As we enter yet another week of this new normal, my thoughts are all over the place this morning, so perhaps this should be called "Monday Morning Ramblings"!
Life is very strange these days and we are all a little off kilter. A little bit out of our comfort zones. I stepped way out of my comfort zone when I shared my Sunday School lesson on Facebook Live on Saturday. And then I set up a YouTube channel so non-facebookers would have access to it. That's a really big leap for me, as I am not at all comfortable with technology.
We've grown somewhat accustomed now to having our church services on-line. I'm thankful we have this means of worshiping together and staying connected. And we have the advantage of listening over and over if we want to. Or of "visiting" our friends in other churches throughout the week. And while this has become our normal, at least for the moment, I don't want to get too used to it. I miss being with my church family.
Yesterday afternoon Al and I ventured out for a walk through Hatcher Gardens, which is just down the road from where we live. It was refreshing to walk somewhere other than up and down my street, and we really enjoyed the fresh air and the beautiful surroundings. There were other people in the park, although not too many, and we were careful to all maintain social distancing! Some families were enjoying picnic lunches there. Others like us were just walking and enjoying the outdoors.
We received some wonderful news yesterday evening when we learned that our friends in Tennessee who have the virus are much improved. Bill is now off the ventilator, although still hospitalized, and Jean has returned home, where she is quarantined for 14 days with home health care. This is such an answer to prayer! God is so good!
As I have been thinking about them this morning, this world from Psalm 116 came to mind:
"Because he bends down to listen, I will pray to him as long as I have breath."
(Psalm 116:3 NLT)
He bends down to listen. What a wonderful thought. What a comfort in these challenging times. He listens to me. To you.
I'm overwhelmed.
Monday, March 30, 2020
Friday, March 27, 2020
Diary of a Pandemic. Safely Through Another Week.
"Safely through another week God has brought us on our way."*
We used to sing that hymn sometimes on Sunday mornings when I was a child. It's one of those we don't sing any more, but it came to mind this morning. We have made it through another week.
I'm thankful this morning that my husband and I are healthy, and that my family is all healthy. But this became very real and personal to me this week when two of our very dearest friends tested positive for Covid-19 and were hospitalized there in Tennessee where they live.
This has been a frustrating week. A week when we are all getting a little stir crazy. When we all have a bit of cabin fever. Even so, I am so unbelievably frustrated by people who carry on with life as usual, who don't stay home, who think this doesn't apply to them.
We are all in this together. And we all have to do our part. As one who in a high risk category, because of my age but also because of my health and my compromised immune system, I'm being extra careful. As should we all be.
This virus is no respecter of persons. And so we must all do our part.
Stay home. Please. If not for yourself, then for those you love.
It isn't easy. We all have to find ways to maintain contact with the outside world. We need to check on each other. Especially in these challenging times, a phone call or a text message can really brighten someone's day.
I don't know how long this will last. But when we make it through and come out on the other side, let's continue to encourage one another.
"And encourage one another day after day..." (Hebrews 3:13 NASB)
*"Safely through Another Week" - Newton/Mason
We used to sing that hymn sometimes on Sunday mornings when I was a child. It's one of those we don't sing any more, but it came to mind this morning. We have made it through another week.
I'm thankful this morning that my husband and I are healthy, and that my family is all healthy. But this became very real and personal to me this week when two of our very dearest friends tested positive for Covid-19 and were hospitalized there in Tennessee where they live.
This has been a frustrating week. A week when we are all getting a little stir crazy. When we all have a bit of cabin fever. Even so, I am so unbelievably frustrated by people who carry on with life as usual, who don't stay home, who think this doesn't apply to them.
We are all in this together. And we all have to do our part. As one who in a high risk category, because of my age but also because of my health and my compromised immune system, I'm being extra careful. As should we all be.
This virus is no respecter of persons. And so we must all do our part.
Stay home. Please. If not for yourself, then for those you love.
It isn't easy. We all have to find ways to maintain contact with the outside world. We need to check on each other. Especially in these challenging times, a phone call or a text message can really brighten someone's day.
I don't know how long this will last. But when we make it through and come out on the other side, let's continue to encourage one another.
"And encourage one another day after day..." (Hebrews 3:13 NASB)
*"Safely through Another Week" - Newton/Mason
Monday, March 23, 2020
Pull The Rope
In these troublesome times, perhaps a word from Charles H. Spurgeon is in order. Spurgeon once said:
"Prayer pulls the rope down below and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly; others give only an occasional jerk at the rope. But he who communicates with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously with all his might."
What powerful words from this great preacher of days gone by! As the old hymn says, "oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."
As we are navigating these uncharted waters, keep pulling the rope!
"Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
"Prayer pulls the rope down below and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly; others give only an occasional jerk at the rope. But he who communicates with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously with all his might."
What powerful words from this great preacher of days gone by! As the old hymn says, "oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."
As we are navigating these uncharted waters, keep pulling the rope!
"Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Friday, March 20, 2020
Diary of a Pandemic. Social Distancing Week One.
When I first heard about a virus in China, I really didn't think much about it. That was "there" and really didn't have anything to do with "here".
Even as people began to talk about it more, I still thought it didn't have anything to do with "here". With me.
I was wrong. This has touched us all in some way.
I'm not infected. I don't know anyone personally who is infected. Yet we are all affected.
Affected by disruption. By panic. By change. By fear - whether ours or someone else's.
I am not afraid. I am not afraid of getting sick. If I do get sick, either I will get well or I won't. If I get sick, I might die. But I am not afraid of dying.
The virus itself is not what bothers me. What I am more bothered by is the reactions to the virus. The panic buying. The hoarding. The media hype. I am very much a creature of habit, so disruptions to my routines are bothersome. But not impossible to deal with.
Yesterday I sat on my porch and listened to birds singing and felt the gentle breeze as I drank my coffee and began reading a good book. I enjoyed that so very much. Solitude is not always a bad thing.
This week has been a week of focused prayer. For all who have been affected, whether through illness or job loss or fear. Praying for pastors as they lead their congregations through these uncharted waters. Praying for the President and the Task Force. Praying for our country.
I have found myself wondering when - or if - we will ever be "normal" again. And I find myself hoping that when all this is over, we as a society will realize who the really important people - the real heroes - are. Not the professional athletes, the actors, the professional celebrities. But the health care professionals, the truck drivers bringing food to grocery stores, the grocers, the farmers. Through all this, I hope we can learn that lesson.
We're in a new normal. This week, I'm staying home. Earlier in the week I had a couple of doctor appointments, which I kept. The cardiologist office was almost empty. When we arrived at the eye doctor's office, we had to be pre-screened by answering a health questionnaire. Only after we "passed" were we allowed to check in. As we were checking in, another woman arrived but was sent home when she said she had a cough. As we were leaving, I saw a woman having her temperature checked. Apparently it was ok, because she was allowed to stay.
We made a quick trip to Publix to pick up a few last minute necessities, hoping we would be able to find what we needed (we did). I was very impressed to see that Publix had one employee whose only job was to wipe down each shopping cart when it was returned from the lot, and to be sure that you had a clean, sanitized cart.
Life has been different this week. We're not sure what comes next. How long this will last. What else will change.
Life has changed. But somethings have not.
"For I, the Lord, do not change." (Malachi 3:6 NASB)
And so, I am not afraid.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in Thee."
(Isaiah 26:3 KJV)
Even as people began to talk about it more, I still thought it didn't have anything to do with "here". With me.
I was wrong. This has touched us all in some way.
I'm not infected. I don't know anyone personally who is infected. Yet we are all affected.
Affected by disruption. By panic. By change. By fear - whether ours or someone else's.
I am not afraid. I am not afraid of getting sick. If I do get sick, either I will get well or I won't. If I get sick, I might die. But I am not afraid of dying.
The virus itself is not what bothers me. What I am more bothered by is the reactions to the virus. The panic buying. The hoarding. The media hype. I am very much a creature of habit, so disruptions to my routines are bothersome. But not impossible to deal with.
Yesterday I sat on my porch and listened to birds singing and felt the gentle breeze as I drank my coffee and began reading a good book. I enjoyed that so very much. Solitude is not always a bad thing.
This week has been a week of focused prayer. For all who have been affected, whether through illness or job loss or fear. Praying for pastors as they lead their congregations through these uncharted waters. Praying for the President and the Task Force. Praying for our country.
I have found myself wondering when - or if - we will ever be "normal" again. And I find myself hoping that when all this is over, we as a society will realize who the really important people - the real heroes - are. Not the professional athletes, the actors, the professional celebrities. But the health care professionals, the truck drivers bringing food to grocery stores, the grocers, the farmers. Through all this, I hope we can learn that lesson.
We're in a new normal. This week, I'm staying home. Earlier in the week I had a couple of doctor appointments, which I kept. The cardiologist office was almost empty. When we arrived at the eye doctor's office, we had to be pre-screened by answering a health questionnaire. Only after we "passed" were we allowed to check in. As we were checking in, another woman arrived but was sent home when she said she had a cough. As we were leaving, I saw a woman having her temperature checked. Apparently it was ok, because she was allowed to stay.
We made a quick trip to Publix to pick up a few last minute necessities, hoping we would be able to find what we needed (we did). I was very impressed to see that Publix had one employee whose only job was to wipe down each shopping cart when it was returned from the lot, and to be sure that you had a clean, sanitized cart.
Life has been different this week. We're not sure what comes next. How long this will last. What else will change.
Life has changed. But somethings have not.
"For I, the Lord, do not change." (Malachi 3:6 NASB)
And so, I am not afraid.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in Thee."
(Isaiah 26:3 KJV)
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Nothing. Not Even...
What's on your mind this morning? Is it the frantic search for toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Is it being "trapped" in your own home, wondering how you are going to navigate schooling and providing food for your family and what will happen to your job?
We are in new territory these days. None of us has had to face a pandemic like Covid-19. We are all dealing with uncertainties and questions and concerns in a way we have not known before.
As I have been thinking about and praying over these things this morning, this is the passage the Lord brought to mind:
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did; sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death; but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God......For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the Saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son......What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?......Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?.....But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:1-8, 24-25, 28-29,31, 35, 37-39 NASB)
How thankful I am for that nugget of truth planted in this passage, the nugget that brought me such peace and comfort this morning.
Nothing can separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus!
Nothing.
Not financial challenges.
Not health challenges.
Not the craziness in our world today.
Not even Covid-19.
Nothing.
Thank You, Jesus!
"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39 NASB)
We are in new territory these days. None of us has had to face a pandemic like Covid-19. We are all dealing with uncertainties and questions and concerns in a way we have not known before.
As I have been thinking about and praying over these things this morning, this is the passage the Lord brought to mind:
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did; sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death; but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God......For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the Saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son......What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?......Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?.....But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:1-8, 24-25, 28-29,31, 35, 37-39 NASB)
How thankful I am for that nugget of truth planted in this passage, the nugget that brought me such peace and comfort this morning.
Nothing can separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus!
Nothing.
Not financial challenges.
Not health challenges.
Not the craziness in our world today.
Not even Covid-19.
Nothing.
Thank You, Jesus!
"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39 NASB)
Monday, March 16, 2020
Simply Trusting. That Is All.
Times are tough right now for a lot of people. If you aren't in the middle of a tough time, you probably know someone who is.
People are worried and stressed and fearful and feeling uncertain. About all sorts of things.
People are dealing with health issues of various kinds. A bad diagnosis. Facing tests and fearful of what the diagnosis will be. Trying to navigate insurance challenges.
There's unemployment. And underemployment. And nervousness about just how long the job will last. And will it be long enough. Worry that the job won't last until retirement. Concern that when retirement comes, there won't be enough money.
There are bills to pay. And too much month at the end of the money.
There are broken relationships. There's stress and anger and frustration.
Add to that the chaos and craziness and uncertainty of COVID-19. Is it any wonder so many people are fearful? How do we deal with it all? How do we get through these tough times without falling completely apart?
We adjust our focus. Instead of fixing our attention on the circumstances, or on the television or social media, we fix our attention in a different direction. Look up. "Fixing our eyes on Jesus....." (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)
We remember. Remember who God is. Call to mind the aspects of His character. Make a list of all the times and all the ways He has come to your aid, all the blessings He has showered on you. Remember how He has never forsaken you. "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (Psalm 103:2 ESV)
We trust. We fix our eyes on Jesus. We remember who He is and we remember all He has done. And we trust that He will continue to do that. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 ESV)
No matter what the circumstances of your life are today, no matter how stressed or upset or worried you might be, rest today in confident assurance that God is in control. None of your situation, or the world's situation, comes as a surprise to Him. He knows. He cares. And He's got it all under control.
People are worried and stressed and fearful and feeling uncertain. About all sorts of things.
People are dealing with health issues of various kinds. A bad diagnosis. Facing tests and fearful of what the diagnosis will be. Trying to navigate insurance challenges.
There's unemployment. And underemployment. And nervousness about just how long the job will last. And will it be long enough. Worry that the job won't last until retirement. Concern that when retirement comes, there won't be enough money.
There are bills to pay. And too much month at the end of the money.
There are broken relationships. There's stress and anger and frustration.
Add to that the chaos and craziness and uncertainty of COVID-19. Is it any wonder so many people are fearful? How do we deal with it all? How do we get through these tough times without falling completely apart?
We adjust our focus. Instead of fixing our attention on the circumstances, or on the television or social media, we fix our attention in a different direction. Look up. "Fixing our eyes on Jesus....." (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)
We remember. Remember who God is. Call to mind the aspects of His character. Make a list of all the times and all the ways He has come to your aid, all the blessings He has showered on you. Remember how He has never forsaken you. "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (Psalm 103:2 ESV)
We trust. We fix our eyes on Jesus. We remember who He is and we remember all He has done. And we trust that He will continue to do that. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 ESV)
No matter what the circumstances of your life are today, no matter how stressed or upset or worried you might be, rest today in confident assurance that God is in control. None of your situation, or the world's situation, comes as a surprise to Him. He knows. He cares. And He's got it all under control.
"Simply trusting ev'ry day, Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Trusting as the moments fly, Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate'er befall, Trusting Jesus, that is all."
(Trusting Jesus - words, Edgar Page Stites; music, Ira Sankey)
Friday, March 13, 2020
Today I Will...
Do you ever feel as though the world has gone crazy?
As if the incessant blah-blah-blah of the political season weren't enough, now the world has gone crazy because of a virus.
Put that on top of the regular stress and frustration that often characterize daily living, and it's all a bit more than we think we can deal with. I don't know about you, but in my stroke-recovery-world, all the stress and arguing and noise pollution of life cause me some stress. And now we're all afraid we're going to die because of a virus. It's a bit much.
So today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration, I will remember:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you. (Isaiah 26:3 ESV)
The word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30 ESV)
You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head. (Psalm 3:3 ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration, I will trust:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. (Isaiah 26:4 ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration, I will give thanks:
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
(1 Chronicles 16:34 ESV)
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 9:1 ESV)
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration, I will not be afraid.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear."
(Psalm 46:1-2a ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration, I will praise God!
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Oh, magnify the LORD with me and let us exalt his name together. (Psalm 34:1,3 ESV)
As if the incessant blah-blah-blah of the political season weren't enough, now the world has gone crazy because of a virus.
Put that on top of the regular stress and frustration that often characterize daily living, and it's all a bit more than we think we can deal with. I don't know about you, but in my stroke-recovery-world, all the stress and arguing and noise pollution of life cause me some stress. And now we're all afraid we're going to die because of a virus. It's a bit much.
So today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration, I will remember:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you. (Isaiah 26:3 ESV)
The word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30 ESV)
You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head. (Psalm 3:3 ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration, I will trust:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. (Isaiah 26:4 ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration, I will give thanks:
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
(1 Chronicles 16:34 ESV)
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 9:1 ESV)
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration, I will not be afraid.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear."
(Psalm 46:1-2a ESV)
Today, in the middle of the stress and uncertainty and frustration, I will praise God!
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Oh, magnify the LORD with me and let us exalt his name together. (Psalm 34:1,3 ESV)
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Celebrating Answered Prayer
Last week we celebrated the birthday of our firstborn son. But it was a celebration of much more than that. It was also a celebration of God's faithfulness. Each year when Brian's birthday comes around I am reminded once again of how God answers prayer.
You see, many years ago I was a young married woman who wanted very much to be a mother. Yet I remained childless. And month after month, as it became obvious that conception had not taken place and no baby was on the way, I became more and more despondent. Doctor's were not optimistic that I would ever conceive. My husband and I longed to be parents, but it seemed that was not going to happen. Doctors recommend we consider adoption.
During this challenging period of my life, I turned to the Scriptures and became very familiar with the story of Hannah. I had been familiar with Hannah since childhood, but back then my focus had always been on Samuel, the son God blessed Hannah with. As I think back on it now, perhaps we should have given Brian a different name - Samuel.
In 1 Samuel we read these words: "She (Hannah) was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly." (1 Samuel 1:10 ESV)
I related to Hannah. I was distressed. I wept bitterly. I prayed. Oh, how I prayed!
Even so, months passed and no baby was on the way. So I began to pray Hannah's prayer.
"O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the afflictions of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life." (1 Samuel 1:11 ESV)
That was my prayer. While I may not have prayed those exact words, that was the prayer of my heart. And just as He did for Hannah, God heard my prayer and answered. Just as we were about to initiate adoption proceedings, we learned that God had answered my prayer! Several months later, a few weeks ahead of schedule, I gave birth to a son! And a few years after that, our second son was born.
When Brian was born, I prayed Hannah's prayer again. This time it was a prayer of thanksgiving. And I prayed it again three years later when Brandon was born.
"For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me the petition that I made to Him. My heart exults in the LORD." (1 Samuel 1:27; 1 Samuel 2:1 ESV)
Hannah's story, and mine, taught me a few life lessons. First and foremost, I learned that God is sovereign. I learned that God is in control. Doctor's are wonderful, but they don't have all the answers. They are, after all, only human. (Perhaps that's a life lesson we could also apply to the current corona virus situation.)
This experience continues to remind me that God hears and answers prayer. The answer may not always be what we want or expect, although in this case, for me, it certainly was. But even if the answer is different than what we hope for or expect, God always answers our prayers. And His answers are always best. Because He is God.
Another life lesson from this experience is persistence. I learned to keep on praying. To never give up. My prayer wasn't answered the first time I prayed it. Or the second. I prayed for months. I continued to pray. I prayed without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). My answer came after I continued to pray, not knowing when the answer would come, but knowing and believing that God would answer.
Through it all, I learned a lot about the character of God. About His faithfulness. About His love. About His sovereignty. About His trustworthiness. These are lessons I have never forgotten. Now that I am no longer a young woman, these lessons remain core beliefs for my life. God is sovereign. God answers prayer. God's ways are always best. God's timing is always perfect. God can be trusted.
My sons are now grown men with sons of their own. Every time I look at them, and every time I celebrate their birthdays, I are minded once again that God answer's prayer.
You see, many years ago I was a young married woman who wanted very much to be a mother. Yet I remained childless. And month after month, as it became obvious that conception had not taken place and no baby was on the way, I became more and more despondent. Doctor's were not optimistic that I would ever conceive. My husband and I longed to be parents, but it seemed that was not going to happen. Doctors recommend we consider adoption.
During this challenging period of my life, I turned to the Scriptures and became very familiar with the story of Hannah. I had been familiar with Hannah since childhood, but back then my focus had always been on Samuel, the son God blessed Hannah with. As I think back on it now, perhaps we should have given Brian a different name - Samuel.
In 1 Samuel we read these words: "She (Hannah) was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly." (1 Samuel 1:10 ESV)
I related to Hannah. I was distressed. I wept bitterly. I prayed. Oh, how I prayed!
Even so, months passed and no baby was on the way. So I began to pray Hannah's prayer.
"O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the afflictions of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life." (1 Samuel 1:11 ESV)
That was my prayer. While I may not have prayed those exact words, that was the prayer of my heart. And just as He did for Hannah, God heard my prayer and answered. Just as we were about to initiate adoption proceedings, we learned that God had answered my prayer! Several months later, a few weeks ahead of schedule, I gave birth to a son! And a few years after that, our second son was born.
When Brian was born, I prayed Hannah's prayer again. This time it was a prayer of thanksgiving. And I prayed it again three years later when Brandon was born.
"For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me the petition that I made to Him. My heart exults in the LORD." (1 Samuel 1:27; 1 Samuel 2:1 ESV)
Hannah's story, and mine, taught me a few life lessons. First and foremost, I learned that God is sovereign. I learned that God is in control. Doctor's are wonderful, but they don't have all the answers. They are, after all, only human. (Perhaps that's a life lesson we could also apply to the current corona virus situation.)
This experience continues to remind me that God hears and answers prayer. The answer may not always be what we want or expect, although in this case, for me, it certainly was. But even if the answer is different than what we hope for or expect, God always answers our prayers. And His answers are always best. Because He is God.
Another life lesson from this experience is persistence. I learned to keep on praying. To never give up. My prayer wasn't answered the first time I prayed it. Or the second. I prayed for months. I continued to pray. I prayed without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). My answer came after I continued to pray, not knowing when the answer would come, but knowing and believing that God would answer.
Through it all, I learned a lot about the character of God. About His faithfulness. About His love. About His sovereignty. About His trustworthiness. These are lessons I have never forgotten. Now that I am no longer a young woman, these lessons remain core beliefs for my life. God is sovereign. God answers prayer. God's ways are always best. God's timing is always perfect. God can be trusted.
My sons are now grown men with sons of their own. Every time I look at them, and every time I celebrate their birthdays, I are minded once again that God answer's prayer.
Monday, March 9, 2020
The Time Change Blues
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 1970s, and we've been doing it ever since.
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!
Since we sprang forward over the weekend, this morning - 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 almost noon. 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. Today 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.
It's a choice. Which will you choose?
"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)
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!
Since we sprang forward over the weekend, this morning - 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 almost noon. 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.
It's a choice. Which will you choose?
"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)
Friday, March 6, 2020
What Not To Wear
Have you ever watched that show "What Not To Wear"? Either the American or British version. I'm not sure if the show still airs, but it's a show where friends "nominate" their very badly dressed friend for a makeover and the hosts then teach the person what not to wear as well as what they should be wearing. I always preferred the British version. It's probably because of the accents. I love British accents! But I digress.
I have lived long enough to have learned what I should and shouldn't be wearing. To know what colors work best for me and what styles best suit my shape and my lifestyle. But from time to time, I make a bad choice. A buying mistake. I'm tempted by a trendy style or color, and I make a wrong choice.
I think the same could probably be said of all us. We know what we should wear, but from time to time we look into the closet and find that item that makes us cringe. That makes us ask "who thought that was a good idea?".
It's true in our spiritual "closets" as well.
Thinking about that brings this verse to mind:
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.......and above all these, put on love." (Colossians 3:12-14 ESV)
That's "what to wear". Now let's think about what NOT to wear. Here's a partial list, taken from the same chapter in Colossians, although there are similar lists elsewhere in Scripture.
"Put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth." (Colossians 3:8 ESV)
Or how about this one:
"Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion and desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." (Col. 3:5 ESV)
I don't know about you, but I am not always kind and patient and loving. And if I'm honest, I'll have to admit that sometimes I am angry and sometimes I covet and sometimes stuff comes out of my mouth that I'm not very proud of. Not so much that it's "obscene", but I speak sarcasm fluently, as the saying goes, so what comes out of my mouth should sometimes have been left unsaid!
Maybe today would be a good day for cleaning out my closet, spiritually speaking. For taking some time to examine what needs to stay and what needs to go. A good day for some "house cleaning"!
"Put off your old self......and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV)
I have lived long enough to have learned what I should and shouldn't be wearing. To know what colors work best for me and what styles best suit my shape and my lifestyle. But from time to time, I make a bad choice. A buying mistake. I'm tempted by a trendy style or color, and I make a wrong choice.
I think the same could probably be said of all us. We know what we should wear, but from time to time we look into the closet and find that item that makes us cringe. That makes us ask "who thought that was a good idea?".
It's true in our spiritual "closets" as well.
Thinking about that brings this verse to mind:
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.......and above all these, put on love." (Colossians 3:12-14 ESV)
That's "what to wear". Now let's think about what NOT to wear. Here's a partial list, taken from the same chapter in Colossians, although there are similar lists elsewhere in Scripture.
"Put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth." (Colossians 3:8 ESV)
Or how about this one:
"Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion and desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry." (Col. 3:5 ESV)
I don't know about you, but I am not always kind and patient and loving. And if I'm honest, I'll have to admit that sometimes I am angry and sometimes I covet and sometimes stuff comes out of my mouth that I'm not very proud of. Not so much that it's "obscene", but I speak sarcasm fluently, as the saying goes, so what comes out of my mouth should sometimes have been left unsaid!
Maybe today would be a good day for cleaning out my closet, spiritually speaking. For taking some time to examine what needs to stay and what needs to go. A good day for some "house cleaning"!
"Put off your old self......and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV)
Thursday, March 5, 2020
The Day I Became A Mother
It was forty-five years ago today. On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, our prayers were answered and I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy 6 pound 2 ounce baby boy. We were overjoyed.
One of the funny stories about the birth of this child is that we had intended for his name to be something else. I no longer even remember what the chosen name was, but in the hallway outside the delivery room one of us said "Let's name him Christopher Brian." And the other one of us said "OK." And so it was decided. And somehow it was also decided that he would be called Brian. I'm not sure if we ever told him that.
There was great joy on that day. But if I'm honest, I must also admit that in addition to being overjoyed, I was also terrified! In all the months leading up to this event, I was focused on the birth process and on the baby. Once he was born, I became aware as I never had been before that this child was now dependent on me. To feed him and clothe him. To change his diapers. But also to nurture him. To teach him. To grow him up into a mature, responsible adult. I was overwhelmed.
We took him home from the hospital and settled into life as young parents. I didn't break the baby! Now he's all grown up. And I am so proud of the man he has become.
Happy Birthday, Brian. I love you.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD." (Psalm 127:3 ESV)
One of the funny stories about the birth of this child is that we had intended for his name to be something else. I no longer even remember what the chosen name was, but in the hallway outside the delivery room one of us said "Let's name him Christopher Brian." And the other one of us said "OK." And so it was decided. And somehow it was also decided that he would be called Brian. I'm not sure if we ever told him that.
There was great joy on that day. But if I'm honest, I must also admit that in addition to being overjoyed, I was also terrified! In all the months leading up to this event, I was focused on the birth process and on the baby. Once he was born, I became aware as I never had been before that this child was now dependent on me. To feed him and clothe him. To change his diapers. But also to nurture him. To teach him. To grow him up into a mature, responsible adult. I was overwhelmed.
We took him home from the hospital and settled into life as young parents. I didn't break the baby! Now he's all grown up. And I am so proud of the man he has become.
Happy Birthday, Brian. I love you.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD." (Psalm 127:3 ESV)
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Words Matter. Or, Whatever Happened to Respect?
Words matter.
I have learned just how much since my stroke three years ago. I have always loved words, but in these months of struggling for the right word, of not being able to connect with the word I'm trying to say, of not understanding the word I'm being given...all that has given me a new appreciation for the power of words.
Yet even as I value the power of words, I find myself these days shying away from many of the words I read and hear. On radio and television, in social media, everywhere we turn, it seems that our discourse is full of rancor and hatred, of harshness and criticism.
Whatever happened to good manners? It seems "common courtesy" is no longer common! Whatever happened to respect? Whatever happened to treating other people the way you would want to be treated? Whatever happened to disagreeing without being disagreeable?
Whatever happened to thinking before we speak? Whatever happened to choosing our words carefully? When did we decide that the words we use just don't matter? When did we stop accepting responsibility for the things we say? What has happened to us as a people?
I have written before about the days when I struggle with these posts. That was true even before my stroke. Some days when I sit to write these posts, words come easily. Some days, not so much. Even on the "not so much" days, perhaps especially on those days, I want to choose my words carefully because words matter.
Not just written words. All words matter.
Consider, for example, good manners and words of respect. Please. Thank you. Yes, sir. No, ma'am. Manners aren't just for Southerners. And far too often, Southerners don't have them either! How we treat each other matters, and the words we choose are a reflection of that. In our increasingly discordant world, it's important to be respectful, even when we don't agree. Especially when we don't agree. Words matter.
Words can encourage, or they can bring discouragement. It matters which we choose.
We have, by the words we choose to use, the ability to lift someone up or to tear them down. And this ability carries across the spectrum of life. At home. In politics. In the workplace. In the classroom. At the mall. At the gym. On social media. Everywhere we go.
As you're out and about today, doing life, encountering various individuals and situations, choose your words carefully. Be respectful. Because words matter.
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver." (Proverbs 25:11 ESV)
I have learned just how much since my stroke three years ago. I have always loved words, but in these months of struggling for the right word, of not being able to connect with the word I'm trying to say, of not understanding the word I'm being given...all that has given me a new appreciation for the power of words.
Yet even as I value the power of words, I find myself these days shying away from many of the words I read and hear. On radio and television, in social media, everywhere we turn, it seems that our discourse is full of rancor and hatred, of harshness and criticism.
Whatever happened to good manners? It seems "common courtesy" is no longer common! Whatever happened to respect? Whatever happened to treating other people the way you would want to be treated? Whatever happened to disagreeing without being disagreeable?
Whatever happened to thinking before we speak? Whatever happened to choosing our words carefully? When did we decide that the words we use just don't matter? When did we stop accepting responsibility for the things we say? What has happened to us as a people?
I have written before about the days when I struggle with these posts. That was true even before my stroke. Some days when I sit to write these posts, words come easily. Some days, not so much. Even on the "not so much" days, perhaps especially on those days, I want to choose my words carefully because words matter.
Not just written words. All words matter.
Consider, for example, good manners and words of respect. Please. Thank you. Yes, sir. No, ma'am. Manners aren't just for Southerners. And far too often, Southerners don't have them either! How we treat each other matters, and the words we choose are a reflection of that. In our increasingly discordant world, it's important to be respectful, even when we don't agree. Especially when we don't agree. Words matter.
Words can encourage, or they can bring discouragement. It matters which we choose.
We have, by the words we choose to use, the ability to lift someone up or to tear them down. And this ability carries across the spectrum of life. At home. In politics. In the workplace. In the classroom. At the mall. At the gym. On social media. Everywhere we go.
As you're out and about today, doing life, encountering various individuals and situations, choose your words carefully. Be respectful. Because words matter.
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver." (Proverbs 25:11 ESV)
Monday, March 2, 2020
Never Mind
One of my favorite television commercials from a few years ago ended with the words never mind.
The commercial was an advertisement for a car, and I forget which one, which sort of defeats the point of the commercial! The thing that remember most about the commercial was the GPS voice. You know that voice that tells you when to turn and how many miles to your destination and when you've arrived, and all sorts of other information. The point being made about the car is how fast it could go. The GPS would give directions about where to turn, but the driver has already made the turn. The GPS chides the driver: You're ahead of me. Eventually the GPS is about to say Arriving at destination, but because the driver has already done that, the GPS says Never mind. You're already there.
I may not have quoted the dialogue exactly correctly, but that's the essence of what was said. And it's that last bit that got my attention.
Never mind. I find myself wondering if God ever wants to say that to us. I find myself wondering how often in the course of our lives we jump ahead of God. How often we are too impatient to wait for His directions, and we jump out ahead of Him. We make turns before He gives the direction. We zoom on ahead of Him because we're not satisfied with the speed of our journey or the direction it is taking. We make decisions and expect God to follow after us obediently, rather than the other way around.
And I think it not unlikely that if God were like us, He might like to say to us Never mind. You're not listening anyway. Or He might like to say to us Never mind. You've already arrived at your destination. Too bad it isn't the one I had planned for you.
I'm thankful that God isn't like us.
How I wish we would learn to be more like Him. And how I wish we [I] would be a better listeners. Would follow His directions. Would wait for Him instead of trying to jump ahead.
So He wouldn't have to say Never mind.
"Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path." (Psalm 27:11 ESV)
The commercial was an advertisement for a car, and I forget which one, which sort of defeats the point of the commercial! The thing that remember most about the commercial was the GPS voice. You know that voice that tells you when to turn and how many miles to your destination and when you've arrived, and all sorts of other information. The point being made about the car is how fast it could go. The GPS would give directions about where to turn, but the driver has already made the turn. The GPS chides the driver: You're ahead of me. Eventually the GPS is about to say Arriving at destination, but because the driver has already done that, the GPS says Never mind. You're already there.
I may not have quoted the dialogue exactly correctly, but that's the essence of what was said. And it's that last bit that got my attention.
Never mind. I find myself wondering if God ever wants to say that to us. I find myself wondering how often in the course of our lives we jump ahead of God. How often we are too impatient to wait for His directions, and we jump out ahead of Him. We make turns before He gives the direction. We zoom on ahead of Him because we're not satisfied with the speed of our journey or the direction it is taking. We make decisions and expect God to follow after us obediently, rather than the other way around.
And I think it not unlikely that if God were like us, He might like to say to us Never mind. You're not listening anyway. Or He might like to say to us Never mind. You've already arrived at your destination. Too bad it isn't the one I had planned for you.
I'm thankful that God isn't like us.
How I wish we would learn to be more like Him. And how I wish we [I] would be a better listeners. Would follow His directions. Would wait for Him instead of trying to jump ahead.
So He wouldn't have to say Never mind.
"Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path." (Psalm 27:11 ESV)
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