Prayer Chair Share Time

Colored Pencils Theology

2026-06-29T17:11:22.154-05:00

I will share a secret that I don't tell everyone. I love to color in those so-called "adult coloring books". I can sit for hours coloring all sorts of things while my troubles seem to fade into the background. All I have to decide, in my coloring book, is what colors I want to fill in the lines of the multicolored cat or the bouquet of flowers. You see, I get to choose in my coloring book world. I don't always get to choose which colors show up in my life. What color is a cancer diagnosis? Grey, or maybe black, would be appropriate with this horrible disease. Does a layoff at your job have a color? Blue, maybe, but then again, life can seem darker in these situations. Will I ever be able to find another job at my age? How will I be able to provide for my family? Is the death of an adult child filled in with the darkest of your colored pencils? At first, definitely black. Though if, while alive, she loved Christ, the darkness doesn't have to be so dark. The thought of seeing her again is the hope that sustains us, sunshine yellow, maybe. Would a loving God give us only black to color our lives? Do we dutifully accept that freshly sharpened black addition and place it handy to grab among the blue bell, the sunshine yellow, or the green apple pencils?

I listened to a video that offered two ways to consider these things, and I found it to be true and comforting. Those who try to help say this is all part of God's plan, which somehow doesn't help, but to an aching heart, it can be a disappointment from a loving God. When we read all throughout the bible that he loves us and even sent his son to die for our sins, we still wonder why we must go through the pain. He does tell us we can have his peace as we join hands with him.

I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world! John 16:33 GNT

That, to me, means that I can and should keep my black colored pencil because life is not without trouble, some translations say sorrow, but look for sunshine yellow daffodils in his word, gaze into the bluebell colored sky as you look to him for peace, or enjoy the apple green tree leaves that flutter in the warm breeze, also provided by our gracious God. Stay in the lines and don't let the darkness spill into the beauty of all that our loving God has given us to enjoy. We are told to keep that dark pencil close because even Jesus cautions that we will have trouble in this world.

I have never seen a box of all black colored pencils, and I would never buy it anyway. So place your black pencil in a place you can get to, because even Jesus said we would have tribulation or troubles in this life. But take heart, the scripture says. Guess what? You can have peace in Jesus. Why? Because he has defeated the world that only brings suffering.

Oh, good! The scripture in the middle of my coloring page says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

I wonder what color "love" would be?

Anniversary

2026-02-22T06:23:00.000-06:00

I wonder how many tears a person can cry in a year? How many bottles did you, my God, use to collect them as they fell from our eyes? I wonder this on the eve of the home going of my daughter Mendy Jill.

The bible says that this painful day for our family does not escape my Lord’s notice as I know He cares for us His children.

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8

Many times I have dared to imagine how you, sweet Mendy Lou, are doing, silly me, only to remember where you are. You suffer no more, you cry no more since our loving Lord has dried your tears. While our tears still flow and are collected here on earth your eyes are dried by the Savior’s own hand, forever.

You will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away. Revelations 21:4

In my grief and as usual, I have found a daily supply of comfort from our Lord through his Word. When my grandma died, I had never lost anyone I loved so much and I was clueless as to where to find comfort. As I paced the floor, my eyes fell upon an old family bible which I never read but was led that dark, night to cling to with all my might. I slept that night holding the fragile pages of the old book on my chest. These many years later I have thrilled at every letter of each word that has sustained me through good and bad times. John 14:1 Jesus tells me to trust my God and also trust Him (My Savior). And I do!

As I have pondered about what to write at this time, I remembered one evening that I sat with my girl, just her and me alone. The ravages of disease had taken a lot but her beautiful eyes sparkled at the thought of reading from the Holy Word. I chose Psalm 23 to share.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. At these first few words we both raised our hands in unison. Yes, He is our gentle shepherd we agreed. We are his little flock and he leads us, even in hard times, to quiet waters and a peace only our Good Shepherd gives. He refreshes our soul, yes we both shook our heads as I remember the weariness of these draining times. Though we walk through darkness we need not fear because you are with me. I sensed she prayed this for me more than herself. We both loved that he prepares a table before us, even in the grips of pain and disease. Oh, how she glowed at remembering how surely our cup overflows and that goodness and love will follow both of us all the days of our lives and to the afterlife. And Praise the Lord we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I have not considered this day, this anniversary of her death a celebration but isn’t it?

The Quilty Conscience

2025-12-07T11:34:00.000-06:00

For many years I collected tiny dresses, soft cuddly sleepers and many clothes that belonged to my five daughters. I had tiny pink flowers on an infant sleeper, faded denim snatched from well-worn Osh Gosh outfit, and pink memories galore. In my mind’s eye, I see them in those precious clothes. Every time I cleaned out the girl’s closets I would stash the soft pastel fabrics with the least spit-up stains in the box labeled quilt fabric. As the box became fuller, I began to call it my “Quilty Conscience” box because of how bad I felt as I accumulated bits and pieces of my someday-to-be memory quilt.

I revisited an account in Deuteronomy 1 that talks of a time when God looked at the Israelites and reminded them that they too had been nursing a box of good intentions. They were camped at Horeb or it might be said in today’s language, they were chillin’ and grillin’ as all the while their “good intention” box filled. The unsaved world went hungry

The LORD our God said to us at Horeb, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Deuteronomy 1:6 NIV

What guilt do you carry? It’s not only quilt pieces I pack in a box and save to do someday, but I have also packed good intentions on ways I can serve my Lord. I hate the drawer I open by accident that holds greeting cards that I haven’t sent. I even addressed and stamped the sympathy card I intended to mail to a new widow in our church. How about the phone call you need to make to the lonely lady down the block. What did you kick as you went out the door? Could it be the cans of okra and spinach you gathered for the food bank? Above all, step away from that mountain, you have been there long enough. Open your eyes and obey God.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NLT

Isn’t there a coworker that needs to hear about Jesus. Could it be this would be a perfect time to talk to them about Savior? Could there be unbelievers, even in the shadow of your church steeple, who need hope in this hopeless world?

Just a note. My precious box was burned up in a fire so I no longer had to look at them, but I think of my bits and pieces of good intentions lost now forever. I don’t like thinking about that but praying the Holy Spirit would give me good intentions without that pesky Quilty Conscience.

I need to go into my world and make a difference, NOW! I have stayed to long at the mountain of good-intentions and a Quilty Conscience.

Wisdom in the Bottom Drawer

2025-09-13T10:43:00.000-05:00

In the bottom of an old dresser in my parent’s room was a treasure waiting to be used. It was filled with handmade doilies, new pillowcases with lovely flowers embroidered with pastel pedals and stems, and Grandma’s old aprons. My favorite being the thread barren cotton aprons that showed the work that she had done. I can still see her with her faded apron to cover her house dress, as she worked in the hot kitchen. I have seen the floral aprons used as a hot pad, the soft fabric served also as a towel to dry her hands as well as a handy way to wash a child’s dirty face after licking chocolate cake batter from the mixing bowl. The beautiful new handmade things all laid in waiting for that special day when everything was perfect and good enough for such luxuries to be used. Being older, I have wished that I had the precious contents of that drawer in the bottom dresser drawer. But the lesson that speaks to me today is worth even more than those special items. I do not want to be waiting to be used until a perfect time but as my grandma’s aprons, I want to be used up now.

Through the years I have heard unbelievers as well as believers speak of a better time to change their lives. I hear things like, "I'm going to get serious about my spiritual life when things are not as hectic as they are now, retirement is coming soon”. I will dedicate myself to God when my babies grow up. "I am not clean enough to approach a pure sinless God right now. Some who waited, still carry the fresh dirt of the world on their sandals as they try to get to the Savior to be cleansed. Still others say when they are old and don't want to have fun anymore, they will consider it. If only they knew of the joy that comes with our salvation. Sometimes, as my grandma's old aprons we feel we are used up and guilty of our past. Feeling unworthy, we wait until we get things in order. Can you see the repeating attitude here? Of course it is Wait. Maybe we feel better that we don’t exactly say no to God, but we can’t see that waiting is the same as no. Satan rejoices at the thought of those who cling to Wait. Even more we miss out on the treasures of serving our God. The sweetness of the comforter the Holy Spirit of our Lord.

Don’t wait to use those beautiful pillowcases or drag out those used up aprons and let God revitalize your somewhat faded calling to serve Our Savior.

Don’t Wait!

Glorious

2025-08-22T09:34:00.002-05:00

Glorious
One of my favorites and yet haunting bible verses was uttered in a prison cell. Paul and Silas have been beaten, dragged and flogged before being put in stocks in a dreary dungeon. Amazingly these two servants of God, at about midnight, began to pray and sing hymns. Have you ever felt like Paul and Silas? I have felt beaten and flogged by life but unfortunately, I don’t remember singing at midnight. The most significant word in this passage is at the end where it is mentioned that “the other prisoners were listening to them”. Does that not catch your attention? In all our lives someone is listening and watching our lives. Many of those who hear are prisoners themselves in some way. Prisoners of hurt pain and sin. Does the chorus of your life sing out victory or failure. Most of the time we don’t praise God or sing until there is a victory when we are rewarded in our job, or just the right home is found and purchased or when a health issue is resolved but in reality we should sing hymns in praise to the Lord on all occasions. Yes, even hard things.

Across the vast four acres of the gigantic flea market where we had spent the morning digging through every imaginable thing known to man, I came across the familiar shape of an old watering can. The wear on the handle indicated that indeed this little bronze can had watered many thirsty plants in its day. The sweet watering cans have taken my heart since my youngest daughter died from cancer a few months ago. While she suffered, one special song gave her comfort. The song was “Flowers” sang by Samantha Ebert. And like my daughter this talented singer/songwriter suffered from illness and pain. Bedridden she prayed, “Why Lord, are you keeping me here?” Courageous to the end, my Mendy Jill trusted in her God. While the Master Gardener watered, Mendy scattered seeds to everyone she met. Seeds of trust, seeds of adoration for her Lord and the seeds of salvation. While in her valley she stood tall for her Lord telling everyone about the God of the Bible, but with her spirit she told of the Lord of her heart. Our sweet Mendy, like the song says, might have said also, “Lord, why are you keeping me here? To that I’m sure he said, child I’m planting seeds and I’m holding a watering can.” Someday you’ll see flowers grow in the valley. When asked what heaven was like, she gathered enough strength to raise her frail voice to say to me, “Glorious, just glorious, Mom.” Lost souls like the prisoners in the jail cell next to Paul and Silas heard singing and praising. The prisoners marveled at the God of hope these poor strangers sang about at the top of their voice. Mendy was unaware of those seeds of courage and love she planted in that valley. All the while God’s watering can poured heavenly water on the waiting seeds. “Mendy! What is heaven like?” Glorious, just Glorious!
I will always remember the joy in her eyes when we packed up and moved here to be close to her. She squeezed my hand and said, Mama, we’ll never have to say goodbye again. On this earth, my sweet Mendy, we said goodbye one last time but never, never again. How will that be my sweetheart? Glorious, just Glorious!

2024-03-10T19:26:00.001-05:00

True Grit

When I worked at the hospital, I would go into a patient’s room who was watching cowboy movies, and I would wish I was home covered in a fluffy blanket watching them myself. From a distance they looked so uncomplicated, but I can’t say they were really all that relaxing as I watch them now, since in just one episode, several people were shot, hanged for stealing a horse, or dragged by a horse until they were nearly dead. Oh, and how could I forget the cattle stampedes that mangled some poor cattle driver in a deadly accident, or was it really an accident?

I will say it took grit to go out west and deal with all the danger and very uncomfortable conditions. Many people risked their life picking up their belongings and putting them in a covered wagon and heading west. Indians on the warpath caused a constant fear, but still there is grit. Even so many even died before they arrived at their new home.

How many of us have “grit”? Are Christians supposed to have “grit”? It made me wonder if this is a good thing or bad.

There is that scripture that comes from 2 Corinthians.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength, with God, making all things perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

The question now is, “Can we have this weakness and still have grit?” Can we be tempted to be proud when we have what some say is grit? First, I don’t think weakness is self-loathing or feeling downtrodden, but a realization of who we are in Christ. It is knowing who we are and who we are not. We are not God and to see that next to him we are weak is our invitation to humility.

The definition of grit usually includes such words as courage, strength, and passion. Perseverance and dedication round out the characteristics of a person with true grit.

I think Paul is one who had true grit, yet he knows he is weak, according to scripture. After Paul asked for God to remove his “thorn” he realized that weakness gives us a dependence on our God. When we think about grit did Paul himself have grit? We all know he persevered through his trials, persecution and finally execution. He was determined to spread the gospel to Gentiles all the while his face was set toward Rome where he would be tortured and die. In Christ Paul had true grit that might have been born out of weakness.

If we take a look at people who are known for having grit there is one thing they all have in common. Think of Paul! Before Paul could have grit he had to have a passion and Paul’s passion was Jesus. When we have a passion for winning souls to Jesus it might start with a fear or weakness to testify about our journey to finding Christ. In this passage, he is saying that through your weakness, strength comes forth from our Lord. It is a God given grit or determination to do the will of the Father.

Have I waited for Jesus to turn my weakness to grit? Does the power of Christ rest on me?

Happy Trails to You!

Teach us to Pray my King

2024-01-31T22:42:00.000-06:00

Teach Us to Pray My King

For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty. (Isaiah 6:5b NIV)

Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King sing praises for God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. (Psalm 47:6-7 NIV)

In 1956, I had a little girl friend I played with when I was eight years old. We played dolls, school and jump rope, but there are two things I most remember about her. One was we watched Elvis Presley on the Ed Sullivan Show at her house. Squealing, our little eight-year-old hearts stopped as we danced to the beautiful voice of the handsome idol. The second memory was going to Bible School with her one humid summer night. I climbed up into the car and my friend and I giggled all the way as little girls are prone to do, even in the dreadfully hot car. They led us to a stuffy room with other second graders who all sat on tiny colored chairs with just the right sized table for little kids. A pleasant lady, who patted my shoulder as she passed, handed me a piece of red construction and another piece of gray paper. They put the glue in the center of the table, along with crayons, to copy what she wrote on the blackboard. These words would become the most important words that I had heard in my young life. For the first time, I learned I could pray to God. The friendly teacher read from the bible that Jesus' friends asked him to teach them how to pray. I wondered why these men would ask Jesus this. Did they notice a difference in Jesus after he had talked to the God of heaven? "Teach Us to Pray" she had written in perfect cursive, on the board as the story unfolded from the worn bible of the one who held it. "You and I too can talk to God,” she said with such love in her voice. I glued the sheets together and cut lopsided lips to finish my masterpiece. I left that little room knowing that I could talk to God. As soon as I could, I tried out this promise they gave me that evening. Most of my prayers started like a letter, "Dear God, " I would begin. The hot evening ended with a singing of "Jesus Loves Me" which also rang out as a testimony about this new friend I had found.

I guess my faded piece of paper with "Teach Us to Pray" must by now be 65 years old a genuine antique in anyone's book. The brittle, faded paper, takes me back to the most important lesson I ever learned.

Praise you, my Dear God for looking at a wee girl and giving her the most wonderful gift. It is funny in a way that my young heart was stopped by a king that sang "Love Me Tender" but was blessed eternally by the King of Kings who tenderly taught me to pray.

Hands

2023-03-17T14:05:00.005-05:00

I have always been fascinated with hands. I remember my mother-in-law looking at her hands amazed at how they had gotten so old. Her skin was fragile, thin, and discolored, and up next to the hands of a younger person they could indeed be considered old. I remember a four-generation picture taken of Kellan, my grandson, my daughter Mendy, myself, and my mom. Along with the typical picture of us all, our hands with my mom’s hand on the bottom and our sweet Kellan’s baby hand on top was taken. Quite telling I thought. Where had those hands been in the span of time they had been on earth? Baby hands that had barely touched life along with hands that had soothed babies, been held by toddlers, and hands that had embraced grown children in their time of need. These hands had greeted those around them with a friendly handshake or a happy wave to a neighbor. Many times I had looked at the hands of my patients when I worked at the hospital and found that hands now old and maybe twisted from years of arthritis when young were once very productive. As our eyes see a helpless old soul unable to care for themselves, we need to remind ourselves that those hands once touched their world for good.

It was the hand of Elijah’s servant who measured the cloud of hope, the bible says the cloud was the size of a man’s hand.

It was a time when my heart seemed to reflect the hopelessness of the headlines in my media feed. I have been praying for a revival or what some call a “Great Awakening of the church,” in this country for some time, but on this dreary day, as I looked at the world, all I could see was rampant sin and a non-essential church. The thought I had was that the world is upside down. The right was called wrong, and wrong was called right. A bible verse in Isaiah came to mind as I pondered this discouraging thought.

What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light, and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.

Isaiah 5:20 NLT

Can you think of anything more descriptive of these times than this verse? Troubled at the absolute truth of this verse, I was led to a story in 1 Kings 18th chapter. It is a story of Elijah, who was praying for rain in a drought brought about by disobedience of the people. Elijah went on top of a mountain and began to pray. As he prayed, he sent a servant to look for clouds approaching that would indicate rain was coming. After six trips, no clouds were seen on the horizon of Elijah’s prayers. Have you ever felt this way? No hope in sight? But as the weary servant looked into the sky the seventh time, he ran back to the praying prophet to report that a cloud the size of a man’s hand could be seen rising from the sea. This verse gave me hope that, indeed, prayers were being answered for the newness of hearts and people again would be on fire for God. Hope, as big as a man’s hand, could be seen rising in my heart too. The hope of an awakening of God’s sleeping church flooded my heart. Thoughts came to mind of the evidence that God’s work had already begun in this world despite the sinfulness. The Church Triumphant is alive and well as one of my favorite songs goes. At the report of the cloud, Elijah’s hope is evident when he told King Ahab to go home before the floods came. Beware, everyone, get your umbrellas, you too will get a drenching with the blessing that will flood this world as God’s people wake up! As we dozers see the light of Jesus in the hearts of the people of this country, we will know that God still reigns. A Great Awakening is coming.

Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, “I saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand rising from the sea.” “At the same time I see revival of young people all over the country.” Then Elijah shouted, hurry to Ahab and tell him, climb into your chariot and go back home. If you don’t hurry the rain will stop you. 1 Kings 18:45

It’s beginning to rain as the Holy Spirt touches the lives in our fallen world. “Holy Spirit Rain Down” a contemporary song of our time.

In What Shape is your Palm Branch

2023-03-17T13:45:00.000-05:00

In What Shape Is Your Palm Branch?

Palm Sunday brings memories of my kids being in the “throng” of children that waved their palm branches as they marched around the church sanctuary. Their voices rang out, Hosanna in the Highest. The angelic look on their faces would make any parent proud unless you dared to think about what would become of the crisp green palms following the parade. Those objects of worship would become swords to defeat their third grade Sunday school mate, or a weapon for the girls to swat those yucky sixth grade boys with. These beautiful palms were abused in every manner after the worshiping was done.

As we start the Passion week, I thought of our Savior entering Jerusalem, not on a grand steed but a lowly donkey. I see his children waving palm branches and throwing their coats down for Jesus to ride across. The spirits were high as they shouted Hosanna but before the week was up their praise turned to hate. They would use their tongues of worship to curse the Son of God. These, His children, would forget about the Triumphal Entry and call for His crucifixion.

So many times, I am drawn into the same frenzy that the people were in that day. I love my Lord and after a viewing of “The Passion” on TV or a wonderful service at church my spirits are high but what happens to my palm branch after Palm Sunday?

I’m sad to say that sometimes, my worship branch is torn to shreds by the cares of this world. We go back to our jobs, our families and the hassles of living life in this fallen world. The economy is still bad, our neighbor’s daughter is still dead from a car accident and our family member is still fighting cancer.

Though life sometimes gets in the way of our worship, I am glad to report that the Savior who rode a lowly donkey colt into Jerusalem is still in the business of loving us. Whether the world or I wave palm branches or not, He is still the same. He is not diminished by our lack of worship. He is the same today, tomorrow and forever! The bible says He hears our cries even after our palm branches fall apart. I love this scripture from Psalms.

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Because of His great love I can’t help but wave my pitiful palm branch in worship to the King of Kings.

HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST IS WORTHY OF PRAISE!

In What Shape Is Your Palm Branch?

Tutu Wearing Angel

2023-03-17T13:42:00.003-05:00

Tutu Wearing Angel

This is my second day home from South Carolina where my daughter lives and I have done nothing but rest. Keeping up with a young family takes a toll on an old woman like me. We stayed up one night until 2:00 am watching a movie. I haven't seen that time unless it’s when my old lady clock in my head goes off that says it’s time to get up.

We were there to help with the house they moved into that needed some sprucing up. Our pregnant daughter, Missy, was to get some much needed rest and watch after our granddaughter Jenna. Did I say rest and Jenna in the same sentence? Oh, my mistake! This little girl, at three years old, is a live wire! She is in constant motion and nonstop "WHY"! But for Larry and me, she was nonstop "DELIGHT"!

One thing that we loved was, when she entered a room, we never knew what she would be wearing. Usually, a tutu was a part of her outfit and a hat. She normally avoided wearing a top, but considered something around her neck just as good. The problem came when Jenna had to get dressed in something more suitable for going out. On those occasions, I will have to admit, she was..... shall I say, less than cooperative! In fact, the word carnal comes to mind. My daughter, who has wisely learned with this delightfully independent child to pick her battles. She often said, "Jenna, if you choose to disobey there will be consequences!". At that, my beautiful little granddaughter would cross her little arms over her chest and state, "I don't want no consequences!". She wasn't saying she was ready to obey, she was saying she wanted to disobey with no consequences. Somehow, I see myself many times taking this childish stance with my Heavenly Father. I can recall those times I knew what was right but chose my own way. I folded my arms and said I want my own way, forgetting the possible adverse consequences. Have you been there? Did you ever get your "tutu" in a bunch and refuse to mind God?

Larry and I are still talking about our Jenna, not only her bouts with carnality, but her sweetness, her charming smile that lit up a room and her love for her grandma and grandpa that gave us so much joy!

Long Drive

2023-03-17T13:38:00.001-05:00

Long Drive

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 ESV)

When Mendy, my fourth daughter, was a little girl, she had one special little friend that happened to be a boy named Brad. Dolls were not usually her thing but crawling around in ditches with her friend trying to find the enemy suited her fine. She always came in dirty from the day of playing with the scent of the outdoors on her clothes. I didn’t know what she and Brad talked about, but I was pretty sure it wasn’t cute boys and cool shoes. One summer day while playing with golf ball and clubs, she came into the house bleeding but not crying. When asked what happened, she told us they were hitting the golf ball around in the yard and Brad accidentally hit her with the club in the face. Investigating further as we drove her to the hospital for stitches, she explained, I was too close to him because I thought he was going to putt, but he decided to drive.

I have certainly been there in life when I thought there was going to be a putt, but a drive hit me right between the eyes. We have all been there when a steady job was no longer there after many years of employment. When your once Christian child took on the opinions of the world and broke your heart. We, as a family, have felt the pain of an unexpected turn of events. Our daughter Missy was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and has fought for three years to be cancer free. Hallelujah she is healthy and living life with her family enjoying every minute. Recently, our gun-slinging, worm catching, dirty faced tomboy received news of cancer as well. Again, she wasn’t expecting a drive.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 ESV)

As I considered these words, they drew me to the word peace in this verse, as it is often lacking when a putt turns into a drive. Our English language does not catch the true meaning as it was written in scripture. The expression peace or shalom means not merely a lack of turmoil, but also the notion of positive thinking or right standing with God. Another rendering is, “all is well” in one's life.

When I was a new Christian, I thought that life would be, as scripture says, “all is well.” We even sing “It Is Well” and if any verse in the bible said contrary, I ignored it. Life has taught me many lessons all these years later. The verse in the English Standard Version says we will have “tribulations”, the New Living Version says, “trials and sorrows” while the New International Version says we will have “trouble.”

I have known troubles, tribulations and more descriptive than the other versions, trials and sorrows have been mine.

Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. (John 16:33 NLT)

Take heart! Because I have overcome the world even when a putt turns to a long drive.

The Big Doors and the Ragamuffin Gang

2023-03-11T13:05:00.000-06:00

My maternal grandpa, Charlie Camp was a bit of a character who divorced my grandma when my mom was just five a teenager. He was not your typical grandpa with hugs and kisses but was an occasional figure in my life. We had our annual picnic at his house and Christmas Eve was a given. I do remember that he told me I was pretty and told my mom in front of me that I would be Miss America someday. I believed him too and waited but no beauty pageant was ever in my future. He always had nice things in his house and my rowdy brothers made things tense when we visited. I remember a visit when my grandpa and his wife had just gotten a new couch typical for the fifties. It was bluish gray with silver threads that made it sparkle in the sun. My brothers had been outside rolling down the big hill in his yard and when they sat down, leaves and mud was deposited on the new bluish gray couches and a trail of footprints starting at the front door made their way through the house.

On one occasion, my grandpa and his wife wanted to take us to church on Easter Sunday. I don’t know if they were regular church attenders or not but this Sunday we were going. They took us shopping for new clothes a few days before Easter, I am sure we would have been ragamuffins without the new Easter outfits. I wore a new dress with one of those fancy coats and my twin brothers sported new suits with checkered bow ties.

We were quite spiffy in our new duds as we approached the huge doors of the uptown church. The towering doors opening was the last thing I remember about that Easter Sunday. I do not remember a Sunday School class with other children and a friendly teacher, or treats to welcome us, my memory is blank past the doors. I cannot remember ever wearing the new dress again nor did I ever see the checkered tie that decorated my brother’s necks. I wish I could remember more but it is not there. I do recall an awkward conversation many years later with my grandpa when I thanked him for taking us.

I wonder if as an adult, I sometimes do the same? If new dresses, suits and bunny baskets occupy my day more than the reason we celebrate. Sometimes I am guilty of thinking about the ham and sweet potatoes baking in the oven and the special preparations for the Sunday meal? Will other things deprived me of tender moments when we can almost see Christ and know HE IS ALIVE. Can I raise my hand in praise as we sing, “Christ Alone?” As we began praying for our Easter service at church weeks previous, our prayer was always that Jesus would be seen, heard, and felt by the congregation on this special day of reverence. In holy remembrance of the Resurrection of our Christ on which our hope is fastened I pray our hearts will linger in wonder past the doors of the church. HE IS ALIVE, HE IS ALIVE! HALLELUJAH! HE IS ALIVE!

The Carpenter and the Comfort of Sawdust

2023-03-11T11:03:00.003-06:00

If I had been the carpenter, Jesus from the small town of Nazareth, would I have left my comfortable surroundings to preach the gospel? Would the smell of the sawed wood and the contentment of making something with my own hands lure me to stay in the carpenter shop? Did Jesus treasure the sound of Mary's voice as she called him to supper? Did he have close friends that he attended school with that made him laugh and feel secure? I believe he felt all of these things but the pull to bring salvation to you and me was stronger than the pull to stay in the carpenter shop.

Many times the new year brings calls to change our lives. We want to change our eating habits, exercise more and most of all, we want to tell someone about Jesus. But instead stepping out, we fall back into our comfortable ways and lose our desire to change. I say, “I'll change tomorrow or tell someone about Jesus Monday or help the broken next year”. I find myself never wanting to leave the contentment of the “carpenter shop”.

This year we lost two of our loved ones and it made me think about how fragile life really is. It made me wonder who needs to know the hope of Jesus this year? Who is God counting on me to tell about his unfailing love? Which hurting person in my world needs to know that Jesus left the carpenter shop to die for each one of us and heal us from our brokeness? How can I linger in my sameness and comfort, when someone needs to know about the Carpenter?

"Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary?” Mark 6:3a

Did You Get an Invitation?

2023-02-25T10:58:00.004-06:00

Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. (Revelations 19:7 ESV)

Today I found an interesting site on my phone. It was advertising “Destination Weddings” which is a wedding of the bride and groom’s choice in another city, country or even a deserted island. One of my grandsons had his in the beautiful hills of Tennessee. The lodge we stayed in with most of our family looked like a giant cabin. The decorations kept a log cabin feel throughout. I could see wildlife from every window, as well as a giant lake.

As any bride and groom, they plan for months or hire a wedding planner such as D’Concierge weddings. Just the name sounds fancy, doesn’t it? When they find the venue, the planner sends “Save a Date” notes to all prospective guests.

There are instructions for even how the dress will transfer without wrinkles. As the big day approaches and plenty of money has been spent, who pays? The Father pays an enormous amount. Why would he spend such a ridiculous amount of money? We all know why; he loves his son or daughter that much.

Now I want to let you in on a wonderful truth from Revelations.

It says, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

I wondered what this wedding supper would be like. I was curious since I like to fix meals with my best china, cloth napkins and a beautiful centerpiece. Would an angel deliver the invitation to me personally? When would this happen? No one knows when accept the Father alone knows the date of this wonderful wedding. So no “save the date” cards needed. My goal is to be ready and waiting when the groom to arrive to take his bride. We know the bride is the church, dressed in royal garments, and Jesus is the groom. My wedding because I am invited to the feast that will be served in no less than “Destination Heaven” and they set the table for the supper of Jesus the Lamb. For all this extravagance, who can afford it? And how much would it cost entertaining millions of believers (the Church) that have accumulated through the centuries?

So who is going to pay?

Our Savior Jesus Christ, who was crucified, put in a borrowed tomb and on the third day, he rose from the grave. The cost for the Father? He gave his only son to die and spilled his blood to wash away our sins. God’s one and only son, Jesus.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV)

Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. (Revelations 19:7 ESV)

Do you have an invitation? It’s already paid for.

Just As I Am

2022-01-05T11:28:00.000-06:00

As I sit here this morning, listening to a glorious sound my heart travels back in time and rejoices. The glorious song I hear from the lips of my sweet husband is “Just As I Am.” How many times in these over fifty years have we sung this beautiful hymn as the many have gone forward to receive Him. This invitation song has bid many to give their life just as it is. No cleaning up first with right living or dressing in our Sunday best but just as I am. The song has whooed many from their seat to give the Lord their sinful heart in exchange for a new, clean one. “Oh, Lamb of God, I come.” My eyes though dim at times go back in time to a young couple who gave their hearts to Jesus that Spring Sunday morning in 1970. This voice I hear coming from the basement, a little older now, but is still joyfully determined to shout God’s glory. What a blessed woman I am.

At this time in my life, I have a difficult time staying still about my dear Lord. My fervent prayer is that all will see and accept him into the center of their hearts and homes. You will never regret it! Just As I Am Without One Plea, my heart rejoices with my love who sings in the basement.

Even when I am old and gray,

do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Psalm 71:18

The Shiny of Christmas is the Star

2021-12-25T12:54:00.003-06:00

I would always start the Christmas season pretty reasonably, but as time went on, I became more frazzled. After spending our planned amount for the kid’s Christmas I would begin to fret that it was not enough or that it was all wrong. After gazing upon the beautiful trappings of the season at every store my heart was far from content at this time of supposed Peace on Earth! I felt that our meager funds had stolen Christmas. This of course collided with my dear husband’s practical take on my favorite holiday. As I watched people spend, spend, spend, my heart became more and more distraught, my Christmas faded into disappointment instead of joy because I had forgotten the real meaning of the day.

Doing all the traditional things that made the season complete, I forced myself to watch, “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” and I must say there were frequent looks at my husband as I watched the wicked green Grinch. If you remember this miserable green creature tried his best to destroy the beautiful feelings that are born at this time of the year. Thinking that gifts and glitter were the reason for their joy he determined to remove everything that could remind them of this day.

In our day it’s not the glitter and glow that is taken from our reason to celebrate but it is the baby Jesus himself that the world tries to remove. They think that if Jesus is removed our hope will also be removed. Joy will disappear if we are faced with the trouble of life.

That silly movie brought me to a bit of sanity along with a wise statement that our green friend made, “Maybe Christmas, he thought doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more!”

And then at the end of the terribleness of the Grinch’s deeds, the tiny people grabbed each other’s hands and sang with giant smiles on their faces. The Grinch could not take away their joy even as the world cannot take joy from the hearts of those who celebrate the Babe in the Manger today.

Through the years I have become more sensible when it comes to gift-giving at Christmas but I am still intrigued by the shiny of Christmas and my heart knows without a doubt, “It’s a little bit more!”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Slingshots, Frogs and Lost Stories

2021-12-18T12:45:00.005-06:00

How much does your family know about you? My dad did not share his life and thoughts with us though I believe he was tormented by memories of his time as a prisoner of war in World War 2. I have shared before that I think he was a ponderer because many times he would be deep in thought where he did allow visitors. I have many times wished I had more information about him. I have written about his boyhood in Mclean, Illinois with stories others shared. This was where he fished in the creek, made slingshots, and learned to shoot so well on a bet of one nickel he shot the hat off the man walking across the street. I would love to know more about him in his childhood unfortunately his story died when he did. Did he have a good time growing up on a farm? How did he feel about fishing at the creek in the early morning? Did he think about God? Was he close to his mother? Did he do things with his father? How terrible were his 26 months in a POW camp in Germany during WW2? Did he call into the heavens for an unseen Father to help him, did he recall his mother’s poem about her God? The story of your life is invaluable to your children and grandchildren even if they might not fully realize it now. I love writing so it is easy sharing the many stories I have in this mind of mine, but for you who do not love writing find ways to share. The bible says many times to tell your children your stories especially times that God has saved you, blessed you, guided you, loved you, and forgave you.

I read in Deuteronomy 4:9 about this very thing.

But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.

One of my favorite verses is Psalm 71:18.

So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.

Sadly the Bible also tells of the tragedy of generations who were godless.

And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel. Judges 2:10

Talk with your children as you walk along about the Lord. Maybe as you bait his hook as you sit on the bank of a creek, tell him of an adventure you had as a child. Even better if you can recall your God blessing you or protecting you. Tell them how important praying is in your life and recall how your family has been the recipient of great answers to prayers. Put Him first in your life so those who come behind you will find you faithful to our God.

To my own family, I have shared many stories in these last years and will in days to come. It’s amazing how many memories clutter an old woman’s mind after 74 years of living!

Seven Days To Glory

2021-12-18T03:48:00.000-06:00

Like everyone else, I have watched the countdown to Christmas. It seems the days have sped by like Santa’s reindeer flying from chimney to chimney. I thought just yesterday we were roasting that turkey and giving thanks over noodles and dressing. And then the countdown began as we were taking the last bite of pumpkin pie.

Today I noticed that it is now seven days until Christmas day and many people still have a to-do list that is still very long. When Mary was seven days away from delivering the baby Jesus what was she thinking? Maybe there were many things unchecked on her list. I can’t imagine how uncomfortable she must have been riding a donkey all that way to Bethlehem or perhaps even walking. Being so uncomfortable could have made her forget who she would soon deliver. Was the angel’s visit pushed to the side as she looked ahead to seven difficult days of traveling in her condition? She might have been concerned she might not make it to an appropriate place to give birth to the Promised One? Will the whispers as she walked by people in her little village be dismissed or the fear she sometimes felt as she tried to sleep dissipate? In just seven days, in God’s timing, happiness will replace the sadness and her former discomfort would flee when she looked into the glorious face of Hope?

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear. Luke 1:42

And His name shall be called Jesus! Luke 1:31

I wonder what the shepherds were thinking about just days out from the first Christmas. Since they had no idea of what would be taking place seven days from then, their minds might have been on lost sheep or the wild animals that surrounded their flock last night. They didn’t know angels would soon announce the birth of the Savior to this motley crew. That peace and goodwill would be proclaimed as sung by a chorus of celestial beings. They had no idea that they were to see glorious hope in the face of a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and that they would kneel at the manger bed and worship Jesus the Savior.

The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they heard and saw. It was just as the angel had told them. Luke 2:20

My thoughts go also to the magi who would start their travels in just one week from then because according to them the star would appear that would signal that the Messiah would be born. Finally, the prophecies would be fulfilled and the sighting of the star would at last be realized. How would it be to say goodbye to the family for who knows how long? Their travels would not be easy but in seven days they would begin seeking the glorious face of the Son of God, the Hope of the world. May we seek Him also.

And Mary pondered all these things. Luke 2:19

How could our lives be changed in seven short days? Like Mary, the physical discomfort as we travel the road of our life or the fear of troubles to come might plague us? As the unsuspecting shepherds, do we see the enemy surrounding us with sin? Do you see a great distance from where you are now to where you want to be? Maybe you, like the wise men, are waiting for a sign of when and what way you should go next. What is God’s will for you? Prayers might be answered as we kneel to praise the baby boy who grew up to die for our sins. Joy may radiate from your very being as you are freed from the chains of sin. Don’t push to the side the promises of the word of God instead as you gaze into the face of Hope this Christmas open and receive His salvation as His gift to you.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:10

After seeing Him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said about this child. Luke 2:17

Hope Unwrapped

2021-11-28T13:33:00.000-06:00

Hope Unwrapped

This Sunday is the beginning of Advent which is a preparation for our Christmas Season. In many churches candles will be lit to celebrate different themes. Hope, love, joy, and peace. Today my mind went to the HOPE that we have as Christians.

One of the technological wonders that we enjoy these days is Facetime. It of course is being able to talk to people face to face on our phones. Happy faces crowd the screen telling of the newest game or toy they have or even a tour through a cleaned bedroom could be on the agenda. At the bottom of the screen is a little symbol that you can use to turn your screen in another direction. Many times little fingers have interrupted my struggling saying, “This button Grandma.” Indeed the screen was focused outward. Oh, it was wonderful for viewing new Christmas decorations, an updated view of Illinois weather, including snowdrifts, or the ten-foot-tall corn outside our door. An amazing thing to say the least.

Sometimes we even Christians can direct too much focus on the world outside with the sin that steals and destroys lives. Unfortunately, if we tarry there too long it can change our whole perspective on life. We turn the camera of our eyes to the hopelessness of the world instead of the hope of God which can lead to a joyless heart. We can forget the promises that are ours who believe on the Lord Jesus. The world does not give us hope but usually just the opposite. I love Psalm 42:11 that says, “why my soul are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

My favorite verse on hope is in Romans as it sustained our family through difficult times. I like to call it Larry’s verse.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Jesus, himself told us that we would have trouble in this life but by no means should we live in hopelessness. He is our HOPE.

As hearts hope this Christmas for all kinds of things including peace on earth, no more hurt and sorrow or even a superhero game, may we be filled with the joy that only hope in Jesus brings.

Find Us Faithful

2021-11-27T17:15:00.000-06:00

I am not a singer but boy do I love to make a joyful noise unto my Lord! The strains of old vocal cords cause an occasional crack in my voice that can cause the dogs to howl but still, I reach for notes that I shouldn’t attempt. This morning I sang ten Christmas carols all in a row that my dear husband had to endure. Full force, “O come all ye faithful”, “Angels we have heard on high” and “Silent Night, Holy Night”, echoed throughout the house. I’m not sure about my husband but I was truly blessed. I love everything about Christmas including the happy music, but as I listen to the lyrics, my heart was blessed. As I finished, “Ten of the Most Popular Christmas Carols” one of my favorite songs came up and I just had to sing it too. “Find Us Faithful. I thought it a suitable song to end with since our faithfulness is rooted in the Christmas songs I had just sung. Angels singing, the holy baby Jesus coming to earth one silent night. O come all ye faithful!

Across the country, the “Nihiser” Thanksgiving will be served with homemade rolls, sweet potato casserole, and of course noodles. Christmas trees will be cut down and decorated or as with us be taken out of boxes to grace our living rooms. Many traditions will be observed in each house of my children and grandchildren that have come down through the years but as our footprints are followed will we be found faithful to the Lord. As each one wriggles their feet into the prints left behind will the perfect fit lead them to our Sovereign Lord?

O may all who come behind us find us faithful.

May the fire of our devotion

Light the way.

May the footprints that we leave,

And the lives we live

Inspire them to obey.

O may all who come behind us faithful.

I love the stirring words that precede the chorus about those who’ve gone before us. Those who have encouraged us when we were weary and cheered us when we had lost hope, reminding us of God’s sustaining grace within our hearts. Great clouds of witnesses they call them, those who line the road on which we walk as pilgrims. So let us run the race not only for the prize but those who’ve gone on before. Let us leave to those behind us, the heritage of faithfulness.

The last part of the song hit home with me since we have been looking to downsize and leave our home. Because of this, we have gone through a lot of our things and laughingly say we are saving the kids from having to go through all our junk.

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone

And our children sift through all we’ve left behind

May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover

Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

May the fire of our devotion light the way

May the footprints that we leave

Lead them to believe

And the lives we live inspire them to obey

Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful.

In fifty years will “Mom’s Rolls” or “Noodles by Mom” show up on tables across the country as they do now? Years have a way of changing things including favorite dishes but if God tarries, will He be glorified by those who have come behind us? Come All Ye Faithful!

As Feathers Across The Generations

2021-11-11T04:35:00.001-06:00

I have a cup that says, “I’m a writer, what is your super-power?” Sounds like a confident writer doesn’t it? Well, let me tell you, I am not always confident. Sometimes my fingers dance across the keyboard with haste and purpose, but sometimes I start cold with only a thought, an idea or scripture to lead me and I never warm up. Writing is much like carefully placing your treasure for others to see but not having the slightest idea whose eyes will see it.

Why do I do it? Because I love it and because I believe I have been called by my gracious God to write. I take no credit for the gift He has given me. Whether a million people read what I write or no one but me, I will still praise Him for His favor. And so I write!

It wasn’t until 2010 that I began to write as I sat outside in what I fondly call my prayer chair after my retirement. That is where I heard the Lord’s voice, not audible, but in my heart, as I read scripture, prayed, and sang songs to my loving heavenly Father. Many of the words fell like feathers on my soul as I waited quietly in the early morning. Words given to me by my Father were scribbled down on a yellow notepad to later be fully written as a devotional thought.

It was said among family members that my paternal grandmother, who I never met, wrote many things including spiritual songs and poems. I would love to have some of her writings even the chicken scratchings as I call my rough draft. Though I’m told my grandma Neva, short for Nevada had a hard life, working the family farm, she wrote from a heart of gratitude and praise to God. She and my grandfather Thomas died while my dad was a prisoner of war in Germany. What anguish she must have felt with three sons fighting in the war and one captured and held prisoner for twenty-six months. I’m sure her writing reflected her broken heart.

Maybe my grandmother read of the love written throughout the scriptures, as I have, and just had to write it down. Zephaniah might have bolstered her, as she was told that her God delights, even greatly delights in her. In his love, he rejoices over her with singing. It could be she knew heaven was near for her and wrote of He who sits on the throne in Paradise. Perhaps Isaiah encouraged her with the thought of increased strength for the weak. Could she see in her heart the renewing that would cause her to mount up with wings like eagles? I read a few days ago in Daniel 12:3 that those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.

As I look deep into the night sky is my grandma Nevada shining for all to see? Did she lead many to righteousness? It will be grand to find out when I see her in heaven. A delightful thought that like a feather lands gently on my soul.

Nevada Hendren Tyson

February 24,1876-December 30,1943

Light Your Candles And Celebrate

2021-11-09T23:55:00.002-06:00

I love candles, I love the smell and the ambiance they create. But the fact is I wait for special occasions, like company coming or welcoming my kids when they come home to enjoy the extravagant treat. I sometimes have had to dust off the tops before I could indulge in the dancing flame that flows from the colorful wax. Much time goes by as they lay in wait for that grand occasion.

Because our grandparents were married 100 years ago this year my cousin, Sharon decided that we should have a reunion to celebrate that occasion. I had wonderful talks with this friend leading up to this gathering about everything from our sometimes checkered ancestry to what is important in life. In many conversations, we would finally conclude that we should do what makes us happy in the now and not wait because we never know how much time we have. Her beautiful flame flickered brightly in my life as it always has as she used her many years of living to bring understanding to us both as we took on the cares of the world. As I look back on the last couple of months and the meeting of hearts that took place, I witnessed her flame burst forth in love as we talked about life, death, and what the bible says about heaven. The glorious ambiance that enveloped us both could only be God-given. We shared concerns as well as a love we had for our Savior. We laughed about times gone by and was hearkened to joy by the thought of our Lord. A few days ago this beautiful flame went out here on earth but I’m sure it burns brightly before the throne of our Father.

This morning as I stumbled down the stairs in the black of night for my quiet time with my precious Lord, my mind went to Mary Sharon Ryan my life-long friend the precious blessing the Lord bestowed on me. I lit candles because as my sweet cousin would say, every day is a special occasion and is worthy of celebration. In my mind’s eye, I see her flame reflecting on the streets of gold as she entered the City. I hear the Lord say, ”Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord.”

As for me, I no longer say, “Whoever dies with the most candles, wins” I pledge to light those candles in celebration of yet another day God has given me to tell about His unfailing love. Then someday, I will join her in that wonderful place the Lord has gone to prepare for us and my forever friend and I will talk for all eternity.

Mary Sharon Ryan

1940-2021

Hallelujah, she’s home!

Kick The Tires

2021-11-07T07:06:00.001-06:00

We have gone through one of the craziest times in our married lives for the last six months. It all started when we decided to sell our beloved home to downsize. Selling our house proved to be no problem but finding another one has been seemingly impossible. We have viewed big ones, little ones, some in perfect condition and some unlivable without lots of work and money. Our agent grew weary, I’m sure as we toured many houses only to hear, “No, not this one.”

Larry and I differed greatly in our approach to the process. I walked in and mentally began to arrange my furniture in the new abode. It was also important to me to find ceilings tall enough to hold my 12 foot Christmas tree so my eyes were always to the ceiling. Unless it was a glaring problem, I usually felt confident we could fix it. But as I meandered through with glowing confidence that this could be the one, I hadn’t noticed that my sweet husband had slipped outside to see the foundation, eyeball the roof, and survey the property line. His keen sense of smell could tell him immediately if there was a water problem and while I looked for space for my Christmas trees his eagle eye looked for signs of water damage.

Today, November 7, 2021, we have been married 52 years so I should be aware of the many ways he has taken care of our family as well as me. He has always protected us when we might be looking at the wrong things like Christmas trees when we should look at the big picture. God in His graciousness has given this man the strength of wisdom and self-control that has served us through all of these years. While during this process I have, more than once, stomped my foot at the “no not this one” my heart is confident that my stubborn husband will always “kick the tires” so to speak as he raises a prayer to God his constant guide. How can a girl fight that consistency and love that has been the staple for all of these years? Even through the difficulties of house hunting, I love this man with all my heart and trust he is led by an all-knowing God. Happy Anniversary my sweet husband.

Ponderings

2021-09-21T05:05:00.000-05:00

Ponderings

I have always been a ponderer, as was my dad before me. Dad would spend much time thinking of things and planning things he might do. Since he was an avid fisherman, he often conjured ways to make his fishing more successful even though he was the best fisherman I ever knew. My dad often thought of ways to keep warm on those long winter days when fishing from a hole in the ice. Often he would catch enough fish to have a fish fry in the middle of the fiercest winter. I remember a little “ice hut” he constructed to keep the winter winds at bay and provide a warm place to sit while pulling fish from under the ice.

For myself, even as a little girl, I would sit for hours pondering about many things, but the one thing I remember thinking about for an entire summer was having a grand parade. Of course, I was the grand leader of my colorful caravan, riding a beautiful Palamino with a jeweled bridle and saddle. I dreamed of my cowgirl outfit, also adorned with sequence and flash, not to mention colorful boots with spurs. Sometimes I would imagine unusual animals marching down the street wowing all who watched, like elephants and giraffes. My mind even thought of how I would get these creatures to walk happily in my imaginary parade. I was sure upon hearing, a zookeeper somewhere would volunteer to bring these animals to the event of the century. I could spend hours pondering these things.

I am still a ponderer! But now, it is God’s voice that I strain to hear. To some, my ponderings seem nearly as far off as my elaborate plans for the parade. They may seem crazy or impossible, but I know the God who knew me in my mother’s womb and made plans for me even in my old age. So Jeremiah, though he thought himself too young instead of too old, sent a message to me this morning as I pondered my age and my work yet to do here on earth.

The Lord said to me, I knew you before you were formed within your mother’s womb; before you were born, I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.

O Lord God, I said, “I can’t do that; I’m far too young (or old). Don’t say that, he replied, for you will go wherever I tell you to go. And don’t be afraid, for I the Lord will be with you and see you through. Then He touched my mouth and said, “See, I have put my words in your mouth! Today your work begins.”

Jeremiah 1:4-10

You need not worry about my pondering; it includes not one elephant, though it might seem slightly lofty for an old gal like me. But remembering that God touched my mouth with his words and said, your work begins, I go forward.

Someday, instead of an elaborate parade, I will have a grand entrance as the Bible describes in 2 Peter.

For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:11 ESV

The Spot

2021-09-21T04:58:00.002-05:00

“The Spot” was a place on the lake near us that many people went swimming when I was a kid in the fifties. When summer did not offer any relief from the sultry afternoons in central Illinois, you could see carloads of people heading for this fun destination. Unfortunately, there was no air conditioning except in the dime store uptown to escape to and hide in until the onslaught of blistering temperatures subsided. Sitting on a blanket on the bank, parents kept a watchful eye on those they brought, usually their kids as well as the neighbor kids. Bobbing heads were everywhere to the point that I’m sure it was hard to keep track of everyone, and eyes strained to keep up.

I remember one such day in my life that I could well have been a casualty of this chaotic scene. I couldn’t swim but walked happily to the warm water with the crowd that was already splashing about with great fun and laughter. Myself, bobbing with the waves, did not realize that I was getting out over my head. My little toes reached to touch the muddy bottom, but in vain, I realized that the safety of the more shallow water was several feet toward the bank. Among so many, no one noticed that I could not keep my head above water that I was in great danger of drowning. I kicked and sputtered to no avail for quite some time until my toes finally touched. I don’t believe I ever told anyone until now about that scary time in my childhood, but the movie reels in my head relive it once in a while when I see happy people bobbing in the water.

Sometimes as we struggle alone to touch the bottom to right ourselves, no one notices our struggle. Just one among many in the sea of humanity, we try desperately to get back to the shore from where we have drifted. Subtly yet indeed surely, we begin to see God far off. Alarmed at first, we head back that way, but the pull of worldly cares lures us away. As I, we sometimes innocently drift, not paying attention to our attitudes changing or our good habits waning at the call of other things. Our head bobs under time and time again, threatening our spiritual well-being.

Peter turned his back on Jesus and denied he knew him three times; earlier that evening, our Savior predicted that Peter would do this very thing, but added, “So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32

So turn towards shore to the waiting arms of Jesus and rejoice as those little toes touch solid ground. Then strengthen a drifting brother or sister.