It's that time again! We are only a couple of days away from the beginning of a new year. And not only a new year, but a new decade! Soon we will take the old calendar off the wall and hang a fresh new one. We will have fresh clean pages in the planner. It's time for a fresh start.
I don't know about you, but it seems to me that 2019 just flew by! In fact, I think this last decade has flown by! Maybe it's a sign of getting older, but I can sometimes hardly believe how quickly time passes. Yet here we are again at the beginning of another year, and it's that time again - time for New Year's Resolutions. You know what I mean. We have convinced ourselves we need to make those ridiculous promises, the ones we make every year but never keep. Things like "I will lose 50 pounds by Friday" or "I will never allow anything chocolate to pass my lips ever again", or some other equally unattainable promise that will be broken before a week has passed.
Have you ever noticed how resolutions are often vague? I need to do better. I need to lose some weight. I need to spend less money. I need to read my Bible more. With all that vagueness, how can we ever know whether or not we have actually accomplished anything?
That's why I am not a fan of New Year's resolutions. Instead, it has been my practice in recent years to set some goals for the new year, to determine a way to be accountable about those goals, and to have benchmarks that I can check periodically to mark my progress. That works much better for me than those pesky soon-to-be-forgotten resolutions.
Over these remaining days of 2019, I'm reflecting on the past year. I did pretty well in some areas and not quite so well in others. I made great strides in my stroke recovery in 2019, and I am so thankful to God for that. In these next few days, I'm doing a lot of pondering. I'm thinking about what I learned about God this year. About ways my faith has grown. About how disciplined (or not!) I have been in my Bible study. I'm pondering what God has done in my life this last year. And, to borrow a phrase from a familiar hymn, I'm pondering anew what the Almighty can do.
A new year brings fresh opportunities to see God at work. To grow in my faith. To "discipline (myself) for the purpose of godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7)
One of my goals for the new year is keeping a more detailed prayer journal, writing down not only a list of things to pray about and the answers I receive, but writing down my prayers as well. Because writing helps me stay focused. And particularly in my post-stroke life, writing helps me remember. I have goals in other areas of my life as well. Healthy eating. More exercise. Reaching my goal weight. New writing projects.
I have set my goals and made a plan, because having a plan helps me stay focused. My plans are written down, because writing helps me remember.
What about you? Have you thought about goals and plans for the new year? Having a plan in place, especially in the area of Bible reading, helps you stay focused. If you don't have a plan, there are a number of good plans available. I encourage you to read Scripture each day. Don't limit yourself to reading a devotional book. Read directly from God's Word. Read what God has to say, not just what others have written about it.
One of my favorite devotional books over the years as been My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. Year after year I return to this book. And year after year, as a new year begins, I am drawn to this particular passage of Scripture, the passage with which Chambers begins the year:
".....my earnest expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." (Philippians 1:20 NASB)
Beyond all the goals and resolutions and plans and dreams, this is the one that matters most. That Christ be exalted. That is my earnest expectation and hope. To honor Him in all I do. In all I say. In all I am.
Monday, December 30, 2019
Friday, December 27, 2019
Keeping Christmas
It's that time again. Time to pack away Christmas for another year.
That process has begun around here, although it's a very gradual process. I'm not quite ready to give it up completely yet. We'll be enjoying the tree for a few more days, at least until the new year. But I've begun gathering up things, one room at a time, to be packed away again until next year. It's time to put Christmas away. That sounds a little sad, doesn't it?
Have you ever noticed how generous people become with their time and money during the Christmas season? They drop money in the Salvation Army kettles. They donate more generously to their church. They tip more generously in the restaurant. They give more freely of their time at homeless shelters and food ministries.
Then December 25 is past, and life gets back to normal. The generous Christmas spirit is put away until next year. That's so sad. There are still homeless people and hungry people and people with all kinds of needs who need our help, not only in December but throughout the year. How sad that we seem only to think of them at Christmas.
We often hear about random acts of kindness, particularly during the holiday season. Then we don't seem to hear about quite so many of those kindnesses.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were generous all year long?
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we did our random acts of kindness throughout the year?
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we kept Christmas all year long?
Not just in December.
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” (Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol)
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me."
(Jesus, in Matthew 25:40 KJV)
That process has begun around here, although it's a very gradual process. I'm not quite ready to give it up completely yet. We'll be enjoying the tree for a few more days, at least until the new year. But I've begun gathering up things, one room at a time, to be packed away again until next year. It's time to put Christmas away. That sounds a little sad, doesn't it?
Have you ever noticed how generous people become with their time and money during the Christmas season? They drop money in the Salvation Army kettles. They donate more generously to their church. They tip more generously in the restaurant. They give more freely of their time at homeless shelters and food ministries.
Then December 25 is past, and life gets back to normal. The generous Christmas spirit is put away until next year. That's so sad. There are still homeless people and hungry people and people with all kinds of needs who need our help, not only in December but throughout the year. How sad that we seem only to think of them at Christmas.
We often hear about random acts of kindness, particularly during the holiday season. Then we don't seem to hear about quite so many of those kindnesses.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were generous all year long?
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we did our random acts of kindness throughout the year?
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we kept Christmas all year long?
Not just in December.
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” (Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol)
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me."
(Jesus, in Matthew 25:40 KJV)
Monday, December 23, 2019
Christmases Past. Remembering.
Christmas is such a nostalgic time, isn't it?
Every year as the season rolls around, I find myself traveling down memory lane, remembering Christmases past and the people that shared them.
It starts as I get decorations and ornaments out of their storage spaces. Remembering where I bought this ornament or who gave me that one. Remembering my mother as I get out the snowmen she made or as I hang the door decoration she quilted. Remembering travels and the decorations purchased on those trips. Remembering.
Throughout the season, more memories flood my thinking.
Baking sugar cookies with my mother, many years ago when I was a child.
Christmas dinners with coconut cake and ambrosia and cranberry tip-tops (still my favorite!) and fruitcake cookies. I never have acquired a taste for fruit cake, but I loved my mother's fruit cake cookies!
Christmases in the living room at Grandmother Neil's house. Some children go over the river and through the woods to grandma's house. I went next door! Sometimes at Christmas all the aunts and uncles and cousins would be there as well, and we would pile into her tiny living room, which usually stayed closed off to keep the rest of the house warmer, and we would open our presents. Grandmother loved Christmas! She loved giving gifts. As did my mother. As do I.
Sending Christmas cards is a dying tradition. That quite possibly has a lot to do with the price of postage! Even so, I love receiving Christmas cards from friends and family I seldom see. I can still remember the Christmas card we sent to our friends and family on our first Christmas. It was red, with a part of the score of Handel's Messiah embossed in gold on the front of the card. And the greeting inside read "wishing you every blessing as we celebrate the birth of Christ." I don't know why I remember that, since there are so many things I am no longer able to remember, but it's a vivid memory.
I remember our very first Christmas tree, back in 1972, our first married Christmas. It was a beautiful tree, a scotch pine, perfectly shaped. It had hardly any ornaments on it, since we really couldn't afford any! And by the time Christmas rolled around, it had not a single gift left under it, since we had opened them all long before Christmas Day arrived!
In my childhood we always had cedar trees for Christmas, decorated with large colored lights and lots of icicles. I didn't like cedar trees then (and don't now) because of how scratchy they were and how the branches were too flimsy to hold the ornaments up. But I loved the smell, and still associate that with Christmas!
In the early days of our marriage we always spent Christmas Eve with Al's parents and Christmas Day with mine. That worked well when we only lived a couple of hours from my parents. As we began to move around the country, we still usually managed to make it back to SC at Christmastime, and so that Christmas Eve/Christmas Day tradition continued. Eventually, it became more difficult to travel back here every year, so we began trying an every-other-year visit, and that worked until we once again lived closer. As our sons grew up and married, the every-other-year tradition has continued, but in a little different way. We spend every-other-Christmas together, and Thanksgivings together in the alternate years, and so we alternate with the girls' families. So far that has worked out for us, and so that tradition continues.
In the years when we are spending Christmas alone, like this one, I remember the joy and laughter and fun that is part of a house full of family at Christmas time. And I look forward with great anticipation to next Christmas, when we will have that once again and will make more memories.
Christmas is a lot about traditions. About where we always put the tree, and what we always eat, and the kind of cookies we always bake. It's about what we always do together as a family, whether always going out to look at Christmas lights on a certain night, always going to Disney, always going to Christmas Eve service. Traditions vary from family to family. But they are part of the fabric of who we are and how we celebrate.
When we lived in Florida, it was our tradition to always attend the Candlelight Christmas program at Epcot. When we lived in Minnesota, we always participated in the luminaries display in our neighborhood.
One of our Christmas Eve traditions has always been a birthday cake for Baby Jesus, and reading the Christmas Story from Luke's Gospel. It's a family tradition that continues to this day.
Christmas is about memories. And it's about traditions. But most of all, Christmas is about Jesus.
Beginning in 2010, we have had several opportunities to visit Israel either right before or right after Christmas. As Christmas rolls around each year, I find myself remembering those trips and getting a little nostalgic. Remembering Bethlehem. The Church of the Nativity. The Shepherd's Fields. Singing carols there. Worshiping there.
Thinking about Israel makes me nostalgic. Christmas music has that effect as well. There are some songs that evoke strong memories of Christmases past. Of the people and places that I associate with them. Of the times I sang them or heard them sung.
Every year as the season rolls around, I find myself traveling down memory lane, remembering Christmases past and the people that shared them.
It starts as I get decorations and ornaments out of their storage spaces. Remembering where I bought this ornament or who gave me that one. Remembering my mother as I get out the snowmen she made or as I hang the door decoration she quilted. Remembering travels and the decorations purchased on those trips. Remembering.
Throughout the season, more memories flood my thinking.
Baking sugar cookies with my mother, many years ago when I was a child.
Christmas dinners with coconut cake and ambrosia and cranberry tip-tops (still my favorite!) and fruitcake cookies. I never have acquired a taste for fruit cake, but I loved my mother's fruit cake cookies!
Christmases in the living room at Grandmother Neil's house. Some children go over the river and through the woods to grandma's house. I went next door! Sometimes at Christmas all the aunts and uncles and cousins would be there as well, and we would pile into her tiny living room, which usually stayed closed off to keep the rest of the house warmer, and we would open our presents. Grandmother loved Christmas! She loved giving gifts. As did my mother. As do I.
Sending Christmas cards is a dying tradition. That quite possibly has a lot to do with the price of postage! Even so, I love receiving Christmas cards from friends and family I seldom see. I can still remember the Christmas card we sent to our friends and family on our first Christmas. It was red, with a part of the score of Handel's Messiah embossed in gold on the front of the card. And the greeting inside read "wishing you every blessing as we celebrate the birth of Christ." I don't know why I remember that, since there are so many things I am no longer able to remember, but it's a vivid memory.
I remember our very first Christmas tree, back in 1972, our first married Christmas. It was a beautiful tree, a scotch pine, perfectly shaped. It had hardly any ornaments on it, since we really couldn't afford any! And by the time Christmas rolled around, it had not a single gift left under it, since we had opened them all long before Christmas Day arrived!
In my childhood we always had cedar trees for Christmas, decorated with large colored lights and lots of icicles. I didn't like cedar trees then (and don't now) because of how scratchy they were and how the branches were too flimsy to hold the ornaments up. But I loved the smell, and still associate that with Christmas!
In the early days of our marriage we always spent Christmas Eve with Al's parents and Christmas Day with mine. That worked well when we only lived a couple of hours from my parents. As we began to move around the country, we still usually managed to make it back to SC at Christmastime, and so that Christmas Eve/Christmas Day tradition continued. Eventually, it became more difficult to travel back here every year, so we began trying an every-other-year visit, and that worked until we once again lived closer. As our sons grew up and married, the every-other-year tradition has continued, but in a little different way. We spend every-other-Christmas together, and Thanksgivings together in the alternate years, and so we alternate with the girls' families. So far that has worked out for us, and so that tradition continues.
In the years when we are spending Christmas alone, like this one, I remember the joy and laughter and fun that is part of a house full of family at Christmas time. And I look forward with great anticipation to next Christmas, when we will have that once again and will make more memories.
Christmas is a lot about traditions. About where we always put the tree, and what we always eat, and the kind of cookies we always bake. It's about what we always do together as a family, whether always going out to look at Christmas lights on a certain night, always going to Disney, always going to Christmas Eve service. Traditions vary from family to family. But they are part of the fabric of who we are and how we celebrate.
When we lived in Florida, it was our tradition to always attend the Candlelight Christmas program at Epcot. When we lived in Minnesota, we always participated in the luminaries display in our neighborhood.
One of our Christmas Eve traditions has always been a birthday cake for Baby Jesus, and reading the Christmas Story from Luke's Gospel. It's a family tradition that continues to this day.
Christmas is about memories. And it's about traditions. But most of all, Christmas is about Jesus.
Beginning in 2010, we have had several opportunities to visit Israel either right before or right after Christmas. As Christmas rolls around each year, I find myself remembering those trips and getting a little nostalgic. Remembering Bethlehem. The Church of the Nativity. The Shepherd's Fields. Singing carols there. Worshiping there.
Thinking about Israel makes me nostalgic. Christmas music has that effect as well. There are some songs that evoke strong memories of Christmases past. Of the people and places that I associate with them. Of the times I sang them or heard them sung.
O Holy Night is one of those kinds of songs. I love how it covers all the parts of the Christmas story. The night of Christ's birth. The angels singing. The star. The wise men. The manger. And the reason for His coming. He knows our need. To our weakness He is no stranger. In all our trials born to be our Friend. He taught us to love one another. His law is love and His gospel is peace. In His name all oppression shall cease.
Particularly in this Christmas season, this season of violence and discord and tension and murder and terrorism and persecution, we need that message more than ever.
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end." (Isaiah 9:6-7a ESV)
Hear David Phelps sing O Holy Night here: https://youtu.be/AVpE8Dkr4HQ
Thursday, December 19, 2019
O Come, Let Us Adore Him
If you ever watched the 1980's television show "The A-Team", then you're familiar with that phrase I love it when a plan comes together.
And that's what we're celebrating in this season! A plan that came together. God's plan for the salvation of mankind. As we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate the fulfillment of that plan. A plan prophesied hundreds of years before coming to fruition with the birth of a tiny baby one night in Bethlehem.
We celebrate that birth in December. Did it actually happen in December? Probably not. But I don't think that matters. What matters is that Jesus was born. That He lived a sinless life, that He died to pay the penalty for your sins and mine, and that He was resurrected on the third day. That He ascended back to the Father where He now waits, seated at the right hand of the throne of God, until that time when He returns to earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6 KJV)
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God....made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:5,7 KJV)
"But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5 KJV)
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger." (Luke 2:7 KJV)
"And the angel said unto [the shepherds], Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11 KJV)
And that's why we are celebrating. That's what Christmas is all about.
As you are enjoying family and cookies and eggnog and gifts, don't lose sight of that.
Never forget what Christmas is really all about!
O Come, us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mIh3JMqxuo&list=PLkW_qeRTF9XX2tJ4webh4rG9i_Vf6peF7&index=11
And that's what we're celebrating in this season! A plan that came together. God's plan for the salvation of mankind. As we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate the fulfillment of that plan. A plan prophesied hundreds of years before coming to fruition with the birth of a tiny baby one night in Bethlehem.
We celebrate that birth in December. Did it actually happen in December? Probably not. But I don't think that matters. What matters is that Jesus was born. That He lived a sinless life, that He died to pay the penalty for your sins and mine, and that He was resurrected on the third day. That He ascended back to the Father where He now waits, seated at the right hand of the throne of God, until that time when He returns to earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6 KJV)
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God....made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:5,7 KJV)
"But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5 KJV)
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger." (Luke 2:7 KJV)
"And the angel said unto [the shepherds], Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11 KJV)
And that's why we are celebrating. That's what Christmas is all about.
As you are enjoying family and cookies and eggnog and gifts, don't lose sight of that.
Never forget what Christmas is really all about!
O Come, us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mIh3JMqxuo&list=PLkW_qeRTF9XX2tJ4webh4rG9i_Vf6peF7&index=11
Friday, December 13, 2019
Favorite Christmas Musical Memories
This evening I will join our church choir to present Songs of the Season. I long ago lost count of how many Christmas musical presentations I have been a part of. As a child and as an adult. As accompanist or choir member or director. Everything from Handel's Messiah to a children's musical called Three Wise Men and a Baby! In choir robes, and in costumes. In formal attire, and in Christmas sweaters. I have had quite a variety of experiences!
Music is an important part of my Christmas celebrations. It's an important part of my life. All those Christmas musicals take up a lot of space in my memory bank. Some because of the music itself. Perhaps it was particularly challenging to play or to sing or to direct. Or perhaps it was particularly beautiful music.
And some Christmas musicals are memorable because of where we lived at the time. Because of the season of life we were in. Because of who we were singing with. Those musicals evoke special memories of special people.
But it's the lyrics that I find myself drawn to over and over again. It's the lyrics that are my favorite memories. It's the lyrics that lead me to remember what Christmas is all about. It's the lyrics that lead me to worship.
Some of those lyrics are especially memorable.
Like this line from A Christmas Invitation, which I directed more than 20 years ago....."The road to Bethlehem is a journey of the heart. The road to Bethlehem beckons 'Come, just as you are.' Leave your doubts and fears behind, for in following then you will find that's where faith begins, the road to Bethlehem."
Or there's this line from How Do You Welcome a King?......."And that's how we welcome the King; with ev'ry gift that we give and ev'ry song that we sing. And a heart full of praise is the present we bring. Yes, that's how we welcome the King."
For forty years, this lyric from Heaven Rejoices has lived in my head: "What gift can we bring to the richest of Kings, who walks on the gold streets of glory? Our lives we will give, every day that we live, and we'll be like wise men, adoring."
And for even longer, this has been - and continues to be - one of my most favorite songs from one of my most favorite Christmas musicals of all time, King of Love.
Music is an important part of my Christmas celebrations. It's an important part of my life. All those Christmas musicals take up a lot of space in my memory bank. Some because of the music itself. Perhaps it was particularly challenging to play or to sing or to direct. Or perhaps it was particularly beautiful music.
And some Christmas musicals are memorable because of where we lived at the time. Because of the season of life we were in. Because of who we were singing with. Those musicals evoke special memories of special people.
But it's the lyrics that I find myself drawn to over and over again. It's the lyrics that are my favorite memories. It's the lyrics that lead me to remember what Christmas is all about. It's the lyrics that lead me to worship.
Some of those lyrics are especially memorable.
Like this line from A Christmas Invitation, which I directed more than 20 years ago....."The road to Bethlehem is a journey of the heart. The road to Bethlehem beckons 'Come, just as you are.' Leave your doubts and fears behind, for in following then you will find that's where faith begins, the road to Bethlehem."
Or there's this line from How Do You Welcome a King?......."And that's how we welcome the King; with ev'ry gift that we give and ev'ry song that we sing. And a heart full of praise is the present we bring. Yes, that's how we welcome the King."
For forty years, this lyric from Heaven Rejoices has lived in my head: "What gift can we bring to the richest of Kings, who walks on the gold streets of glory? Our lives we will give, every day that we live, and we'll be like wise men, adoring."
And for even longer, this has been - and continues to be - one of my most favorite songs from one of my most favorite Christmas musicals of all time, King of Love.
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!
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)
You can listen here: https://youtu.be/R7OUyiAzbn8
Monday, December 9, 2019
Born To Die
Saturday was Pearl Harbor Day. Across the United States, December 7 is remembered as the day on which more than 2,400 Americans were willed, and many others injured, in a surprise attack by the Japanese on the Pearl Harbor Naval Station in Honolulu, Hawaii. No one at the Pearl Harbor Naval Station woke up that morning expecting to die, yet that's exactly what happened.
The attack on Pearl Harbor led to a US declaration of war against the Japanese and to America's entrance into World War II. The end result was that many more Americans lost their lives in service to their country. Like men and women before them, and all who have serviced in this nation's military since that time, they men and women who serve our country do so knowing that they may lose their lives as a result of their willingness to serve. Yet they serve anyway.
Christ came to earth knowing that He would lose His life. Yet He came willingly, to die for sin, once for all. He died to pay the price for all sin for all people for all tine.
He was born for that purpose. Born to die.
Christmas is a season when we remember Christ's birth. But we must never lose sight of why He was born. Born to die. For me. For you. For all people.
The attack on Pearl Harbor led to a US declaration of war against the Japanese and to America's entrance into World War II. The end result was that many more Americans lost their lives in service to their country. Like men and women before them, and all who have serviced in this nation's military since that time, they men and women who serve our country do so knowing that they may lose their lives as a result of their willingness to serve. Yet they serve anyway.
Christ came to earth knowing that He would lose His life. Yet He came willingly, to die for sin, once for all. He died to pay the price for all sin for all people for all tine.
He was born for that purpose. Born to die.
Christmas is a season when we remember Christ's birth. But we must never lose sight of why He was born. Born to die. For me. For you. For all people.
"He was born in the shadow of a tree.
Ever present was the knowledge he would be
hanging on a tree, the tree of Calvary."
- Christine Wyrtzen
"Christ died for sin, once for all...." (1 Peter 3:18 NASB)
adapted from "Are You Ready for Christmas" by Susan Feaster copyright 2016
Friday, December 6, 2019
Christmas With Jesus - Remembering Larry Arms
A dear friend went home to the Lord on Monday. I rejoice that he is with the Lord, yet I grieve for those left behind.
Since I learned of Larry's passing, my heart and mind have been flooded with memories, with all kinds of random thoughts from the two short years that Al and I were blessed to know him.
There was the time I had baked a hummingbird cake for our Sunday evening meal at church. Larry asked what kind of cake it was. When I told him, he said, "What did you do? Bake it with hummingbird eggs?". And then he laughed as only Larry could. I'm smiling even now at that memory.
In Sunday School, when somebody made a comment he thought was funny, he would look over at me and grin. I will miss that. I will miss seeing him in that same chair Sunday after Sunday. Of course he only sat in that chair after he and the other guys had gathered around the sofa for some morning chit-chat.
When we joined First Baptist Lyman, Larry went out of his way to make sure we knew where things were and how things were done. Often when you join a new fellowship, the people who have been there all along forget that you don't know that "this is how we do that". Larry never forgot. He always looked out for us.
I'll miss his smile. I'll miss his sense of humor. I'll miss hearing him say "Hey" and "Golly Bum" and "Long story sort."
Larry will be missed by his family and friends and by all who knew him. Larry was an extraordinary man. A man I feel privileged to have known.
Larry has left us now. This year he is spending Christmas with Jesus. Already we miss him so much. We grieve for our loss. But we rejoice in knowing that he is now in the presence of the One he loved so much and served so faithfully and so well during his time here on earth. I can only imagine the joy he is now experiencing!
We feel a hole in our hearts now that Larry is gone. We will miss him. We hold tightly to the memories of this dear man we loved so much. We grieve.
But we do not grieve "as those who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, [we also believe] that through Jesus God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore [we] comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 NASB)
Since I learned of Larry's passing, my heart and mind have been flooded with memories, with all kinds of random thoughts from the two short years that Al and I were blessed to know him.
There was the time I had baked a hummingbird cake for our Sunday evening meal at church. Larry asked what kind of cake it was. When I told him, he said, "What did you do? Bake it with hummingbird eggs?". And then he laughed as only Larry could. I'm smiling even now at that memory.
In Sunday School, when somebody made a comment he thought was funny, he would look over at me and grin. I will miss that. I will miss seeing him in that same chair Sunday after Sunday. Of course he only sat in that chair after he and the other guys had gathered around the sofa for some morning chit-chat.
When we joined First Baptist Lyman, Larry went out of his way to make sure we knew where things were and how things were done. Often when you join a new fellowship, the people who have been there all along forget that you don't know that "this is how we do that". Larry never forgot. He always looked out for us.
I'll miss his smile. I'll miss his sense of humor. I'll miss hearing him say "Hey" and "Golly Bum" and "Long story sort."
Larry will be missed by his family and friends and by all who knew him. Larry was an extraordinary man. A man I feel privileged to have known.
Larry has left us now. This year he is spending Christmas with Jesus. Already we miss him so much. We grieve for our loss. But we rejoice in knowing that he is now in the presence of the One he loved so much and served so faithfully and so well during his time here on earth. I can only imagine the joy he is now experiencing!
We feel a hole in our hearts now that Larry is gone. We will miss him. We hold tightly to the memories of this dear man we loved so much. We grieve.
But we do not grieve "as those who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, [we also believe] that through Jesus God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore [we] comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 NASB)
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
The Purpose Of It All
He's the reason for the season, He's the purpose of it all,
He's the Lord of all creation, and the mighty Lord of all.
He's the reason for the season, for the trimmings and the tree,
May this Christmastime remind you that He came to set us free.
Christine Wyrtzen wrote these lyrics a number of years ago, yet they are as relevant today as they were when she wrote them. Sadly, however, often the purpose of it all gets lost.
In this super-busy season, we often forget our purpose. In the middle of cookie baking and decorating. Of parties and presents. Of hustle-bustle. Of got-so-much-to-do. We are often so busy hustling and bustling, of planning the next event, of fretting that we forgot something or someone, that we lose our way. We lose our purpose.
Even in the middle of hustling and bustling, we need time for some quiet. Some silence. But silence is a hard thing to come by at this time of year.
Everywhere we go, there's noise. Everywhere we go, people are in a hurry.
Have you noticed how many more car horns you are hearing these days?
Have you noticed how people always seem to be rushing about?
Have you noticed the noise in the malls and the shops?
Have you noticed the stress on people's faces?
All that may well be similar to what the world was like when Christ was born. Without the malls and automobile horns, of course. People were likely busy with their lives, hustling and bustling about with the activities of daily living. Their world was not unlike ours in that regard.
And into that world, with its busyness and its noise and its daily routines, Jesus came.
No one even noticed.
It's still the same, isn't it? We're busy and our world is full of noise. Even though we hear and sing carols about Christ the Savior being born, not many are really paying that much attention. We put out our nativity sets and we sing our carols and we send our Christmas cards, but far too often all that is only done out of a sense of habit. It's December. Christmas is here, and this is what we do.
We buy candy hearts for Valentine's Day. And we wave our flags in July. We buy pumpkins in October. And we talk about Jesus in December. It's what we do.
How sad it is that in all our busyness and routines and noise, we too often lose sight of the reason we are doing all these things. How sad that we forget the purpose of it all.
One of the carols we seldom sing, with words dating back to the 3rd century, says "Let all mortal flesh keep silence."
Silence. It's what's often missing at Christmas time.
How much better might we understand the magnitude of the Gift we have been given and the reason for our celebrating, if we would take some time for silence. Some time to be still. Some time to ponder. Some time to worship.
It may be challenging to find time for silence.
But it will be worth the effort.
How sad it is that in all our busyness and routines and noise, we too often lose sight of the reason we are doing all these things. How sad that we forget the purpose of it all.
One of the carols we seldom sing, with words dating back to the 3rd century, says "Let all mortal flesh keep silence."
Silence. It's what's often missing at Christmas time.
How much better might we understand the magnitude of the Gift we have been given and the reason for our celebrating, if we would take some time for silence. Some time to be still. Some time to ponder. Some time to worship.
It may be challenging to find time for silence.
But it will be worth the effort.
Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
and with fear and trembling stand;
ponder nothing earthly-minded,
for with blessing in his hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
our full homage to demand.
Text: Liturgy of St. James; trans. by Gerard Moultrie
Music: French carol melody; harm. from The English Hymnal
Tune: PICARDY
Music: French carol melody; harm. from The English Hymnal
Tune: PICARDY
Click here to listen to Fernando Ortega sing this carol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wl4u8lnDQs
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
The Reason For The Season
Now that the calendar says it's December, I guess it's officially OK to listen to Christmas music. I've heard a lot of complaining about Christmas music being played or sung prior to Thanksgiving, and I have to confess that I don't really understand that. From the perspective that Thanksgiving is becoming the forgotten holiday and that retailers jump into Christmas advertising right after Labor Day, I'll accept the complaining......at least a little bit.
But for me, Christmas music transcends the season. I can gladly listen to it and sing it year-round. It's a bit sad to me that this wonderful music which tells so much of the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place, that gives us so many wonderful lyrics about the redemption story, is relegated to just a few weeks in December.
I was recently asked about my favorite Christmas carol. I had a hard time answering that question. Not because I don't have a favorite. Because I have so many favorites!!
I love "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night". I love the music. I love the way the music suits the lyrics perfectly. I love how these songs evoke mental images of the events of that special night so long ago.
I love "Joy to the World"! Just the title makes me smile. JOY!!!!
Perhaps my absolute favorite is "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing". I think I must have loved this carol all my life. I can remember singing it as a little girl. (And I've been told that, in my early childhood, I rewrote the lyrics a little. Instead of "with th' angelic host proclaim", I sang "with the jelly host proclaim"!) I have come to love this carol more and more over the years, particularly for its lyrics. The entire reason for Christmas, the reason Christ came to earth, is encapsulated in one line - God and sinners reconciled.
That's the reason for the season!
But for me, Christmas music transcends the season. I can gladly listen to it and sing it year-round. It's a bit sad to me that this wonderful music which tells so much of the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place, that gives us so many wonderful lyrics about the redemption story, is relegated to just a few weeks in December.
I was recently asked about my favorite Christmas carol. I had a hard time answering that question. Not because I don't have a favorite. Because I have so many favorites!!
I love "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night". I love the music. I love the way the music suits the lyrics perfectly. I love how these songs evoke mental images of the events of that special night so long ago.
I love "Joy to the World"! Just the title makes me smile. JOY!!!!
Perhaps my absolute favorite is "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing". I think I must have loved this carol all my life. I can remember singing it as a little girl. (And I've been told that, in my early childhood, I rewrote the lyrics a little. Instead of "with th' angelic host proclaim", I sang "with the jelly host proclaim"!) I have come to love this carol more and more over the years, particularly for its lyrics. The entire reason for Christmas, the reason Christ came to earth, is encapsulated in one line - God and sinners reconciled.
That's the reason for the season!
"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 th'angelic host 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 th'incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,'Glory to the newborn King.'
Hail, the heav'n-born Prince of Peace! Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings, Ris'n 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.'"
(Words: Charles Wesley; Music: Felix Mendelssohn)
Listen to Hark, The Herald Angels Sing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_iLXNSIaYc
Monday, December 2, 2019
When Hearts Are Heavy
You may be an early riser, whether by choice, just because you enjoy the early morning hours. or because you're forced into it by your job. I'm not usually one of those people. But this morning I was awake quite early. And I was awake for quite a while before I was able to get back to sleep.
During my early morning wakefulness I had a wonderful time talking to the Lord. I have some things really weighing on me and my heart is heavy, burdened for some people I care for deeply. Perhaps that's what woke me up.
I have a sense that I'm not the only one who is burdened. Many have heavy hearts because people we care about are in a bad place. Health issues. Bad decisions. Drifting away from God. Relationships.
Because we care so much, the hurt runs deep indeed. Sometimes, as was the case for me in the wee hours, it keeps us awake. We don't know what to say or what to think or how to respond. We're sometimes not even sure what we should be praying for.
In those times, when our hearts are heavy, we "cast all our anxiety on him, because he cares for [us]." (1 Peter 5:7 ESV).
In those times, we "cease striving, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10 NASB)
In those times, we trust. "Trust in him at all times, O people." (Psalm 62:8 ESV)
In those times, we turn to God in prayer. "Pour out your heart before him." (Psalm 62:8 ESV)
Where else could we turn? "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God." (John 6:68 ESV)
"For God alone my soul waits in silence; He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken." (Psalm 62:1-2 ESV)
During my early morning wakefulness I had a wonderful time talking to the Lord. I have some things really weighing on me and my heart is heavy, burdened for some people I care for deeply. Perhaps that's what woke me up.
I have a sense that I'm not the only one who is burdened. Many have heavy hearts because people we care about are in a bad place. Health issues. Bad decisions. Drifting away from God. Relationships.
Because we care so much, the hurt runs deep indeed. Sometimes, as was the case for me in the wee hours, it keeps us awake. We don't know what to say or what to think or how to respond. We're sometimes not even sure what we should be praying for.
In those times, when our hearts are heavy, we "cast all our anxiety on him, because he cares for [us]." (1 Peter 5:7 ESV).
In those times, we "cease striving, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10 NASB)
In those times, we trust. "Trust in him at all times, O people." (Psalm 62:8 ESV)
In those times, we turn to God in prayer. "Pour out your heart before him." (Psalm 62:8 ESV)
Where else could we turn? "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God." (John 6:68 ESV)
"For God alone my soul waits in silence; He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken." (Psalm 62:1-2 ESV)
Monday, November 25, 2019
Whiter Than Snow
Many of my friends love snow. Since we moved from the North Carolina mountains to the upstate of South Carolina, I have been asked many times if I miss the snow. My honest answer is, "no, I do not."
Snow is beautiful, but I have spent enough of my years living in very snowy places, with very cold temperatures, shoveling lots of snow. I have had enough. If I really want to see snow now, I can get out my photos and enjoy it that way!
"Idols" to us here in 21st century America are rarely made of wood and stone. They are electronic. They are the time-stealers. They are our pride and our sense of self-importance. They are our ego. They take the form of good, rather than best, choices.
And so I am praying that the Lord will reveal anything in my life that has become an "idol" to me. Anything that takes His rightful place in my life.
I want my life to be as pure before the Lord as fresh-fallen snow.
Snow is beautiful, but I have spent enough of my years living in very snowy places, with very cold temperatures, shoveling lots of snow. I have had enough. If I really want to see snow now, I can get out my photos and enjoy it that way!
I have a photo of my parents on my desk. One of Daddy's favorite hymns was Whiter Than Snow. As I was looking at that photo this morning, the words of that old hymn came to mind. Break down every idol, cast out every foe. Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
That has been my prayer this morning. My prayer strategy. I have been specifically praying that the Lord would reveal any "idols" in my life.
"Idols" to us here in 21st century America are rarely made of wood and stone. They are electronic. They are the time-stealers. They are our pride and our sense of self-importance. They are our ego. They take the form of good, rather than best, choices.
And so I am praying that the Lord will reveal anything in my life that has become an "idol" to me. Anything that takes His rightful place in my life.
I want my life to be as pure before the Lord as fresh-fallen snow.
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want Thee forever to live in my soul;
Break down every idol, cast out every foe -
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow.
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Lord Jesus, let nothing unholy remain,
Apply Thine own blood and extract every stain;
To get this best cleansing, I all things forego -
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
(-James L. Nicholson)
"Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me."
(Psalm 51:10)
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Thinking About Clutter
On Monday mornings my thoughts often turn to clutter. Around here Monday mornings are generally devoted to laundry and decluttering, but yesterday morning I had a dentist appointment, so Monday morning's tasks have been moved to Tuesday. Monday mornings are typically a time for putting out the garbage, for putting things back in their places, for getting rid of old newspapers and any other unnecessaries, and for getting a good start on the week ahead. This week all those things are now Tuesday tasks.
This morning the garbage was picked up. The laundry is begun. Clutter has been cleared away.
It occurs to me that it's much easier to deal with physical clutter, although that is often quite challenging, than it is to deal with the stuff that clutters our minds.
Last week I spent some time cleaning out some closets and dresser drawers. I got rid of a lot of stuff that was no longer useful or needed. Worn-out shoes. Clothes that no longer fit. A past-its-prime toothbrush. Stuff that is no longer useful and had become just more clutter.
Sometimes it's a challenge to determine what to hold on to and what to let go. I can't make decisions about what to let go of in your closet. But here are a few ideas about what to hold on to.
Hold on to your memories.
Memories are precious things. If you've been in the position of watching someone you love lose their memory to Alzheimer's, as I have, then you are aware what a treasure the memory is. We can't hold on to every photograph or ticket stub or souvenir; for most of us, space doesn't permit that. Nor do we want to become so anchored to those memories that we miss life in the present. But we can treasure the memories! Revisit them from time to time. Share them with others. Enjoy them!
I often find myself wishing I knew more about my parents or my grandparents in their early years. Wishing I had asked them more questions. Wishing I had listened more closely to the stories they told. Some day our children may feel the same. Share your memories and the stories of your family history so it can be passed on from generation to generation.
Hold on to relationships.
In our culture, it's all about the stuff. All about how much we can accumulate. All about what kind of car we drive or what kind of house we live or what kind of electronic devices we have. It's all about our technology.
I sat in a doctor's office waiting room a few days ago, and as I looked around, I realized every single person in that waiting room was staring at their phone. There was no conversation. Not even any eye-contact. Just staring at the phone.
Look around at your next family gathering. Are people talking to each other, or are they glued to their electronic devices? We need to make an effort to reverse this trend in our culture! People are important! Let's never lose sight of that.
Relationships matter. And nothing is more important in developing and holding on to our relationships than personal interaction. Texting and tweeting can never take the place of the human voice. Of actual conversation. Of real sentences that are more than 40 characters in length. Of a smile or a hug. Don't let technology rob you of what's most important.
Hold on to Jesus.
Our culture would seek to marginalize or trivialize our Christian faith. Christians in our culture are often viewed as weak or out of touch or not terribly bright. Even so, our relationship with Jesus is the most important of all our relationships. It's a relationship that must be held on to, cherished, and nurtured.
How do we do that? The same way it has always been done. By spending time with Him in prayer (conversation). By spending time with Him in Bible study (getting to know Him). And by fellowship with other believers (church attendance). These are the building blocks of growing our relationship with Jesus and of holding on to that relationship.
A relationship where there is no communication doesn't last long, does it? It's hard to have a relationship with someone you don't know, isn't it? A "lone-ranger" relationship isn't really a relationship, is it?
Know your priorities.
When we're decluttering around the house, we get rid of things that no longer are useful or have value to us. We are able to do this because we understand what does have value.
The same principle holds true in our relationships, particularly as concerns our relationship with the Lord. When we know our values and our priorities, we are more easily able to clear our minds of things that don't line up with those values and priorities. We are able to declutter our minds based on these priorities.
And what is the priority for the Christian?
"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness." (Matthew 6:33a NASB)
Take action.
I cleaned out my closet. I got rid of the clothes that didn't fit, the purses I never use, the shoes that were worn out.
I cleaned out my bathroom cabinet. I decluttered it by disposing of the empty mascara tubes, the eye shadows I didn't even like, the empty lotion bottles, the worn-out toothbrush.
The same thing needs to happen for you and for me in our thinking. We need to get rid of the clutter. We need to toss out anything that doesn't line up with our priorities. No matter what the voices of culture would tell us we need to be thinking about or what our opinions should be in order for us to be politically correct, we need to make certain that our thinking is lined up with the plumb line of the Word of God.
Today would be a good day to start doing some decluttering.
"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus......" (Hebrews 12:1-2a, NASB, emphasis mine)
This morning the garbage was picked up. The laundry is begun. Clutter has been cleared away.
It occurs to me that it's much easier to deal with physical clutter, although that is often quite challenging, than it is to deal with the stuff that clutters our minds.
Last week I spent some time cleaning out some closets and dresser drawers. I got rid of a lot of stuff that was no longer useful or needed. Worn-out shoes. Clothes that no longer fit. A past-its-prime toothbrush. Stuff that is no longer useful and had become just more clutter.
Sometimes it's a challenge to determine what to hold on to and what to let go. I can't make decisions about what to let go of in your closet. But here are a few ideas about what to hold on to.
Hold on to your memories.
Memories are precious things. If you've been in the position of watching someone you love lose their memory to Alzheimer's, as I have, then you are aware what a treasure the memory is. We can't hold on to every photograph or ticket stub or souvenir; for most of us, space doesn't permit that. Nor do we want to become so anchored to those memories that we miss life in the present. But we can treasure the memories! Revisit them from time to time. Share them with others. Enjoy them!
I often find myself wishing I knew more about my parents or my grandparents in their early years. Wishing I had asked them more questions. Wishing I had listened more closely to the stories they told. Some day our children may feel the same. Share your memories and the stories of your family history so it can be passed on from generation to generation.
Hold on to relationships.
In our culture, it's all about the stuff. All about how much we can accumulate. All about what kind of car we drive or what kind of house we live or what kind of electronic devices we have. It's all about our technology.
I sat in a doctor's office waiting room a few days ago, and as I looked around, I realized every single person in that waiting room was staring at their phone. There was no conversation. Not even any eye-contact. Just staring at the phone.
Look around at your next family gathering. Are people talking to each other, or are they glued to their electronic devices? We need to make an effort to reverse this trend in our culture! People are important! Let's never lose sight of that.
Relationships matter. And nothing is more important in developing and holding on to our relationships than personal interaction. Texting and tweeting can never take the place of the human voice. Of actual conversation. Of real sentences that are more than 40 characters in length. Of a smile or a hug. Don't let technology rob you of what's most important.
Hold on to Jesus.
Our culture would seek to marginalize or trivialize our Christian faith. Christians in our culture are often viewed as weak or out of touch or not terribly bright. Even so, our relationship with Jesus is the most important of all our relationships. It's a relationship that must be held on to, cherished, and nurtured.
How do we do that? The same way it has always been done. By spending time with Him in prayer (conversation). By spending time with Him in Bible study (getting to know Him). And by fellowship with other believers (church attendance). These are the building blocks of growing our relationship with Jesus and of holding on to that relationship.
A relationship where there is no communication doesn't last long, does it? It's hard to have a relationship with someone you don't know, isn't it? A "lone-ranger" relationship isn't really a relationship, is it?
Know your priorities.
When we're decluttering around the house, we get rid of things that no longer are useful or have value to us. We are able to do this because we understand what does have value.
The same principle holds true in our relationships, particularly as concerns our relationship with the Lord. When we know our values and our priorities, we are more easily able to clear our minds of things that don't line up with those values and priorities. We are able to declutter our minds based on these priorities.
And what is the priority for the Christian?
"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness." (Matthew 6:33a NASB)
Take action.
I cleaned out my closet. I got rid of the clothes that didn't fit, the purses I never use, the shoes that were worn out.
I cleaned out my bathroom cabinet. I decluttered it by disposing of the empty mascara tubes, the eye shadows I didn't even like, the empty lotion bottles, the worn-out toothbrush.
The same thing needs to happen for you and for me in our thinking. We need to get rid of the clutter. We need to toss out anything that doesn't line up with our priorities. No matter what the voices of culture would tell us we need to be thinking about or what our opinions should be in order for us to be politically correct, we need to make certain that our thinking is lined up with the plumb line of the Word of God.
Today would be a good day to start doing some decluttering.
"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus......" (Hebrews 12:1-2a, NASB, emphasis mine)
Friday, November 15, 2019
Didn't See That Coming. Three Years Later.
Tomorrow is my stroke-adversary. Three years ago, on this day, life was normal. And the next day it wasn't.
These last three years have been quite a journey.
There was the time in the neuro-ICU. I still have no memory of that.
There was thanksgiving dinner at Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institute, another thing I don't remember.
But things began to improve. My first clear memory comes from a few days after Thanksgiving. On that morning, I had a clear memory of a passage of scripture which I shared with Al and Brandon when they arrived. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee."
That was my first clear memory. It stands out because, at that time, I couldn't speak clearly. I was wearing an eye patch because my eyes wouldn't work together. I couldn't read. I couldn't write. I couldn't always understand what was being said to me. Even so, God brought this verse very clearly to my mind. It got me through those days in rehab, and through all the days since.
From that morning forward, I made steady progress.
Eventually, I traded my eye patch for a new pair of glasses.
Several months later, I was able to teach Sunday School again. That was something I had thought I would never be able to do again.
These last three years have been quite a journey.
There was the time in the neuro-ICU. I still have no memory of that.
There was thanksgiving dinner at Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institute, another thing I don't remember.
But things began to improve. My first clear memory comes from a few days after Thanksgiving. On that morning, I had a clear memory of a passage of scripture which I shared with Al and Brandon when they arrived. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee."
That was my first clear memory. It stands out because, at that time, I couldn't speak clearly. I was wearing an eye patch because my eyes wouldn't work together. I couldn't read. I couldn't write. I couldn't always understand what was being said to me. Even so, God brought this verse very clearly to my mind. It got me through those days in rehab, and through all the days since.
From that morning forward, I made steady progress.
Eventually, I traded my eye patch for a new pair of glasses.
Several months later, I was able to teach Sunday School again. That was something I had thought I would never be able to do again.
Since then, I've made steady improvement. When I finally graduated from speech therapy in May, 2017, my therapist told me I would continue to make improvement. I confess that I didn't really believe her. But she was right!
Since then, we have had some wonderful adventures! We have been able to travel.....
I've celebrated birthdays and Christmases and family vacations. I've even done some baking, which is a real accomplishment, since the stroke has left me very challenged with anything to do with numbers and baking requires accurate measurements. These last three years have been full of challenges. Of ups and downs. Of frustrations and discouragements. And of great joy.
This has been quite a learning experience.
Learning to talk again.
Learning to read and write again.
Learning that even on that days when I struggle with those things, and I still sometimes do, God is still good.
These have been years of learning to trust.
Of learning to deal with my limitations.
Of learning that it's OK when I have to say no to some things.
Of knowing that even though I have limitations, God is still God.
God is still good.
God is still in control.
God has a plan and a purpose for all things.
Even for strokes.
I may not understand (I don't!), but that's ok.
Because God is God and I am not.
Because even in the valley, God is still God and He is still good.
Life is filled with good days and bad days, frustrating days, and encouraging days. These three years have been years of learning and growing. It is an experience I certainly don't want to repeat, but I am thankful.
Thankful for all God has taught me, and is still teaching me, through this experience. Thankful for family and friends who have walked through this journey with me. Thankful for all the people who have prayed me through this experience.
I didn't see it coming. But it happened. And I survived.
I am a stroke survivor.
And it's all because of God's amazing grace.
"Now therefore, our God, we praise You, and praise Your glorious name."
1 Chronicles 29:13 NASB
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Awesome
"His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness." (2 Peter 1:3 HCSB)
That verse was the text for our devotional at last night's choir rehearsal. And that verse is awesome!
Awesome is a word that gets tossed around a lot. It may be one of the most over-used - and misused - words in the English language. These days we think of everything as awesome.
Read that verse again. His (God's) divine power has given us everything that is required, everything we need, to live a live of godliness. Not some things. Everything. That's awesome!
Unfortunately, the word awesome has lost its impact. These days we think of nearly everything as awesome. We use it when our team scores a big play. When we enjoy a nice dinner. When we receive a gift. When we get good news. Whether we're talking about a ball player or the weather or what we had for dinner, everything these days is awesome.
The word awesome can mean "very impressive" or "overwhelming" or "causing feelings of reverence or admiration". It's my opinion that we need to be a little more careful about our use of the word awesome. There are many things deserving of that word. The grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. A glorious sunrise. The beauty of a sunset. The birth of a baby.
Above all, the word awesome belongs to God. For His wondrous works. For His marvelous grace. For His sovereignty in all things. For the gift of salvation. The list could go on.
There are many things in our world today that are less than awesome. We live in a world filled with chaos and greed and anger. That list could be very long as well.
But no matter what is going on in the world today, and no matter which way the political winds shift, and not matter what may going on in your personal life, or in mine, none of it takes God by surprise. He is sovereign. He knows what is happening in the world. He has a plan and purpose for all things.
Take comfort in that today.
Because our God is awesome!
"O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!" (Psalm 68:35 NASB)
That verse was the text for our devotional at last night's choir rehearsal. And that verse is awesome!
Awesome is a word that gets tossed around a lot. It may be one of the most over-used - and misused - words in the English language. These days we think of everything as awesome.
Read that verse again. His (God's) divine power has given us everything that is required, everything we need, to live a live of godliness. Not some things. Everything. That's awesome!
Unfortunately, the word awesome has lost its impact. These days we think of nearly everything as awesome. We use it when our team scores a big play. When we enjoy a nice dinner. When we receive a gift. When we get good news. Whether we're talking about a ball player or the weather or what we had for dinner, everything these days is awesome.
The word awesome can mean "very impressive" or "overwhelming" or "causing feelings of reverence or admiration". It's my opinion that we need to be a little more careful about our use of the word awesome. There are many things deserving of that word. The grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. A glorious sunrise. The beauty of a sunset. The birth of a baby.
Above all, the word awesome belongs to God. For His wondrous works. For His marvelous grace. For His sovereignty in all things. For the gift of salvation. The list could go on.
There are many things in our world today that are less than awesome. We live in a world filled with chaos and greed and anger. That list could be very long as well.
But no matter what is going on in the world today, and no matter which way the political winds shift, and not matter what may going on in your personal life, or in mine, none of it takes God by surprise. He is sovereign. He knows what is happening in the world. He has a plan and purpose for all things.
Take comfort in that today.
Because our God is awesome!
"O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God!" (Psalm 68:35 NASB)
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Feeling Nostalgic
Maybe its because we are heading into the holiday season. Or maybe it's because we just celebrated Veteran's Day and I saw so many photos of those who served. Maybe it's because I've been researching my ancestry. I don't know, but for whatever reason, I'm feeling very nostalgic this morning.
Yesterday I was looking back through some old family photos. Some of our children when they were younger. And some of us when we were younger! As I looked through those photos, I came across some real treasures.
There was this undated photo of my home town in days gone by.
Yesterday I was looking back through some old family photos. Some of our children when they were younger. And some of us when we were younger! As I looked through those photos, I came across some real treasures.
There was this undated photo of my home town in days gone by.
There was this, also undated, picture of my grandparents when they were very young.
And there was this picture of my Grandmother as I remember her. She's the only grandmother I ever knew, since my Grandmother Austin died before I was born. Grandmother Neil lived next door to us from the time I was 2 years old. I spent a lot of time with her, and she had a profound influence on my life.
The picture is old and faded, but very precious to me. One of my most vivid memories was that Grandmother was always singing. And if not singing, then humming or whistling. When she washed clothes (with the old wringer washing machine) and washed dishes. When she cooked and worked in the yard. And almost always to the same tune.
Thou, my everlasting portion, more than friend or life to me;
All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with thee.
Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee;
All along my pilgrim journey, Savior let me walk with Thee.*
I often find myself singing that as well, as I'm working a puzzle or puttering around the house. I guess the apple didn't fall far from the tree!
This is more than just something that reminds me of my Grandmother. It's more than just a hymn we don't sing much anymore.
It's a prayer.
And it's my prayer.
Perhaps it could be your prayer too.
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8)
* words: Fanny J. Crosby; music: Silas J. Vail
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Bought With A Price
Yesterday we celebrated Veteran's Day, a day when we remember and honor those men and women who have served in our nation's military. It was heartwarming to see the photos and the stories of people who have served, and to see such an outpouring of love and respect for our veterans. I'm glad there is a day set aside for this purpose, but I also think it's sad that we don't remember them more often. That we don't think about and honor those men and women, and their families, who sacrifice so much on our behalf. Who pay the price so we don't have to. And the price they pay is very high. We must never forget that freedom isn't free, and that many have sacrificed much on our behalf.
Freedom comes at a price. A great price. And not only the freedoms we enjoy as American citizens, but the our freedom in Christ as well. May we never forget the great price that our Savior paid that we might be free from sin. May we never forget what it cost Him. May we never take it for granted.
We so often take our freedoms as Americans for granted. Shame on us! And shame on us when we treat our freedom in Christ casually as well.
May we live this day, and every day, with gratitude for all that is ours in Christ Jesus. May we never forget how much it cost..
"For you were bought with a price." (1 Corinthians 6:20 ESV)
"Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. For he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:4-5 ESV)
Freedom comes at a price. A great price. And not only the freedoms we enjoy as American citizens, but the our freedom in Christ as well. May we never forget the great price that our Savior paid that we might be free from sin. May we never forget what it cost Him. May we never take it for granted.
We so often take our freedoms as Americans for granted. Shame on us! And shame on us when we treat our freedom in Christ casually as well.
May we live this day, and every day, with gratitude for all that is ours in Christ Jesus. May we never forget how much it cost..
"For you were bought with a price." (1 Corinthians 6:20 ESV)
"Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. For he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:4-5 ESV)
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Pausing to Ponder. An Encore Post.
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." (Philippians 4:4 NASB)
As I was scrolling through some old posts, I came across this one from 2016. I've been thinking about it. Pondering it. It's a very timely verse for all seasons of life. Especially for me, and especially at this season of the year. You see, I originally posted this on November 15, 2016. One day before I had a stroke. One day before! I'm sharing this post with you again in its entirety, just as I wrote it 3 years ago.
Rejoice in the Lord.
Rejoice always.
Always. That's a powerful word. An all-encompassing word. A pretty direct word.
Think about it. Ponder exactly what it means.
Rejoice when your candidate wins the election.
Rejoice when your candidate loses the election.
Rejoice always.
Rejoice when you are sick, and rejoice when you are healthier.
Rejoice when you have cancer, and rejoice when you don't.
Rejoice when everything in your life is going wonderfully well, and rejoice when it isn't.
Rejoice always.
Rejoice.
"For the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10 NASB)
Rejoicing in the Lord is not about circumstances.
Rejoicing in the Lord is about knowing who the Lord is, knowing His character and His ways.
It's knowing the truth, and placing confidence and trust in that truth.
Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." (John 14:6 NASB)
Jesus said, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:32 NASB)
When we know truth - when we know THE TRUTH - we are set free to rejoice always. In every circumstance.
Because joy doesn't come from circumstances. Joy comes from Jesus.
Circumstances are just circumstances. Stuff happens. Life doesn't always go our way. It isn't always pretty. Or easy. Nor was it ever promised to be.
But, when we remain grounded in the truth of who Jesus is, when we stay centered there, then we can have joy in every circumstance and in every situation. In the good times. In the bad times. And in all the in-between times.
Not silly-smile happiness all the time. But deep down joy, in the core of our being. Because we know truth. Because we know The Truth. Because our joy and our confidence and our strength are in Him.
Pause to ponder that truth today! And rejoice!
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." (Philippians 4:4 NASB)
As I was scrolling through some old posts, I came across this one from 2016. I've been thinking about it. Pondering it. It's a very timely verse for all seasons of life. Especially for me, and especially at this season of the year. You see, I originally posted this on November 15, 2016. One day before I had a stroke. One day before! I'm sharing this post with you again in its entirety, just as I wrote it 3 years ago.
Rejoice in the Lord.
Rejoice always.
Always. That's a powerful word. An all-encompassing word. A pretty direct word.
Think about it. Ponder exactly what it means.
Rejoice when your candidate wins the election.
Rejoice when your candidate loses the election.
Rejoice always.
Rejoice when you are sick, and rejoice when you are healthier.
Rejoice when you have cancer, and rejoice when you don't.
Rejoice when everything in your life is going wonderfully well, and rejoice when it isn't.
Rejoice always.
Rejoice.
"For the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10 NASB)
Rejoicing in the Lord is not about circumstances.
Rejoicing in the Lord is about knowing who the Lord is, knowing His character and His ways.
It's knowing the truth, and placing confidence and trust in that truth.
Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." (John 14:6 NASB)
Jesus said, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:32 NASB)
When we know truth - when we know THE TRUTH - we are set free to rejoice always. In every circumstance.
Because joy doesn't come from circumstances. Joy comes from Jesus.
Circumstances are just circumstances. Stuff happens. Life doesn't always go our way. It isn't always pretty. Or easy. Nor was it ever promised to be.
But, when we remain grounded in the truth of who Jesus is, when we stay centered there, then we can have joy in every circumstance and in every situation. In the good times. In the bad times. And in all the in-between times.
Not silly-smile happiness all the time. But deep down joy, in the core of our being. Because we know truth. Because we know The Truth. Because our joy and our confidence and our strength are in Him.
Pause to ponder that truth today! And rejoice!
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." (Philippians 4:4 NASB)
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Done Any Eavesdropping Lately?
Go ahead and admit it. We all do it. Listen in on the conversations around us. I'm not talking about the hide-behind-the-door-like-a-sneak-so-you-can-hear-the-conversation-between-your-parents kind of eavesdropping. I'm talking about just listening in on conversations that happen around you, the conversations that you aren't really a part of. In the restaurant. In the doctor's office. At church. In the mall.
When you listen to those conversations, what do you hear?
Here's what I've heard a lot of lately: complaining, whining, grumbling, negativity. It's too hot. It's too cold. It rains too much. It doesn't rain enough. The coffee is too hot. The coffee is cold. The coffee is too strong. The coffee is weak. The tables are too close together. It's too crowded. I don't like that song. The music is too loud. Why don't we sing my favorite song? Why are the chairs arranged this way? The chairs are too close together. The chairs are too far apart. I don't like drums. I don't like guitars. On and on it goes.
There's a recurring theme. What I like. What I don't like. Me. I. My.
Even among those of us who call ourselves Christian, there's an awful lot of complaining and grumbling and selfishness. Maybe especially among those of us who call ourselves Christian. As though life is all and only about us and our own personal preferences.
That's sad, isn't it? Because the truth of the matter is, it's not about you. Or me.
Is this how we are displaying Jesus to the world?
I challenge you to pay attention to your conversation today. Really listen to yourself. Eavesdrop on your own conversation, not just the conversations around you. What's the dominant theme?
Certainly we live in challenging times. The economy. Self-serving politicians. The list could be very long.
But our joy isn't based on circumstances, is it? Our joy is in the Lord Jesus. And shouldn't that joy should be reflected in our conversation?
When you listen to those conversations, what do you hear?
Here's what I've heard a lot of lately: complaining, whining, grumbling, negativity. It's too hot. It's too cold. It rains too much. It doesn't rain enough. The coffee is too hot. The coffee is cold. The coffee is too strong. The coffee is weak. The tables are too close together. It's too crowded. I don't like that song. The music is too loud. Why don't we sing my favorite song? Why are the chairs arranged this way? The chairs are too close together. The chairs are too far apart. I don't like drums. I don't like guitars. On and on it goes.
There's a recurring theme. What I like. What I don't like. Me. I. My.
Even among those of us who call ourselves Christian, there's an awful lot of complaining and grumbling and selfishness. Maybe especially among those of us who call ourselves Christian. As though life is all and only about us and our own personal preferences.
That's sad, isn't it? Because the truth of the matter is, it's not about you. Or me.
Is this how we are displaying Jesus to the world?
I challenge you to pay attention to your conversation today. Really listen to yourself. Eavesdrop on your own conversation, not just the conversations around you. What's the dominant theme?
Certainly we live in challenging times. The economy. Self-serving politicians. The list could be very long.
But our joy isn't based on circumstances, is it? Our joy is in the Lord Jesus. And shouldn't that joy should be reflected in our conversation?
Something to think about today.
"Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8 ESV)
"From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers [and sisters], these things ought not to be so." (James 3:10 ESV)
"Through him [Jesus], let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." (Hebrews 13:15 ESV)
"Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude jesting, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving." (Ephesians 5:4 ESV)
"Do all things without grumbling." (Philippans 2:14 ESV)
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14 ESV)
"Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8 ESV)
"From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers [and sisters], these things ought not to be so." (James 3:10 ESV)
"Through him [Jesus], let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." (Hebrews 13:15 ESV)
"Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude jesting, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving." (Ephesians 5:4 ESV)
"Do all things without grumbling." (Philippans 2:14 ESV)
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14 ESV)
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
What If. Some Thoughts About Time Change
It's that time again. The time when we return to standard time from daylight savings time. Which means it's the time of year when there's a lot of complaining going on!
I'm not sure who first decided that moving our clocks forward or backward every six months was a good idea. I seem to remember that Benjamin Franklin has been credited with the idea. Of course, when Ben mentioned daylight savings time, it was in the middle of a satirical essay, which may means even he didn't think it was such a good idea. The idea became standard practice sometime in the late 1970s, and we've been doing it ever since. I think the idea back in the 1970s was to give children more daylight at the bus stop in the morning. But that really makes no since, because if you adjust time to have more daylight in the morning, it naturally follows that there will be less daylight in the evening. So what happens to children at the bus stop then? Especially those children who are still on a bus at 5pm!
When I went to my last Weight Watcher meeting, it was still daylight when I left the meeting at 6pm. Yesterday was a rude awakening. Not only was it already dark when I left, but because it was a cloudy evening, it was really dark!
This idea of taking an hour from one end of the day and putting it on the other end of the day really accomplishes nothing, in my humble opinion. There are still only twenty-four hours! Well, it does accomplish something. It messes with my body clock. And I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one! And the older I get, the more that is true. Since we had the "fall back" over the weekend, yesterday, and today - and probably for the rest of the week - I'm trying to adjust. Not really sure what time it is. A little out of sorts. Thinking it's mid-morning when it's really only eight o'clock. Things like that. Of course, I'll adjust. We all will. We're flexible like that. But I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who will be complaining about it.
Adjustments are a part of the journey of life. Now we're adjusting to the time change. Tomorrow may be something different. But no matter what adjustments there are to make, we have the option to complain, or to make the adjustment and move forward.
How about this. Instead of complaining, what if we were just grateful. Instead of complaining that the time change messes with my body clock, be thankful for another day of life. Instead of complaining that it's too hot or too cold, be thankful that we have the ability to feel. Instead of complaining when rainy days cause our joints to ache a little more, be thankful that we are able to move around. That we aren't in a wheel chair. Or worse yet, bed ridden.
Instead of so much complaining, why don't we stop and consider all the reasons we have to be thankful. And instead of whining to our family or our friends or our coworkers, why not share the reasons you have to be thankful today.
It's a choice. Which will you choose?
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
(1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)
I'm not sure who first decided that moving our clocks forward or backward every six months was a good idea. I seem to remember that Benjamin Franklin has been credited with the idea. Of course, when Ben mentioned daylight savings time, it was in the middle of a satirical essay, which may means even he didn't think it was such a good idea. The idea became standard practice sometime in the late 1970s, and we've been doing it ever since. I think the idea back in the 1970s was to give children more daylight at the bus stop in the morning. But that really makes no since, because if you adjust time to have more daylight in the morning, it naturally follows that there will be less daylight in the evening. So what happens to children at the bus stop then? Especially those children who are still on a bus at 5pm!
When I went to my last Weight Watcher meeting, it was still daylight when I left the meeting at 6pm. Yesterday was a rude awakening. Not only was it already dark when I left, but because it was a cloudy evening, it was really dark!
This idea of taking an hour from one end of the day and putting it on the other end of the day really accomplishes nothing, in my humble opinion. There are still only twenty-four hours! Well, it does accomplish something. It messes with my body clock. And I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one! And the older I get, the more that is true. Since we had the "fall back" over the weekend, yesterday, and today - and probably for the rest of the week - I'm trying to adjust. Not really sure what time it is. A little out of sorts. Thinking it's mid-morning when it's really only eight o'clock. Things like that. Of course, I'll adjust. We all will. We're flexible like that. But I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who will be complaining about it.
How about this. Instead of complaining, what if we were just grateful. Instead of complaining that the time change messes with my body clock, be thankful for another day of life. Instead of complaining that it's too hot or too cold, be thankful that we have the ability to feel. Instead of complaining when rainy days cause our joints to ache a little more, be thankful that we are able to move around. That we aren't in a wheel chair. Or worse yet, bed ridden.
Instead of so much complaining, why don't we stop and consider all the reasons we have to be thankful. And instead of whining to our family or our friends or our coworkers, why not share the reasons you have to be thankful today.
It's a choice. Which will you choose?
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
(1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)
Saturday, November 2, 2019
A Song of Thanksgiving
I haven't posted anything in a while. There's no particular reason for that. I just got out of the habit. And like so many other things, one you get out of the habit, it's hard to get the habit back. Once you ignore healthy eating for a few days, it's hard to bet back in the habit. Once you skip church for a few Sundays, it's hard to get back in the habit. And once you get out of the habit of writing, it's a hard thing to get back to. But November seems like a good month to get back in the habit.
November is a month for giving thanks. It's the month of Thanksgiving, after all. For me, when I turn the calendar to November, I'm reminded once again of just how much to be thankful for. You see, it was in November, 2016 that I had a hemorrhagic stroke. That significant life event forever altered my life. But that's a story for another day.
Today I'm focused on being thankful. And this great old hymn comes to mind:
November is a month for giving thanks. It's the month of Thanksgiving, after all. For me, when I turn the calendar to November, I'm reminded once again of just how much to be thankful for. You see, it was in November, 2016 that I had a hemorrhagic stroke. That significant life event forever altered my life. But that's a story for another day.
Today I'm focused on being thankful. And this great old hymn comes to mind:
"Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving
To God the Creator triumphantly raise,
Who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us,
Who guideth us on to the end of our days.
His banners are o'er us, His light goes before us,
A pillar of fire shining forth in the night,
'Til shadows have vanished and darkness is banished,
As forward we travel from light into light.
His law He enforces, the stars in their courses,
The sun in His orbit, obediently shine.
The hills and the mountains, the rivers and fountains,
The deeps of the ocean proclaim Him Divine.
We too should be voicing our love and rejoicing,
With glad adoration a song let us raise,
'Til all things now living unite in thanksgiving
To God in the highest, hosanna and praise!
-Katherine K. Davis
Those are the words to a hymn titled "Let All Things Now Living", written by Katherine K. Davis and typically sung to a traditional Welsh melody. It's one of those hymns we don't sing in church any more, but it's still one of my favorites.
This hymn seems to come to my mind every year at this time. It isn't because we frequently sing this hymn at this time of year, or at any other time of year, for that matter. In fact, I can't remember when I last heard this hymn as part of congregational singing. Rather, at this time of year particularly, this hymn is called up from deep in the recesses of my memory. It's a catchy tune, but the text is what grabs my attention.
Perhaps it's because I'm not as young as I used to be! Or perhaps there is some other reason. In any event, I am becoming more and more aware of how much I take for granted. How often I forget to say "thank you". It's not that I'm ungrateful. Forgetful, yes. A little scatter-brained sometimes. More forgetful post-stroke than I was previously. Easily distracted, particularly since the stroke. But not ungrateful. Never ungrateful.
At this time of year, and particularly as I am approaching my "strokaversary", this Song of Thanksgiving is appropriate. I have so many reasons for thanksgiving this morning, not the least of which is the beauty of the world around me. I love this season of the year with its brilliant reds and golds. With its spectacular sunsets and breathtaking morning skies. It's a beautiful season of the year, my favorite season, and I am so thankful. This year the colors haven't been as brilliant as they are in some seasons, but it is still a beautiful time of year.
Beyond the beauty of the season, I have so many other reasons to be thankful. I'm thankful for my husband and my family. For dear friends. For my church family. For my health. Especially for my health.
I'm thankful for the privilege of prayer. I'm thankful that God hears and answers. I'm thankful for those times when I utter a prayer with a very specific request, and within just a few minutes I have my answer! And I'm equally thankful for those times when the answer is a long time in coming. The times when I'm learning how to wait and how to trust. I'm thankful for all that those times are teaching me about God and about faith.
I am so very grateful for a Sovereign Lord. One who knows me best and loves me most. One who has all things under control. One who has a purpose for all things.
This morning I am so very grateful. For another day of life. And for the privilege of living it for Jesus!
So very grateful.
It's a good day for a song of thanksgiving!
So very grateful.
It's a good day for a song of thanksgiving!
"My heart overflows with a good theme." (Psalm 45:1 NASB)
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Monitors and Mittens
Don't you wish you could sleep in mittens like these!
A few weeks ago, my rheumatologist determined I can add carpal tunnel syndrome to my list of ailments. After steroid injections in both wrists (no fun at all!), I now get to sleep with these boxing-glove-like mittens.
Who knew getting older would bring such fun accessories into my life!
And lets not forget the joy of wearing a heart monitor for the last month. Thankfully, the monitoring is now completed, and I'm just waiting to see what, if anything, the monitoring revealed. I was very pleased to pack that monitor and its associated parts, and return it to the "monitoring people".
Even as I am wearing my mittens and waiting on monitoring results, I have become aware that a number of friends and relatives are also being "monitored". We are all in a similar season of life, so perhaps this is just an inevitable part of getting older.
I'm not sure who said it first, but it is certainly a true statement: Getting old is not for sissies!
Yet even as I complain about the monitor and the mittens, and even as I joke about aging, I am very aware that every day is a gift from God. And that is also true of old age. Or of older age, since I haven't yet reached that place where I could really be described as old.
Every day of life is a precious gift, no matter what our season of life. And even as we move toward the senior years, there is still joy and purpose in each day.
The psalmist has a good reminder for us about that, no matter what our age or our health or our circumstances. It's a reminder I needed today. Perhaps you do too.
"O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come." (Psalm 71:18-19 ESV)
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