Disappointment to Joy

It happened once again - the day after Christmas.  I woke up early and planned the day ahead of me:  a cup of coffee, bring up the Christmas boxes, start taking down the decorations, do the laundry, clean, etc.  Yes, that was what the day was going to bring.  As I proceeded through my list of activities, the disappointment seemed to become larger and larger.  Disappointment over what?

Christmas.  It doesn't happen every year, but this year it seemed to crawl back into my heart.  Disappointment in all the preparations not yielding the exact results I had planned.  Disappointment in all of it passing so very quickly.  Disappointment in the lack of "wow" that I had anticipated.  Disappointment that weeks and months of planning resulted in less than 24 hours of joy.  What happened and why do I feel this way?

I sat down on the living room couch, by myself, to reflect.  What I realized was that when my life focuses more on the preparations themselves versus the "why" of the preparation, my heart isn't full.  Other years it was different.  When my preparations focused more on Jesus, my heart was full.  This year was a year of change.  Significant others joining our Christmas morning.  Children not present due to military commitments.  Just different.  I seemed to focus more on the differences than on the joy of the season.

The more I reflected, the more I asked for forgiveness.  It was time to share with Jesus that my priorities had shifted, and that wasn't what I wanted.  I thought about how much God puts into preparing me - preparing me for trials, preparing me for evangelism, preparing me for His walk.  What happens when I disappoint Him?  Does He go into a "funk" and focuses on the disappointments that I bring to Him?  If I read our verse for today, it is just the opposite!!

Jesus won't rebuke me, but loves me.  He not only loves me but REJOICES over me.  Me, with all my flaws.  Me, with all the disappointments I bring.  Jesus rejoices over me!  As I let those words seep into my heart, the disappointment I was feeling moved to incredible joy.  Joy over the true fact that Jesus loves me.  Joy that He will never leave me.  Joy that He forgives me and doesn't hold it against me.  How wonderful are those words  - He will rejoice over me!!

Disappointment happens in this world.  When expectations aren't met, disappointment sets in.  During those moments, spend a few minutes in reflection.  Remember that are words and actions could be very disappointing for Jesus as well.  Sit back, reflect, repent, and receive the joy that Jesus gives us.  Meditate on the joy He brings into our lives through His love and salvation.  That will move many disappointments to joy!

Dearest Jesus, Thank you for loving us and rejoicing over us, although there are many times when we may disappoint you.  Forgive us when our hearts aren't fully focused on you and may our hearts be filled with the knowledge of a forever love and forever life in you.  In your joyous name we pray.  Amen!

The Most Silent of Nights

"Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth, peace, good will toward men."

Luke 2:14 (KJV)

It's Christmas Eve, the candles are lit, and we begin to sing Silent Night.  Every Christmas Eve my family takes bets on how long it will take for me to cry.  Typically, I never make it past the first few lines before the tears start.  They are tears for many reasons.

     Tears of joy that my family, for a moment in time, are seated peacefully around me.

     Tears of Christmases past, where my heart may have been heavy and peace was restored.

     Tears of love gone too soon, in memory of my father whose favorite Christmas carol was this one.

     Tears of hope that this special night brings.

This particular carol, no matter where it plays, has always found home in my heart.  I believe it is because of the reverence it brings to all who hear it.  There is a calmness that blankets itself around those that hear it.  Everything slows down to capture the words so lovingly penned many years ago.  It exudes peace - the peace that the Christ child brought to this Earth for all.  It is that peace that brings my heart to Christ.

Our lives are not always filled with peace.  Whether it is conflict with family or friends.  Whether it is worry of finances or health concerns.  Whether it is loved ones gone from us too soon or loved ones living far away.  Many of these situations cause us to believe that peace is far away.  Take a seat with me.  Turn on the song below.  Listen to the cherished words given to us.  Imagine yourself there at Jesus' birth - the peace that enveloped Mary and Joseph on that special night.  May that peace wash over you so you can feel Jesus' love.

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
'Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, oh, loves pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth

May Christmas this year bring you the peace of that Silent Night, the peace that passes all understanding, the peace of Jesus.  I pray each of you reading this has a blessed Christmas.

Heavenly Father, bless everyone this Christmas in what they need so that their hearts may be filled with peace.  Grant serenity and understanding, love and joy, hope and grace to all.  We thank you, God, for the truly greatest gift this world has ever received, the gift of Jesus.  Amen!

The Manger Scene

"and she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."  Luke 2:7 KJV

For ten years, Miss Marcia and I taught pre-school Sunday School.  On many different levels, this experience was a true blessing and will always be in my heart.  Although there were many memorable Bible stories, nothing was better than "readying" the class for the Christmas pageant.  Our class was always assigned the singing of "Away in a Manger."  Be still my heart as we dressed those precious little ones into costumes of angels and lambs and got them to the front of the church for their big moment. 

There was a reason why that time was so important to me.  Yes, the children, the setting, and the smiles were awesome.  Yet, it was the song we got to sing.  To me, that song epitomizes the nativity scene.  It is at the nativity scene where we realize that God bestowed upon us His greatest gift - His son being born of a virgin.  That scene helps me to realize, each and every year, the love God has for me, for you, for us.  Not only did He give us His son, but did so in the most humble of ways. 

Jesus was teaching us, from the very beginning, how we should humble ourselves among others.  Jesus was teaching us, from the very beginning, how we can love others so simply.

Jesus was teaching us, from the very beginning, how to have faith.

The blessings of this scene, of this song, brings the greatest of joys - the joy that our Savior came to us.  All He asks of us is to believe, to have faith, and to repent.  The rest is left in His humble and loving arms.  What a blessing we have in those arms!  

Away in a manger
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Lay down His sweet head

The stars in the sky
Look down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side
'Til morning is nigh

Be near me, Lord Jesus
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me, I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to Heaven
To live with Thee there

The words in each verse helps us to see Jesus as human, being with us, close to us, taking care of us.  As we sing these words this Christmas season, may we feel Jesus' arms around us, His children, and know that we are loved.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending Jesus to us in such a miraculous way.  Knowing that Jesus came to earth as human, just for us, makes us feel your love ever so more.  Help us to not only feel that love, but to share that love with others.  In your loving arms we give ourselves.  Amen

Angels on High

"The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."  Luke 2:20 (NIV)

The Advent wreath has been one of my favorite parts of Christmas.  Each Sunday, we light the respective candle associated for that day.  The second Sunday represents faith.   On this Sunday of faith, I thought that it was appropriate to bring to light the carol, "Angels We Have Heard on High".  Where is the link?  I'd like to think that the link between the birth of Christ and faith in God is seen with the shepherds.

A few verses before the one noted above finds the angels telling the shepherds the good news of Jesus' birth.  Shepherds, whose faith in God must have been strong.  Their days and evenings were filled with tending to the sheep, not in nearby towns in local synagogues.  The picture of the angels coming down to the shepherds speaks to the vastness of God bringing Jesus to Earth.  The heavenly hosts came to share the good news.

After hearing the news, their faith brings them to Bethlehem to see Jesus in the manger.   This Christmas hymn picks up the story as they have seen Jesus, and all his glory.  As they leave they sing praises to God on High, praises of what they have seen.  Our lowly shepherds spreading the good news of Jesus!!  Let's see the words:

1. Angels we have heard on high
   Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
   And the mountains in reply
   Echoing their joyous strains.
   • Refrain:
     Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
     Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
2. Shepherds, why this jubilee?
   Why your joyous strains prolong?
   What the gladsome tidings be
   Which inspire your heav’nly song?
3. Come to Bethlehem and see
   Him Whose birth the angels sing;
   Come, adore on bended knee,
   Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
4. See Him in a manger laid,
   Whom the choirs of angels praise;
   Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
   While our hearts in love we raise.

I think my favorite part to this song is the refrain.  Yes, whether in the car or at church, I tend to "belt it out", sharing praise to our Lord and King today.  To sing to God, to sing to the angels, and to sing to each other in such a strong and wonderful way helps us to share our faith.  The shepherds showed us how to give praise!  May we also show our faith and praise to Jesus with shouts of joy singing, "Gloria, in excelsis Deo!"

Heavenly Father, may we sing to the angels of our faith in you!  As we prepare during this Advent season, help us to see the joy that the shepherds sang of.  Help us to sing of praise to you, Jesus, as we share our faith in you with others surrounding us.  In your gracious name we pray.  Amen!

Emmanuel is Coming

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:  The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel."  Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)

Here we are, the first Sunday in Advent.  This time of year not only provides such excitement of the holidays - the time with friends and family, the joy of buying gifts, and the worship on Christmas Eve.  During this Advent season, it is a time of preparation and anticipation.  Advent gives us the opportunity to slow down and really focus on the promise that came to reality over 2000 years ago.

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is a beautiful Christmas hymn that helps us to focus on that anticipation.  Based on the Bible verse above, we see in Isaiah that there was a promise the Dear Lord gave to those on earth at the time - that HE will give us a sign.  There, he laid out exactly what the promise was - a virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel (God with us).  The promise God gave us helps us to realize that God, from Heaven, was going to walk with us.  That promise was the gift of his Son.

O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife and discord cease,
Fill the whole earth with Heaven's peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Throughout this beautiful hymn, we see the promise that God was giving to Israel.  Although this entire hymn brings hope, the verse that captures my heart every time is the binding of nations - ALL people in one heart and mind, filling earth with Heaven's peace.  Let's soak in those words for a moment.  With all that is happening around us, what joy is found in those words - strife ends and peace shall reign.  That peace is only found in the gift that was given to us - the gift of Jesus.

I know life can get busy during the holiday time.  I ask, as we explore beautiful Christmas hymns during the next few weeks, that you sit down and meditate on the words, starting with "O Come, O Come Emmanuel".  Through this hymn may we find darkness subside and the glow of hearts bound as one and peace shine.  Please sing out loud with me, "Rejoice, Rejoice Emmanuel. Shall come to thee, O Israel."

"Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise you gave us - promise that your Son would be born among us, to be with us, and provide for us all that we need.  This promise helps us to see one another as your sons and daughters and brings our hearts closer to each other and to you.  As we prepare for Jesus' coming, help us to reflect on all that is good and righteous.  In your name.  Amen!

Solace

"Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him."  Psalm 62:1 (NIV)

As we started clearing our Thanksgiving tables of all that food, the holiday season began.  Before we knew it, stores were opening their doors to "Black Friday" sales and the Internet started humming with online buyers.  Houses began donning Christmas decorations and the Christmas carols were playing.  Yes, the holiday season has begun.

Those closest to me know that I started decorating and singing Christmas carols long before Thanksgiving.  Yes, I do love this time of year.  Yet, as we all know, this time of year can be very stressful.  There are presents to buy and parties to attend.  There are cookies to bake and decorations to put up.  Add on top of that piling bills, and what should seem like a wonderful time of year can turn into stress and turmoil.

I was at that "stress place" for many years.  It didn't matter if I did my shopping in August, come December, everything seemed to take on a life of its own.  No matter how much planning I did, the world was upon my shoulders.  Often times, I found myself crying in a corner, wondering how I was going to get it all done.  The worst part was that I felt that Christ was no longer the center of Christmas, and that brought upon its own level of guilt.  

Can any of you relate?  For many, the stress of Christmas has taken the entire meaning of this special day out of the picture.  One night, as I was reflecting on how life had spun out of control, I realized that I had nobody to blame but myself - and nobody could fix this but me!  It was time to focus on the Babe of Bethlehem!!  I committed to focusing on my one true savior, Jesus.  I found a Christmas devotional and ensured that no matter how busy my days got, I spent a few moments with Him, the One this holiday season was meant for.  As I did this, the Psalm for today started living itself out in my life.  I found rest in those devotions.  I found peace.  I found Christ!  

I have to admit, it wasn't a magic switch.  I don't know about you, but turning my mind off can be difficult.  Yet, I focused on what I was receiving when I gave my full attention to Jesus - and those rewards were far better than any Christmas gift.  It changed my focus of the season.    I would pass by the nativity scene and linger.  I paid attention to the words of those Christmas carols.  As I sat in church, my face was focused on the cross.  Taking advantage of the moments in my day that presented itself with Christ helped to bring back Jesus to my heart.  God is so good!  

As we prepare ourselves for this Advent season, I encourage you to find that special way to spend time with Jesus.  Maybe it is a devotional you can put on your phone. Maybe it is a special book.  Maybe it is time with your Bible open.  However you may find a way, bring Christ back into a busy season.  I promise you the blessings will be all yours.

PS - Our Advent series this year will focus on Christmas Carols and Hymns.

Dearest Jesus, help me to open my hands, my head and my heart to you.  Bring me ways by which I can focus on your everlasting love this Advent season.  As my days become busy, help me to take time to re-energize with the one that makes this season possible - YOU JESUS!  Slow down my hands, be still my head and open my heart to you.  In your heavenly name I pray.  Amen.

Thanksgiving Chain

"For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving."  1 Timothy 4:4  (NIV)

When the children were younger, November 1st meant one thing - the beginning of our Thanksgiving Chain.  Each night leading up to Thanksgiving meant that you would take a paper strip, write on it what you were thankful for, share that at dinner, and we would connect them to make our Thanksgiving Chain.  As the chain grew, it showed all of us the many blessings we had as a family.  I absolutely loved that chain.  As the years waned on, I felt the children believed it was more of a "chore" than a "blessing".  Until the year I decided we weren't going to do it - and they asked for the chain.  Yes, that warmed my heart.

The essence of our Thanksgiving Chain was a way for me to help share with my family all we had to be grateful for during the days leading up to the big turkey day.  Yes, I was using it as a teaching moment for them - but, as with most teaching moments, I believe I was the one who learned the most.  As I reflected on those days for this post, I realized that similar to the days leading up to Thanksgiving, that was when I thought of my blessings the most.

I wasn't thinking about God's blessings when I had a tough day at work.  I wasn't thinking about God's blessings when we were moving family members - packing up boxes and going up and down stairs 100 times.  I wasn't thinking about God's blessings when life was tough - I only thought about his blessings when life was good.  It is during the difficult, anxious, and worrisome moments that we should be thanking God the most.

Let's go back for a moment.  God never promised that being a Christian would be a rose garden. In John 16:33, Jesus shared, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."  Right there in verse 33, it states we will have trouble.  It isn't an easy journey being a Christian.  God never promised that.  Yet, as we reflect on our verse for today, it doesn't say that "some things" that God created are good, but EVERYTHING!  We don't tend to sing God's praises during tough times, but we should. 

We should be giving thanks in all circumstances, for each circumstance - no matter how difficult - produces good.  That good tends to show in our desire to cling ever so close to our God for refuge and strength.  That close journey with God helps us to see the one who truly loves us and never leaves us.  That close journey with God gives us the courage to fight even during the darkest of days.  So how do we remember to give thanks during tough times?  

May I suggest a blessings box.  At the end of each day, put in a slip of paper for at least one thing who have been blessed with that day.  Maybe it was someone who held open a door while your hands were full.  Maybe it was a smile from a cashier.  Maybe it was that you had a warm meal that day.  All those are delivered to us from God.  As the days grow and the blessings increase, it is amazing how our heart can move from difficult to delight.  Praise be to God!  With all those blessings, maybe you can build your own Thanksgiving Chain.  

Heavenly Father, we thank you in ALL circumstances, for all good comes from you.  Help us, during tough times, to realize that there is a blessing each and every day.  May those blessings remind us of your constant goodness in our lives - the one who loves us.  Let us sing praises for our chain of blessings that come from you.  In your name we pray, Amen.

Gradual Beauty

"Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity . . ."  Hebrews 6:1  (NIV)

Saturday morning, as I looked out onto the backyard, I noticed something brilliant - the ornamental pear tree.  As the rest of the leaves on the trees moved from vibrant colors to muted browns and yellows, this tree brought forward its beauty.  The beauty of the tree was gradual.  With the larger trees displaying such color at their peak, this little tree seemed to get lost.  It seemed as if it waited, until it could shine its gorgeous colors.  The wind was blowing around it, along with the leaves off of the trees.  Yet, the little tree shined!

I looked at this tree and realized that many times, our faith can be like this little tree.  Throughout my life, I have had the honor of being with other Christians during worship, Bible studies, retreats, Christian concerts, prayer meetings, etc.  One time during an event like this in college, I saw someone's faith turn brilliant colors along with others around them.  They were all inspired by the happenings of the event and the Holy Spirit worked on their hearts - the brilliance of faith abounded.  It was amazing.  Yet, what was happening to them wasn't happening to me.  I felt "left out" from what they were feeling and was almost - not almost - I was, jealous.  I wanted what they were feeling!

Fast forward a few years.  During an online Bible study, with nobody present, I felt the brilliance of God's face on me.  With the study book on one side of me, and the Bible on the other, I looked at the screen and realized that God was talking to me - just to me.  The beauty of God's face was shining on me, long after when "I" thought it should have.  His beauty came to me in a gradual way, building on the foundations that He had provided me.  

Faith in our God is a growth opportunity.  We can't flip our faith on like a switch - like the colors of autumn on the big trees at their peak.  Our faith needs to grow, it needs to mature, it needs to become a gradual beauty.  Through events such as worship and Bible studies, our faith continues to grow and gradually matures.  Much like the pear tree, our faith will become radiant when God feels it is time.  At that time, we will be able to marvel in His wondrous ways!  

Our Christian maturity is fostered by the faith events and life events that surround us.  Situations around us help to develop our faith and reliance on Our Father in a way only He can navigate.  Yet, we have a job to do along our Christian maturity - we need to participate.  We need to participate in those faith builders such as worship, study, outreach, prayer, etc.  Those events help us to gain the gradual beauty that faith in God can only provide.  Join me and others building our gradual beauty in Christ.  Participate and grow in God - He will show you how very good faith in him can be!

Heavenly Father, rest on my heart and help me to participate in events around me that will provide me the opportunity to see the gradual beauty of believing in you.  Guide me to faith events and help me to live out the life events you give me to gain a faith that continues to grow.  In your gracious name I pray.  Amen.  

Bare

"You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways."

Psalm 139:3 (NIV)

Autumn.  The time of year when God pulls out his paintbrush and colors the trees in golden hues.  In New England, we measure autumn by the "peak" of the leaf color.  Usually, around early October, the leaves are at the brightest colors they will be throughout the autumn season.  As the season grows on, the leaves turn from their bright hues to a bit more dull.  

Once the colors have dimmed, the leaves fall.  For many people, you will hear heavy sighs as the clean up routines start - raking, blowing, bagging, etc.  As much as I love the beautiful colors, I also enjoy this time of year - the leaves crunch beneath your feet, you realize how many leaves the tree in front of you actually had, and by looking at those leaves, you realize how each one is different.

Inevitably, a day of strong wind comes and the leaves come tumbling to the ground.  We had that type of day yesterday.  The wind gusts were strong and leaves that weren't strongly attached flew through the air and landed softly on the green grass.  What is left is the bare tree, with bright light shining where once leaves were masking the light.  As I watched the leaves fly and land, my mind was led to thoughts of all of us.

Each day, we cover ourselves in many things.  It could be physical clothing.  Yet, as we look deeper, we might find us covering ourselves with other things.  We may be clothed in excuses for our poor behavior.  We may be clothed in guilt for our sins.  We may be clothed in our pride, boasting of all our great accomplishments.  We may be clothed in judgement of others.  Think about this - what have each of us been clothed in lately?  What has our behavior shown the world around us?

In steps our glorious Savior.  As we may be clothed with behaviors or actions that don't align with Christ, He can see past all of that to our bare selves.  As our verse for today shares, God knows our every move, our every thought - He knows all of OUR ways.  Yet, despite all of our imperfect actions, He continues to walk with us.  He looks past our dulled "leaves" to see our bare beauty. 

Jesus knows that although, at times, we may walk in paths that don't shine His light, He looks past our sinful nature to a bare strong "tree".   That bare tree is what is left when everything else is gone.  It is who we are once all we are clothed in is released - and only our bare souls are left.  That is what Jesus sees - that is where He looks when He sees us.  As we walk on this Earth each day, we need to also look at the bare souls of those that we meet.  Look past what they are clothed in to see the truth of who they are.  Look at others as Jesus looks at us - the bare tree.  Maybe then we will see the light of Jesus in all people.

Dearest Jesus, I ask that you look past my clothing of despair and see the bare soul that reaches out to you.  Help me to do the same with all people that I meet.  May they see your light shining from me and may I see the same in them.  Help us to rid our "dullness" and let the light shine through our bare branches.  In your name I pray.  Amen!

Just For Me

"Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they??  Matthew 5:26 (NIV)

It was Wednesday morning.  I was heading off to work.  I had decided to keep the radio off that morning - I needed peace and quiet.  Time to just be - not really think about anything at all.  As I drove out of my neighborhood, the sky continued to drive me to a new place.  It was odd, that my heart seemed to be moving me forward instead of my brain.  Yet, I continued to look up to the sky (not as much on the road!).

What happened next is what changed that day, and my heart, completely.  I came upon the apple orchard.  I pass this orchard every morning, but this morning, it was the sky, not the trees, that made me smile.  I came upon the picture you see above.  I am a full believer that pictures are never as beautiful as seeing the scene first hand - and that is true of this sky.  There is no way I could have captured the stillness, the beauty and the peace that I was experiencing.  The sky was breathtaking.  I believed, at that moment, God was telling me, "Be Still and See My Presence."   I couldn't help but think that God made that sky just for me that morning and it was time to give Him praise!

In a world where it seems as if:

• The Strongest
• The Smartest
• The Prettiest
• The Wealthiest

wins, we can seem insignificant.  Life around us gets busy, whether at home, at school, or at work.  Maybe we worked hard to clean the house and nobody noticed.  Maybe we helped a classmate with their schoolwork and they didn't say thank you.  Maybe others at work seem to be getting that promotion while you continue to try hard and don't get noticed.  The people around us can seem larger than life and we can seem like a pebble of sand.  

Rest assured, my friend, that there is one person that puts you at the top of the mountain.  There is one that notices each task you perform, each kind word you say, each loving act you do.  That one is Jesus, and He came to Earth just for you!  Jesus values you more than anybody else.  He formed you, he has plans for you, and he watches you with the eagerness and pride of a parent.  With His love, we can revel in the knowledge that he is here for me and for you.  Yes, he has the power to let me know that when needed, he is here just for me!  What joy that brings my heart.  

That beautiful sunrise actually lasted far longer than normal that morning.  As I continued on my commute, the sunrise seemed to be following me.  I watched as others passed by me on the highway.  I wondered if they were seeing that beautiful sunrise that morning.  I smiled, thinking to myself, 'Jesus, this one is just for me'!!  The next time you see a beautiful sunrise, sunset, gorgeous flower, spectacular foliage, or any item that makes you think of our Dear Lord, take time to say, 'Thank you Jesus, for loving me - loving me enough to die for me'.  It will change your heart.

Heavenly Father, it continues to amaze me when the beauty that surrounds me makes me stop and take notice.  It is during those moments of peace, Jesus, that I realize with a strong heart how very much you love me - yes, me!  I ask that you continue to provide me those moments - may I rejoice in them and give praise to you.  In your beautiful name I pray.  Amen!!

Reframe

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice."  Ephesians 4:31 (NIV)

October continues to move along.  As the days pass, so do the colors of the trees.  We have moved from the bright green on the trees in spring and summer, to the vibrant colors of autumn. We will be moving into later autumn, where the trees take on a brownish color and the air becomes blustery, giving us the sign that winter will be here soon.  It seems as if God reframes our landscape each year.

The other day, my husband and I needed some "reframing" of our own.  We both had difficult days at work, which led to us looking at everything around us in a negative way.  The more we lamented over our "tales of woe", stronger was the presence of 'bitterness, wrath, and anger'.  It is amazing how quickly the devil can enter our souls and move us into a negative state of mind.  The more we tried to justify our thoughts and words, the worst it seemed to get.  

I know that when the world around me seems to give me lemons, the last thing I want to do is make lemonade!  Many times, I want to wallow in the self-pity.  Goodness, I'm sure I deserve a few days of feeling down.  Yet, to be honest, if I look at this beautiful verse from Ephesians, these types of thoughts need to be put away from me.  Not only does my head, but more importantly my heart, needs to be reframed to see goodness and joy.  There is much to be grateful and thankful for, even during difficult times.

That is just what my husband and I did.  We sat at our kitchen table and discussed ten things each of us was thankful for (no duplicates!).  We shared much during that wonderful conversation.  We spoke of our relationship, our children, our families, yes, even our work.  As we wrapped up the conversation, we turned to our Lord - fully understanding that NONE of what we were thankful for would be possible without Him.  

Isn't that just like God to take our hardened hearts and move them to a place of grace?  Difficult days, trials and tribulations will come across our path.  The world is "not a bed or roses".  What defines us is where we turn during those tough days.  If we turn inward, self pity and anger will arise.  If we turn upward, towards God, grace and mercy will surround us.  I will take grace and mercy any day!!  Life isn't easy, my friend.  Yet, loving God is!  It's as easy as opening our Bibles.  It's as easy as talking to God.  It's as easy as humming a praise tune.  It's as easy as reframing our minds, souls and hearts.  I pray that if life is giving you lemons right now, that instead of making lemonade, you make some time with God!  It will always prove so much sweeter.

Dearest Jesus, how sweet your love is.  There are days when the devil gets into our hearts and turns our thoughts away from your goodness.  When these days come, Jesus, please focus us back towards you and your grace.  Help us to see the abundance of blessings you have given us and let us enjoy those moments.  In your grace we pray, Amen!

Hope in the Past for the Future

"Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love."  Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)

"Today I feel alone and I need to.  Today I feel scared.  One can read all they can, ask as many questions as they can and listen to doctor's explanations, but no one can get chemo for my cancer expect for me.  No one, including myself, can tell me how it will feel.  No one can say "Don't be scared", because I am and it won't go away."

The above is an excerpt from my journal 19 years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I look back at the pages of that journal every year, hoping to find glimpses of me back then.  Each year, when I take the book out, I find a little bit of me - the person that I became after the cancer.  I look back at the descriptions of events as they proceeded, memories of my family and friends and their incredible gestures, thoughts of God and how he provided the strength I needed.  That journal has become a look into my past - and into my future.

When I think of those days long ago, I am overwhelmed by the generosity of most of the people around me.  Yes, cards and meals were wonderful.  Most of all, it was the prayers for strength.  As much as I wanted to get better right away, it took an enormous amount of time.  Staying with me were family members and friends, willing to be patient with me, gentle with me, holding me in the palms of their praying hands in love.  I look back now and fully understand the generosity they provided to me.  My deep prayer is that I have been able in some way to give back to them.

How God teaches us!  Through His Holy Spirit working in others, I was able to see the work He was doing.  Through his grace and mercy I received strength, I received hope, and I received love.  Through his Word I received courage.  Through His will, I received joy.  So many times we aren't sure if we are helping people when they are in need.  The greatest gift we can give to others is the gift of God through the hope in their situation.  It is because of these situations that I live my life, present and future with a grander sense of hope.

Hope comes in many forms - cards with inspirational verses, a warm meal, a cup of tea, a journal, a visit.  The greatest hope comes in prayer.  God just wants us to fold our hands and cry out to him.  If we are the ones in need of hope, give your burden to Him.  If others need hope, pray for them.  Know that God is listening and providing. Hope is the catalyst for change.  Hope is the strength to move forward.  Hope is God.

I was blessed to have cancer.  Yes, you read it right.  Blessed!  Blessed because I received a chance to see look at how I was living my life and was provided the opportunity to live a life closer to Jesus.  After my first chemo treatment I wrote:

    What is really important?  Faith where you can find joy, peace happiness, sadness & still find hope.  A family that loves you unconditionally.  A child's hug, kiss, secrets, smiles and hope that never falters.  Friends who love so much that they keep on giving.  A day, whether rainy or shiny, warm or cold, full or empty, but it's another day in the Lord.

Dearest God, many times we look at our past as a big mess.  The challenges that we might have been through seem dirty and situations that we want to forget.  Help us to learn from the past Jesus, so we can have hope in our future.  Hope to make different decisions, hope to come closer to you, hope in your name!  Amen

Many Colors of One Leaf

"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,"  Ephesians 2:14 (NIV)

It is here, the time that I wait for all year long, foliage season in New Hampshire.  There is no doubt I am a fan of autumn, but especially this time of year when the trees seem to turn brilliant colors.  Not every year is the same.  One year the colors can be muted, other years they can be on fire.  I happen to think this is a year of color brilliance.  The beautiful tree above is right next door to us, yet trying to share this with all of you in a picture is never the same as seeing it in front of you.

Anyone from my family will tell you that the leaves themselves are what captivates me.  What I find completely amazing is that on one tree, you can find all the colors of autumn - a leaf can be green, yellow, orange, red, etc.  As I was spending time among the trees this year, what I realized even more was that EACH LEAF represented a multitude of colors.  All those colors coming together in one tree of absolute brilliance.

This week, no matter where I turned, all I saw was division - division of people.  Whether it was over an opinion of political nature or what to pair with a lovely dinner, I seemed to see tensions rise and discontent.  Hostility seemed to be center stage and the words of rage were its vehicle of communication.  It saddened my heart and I'm sure I am not alone.  These thoughts brought me back to the leaves.  How so?

God created us, each and every one of us.  He created us with our own thoughts, our own opinions, our own gifts, and our own blessings.  He created us with harmony in mind, not discontent.  Now understand, I am not naive enough to believe everyone will always get along.  Yet, when I see these things it certainly saddens my heart.  This is a tough time in our country - in our world.  There is much division throughout this earth.  So what do we do?  Where do we turn?

We turn to the One who created us in peace.  We turn to the word of God.  It is so very hard to put aside personal differences.  It is very hard to not challenge another who has such a differing opinion than ours.  God doesn't want us always to be silent - He wants us to speak out in His name.  He helps us to do that through His word.  He gives us the tools to break down barriers as He did and have all of us "of many colors", like the leaves, to inhabit the same tree - the tree of His kingdom.  

Disagreement does not equal division.  Disagreement does not equal hatred.  Disagreement does not equal hopelessness.  Disagreement does not equal violence.  Disagreement is a difference of opinion.  It is the many colors of one leaf.  Disagreement can produce the same beauty of the tree above, just by honoring the difference of opinion.  I may feel that my opinion is right and theirs is wrong.  The beauty comes from the fact that we all have one Savior who doesn't judge me "horrible" although my sin is great.  He looks at me and the beauty that He created and says to me, "Come to my kingdom."  For that, I will turn my heart to Him.

Dearest Jesus, disagreements over different opinions seem to be strong these days.  Tensions are rising and times are tough.  I ask that you look over ALL of your people and provide us the ability to see through the tough words into each other's heart.  Help us to see the beauty that YOU created and may we be more like you in our approach of understanding.  In your name we pray.  Amen!

Breath of Life

"Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says:  Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.'"  Ezekiel 37:9  (NIV)

The other day, I heard a story where a person was saved because someone began CPR on them.  CPR has always amazed me.  One person can save another person's life by pressing on their chest and breathing into their mouth.  It's one of the many reasons I respect our EMTs, firefighters and police officers.  As soon as they arrive onto a scene where someone could be dying, they perform, what I would call, miracles.  They actively make life-saving decisions, including CPR.

With that, I was drawn to the story in Ezekiel of the dry bones.  God gives Ezekiel, the prophet, a vision where there was a valley of dry bones.  He commanded him to give life to the dry bones, and in front of him, the bones connected to become living humans.  The breath of life, in this case, was the word of God that was breathed into death.

I have been there in my life.  There was a time when life seemed very desperate.  Between enduring cancer, my marriage crumbling and my dad's passing, I felt that hope was far from me.  It was a very dark time in my life and it was very difficult for me to see the good in any day.  I got up, I tried to smile, but each day proved more difficult than the one before it.  I am eternally grateful for those who provided to me a "breath of life".

No, it wasn't direct CPR, but it certainly could have been.  Through prayers of others, through notes and letters, through acts of kindness and words from God, my life began to change.  I could feel life re-enter my soul, and I believed that my life could have more meaning.  Life was coming back through the breath of others.  I had felt like the valley of dry bones, and today, I am blessed with a life that God has richly blessed.

I seem to look around and see so many people who may be in the valley of bones.  Life is so very difficult these days and many people need our help.  I ask all of you, if you know anyone who is in the valley, give them the CPR of God's goodness and riches.  Take a look at the gifts He has richly bestowed upon you, and see where you may be able to breathe life into someone else.  We can all help someone.  A kind word, a note of grace, a call or visit, all of those simple things can breathe hope into others.  Don't wait!  God is with you.  He has prepared you for these moments.  Just take a breath and do!

Dearest Father, we thank you so much for the wonderful story of the valley of dry bones.  It is such a vision of what the word of God can do in someone's life, bring them back from despair to hope.  Please provide each of us an opportunity to be the breath of life to one in need.  Give us the courage to speak your words of hope.  In your life-giving name I pray, Amen!

Repurpose

"But the Lord said to him, "Go because this man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel."  Acts 9:15 (NIV)

It's a little table, but it has great meaning.  When I was dating my husband, I had decided to gift him a cherished item, a stained glass lamp my father had made.  After giving it to him, I realized he really didn't have any place for the lamp to stand.  So I bought this table that was unfinished and I stained it so it would go with his other furniture.

Throughout the years, the little table has been in different parts of our home, looking for its purpose.  As I changed the color scheme in our home throughout the years, the table remained the same.  Today, it was time to repurpose the table.  Out came the paint and paintbrush and the table was revitalized for a small, perfect corner in our home.  Away went the dingy stain and along came the fresh and pure white finish.

The entire process made me think of how God has repurposed many people, self included.  We look to our original purpose and throughout the years, we can see God's hand in repurposing our lives.  I don't think there is a better example of this than when Saul, who shared murderous threats to those that followed Jesus, was transformed into a true believer (Paul). As we see in our verse today, God specifically chose Saul, who had mistreated and murdered so many who were believers, and completely transformed him to spread the Gospel.  Just like my little table, away went the dingy behaviors and on went the pure white finish.

It's hard to imagine ourselves as anyone but who we are.  Although I have always had a faith in Jesus, I never would have believed that I would have taken that faith to a weekly blog in His name, to put myself "out there" for Jesus!  I was a quiet believer within the confines of our home.  Today, I have been repurposed by God.  He has shown me that I can do more with His strength and guidance.  I would never have known this if I wasn't quiet and listened.  Just as Saul was blinded for three days and could not see anything, there have been times when I needed to be quiet and just listen for God's words (not an easy thing for me to do).

How about you?   Have you been repurposed for God's will?  Think about your life - has it changed for the purpose of our Dear Lord?  Maybe it is time to put on a new coat of paint and see how we might be able to define a new purpose for our lives.  Be still and listen - close our eyes and reflect - give thanks and praise for what God shares with you!!

Heavenly Father, we thank you that you don't give up on our dingy behaviors, but paint us new and fresh with a greater purpose for you.  Help us to be still and reflect on how YOU want us to move forward in your name - bringing a higher purpose for our daily lives, lives that are lived out in your name.  Bless us Jesus.  Amen!

Hands Up

"When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it.  Aaron and Hur held his hands up - one on one side, one on the other - so that his hands remained steady till sunset."  Exodus 17:12 (NIV)

Destruction.  Devastation.  Disaster.  This weekend has seen its fair share of events with all of these words.  Hurricane Florence made landfall around Thursday/Friday.  Since then, it has been wreaking havoc on the East Coast, leaving a trail of ruin and death.  As we watched the news, we were seeing how people were preparing for this catastrophic event.  People from around the country were going towards the area in order to help and assist.  With all the negative that surrounds a situation like that, it always warms my heart to know that people continue to help people.

Those of us in New England were also struck with destruction this past weekend.  The towns of Andover, North Andover and Lawrence, Massachusetts, were struck by gas explosions in homes.  Unfortunately, this event could not have been prepared for and the scene looked, as someone explained, like Armageddon.  These were not a string of homes in a row that were effected, but seventy random homes throughout these three towns.  Evacuations began swiftly, but death and destruction also resulted.  

Both of these situations left me wondering, "What can be done, what can we do, what can I do?"  I remembered this story from the Bible, and it brought me to a solution.  In Exodus 17, we find the Israelites at war against the Amalekites.  Joshua was ordered by Moses to engage in this battle, and Moses, Aaron and Hur would go to the top of the hill.  As long as Moses had his hands lifted up, Joshua and the Israelites were winning.  When his hand lowered, they would lose.  Therefore, Aaron and Hur helped raise Moses' hands for victory for all.

It made me think of what we can do for all those effected by this terrible destruction.  It is time to be Aaron and Hur, to lift up the hands of those who are hurting!  As these people face overwhelming circumstances, they may feel defeated, as Moses was feeling when his hands were lowered.  Help by holding up the hands of those around us.  May we give them the will to fight and win - to overcome the devastation with hope and peace.  There are many ways we can help lift our hands up.

• The quickest response is to lift all those effected up in prayer.  Ask our Dear Lord to provide for all those who are dealing with such trials.
• Get on websites and find out what the needs are for people.  If we all give a little, the amount will be great.
• The Red Cross is accepting donations for both situations.  Hop onto their website for details.
• Ban together with others and donate a couple of hours to help those that need help - revitalizing their homes

It is hard to watch people go through these situations.  Let us be their Aaron and Hur - let us lift up their hands in victory.  Our Lord will always give us the strength that is needed.  

Heavenly Father, we reach out to you for help.  So many need help right now.  They need to feel your loving arms around them.  They need to feel OUR loving arms lifting their hands up in victory.  Please provide to all those in need.  Give them strength and courage to live another day in you.  Help us to see how we can share the gifts you have given us to provide hope.  In your loving name we pray, Amen!

New Travels

"See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."  Isaiah 43:19  (NIV)

This entire adventure started about 13 years ago!  When Juan and I decided to marry and blend our families, we made a commitment to our children first.   Our time, we knew, would come, but it was all about our family.  So our honeymoon was a family vacation and we have been working hard to take long and short vacations all along.  Fast forward about 12 years.  Our children are grown and have moved on with their lives.  As hard as I tried to schedule a family vacation, it just wasn't working.  So about 6 months ago, with the children's blessing, we decided to go on a couple vacation.  We knew we wanted to explore areas we had never seen before - so off to Europe it was, London and Scandinavia.  That is why there was no blog post last week.  I thank you for your patience!

As each day unfolded, the awe and wonder of this beautiful world we live in came alive.  It's so strange for us Americans.  We think, I think, that by going to Boston or Washington DC, we are seeing such history.  And we do see great history.  Yet, the immense amount of history abroad was incredible.  From buildings that date back almost 2000 years (and are still standing!), to cultures we have never experienced, Juan and I had new experiences and new travels every day.  As we stepped off the cruise ship each day, we were excited about what was ahead of us.

All of these new experiences opened my eyes to this wonderful passage.  Taking new steps, in our relationships, careers, homes and yes, travel, means we are traveling to areas that are new and different for us.  Sometimes we are forced into these changes, other times we gladly step into them.  These new steps help us to see new things, things that we never would have been able to experience without the guiding hand of God.  Our Dear Lord is making a way for us.  Although where we may be journeying may not be a wilderness, it is unchartered territory for us.  The best part to remember is that God is making that way for us, the way to be able to experience His love and awesomeness.

New and different can be exciting.  It can be scary.  Either way, it is filled with blessings, the blessings that our Heavenly Father bestows on us for the future.  So let's take that step of faith, into new travels for our lives.  With some Simple Faith and God's guiding hand, we truly have the world ahead of us!

Dearest Father, we thank you for the journeys that you lay ahead of us.  May we gladly step into them, knowing that we don't step alone.  Help us to have the simple faith that you know what is truly best for us and that we may step forward in boldness.  Help us to appreciate all that you have given to us, for we know it is exactly what we need.  May our new travels bless us greatly.  In your holy name we pray.  Amen!

Spreading Seed

"But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."  Luke 8:15 (NIV)

Rocks, lots of rocks.  In an effort to spare our lawn from the effects of snow plow trucks in the winter, many years ago we spread rocks at the edge of our property.  It seemed like a great idea at the time and did work well.  Yet, over the years, the rocks found their way into the lawn and produced a "less than desirable" lawn.  My husband lamented over this for years until one day I found him, shovel in hand, taking the rocks out.

Many of you know my dear husband - this job would not be done half-heartedly, and it would need to be done when HE wanted to get it done - one of the hottest weekends of the summer.  Moving from shovel to bobcat, the project continued.  One weekend it was getting all the rocks out.  The next weekend it was adding soil and seed in - the goal, continuous grass to the road.

As I spread the seed over the newly laid soil, my heart couldn't help but think of the wonderful parables Jesus shared about seed.  This particular one, Luke 8: 1-15, truly helped me to see His word come to life.  Days passed after our project was "complete".  We noticed, however, where we spread seed on soil that wasn't as rich or didn't get the full amount of water, the seed was not germinating.  In the area where soil and water were plentiful, so was the grass.  Newly laid seed that would last through the years.

The seed of God's word is plentiful.  The Bible is rich in words that fill not only our minds, but our hearts and souls.  One small seed, a verse that reaches the depths of our experiences, can not only "germinate" but can last a lifetime.  So is the word of God.  As with my seed in our lawn, sometimes His word falls onto soil that isn't fertile.  My heart may be hardened with life.  My mind may be questioning God.  My soul may be lost.  I have been there.  I would open up and read the Bible and expect it to "do its job" without me participating at all.  No good soil - no water.  

It was during those dark times, when I was at the end of my rope, I said to God, "I need you - I need your word - I need your grace."  What seemed like magic (but we know was the Holy Spirit), I would then open my Bible and the words were amazingly clear.  They filled my soul.  They filled my mind.  Most importantly, they filled my heart.  The seed of God's word continued to grow and spread, as it does with so many today.  

My friend, let me encourage you.  Take stock of your soil - is it rich to receive the seed of God's word?  Are you watering that seed with worship, prayer, and thanksgiving?  Life is hard, experiences happen.  Yet, if our soil is always ready to take in God's word, your soul will be strengthened and your faith will spread - just like grass seed!

Dearest Jesus, help us to have rich soil - in our hearts and souls.  May we seed that soil with your word and spread it to those around us.  In your gracious name I pray.  Amen!

Interviewing

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:10 (NIV)

This past week I had the pleasure of conducting interviews for my company.  We are reviewing people that will help to make our company successful.  Even as the person who is doing the interview, I prepare quite a bit for these times.  

Then I think about the people that are in front of me.  They have also prepared.  Typically, they have done research on the company.  With all of the social media available, I'm certain they also reviewed opportunities to research us on LinkedIn and Glassdoor.  Yet, I know the most preparation must have come in anticipating what types of questions we would ask and how they would answer them.  As with any interview, this can be the most daunting part for an interviewee.  Part of my job is to make them comfortable enough to reveal character traits and experiences.

As the candidates entered the room, I watched as each sat a certain way, took out items in order to take notes, and we began the process.  Ultimately, we are trying to determine the strengths that they may bring to the position as well as the gaps that they may have.  The best candidate will be asked to join our organization - in that job offer they will have a future with a great company and hope for themselves and their families.

As I was flying home thinking of my interviews that day, my thoughts turned to myself.  I am fortunate to not have to interview for a job right now, but if I did, who would I interview with?  Then I thought, "I would love to have a full time job for God"!  That drew my thoughts, to a scenario - what if I had an interview with God?  What would be my strengths and gaps?  Would I measure up to be able to join the organization?

The flurry of thinking started.  I have had some experiences in my life that have been able to show God that I want to be part of His kingdom.  I am hoping that my responses to people and situations have shown my faith.  Yet, certainly not always.  As I looked at the gaps that I have to enter His kingdom, that list started to grow.  I am not always a faithful prayer servant.  I try, but I know I'm not as good as I should be.  I am not always the perfect giver.  Again, I try, but I know there are times when I find excuses when I should just move forward in doing.  I don't always choose the right words or the right thoughts.  I am certainly not always patient.  Yes, my gaps were much greater than my strengths when thinking about entering God's organization.

Glory be to God that I don't have to have all the gaps filled to "get the job"!!  Jesus took all my sins, all my gaps, all my doubts, and all my fears and said to me "Your hope and your future is in me, Susan!"  As in our verse for today, I know that his plans will bring me into the best job anyone can have, being a faithful servant for God.  I may not have all the qualifications and I certainly don't have all the behaviors necessary to succeed with God.  The best part is God doesn't care.  God will take me just as I am to be in His kingdom.  I have the greatest job in the world, here and in eternity!!

Looking for a new job can be stressful.  Sometimes we aren't sure if we have all the qualifications for success.  Know that in God's world, we have nothing to stress about.  God's plans for us are so great, our hope and future is secure in Him.  Thanks be to God for so richly blessing us with the best job - being part of his kingdom.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessings you have provided to be a part of your kingdom.  Although we know we aren't nearly as qualified as we should be, you don't care.  All you want is our simple faith and love.  You will work with the rest!  Thank you, God, for taking me in and giving me a path for peace.  In your name I pray.  Amen.