HOPE

 

Hope - a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.  That may be the 'dictionary' definition, yet, I'm certain that if you were to ask ten people what hope means to them, ten different answers would abound.  Hope - the desire for something better.  Hope - the knowledge that good is coming.  Hope - anticipation of expectations.  Hope.  This past year, many floundered when it came to hope, for good reason.  There were many instances of 2020 that may have 'paused' our hope button.

It's hard to have hope when people around us are sick and dying.  It's hard to have hope when so many are struggling, financially, with relationships, and with faith.  It's hard to have hope when you turn on the news and there isn't much hope being offered in the words of the newscasters.  It's hard to have hope when you can't hug loved ones.  

Hope is here.  I can firmly say that because the one who brings us the only hope we need is God.  God is good, all the time - even when hope seems to be at its last thread.   As we read the verse from today, some people may say, "I had harm in my life, I've had heartache, I'm exhausted from trying, I've lost my faith."  It's true, we have all had those feelings in our lives, especially this year.  What is so very important to remember is that we are here - at the end of 2020 - together.

At the end of a year that has tried the best of us, we are all together in faith.  We read the words of Jeremiah and know that God is for us, not against us.  The direction the world may have taken these past months may be disheartening.  Yet, God hasn't left us.  He continues to walk right beside us, to the new journeys that lie ahead for all of us.  He holds our hand and guides us.  As the future embarks on us, He is providing for our future - with HOPE!  

Hope is more than wishing - it's knowing that the world, with God, is good.  We may have seen much sadness, but we have also seen joy.  We have seen families come together around the kitchen table, eating meals together, playing games together.  We have seen kindness in providing for a neighbor or a stranger.  We have seen heroic efforts by those who truly deserve our admiration - front line workers in so many fields.  We have seen hope in a person's eyes, in their actions, in prayers, in love.  

As we enter 2021, I ask one thing of all of us - be the HOPE for someone.  God will give you all you need to be that hope for someone in need.  A kind word, a small note, a financial gift, a prayer.  Let's not just hope for ourselves, but show others what hope looks like.  For we can be rest assured that God will provide plans of prosperity and will provide us the hope we need to raise our heads from the pillow each day.  May 2021 bring you the hope that you can bring to another!

Dearest Father, we thank you for the hope that you give to us - hope that the plans you have for our lives are exactly what we need.  Let us be the hope for others, God.  May we take the outpouring of love you have for us and give it to all in need.  Amen!

Jesus - The Peace of Christmas and Easter

 

Here we are, the fourth Sunday of Advent.  As we wrap up the Christmas/Easter similarities, we would fall short if we didn't mention our Savior Jesus, present at both.  There are so many wonderful themes we could choose for Jesus' presence at Christmas and Easter.  Today, I am choosing peace.  Although there are many reasons for this, I fully believe that in a year filled with turmoil and uncertainty, we all need to feel the peace of our Lord Jesus.

The prophesy of Jesus' birth in Isaiah is wonderful.  Yet, my favorite account is our verse for today.  This verse shares all of what Jesus will be known as.  My favorite?  Prince of Peace.  When I visualize Jesus in the manger, coming into this world in such a humble way, there is peace.  I read this verse and I breathe - knowing that when Jesus took his first breath, a life filled with peace for all would be given to us.  As we walk through Jesus' life, time and again he provides peace for those that he encounters.  Although we may not see him in flesh today, he is certainly with us and continues to provide peace for all those that believe.

As we reflect on Jesus' death, we once again see the peace that he brought us.  Jesus' actual death on the cross was horrific.  Yet, what it brought to all of us that believe is the peace of eternal life.  With his death, we have life!   With his death, we have healing. With his death, we have peace - knowing that our sins are forgiven.  With his resurrection, we will be with Jesus in paradise.  That certainly brings peace to my soul.

On this Christmas, we may reflect on all the trials and tribulations of this year.  Yet, may our Prince of Peace, the one who died for our sins to bring us peace everlasting, find a place in your heart.  May you breathe in his peace.  May this bring your comfort and joy.  Our world has changed in ways we would never have imagined.  The constant in our lives, Jesus Christ, who was born on Christmas, and rose on Easter, came to earth for you and for me.  Let us always remember that, not just at Christmas, but every day.  May each and every one of you enjoy a blessed Christmas.

Dearest Jesus, we thank you for being our peace at Christmas and at Easter.  As we begin this Christmas week, may our hearts be filled with joy and peace - knowing that you take each step of our days with us.  Grant us the hope that only you can bring.  In your peaceful name we pray, Amen!

Wood of Christmas and Easter

 

One of the most recognizable images of Christmas is the nativity scene, with Jesus in the manger.  I love that scene.  It provides so much in one image - the image of hope, joy, strength, and love.  All of that is projected from the manger, the wooden crib that Mary laid Jesus into because there was no room for them.  A wooden crib, the humblest of cribs, located in a stable.  How can a humble manger project the images shared above?

The crib of hope - God came down as a baby to be laid in a humble manger.  The hope of the world laid in a wooden manger.  Jesus, God made man, was brought into the world to later hang on a wooden cross as he died for the hope of all who believe.  Hope is what every Christian has, knowing our death will mean eternal life.

The crib of joy - even the angels praised God, as Jesus was born and placed into the manger.  The joy that the angels and shepherds shared on that first Christmas was the joy that was seen at the empty tomb.  The joy of Jesus brings us the joy we need every day - the joy that helps us to share Jesus with others.

The crib of strength - as the infant Jesus laid his head in the manger, he became the strength that was needed, not just then, but even as he hung on the cross.  The strength that Jesus showed during the entire crucifixion is in the hearts of all Christians.  It is that strength that we call upon when we can no longer go on.  When we are weak, Jesus is our strength.

The crib of love - Jesus being laid in the manger was God's love coming to earth.  There is no greater gift than God's unconditional love.  We have such need of that, every day of our lives.  Not only was that love revealed in the manger, it was even more greatly revealed as Jesus hung on the cross.  Jesus' love for each and every one of us was on the cross as he died for our sinful lives.  Because he died on the cross, we can live a life where our sins are taken onto Jesus' shoulders.

The wood of the manger and the cross brought us hope, joy, strength and love.  The connection of that wood, from Christmas day to Good Friday, helps us to see Jesus coming to earth was done for each and every one of us.  Let us forever sing God's praises for his life, from the manger to the cross.

Dearest Jesus, thank you for using humble wood in your birth and the tree of the cross upon your death.  Each time we see the manger of  Christmas, may we also see the cross of your death.  From the manger to the cross, your life on earth was for our life in heaven.  May we always keep that message in our hearts.  In your heavenly name we pray, Amen!

Myrrh of Christmas and Easter

 

As we continue to observe the similarities between Christmas and Easter, the gift of Myrrh becomes a common mention.  Doing the research to bring these similarities forward, I found it amazing what Myrrh was used for.  As stated in Matthew, Myrrh was given to Mary and Joseph by the three kings who travelled to see the Savior.  On their way, they had stopped to see Herod, who, as we know, was very anxious to find the Savior.  After the kings worshipped the True King, they had a dream that told them not to head back to Herod, so they went home another way.

I found all the gifts that the kings brought to Jesus to be interesting.  Gold represented high value (as it does today).  Typically, gold would present itself with royalty.  Certainly, the King of Kings would deserve such a cherished gift.  Frankincense was an incense.  This was not typically used in every-day life back in Jesus' time, but was used more as a worship incense for gods.  As Jesus was God on Earth, it was only fitting for frankincense to be a gift.

Yet, the gift that stands out at both Christmas and Easter is Myrrh.  Myrrh had many uses.  Many of them would have a direct correlation to Jesus as The Chosen One.  Myrrh was used as a medicinal oil at times, but the greater use seems to have been as an anointing oil.  Myrrh was used to prepare the temple before sacrifices were made, being placed on the alters and the priests.  We can certainly see the correlation there, that Myrrh would be given to Jesus, who would make the ultimate sacrifice.

Later, we see Myrrh as Jesus' death.  It presents itself, mixed with wine, the Jesus refuses to drink.

We see Myrrh now being offered possibly as medicinal, to help with the pain.  Yet, Jesus refuses that, as he suffered ALL the pain for our sins, he labored through ALL the suffering for our transgressions.  He wasn't going to take anything that would have ebbed any of the pain and suffering he was experiencing.  He was sent to this Earth, and received the gift of the anointing oil of Myrrh at his birth as a foretell of the sacrificial lamb He was for us all.

Jesus' birth at Christmas and all that was present draws many strong connections to Easter.  God had such purpose for Jesus' life on Earth, obviously the greatest being his death for our sins.  Everything Jesus endured, even the way he entered this life, had meaning and purpose.  I encourage all of us to reflect on the purpose that God has for our lives.  What has He provided to each one of us to live out the life He has given to us?  During this Advent season, may we dig deep to find our purpose and live it every day.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the connections you provide to us from Christmas to Easter.  Myrrh had many different uses, yet we can certainly see this strongly as an anointing oil used before sacrifices, as you came to Earth to give the ultimate sacrifice.  May we reflect on your purpose and seek to find our purpose that you have provided to us.  In your holy name we pray.  Amen~

  

Cloths of Christmas and Easter

 

As I reflected what to write on this Advent season, I thought I would share the similarities between Christmas and Easter.  Yes, they both involved Jesus, but there are other poignant similarities that were shared on both of these sacred historical events.  Today, let us focus on the cloths.

Every vision I have of Jesus being born is the swaddling cloths that Jesus was wrapped in by Mary.  Many of us mothers can certainly relate to swaddling a blanket around our babies, ensuring their sense of security and warmth as they transition from the womb to the world.  Mary was no different.   In Biblical times, swaddling  cloths were many times strips of linen that were wrapped around the newborn child.   As Mary's baby was born, she wrapped him in cloths to lay him in the manger.  She also provided him security, warmth, and the transition.  In Jesus' case, His transition was so much more as he lowered himself to Earth for us.

As we move forward 33 years, we see cloths being used for a completely different reason for Jesus.  

 

In this case, Jesus is now wrapped up in strips of linen once again.  Yet, not for security and warmth, but upon his death.  The custom of wrapping a body who had died in cloths with spices is part of the Jewish custom.  The cloths that had once wrapped Jesus when he was born are seen once again as he died on the cross for all of our sins.  Swaddling cloths are used to keep the baby confined upon birth.  We know from scripture that the cloths used to wrap Jesus' body upon his death could not confine him.

"He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head.  The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen." (John 20: 6-7).  The linens were there, but Jesus was not.

The cloths of Christmas and Easter provide us a wonderful image of Jesus.  Upon Jesus' birth, he shows us that he is like any other infant in need of swaddling cloths.  Upon Jesus' death, he shows us that he is our Mighty Lord, breaking the bonds of the burial linens to rise from the dead.  As we enter this Advent season, may we draw on Jesus' strength and love.  Peace~

Dearest Jesus, thank you for the beautiful images of the cloths used in your birth and death.  Your love for us has you leaving your heavenly home for earth.  May we hold close to the security the cloths provide for us - as you hold us close to you like swaddling cloths and as the cloths laid in the empty tomb for our salvation. Amen~~

Wonderfully Made

 

About a month ago, I woke up to a "frost on the pumpkin" kind of morning.  There was a glaze of frost on our deck and you could see the frost glistening on the lawn.  It's always such a pretty time of the day.  As I sipped my coffee on the deck that chilly morning, I turned around to see a spider web that had been "frosted".  It actually looked like I had taken string to make a spider web for Halloween!  It was so beautiful.  It was so wonderfully made by one of God's smallest creatures.  

I am always amazed at God's smallest of creatures.  The ant who has such strength although so small.  The spider who can build such beauty although so small.  The bee who brings pollen to buds for nourishment although so small.  These smallest of God's creations brings forward such incredible works during their lives.

There are days when I feel very small, like these small creatures.  It could be something someone said to me, accomplishments others have that I may be envious of, a failed relationships, or a situation that for another reaped great benefits and for me fell short.  Are there times in your life where you have felt small?  Where maybe you felt like you haven't "measured up"?

It is times like this that our verse for today is so very powerful.  God made each of us - each ant, each spider, each bee and, more importantly, each one of us!  God knitted our DNA to ensure we were one of a kind.  Just like the smallest of each of His creatures, we each have a wonderful purpose on this world - one given to us by God.  God only makes incredible goodness and that includes each of us.  

Although there may be times in our lives where we feel small and insignificant, God is there with this wonderful verse to remind us that we are "fearfully and wonderfully" made.  His purpose for our life can be seen in the gifts and talents He has given to us.  We may fall short in our eyes, but we never fall short in God's eyes.  He loves us more than we can imagine and He provides for us all that we need.  When we may be seeing ourselves as 'small', God sees us as 'great'.  If someone needs to see me as great - I certainly want it to be God!  

During this Thanksgiving holiday, may we be reminded not just of all that we HAVE but of all that we ARE, made with God's hands.  May we thank Him for his grace and mercy, for His patience and forgiveness, and for his love.  On the days when we may feel as small as a spider, let us remember that we are God's wonderful creations - here for His purpose of sharing God's love.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Heavenly Father, during this Thanksgiving, may we be reminded of all you have given to us.  We know that everything comes from your hands.  May our praises of joy and thanks be heard loud and clear.  Help us to remember we have been created by the Great Creator.  We are not small in your eyes - let our hearts reflect that.  In your loving name I pray, Amen!

Hands

 

I looked down at my hands and noticed some things I hadn't noticed before - they looked old.  Let's quantify this - I fully understand I am not a young spring chicken.  Yet, when I looked at them the first thing I thought of was my grandmother.  Her hands always looked "old".  What was I noticing?  My hands have creases and wrinkles all over them.  There are some age spots showing through my skin.  As I turned my hands over, there was a callus or two.  Wow - they were hands that looked like they had weathered the storm.

As I thought about my hands, I realized that they had weathered the storm.  These hands have cooked too many meals to count.  They have held babies and worked in the garden.  They have held other hands in prayer and have patted backs on a job well done.  My hands have held the face of my husband and have felt my own tears.  These hands have also been clenched in anger and have clapped with joy.  What about your hands?  What memories are your hands holding?  What storm have your hands weathered?  I'm sure all of us have held the weight of our lives in our hands at least once or twice.

"He's Got The Whole World in His Hands", was always a favorite childhood song.  Whenever I would hear it, I pictured God holding the entire world in safety, much like the picture below.

I'm not sure of where your life has you at this moment, but I know I NEED this picture more than ever.  The safety of the world being held in God's hands gives me the peace that I need to move throughout each day.  Though troubles may be with us and around us, and we may feel as if we are in the "depths of the earth", God is holding us in His hands.  Are we on top of the mountain?  God has us in His hands there as well.  

Although our hands may have seen much in our lives, God's hands have been with us each moment of each day, holding us up, providing us nourishment, piecing together the troubles we are facing, ensuring we are truly never alone in our lows and highs, all cradled in His love.  He doesn't just hold you and me in those hands, but each person on this earth.  He truly has the whole world in His hands.  There are people all over this beautiful earth God created.  We ALL need his hands of love, each and every day.

The next time you look at your hands, think of the One that is holding them in love.  Knowing that God has us in His hands should give us the strength to use our hands to help each other.  Hands to make a meal or help a neighbor with a project.  Hands to hold with another in prayer.  May our hands be a reflection of God's hands.

Heavenly Father, thank you for always holding me in your hands.  I pray that as I go about my days, that my hands give to others as you have given your hands to me.  In your holy and loving name I pray, Amen!

The Great Leader

 

It has been a week, hasn't it?  So much emotion.  People shared their thoughts and opinions on who should rule America.  We listened to candidates, we watched for results, we read social media and we listened to the radio.  In the end, somebody wins and somebody loses.  It is why we live in a democracy.  I am not here to share political thoughts or start a debate.  I'm here to share the ONE truth.

When asked who is, or was, the greatest leader, many turn in a variety of directions.  Some feel members of our military may be the greatest leaders.  Others may turn to politics.  Others may turn to business and still others may turn to the pulpit.  I am very certain that one can find some great examples of wonderful leaders in all those aspects - people who led others with conviction, strength, and courage.

Today's words come from the great King Solomon.  Many feel he was the greatest king and leader of Biblical times.  What was so great about this king of long ago?  Yes, he led with strength and courage, but what made him such a great leader was he knew, and believed in his heart, that his leadership was not from his own doing - but from God.  He built his leadership on the words of God, turning to God for his strength and his courage.  He knew that He couldn't do anything without the hand of God.

That brings me to the title of today's post.  The Great Leader is nobody on earth, but our heavenly God.  He is the one that brings hope.  He is the one that brings strength and courage.  When we rely on the wisdom of man, we will always be disappointed.  When we rely on our heavenly father, we will never be disappointed.

Many earthly leaders have held God close to them - from MacArthur, to Martin Luther King, to Billy Graham, to Sam Walton.  I know there are many others.  Yet, they are men and women.  They are not God.  They may be great leaders but there is truly only one that we should revere - our Heavenly Father.

In this day and age when so many people want to look at others with a sense of difference, may we remember that God reigns above all with one voice.  It is God that we need to go to for advice and counsel.  It is God that showed us in the Bible how to live our lives.  It is God that provides us all that we need.  It is God who loves us unconditionally.

As we move forward, may we do so remembering what God wants for our lives.  "A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34).  Let us make a commitment to walk through our days with love.  May we turn to God for advice and counsel, like the great King Solomon.  Remember that God was, is and will always be The Great Leader!  

Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom of King Solomon in all of our days.  May we turn to you in all decisions and remember the Great Commandment to love one another.  Bless us and our country each and every day.  In your name we pray.  Amen!!

Be The One

The Christmas Cactus.  Such a beautiful plant with its deep dark leaves and beautiful coral flowers.  I have two of these lovely plants in my home and they have NEVER bloomed at Christmas time.  In fact, they have never bloomed in December.  Therefore, as I anticipate seeing their flowers in December, and they show up early, it seems as if it is a bit of a gift.  My larger Christmas cactus has started to bloom and has too many flowers to count.  Yet, this one that typically provides at least a dozen or so flowers has just one this year - one lowly flower.

As I watched the one bud turn into one flower over the past week, it reminded me of the beauty of one.  Although the cactus with all the flowers is beautiful, there is something simple and precious with this one.  Its beauty stands out.  Its uniqueness stands out.  Simply put, there is beauty in one.

There is so much happening in our world today, so much that seems to hinge on others - others' opinions, others' voices, others' actions.  We seem to have lost the beauty in one.  Where does that beauty lie and how can we "be the one"?

• Be The One that helps an elderly person in the store.
• Be The One that helps to pay for the single mom's groceries.
• Be The One that smiles and gives to the homeless person on the street.
• Be The One that provides a meal to a neighbor who is struggling.
• Be The One that makes that phone call to someone who is alone.

One might say, "that seems easy enough", and it may be.   Do we need to stretch a bit?  Let's try these:

• Be The One that starts and ends each day thanking God for all the blessings you have received.
• Be The One that reaches out to someone who is hurting and prays with them.
• Be The One that invites someone to church.
• Be The One that tells about the Good News of Jesus.

With all the hurt, all the frustration and all the anxiousness in our world today, Be The One that shines with all the wonderful deeds God has done for us.   For He is the One that gives all we have, He is the One that loves us unconditionally, He is the One that died for our sins and He is the One that is saving a place for us in heaven.  I urge all of us to Be The One that God has placed on this Earth to provide goodness and light.  Let God work his love through you so that you can Be The One for someone else.  

Heavenly Father, you are The One that created heaven and earth.  You are The One that provides us love and eternal life.  Help us to Be The One that you created, The One that shares your love with others, The One that brings the hope of your salvation to all those in need.  As we begin this November, may we be thankful for all you have given us, The One who bring us peace.  In your loving name we pray, Amen.

 

Breath

 

It had been a trying day, filled with deadlines and interruptions.  As dusk filled the sky, I realized the day had passed and I just couldn't seem to relax.  With my phone in hand, I went out to the deck to sit in the fresh air.  I opened the Calm app on my phone.  Yes, it seems as if they have an app for everything.  This one, in case you aren't familiar with it, provides a variety of ways to help one relax.  As I open the app, the first thing it says is, "take a deep breath".  

The next ten minutes finds the woman talking me through a calming meditation, focusing on my breath.  "Breathe in, breathe out - focus on each breath," she says.  As I do this, I realize that I am relaxing.  By focusing on my breath and sitting in a relaxed position, I found my shoulders easing of pain and the stress leaving my body.  After ten minutes, I felt less drained and more "alive".  

As dusk turned into darkness, my thoughts took me to my Lord, who truly breathed life into me.  Not only did He give me physical life, more importantly, He breathed life into my soul.  By turning my thoughts to Him that evening, I realized that each breath I take is a gift from Him.  As our Dear Lord breathed life into the dry bones so long ago, He also breathes life into me today.  He fills me up with the breath of faith in Him, brings my soul to life, and gives me hope.  One breath from God gives me life.

My thoughts also took me to Jesus' last breath.  "Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.'  When he had said this, he breathed his last."  Luke 23:46.  This may have been Jesus' last breath before he died, but as we all know, it wasn't His last.  His last breath became our first breath.  By Jesus dying on the cross for us, we can breath in the knowledge of knowing we will see Him in paradise.  Our breath in Christ helps us to relax and be calm, knowing that when our last breath on Earth occurs, our life with Jesus begins.

Breath is necessary for all living.  On Earth, it is necessary for us to have physical life.  Yet, the breath of faith in our Lord and Savior brings us such greater life - the life everlasting.  The next time I need to relax, I will take a deep breath - and know that my life comes from God.  Will you join me?

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the breath of life.  May we all breathe in the knowledge that our breath comes from you and gives us physical AND eternal life.  Amen!

Falling to Soft Ground

 

I wait so long for three weeks in October.  During these three weeks I watch the leaves transform from green to an incredible array of colors.  Also during this time, I watch the leaves drift from the trees to the ground.  I may enjoy this time as much as the colors themselves.  My husband doesn't seem to like this time of autumn as much, probably due to the fact he is in charge of picking up the leaves.  Yet, me?  I see it completely different.

I watch as a strong tree who has held onto these many leaves for the last six months releases these beauties.  The journey each leaf takes as it leaves the security of the tree and wafts down to the ground amazes me.  Some get caught up in a passing breeze and fly far off.  Others lay at the foot of the tree.  Whatever way they fall, the leaf is released by the tree and ends its trip by reaching the soft grasp of the green grass.

As I sat on my deck watching the leaves fall gently downward today, it reminded me so much of the times when my anxieties, frustrations and worries get the best of me.  I am the tree and the things I worry about are the leaves.  Many times, I will hold onto them, waiting for the worry or the frustration to change - transform itself.  I believe if I keep trying I can change my worry, I can change my anxious thoughts.  Typically these situations don't result in beautifully transformed thoughts.  Typically the devil does his work and the worries grow!  What may have started as something small will snowball into a huge weight upon my shoulder.

Introduce God's everlasting arms.  When the worry grows to a point where I find it hard to stand, my Lord reminds me of his everlasting arms.  He encourages me to release those thoughts, release those frustrations, and let them fall - like leaves - into the soft ground of His arms.  God reminds me of who is in control, who can defeat the devil, and who can bring me peace.  As I release my worries, God is there to embrace them and take them away from me, just as the grass takes the falling leaves away from the tree.  In the end, there is peace.  In the end there is hope.  In the end there is grace.  

The cool crisp air surrounds me.  The smell of the leaves fills the air.  The beauty of the leaves on the green grass is brilliant.  In this one moment, I truly know that my Redeemer Lives - just for me.  Let us remember to release our "leaves" to the one who gladly takes them into his loving arms.  May this bring you peace.

Heavenly Father, we are so grateful for your everlasting arms.  Those arms are always there for us - to catch our worries, our sins, our fears, our doubts and bring us to a place of comfort, and joy, and hope and grace.  When our lives seem to great to bear, may we be reminded of this so that we can release all that is weighing us down into your arms.  Amen!!

Leaves in Harmony

 

There are many reasons I enjoy autumn.  The cooler and crisper days truly energize me.  The coziness of a hoodie makes me smile.  The smell of apples cooking tingles the senses.  Yet, most of all, it's the leaves.  I have read much on the transformation of green leaves to these brilliant colors.  I fully understand that there is a scientific reason for this phenomenon.  I will not stop believing, though, that God takes out His paintbrush to provide us such incredible beauty.  I am truly mesmerized.  It's not a good thing when you are driving, but when you take a long walk, you can stop and admire this incredible beauty.

On our walk this morning, I made my poor husband stop so I could take pictures of what we were seeing.  The pictures never do the scene justice.  The brilliance of the colors don't pop in pictures as they do in nature.  As I tried to take the "perfect picture", I noticed something about the leaves.  In spring, regardless of maple, oak or birch, the leaves on the trees all begin green.  As autumn begins its majestic entrance, the leaves all change to different colors - some orange, some red, some yellow - all working in harmony with each other.  If you are afforded the opportunity, sometimes all those colors can actually be on one tree.

Forces of nature will continue to astound me because of their teachings.  Nature teaches us incredible lessons that, if we are willing to humble ourselves and learn, can help us in our daily lives.  The lesson of autumn leaves?  Whatever color we are, whatever race we are, whatever differences we may have, we can live together in harmony.  The leaves live in harmony with each other - complimenting each other's beauty.  

Why can't we live like leaves?  Why can't we live in harmony with each other - complimenting each other's beauty?  Human differences on this earth are many - just like the enormous differences of trees.  Short, tall, husky, skinny, brilliant or muted, the trees and the leaves on those trees live together.  Let us learn from them.  Let us we live together in harmony as the leaves shine in harmony.

Our Dear Lord wanted nothing more for us than for us to all love one another.  In Romans 12:9-21, Paul continues to share with us HOW we can do that.  His goal is to ensure each person understands what they can do to bring forth the harmony and peace that Jesus wants for us.  We will have differences.  We will have opinions.  We will see the world through our own glasses.  Those differences shouldn't separate us, it should celebrate the glorious world that God gave us and all the people in this world.  Just as the autumn leaves are reveled and celebrated each fall, so should we revel and celebrate in each person's brilliance.  

It's there for us to see - this brilliance.  It's there for us to notice, for us to share, and for us to celebrate.  We can be so grounded in our own beliefs that we lose sight of the beauty in other's beliefs.  Not everyone is going to agree with my thoughts (my own family doesn't see things the way I do~~).  Yet not showing understanding, grace and mercy is not showing love - and that is not our purpose here on earth.  Love one another - and let's learn from the leaves - and live in harmony.

Heavenly Father, may we learn from the glorious nature around us.  The differences of others is not to be suppressed, but to be celebrated - as the beautiful leaves during autumn.  Give us the ability to see each other through your eyes, not ours.  May we live this life in harmony - giving value to each person as you have - and showing love.  In your glorious name we pray.  Amen!

Kind vs. Cruel

 

Human nature says "an eye for an eye".  It is our basic instinct to take revenge on those that hurt us or our families.  This can be seen in so many scenarios.  Responding to unkind words with cruel words.  Responding to unkind acts with cruel acts.  It certainly seems to be extremely evident in our world today.  "Make me mad and I'll take revenge" seems to be all around us.  We all seem to view these situations from afar, yet, is our behavior all that different?  Our actions may not be as strong, our words as hurtful, but how are we reacting?

As I reflect back upon times when someone said or did something hurtful to me, I can't say I always responded as a "Jesus girl" ought to respond.  I certainly have said my fair share of unkind words.  What I think is worst, though, are thoughts I may have had and thoughts I shared with others around me.   It seems as if we are going to be hurt, we are going to rally all those around us to know how we have been treated.  We may not say anything back to the person directly, but all the time and energy spent chatting with others is certainly not blessing those who may have lashed out against us.  

Responding to cruel or unkind words/actions with the same type of behavior that was given to us is not responding in a blessed way.  As I think back, Jesus often asks us to behave in a way where we should respond to cruelty with kindness.  We certainly had a great role model in Jesus.  So many times during his time here on Earth he responded to cruel words and actions with kindness.  Right up to his time on the cross, ensuring the thief entrance into paradise. 

So how do we do this?  How do we respond to cruel words and actions with prayers of blessings?  We turn to the one that teaches us how - Jesus!  

• Prayer - May we talk to our Heavenly Father and ask him for his help.  Our sinful nature needs help and the only one who can help us is Jesus.  Ask Jesus to give us the strength to change our hearts and minds to show blessings to those that lash out against us.  Respond to cruelty with kindness.
• Words of Christ - Let us open the Bible and look at the many ways Jesus responded to those who persecuted him.  May we soak in his words and meditate on the goodness of Jesus in each and every situation.  Through his responses we can see how he responds to cruelty with kindness.  He is a wonderful teacher.
• Walk in His Way - After we pray and read, then we need to do the hard part - act.  This can take on so many different scenarios, each one is important.  Silently praying for those who lash out against us, not returning a cruel word or action with our own cruelty, and not gossiping about the situation with others are all ways we can walk in Jesus' way.

Replacing cruelty with kindness can sometimes be a difficult challenge for us humans.  Yet, we are fortunate to have a Savior who is patient with us, giving us many ways to learn from him, and leads us to bless those who persecute us.  May we always follow Jesus' lead.

Dearest Jesus, help us to always respond with a sense of kindness and blessing.  This can be so very difficult for us to do.  You have provided us with so many examples of how we should behave.  May we keep that front of mind and in our hearts.  In your name we pray - Amen!

Sharing

 

It's very interesting to watch children share, especially with someone that is not familiar to them.  Whether another child or an adult, they seem to send caution to the wind and reach out to give what is theirs to someone else.  It may be a toy that they give to another who doesn't have a toy or even part of their precious cookie.  They give to someone who doesn't have anything - and don't expect anything in return.

Fast forward a few decades and, as adults, we may at times have difficulty sharing what is ours.  Whether it is sharing our time, our possessions, our money or our home, we tend to "hold on" to what is ours.  If we decide to take the step to share, that spirit of "caution to the wind" may be replaced with an "abundance of caution".  Inviting a stranger to share our 'cookies' may even be a larger leap.

This wonderful verse in Romans 12 helps us to understand what Jesus wants from us.  Through Paul, He is very prescriptive on how we should reach out.  For those in need, we need to share.  That's it!  There isn't a certain recipe or a way for us to do it - just share with those in need.  How do we do that?  Who has time to do that?  How do I know who is in need?  Many of those questions can be answered if we keep our eyes and hearts open.  Take time to listen to those around you.  Focus your eyes on someone else.  Where can we lighten someone's load?

• Maybe it is the young mother in front of us at the grocery store who is struggling to find those extra few dollars for her groceries . . .
• Maybe it is the delivery driver who is at the end of his shift and is just looking for a smile . . .
• Maybe it is the person behind you in the coffee line who gets a friendly gesture from you to pay for their coffee that day . . .

Yes, those moments are important and can brighten someone's difficult day.  There can be greater problems in front of us, though.  A family who may not know where their next meal is coming from.  An elderly shut in who hasn't had the ability to get out in a long time.  A stranger sitting by themselves on a park bench looking down at the ground with no friends to talk to.  Can we make a difference here?  What can we share?  Sometimes our time and a kind word is the hospitality people need.  Our time, our treasures, our love for others can be the sharing that we can offer.  

Take a moment.  Look around you.  Where can we share hospitality?  Where can we bring the love of Jesus into the moment?  Where can we show caring?  Let's all be the light of Jesus here on earth to those that are in need.  Take a moment.  Give of yourself.  Practice hospitality.  Show love.  Share~~

Heavenly Father, help us to share with those that are in need.  May we take the time to look around us, listen to those that may be silenced, so we can share all that you have given to us.  May we be your light on earth to those that need some brightening.  Amen.

Grab Hold

 

I was watching a little one with their parent the other day.  She was a toddler, stretching her "adventure" muscles.  She would wander a few steps ahead of mom, and then look back to grab hold of her finger.  Once she felt the security, she would then release and proceed exercising her adventure muscles.  Yes, a flood of memories returned to when the children were small and would do the same thing.  I always found it fascinating how they knew I would be there, just as this mama was, to grab hold of in assurance.

Often there have been times I have done the same thing, grabbing hold of something or someone when I found a certain adventure just a bit too risky, or when I didn't have enough assurance that the journey I embarked on would come to fruition.  There were times when I would reach back to my parents for their affirmation that I was making the right decisions.  Other times, I reached out to my husband for the strength and confidence I needed to move forward.  Each time, my I would look to grab hold of something familiar as I sought the unfamiliar.

As much as I love my parents and husband, there have been times where their security has not been enough.  Their loving words and assurance still left me empty and seeking the path.  It wasn't until I grabbed hold of the One who knows my path that I found comfort.  It wasn't until I reached out to the Creator of my journey, did I find peace.  These adventures are not always easy.  In fact, they have been down right scary.  What I have come to realize, though, is when I grab hold to God, my adventure ends with joy.

When I reach out to God in the unfamiliar, I find:

• Hope - My hope is rooted in the trust I have in God's hand for my life.  Rejoicing in that hope means that I know, without any doubt, that the path before me is in the best hands - God's hands.  
• Patience - Not my strongest characteristic, but one that seems to be strengthened when I turn to God.  I have yet to find any path that is "smooth sailing".  There are turbulent seas in every journey.  Yet, when I ride those storms with God, the end of the journey is much more satisfying than when I have tried to veer off His path and follow my own.
• Prayer - My lifeline to God is in prayer.  He becomes the one I talk with like an old friend.  When I pour out my soul to my Lord, everything in my life becomes "well with my soul".  Prayer, for me, may not even have words.  Many times, it's being silent and letting God penetrate my heart and soul, and listening to His response.

The next time our lives find us in unfamiliar territory, whether it is a medical diagnosis, a new relationship, a turn in our careers, or a time for reflection, I ask that we grab hold of the One that can fill our souls and bring us to our destination.  Grab hold of Jesus - He's waiting to provide us His blessed assurance.

Dearest Lord, thank you for always being there to provide me hope in all unfamiliar situations.  May I always rely on your love for my life and find solace in that.  Bring me patience when things don't seem to be moving in the direction "I" anticipate and let me come to you in prayer for peace.  Amen!

Honor

 

Pick and choose.  When I was a kid, pick and choose meant everything from the type of candy at the penny candy counter to which apple I wanted.  As I became older, it began to mean things such as friends, jobs, battles, etc.  Certainly long gone are the days that pick and choose meant bubble gum over a lollipop.  I long for those days.  Decisions seemed easier - but then again, I was seven.  As we age, the challenges that are before us and the decisions we make seem to increase in intensity.

Age tends to put different perspectives in front of us.  What and who used to be important in our lives may not present itself with the same importance.  As I grow older, I find myself and others that I talk with, stating, "If they don't like the way I am - that's fine.  I don't need to spend time or energy with them," or "Their drama is just too much for me", etc.  You know the old adage, I'll spend my energy with the people that make me happy.

I've been a firm believer in that last statement.  Then I read this verse and it challenged me to think differently.  Be devoted to others in love, honor others above me.  I try to do that - with the people I want to spend my time and energy on.  Yet, that's not what Paul is asking from us.  It's certainly not what Jesus wants from us.  

Loving others, honoring others - it's not about who "I" choose to enter my path, but who God has chosen to enter my path.  Yes, that means that I should consider that with ALL people that God puts in front of me, not just the people I want to spend my time and energy on.  So who am I actually supposed to honor above me?

• I should honor everyone from the person who gets my coffee in the morning to the person taking my dinner order.
• I should honor the difficult person who continually argues with me along with the person who "gets me" and my opinion.
• I should honor the mama in front of me at the grocery store trying to calm her babies to the elderly person walking slowly throughout the store while I'm racing around the aisles.

Jesus doesn't ask us to honor just those that we "want" to have in our lives, but asks us to honor ALL that come into our lives.  I certainly have a bit of work to do in that area.  You?  I try very hard to show love, devotion and honor to those closest to me - family and friends.  Yet, we are supposed to be like Jesus as much as we can and he certainly showed honor to all those around him - even the non-believers.  How much it must take for God to honor us?  We are sinners.  Every day we commit sins that are against the way He wants us to live our lives.  Yet, He loves and honors us - so much that He gave Jesus to wipe our sins away.  

It's time for a new way of looking at ALL people around us.  They may not be in our "inner circle" of family and friends, but they are to be honored and loved.  One gesture, one smile, one prayer; all those actions can lead to the life Jesus has asked us to live.  Of all times in our history, now is the time to stand up and honor each and every person we meet - with respect and love - just as our Savior has done for us.

Dearest Jesus, help me to be more like you.  Help me to set aside "my thinking" and grow to be more like you.  My I love, honor and respect all those in my path and may my actions reflect those thoughts.  Amen!

Sincere Love

Evil can mean many things for each of us.  Google defines it as profoundly immoral or wicked.  What is immoral or wicked may be drastically different for each of us.  Our life situation, our surrounding environment, the people we encounter - all of those things and more can determine what we find as evil.  It could be an addiction - to food, to drugs, to alcohol.  It could be people who treat others with a lack of respect or value.  It could be slander and gossip.  Unfortunately, our lives can introduce us to evil every day - we live in a world of sin.  What a way to start a blog post!

Evil can be dark and full of despair.  Our world can seem like that.  Our lives can seem like that.  The situations of 2020 can reveal a dark place, one that is filled with disease, hatred, and evil.  In walks the one that conquers evil.  God always amazes me!  He takes what is wrong and makes it right.  He takes the ordinary and makes it extra ordinary.  He takes the simple and makes it profound.  He takes words written on a page and touches our hearts.  I often find myself asking why - why does He do all of this for us?  Yes, the answer is because He loves us, but not as we love on Earth.  He loves us with a love that is unconditional and sincere.

Romans 12:9-21 was our reading for worship last week.  These words seemed to drive deeper  into my heart each time I read them.  The heading for that section is "Love in Action"!  We typically turn to 1st Corinthians 13 - love is patient, love is kind, for a love chapter.  I believe this has become my new "go to" love chapter.  Here Paul writes and describes how we need to act, when we talk about love.  We need to do it with a level of sincerity - turning back and hating what is evil, clinging to what is good.

To love with sincerity is not easy.  To be sincere means feeling and acting with no deceit, dishonesty or hypocrisy.  We may feel this is how we love, yet if we are truthful, we may not always love that way.  I'm sure we all short of loving sincerely.  When someone hurts us or disappoints me, words may come out of our mouths or we may act in a way that doesn't portray love.  Once again, it is because we find ourselves in a sinful world and we are part of that.  How do we turn ourselves to love on an entirely different level?

We do as Paul suggests in this chapter - we cling to what is good.  There is only ONE who is good every minute of every day - God!  There is only ONE who can turn evil into good.  There is only ONE that can always show us how to act with love.  When we turn our eyes and intentions to God, the outcomes will always be better.  Our actions become less about us and more about God and His saving grace.  Our actions become more sincere because we can love knowing that God loves us so much He gave His one and only Son for us.  Our actions become filled with the Holy Spirit.

Let's put our love into action!  Let's cling to what is good and right.  Let's turn our back on whatever may be evil in our lives and put forth actions filled with God's love.  We've got this - with the help of God!!

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your unconditional and sincere love.  Help us to turn away from all that is evil and focus our actions on all that is good, loving with sincerity!  May we cling to your love and your word always!  Amen.

Under the Mask

 

Halloween and masquerade parties.  That seemed about the only times when we would don a mask.  Whatever the occasion, we typically would wear a mask in order to be someone else - someone scary, fun, famous.  The whole purpose behind a mask is so we wouldn't show our true selves.  

Fast forward through the last few months of 2020, and we find masks donning our faces almost every time we leave our homes - whether it be school, work, church, shopping, etc.  We now wear masks for a completely different reason, safety.  The goal behind wearing a mask today is so that we don't transmit our germs and we stop others' germs from reaching us.  

What I have come to realize in both situations with masks is that, whether we want to or not, we hide ourselves.  Halloween and masquerade masks covers up our own face and features, taking on the role of the mask character.  We don't see anything but that character.  With the masks that we wear for safety purposes, it is also difficult to see the full person under the mask.  You can't see someone smile or frown.  You can't see someone laugh (although you may hear them).  You can't see someone cringe.  All you see is the mask.  We have no idea what is happening under the mask.  

I find that frustrating as I am a person who loves to watch people's facial expressions.  Many times I am asking myself, "What is happening under that mask?"  What difference does it make?  I want to know if someone is happy or sad.  I'd like to try to help if I can, share a word of encouragement if it can help. Yet, there are other masks we wear.  Maybe we put on a mask of happiness when we are sad, a mask of joy when we are in pain.  For those around us, they see our mask.  Inside we may only feel hurt.   Our masks don't need to be made of cloth, they can be what we show the world.  

There is only one who can fully see us, regardless of what we are covering.  His eyes are everywhere and can fully see us under our masks.  God can see what is happening.  God sees us at all times, and knows our hearts at all times.  Not only can He see under our masks, He can see our hearts, our souls.  He understands when we are in pain, when we are struggling, when life is hard.  Jesus sees the good and the bad, the joy and the pain, and He is there for ALL of it.  Through a Bible verse or a friend, a whisper or a megaphone, Jesus can reach behind our masks and see all we are feeling.

These days there is much pain and hurt.  There is much anticipation and frustration.  There is much anxiety and worry.  Whatever mask you may be wearing, know that Jesus is here for you, to help and guide us past whatever we need to hide to the light of His world.  May He fill your heart and soul with hope and love, ensuring that whatever mask you may be wearing is covering your joy.

Heavenly Father, thank you for seeing under our masks and into our hearts and souls.  Help to heal whatever hurt we may have and bring us to the light of your world.  May your love be given to us freely so that we may give it to others.  Amen!

Waiting

 

This new way of life we are all facing has certainly come with many changes.  I think one of the greatest changes that I have noticed is my ability to just "grab and go" has become more of a "wait, grab, wait, wait" and then "go".  Many of the places we used to go and just run in to grab something quick has turned into a bit more planning - especially with planning our time.

I noticed it first when we were waiting to get into the grocery stores when there were only a certain number of people allowed in the store.  Then I noticed it at the curbside pickup of a local Mexican restaurant on Taco Tuesday.   Follow that with waiting to get into smaller boutique stores while on vacation that only allow five people to the store.  If you were number six, you needed to wait until another person exited the store before you were allowed in.  I think the longest wait I saw was last weekend when many people were doing back-to-school shopping and they were trying to get into sneaker stores.  All this waiting is certainly to assist with the physical distancing that is required, and I very much understand that.  With a little extra planning of time, we can all stay safe.

I thought about what would happen if there was a line to wait in to get into heaven!  What if only so many souls were allowed to enter?  What if there wasn't enough room for me when it was my turn?  I have to say, I pictured myself standing outside of heaven with Jesus saying, "No room for you!"   The thought of that sent shivers down my spine!  Even greater - what if I didn't do enough planning to get into heaven?  What if I didn't do enough good things for Jesus to let me enter heaven?

Then these wonderful words of Jesus entered my thoughts - He is preparing a place for me.  He not only is planning for me to be there, He is ensuring there is a room ready for me when I get there.  Jesus, our unconditionally loving savior, will welcome me with His arms wide open.  I won't have to wait in line because there will be a place waiting for me, a place that will have my own name on it.  Jesus will take my hand and walk me to heaven.  THAT picture is the one that fills my soul and brings me joy.  There will not be any waiting in heaven, Jesus will open the gates when we get there to bring us home to Him.  The greatest comfort?  As long as I believe that He is my Lord and Savior, He will let me pass through.  There aren't enough "good deeds" I can do to enter.  My sin would be far too great to let me enter.  Yet, Jesus took care of that for me.  He loved me enough to die on the cross so that I can enter heaven with Him.  That will be a glorious day.

Until then, yes, I will wait in lines.  The next time I do, there will be a smile on my face.  For I know that the waiting that I am doing is only here on earth.  In my eternal heavenly home, where there is a place waiting for ME, I will wait no more.  That makes this Jesus girl smile from ear to ear!  Blessings!

Dearest Jesus, thank you for providing a heavenly home where you will welcome me.  By my faith in you and the love you so graciously pour upon me, I will one day enter eternity with you.  Your death on the cross means my wait is over - I will rejoice with you in paradise.  How loved I am!!  Amen.

Restful Sleep

 

Peaceful rest used to elude me.  I would have the greatest intentions of getting "a good night's rest", only to find my mind racing.  The events of the day would run through my mind and I reviewed my actions, my words, what I should have done, and what I should not have done.  After a day filled with busyness, I would have expected my body wanting rest.  Yet, I would find myself counting the minutes and hours as they passed by and I would still be awake.  Just as frustrating were the times I would fall asleep, but would wake up a few hours later.  I would ponder all the problems in my life, my family's and my friends, and try to fix them - all the while trying to get back to sleep.  I have spoken with many folks who find themselves in the same sleepless situation.

At one point in my life,  my inability to release the day's events led to me taking medication so that I could sleep.  When that didn't work, I took more.  All I wanted was to go to sleep and stay asleep.   My quest for a decent night's sleep led me to a night when the amount of medication was very much out of control and my family was worried.  The next day I found myself in the doctor's office, gaining help.  With the assistance of my family doctor, I was prescribed medication that assisted me in going to sleep and staying asleep.  Yet, I didn't want to rely on medicine.  Of course, the answer was always in front of me - God.

There are so many wonderful verses in the Bible that talk about laying our worries and anxiety at Jesus' feet so that they can be taken off of our shoulders.  God is never too big for our problems.  The good news?  God is WAITING for us to come to him.  David knew this.  As we read the Bible, David certainly had his fair share of problems.  He had many enemies that were looking to destroy him.  Some of his problems were certainly created by his own actions (can we relate?).  Yet, he never took his sight off of the one who was there to take his worries away.  David knew his rest would only come in the arms of the Lord.  With all that David had to worry about, he knew his peace could only come with God.  What faith that is!  Brothers and sisters, our rest is the same all these years later - our rest can only come in the arms of the Lord!

I wanted that peace.  I wanted to be able to release my worries and cares to God so that I would rest peacefully.  After five years taking a prescribed drug to sleep, I made the decision to turn to God and ask for his help.  It took some time, and definitely some behavioral changing on my part.  Yet, a few years ago, I found it.  I found the peace that let me put my head on the pillow at night and realize that God had everything in control.  I remember waking up the next morning with praise and thanksgiving for a good night's sleep by relying on God.  

When the thoughts and problems of the day stop us from gaining rest, give it all to Jesus.  Maybe you write down everything you are thinking about and close the book before sleeping.  Maybe you pray and give your worries to God.  Maybe you vision God sitting at your bedside, holding your hand, and helping you release the worries of the day.  Maybe you do all three!  There are still nights where as I rest, sleep can still elude me.  It is those nights that I reflect and talk to my Lord, the one who is waiting for me to chat with him, and give him my worries.  I pray that you will lie down in peace with God, and may he provide you sleep in the safety of His arms.

Dearest Lord, thank you for being the one who is waiting to hear my worries and problems.  You are always available to talk to.  When the problems of the day keep me from restful sleep, may I come to you, God, and lay my worries at your feet.  You ask me to give you my worries, my anxiety, my problems.  Lead me to do this, Lord, so I can gain the restful sleep my body needs.  In your gracious name I pray.  Amen!

Time for Peace

It was time.  Time for a change of scenery.  The past few months have had its share of disappointments, frustrations, sadness and plain exhaustion.  I am certain many of you are feeling the same way.  With all the discourse in our world today, it is hard to find a moment of peace.  I know I was missing that from my life.  Therefore, it was time.Juan and I set out to have a weekend to find peace.  We had tried to do this at home, and although we are grateful for our home, we knew we needed to leave it for a weekend.  This way, we wouldn't be pulled to find chores to do or get knee deep into work.  Where to go?  We were limited to New England, so we decided to go to the mountains and to the ocean.  Fortunate for us New Englanders, that is fairly easy for us to do.  We set our sights to Jackson, New Hampshire.  We checked in and decided to walk to the falls.  It was there, sitting on the rocks in the picture, that we knew we had found what we were looking for.  Peace.  As we sat there, thanking God for all He provides, we had realized that what we needed was peace.  We needed to put the world of today aside, just for a few days, and be re-energized by God's beauty.  As always, He didn't let us down.It was time for peace - the type of peace that only God can provide.  It is the peace that regenerates our souls.  It is the peace that fills our hearts.  It is the peace that brings hope.  The world today needs hope.  Hope moves our thoughts from despair to joy, from the past to the future.  We can try to find hope in people, places and things.  Yet, the only One who can bring us true hope is the one who overcame the world.  He brought the hope of salvation and brings us hope each day.Find a place where you can have time for peace.  Maybe it is different scenery.  Maybe it is your backyard.  Maybe it is thr mountains, the beach, or a lounge chair.  Wherever you can find some time for peace, sink into God's word and know that the world of today can be given to God.  May we ask for His help to bring hope to our lives - hope that brings peace.Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing peace to our lives, just when we need it.  Only you, God, know what we need!  We are in need of peace and hope dear Lord.  Guide us to ways where we can find this peace - peace for our souls and hope for our hearts.  Amen!!