Just As I Am

 As I sit here this morning, listening to a glorious sound my heart travels back in time and rejoices. The glorious song I hear from the lips of my sweet husband is “Just As I Am.” How many times in these over fifty years have we sung this beautiful hymn as the many have gone forward to receive Him. This invitation song has bid many to give their life just as it is. No cleaning up first with right living or dressing in our Sunday best but just as I am. The song has whooed many from their seat to give the Lord their sinful heart in exchange for a new, clean one. “Oh, Lamb of God, I come.” My eyes though dim at times go back in time to a young couple who gave their hearts to Jesus that Spring Sunday morning in 1970.  This voice I hear coming from the basement, a little older now, but is still joyfully determined to shout God’s glory. What a blessed woman I am.

At this time in my life, I have a difficult time staying still about my dear Lord. My fervent prayer is that all will see and accept him into the center of their hearts and homes. You will never regret it! Just As I Am Without One Plea, my heart rejoices with my love who sings in the basement.

 

 

Even when I am old and gray,

 do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
    your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Psalm 71:18

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