Flashlight ... taking one step at a time

We are Free

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:47:00 +0000

It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. Galatians 5:13 (The Message)

During our vacation last week, we spent a lot of time glued to the TV, either watching the horrors of a terrorist's actions on an Army base or hours of debate on an ambiguous health care bill. It appears that our sense of safety and security in this land of the free and home of the brave is shaky. Yet, as I proudly raised my flag on Veteran's Day, I reflected on the willingness of men and women to sacrifice their lives for my freedom. What a privilege, but also what a responsibility.

I remember telling my children, as they were growing up, that if they proved themselves to be responsible, then certain privileges would follow. However, if they chose to break the rules, it would be a long time before I could trust them again with those same freedoms. Curfew is a good example. The same holds true in our Christian walk. God made us to be free and gave us power over all that we could see. However, Adam and Eve chose to break the rules and ruin the perfect environment that God made for them. The consequences follow us to this day.

Paul, in Galatians, can't figure out why these new Christians are going back to their old sinful ways. He reminds the new Church again and again that the rules of the law have been met in Jesus. It is faith that has made us whole. We are free.

The same Heavenly Father who created us will continue to hold us when our world looks unstable. I encourage you to take Paul's admonition and don't fall back on old habits that bind. It is only in freedom that we are able to serve.

Quick Reply

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:23:00 +0000

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 (NIV)

Some days it seems like my prayers barely get past the ceiling fan of my den. I realize that God can choose several ways to answer me but being the typical, impatient first-born, I prefer to have it right here and right now. My Heavenly Father must shake His head at my arrogance just like I laugh at my youngest grandgirlie's impertinence on occasion. However, this week I learned a great lesson and it all had to do with attitude. Was I going to be in charge or was I going to turn the situation over to the Master Fixer? More often, than I care to admit, my thoughts, opinions, and desires overshadow those close to me. And when I'm hurt, the feelings spill out in unhelpful ways. I may be right but at great cost to my relationships.

As I was praying about a particular situation, confessing my part but also pleading for some help, the Holy Spirit calmed my heart and gave me some ideas. I knew they were from Him because it was not my inclination to do it this way, but decided to try it. Would you believe that in less than 60 minutes I had an answer to my prayer? Sometimes He requires patience. And, sometimes the answer is "no". Yet, this time He was gracious and gave me a quick answer. Thank you, Lord!

Pay attention to His still, small voice and don't lose heart when you pray to your Heavenly Father. Believe Him and watch for your answer. It may be just around the corner.

Te Deum

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:33:00 +0000

In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. Psalm 71:1 (KJV)

The lyrics and melody of Te Deum by Mark Hayes echo through my heart and mind today. It is a special choral work that we will sing tomorrow for Reformation Sunday. Not an easy piece, it has taken extra rehearsals and time spent working at home to learn my part. As I listen to the soaring orchestral accompaniment, chills run up my spine at the beauty and majesty of those ancient words and glorious harmonies.

It has not been an easy week and without my faith and trust in the One who holds the universe in His hands, I would be a mess…and, sometimes I am. It is so easy to fall back into old patterns of worry and fear particularly over things we have absolutely no control over. Some unforeseen health problems have popped up. Two doctors visits later and I still have few answers. As I lay in bed last night praying, giving over my fears and worries to my Heavenly Father, the soothing words of this majestic piece washed over me:

O Lord in Thee have I trusted

Let me never be confounded

O Lord in Thee I trust

I trust in Thee.

This is the prayer of my heart whether the world looks rosy and all is well or it is eclipsed by sorrow and trouble. God is not hiding; He IS there. Don't be confused by all the "noise" of daily life but focus on the Light of the world, Jesus. He will lead us through. Trust Him.

Just One Moment, Please

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment. Matthew 9:22 (NLT)

It seems like every time I sit down at the computer to write a blog, something comes up. Company visited us from California for a few days followed by numerous appointments, technology failures, and a headache that just won't go away. There is also the small voice in my head that says, "who reads this anyway?" In a word, I'm discouraged about this writing thing.

I received an email from a friend, a published author of many books and articles, bemoaning her lack or any recent publication. Everyone is tightening their belts in this economy – even magazines. She, too, was discouraged.

Anyone watching the news has every reason to be disconcerted. The market is up—the market is down. Fire destroys homes and floods threaten to follow. Do you get one flu shot or two? Peace is elusive and war looms all over the world. Health care? It's enough to make you want to crawl back into bed and pull the covers over your head.

The story of the woman in the Matthew verses reveal that she had suffered from terrible health issues for years, basically losing hope. Yet, she heard stories about this man, Jesus, who healed people. If she could just get close enough to touch even the hem of his robe, she knew He could help her. Yes, He felt her presence in the crowd as some of His power had been drawn out and He knew that her inner struggles were as great as her physical ones. As He turned and sought her out, His first words to her were ones of encouragement and then He graciously healed her.

What if He had decided not to heal her? How many times do we look at our circumstances and feel cheated or discouraged? We try and try and nothing changes so then we lose hope. Rather than trying, we should be trusting in Great Healer. He knows just what we need. Jesus gave her the greater gift of encouragement because of her faith. And, it is that same faith that gives us the courage to keep putting one foot in front of the other. We have hope.

First Impressions

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:20:00 +0000

For the LORD your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them. Deuteronomy 4:31 (ESV)

Do you have your act together? My friend thinks I do, but I know better. If you look like you have things under control, people often assume that you do.

Clothes, hair, and makeup create that first impression. The next step occurs when you invite people over for dinner. You are either chef extraordinaire or you reheat well. Your house is tidy or messy. Your children are well behaved or not.

We may be able to hide or disguise all that's visible but it's the personality quirks that get in the way of our "perfection." Are we bossy, nosey, late, irritable, unfriendly, or gossipy?

I forgot an appointment with my friend (the one who thinks I never mess up.) And, to top it off, this was the third time I had forgotten a date with her. What's up with that? Nothing irritates me more than irresponsibility and now I have to eat humble pie. With a grateful heart, my dear friend forgave me one more time.

Because I have accepted Christ as my Savior, I am a child of the new covenant and His mercy wipes away my imperfections. He forgives me, picks me up when I fall, and puts me back on the His path. How can we do less with each other?

Birthdays

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:38:00 +0000

And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” Mark 1:11 (NLT)

We had a wonderful, crazy, busy weekend in California celebrating birthdays of some of my favorite people. With never an idle moment the entire weekend, Saturday dawned bright and warm to celebrate Allie's fifth birthday. A pool party with all of her buddies meant that we decorated, ran food and drinks back and forth from the house, snapped pictures of all the key moments, and cleaned up after all the festivities. Home for a quick shower and change, a stop at the stables to watch Kate and Tori show off their riding prowess, and then off to Lodi for a surprise party for my friend who turned 70. We've been friends for forty years and the stories we can tell on each other. Don't ask. However, this was just one day's adventure. Multiply that by three.

As we flew home yesterday, I finally had a few moments to catch up on my Bible reading. The familiar stories in the New Testament (finally made it) washed over me like a breath of fresh air. As I read the story of Jesus' baptism three times in its chronological order, it dawned on me that God, the Father, is saying the same thing about me, his daughter, as He said to Jesus. I am dearly loved, and I bring Him great joy. That's pretty amazing!

Even though it was a mad dash, nothing makes me happier than time spent with family and friends. Imagine how our heavenly Father feels when we seek out time with Him? We bring Him great joy. Even when the schedule is frantic, make time to sit at the feet of Jesus. You'll be refreshed.

One More Time

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:18:00 +0000

But as soon as they were at peace, your people again committed evil in your sight, and once more you let their enemies conquer them. Yet whenever your people turned and cried to you again for help, you listened once more from heaven. In your wonderful mercy, you rescued them many times! Nehemiah 9:28 (NLT)

I have been reading through the Bible chronologically, spending all these months in the Old Testament. (I'm almost done and will start the New Testament later this week.) As Nehemiah finished rebuilding of Jerusalem, he gathered everyone together for a great celebration and solemn assembly. In his prayer before the people, he recounts their history and it's not pretty. God was very specific about His rules and the consequences of disobedience but they repeatedly went their own way, often being downright blatant and in your face to God. Many times, God just let the natural consequences run their course watching the people muddle through. Other times, He initiated actions to bring them back, whether it was war, illness, slavery, or death. At times, He got so angry that He was ready to wipe them off the face of the earth but He always relented because He loved them so much.

I noticed a cycle in their story – peace, laziness, temptation, arrogance, disobedience, repercussions, repentance, forgiveness, and back to peace. Sound familiar? Don't we get ourselves in that same cycle on occasion? Because God loves us, He lets us make our own choices – some good and some bad. He wants us to choose to follow Him and not just be robots. Whatever we decide, He never gives up on us. We may be foolish or disobedient but His mercy is there to rescue us, often from ourselves, and return us to the place of peace with Him. Where you are in the cycle? Pray for guidance and wisdom so that you, too, will live in peace.

Small Steps

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 23:16:00 +0000

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)

Eight years have passed since that fateful day. Have you forgotten? As the images flash across the television screen of the horror of September 11th, my stomach clenches up. I remember. It was the day our country was thrown into a war that we didn't want. But, as Americans, where freedom means more than life, we marched right into the middle of it rather than running away.

Our lives changed that day in ways that our grandchildren will never see or understand. That week may be the last time in recent history that we can look back and see a united country. Differences fell away as pain enveloped us all. We worked together to pick up the pieces, to heal, and to begin again. Small steps but necessary beginnings for the strength and health of our nation.

Family members still grieve but most of us have moved on with our lives. Have we forgotten? Did we shelve the hurt and disillusionment of that day so that we could return to "normal?"

Tears streamed down my face as I watched the memorial service at the National Cathedral a few days after the attack. The prayers, Bible readings, music, and eulogies all brought us to the feet of the One who is the source of all comfort. God became a common word and faith in Him our only hope.

Yet, eight years later, that unity is gone and we fight in court to keep "In God we Trust" on our coins. The Ten Commandments are ruled unconstitutional resulting in the engraved stone hauled off the steps of a courthouse in Alabama. Children find it easier to get an abortion than an aspirin. Our congressional leaders could not be at greater odds with each other and their constituents.

Edmund Burke said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." We no longer have the luxury of sitting back and waiting for someone else to do it. Stand up. Speak out. Be informed. Do something, even if it is just a little. Small steps.

Fearless by Max Lucado

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:01:00 +0000

We fear being sued, finishing last, going broke; we fear the mole on the back, the new kid on the block, the sound of the clock as it ticks us closer to the grave.

I don't usually review books on this blog but an insecure world threatens to take us down and robs us of our joy. Living a life without fear is the focus of the latest book by Max Lucado. We know what fear feels like but Lucado puts words to those gut-wrenching feelings and offers alternatives.

The author uses a three-part plan for answering the difficult questions: first, a biblical discussion of the problem followed by appropriate Bible verses to reinforce the truth. He often concludes the chapter with a real-life story of triumph and encouragement.

Who can live in this uncertain day and age and not have a few fears? Intrigued by the title, the book captured my attention and offered both wisdom and knowledge on a variety of subjects. Not all of the chapters applied to my particular fears, yet, if I had dismissed them as uninteresting and moved on to the next chapter, I would have missed the bigger picture. Max Lucado makes the case that courage is the antidote for fear, which comes from God alone. I recommend Fearless.

He Cares

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:07:00 +0000

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

Some days are easier than others. My week was upended with computer glitches and updates. Yours might be the cry of a new baby just as you've gotten to sleep, the phone call from the doctor with test results, or sitting down to pay the bills realizing there is not enough money in the bank. All of these are just a few of both the unexpected and mundane events in life that can ruin a day.

After posting my article last week on depression, it didn't register that people were adding their own comments until several days later. As I read their notes, many full of grief and pain. I realized I had hit a nerve. Tears streamed down my face knowing that pain bonds us in unfathomable ways. However, pain shared makes it bearable. I know how much I was helped when I let the light shine on the secret of depression in our household. Take the Master up on His word and give Him those impossible worries and burdensome fears. Run free. He will take care of you.

New Venture

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:47:00 +0000

My heart is drawn to the daily ups and downs of mothering. After the birth of my first granddaughter, Kate, I watched my daughter, miles away, struggling to get through each day, wishing that Nana was closer, but striving to love and nurture Kate to grow into the young lady that God intended.

Each stage of development for our children demands new strategies and knowledge on our part. I can remember saying I was an expert on baby care up to the age she currently was. Don't ask me about tomorrow...or next month...or next year; I haven't been there, yet. Now, as a grandmother, I enjoy sharing my experiences in the hope of helping another mom take one step at a time towards a happy and healthy family.

As a result, I volunteered to be a Mentor Mom to moms with preschool children as part of a program called MOPS. I enjoyed the interaction, teaching and support that we shared together and worked with them for six years before our move to AZ.

Recently, I was asked to contribute to a new website, www.mamapedia.com. It contains a wealth of information on many subjects for all your mothering needs. Please stop by and check out my article posted at http://www.mamapedia.com/voices on August 31 under the Voices section. It's entitled, "Midnight Musings in the Shadow of Depression."

Please let your friends and family know about this new website. I would love to get your feedback, too, as this is a new venture for me.

Tough Week

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:50:00 +0000

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him."
Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV)

Some weeks are just tougher than others. This was one filled with both emotional and physical challenges. The memorial service for the husband of one of the employees at our club brought tears as I listened to the grief caused by suicide. A trip to the hospital to change out the battery for Mark's ICD reminded me of the many hours sitting and waiting for the doctor's "all clear." The long awaited appointment for a shot in my hip in an attempt to relieve lingering pain occurred two days later. During these days and nights, the emotional upheaval of it all nagged at my spirit, which seems to happen when life appears out of control.

I'm sure Jeremiah wearied of the unending rant of Jerusalem's destruction in those days of the Babylonian exile. God was not happy with those folks and reiterated it repeatedly. I was ready to just skip the chapters in Lamentations but firstborn that I am, I read it because of my commitment to read it all. But, if I had skipped those verses, I would have missed the words of encouragement inserted right in the middle of all the negativity. God had not forgotten His chosen people and He did not forget me this week. He knew about the grief, and fear, and frustration, and fatigue, and anger. He was there each morning with a new set of mercies to meet my needs. It came in the form of a phone call, or an email, crossing paths with a friend at the store, or just the right Bible verse. I don't have to be frustrated when everything appears to be out of control; my hope is in Him who is always faithful.

Possible Debate

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:02:00 +0000

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NIV)

The current health care debate got me all riled up today. But, it was on facebook, of all places. I responded to a thread of a friend that lives across the country. No one represented my particular point of view so I jumped into the fray with both feet. When I finally crawled into bed last night, after several back and forth posts, I was still going over in my mind all the various responses that I needed to make. I was hot. I woke up to more postings and, almost before I realized it, I reverted to combat mode. I learned firsthand how these town hall meetings could get out of hand. Finally, I realized that no one was going to change anyone else's mind so I wished them well, closed out facebaok, and moved on to the rest of my day. It reminds me of the old saying, "my mind is made up – don't confuse me with the facts." Yet, the goal is to live at peace with everyone. How hard is that? I think my way is right, as do they. How do we disagree without being disagreeable? One thought is to lower the decibel level. Many responses in the thread were all in capital letters (in computer-speak, that is yelling) by the other side with personal attacks as part of the debate. A few suggestions for a peaceful discussion: Speak in a normal voice. Be polite. Keep your emotions under control. Know the facts. Be aware of your surroundings and who else may be listening. Keep it impersonal. Know when to back off. Remember, the relationship is more important than the issue.

Listen or Not

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 22:11:00 +0000

Then he added, “Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. Then go to your people in exile and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ Do this whether they listen to you or not.” Ezekiel 3:10-11 (NLT)

It can be slow going reading the Old Testament prophets. The people of Israel and Judah constantly tested God's patience with their stubbornness and downright disobedience. I'm not sure why they thought that wooden idols could help them more than the God that made them, but they did. And, nothing irritated the LORD of all more than His children worshipping anything but the one true God. He sent many messengers, these prophets, to warn them about their upcoming exile to Babylon, the consequence for their sin. Ezekiel was called by God to tell them one more time, but I was struck by His instructions, "Let all my words sink deep into your own heart first." No one is exempt from the tyranny and ravages of the enemy, Satan himself. God's words must permeate every fiber of our being if we are going to be authentic in our speech to motivate change. Otherwise, it will sound like just one more rule and negative prediction, which these people, had already heard and ignored.

But, the part that challenged me, was that Ezekiel was to speak whether they listened or not. When I write a blog post, I have no idea if anyone ever reads it. I may get a comment but more often, I must trust that God will take these words to the person that needs them. Rather than getting discouraged, my job is to be faithful and soak up all that He is telling me. It is His job is to bring the fruit. Are you listening?

WAIT

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:05:00 +0000

While rummaging through my bookshelf trying to make room for one more book, I pulled out a devotional journal and noticed a piece of paper stuck in the back flyleaf. It was a copy of the poem, WAIT, by Russell Kelfer. As I reread the simple words, it reminded me of the many hours I have spent in the waiting rooms of life and the One who was always there with me. Be encouraged.

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate...
and the Master so gently said,"Wait."

"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.

"My future and all to which I relate
hangs in the balance and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign.
Or even a 'no,' to which I'll resign.

"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate
as my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
and grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting...for what?"

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine...
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
you'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
when darkness and silence are all you can see.

You'd never experience the fullness of love
when the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
but you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

"The glow of My comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

"You'd never know should your pain quickly flee,
what it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
but oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.

So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
that the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still...WAIT."

World Events

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:10:00 +0000

Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events. Daniel 2:20-21a (NLT)

Aren't you glad someone is in control? When I turn on the TV or open my email, I'm inundated with reports on health care legislation, supreme court justice nominations, and the latest jobless rate. All I hear is bad news from all over the world with no end in sight. Daniel's life was on the line after an unreasonable demand from his employer. But with wisdom and discretion he asked for some time and deflected punishment for a few days. No one thought there was any way to get out of this mess but rather than wringing his hands, calling his friends to complain, or getting out of Dodge, Daniel prayed and God answered. Today's verse is the first part of his prayer of praise and thanksgiving. Our inclination to worry, be afraid, or get angry just send us down a road of depression, not to the answers we are searching for. Be informed and passionate about issues. But It is only through our trust in the living God and Heavenly Father will peace and contentment reign in our lives during an unsettled time in history. He IS in control and knows the end of the story.

Week of Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:44:00 +0000

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Philippians 1:3 (NLT)

Early morning hugs, golf cart rides to see the "jackbunnies" and javelina, craft day with Miss Jan, back flips into the pool, peanut butter cookie baking lesson, making bead bracelets, delivering neighborhood newspapers, reading the next chapter of Ramona's kindergarten adventure with everyone in jammies on the bed. Yes, it was a full and busy week…but so much fun for all of us. My prayer is that these memories will last for a lifetime in the hearts and minds of my grandgirlies. I'm not sure when we will do this again but all of us look forward to another visit. I knew all had gone well when they announced they didn't want to go home.

My grandparents were so important to me. My mother and I even lived with them for a year when my dad was overseas during the war. As a young girl, I knew that I could count on their unconditional love and acceptance. And my heart still aches for the nana who was taken to heaven, much too soon for her 10-year-old granddaughter. I missed her sharing in the milestones of my life. Now it is my turn and I love being a grandmother. The best part is that you get to love and love and love without all the responsibilities. Yes, thank you, God, for my sweet girlies. They make me smile.

Truce

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:05:00 +0000

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged. Proverbs 17:6 (ESV)

The landscape is dotted with high drama consisting of tears, scowls, tattling, territorial rights, negotiations, and compromise. Do you think I am describing the situation in Israel? No, pretend you are a fly on the wall at our house this week and watch three sisters, our grandgirlies, in action. This is the first time we have had them without their parents for any length of time. We are having a great time but it is amazing how the bantering and interaction can escalate to full-on crisis mode at any moment. We are a bit tired after a few days and it is not so much the constant activity that is wearing us out but the relentless mental alertness required. I have a much better understanding of my daughter's daily interaction with these girls and the frustration with each one for very different reasons. It is easy, as a Nana, to referee from the sidelines and have all the answers but living in the situation is quite a different story. Parenting is one of the best refiners as we age which, hopefully, results in wisdom. It requires all you have to love, discipline, encourage, motivate, and praise those children placed in your care for 18 years. The task, is even greater as a Christian parent because you want them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus and learn His teachings. Our little girls are growing up to be wonderful young ladies. Their bedtime prayers are precious and the moments when they play as if these are all each other's very best friends are priceless. They enjoy each other and are fiercely loyal. Squabbles end at the water's shore. Maybe I should send them to Jerusalem for a day or two to show them how to do it.

Life Instructions

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:31:00 +0000

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 (NLT)

Do you ever notice that sometimes things don't turn out exactly like you think they will? Mark headed off to Memphis to spend some time with his mother after she took a fall and injured her knee. Since she is 91, she doesn't bounce any more and found herself in rehab for a few weeks. However, a trip that we thought was going to be five days stretched into two weeks once he arrived and assessed the situation. After looking over my empty calendar, I decided to have a girlfriends lunch. I enjoy entertaining and it would give me purpose in this quiet week. My table seats six but I couldn't seem to fill it. Either people were away or plans already made and I was one person short. After a couple of tries, I decided that God just wanted me to have five.

Over a simple salad and bread, it didn't take long for a lively conversation to begin even though these ladies did not all know each other. Love began to flow freely from one to another as the life stories unfolded. One is a relatively new widow, one has a husband with multiple injuries after an accident, one is raising her granddaughter, one is a pastor's wife. Each of us has experienced the ups and downs of life but now in the fourth quarter, we see the footprints of God in our lives and know the best is yet to come.

So many times, I have asked God what he wants me to do and the verse in Micah answers the question. This week, it was to have a luncheon. I rotate tag lines after my signature in emails and right now, I am using:

Live simply, love generously,
care deeply, speak kindly,
and leave the rest to God.

Sounds like the modern day version of Micah to me. What better way to sum up our daily walk with Him. Have a good one!

Sunshade

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:10:00 +0000

The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
Psalm 121:5 (NLT)

It is HOT! This shouldn't surprise me since I live in the desert, yet each summer I have to get back into a "hot weather" routine. It is imperative to put up an interior sunshade on the windshield if you have any hope of touching the steering wheel or sitting on the seat. After suffering the consequences of forgetting a couple of times, I now reach for the shades before I turn off the engine. It makes a huge difference.

What an encouragement to know that my God is there to protect me when life gets hot. This past weekend, I was drooping with the weight of the cares of my family—frustrated, fearful, and disappointed. I really wanted to fix it or at least make it go away. But I couldn't do a thing. Today, our verse reminded me that I have the promise of God's watchful care over me and those I love. He knows what is best for each of us. So, whether it is scorching heat or thunder and lightning, let's wait it out under the umbrella of His love and power and see the great things He will do.

King?

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:39:00 +0000

You thrill me, LORD, with all you have done for me!

I sing for joy because of what you have done.

O Lord, what great works you do!

And how deep are your thoughts.

Psalm 92:4-5 (NLT)

In a few minutes, Michael Jackson's memorial service will begin. As I was reading this portion of scripture this morning, I couldn't help but compare the words of the Psalmist as written about the LORD, our King and Creator, and what I know will be portrayed on stage for a man dubbed the King of Pop. Many will sing and speak praises about this man who spent his life entertaining people. The crowd will thrill as his life in pictures and music thunders through the Staples Center. Yet, Michael was a tortured man who spent his days under a cloud of mystery and despair. I feel sorry for his children. Having a parent suddenly taken is never easy and these three face a future of uncertainty and curiosity by the public. We live in an age of idols and icons. But is this the kind of person I want my grandgirlies to emulate? No, I want them to worship the King of kings and the Lord of lords and thrill in His presence.

In God We Trust

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:16:00 +0000

Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow: I do not count on my sword to save me. You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies; you disgrace those who hate us. O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name. Psalm 44:5-8 (NLT)

The 4th of July weekend started off with a bang. Normally a quiet news time, the reporters and pundits had their weekend unravel with Sarah Palin's retirement announcement. Today, the North Koreans fired seven missiles with an upraised fist, threatening our safety and security. Adoring fans tie up the Internet in hopes of getting a seat at Michael Jackson's funeral and the city of Los Angeles prepares for the worst. Can't we just have a normal, family, fun-filled 4th of July?

Today our world is both smaller and less safe and we can no longer expect life to be "normal." I have read with interest about the nations of Judah and Israel who discovered that regardless of the number of men, horses, chariots, spears or swords, it was impossible to defeat all of their enemies. They thought they had the best tactics and minds to put together a great offense but they failed. As the Psalmist writes, the kings and generals finally understood—God gave the victory. Change will come when we replace arrogance with humility. It's time for us to humbly bow before our Maker and acknowledge His hand in the life of our Nation.

So Much

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:12:00 +0000

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:18 (NLT)

It was not the first time but this time it made me stop and think when Mark said, "I love you but I don't think you understand how much." My immediate response was, "I love you, too," but in the back of my mind, I wondered about his follow-up comment. Why didn't I understand? How does love express itself?

One of the things I learned as I read The Five Love Languages is each person speaks and hears love differently and it is vital to learn the love language of your spouse if your efforts are going to mean anything. It might be a card with words of affirmation and affection. Or maybe it is getting the Honey-Do list done. Try catching the hand of your honey as you walk down the street or bringing home a small bouquet of flowers. And for some, just sitting down and giving uninterrupted attention and conversation makes the heart of your mate sing.

It takes work to make this happen because we naturally speak to our spouse with our personal love language. The problem occurs when our expressions of love fall flat and he doesn’t get it. He missed all the effort I made and sometimes, even criticizes it. What good is that? In his book, Gary Chapman encourages each person to discover his particular way of expressing love and then talk about it together. If I know that Mark needs to hear "good job" or snagging him and planting a big kiss as he walks through the kitchen then I need to be careful to do it. Bringing home several bags from Nordstrom for him is just not going to make it.

So, pay attention. Does your honey understand how much you love them? Are you speaking their love language?

One more question. Do you have any concept of how much God loves you? He doesn't go half way. In fact, He gave up His son, willingly, for each of us so that we could know Him and be part of His family. And because He made us and knows how we think, He always speaks our love language. How do we show love back to Him? Spend time with Him…worship Him…obey Him…listen to Him…enjoy His presence…tell Him. "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Sea of Men

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)

I really like our new church. Each season highlights some of its traditions. Over the years I have seen roses passed out to the women on Mother's Day or the mother with the most children honored but our pastor had all the men stand and applaud the women present. His words of encouragement and this visible act of appreciation warmed all the hearts of the women in attendance. Last Sunday, he announced that Father's Day has a different tradition, one started when the church began fifteen years ago. He invited all men – dads, granddads, husbands, men, and boys to the front of the church to kneel down with him in prayer. As the leaders of the home, he wanted to ask for God's guidance and blessing for these men. Pastor got down on his knees behind the pulpit and as he prayed, I'm sure the spirit of God filled that room with glory and hallelujahs. Nothing pleases Him more than to see men bowed before Him, seeking Him, loving Him, desiring to do His will. Tears filled my eyes as I looked over that sea of men kneeling before God, thankful for the roles they play in their families. I heard some knees cracking as they stood to return to their seats but there was also a warmth and camaraderie. Sometimes it is a lonely job but these men knew that God had met them on a Sunday morning in June.

What's for dinner?

noreply@blogger.com (Gerry) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:42:00 +0000

Don't worry and ask yourselves, "Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?" Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. Matthew 6:31-33 (CEV)

Dairy-free, wheat/gluten-free, egg-free, nut-free, seed-free. The words just rolled off the tongue of the nutritionist last week. I felt hit by a tidal wave as I listened to her explain Mark's new elimination/rotation diet for the next six months. I have a degree in home ec so this shouldn't be a big deal but the ramifications of these dietary restrictions seemed overwhelming to both of us. Retirement means many things but menu planning and cooking are not high on my list. Going out to dinner is much more fun. It seems that just when life begins to get comfortable, God initiates a change of plans. Over the past months, I keep learning that He wants me to depend on Him for each detail of my life—even down to what we are going to eat each day.

It is amazing the food options that are now available for those with food sensitivities. I can only imagine how difficult this would have been a few years ago. We are learning options, reading labels, making mistakes but trudging along this new path. Mark is trying new things—some tasty and some not. Good thing he was not a picky eater before all this began. We even have restaurant options. He knows that ultimately, he will feel much better and with this hope, we keep going.

God's plan for us is much the same. He challenges us with new opportunities to grow and trust Him. Sometimes we try to go our own way ending up with a stumble and fall. Other times, the communion with Him is sweet as we walk in the light and He warms our hearts with His love. Whether it is three steps forward and two back, we have the assurance that each step brings us closer to Home.

I will update you on occasion about this new chapter at the Blumbergs. Eat hearty!