing that would cause her to mount up with wings like eagles? I read a few days ago in Daniel 12:3 that those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.

 As I look deep into the night sky is my grandma Nevada shining for all to see? Did she lead many to righteousness? It will be grand to find out when I see her in heaven. A delightful thought that like a feather lands gently on my soul.

Nevada Hendren Tyson

February 24,1876-December 30,1943

Light Your Candles And Celebrate

 

I love candles, I love the smell and the ambiance they create. But the fact is I wait for special occasions, like company coming or welcoming my kids when they come home to enjoy the extravagant treat. I sometimes have had to dust off the tops before I could indulge in the dancing flame that flows from the colorful wax. Much time goes by as they lay in wait for that grand occasion.

Because our grandparents were married 100 years ago this year my cousin, Sharon decided that we should have a reunion to celebrate that occasion. I had wonderful talks with this friend leading up to this gathering about everything from our sometimes checkered ancestry to what is important in life. In many conversations, we would finally conclude that we should do what makes us happy in the now and not wait because we never know how much time we have. Her beautiful flame flickered brightly in my life as it always has as she used her many years of living to bring understanding to us both as we took on the cares of the world. As I look back on the last couple of months and the meeting of hearts that took place, I witnessed her flame burst forth in love as we talked about life, death, and what the bible says about heaven. The glorious ambiance that enveloped us both could only be God-given. We shared concerns as well as a love we had for our Savior. We laughed about times gone by and was hearkened to joy by the thought of our Lord. A few days ago this beautiful flame went out here on earth but I’m sure it burns brightly before the throne of our Father.

This morning as I stumbled down the stairs in the black of night for my quiet time with my precious Lord, my mind went to Mary Sharon Ryan my life-long friend the precious blessing the Lord bestowed on me. I lit candles because as my sweet cousin would say, every day is a special occasion and is worthy of celebration. In my mind’s eye, I see her flame reflecting on the streets of gold as she entered the City. I hear the Lord say, ”Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord.”

As for me, I no longer say, “Whoever dies with the most candles, wins” I pledge to light those candles in celebration of yet another day God has given me to tell about His unfailing love. Then someday, I will join her in that wonderful place the Lord has gone to prepare for us and my forever friend and I will talk for all eternity.

Mary Sharon Ryan

1940-2021

Hallelujah, she’s home!

Kick The Tires

 We have gone through one of the craziest times in our married lives for the last six months. It all started when we decided to sell our beloved home to downsize. Selling our house proved to be no problem but finding another one has been seemingly impossible. We have viewed big ones, little ones, some in perfect condition and some unlivable without lots of work and money. Our agent grew weary, I’m sure as we toured many houses only to hear, “No, not this one.”

Larry and I differed greatly in our approach to the process. I walked in and mentally began to arrange my furniture in the new abode. It was also important to me to find ceilings tall enough to hold my 12 foot Christmas tree so my eyes were always to the ceiling. Unless it was a glaring problem, I usually felt confident we could fix it. But as I meandered through with glowing confidence that this could be the one, I hadn’t noticed that my sweet husband had slipped outside to see the foundation, eyeball the roof, and survey the property line. His keen sense of smell could tell him immediately if there was a water problem and while I looked for space for my Christmas trees his eagle eye looked for signs of water damage.

Today, November 7, 2021, we have been married 52 years so I should be aware of the many ways he has taken care of our family as well as me. He has always protected us when we might be looking at the wrong things like Christmas trees when we should look at the big picture. God in His graciousness has given this man the strength of wisdom and self-control that has served us through all of these years. While during this process I have, more than once, stomped my foot at the “no not this one” my heart is confident that my stubborn husband will always “kick the tires” so to speak as he raises a prayer to God his constant guide. How can a girl fight that consistency and love that has been the staple for all of these years? Even through the difficulties of house hunting, I love this man with all my heart and trust he is led by an all-knowing God. Happy Anniversary my sweet husband.

Ponderings

 

Ponderings

I have always been a ponderer, as was my dad before me. Dad would spend much time thinking of things and planning things he might do. Since he was an avid fisherman, he often conjured ways to make his fishing more successful even though he was the best fisherman I ever knew. My dad often thought of ways to keep warm on those long winter days when fishing from a hole in the ice. Often he would catch enough fish to have a fish fry in the middle of the fiercest winter. I remember a little “ice hut” he constructed to keep the winter winds at bay and provide a warm place to sit while pulling fish from under the ice.

For myself, even as a little girl, I would sit for hours pondering about many things, but the one thing I remember thinking about for an entire summer was having a grand parade. Of course, I was the grand leader of my colorful caravan, riding a beautiful Palamino with a jeweled bridle and saddle. I dreamed of my cowgirl outfit, also adorned with sequence and flash, not to mention colorful boots with spurs. Sometimes I would imagine unusual animals marching down the street wowing all who watched, like elephants and giraffes. My mind even thought of how I would get these creatures to walk happily in my imaginary parade. I was sure upon hearing, a zookeeper somewhere would volunteer to bring these animals to the event of the century. I could spend hours pondering these things.

I am still a ponderer! But now, it is God’s voice that I strain to hear. To some, my ponderings seem nearly as far off as my elaborate plans for the parade. They may seem crazy or impossible, but I know the God who knew me in my mother’s womb and made plans for me even in my old age. So Jeremiah, though he thought himself too young instead of too old, sent a message to me this morning as I pondered my age and my work yet to do here on earth.

The Lord said to me, I knew you before you were formed within your mother’s womb; before you were born, I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.

O Lord God, I said, “I can’t do that; I’m far too young (or old). Don’t say that, he replied, for you will go wherever I tell you to go. And don’t be afraid, for I the Lord will be with you and see you through. Then He touched my mouth and said, “See, I have put my words in your mouth! Today your work begins.”

Jeremiah 1:4-10

You need not worry about my pondering; it includes not one elephant, though it might seem slightly lofty for an old gal like me. But remembering that God touched my mouth with his words and said, your work begins, I go forward.

Someday, instead of an elaborate parade, I will have a grand entrance as the Bible describes in 2 Peter.

For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:11 ESV

The Spot

 

“The Spot” was a place on the lake near us that many people went swimming when I was a kid in the fifties. When summer did not offer any relief from the sultry afternoons in central Illinois, you could see carloads of people heading for this fun destination. Unfortunately, there was no air conditioning except in the dime store uptown to escape to and hide in until the onslaught of blistering temperatures subsided. Sitting on a blanket on the bank, parents kept a watchful eye on those they brought, usually their kids as well as the neighbor kids. Bobbing heads were everywhere to the point that I’m sure it was hard to keep track of everyone, and eyes strained to keep up.

I remember one such day in my life that I could well have been a casualty of this chaotic scene. I couldn’t swim but walked happily to the warm water with the crowd that was already splashing about with great fun and laughter. Myself, bobbing with the waves, did not realize that I was getting out over my head. My little toes reached to touch the muddy bottom, but in vain, I realized that the safety of the more shallow water was several feet toward the bank. Among so many, no one noticed that I could not keep my head above water that I was in great danger of drowning. I kicked and sputtered to no avail for quite some time until my toes finally touched. I don’t believe I ever told anyone until now about that scary time in my childhood, but the movie reels in my head relive it once in a while when I see happy people bobbing in the water.

Sometimes as we struggle alone to touch the bottom to right ourselves, no one notices our struggle. Just one among many in the sea of humanity, we try desperately to get back to the shore from where we have drifted. Subtly yet indeed surely, we begin to see God far off. Alarmed at first, we head back that way, but the pull of worldly cares lures us away. As I, we sometimes innocently drift, not paying attention to our attitudes changing or our good habits waning at the call of other things. Our head bobs under time and time again, threatening our spiritual well-being.

Peter turned his back on Jesus and denied he knew him three times; earlier that evening, our Savior predicted that Peter would do this very thing, but added, “So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32

So turn towards shore to the waiting arms of Jesus and rejoice as those little toes touch solid ground. Then strengthen a drifting brother or sister.

Walls!

 Walls Give Up Your Laughter

After living in our ‘little bit of paradise” home, we are going to move. The papers will be signed in a day or two, and then our home of twenty years will belong to someone else. Our reasoning is proper in selling it, though very hard to hear those words we spoke to ourselves. “We are getting too old to take care of the grounds and the ever-present maintenance on the aging house.” So as I go from room to room, reminiscing about the glorious times we had here, “I find myself crying for times passed.

Walls, I plead, give up your laughter. I know you have noted each laugh around a card game; you have preserved the glorious enjoyment from watching happy grandkids playing with cousins and, of course, the pleasure of new baby giggles. Remember the contentment we found here within the walls that surround us. Walls do not hoard within your timbers, nails and paint the precious memories that made this old house a home.

Is there a moving box big enough to hold them all? How can a mere box hold the gentleness of a breeze or the closeness of a walk to “The south forty,” as Larry dubbed the grassy pasture that we gazed at from our bench? How do you pack away sorrow? Is there any way to gather grief? Does the laughter of loved ones who have passed still echo within the confines of these walls? Can the tears be noted that fell to the floor as the Lord counted each one and held us through many storms of life? Yes, walls give up the tenderness of these memories, give up the gentle moments even now as we remember.

As I moved from room to room remembering, the love that abides here, I concluded that these walls have heard and seen laughter, but so too has my grateful heart.

The old bridge that brought love to our door carried stores of the stuff that memories are made laughter, tears, and praise for the Precious Lord that allowed these walls to contain it all.

 

 

 Role In The Dirt

One hot summer day, I watched our Blue Healer, Rocky, stroll across the field and walk into the neighbor’s pond. He looked rather handsome with the sun behind him as he emerged from the refreshing water. As is typical of wet dogs, he shook himself, starting at his nose and ending at the very tip of his tail. The water danced in all directions, with the sunlight reflecting off of each drop. Then Rocky did something that ruined the serene scene. He trotted his wet self to the nearest dirt hole, lowered his shoulder, then his entire body into the waiting dirt. There he proceeded to roll from side to side, not missing a square inch. As I watched in amazement, I was reminded of myself. No, I do not roll in the dirt after a refreshing dip in the pool, but there have been times that I did something similar. After wonderfully refreshing times with my Lord, I have followed up with a good roll in the dirt.

I have praised God, enjoyed His presence, and found myself falling even more deeply in love with him, but come away from these extraordinary times only to find myself doubting, worrying, or forgetting the experience that drew me to my precious Savior. Unlike my furry friend, I did not mean to go there, but I did. Perplexed, I wondered how this could happen. I do know, according to the bible, I am not the only one to whom this happens. Paul, even Paul says though he wants to do right, he does what he hates.

 

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7:15

I am not a theologian, but I know “the enemy” the devil hates for us to enjoy the Lord’s presence. He cringes as we praise Him and loves to see us innocently waltz out of the refreshing “Living Water” and find ourselves rolling in a wallowed-out dirt hole of doubt.

I prayed with a young woman who cried as she told me how she had been so close to God but then found herself doing what she did not want to do. My heart broke for her and myself because I have been there many times in my life.

How do we avoid the dreaded dirt hole? First, I need to be ready and alert for the attack and then remember the truths that I have stored in my heart. Put on the whole armor of God. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness that protects our heart, along with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Take up the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The bible tells us that we all fall short of the glory of God, but He is ever forgiving us and sends His Holy Spirit when we are tempted to lower our shoulders into a pit of sin and doubt. May each morning be a reminder of His unfailing love for me even when I bathe in His glory but head for the nearest mud hole.

 

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8

Do Not Limp

Do not limp, I told myself! I had surgery going on four months ago, and though the pain is almost gone, I still favor that side as I have for all these months. Yes, there was pain but now I should be able to walk without a limp. I should be able to walk down the stairs without the tediousness of one step at a time fearing my unsteadiness, but I must talk stern to myself and just do it.

 

Today as I talked my way down the stairs unsteadily, I thought of the church. Not any one local church but The Church. We have been limping along not doing what we should be doing, we have been lukewarm pew warmers instead of warriors in God’s kingdom. Yes, we have been injured but it is time to stop limping and take on the world and never give up. They have taken our sacred symbol from the courthouse as if the Ten Commandments were nothing, Nativity scenes at Christmas are banned by local governments and Merry Christmas does not pass the lips of cashiers for fear the Lord’s birth might be recognized. Our government officials openly reject the church as non-essential and dismiss the bible and its laws. Yes, Church, we have been injured but it is time to stop limping and come boldly to the throne of God and realize His spiritual healing has already taken place and courage is given to those who will be revived. Awaken church! The ills of this country can never be solved by human hands no matter what party is in power.

 

And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14

Did you know that we as Christians are royalty?

In 1 Peter 2:9 it says we are!

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness into wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

We have all come to our royal position when we accepted Christ as the Savior and King of our lives. As. royalty, we have been called for such a time as this.

Awaken Church and take your royal positions as ambassadors for Christ. The laborers are few even though the harvest is plentiful. Walk out courageous and strong!

 

DO NOT LIMP!

Love Songs!

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10

At the funeral of a beloved uncle, I listened to the beautiful hymns sung but was touched by the song “Deep Purple” written 1930 and published in 1938 which was my aunt and uncles love song. The words, though written for a young couple in love, were also appropriate at this time with these words “as long as my heart shall beat”, we all long for that kind of love. As was the practice back then, the hospital stay after giving birth was quite lengthy and my mom was missing her one year old daughter (me) and the song "My Happiness" rang true to her about her baby girl as the lyrics go,  how i long to be with you" and continued until she passed away.  I didn’t always understand that love until I got kids of my own. I don’t recall that my husband and I ever decided on any one song but many songs remind me of our dating. Occasionally I get on one of those hip-hop station playing those songs of the 60s and I can go back to those days of sitting in his 1964 yellow SS Impala; at the outdoor root beer stand while the songs of the time played on the radio. Happy songs of young love! “The Yellow Submarine by the Beatles or “Stop in The Name of Love” by the Supremes.

Right now I am listening to love songs of a different kind! They take me back to a time when we made a commitment for a life time. They are songs that tell of love that could never be measured. The truth that I hear in them has rang true for all of these years. They are songs that tell of the gospel of Jesus Christ. My mind goes to one Sunday morning when we sang “There’s Room at the Cross You”, there we found that there was indeed room for two young seekers. “He Touched Me” and he made me whole still rings true these 51 years later. Of course who could forget “Amazing Grace”, “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” and “The Old Rugged Cross”. When my youngest daughter was very sick in the hospital , Larry and I slipped out to go to church and was given hope and sang with great enthusiasm “Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning”. Joy came right then because I knew how much He loved us, but joy came as our little girl recovered with none of the lasting effect that the doctors predicted. Joy did come in the morning many times in these many years and still I hold on to this promise.

Psalm 30:5 Weeping may endure for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

I love so many of the new songs that we sing now in church, but my heart is full of those love songs that I have deep in my soul. Those songs that are stepping stones through my life. Songs that tell of his love, his promises and his presence in our life. “No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus”, “The Garden” and “How Great Thou Are”.

As we celebrate this month of Love with our Sweethearts, I praise God for my Sweetheart! How brilliant of God to know that we needed a helpmate. He is my best friend who has walked with me through the many years. His memories are much like mine because of the happiness and the sorrows that we have shared with Christ by our side. Praise God if your “love” songs are many!

Heart Stopping News

 In 1956 I had a little girl friend that I played with when I was eight years old. There's two things I remember about her. One was we watched Elvis Presley on the Ed Sullivan Show at her house because we had no TV at that time. I also recall that my little eight year old heart stopped as I watched the beautiful singing of the handsome idol. The second memory was going to Bible School with her one humid summer night. I climbed up into the car and my friend and I giggled all the way as little girls are prone to do. We were led to a stuffy room with other second graders who all sat on tiny colored chairs with just the right sized table for little kids. A nice lady, who patted my shoulder as she passed, handed me a piece of red construction and another piece of gray paper. The glue was put in the center of the table along with crayons to copy what she wrote on the black board. These words would become the most important words that I had heard in my young life. For the first time I learned I could pray to God. The nice teacher read from the bible that Jesus's friends asked him to teach them how to pray. I wondered why these men would ask Jesus this. Did they notice a difference in Jesus after he had talked to the God of heaven. "Teach Us To Pray" was scrawled on the board as the story was told from the worn bible of the one who held it. "You and I too can talk to God", she said with such love in her voice. I glued the sheets together and cut lopsided lips to finish my masterpiece. I left that little room knowing that I could talk to God. As soon as I could, I tried out this promise I was given that evening. Most of my prayers started like a letter, "Dear God", I would begin. The hot evening ended with a singing of "Jesus Loves Me" which also rang out as a testimony about this new friend I had found.

I guess my faded piece of paper with "Teach Us To Pray" must by now be 65 years old a genuine antique in anyone's book. To preserve the brittle paper, it is kept in a zip lock bag that takes me back to the most important lesson I ever learned.

Praise you, my Dear God for looking at a wee girl and giving her the most wonderful gift. It's funny in a way that my young heart was stopped by a king that sang "Love Me Tender" but was blessed eternally by the King of Kings who tenderly taught me to pray.

Men of Galilee

 

Men Of Galilee

 

When I was a young Christian and raised my kids, I dodged all talk about the return of Jesus. I almost refused to think of the “tribulation” and the world coming to an end. After all, I wanted to raise my family and grow old with my husband. As can happen, I have grown up and grown old in the Lord and look at life through different lenses. I am no longer afraid to read in Daniel a great book of prophecy, and I often flip to the back of my bible to read the God-inspired words given to John the Revelator in the book of Revelations. I wince no more at the mention of the “Rapture”, Jesus’ return, or the anti-Christ, but stand amazed as I behold God’s plan.

 

Prophecy is being fulfilled as things become more evil in our world. My heart breaks for babies killed in the womb, deception and untruth prevail in our land, and the government strips Christian symbols from the American landscape. I have heard Isaiah 5:20 quoted many times during the last several months because the world has indeed been upside down.

What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, the dark is light, and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. Isaiah 5:20 

While the book of Isaiah speaks the truth and we see these scriptures coming past right before our eyes, John’s gospel gives us instruction as to how we should function as we wait. Jesus said to feed His lambs.

As the disciples watched Jesus ascend into heaven, they could not take their eyes off of Him, but two men dressed in white stood beside them, “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky?”

 

I’m afraid I am guilty of gazing into the sky. I have said many times, I hope the Lord takes us out of here. Christian friends and I have been found longing for Jesus to come again with a trumpet blast. Maybe this is our time to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations described in the Great Commission given by Jesus. Though we should be ready to fly, and I believe I am, the work assigned to me before I was born is not finished until that time. Go into all the world and make disciples in all nations, must be carried out, even to our last breath.

 

Men of Galilee, you can keep one eye to the sky, but we still have work to do!

 

My Little One

My Little One

 

While my youngest baby slept, that warmer than usual spring day, I sat on the front porch steps to watch the kids play. I was a little weary but none the less feeling so blessed by my house full of amazing children. Feeling a little guilty for the long rest I took while dishes, laundry and supper prep went undone, I got up and started into the house. Just as I did I heard the voice of my neighbor calling my name. In her hand was a tiny news paper clipping and on her face was a sweet smile. “I have a little poem for you”, she said with that same smile still beaming. As I read the tiny scrap, tears of joy trickled down my face to think of the blessings God has bestowed on me and the awesome responsibility that came with the blessed gift.

My Little One

As I sit here tonight in my bedroom

watching my dear baby sleep,

I can’t help but think of the blessings

That God bestows on His sheep.

I just read aloud from my Bible

To my baby there in her bed

I thank God for trusting her care to me

To be physically and spiritually fed.

May God always give me wisdom

To teach and train her each day

That she may grow into womanhood 

Serving Him all the way.

And I pray as I ponder this evening

That God in His infinite love

Will constantly lead her and guide her,

And prepare her for heaven above.

 

Many times I recited this poem over a sleeping child to remind myself of the blessings He lovingly placed on this forever grateful Mom.

 

As my kids have grown and have their own families I still pray without ceasing for my little flock. I come in humble adoration for my precious Father and Jesus Christ my Savior for bestowing on me “My Little Ones”.

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. ⁴Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. ⁵Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. Psalm 127:3-5