COUGH IT UP

I waited patiently for the Lord; and
he inclined unto me, and heard
my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible
pit, out of the miry clay, and set my
feet upon a rock, and established
my goings.
And he hath put a new song in my
mouth, even praise unto our God;
many shall see it, and fear, and shall
trust the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3

It's a common phrase, at least as I remember...”Cough it up.” I would say it to my children when they were young and seemed to be choking on something. It was also a term often used when getting someone to give something to another they felt they had coming. An example would be: “You owe me five bucks...cough it up.”

Of course there is the usual cough we all endure from time to time. I've been going through it because of all the pollen that floats in the air here in mountain country. I swallow allergy meds but still end up with a pretty good cough. I probably should get stock in some cough drop manufacturers with all the ones of several brands I keep in my mouth a good portion of the time.

I have done this before with my blog, but there is a particular brand of cough drops I probably use most that is often an encouragement to me even before putting a drop in my mouth. I won't mention the brand, but it will probably come to mind for anyone who has used them in the past. With this cough drop, there is a very different paper cover on each one. Most people don't either know it or pay attention to the small sayings printed on each wrapper. For the most part, the sayings are words of encouragement. I've gotten where I pay attention to the sayings before throwing the wrappers in a trash can. So allow me to share two of these sayings with an added word of Scripture or encouragement.

“Turn 'can do' into 'can did!'”

I remember the day my Mother introduced me to our Singer sewing machine. It was an old timer with the foot treadle that had to be pushed with the feet to make the thing run. At the age of ten I had pretty long legs, but I just couldn't figure out how to step on the treadle and manage to hold the cloth in place for the needle to do it's job. I know Mother meant well and just wanted me to enjoy a new adventure, but I was in tears and hating life in that moment. I kept saying, “Mother, I can't do it” and she always had the same answer, “Can't never did anything...”can't” can't.” I know she was right but the timing wasn't.

I'm reminded of Paul's encouragement in Philippians 4:13 that says: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” I've found in the situations where I'm nervous of the new, that God's timing is always right. He knows my strengths and weaknesses. I have slowly come to learn that when God calls, He equips. Not only does He equip but He hangs around me during the entire process of whatever it might be I'm called to do. His presence is always such an encouragement.

Let's look at one more cough drop saying.

“Keep your chin up.”

I don't hear this one much anymore. Perhaps it's a little out of date. When little, I would hear adults say that to another and various absurd pictures came to my mind. I wondered how in the world would a person do that. To be honest, I never saw anyone who needed to do something drastic to their chin. Their chin didn't seem to be lower than usual or out of shape somehow. Later after asking my Mother about it, she told me that it was something said to someone who is discouraged or who is going through a tough time. I've come to understand that saying better in my older years. I know the tendency for any of us is to drop our gaze, looking more downward when we are very weary or really “down in the dumps.”

When we are going through the toughest of times, there is no way we can have the company of an encourager twenty-four hours a day. In the direst of times, it's pretty difficult for any human being to help us keep our chin up. Life can really beat us up and we are confronted with fear, discouragement and even depression. I realize when encouraged to turn to the Lord, that may not sound like a reality because it isn't a human body to sit with and talk with face to face. BUT, God's presence is different. With the Holy Spirit in us, God's presence is constant and He can move mountainous problems in ways we can't begin to comprehend. Isaiah 41:10 has always been a great encourager to me helps me when I need to keep my chin up.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed;
for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I
will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with
the right hand of my righteousness.

I'm so grateful that He will uphold me in ways that are unbelievable. He's even capable of upholding my sagging chin.

Father, I'm always amazed at the big and small ways You sent my way little nudges of encouragement and even instruction. I'm grateful today for your strengthening and presence in my life. Thank You for the presence of Your Holy Spirit and for sending Jesus...in Whose name I pray. Amen

A HEALTHY THIRST

As the deer pants for the
water brooks,
so my soul pants for You,
O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God...
Psalm 42:1,2a

There are so many wonderful places in our national park we can go to for refreshment and renewal whether traveling by car or even by foot. Brian and I have been all over the place, but a favorite place we have hiked to is the Walker sister's cabin. Anyone who has been there knows it is a hike almost straight up. There are a few flat places along the way where one can catch a breath, but those places are few and far between.

Our last trip up to the cabin was pretty uneventful, but much more tiring on me than I thought it would be. I could have curled up in a cabin loft for a nice long nap. After having time for a sufficient rest, we began the trip back down to the parking lot. One would have thought this wouldn't be much of a problem as the return trip to the parking lot would be primarily a downward trek. About a third of the way down, I was feeling faint, found a rock to lean against, but knew immediately that I had to have some water. We had failed to take any with us. There was a tiny, pretty, clear- running stream just off the trail. It was too far down for just leaning into the water so what were we to do? I was desperate. Soooooo.....

It dawned on me that I had a fairly new pair of moccasins on my feet. I pulled one off, handed it to Brian and asked him to dip it into the water and bring me a moccasin full of water. Anymore, Brian knows no matter how crazy something is coming from me, I'm generally quite serious about my request. With his long arm, he managed to get me a moccasin full of water. I have never had a more delightful, refreshing glass (shoe) of water as that water was from my moccasin.

I have seen our mountain deer, drinking from one of many cool, refreshing streams. I don't see them hanging out around the streams. They seem to drink when thirsty and when the thirst is quenched, they go on their way chewing on grass or just doing whatever deer do. When their bodies are thirsty, they seem to respond quickly to drinking all they want in that moment. Any body, whether animal or human, has a physical need for water (or maybe a Diet Coke?) and the natural reaction to that thirst, is get something to drink right away. It's just born into any living being.

Psalm 42 is a very emotional one. We don't know it's author, but whoever he was, he knew something about animals. He had observed somewhere along the way, the cravings or needs of such animals as deer. He quickly switched his thinking to spiritual craving in the heart of believers. I don't know about you, but there are times when my spiritual thirst reaches a real high and I can't figure out why. It's not that I haven't read my Bible, prayed or been in God's house for worship. Then there are those times when I haven't been as faithful in my spiritual walk when those water brooks call louder to me than times past.

There's no great lesson here. We know when our soul is panting (longing, thirsting) for our living God. When one is a believer, the Holy Spirit has a way of pulling and tugging at us to draw nearer to God and be refreshed. Notice our Scripture tells us we are being drawn to THE living God. So how do we do it?

First let me say that there are no spiritual shortcuts. There's no spiritual pill to take or Bible vitamin we can swallow. When we are spiritually thirsty there is only one way to God and that's to get into His Word. I'm not talking about being in church or a class of some kind even though those things can help. A spiritual thirst problem is a personal thirst problem. It means one on One with Jesus in His Word...getting back to spiritual basics.

For me, I spend time in Psalms where I find joy, Proverbs where I find wisdom and a Gospel like John for Jesus. These things can vary, but I like to spend time in each of those areas. When my heart is panting of thirst for the water brooks of God, going to the source of that precious water (of the Word) is my only satisfaction. I don't have to drink from a moccasin. God makes it so much easier to just drink from the water He provides anytime I want a good drink of water whether I'm real thirsty or just seeking moments of refreshment.

Dear Father, thank You for providing Your living water through Your Son and Your Spirit. Thank You for always being available to me when my spirit cries for relief of my thirst and that I need never run dry. I love and appreciate You in so many ways. I pray through Jesus....Amen

GOD IS GOOD!

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

the Lord gives grace and glory;

No good thing does He withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:11 (NASB)

I can't tell you how much the above verse has meant to me through the last 50 years. The Christmas prior to our February wedding, Brian and I got each other new Bibles...mine red and his black. He wrote a sweet note on a front blank page, but closed it with the above verse. Every time I read the verse, which is often, as I spend a lot of time in the Psalms, I am reminded of God's goodness in our lives through the years. Brian and I have seen the goodness of God in our relationship and family, but have also seen it in our own personal lives.

Many books are written these days about the attributes of God. Often, the attribute of God that is often relegated to the end or not given as much attention as it deserves. God's goodness in our lives is mind-boggling if we choose to consider it. Goodness is often defined as a deep kindness shown to others whether they be deserving or not. We may think about it as being “nice.” My Mother used to tell me to be good, if I was going away from our house with others. I knew she meant I was to be well behaved in my treatment of others.

One might call it a tradition, but every Sunday morning after the service, our pastor closes our time with:

“God is good”
“All the time” (congregation)
“All the time”
“God is good.” (congregation)

I just love that in that we are remembering the goodness of God in our lives. I know that seems rather juvenile spiritually speaking, but as of late, I've been reading a lot about God's goodness. I'm afraid we often pay little homage to His goodness in our lives. If we chose to do so, we wouldn't have enough paper or pens to list all of God's goodness in our lives.

The thing is that every good thing that has happened in our lives is from Him. He may have used some pretty odd people or situations to bring goodness into our lives, but He is God and can work on our behalf anyway He likes. The odder thing yet as I think about it, is those times I've seen goodness in my life from God that I certainly didn't deserve at the moment. In those times, I knowHis goodness was meant to draw me closer to Himself.

The greatest goodness God ever showed in our lives was in sending His only Son Jesus into the world. Jesus didn't come as a celebrity to prance around as many celebrities do. He came as a human being to related to everyday people. I've said before and always suggest that if you have a red lettered version of Scripture, sometime just sit down and read the red letters only in the four Gospels. I just finished doing that with the book of John. In all the Gospels, the thoughtfulness and goodness of Jesus is evident on every page whether He was healing, teaching, or raising the dead. He sets the example for us as to how to treat friend and foe alike.

As I've thought of God's goodness in my life, it's easy to think of the big things...education, careers, marriage, three great kids all along with the opportunities He has opened up for me in serving Him. However, lately, I've been trying to take note of so many little things that God in His goodness provides for me day after day to enjoy. I wish you could see my three rose bushes in front of the house. They are full of the most beautiful flowers. As I go onto the porch, prior to bending over the rail to observe them, I am facing some of the most beautiful mountains straight ahead. I realize others enjoy nature God has provided in His goodness for all to enjoy, but these days, I'm taking it very personally.

My prayer for each of us is to concentrate more on God's goodness that comes to us in abundance. Each time as I see something special, it just blesses my “blesser.” I think our Father would appreciate a thank you every now and then, even for the smallest things. Our gratitude must bring warmth to the heart of our Father. With our gratitude, He is glorified. May we not allow a single day pass without making a mental and prayerful note of at least one (and more) item revealing God's goodness. Each goodness we should take as a very personal blessing from the Father.

Father, we thank You for your goodness You surround us with every day of life. Your every provision in our lives, speaks of Your goodness and love. Thank You for Your ultimate goodness in sending Jesus, and for His love in dying for each of us. I pray in His precious name....Amen

HONOR DUE...MOTHERHOOD

Children, obey your parents in the Lord,
for this is right.
Honor your father and mother (which
is the first commandment with a promise),
so that it may be well with you, and
that you may live long on the earth.
Ephesians 6:1-3

Motherhood began with Eve, although it actually began in the heart of God way back in eternity. We don't know about her motherhood, but do know because of sin, the family situation was changed forever. We don't know what it would have been precisely had perfection God intended been in place. Childbirth for one thing would be a painful experience for Eve and every mother to follow.

I've thought of some Bible mom's who have impressed me in some ways. Sarah wanted so much to be a mom, but the years caught up with her and any possibility of being a mother. I'm thinking of some friends who wanted so much to be moms, but it seemed it just wasn't happening. Some in their 40's found God blessed them with a baby. Just as for Sarah, motherhood became a reality and with great appreciation.

There was Hannah...a remarkable woman. She too wanted a baby so badly, but it just wasn't happening. Her hubby's other wife made fun of her for not being able to bear a child. Even her hubby said something that always makes me smile. He said to the effect that wasn't he better than having several children. How like a man saying something like that even though he might have been sincere in his intentions. Hannah made it all a matter of prayer and God answered her, giving her a son, Samuel, who grew to be a great man of spiritual influence.

Jochabed is a woman I have long admired for endangering her own life in order to spare her baby son Moses from certain death. Boy babies were being massacred, but she had a plan for saving her son by hiding him in a waterproof basket hidden in the reeds of a river. God's plans always amaze me, plans you and I would never begin to think of. Moses was spared by the Egyptian princess who even ended up using Jochabed as Moses' nurse until he came of age beyond the nursing process. We all know how God used Moses years later. He had a faithful mom who maybe didn't have much input into his growing up years, but still gave him the best start she could.

There are other moms in Scripture we can admire. I think of Mary, Jesus' mother and His aunt Elizabeth who gave birth to His cousin a little before his own. We read of Timothy's mother and grandmother who raised and nurtured him in the Scriptures. There are so many wonderful women we can look at in Scripture who too were moms of note.

BUT, this is now. Many mothers today of every age look back with varied feelings, some with joy and others with regret. No matter how good a mother has been through the years, there has never been a perfect mother. Sin came through Adam and Eve and from that point, motherhood has always been a struggle even under the best of circumstances. Satan works on every mother who is or ever has been just as he did with Eve, tempting and taunting. The best of godly mothers often struggle with all they didn't do or should have done when in reality, they did a pretty good job mothering their children into loving, productive adults.

I have a list of moms I admire tremendously. There are the single moms who have been left alone to raise and see to the needs of her children. Some moms could not physically give birth, but chose to adopt babies or children of various ages. I know moms who are raising their special needs children and along with that are moms who sit at the side of their child's bedside, a child with terminal brain tumor. Some have found their children addicted on drugs or alcohol which is a whole different heartache. I know of ladies of age right now who never gave birth, but who mothered girls in their Sunday school classes through years of service.

Motherhood has come in a variety of packages....as many packages as there are mothers. We who are moms have been granted the privilege of being just that...moms. What a privilege and honor. For some, there may have been heartache. We all as moms have made our share of mistakes. I have never in my life met a perfect mom, but with God's help, we have hopefully done our very best, and yes, hopefully we've done a lot of smiling in the whole process.

I read a quote and find it so true: “Life doesn't come with a manual, it comes with a mother.”
Mothers don't know everything but we have a Heavenly Father who does. Blessed are the children who have had a godly mom who loves them as only a mom can. For those of us who are moms...what a privileged calling from God to be used of Him in serving Him in this area of motherhood.

Thank You Father for my mother, my husband's mom and my three children who call me mom. Forgive the mistakes, wrong attitudes at time, shortness in patience that I probably share with other moms. Thank You for this call on my life. In Jesus' name...Amen