Happy New Year!

Writing this blog is a little like talking to myself.  Or maybe to an imaginary friend sitting across the table.  I'm never really sure who reads it.  Or how many people read it.  Or if anybody reads it!

When I started the blog on New Year's Eve four years ago, it was a vehicle for me to share what God is teaching me.  Through everyday life experiences.  Through what I read, whether in Scripture or elsewhere.  A place to sit and think, to reflect on life lessons.  Along the way, I've tried to share honestly from my heart and it has been my hope that in some small way, the words I write have been an encouragement to someone somewhere.

I've never paid a lot of attention to whether or not I have "followers", or to how many comments I have received.....not very many of either, as it turns out.  To those of you who from time to time have let me know that what I have written has encouraged you, thank you for encouraging me!

And so as we come to the end of another year, thanks for stopping by, and my very best wishes for a Happy New Year, a year of joy and peace and our Father's bountiful blessings!



Another year is dawning! Dear Father, let it be,

In working or in waiting, Another year with Thee;

Another year of leaning Upon Thy loving breast;

Another year of trusting, Of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of mercies,Of faithfulness and grace;

Another year of gladness In the shining of Thy face;

Another year of progress, Another year of praise;

Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of service, Of witness for Thy love;

Another year of training For holier work above.

Another year is dawning! Dear Father, let it be

On earth, or else in heaven, Another year for Thee.

 -Frances R. Havergal

Anticipation

Just a few short days ago we were all anticipating Christmas, busy with the hustle and bustle of last-minute shopping and decorating and with all the other preparations that were part of getting ready for Christmas.

In fact, on this day last week, I was anticipating the arrival of the Greensboro Feasters for their Christmas visit.  They returned home yesterday, and today I am anticipating the arrival of the Florida Feasters for their Christmas visit.

We spend a lot of time and energy anticipating Christmas.  A lot of energy - and a lot of money! - goes into getting ready for the "big event".  But how much thought are we giving to anticipating the next "Christmas"?

Jesus came to earth more than two thousand years ago as a tiny baby born in Bethlehem.  That was the first Christmas.....His first advent.  He grew to be a man, gave His life on a cross for the sin of all mankind,  was buried, rose from the dead, and is now ascended back to Heaven.  But there will be another "Christmas".....a second advent.  Jesus Christ will one day return to earth, not as a baby, but as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Are you anticipating that event?  Are you ready?

"looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus..."  (Titus 2:13 NASB)

The Day In Between

We're doing Christmas in shifts this year.  Since work schedules conspired against us all being together at the same time, the Greensboro Feasters came last week and left this morning, and the Florida Feasters will arrive tomorrow.  I love that Christmas goes on and on around here.....that I have an excuse (as if I actually needed one!) for leaving decorations up and listening to Christmas music.  I don't love that we didn't get to all be together for our Christmas celebration, and I'm still trying to figure out a way to make that happen, if only for a few hours.

Our celebration got off to an interesting start last week as the weather was deteriorating on the day the Greensboro Feasters arrived.  We actually had a little snow and a lot of wind the next day, and our power even was out for several hours on Friday night.  Of course AJ slept right through that! 

The Greensboro Feasters had pretty bad colds, so lots of tissues and Lysol were part of our festivities.  On Sunday morning, we didn't take our germs to church, but gathered around the computer and participated in our church's morning service via internet.  I'm really thankful for that on-line streaming of the church service!  Not quite the same as being there in person, but I loved having the opportunity to participate in the service while I was still in my jammies!!

On Christmas morning we were all surprised that AJ was the last to wake up!  For Christmas breakfast I tried a couple of ideas I found on Pinterest....a breakfast casserole in the crock pot that made way too much for the 5 of us, and I made cinnamon rolls (Pillsbury!!) in the shape of a Christmas tree.  Al fried a turkey for Christmas dinner using our new turkey fryer.....Merry Christmas to us!......and it was delicious!

Today there will be no after-Christmas shopping, except for a few groceries, since I don't need anything anyway, and besides it's just too cold!  I'm doing laundry and decluttering a little for the next round of Feasters coming tomorrow.  And I have an eye doctor appointment that was rescheduled from last Friday when it was snowing and I couldn't get down off this mountain.

The weatherman says we may get more snow today.  It sure feels cold enough!  Christopher has put in an order for some snow while he's here, so I hope there will be at least a little bit......but not until after they are all safely here.  Getting up and down our mountain road in snow can be a bit of a challenge.

Today as I'm going about my tasks, it's good to have a little bit of quiet time to reflect on Christmas.  On the reason we do all this in the first place.  On the joy of giving gifts to those we love.  And on the joy of receiving that greatest of all Gifts!  Jesus!  What could possibly be better than that!

"Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!"  (2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV)

The Annual Christmas Letter

It's that time of year again.....time for the annual Christmas letter.  Except that this year that letter never got written.  I did manage to get some Christmas cards in the mail, and a few even got a handwritten - although very brief - note.  I still have some Christmas gifts that need to be in the mail, so obviously those people will get gifts after Christmas.  Think of it as my way of prolonging the celebration!

I really love getting Christmas cards.  And those letters from family and friends that catch us up on what's been going on with them.  I really hate that I didn't get my letters done this year. But I just ran out of time (and energy, too, if I'm really honest!). So, since I didn't get that annual family letter written, here's the "blog version"!

We spent last Christmas in Columbia with Al's parents, and then traveled to Florida in February.  Al had meetings in West Palm and in Orlando, and in between we had a good visit with Brian, Emily and Christopher in the Tampa area. 

Christopher celebrated his fifth birthday this past year, and AJ turned six.  It's really hard to believe they are that old already!

We spent about half of our year back in Columbia with Al's parents.  We went down to stay with his mom while his dad had knee replacement and rehab.  We ended up being there much longer than anticipated after his mom's Alzheimer's diagnosis.  Living out of a suitcase, as well as dealing with Alzheimer's and other issues that are part of life with aging parents, made this a pretty stressful year for us.

We returned home in the fall and enjoyed the beauty of our favorite season in the mountains.  Thanksgiving was one of those "not normal" days that come when the nest is empty.......we ate Thanksgiving dinner at Cracker Barrel!  On the Monday after Thanksgiving, we boarded a plane and traveled to Israel.  That trip was definitely a highlight of our year!!  It was our second time to travel to Israel, and once again we had two amazing weeks as we walked where Jesus walked.

Our Christmas celebration got started this week when Brandon, Stephanie and AJ arrived.  Brian, Emily and Christopher will be here next week.  Winter arrived with a fury on Friday.....high winds, snow, and bitterly cold temperatures.....BRRR!!   

And so once again we come to the end of another year - a year that has been full of good times and God's blessings, in spite of the stressful circumstances we've experienced.  In this very special season we wish you every blessing as we celebrate the birth of Christ.  Merry CHRISTmas  and the happiest of new years!

There you have it.....a somewhat abbreviated version of the annual Christmas letter!  Wherever you are and however you plan to celebrate, that's my wish for you.....a very merry CHRISTmas and a healthy and happy new year!

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." - Charles Dickens

Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men

A week has passed since the horriffic shootings in Newtown, CT.  And yet it seems like much longer.  Throughout the week we've watched the grief of those most closely affected by this tragedy be played out over and over on television.  There have been endless conversations about guns and gun control and mental health.  There has been a lot of finger-pointing. 

Through it all, I find myself remembering these words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

"And in despair I bowed my head.

There is no peace on earth, I said.

For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men."

 

Those words are part of Longfellow's "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", written during the Civil War, a time of great misery and heavy hearts on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. Our country is deeply divided today, even as it was in the mid-1800s.  Our issues are different, but the division is still there and perhaps you, just as I do, sometimes wonder how or when or if we will ever come together. Longfellow's words may provide some encouragement to us in the 21st century just as they likely did to those in Longfellow's day.  Because in the 21st century, as in all centuries before, peace is not found in circumstances or in politicians or in legislation.  Peace is found in a Person.  In the Prince of Peace. And His name is Jesus. "For He Himself is our peace."  (Ephesians 2:14)

 

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

 

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play.

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

 

I thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along the unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

 

And in despair, I bowed my head.

There is no peace on earth, I said.

For hate is strong, and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

 

Yet pealed the bells more loud and deep:

God is not dead, nor doth He sleep.

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,

With peace on earth, good will to men.

 

Then ringing, singing on its way

The world revolved from night to day -

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

 

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Let Nothing You Dismay......Remember

"God rest ye merry, gentlemen. Let nothing you dismay.  Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day."  We don't sing that particular Christmas carol as much as some others, but if you have your radio or TV tuned to Christmas music all day, as I do, it's bound to come up!

There's a lot in the world right now that could cause us dismay.  Certainly the recent events in Newtown could do that.  And I'm not suggesting that we shouldn't feel dismayed over that kind of tragedy.  After all, the Bible tells us to "rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep."  But whether it's events in Newtown or in Washington or in Benghazi or even closer to home, we need to be careful that we don't let the dismay consume us.  That we choose not to let it lead us to depression or despair.

And the very next line of the song gives us a reason why........."remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day."  It's important that we do that.  Remember.

While this carol has a catchy tune, the language of this carol, written in the mid-18th century, is archaic.  We don't often say to friends or family, "God rest ye merry!".  But despite the archaic language, the message is timeless.  No matter our circumstances, there's no reason to be dismayed.  Certainly we will experience times of sadness in life, as well as times of great joy.  But through all of that, whatever comes our way, this truth remains:  Christ our Savior was born to save us from Satan's power!   Definitely "tidings of comfort and joy!"

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

 

God rest ye merry, gentlemen. Let nothing you dismay.

Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;

To save us all from Satan's pow'r when we were gone astray.

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;

O tidings of comfort and joy.
 

-traditional English carol



With the Jelly Host

Has anyone asked you lately to name your favorite Christmas carol?  When asked that question, I always have a hard time answering.  Probably because I can't pick just one favorite! 

One of my most favorite Christmas carols is "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing".  I have loved that carol for as long as I can remember.  Even as a small child this was a favorite carol.  Although back then I didn't get all the words exactly right.  I have been told that, as a very young child, I sang with great enthusiasm, "with the jelly host proclaim........"

Now, in my defense, as a 3-year old I probably didn't understand much about the angelic host.  And small children don't always correctly pronounce all the "big" words.  A few years ago one of my grandsons shared a Bible verse (Psalm 19:1) this way:  "The heavens declare the glory of God and the furniture sheweth His handiwork."

Somewhere along the way, I got the words right! And in all the years since, when asked to name my favorite carol, this one has always made the list. 

I love the music.  No surprise there, since Mendelssohn is one of my favorite composers.

But even more I love the words of the carol.  I love the clear presentation of Biblical doctrine in poetic text. And I love how Wesley has so masterfully summarized the very reason we have Christmas in just a few words......"God and sinners reconciled" and "born that man no more may die."  That's the reason Jesus came in the first place!  To make a way for sinful man to be reconciled to Holy God!  God and sinners reconciled - that's the real meaning of Christmas!

 

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

 

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King,

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled."
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies,

With angelic hosts proclaim "Christ is born in Bethlehem."

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."

 

Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord.

Late in time behold Him come, offspring of the virgin's womb.

Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity!

Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel.

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."

 

Hail the heav'n born Prince of Peace; Hail the Son of Righteousness.

Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings.

Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die,

Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King."

 

-Charles Wesley

 

Wonderful Name

I've lost count of how many Christmas musicals I have participated in over the years, whether as a singer, a pianist or organist, or as director.  Everything from Handel's Messiah to a children's musical called Three Wise Men and a Baby!  So I guess it comes as no surprise that music is a big part of my celebration during the Christmas season.  I love participating in and listening to big choral productions.  There's Christmas music playing pretty much non-stop throughout the day.  I often stop in the middle of the day's tasks to sit at the piano and play a few Christmas tunes, and I'm often singing, whether aloud or just in my head, a favorite Christmas song.

Today I woke up with a favorite song playing over and over in my head.  I first heard this song more than thirty years ago as part of a Christmas musical we were doing in our church.  I loved it then and I have loved it ever since.........Wonderful Name, Jesus!  That just sums it all up, doesn't it?

In the chaos of the world we live in.  In the midst of the unspeakable tragedy of murder of innocent children in Newtown.  With trillion dollar debt and budget deficits and fiscal cliffs.  In the middle of sickness and heartache and turmoil in daily life.  No matter what is going on in your world or mine, what a comfort to know that Jesus came.  That His is the Name above every name.  That we can call on that Name no matter what is going on in our lives! 

The challenge for all of us today is focus.  To turn our focus away from all the hustle and bustle, all the chaos and busyness of life in the modern world, and to turn our focus toward that baby in a manger in Bethlehem.  That baby who is no longer in a manger.  That baby who grew up.  Who died that we might live.  Who didn't stay dead!  Who was resurrected, and who has ascended to the Father.  Who will one day return for His own! 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."  (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)

We only have one week until Christmas Day.  Perhaps this is a good time to reexamine our Christmas traditions and exactly how we celebrate the birth of Christ.  Are we really celebrating Christ, or only giving lip service to that while we get caught up in elves or Santa or other "stuff"?  My prayer is that we might all focus our celebration on that Wonderful Name.....Jesus!  That we might truly celebrate the Christ of Christmas......and not only in December!

Wonderful Name

Mary was the first to hear it, name that came from heaven above;
Name that raises souls from darkness, this the only name worth singing of.

Wonderful name, Jesus! Wonderful name, Jesus!
Name angels sang the night all heaven rang; wonderful name, Jesus!

Heaven touched His name with glory, precious name of Jesus, our King;
In God’s Word is told the story, of this wondrous name the angels sing!

 

Wonderful name, Jesus!  Wonderful name, Jesus!

Name angels sang the night all heaven rang; wonderful name, Jesus!

 

-Roger Strader

 



Looking for Answers

Like most Americans, I am still shocked and saddened by the events that took place in Newtown, CT on Friday.  And I confess that I am also shocked and saddened by many of the responses to these events.

Responses like.....if police had acted differently, this whole thing would not have happened.  A response I find ludicrous, by the way.  And further, I don't think this is the time for finger-pointing.

Responses like......if we had more gun laws, this wouldn't have happened.  Or if all guns were illegal, this wouldn't have happened.  Tell me how that's working with illegal drugs.  As far as I know, that's still a problem in this country.  Or last time I checked, it's illegal to hijack an airplane and fly it into a building to murder thousands of people, but that didn't stop such a thing from happening.

I'm saddened by the way news media in this country exploit events like this for ratings or for some other even less noble reason.  I really think if I were a parent or grandparent who had just lost someone so precious to me, I would prefer to grieve without having a microphone or camera constantly in my face.

And I'm saddened, although not surprised, by the vitriol aimed at those, myself included, who believe that the far deeper issue here is not about guns or gun control, or about mental health, or about whether there is or isn't prayer in school.  This tragic event is at its very core, I believe, yet another indication of how much our culture has changed.

Millions, perhaps billions, of dollars are spent by Hollywood (and others) to produce movies, video games, music videos, and television shows which glorify violence, and then we are surprised when our society becomes more violent.

In the name of "tolerance" we accept as "normal" every kind of perversion, yet refuse to "tolerate" any mention of God in the public arena.  It's no longer "politically correct" to say Merry Christmas, or God Bless You, or to have nativity scenes at Christmas in the town square, or to sing "Christmas Carols" at school "holiday" programs.  Etc. Etc. Etc.

And if that isn't the case in your particular town or school, that's wonderful.  But more and more it is the norm in our culture.  And that makes me sad.

The America I grew up in was not perfect.  But it was a wonderful and safe place to grow up.  We didn't have school shootings.  We didn't need armed guards in our schools.  We didn't even lock the door!

There are many who say that I and others who think as I do are out of touch.  Old-fashioned.  Dangerous fanatics.  Delusional.  All sorts of labels are being thrown around these days.

Call me what you will.  Think of me what you will.  Un-friend me from your Facebook page.  Stop following on Twitter.  Whatever.  But if you disagree, please realize that I respect your right to have an opinion that differs from mine.  Perhaps you will grant me the same respect.

Life is full of consequences.  And full of principles that are unalterable.  Like sowing and reaping.  In a society that no longer has value for human life, as evidenced by the murder of millions of unborn babies each year, and as evidenced by the way we glorify violence and murder in our entertainment, why are we surprised when violence spills over into daily life? 

Today we grieve the loss of so many precious people in Connecticut.  We pray for that community and for the families who lost loved ones.  Today will you also join me in grieving the state of our nation?  And in praying not only for the people of Newtown, but for our great nation as well.

Open My Eyes

This morning, on the one-year anniversary of my right-eye cataract surgery, I had an appointment with Dr. Kath for some laser-zapping of that eye to clear up a little fogginess.  The left eye was zapped a few weeks ago and is happily back to 20-20.

My day got off to a rough start when, as I was driving into town, I was nearly hit head-on by a driver who seemed in much too big a hurry and who apparently had some vision problems of his/her own......since he/she seemed unable to see the double yellow lines (aka do not pass!) as he/she was zooming around the car in front of it - on a curve, I might add - with no apparent awareness that another car (mine!) was coming right toward it!!

Catastrophe was averted by mere inches.  So, as you can imagine, when they checked my blood pressure at the doctor's office, it was a bit elevated!

Once I could breathe normally again, I was thanking God for His protection and for good brakes!! 

After that, as I was thinking about getting my vision cleared up, my thoughts began to wander.  As I was on my way to get my physical vision cleared up, my mind went to songs about spiritual vision.

Songs like "Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus."

And "Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me."

And  "Open the eyes of my heart, Lord.  I want to see You."

My procedure went well this morning and I'm back at home.  I encountered no more crazed drivers on my way home.  My eyes are still dilated and my vision a bit blurry, but I'm looking forward to tomorrow when I'll be seeing clearly again.  And I'm still singing those same songs!

"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things from your law."  (Psalm 119:18)

Jet Lag

One of the down sides to international travel is that foggy state we know as "jet lag."  And since my return from two weeks in Israel, I am surrounded by that fog!

The trip over to Israel didn't give me any problems.  I slept some on the plane going over.  We arrived in Tel Aviv just before dinner time, so we freshened up a bit and had our dinner.  Then, due to being very tired and also to taking a couple of Tylenol PM, I slept very well our first night there and adjusted quite well to our new time zone.

Things haven't gone quite so smoothly on the return home!  When we arrived home late Friday night, after having been up for nearly 48 hours, I had a quick shower and slept soundly for about 12 hours.  Since then, however, I'm really out of sync!  I'm awake when I should be asleep, and I have trouble not sleeping when I should be awake!  Monday night was the closest to "normal" since I've been home.  I went to bed at pretty close to my usual bedtime, and only woke up once during the night.  Although I was awake earlier yesterday than is customary for me, I was hopeful that meant I was getting back to a regular routine.  Then last night I struggled - and I do mean struggled - to stay awake past 8 pm!!  Will this ever end??!!

And it isn't just the staying awake/going to sleep that's the problem.  There's the "fog".  The "I can't remember what I was doing". (Well, I have that sometimes under normal circumstances......but this is worse!!) There's thinking it's time for lunch when it's only 9 AM!  And other stuff like that.  If you've ever had surgery and can remember what it's like when you first come out of your anaesthesia-induced sleep, it's sort of like that.  I read somewhere that it takes a day for each time zone you cross, so if that's true then I should be back to normal by the end of the week!  (Whatever "normal" is!!!)

I know that this will get better as the week goes along.  I did manage to stay in bed this morning past 6.  I was awake, but I wouldn't let myself get up.  There's still lots to do around here to get back to normal......finishing the laundry, getting everything put away, finishing the Christmas decorating......so maybe if I stay busy all day, that will help.  I sure hope so!  I'm really ready for this to be over!!

But as much as I'm whining about the jet lag, it's so worth it to have had the experiences we had over the last couple of weeks!  Not fun, but worth it!

"In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."          (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Something To Look Forward To

A couple of Sundays ago, our Sunday Morning Life Group began a study of the Book of Hosea in the Old Testament.  This morning as I was reading in Hosea, a couple of verses jumped out at me.

In chapter 3 we read "the children of Israel shall dwell many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or pillar, without ephod or household goods.  Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the Lord their God......in the latter days." (Hosea 3:4-5 ESV).

Certainly it has been many "days", many hundreds of years since there was a king or a temple or priestly sacrifice in Israel.  But that's not what struck me about that verse.  It was the next sentence.  "Afterward".  "In the latter days".  "Seek the Lord their God."  That's what jumped out at me.

However, it's the next verse.....Hosea 3:6......that always grips at my heart every time I read it.  "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you......."  (Hosea 3:6 ESV).

That verse always makes me sad.  Sad for the people to whom it was originally written....the kingdom if Israel.  Sad because it could so easily have been written to the people of my own country, the United States of America.  Grieved in my heart because I live among a people who have rejected the knowledge of the Holy One, because we live in an era when every man does what is right in his own eyes.  In these really tough times, with trillion dollar deficits and fiscal cliffs and all sorts of other problems, everybody thinks they have the answer.  But more often than not, those "answers" are self-serving, focused more on reelection or on making more money or satisfying a political constituency than on what is right.  Because as a nation, we have rejected knowledge.

Thinking about that can be really depressing.  But there is hope!  There is something to look forward to!  There is coming a day when "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters that cover the sea."  (Isaiah 11:9b ESV).

That's definitely something to look forward to!  But what do we do until then?
 
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people; training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age; waiting 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 lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.  Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority.  Let no one disregard you."  (Titus 2:11-13 ESV, emphasis mine)

First Reflections

Since we returned from Israel a few days ago, many people have asked things like "what was your favorite part of the trip?" or "what impressed you most?" or other similar questions.  And, quite frankly, I'm having a hard time answering those questions.  Not because it wasn't a wonderful, absolutely glorious experience.  It was!  And I think that's the issue.  Because it was an amazing, glorious, awesome experience, it's difficult to give a quick, spur-of-the-moment answer to questions like that.

So, today, as I'm beginning to (slowly) find my way out of the fog of jeg-lag, I'll share a few reflections about the trip.  There will be much more to come, I'm sure, as I continue to reflect on the experience of walking where Jesus walked.  But for today, just a few thoughts.

First, for those of you who were so very concerned about my safety, I did not hear a single gunshot or missle being fired!  I was not bombed!  I felt quite safe actually.  Probably safer than I feel many places in this country, to be quite honest. 

Israel is a beautiful country with beautiful people and delicious food!!  I ate SO much good food while I was there......including cheesecake for breakfast!!  YUM!!  Don't you love a country that serves cheesecake for breakfast!!  And in spite of that, I lost about 15 pounds.  Probably due to walking in excess of 50 miles while we were there.

If I had to point to one single day that was my absolute favorite, it would be our last full day in Jerusalem.  On that day, we walked the passion of our Lord Christ.......from the Garden of Gethsemane, where we had devotions and time for personal prayer and reflection......to the place where Peter denied Christ........walking the present-day Via Dolorosa......pausing for lunch in the Old City.......and then ending our day at the Garden Tomb, culminating that experience with communion in the Garden.  I have no words to adequately describe that day.  Along the way we sang verses of "Were You There?".  Singing "were you there when He rose up from the grave?" there at the Garden Tomb was definitely a high point of the entire trip.

Today as I'm trying to get back into normal routines, to finish unpacking, to catch up laundry, my heart overflows  with gratitude for these two amazing weeks in Israel.  And as the "fog" lifts, I'll have much more to share :)

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."  (Psalm 103:1-2 ESV)

Friday, Black Friday

This is that crazy day when Americans seem to forget everything they thought or said yesterday about gratitude, and instead take delight in pushing and shoving their way through malls and shops in order to save a few dollars.  The older I get, the less I enjoy shopping in crowded stores.  Shopping, yes.  Crowds, not so much.  I prefer to leisurely work my way through the mall.  So on this Black Friday, you will find me nowhere near a mall or a store!  I might do some on-line shopping later, but I fully intend to stay right here at home for the entire day!

My day is pretty full anyway.  I'm busy with final preparations for our long-anticipated trip to Israel.  It's a day full of final loads of laundry.  Making my lists and checking them twice....or three times!  Final house cleaning before being away for a couple of weeks.

On this Friday morning as I'm thinking about walking where Jesus walked, my thoughts have turned to another Friday some two thousand years ago. And as I reflect on that particular Friday, I'm remembering an Easter musical from years past entitled "Then Came Sunday" which chronicled the week between what we now know as Palm Sunday and Easter.  From Hosanna to He Is Risen.  On this Friday morning, I can almost hear the narrator speak the lines "Friday.  Dark Friday."  Truly that was a "black Friday".

"And when they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.........And it was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, the sun being obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two.......And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into Thy hands I commit my spirit,' and having said this, He breathed His last."  (Luke 23:33,44-46 NASB)

The good news is......that isn't the end of the story!  Then came Sunday!

"But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, bringing spices which they had prepared.  And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus."  (Luke 23:1-3 NASB)

As I look forward to being in Israel again in just a few days, one of the places I'm excited to visit again is the Garden Tomb, the site many Christians believe is the place where Jesus was buried following His crucifixion. 

There are also those who believe He was buried at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.  While we cannot know with absolute certainty, in my mind it really doesn't matter.  In either case, the tomb is empty!  And that is reason for Thanksgiving!!

Still Giving Thanks

Still giving thanks.  Still grateful.  That's me!  On this day before Thanksgiving, I'm still counting my blessings.  Will I ever be done?  Nope!!

Today I'm thankful for.......

• a good report at my eye check-up this morning.  After last week's laser zapping, my left eye is back to 20-20!
• not getting on an airplane today.  As I watch the news reports today of holiday travelers waiting in line at busy airports around the country, I have flashbacks of many holiday eves spent at airports waiting in line and I'm glad not to be doing that today.
• my free turkey!  Having earned enough "turkey points" from my grocery store just for buying the groceries I would have bought anyway, I got my free turkey today.  Since I'm not cooking Thanksgiving Dinner, Mr. Turkey is in the freezer waiting for Christmas.
• phone calls from my grandsons.  I talked to AJ on Monday and to Christopher on Tuesday.  There just aren't words to describe my joy and delight when I answer the phone and hear "Hey Nana!".

This is, of course, only a partial list.  My fingers would probably be very tired if I typed until I had exhausted the list of things to be thankful for!

It's a beautiful day.  And I'm thankful.  I have plenty of coffee.  And I'm thankful.  My sweet husband got the groceries out of the car (a task I hate!).  And I'm thankful.  And on and on the list goes.

At this moment, our trip to Israel is still on.  And I'm thankful. And, no, I'm not afraid!  I think I have mentioned this before :)  If the trip gets postponed, I'll still be thankful.  Disappointed, certainly.  But still thankful.

Thankful.  Overflowing with gratitude for my wonderful life.  That's me!

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB)

Grateful

I can hardly believe it's just two days to Thanksgiving!  Where has the year gone?  Over on Facebook many people are participating in 30 days of Thanksgiving.  While I have not been a participant in that activity, I have enjoyed reading the posts and seeing the variety of things people are giving thanks for.  There are the expected posts.....thankful for family, friends, health.  There have been some more unusual ones as well.....thankful for high heels, for example.

I enjoy reading the posts.  I like that people are taking time to articulate the things they are thankful for.  But I'm wondering, as I always do when this activity comes around, why we need a Facebook challenge to remind us to be thankful.

I read a couple of unrelated articles recently that perhaps give some insight.  One article was about how ungrateful we Americans are, how prone we are to complain about everything.  The other was about how much less "religious" Americans are becoming.  I'm wondering if there might be a correlation between the two.  As we are less and less people of faith, less and less making even minimal connection between the God of the Bible and our everyday lives, does it automatically follow that we are therefore more and more ungrateful?  Something to think about.

As I am writing this post, there are reports of rockets being fired toward Jerusalem.  I am grateful that I am not hearing air raid sirens as I sit here in the comfort of my home.

Earlier today I saw reports about the continuing aftermath of Superstorm Sandy in the Northeast.  I am grateful that I have a warm home, plenty of food, electricity and water.

I am grateful for my church.  For a pastor who proclaims the truth of God's Word without apology.  For the fellowship of Christian brothers and sisters who so warmly welcomed us into the "family".

I am grateful for my family.  For the best husband ever!  For two wonderful sons, and the "daughters" I now call my own, and for two precious grandchildren.  I am grateful for my heritage of godly parents and godly grandparents.  For my brother and "sister", my nieces and their families, my cousins......this wonderful group of people that I am blessed to call family.

I am grateful for good friends.  For new friends and for those who have been part of my life for many, many years.  And for my sweet Molly, my little furry friend.

I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves me, who has called me to Himself through the person and work of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for His written Word.  I am grateful to live in a country where I have access to multiple copies and multiple translations of that Word, and to multiple teachers and preachers of that Word to help me grow in my faith, to help me know my God, His works and His ways.

I could go on and on.  I am grateful for so many things......for beautiful sunsets, for coffee, for chocolate, for ice cream, for good books, for fresh air, for good health.  I am grateful for those of you who actually read what I write and offer your comments and encouragement.

So, at this season of Thanksgiving, and throughout the year, I'm giving thanks to my Father for blessing me so abundantly.  Truly my heart overflows with gratitude!

"Praise the LORD!  Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting."  (Psalm 106:1 NASB)

"Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."  (James 1:17 NASB)

Not Afraid

I wish I could count how many times I was asked the same question yesterday.  The question was "aren't you afraid?" and my answer was always the same.  No, I'm not afraid.

The questioners were referring to our planned trip to Israel.  We're scheduled to leave next Monday.  As of this writing, the trip is still on.  Of course, as situations  warrant, that plan could change.  But right now, we're still planning to go and I'm really excited about the trip.

I can understand the skepticism and the nervousness about going into a country where bombs are going off on a regular basis.  But I'm being completely honest when I say I'm not afraid. 

Now, before you get an entirely wrong impression and think I'm some kind of wonder woman who has no fears, let me correct that assumption.  There are, in fact, a number of things I'm afraid of.  Like bears on the front porch.  And coyotes.  And snakes.

And there are lots of things that cause me at least some degree of anxiety.  Like dental procedures.  And anything that involves an IV.

But I really am remarkably calm about this trip.  For one thing, bombs going off in Israel is not a new thing.  Residents of southern Israel and of the Gaza strip have been dealing with this on a regular basis for quite some time.  Certainly events have escalated in the last week.  But it really isn't anything new. 

If we don't make the trip I'll be terribly disappointed.  Yes, I've been there before but I very much want to go again.  That decision is out of my hands and will be made by my pastor, the tour company, and the people they are working with in Israel.  Whatever happens, I trust them to make the right decision.

Last week as events began to escalate and the reality that we might not make the trip began to sink in, I was reading in the Psalms.  My reading plan for the day took me to Psalm 46.  I've been holding on to that Psalm in the days since, praying the words of that Psalm as I await a decision.  These are the words that are bringing me comfort and calm.  Perhaps they will do the same for you in whatever situation might be causing you anxiety today.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.......
Come, behold the works of the LORD.......He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth.......
Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."  (Psalm 46:1-2, 8a, 9a, 10 NASB)

Partly Cloudy

I had an appointment with my eye surgeon this morning, the same surgeon who had removed my cataracts and implanted new lenses for me about a year ago.  Lately my vision was becoming a little cloudy, which is apparently common with the type of lenses I had implanted.  The back wall of the "capsule" where the lens goes gets a little thick, almost like scar tissue, and needs some laser "zapping" to clear it up.  So this morning, the left eye was zapped, and in a few weeks I'll go back and get the right eye taken care of.  I'm told my vision will be a little fuzzy today - and it is - but I'm promised that it will be clear in a day or two.

This cloudy vision with the promise that I'll soon see clearly has me thinking about the words of the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians.  There's a similar promise there.....now we can only see dimly but one day we'll see clearly.  That's a promise I'm holding on to! 

"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.  Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." 
(1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV)

But I Don't Have Time

Yesterday's post focused on the possibility that we might be taking a half-hearted approach in our relationship with the Lord. That we might not really be giving Him very much of our time.

You see, I believe that any relationship requires time. Whether with your spouse, or with your children, or with your friends, or with the Lord, for a relationship to be all that it can be requires time. In our Christian circles, we often refer to that time with the Lord as our "quiet time".

I can hear your protests already. Susan, you just don't understand what my life is like. You don't know how busy I am. You don't know what it's like to have a child and work and get the groceries bought and get to soccer practice and......

But, wait! Yes, I do! Certainly at this season of my life, I am not a working mother of young children. I no longer have to juggle work schedules and school schedules and music lessons and ball practice and choir practice and.......

But once upon a time, back in the olden days, I was a young mother. A young working mother. And before you get your knickers in a twist, it is my firm belief that all mothers are working mothers. Parenting is a tough job. So let me clarify. Once upon a time, I was a young mother with two little boys and a husband who also had a job of her own outside the home.

I vividly remember what it was like to get us all up and fed and dressed and out the door well before 7 in the morning, so that I could drop the boys off at before-school-care and make the commute to my job and then make the commute back in the afternoon, already weary, so that we could go to soccer practice or a soccer game and a violin lesson, hopefully have a decent dinner, get homework, baths and bedtime taken care of, so we could get up the next morning and do it all again. And somewhere in the middle of all that, there was laundry and grocery shopping and being sure the dog was taken care of and house cleaning. Oh, and maybe, just maybe, there would be time to actually sit down and read a book or watch a TV show or have an actual conversation with my husband or even just catch my breath.

But in the middle of all that I had to find time to be alone with God. Without that, I would not have made it through. Did I have huge blocks of time back then for Bible study? No......so I took it where I could find it, in small blocks of time. Did I have to get up earlier than I might have wanted to so that I could have a few uninterrupted minutes with the Lord? Yes. Was it hard? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes.

I've never been one of those people who think that your time alone with the Lord must be "x" amount of minutes every day at the exact same time. I'm not one who believes that your time with God must always occur at a certain time of day that has been predetermined by somebody somewhere who made a decision that 4:30 AM (or some other arbitrary time) is somehow the holiest part of the day and that God is only available during that time. Nor am I sold on the idea that there is some rigid "this is the only proper way to have a quiet time" schedule of how your time with God is to be spent. However that works out is, I believe, between you and God. But I am one of those people who believes that time alone with God is an abolute necessity for the health of your relationship with the Lord.

I can say that because I know how my life has been affected in those seasons where I neglected my time with the Lord. How all my other relationships suffered because I neglected the one that mattered most.

My friend Melanie has some excellent posts on this topic over at her blog. http://pleasuresforevermoreps1611.blogspot.com. Check it out....you'll be glad you did!

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2 NIV).

Cobwebs and Dust Bunnies

Some days I am very energetic when it comes to household tasks.  Like dusting, for example.  I get my dust cloth and furniture polish, all the necessary tools for thorough cleaning, and I go after those dust bunnies and cobwebs with a vengeance!

Some days......not so much!  I always want things to be clean.  I just don't want to spend my energy to make it happen.  And so, on those days, I make a half-hearted effort - a "lick and a promise", as folks used to say - and I end up with a half-way result.  A half-clean house.

It occurs to me that many of us often take that same half-way approach in our relationship with the Lord.

We think that an hour - maybe two - on a Sunday morning is enough for God, and that the rest of the week belongs to us to do with as we please.  We don't believe that we need those mid-week services or those small group studies.  Those are for the fanatics or for people who really need some extra help.

We think that a quick devotional paragraph or two - if we have time - is adequate.  We are not willing to dig any deeper, to actually make an effort to study the Bible or to memorize Scripture ("Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." - Psalm 119:11) or to actually apply it.  That's for the fanatics and the super saints.  Not for ordinary people.

And what about sin?  We all have sin in our lives that needs dealing with.  Gasp!  Yes, we do.  This means you!  And me!  And dealing with it is more than just a quick "forgive my sins" and then going on about your business.  That's the half-hearted approach.  Dealing with sin requires confession.  Being specific.  Confession means calling it what it is. Confession means agreeing with God about what is sin.  And then "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9).

When it comes to sin, it's His opinion that matters.  Not yours.  Or mine.  Or your sister's.  Or the neighbors.  Or the celebrity on TV.  And knowing His opinion would require actually spending time with Him.  In Bible reading.  In Bible study.  In prayer.

Something to think about.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way."  (Psalm 139:23 NASB)

Yellow Kitchens and Other Random Memories

I read a blog post last week in which the writer referred to her yellow kitchen.  Sorry, but I don't remember where I came across it so I can't give credit.  That blog post triggered a trip down memory lane.  You see, in our very first house, long years ago, our kitchen was yellow.  A sunny yellow.  I don't remember why I chose that color back then, but I'm glad I did.  It was a cheerful room and I loved it!  And, of all the kitchens we have ever had, it was one of my favorites, probably because it was sunny and bright, but also because it had LOTS of cabinets!

Here in our log home, our walls are sort of yellow as well.  The actual color is "Hepplewhite Ivory" or something like that.  In actuality, these walls look a lot more yellow than ivory.  (In much the same way that the walls in the office downstairs look a lot less "Queen Anne Beige" and a lot more pink!)  This is a much softer yellow than that kitchen was long years ago.  But I love the color just as much.  It's a warm, happy color.  An optimistic color.  It makes me smile.

Thinking about this kitchen and our first kitchen, and all the kitchens in between, has me thinking about all the places we have lived.  All the houses and apartments that became "home".  All the friends we have made along the way.

All that moving around required some adjustments here and there.  Adjusting to different climates.  To different accents and speech patterns.  To knowing whether a Coke was really Coke or pop or soda.  To knowing whether to call a shopping cart a cart or a buggy or a trolly or a wagon.

Life has turned out differently than I once envisioned it.  But it has been a wonderful adventure!  And I'm so very grateful.......for all the stops we've made along our journey.  For all the places we have lived.  For all the people we have met along the way.  For friendships.  And for yellow kitchens.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits."  (Psalm 103:1-2 NASB)

Bond, James Bond

One of the things I learned about my husband pretty early on is that he is a fan of the Bond movies.  And so, I became a fan as well.  From the earliest days of our relationship, every time there was a new Bond movie, we scraped some money together and headed to theater to see it.  (Back in the day, we didn't have Netflix and DVD players.....gasp!!).

Unless you've been living under a rock, you have probably heard that this month marks the 50th anniversary of the Bond movies and that a new Bond movie has been released.  So, on Saturday we headed to the movie theater to see "Skyfall".  This post is not a movie review, but I will say that I really enjoyed it, and in fact, I think it's one of my favorites.

As we were heading home on Saturday afternoon, we were discussing a scene in the movie where "M" expresses her opinion about the current state of the world and the challenges facing those tasked with maintaining national security.  Among other things, "M" says that it is harder now to determine who the enemy is than it used to be.  In World War II,  for example, it was obvious which countries were fighting against each other.  But these days, it isn't that clear.  No longer is one country fighting against another country; now the enemies are ideologies and individuals bent on terrorizing.  Rather than being clear, the situation in the world is actually more opaque, and the battles are now fought and won in the shadows.

What "M" has given us here is more than just a scene in a move, but we have here what I believe is a realistic assessment of the world in which we live and the challenges we face as a nation. 

But beyond that, I believe "M" has given us a metaphor for the Christian life.  It is not always easy for us to recognize the enemy.  Certainly we know who the enemy is, but he is not always easily recognized:

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."  (Ephesians 6:12 NASB).

"And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light."  (2 Corinthians 11:14 NASB)

As we are engaged in this spiritual warfare, we do so in the confidence that, ultimately, the war is already won.  It was won at the cross.  But as long as we are in this world, we must deal with this spiritual warfare in the battles of daily living.  And it is at this point that we fight and win the battle "in the shadows", on our knees in prayer.

"With all prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints."  (Ephesians 6:18 NASB).

I enjoyed that Bond movie on Saturday.  It was great entertainment.  But it was more than that.  It was also thought-provoking.  Whether or not you see the movie, I hope you'll give this metaphor some thought, and I further hope that we all will put our armor on (see Ephesians 6), fight in the shadows, and resist the enemy.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.  Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  But resist him, firm in your faith."  (1 Peter 5:6-9a NASB).

My Hope

I began the week with a sense of optimism.  With a sense of hope that things might be changing for the better in the country.  With a hope for a brighter future for my sons and my grandsons.

In the middle of the week that hope took a real hit when I realized that not much had changed at all.  That perhaps the only thing that had changed was that as a nation we are more divided than ever.

As I have reflected on the election and its results, a sense of optimism has returned.  You may wonder why, since nothing has really changed.  And perhaps that is the real reason.....because nothing has really changed.

Because today and tomorrow and the day after that, just as in all the days before, my hope is not in government or politicians.  My hope is "built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness."  My hope is not in elephants or donkeys.  My hope is in the Lamb.  The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  The Lion of the tribe of Judah.  My hope is in the Lord.

MY HOPE IS IN THE LORD

My hope is in the Lord Who gave Himself for me,
And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary.

No merit of my own His anger to suppress,
My only hope is found in Jesus' righteousness.

Refrain
For me He died, For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

And now for me He stands Before the Father's throne,
He shows His wounded hands, and names me as His own.

His grace has planned it all, 'Tis mine but to believe,
And recognize His work of love and Christ receive.

(Text and Music by Norman J. Clayton)

What Do We Do Now?

The election is over.  And if the results reveal nothing else, they reveal a country that is deeply divided.  Looking at the red and blue map, the colors are split pretty evenly.  Half of the electorate is therefore happy with the results, and the other half is disappointed, perhaps discouraged.

Not much has changed as a result of the election.  The country still faces the same problems we faced prior to Tuesday.  Folks in the northeast who have not yet recovered from Sandy are probably thinking our problems have gotten worse now that they are dealing with another storm and many of them are still without electricity and water.  And as we face these same problems, the people who are tasked with dealing with and finding solutions for these problems are, for the most part, the same people who were tasked with that for the last several years.  Will these people suddenly have a meeting of the minds, put aside partisan rancor, and be willing to make tough choices to solve our problems?  The cynical side of me says "probably not."  After all, there's not much in their track record that says that will happen.  The hopeful side of me is trying to remain....well, hopeful.  Only time will tell.  We just have to wait and see, I guess.

In the meantime, what do we do now?  How do we deal with our disappointment and discouragement?

And, let's be honest here.  Disappointment and discouragement are part of life for many more reasons than just election results.  Certainly Tuesday's results have led to discouragement for many.  But what about those storm victims in the Northeast?  Are they not discouraged? 

There are many, many things in life that lead to disappointment and discouragement.  Too many to list here.  Health concerns.  Financial struggles.  Job loss.  Bereavement.  Relationships.  And the list goes on.

How do we handle it?  Where do we turn?  What do we do now?

Here's what I did yesterday.  And what I have done many times in the past when facing tough times and disappointments.  I turned to the Lord and His Word.  The old gospel song perhaps puts it best......."where could I go but to the Lord?" 

Here are a few of the passages that have brought me comfort.  I pray they do the same for you.

"Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired.  His understanding is inscrutable.  He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.  Though youths grow weary and tired and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." (Isaiah 40:28-31 NASB)

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses; we trust in the name of the LORD, our God."  (Psalm 20:7)

"Look among the nations!  Observe! Be astonished!  Wonder!  Because I am doing something in your days - you would not believe if you were told."  (Habakkuk 1:5 NASB)

"For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail.  Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay........For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:3,14 NASB)

"But the LORD is in His holy temple.  Let all the earth be silent before Him."  (Habakkuk 2:20 NASB)

"LORD, I have heard the report about Thee and I stand in awe.  O LORD, revive Thy work in the midst of years, in the midst of years make it known.  In wrath remember mercy." (Habakkuk 3:1 NASB)

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.  The Lord GOD is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet and makes me walk on my high places." (Habakkuk 3:17-19 NASB, emphasis mine.)

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39 NASB)

"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Wait for the LORD; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD."  (Psalm 27:13-14 NASB)

Not at Home

Do you ever feel like you just don't fit in?  Like you just don't belong?  Maybe you have memories from childhood of always being being picked last - or of never being picked.  Of being the one nobody wanted on their team.  Maybe you have memories from those awkward adolescent years where you felt you just didn't fit in. 

Some years ago my husband and I traveled to Tokyo.  I really felt out of place there!  I didn't understand the language at all.  And I definitely stood out in the crowd.  Most Japanese are short - which I am, and thin - which I am not.  Add to that my blonde hair and blue eyes, and you can understand why I felt like I stood out in a crowd!  I didn't feel like I fit in there.

I'm having much the same feeling this morning, post-election.  As I look at the election results, I really feel like I don't fit in....that I'm a stranger in my own country.  I'm not talking so much about Republican vs. Democrat.  I'm talking about not recognizing my country any more. 

The first presidential election I remember was in 1960, Kennedy vs. Nixon.  And I vividly remember President Kennedy's inaugural speech......."Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."

We've come a long way since then, haven't we?  As a people we are no longer interested in what we can do for our country but instead are apparently only interested in what our country is going to do for us.  When I see people making decisions based on free cell phones and free birth control, I hardly know what to think.  I'm saddened to see people more interested in stuff than in substance.  I'm baffled that people seem to be more interested in what a celebrity is wearing or who that celebrity is dating than in the serious issues we face as a nation.  I'm confused by a nation that is willing to pay athletes millions of dollars to play games, but is not willing to adequately compensate teachers and the men and women of our armed forces. 

As I said yesterday, God is God and I am not.  I firmly believe this.  I have staked my eternity on this truth.  I know that God has a plan and purpose for all things.  I know that He is in control.  Even so, I find myself confused and disappointed by many things I see going on around me.  And more and more, day by day, I feel as though I just don't fit in.  I don't feel at home in my own country any more.

And so I look forward to the future.....to my ultimate home where I will be at home forever.........for Jesus said "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."  (Matthew 14:1-3 NASB)

I don't feel at home in my own country any more.  I don't feel like I fit in.  And while my earthly citizenship is in the United States of America, and I love my country, my ultimate citizenship is in heaven.  The Apostle Paul wrote about this in his letter to the Ephesians:  "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and are of God's household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit."  (Ephesians 2:19-22 NASB).

So, the bottom line is this:  there are many things about which I can say I am disappointed this morning, but I have much more reason to rejoice.  God is in control.  He has a place prepared for me.  And I'm not home yet.

"This world is not my home, I'm just passing through.

My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.

The angels beckon me from heaven's open door

And I can't feel at home in this world any more."

 

(Alfred Brumley)

And We're Not!

As you looked at that title, you may have wondered what in the world this post is about.  So let me enlighten you.  Around here a recurring phrase lately has been "God is God, and we are not."

I had a rather lengthy to-do list for today, which included a trip to town.  But it's snowing, so my trip to town is cancelled and my agenda for the day is now adjusted.  Snow was not part of my plan for the day.  But God is in charge of the weather, and I am not.  God is God, and I am not.

Over the years we have had a problem with our water supply.  From time to time our spring has dried up and we have been left without water.  About a year ago, we thought the problem had been solved.  The solution involved a back-up well from which water is pumped into our reservoir as needed.  A recent electric bill was was more than $300 instead of the usual $10, which revealed a problem with this system and that some repairs were needed.  So, until repairs are completed, every time we get in the shower or use the washing machine or dishwasher, there's that nagging little thought in the back of our minds.......is this the day we run out of water?  Once again, this is something over which we have no control.  It's another area where we just have to trust God to supply our need.  That's what He has promised to do.  And He is God, and we are not.

Today is election day in our country.  Fortunately, since it's snowing and getting down off this mountain is therefore a rather tricky proposition, we voted early.  Like many Americans, I am weary of political rhetoric and endless political commercials.  Like most Americans, I have a preferred candidate for President, as well as for other state and local offices.   I am grateful for the privilege of voting.  I am saddened that so many of our citizens don't vote.  Like many Americans, I am praying for my country and for this election. And no matter the outcome of this election, the fact remains that God is a sovereign God.  That He is in control.  That He is God and I am not.

And in every circumstance, that brings me great comfort.


"The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows on it whomever He wishes."  (Daniel 4:25 NASB)

"For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation, and all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, 'What has Thou done?' " .  (Daniel 4:34-35 NASB)

Remembering My Mother

Sometimes it's hard to realize how quickly time passes.  Has it really been 12 years since my precious mother left this world behind?  As I look at the calendar, I realize it's true.

I still miss my mother terribly.  I've grown accustomed to her absence.  I don't like it, but I've grown accustomed to it.  Hardly a day has gone by in these twelve years that I haven't thought of her.  At first, always with great sadness.......not for her, but for me.  After all, she has gone to a much better place!  But she left behind a great void.

Over the years, however, the sorrow with which I always marked this day has evolved a bit.  Even though I still miss her greatly, my memories are not so much grieving the loss as celebrating the woman she was.  Celebrating the life she lived.  Celebrating her character.  Celebrating because I was blessed to be her daughter!

I loved my mother.  I respected her.  I admired her.  And especially on this anniversary of her passing, I miss her.

I miss the twinkle in her eye.  I miss laughing with her.  And shopping with her.  Pushing her through the mall in her wheelchair in the years after strokes began to take their toll.  I miss chatting on the phone.  I miss her macaroni and cheese (none better, ever!).....her potato salad.....her fruit cake cookies.  And her coconut cake and divinity at Christmas.

I admired her discipline and her dedication.  Every Saturday afternoon, without fail, she was at the church getting her classroom ready for the 6 year olds who would come to Sunday School the next day.  Then she would come home and bake a cake so we had dessert with our Sunday dinner.  Often she got up extra early on Sunday morning to fry the chicken before church so we didn't have to wait for our dinner when we got home from church.  And every Sunday morning she made sure we were fed, dressed, and out the door in time for her to be the first to arrive in her classroom, ready to greet the first child who arrived. She always had supper on the table when Daddy walked in the back door from work.  He never had to wait! The house was always clean.  The food was always ready on time.  I wish I could say the same of myself!!

One of the things I most remember about my mother was her love for her Savior.  And her love for God's Word.  Even in the later years of her life as her health was seriously declining, her Bible was always next to her on the bed.  She read it faithfully every day.  One of my treasured possessions is a set of index cards with Scripture verses - the verses she had memorized - written in her own hand, well-worn from use.

On this day that marks the anniversary of her passing, a particular passage of Scripture comes to mind that reminds me so very much of my mother.
"An excellent wife, who can find?  For her worth is far above jewels.  The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain........She rises while it is still night and gives food to her household.....She extends her hand to the poor and stretches out her hand to the needy......Strength and dignity are her clothing and she smiles at the future.  She opens her mouth in wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.  She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also and her praises her."  (Proverbs 31).

Twelve years have passed since I watched my mother take her last breaths in this life.  And I miss her still more than words can say.

Today I remember the events of that day......October 30, 2000. But even more, I remember all the years prior to that day.  I remember her life more than I remember her death.  I am so grateful that God gave me this wonderful woman as my mother.  I am grateful for the godly example she set.  And I want to be just like her!

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised."  (Proverbs 31:30 NASB)

A Lesson from a Football Player

One of my favorite things to do on a Saturday is to turn on the TV and watch some Gamecock football.  I have been a fan of University of South Carolina football since I was a little girl.  So, this past Saturday afternoon I was enjoying a good game between the Gamecocks and the University of Tennessee Volunteers.  At least until late in the second quarter, when Marcus Lattimore sustained a very serious injury. 

I don't know Marcus personally.  But people who do know him all speak very highly of him.  Marcus is well respected, not only for his talent on the football field, but even more for who he is off the field.  By all accounts, Marcus is an extremely talented athlete, but is also a very humble young man, a young man of integrity and great faith.  A young man who walks his talk......who lives out the Christianity he professes.

Marcus was recently elected a captain of the football team.  As captain, he spoke to the team prior to the game with Tennessee.  After a couple of tough weeks for the Gamecocks, he gave them some encouragement.  What he said to them is a good lesson for us all.  He said - and I'm paraphrasing - play every play as if it were the last one you'll ever play.

That's good advice. Certainly it's good advice if you're a football player.  But football is just a game.  That's hard to remember sometimes, isn't it?  Especially when week after week we see grown men being paid millions of dollars to play this game!  But football is just a game.  Life is for real.  And Marcus has given us good advice for life!

Yesterday the text for our Pastor's message was James 4:13-17 as we continued our journey through the Book of James.  James 4:14 begins this way......"yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow."

Certainly that was true for Marcus on Saturday.  I'm sure he didn't get up on Saturday expecting a season-ending injury on Saturday afternoon. 

But it's true for all of us, isn't it?  We don't know what life will be like tomorrow or the next day......or even later this day.  So we need to "play every play as if it were our last."  We need to live life in a way that matters.  We need not to put off what's important.  We need to be "all in".  We need to make our life count!  We need to give our best effort in everything we do!

What happened to Marcus on Saturday reinforces that lesson.  Football is just a game.  But life is real.  And we don't get a do-over.  So make it count.  That's the lesson from a very special young man on Saturday.

Best wishes, Marcus, for a speedy recovery!  And Happy 21st Birthday!

 

 

Only one life
So soon it will pass
Only what's done for Christ will last.......
So give to Jesus all your days
It's the only life that pays
When you recall
You have but one life.

 

(author unknown)

 





Seasons Change, But....

In just a few days, according to the calendar, we'll experience a change of seasons and move into fall.  However, as I look around on my mountaintop, I think the change of season has already occurred!  There are acorns and hickory nuts all over my carport and driveway.  Leaves are beginning to change colors.  Some trees have already dropped some of their leaves.  And the air has a definite crispness to it that is not at all summer-like!

When we lived in Florida I really missed this change of seasons.  Things change there from season to season, but the changes are much more subtle than they are here in the mountains.  One of my favorite things about living here has always been watching the seasons change. The stark black and white and gray (sometimes too much white!!) of winter gives way to the unpredictability of spring.....warm weather and flowers one day, then snow and blustery wind the next.  Summer follows with all kinds of flowers, all the shades of green that the variety of foliage here produces.  Warm, sometimes even hot, weather.  Bright sunshine.  And then autumn comes round again.  Different colors.  Crisp air.  And so the cycle continues.

Life goes on.  Here in my part of the world, animals are busy gathering nuts for winter.  Farmers are harvesting their hay.  Wood is being cut and split to provide heat during the cold winter months.  All this happens just as it does at this time every year.

But there are a lot of changes in our world as well.  We're in an election "season".  There is chaos in the Middle East.  Newscasters are talking about Arab Spring giving way to Arab Winter.  So, while much in our world remains the same and goes on as it has for years, much in our world is changing.

In spite of that, the unchanging truth is this:  "I, the LORD, do not change." (Malachi 3:8)

Seasons come and seasons go.  "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven."  (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Even as we experience change of seasons, and even as we experience change and chaos in our world,  this truth remains.  Seasons change, but God does not.


"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  (Hebrews 13:8 NASB)

Lessons from a Bear

On Tuesday afternoon when I was cutting Al's hair, my peripheral vision caught movement out the window.  When I turned to look, I saw something black go past the window across the carport.  My first thoughts were something like "why is a black garbage bag blowing across the carport; where did it come from; the wind isn't even blowing." 

Since Al's car was blocking further view of this black object, I had no real idea what I had seen until the "object" turned around and I saw a brown nose coming from behind the car.  The brown nose was attached to a black bear!  It was not a very big bear, but it was a bear nonetheless.

Al wanted to get a picture.  But because we were still in the process of moving back home and not everything had yet been returned to its right place, finding the camera was much more of a challenge than it should have been.  I watched the bear's progress up the driveway while Al searched for the camera.  By the time he found it, the photo opportunity was lost.  As he opened the back door, the sound of the door frightened the bear, who then ran back into the woods.

Having wildlife around is not particularly unusual.  We did, after all, build a house right in the middle of their environment.  Raccoons and chipmunks are regular visitors to our front porch.  Wild turkey and deer often roam through the yard.  We often hear coyotes and cougars howling in the woods.  And this is not the first bear who has come calling.

The bear's visit was, however, a good reminder.  A reminder that I do live in the woods and that I need to be careful.  That I don't need to take the dog out after dark.  That I need to pay attention.  That I need always to be alert to my surroundings.

That's good advice for any of us.  And not only as concerns our physical surroundings.  We need to be on the alert spiritually as well.  We find this admonition over and over in Scripture.  I read it twice this morning in Acts chapter 20......."Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock..." (verse 28);"Therefore be on the alert"....(verse 31). 

And what about this verse:  "Be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."  (1 Peter 5:8 NASB).

Kind of reminds me of that bear.  Prowling around.  When we aren't looking for him and don't expect him, there he is.  That's why we need to be alert.  We need to be on guard.  We need to pay attention.

Because he is our adversary.  He has an agenda.  "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy."  (John 10:10a)

But here's the good news from the rest of that verse.  John 10:10b says, "I (Jesus) came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

Something to think about.

Through

Perhaps one of the most familiar passages in all of Scripture is The Twenty-Third Psalm.  We learn it as children.  We hear it read at funerals.  Even people who don't regularly attend church or who don't spend a lot of time in the Bible have heard of this Psalm.

Today I have that Psalm playing over and over in my head.  Well, actually one verse of that Psalm.  Verse 4 says "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me."  Over the last few months, I have come back to that verse time and again. 

As I have been thinking about that verse recently, a few words have stood out to me.  Even though.  Through.  With.

"Even though" is an expression of certainty.  This tells me not to be surprised when tough times come.  It tells me they will come.  But in spite of the tough times.......no matter what happens.....even though.......there is no reason to fear.  The certainty is that tough times will come.  The certainty is also that I don't face them alone.

"With me".  I'm not alone.  No matter what happens.  "Thou art with me."  What a comfort!  Even though tough times come.  Even though I may feel alone, I'm not!  Over and over through the Scriptures this truth rings true!

Matthew 28:20....."I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

2 Chronicles 16:9....."The eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the whole earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His."

Psalm 3:3......"But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory and One who lifts my head."

But I think my favorite word in this verse is the word "through".  That tells me that no matter what I'm experiencing right now, what valley I'm in, what the difficulty is, it isn't permanent!  I won't be in this tough time forever, because this verse tells me that I walk through the valley.  I don't walk into it to stay!  And that, my friends, brings me great comfort!

The "into" comes later, in the last verse, when "I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:6b).

Until then, whatever I'm walking through is part of the "all things" that are working together for my good and His glory (see Romans 8:28-29).  So I walk through the valley with my eyes fixed on Jesus because He is with me.  As He promised He would be.  Even in the valley.

Finally Home

Back in the spring, shortly after Easter, my husband and I packed our bags and relocated to Columbia, SC for what we expected to be a three - at most, four - week extended visit with his parents while his dad had knee replacement surgery and the rehab that would follow.  Little did we know then that the few weeks would turn into a few months!  And now.....some four and a half months later.....we are finally home.

If you have followed our journey, you know that the surgery went well but the rehab took longer than expected.  You also are aware that the journey included the care of Al's mom whose Alzheimer's has worsened dramatically over these few months.  These have been challenging months, to say the least.

And now we're home. Finally home. We had a brief respite in July when we returned home to rest a little and enjoy some family time with sons and grandsons.  How very glad I am to be finally home!

It was wonderful to sleep in my own bed!  To be in my own shower!  To have coffee out of my own coffee pot!  In my own favorite coffee mug!  I loved the coolness of a mountain morning after months of the oppressive heat and humidity that are part of summer in "famously hot" Columbia, SC!  It's the little things, isn't it??!!

But even as I'm enjoying being home again, my thoughts are also turning toward the day when I am truly "finally home".  As much as I am loving being home again here, how much greater will be my joy on that day when I am truly "finally home". 

I'm looking forward to that day.......the day about which Jesus spoke when He said, "In my Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."  (John 14:2-3 NASB).

That day when "we shall always be with the Lord."  (1 Thess. 4:17b NASB)

I'm looking forward to that day......to being finally home.

 

But just think of stepping on shore-And finding it Heaven!
Of touching a hand-And finding it God's!
Of breathing new air-And finding it celestial!
Of waking up in glory-And finding it home! 

(Don Wyrtzen)