BEWARE THE ANGER

Make no friendship with an angry

man, and with a furious man do

not go lest you learn his ways and set

a snare for your soul.

Proverbs 22: 24,25

Not sure if anyone is paying attention, but we are living in the midst of a culture made up of alot of very angry people.  We see them in politics, varied demonstrations, but see them even in our own lives.  It could be that others might be seeing this issue in us as well.

We are given a real caution in the above verses.  First we are given a NO when it comes to a friendship with someone who seems to be angry alot of the time.  The why follows the what and who...anger is catching, contageous even though we might not think so.

Anger can  the produce most unfortunate of consequences.  I'm thinking of some friends who taught at a Christian college.  A student approached the couple with the grand announcement that she and another student from the college were engaged.  She was hoping for their congratulations.  However, the couple knew the young man very well and wasn't too terribly exited for the girl.  He was known for his hot temper and tendency to having an overall spirit of anger.  I asked this friend of mine what they said to her.  One of them simply took out a slip of paper and with pen wrote on that paper "Proverbs 22:24,25" and handed it to her.  Unfortunately in a few years, the young lady paid dearly for deciding to go ahead with the relationship.

There may be times to feel a certain anger but it can be done without sinning.  Scripture tells us that it is possible.  The above anger is one of temper, sometimes loss of emotional control and at times loss of physical control.  Jesus cleaned up the temple on occasion with a righteous anger while the rest of His life we see a Man, always in control of Himself in every situation, especially with all the confrontations with political and spiritual big-wigs.

May we, with Holy Spirit power, learn to keep in control of our thoughts and actions that will glorify our Father.  Second hand anger is always a threat, that is being angry because someone else is.  May our temperament reveal Jesus in our lives as much as possible.

Father, forgive me for the times I've been angry when it wasn't necessary.  There have been times I've been boiling inside but You know that as well as I do.  May I keep my focus on you with help from Your Holy Spirit to maintain a spiritual calm in my life that will honor You and serve others.  In Jesus' precious name...Amen

 

THE GRAND PLAN

For I know the thoughts that I

think toward you, says the LORD,

thoughts of peace and not of evil,

to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 29:11

Ladies must become very bored with me when I suggest to them that when God works in our lives, He always knows what He is doing.  In our individual lives, God has  a  grand plan.  He's so smart and knows every detail of our lives.  He knows what is best in our every situation.  

God's plans are perfect, down to the smallest detail.  There are times when things come into our lives that we can't imagine what is going on.  However, if we are in tune with our Father, we've got to know that He is in charge of our lives.  At times, we don't get choices, much as human parents would deal with their own children. 

When God has a particular plan for us, it will always be a custom fit.  His plan for us will be personalized and precise.  Some plans may seem the same for several believers all at the same time, but God's planning for you and me is a custom fit...designed for we individuals.  You see, God sees each of us in a very personal light.  What works for one person, would never apply to another.  What I love about this thought is how God views each of us in a very personal way, away from the crowd...one on one with Him.  This way, there can be no confusion as to God's plan designed just for me.  Some plans can be tough, but we realize how personalized His plans are. 

God's plans are very timely and  He is very prompt in His timing of events.  So many times, I have wished God would move a little faster in solving a concern of mine.  Sometimes, I am waiting for an answer regarding a particular situation but God's answer is rarely in sync with my expetations.  He sees so much further down the road than we can see.

What God's plan has in store for us is nothing but perfection.  Going through some difficulties may not ring with perfection but God does everything pure of motive and with our best interest at heart.  He makes no mistakes, especially in His relationship with each of us.  He can be trusted with our very lives, even when we don't understand what is going on.

Father, I often don't understand some things happening in my life but know you are at the wheel of my circumstances.  I know Your plans for me in this life will always be for my good and Your glory.  In Jesus' name...Amen 

THE RIGHTEOUS MAN

The righteous man walks in

his integrity; his children

are blessed after him.

Proverbs 20:7

Father's Day is a bit touchy for me.  The children and I used to make a big deal of it with Brian even though he didn't much want any fuss.  He didn't like the pastor asking the dad's to stand up in church on this holiday although he did it.  It might have lookied a  little odd if he hadn't done it.

Brian was a husband any woman would  have loved to have.  He was loving, thoughtgful and one of the dearest Christians I had ever known.  When I saw the above verse, I thought about him because of that word INTEGRTY.  He was a man of integrity from the top of his head to the soul of his feet.  The only lie (I put that lightly) he was known to tell was to our children when they would ask his age.  His answer was always the same....23.  When the children got old enough to do some addition noting that I would have been many years older than him, he would explain by telling them that I had adopted him.

Church attendance was never a question.  If we had company on a Sunday, they either went with us or stayed home while we went.  One time, I was ill over a weekend and we had two little girls, hardly kindergarten age and a younger baby boy.  I remember him preparing the diaper bags and took off with all three to church even though they would have been separated in the nursery facilities somewhere.  How he  got in three lines at the end of the service I'll ever know.

I must say from my standpoint that I grew spiritually under his leadership.  He practiced his faith and service.  He was a student of the Word and was my extra commentary source when preparing Bible studies of any sort.  

Someone asked me one day what I missed about Brian having gone to Heaven.  I told her that it was everything, but miss his influence in my life in so many ways.

I guess this is too personal for a blog but many others I know could write some of the same things on this day.  I'm a blessed wife that God would bring such a person into my life.  All dad's aren't alike and can't be compared.  Dad's become much of who they are because of their family of wife and children.  God knew Adam would need an Eve but also knew ahead of time that we Eve's would need our Adams.

Thank You Father for the privilege we have of the loving and godly influence of our men on Father's Day.  Perhaps even just as blessed are our children who have benefited in so many ways through strong dads.  In Jesus' name...Amen

DON'T QUIT!

 And let us not grow weary
  in well doing  
for in due season we shall
reap if we do not lose
heart.
Galatians 6:9

We are right here at the onset of the summer months.  Folks are making all sorts of plans for coming days.  Many will travel to places of interest, get together with family members who may live at a distance or just plan events closer to home.  Perhaps it's the hot weather and general climate of things but somehow, these three months seem so much different from the other nine.  Yes, climates, holidays and so many things make our seasons different, but the summer months are just something else.

Spiritually these months can pose some risks.  They aren't different in physical ways but spiritually, we can experience a slow down in feelings we either don't notice or don't understand.  It's during these months we can quit doing some things that are normal for us the rest of the year.  We can lose faithfulness in our church attendance, in our Bible reading, in times of prayer and in being of service to others.  It's like for some that many things are put on hold until September.  We can't quit those things that are an in-depth part of us.  We should plow on without quitting.

There may be some things, however, that might merit our quitting-ness. 

Hot weather often brings on anger and negative attitudes.  Be it anger, complaining, selfishness, there are those things we should in God's power quit.

Just as children go to chuch camp in the summer, perhaps we can plan our own spiritual times for these months...a new book to read, a different Bible to study and mark up, getting out into nature frequently even if it's sitting in the car by a mountain stream, putting a jig saw puzzle together or doing a craft project that isn't too complicated.  The key is to keep God a part of all we plan.  I've done this before and found it refreshing.  I didn't do all those things at once but made some changes for the sake of variety.

Above all, we just can't quit on Jesus.  For sure, He didn't quit on us when circumstances were worse than a hot, steamy day.  He didn't quit on us and we mustn't quit on Him no matter the season we face.

Father, we love you even though a times we may not show it as much as we should.  You are so faithful and loving to us and that hasn't stopped.  You never quit on us and may we be consistent in our love for you.  In Jesus name...Amen

 

     REMEMBER WHEN    

I will remember the works of

the LORD; surely I will remember

Your wonders of old.

Psalm 77:11

The other day, I saw an item on my computer where someone had duplicated the inside of the average home back in the 60's.  As I looked at the tour, it looked very much like my house in the 50's even with the clotheslines in the backyard with laundry hanging on them.  I felt such a sentimental warmth because it all looked so familiar.  The kitchen, with appliances is always a feature.  I don't recall a TV anyplace but there were some radios here and there.  From drapes to pictures on the wall, that of course included a yearly calendar with all of the hangings, would be so very dull in our day of fancy furnishings, no matter a person's income.

It's interesting at certain ages the things we remember from time past including both positive and negative memories.  Hopefully we have dealt with the unfortunate times but the sweetness of life's memories should be keepers.  It's interesting how we remember events, people, special relationships, places lived and jobs held.

What concerns me about me is that I have a life full of great memories of family, friends and life in general.  What I fail to remember are so many of the things that come under the category of GOD'S BLESSINGS.  I realize the it might seem a little odd having a time of thanksgiving in June when we usually reserve such for the month of November, but God often gets slighted in this area.

I don't look back often enough to that sunny day in our church when I went forward to accept Jesus as my Savior.  With some chagrin, I remember baptism the next Sunday evening when six of us were to be baptized.  The water heater had broken, it was very cold weather, but we went on with the baptism anyway.  Don't think I've been that cold since.  There were church camps I loved and learned.  God led me and sustained me in a four year Christian college.  Through the years, He gave me so many opportunities to serve Him and still does.  He has held me in the palm of His great hand through the thick and thins of life.  He's taught me to love His Word, to study it and teach it to dear ladies I love.  

There are more and more sweet memories of God's working in my life.  I never want Him to think I don't remember His love and goodness.  No matter our age, what a blessing remembering the former years of regular life but even moreso, remembering how God has worked His marvelous wonders to the present .  

Father, Thank You  so much for the memories.  There have been smiles but tears as well.  Through Your loving care, I can remember where You have brought me from up to and include this very moment. I never want to forget your goodness.      In Jesus precious name...Amen

ANSWER THE DOOR

Behold, I stand at the door and

knock.  If anyone hears My

voice and opens the door, I will

come into him and dine with

him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:200

 It was a typical December Friday night in our small town.  It was the last basketball game prior to our Christmas break and as usual most of the town had turned out for the game.  Somewhere into the game, all play on the floor came to an abrupt stop.  Players went to their sidelines and an announcement came over the speaker system.  An urgent request was made for any doctors in the building to immediately go to a certain coal mine.  Our town was a coal mining town.  Any man working there was known well by family and friends.  

There was a moment of being stunned.  Then players ran for their dressing rooms and the crowd began to move out to their cars.  We soon learned there had been an explosion killing 120 men.  Only a couple of men had survived.  

The media was nothing like it is now.  Information was slow coming for their consumption so the great crowd of them began just going from door to door, banging on doors, hoping someone would open up and share information about victims and their families.  My Mother gave strict orders to NOT answer or open our front door to anyone.  As it turned out, there were only a couple of reporters that came to our house but were refused.

There are times when it just isn't safe or sane to open any door in our lives, not just a residential one.  We may have in past opened doors to people or activities not good for us in any way.  There is, however, a time to open the door of our lives and that is to the knocking of Jesus, Who wants to fellowship with us anytime of day or night. He won't force His way into our lives...we have to open the door to Him and then we will know sweet fellowship like with no other.

Dear Jesus, may I never refuse to open to You the door of my life.  May I always welcome You that I may learn from You and learn from You.  I'm so grateful for Your sacrifice on my behalf and love You so much....Amen

 REMEMBER WHEN

I will remember the works of

the LORD;  surely I will

remembesr Your wonders of old.

Psalm 77:11

Years ago, I used to hear older folks talk about how the older they had gotten, the shorter their memories.  That just didn't compute for me at the time.  However, I've come to look at things from a different angle now.  So many folks my age are often mistaken as having dimentia or some form of it.  Now I logically look at the things I have a problem remembering and can feel for those ladies in years gone by. When in my younger years, there just wasn't as much information stored in my memory as there is now with so much info to recall now.

When we get down to all the remembering we do, we often leave our Heavenly Father out.  We don't mean to because we have far more to remember about His love and provision than anyone elses.  We have spiritual things to remember, such as:  primary Sunday school, favorite pastors, day of our salvation, evening of baptistm, first Bible, church camp, and Chrisstian education.  

A little later came dating a godly man, marrying that godly man, privileged opportunities of serving the Lord using gifts He instilled in me for purpose, God's continued care and protection. These days, I remember my dear hubby who  is with Jesus and that God has provided for me to join along with a multitude of saints when He sees fit.  It's all a tribute to a wonderful and loving Heavenly Father. 

What would your spiritual memory list look like?  There's no way we can list every possible thing He's done and imprinted on our hearts, but as they come to recall, we should be a rejoicing people remembering God's goodness.  Let's choose to pause and remember how precious He's been and continues to be.

Father, You have poured the sweetest of things into my life through the years.  There have been the difficult things to remember but can remember how You brought me through them.  Thank You, Father, for the memories.  In Jesus name...Amen

COMFORT AND JOY

I, even I, am He who

Who comforts you,

Who are you that you

should be afraid.

Isaiah 51:12a

 It's odd the things that come to mind just out of the blue.  I was having breakfast this morning, a breakfast I never ate when Brian was here.  He wouldn't have liked it in the least, but may have eaten it out of courtesy.

Brian hadn't been gone very long when while getting my hair done in the home of a very dear friend, her husband walked into their kitchen to fix some breakfast for himself.  I asked what he was going to have and he told me he was fixing sausage gravy on biscuits.  I'm not really a biscuit person, but thought the gravy might be good on toast.  I asked where to get that toast topping and was directed to the gravy section of the grocery store.  I've never liked commercial gravy or mashed potatoes in a restaurant so had no idea what this would end up being.

Needless to say, I literally bit and made the purchase.  I was more than skeptical, so put extra butter on the toast before adding the topping.  With the first bite, a word came to mind....COMFORT.  I've heard folks speak of comfort food, but haven't thought of food in that way very often.  This comfort delight is something I can eat any time of day.  It warms the body, soul and spirit

I've been thinking how God's Word is our comfort food beyond what physical food can produce for us.  We are more than encouraged in so many ways to find comfort in it that can result in a joy we can't begin to imagine.  A Christmas carol refers to "tidings of comfort and joy" which became available to us upon the coming of Jesus.  We may avidly seek comfort and even joy from so many sources, but bottom line, He's our only real source of both of those things...no matter what someone might tell you about sausage and gravy.

I don't know, Father, what I could ever do without You in my life.  You are always giving, healing and comfort.  The topping You pour onto  my life is the joy You give in abundance.  Thank You so much.  In Jesus name...Amen

GOT'CHER  BACK

Fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am

your God;

I will strengthen you, yes, I

will help you with My

righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:9,10

Growing up around lots of country relatives, I came to learn all sorts of phrases, slang and otherwise.  The above title was one of those statements that when young I didn't understand it.  I wondered how on earth anyone could just get your back  and what would they do with it when they took it from someone.

I came to know the statement as one that speaks of looking out for another person, no matter what situation could arise in the life of another.  Such a statement, however, is one of genuine commitment and even though crude in sound, is one a friend might take very seriously.

Defending or looking out after anotherone's best interest can be a serious undertaking.  People may feel the statement is more often a promise of financial help.  There are so many other ways, however, we can look out for each other.  It will begin with a genuine interest and love for a particular person.  Our concern for another may not mean huge undertakings.  It may not mean going to bat for someone that indicates some kind of conflict.

I've been a people watcher, not starer.  When with other Christian friends, faces or posture can indicate not feeling well, discouragement and yes, even abuse.  When concerned about another, I might say, "Well, what can I do for you today."  That doesn't mean they have to tell me a thing and will often say, "Pray for me."  I promise to do so and don't pry any further.

We're in a weary world where Christian friends often find themselves in situations they never saw coming.  Often, the best way to "got'cher backs" is to be caring, loving and praying.  Afterall, the only Person who really has our backs is our Heavenly Father and He's more than able no matter what's going on.

Father, You are so faithful in keeping me close when at times I don't even recognize it.  I'm so grateful for your care and attention to my every need.  Your power in my life means more than I can say.  In Jesus' name...Amen

LISTEN UP

 My sheep hear my voice, and

I know them, and they

follow Me.

John 10:27

In today's world, we are bombarded with voices of various types.  One of the main ways we recognize folks is by their voices.  We talk on our phones to friends and families, knowing those folks by their voices.  Science is telling us that soon, anyone's voice will be able to be copied so that even close relatives won't recognize a phony voice.   Aside from voices in general, I have been disturbed how voices are used.  On television, news reports, medication ads, etc. are voiced with or without pictures that are meant to cause the general public to be frightened if they don't adhere to such productions.

Recently, I've been reading John 10 where most of the chapter is given to Jesus speaking of Himself as our shepherd.  He knows the nature of sheep, the animal.  They are for the most part pretty dumb.  They will gnaw on grass even if it takes them to the edge of a cliff.  They rarely know when to rest and picky about what water source they drink from.  However, they are very intelligent when it comes to knowing they have a shepherd enough to know that shepherd's voice.  It's almost to the point that if their shepherd even clears his voice, the sheep may at least raise their heads.  When he speaks, one sees immediate, attentive obedience on the part of the entire flock.

Jesus sees us as direly needing leadership in our lives.  He knows all about sheep...He was a sacrificial lamb following in obedience to His Father.  He clearly heard His Father's voice and followed without hesitation.  Jesus is now our Shepherd and speaks in this chapter referring to the human voice and need for His sheep to not only hear His voice, but to do His bidding. T

Voices are calling out to us from every place we can think of to turn our attention away from our Shepherd.  To follow Him, however, we first must know His voice or we'll follow others we shouldn't.  Without the relationship, there's no communication. When we know the bidding of Jesus on our lives, we make a choice...being loved and provided for, or worse, falling off a cliff the world calls us to.  

Thank You Jesus for being my Shepherd.  I need Your care and leadership in my life.  Help me to not stray from you and to faithfully hear and obey your voice.  In Jesus' name...Amen

WHAT A DAY

This is the day the LORD
hath made;  we will
rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

Well, I would dare say by this evening or maybe into the morning, most of the Easter trappings are well on their way to trash cans, garbage disposals or even some closet shelves.  A kitchen counter may still have some traces of ham and sweet potatoes but that can be handled tomorrow.    One still may feel the crunch under foot of some small remnants of larger egg shells.  If company came, they may have left by this evening.  The adults in the family may just plop in a chair because of utter exhaustion while kids, if any, may still have some energy left.  It's been a good day, a good week, good thoughts, and perhaps renewed spiritual energy.

I find it interesting the physical and emotional reactions to various holidays.  On July fourth, with the last firecracker, things seem to get back to normal pretty quickly.  It's the same with some other holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day and even Valentines Day.  I can't recall ever having any emotional hangovers when those holidays were over.

HOWEVER, I have found it to be a different story when it comes to our spiritual ones such as what we have observed today.  Christmas would fall in that category as probably would Thanksgiving.  It's not hard noticing the differences.  The one like today is a spiritual day where it is about Jesus, not a firecracker, staying up to greet a new year or decorating graves the end of May.  We Christians usually go all out for our three precious holidays that have definite spiritual emphasis.

Guess what?  Today is over and as our pastor mentioned this morning, "Now what?"  With Christmas and Easter, we may put day upon day in preparations.  We may spend a good bit of time in our churches in celebration and we love every minute.  However, has this celebration today changed us in any way.  Was it a nice day and time but the coming week may not show much in us spiritually.

Jesus is alive and well.  He, through His Holy Spirit is still on duty for the believer.  Do I feel closer to my Heavenly Father now especially when it comes to gratitude than where I was a week or two ago?  These special times are important for what can come about in our personal lives...loving and appreciating Jesus more and feeling a closeness that is dear to us.  Afterall, it won't be long until we won't have to celebrate these days as we will be with our Lord.....and what a day that will be.  No Christmas decor or colored eggs will be seen as well as plates of turket and dressing where He is.  We will be with Him and will need no trimmings or decor.  Can't wait.

Thank You Father for these special days when we remember your love and goodness in our lives.  May we carry on in the days to follow in Your love and power knowing we can celebrate You and Your Son any moment or day of the year.  Praying in Jesus' precious name....Amen

 

SOMEONE  CARES

Therefore, humble yourselves under

the mighty hand of God, that He may

exalt you in due time,

casting all your care upon Him,

for He cares for you.

I Peter 5:6,7

Looking at our culture today, we can see alot of people living in misery.  We see in the news on an almost daily basis dire situations  with weather, illness, financial difficulties, family problems and on and on it goes that people are living with.  Many take the attitude that they are taking care of their own problems with no time for considering the plight of others.

I wrote a blog recently regarding people who in some ways feel very broken.  Such people often do all they can to look like they don't have a problem in the world.  Who cares about such folks who don't even look like they have a problem in the world.  Besides, who cares anyway?

One used to rely on family members to be caring of each other.  Even in our day such can't necessarily be counted on.  There are times when distance, family misunderstandings and even one's faith can come into play in how even family members view each other.  Many have work families where so much time is spent working together in a business.  There can be some concern for one another but with limits.  Even in church settings, one can feel very alone, especially when coming into a new church experience.

I have had times in my life when I could be in a crowded room with people I knew and still felt as lonely as could be.  I realize a good part of that was my fault but not in that moment.  When feeling such a loneliness, along with that is the feeling that in that moment, no one really cares about me.  

We may struggle with those feelings off and on, but the fact is that we are never alone.  As believers, we have the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.  I'm afraid all too often, He gets ignored but is a ready presence just the same.  I realize in speaking of God's closeness, that we still desire some human form to come to our aid. 

When I make such things a matter of prayer, not only do I sense God's comfort and car but so many times, out of the blue, He's led someone to give me a call, a face book contact or even a visit.  No one is going to EVER care about you and me like our Heavenly Papa and He has in His power every resource to fulfill His promise of His love and care.

Father God, how I thank You for coming along side me so often through Your love and Spirit when I've felt alone and uncared for.  I'm much too human so many times forgetting that Your loving care for me can always be counted on.  In Jesus' precious name....Amen

  BROKEN

The LORD is near to those

who have a broken heart, and

 saves such as have a

contrite  spirit.

Psalm 34:18

For several years, we have had a three tiered, wooden shelf upon which we have put glass keepsakes.  It all started with five tea cup/saucer sets my Grandmother had brought with her from Scotland to America. They had immigrated soon after getting married.  She had said from the beginning that she wanted me to have those.  Brian bought the shelf and mounted it just above our piano where it still hangs in place.

There are some other glass articles on the shelves including the bride/groom figurine from our wedding cake.  While playing the piano one afternoon, one nail, top right began giving way and a disaster was in the making.  I jumped up, grabbed the shelf from the bottom and held it flat so things couldn't fall off.  However, two cups and saucers dropped to the piano.  They broke but not in tiny pieces.  All of these sets were of fine china with lots of gold work in the designs.  My Grandmother recalled having enjoyed tea time in Scotland with some of those cups and saucers.

One cup was totaled but it's saucer could be mended.  The other cup and saucer were in bad shape but could probably be mended.  Brian took care of that when he got home from work.  He used some special glue to carefully perform the surgery needed.  He did such a good job and the three pieces were put back on their shelves.  To this day, as I sit in my chair looking at that shelving and those items, I know the damaged pieces but from where I sit, I can't tell there was any damage done.

It's much like that with people.  You and I know what it is to be broken and sometimes what seems to be damage beyond repair.  However, God has His own love putty that puts us back together.  There may be some outer damage the circumstances experienced can't hide but that are there.  Even being around fellow believers, we may not be able to detect personal damage done in their lives, but God has come to their rescue with His own methods of binding up all the breakage in life we've all experienced.  To our Father, we are much more priceless and precious than any fancy cup and saucer from Scotland.

Thank You Father for mending and repairing those broken places in our lives and continuing to use us no matter our hurtful and damaging experiences.  Thank You in Jesus precious name....Amen

 GOD KNOWS

And the LORD, He is the one who

goes before you.  He will be with

you, He will not leave you nor

forsake you; do not fear nor

be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 31:8

My parents told me a little later in life that even when four and five years old, I had a good sense of direction.  They noticed we could go somewhere for the first time and if we made that same trip again, I could tell my Dad who was driving the exact way to get where we were going just in my observance.  After having come to the Smoky Mountains the second time with my Mother, she fumbled with a map while I knew how to get there accurately without any kind of map.

When six years old, I asked my Mother if I could walk to my Grandma's house.  Her house was seven blocks from our house.  She thought about it and agreed to let me walk there...alone.  The walk was interesting because as I arrived in each block, there was one very kind friend or lady who would suddenly appear on her porch, greeting me.  This went on block after block.  I finally got to the last block where I had to cross a street.  As I approached that corner, there was Catherine, leaning on her crutches.  She had polio when younger but now in her 20's just happened to be standing on that corner.  My Grandma's house was across the street but about three houses down.

Grandma greeted me and praised me for being such a big girl.  She added that she needed to call my Mother about something.  I may have been smart in some ways but a little on the naive side as well.  In later years,  I learned my Mother had set the whole thing up with lady friends who lived on those blocks that led to Grandma's house.  They were all looking out for my safety without my knowing it at the time.

Even as adults there is so much God does on our behalf we don't even know anything about.  He has guided and protected us when we never had to give it a thought.  He's put people in our path from whom we've learned and perhaps been protected and encouraged.  They have popped up on certain blocks of our lives with a greeting and perhaps help we didn't know we needed, but God knew.  He's always on duty...will never leave or forsake us.  Praise Him!

My Father...protector, teacher, true daddy, our all in all...thank You for all of Your work behind the scenes of our lives.  Praising You in Jesus name....Amen

PREPARE  THE  WAY

"For I know the plans I have for you, 

declares the Lord,  "plans to prosper

you and not to harm you, plans to

give you hope and a future."  

Jeremiah 29:11

For some time, I have known I should do something about a tooth that has been driving me crazier than I already am.  I haven't had anything done physically since Brian went to Heaven.  He was always the thinker and planner under these circumstances.  I found a good place to go for dental attention but still had great concerns.

When faced with a difficulty, I've prayed for the Lord to go ahead of me, preparing the way.  I'm well aware that 24/7 God is ahead, behind, up and down and all around me but sometimes, I need a little more attention from Him.  I tend to think negatively about new or scary things.

Got to the place and met the surgeon.  I was reading a book Bev had given me when he walked in and asked about what I was reading.  I told him some about it and that the author was guided by one verse throughout the book.  He asked what verse and I gave him the reference at the beginning of this blog.  He reached for his cell phone in his pocket, pushed one button and turned the phone toward me.  Written out was the same verse from Jeremiah.  He said he never leaves home without it.

He said he had prayed for something special in the new work day and there I sat.  He asked if he could take a picture of the front of book.  I gave him a foldy our class is giving out that says JESUS LOVES YOU. He said that it was going on his trucks dashboard.

He did get the tooth thing done believe it or not but I hardly gave it a thought because of how very special the time had been.  We both bragged on God and how he can do the greatest things we can hardly believe.  God had gone ahead of me, with no Brian, but made the way and He even hung around during the whole event.  Praise the Lord!!!

Father God, I'm so grateful for your presence and how You make Yourself known in my  life.  I believe You may have smiled with us as we talked of You...two people who didn't know each other but both knew You.  Amen

GAME OF ALL GAMES

I press toward the goal for the

prize of the upward call of God

in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14

It's been a big basketball time this weekend, not just for most schools but especially as our local UT team that has moved to the SEC championship game.  There is alot of cheering, traveling, wearing of certain colors, pom-poms and of course, lots of food.

Unfortunately, folks who are real fans, can never know what all goes into any team, of any sport, whether teams win or lose.  Alot of time goes into training, skills in movement, aiming at a goal of some kind, studying game plans and going through the rigors of following strict orders and information from not just one coach but maybe two or three.  

Many athletes started in their favorite sport when in grade school and work up through every school year.  Hours have been spent and even families involved as well.  Lots of transportation needed back and forth to a school that could have both morning and evening special sessions.

Coaches put in hours of work both away from and in practice times. The coach can't be out on a basketball court doing for the players what they have been trained to do.  It has to be hard for the coach when he's done his best to see a player who isn't giving his best.  They have planned, been father figures, disciplined and equipt their young players the best they can and then are put on the sideline.

I wonder how God, the perfect coach feels when we don't respond to directions, discipline, training, life plans and general guidance.  Athletic teams have equipment to be used in their various sports.  Our Coach equips us in every way to participate in this  game of life.  We may not have a ball or hockey stick but we have a book...the Bible, the very Word of God  

God is our coach and He has His assistant coaches here on earth to assist Him.  They may be pastors, teachers, godly friends and family, but it is God who calls the plays.  How can we lose in life with all of that love, instruction and His Presence.  Let's give it our best...we are already on the winning team.

Father, I don't know how I could face life without You and all You provide for me.  Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who guides, keeps me mindful of You and empowers me to do well for Your honor and glory.  Thank You, too, for Jesus.  In Him...Amen

 

SEE SPOT RUN

Study to show thyself, approved 

unto God, a workman that needeth 

not to be ashamed, rightly dividing

the Word of truth.

II Timothy 2:15

I’ve been thinking lately about some folks that had a strong influence in my early years of life.  I’m sure there were many but there is one lady that I look back on with such gratitude.  Her name was Miss Irene, my first grade teacher.  She had been called by that name since she had taught some of our parents.  She was a little on the heavy side, with dark hair in an updo as was in that day.  I feel such a gratitude for this sweet teacher who taught our class a special skill that I have taken very personally…she taught me how to read.

You and I could hardly exist if we didn’t know how to read.  In early years, our reading was confined pretty much to books…school, comic and children’s classics.  But now, think how we could hardly make it in this life if we didn’t know how to read.  We couldn’t rely on everyone to read to us.  Without reading, we couldn’t write either. 

Here's my point of gratitude.  Miss Irene taught me a skill not just to get me through school and life in general, but through it, I was able to read a Bible.  There are times I turn in my Bible and think about her.  She taught us to read by sight, sound, and lots of repetition.  However it was taught it is a skill I will take with me to Heaven because of Miss Irene.  A simple word of gratitude could never ne enough.

Father, it sounds so simple being grateful for a skill everyone has been taught.  Just in reading Your Word, I’ve come to know You and Your salvation.  I love reading Your Word and thank You for its availability.  In Jesus’ precious name…Amen

 GIFTS ARE  GREAT

Thanks be to God for His

indescribable gift.

II Corinthians 9:15

People who don't like receiving gifts or presents must have something wrong in their being.  People of all ages love receiving presents...the more the better.  Some gifts come wrapped up with pretty paper and bows.  Others may come in a card by way of a gift card for cash to a favorite store.  Some gifts may come through a phone call or written greetings on one's computer.  However, from our very young years, we have really liked wrapped gifts the most.

We think of children when we think of gifts.  A child's birthday  is a really big event as is Christmas.  There is just something about a box of any size, wrapped up, looking very mysterious.  The first Christmas gift I remember is a baby doll.  Oh, how I loved that doll and I think I got one every Christmas after that.  The bike came along and of course it couldn't be wrapped.  Back then there were no training wheels or helmets.  I just got on my bike and took off.

Adults still love receiving gifts but have also loved giving them.  Their gifts are usually more sophisticated but still enjoyed.  One special gift usually available to every age person is the gift of life to be enjoyed and used for God's glory.  God gives us the gift of life each day and it doesn't come gift wrapped but is a gift just the same.

I've known people through the years who are so very generous and thoughtful in gift giving but no one can ever top God's supreme gift.  He gave us the gift we still can't understand, that being the gift of His Son.

Most gifts given or received have usually be purchased with money.  Our gift purchase price from God was far different.  God's gift of His Son was paid for through the shed blood of Jesus...no bows or wrapping paper necessary.

Thank You, Father, for the gift of Your Son.  It wasn't just a one-time gift, but is THE GIFT that just keeps on giving and will on into eternity.  Thinking of Jesus...Amen

 

GOOD LISTENING

Call unto Me, and I will answer

you, and show you great and mighty

things, which you do not know.

Jeremiah 33:3 

For years, we have heard what good listeners we ought to be.  I don’t tend to be a very good one even after my years of social work and church contacts.  Everyone wants to be heard so in that process, we are usually good at interrupting another persons sharing.  We are living in a time when everyone wants to be heard without having to listen to the other side.

When speaking of listening, we usually think of taking in physically through our ears what is being said, but most people can easily do that with perhaps the exception of those who might have a hearing problem.  However, there is a great gap between physically hearing a voice and actually taking in the message being relayed to us by the speaker.

So very often, I think, at least in my own experience, that when it comes to God’s Word, I’ve been good a seeing words on the pages of my Bible even with a certain amount of understanding.  However, the goal of the Holy Spirit is that we do more than just seeing words with minimal understanding.  He has some very rich things to impart that are going to require us to be good listeners, not just with eyes and even ears, but with heart.  When we really listen with the heart, the spiritual benefits are tremendous.

We have such a good example of one who listens in what we read about Jesus.  We see Him doing a lot of teaching and sharing, but was courteous in listening even to His soundest critics.  It is interesting to note that when he replied after their critiques of Him that they just couldn’t come back with a reply.  He gave them their opportunity to speak uninterrupted but they weren’t able to respond to His words of wisdom.  Jesus listened carefully before He spoke.  In our day, folks just want to be given an opportunity to be heard.  It might be hard at times, but if we want to be heard, we need to practice that listening part.

Father, You have listened to me through the years in all situations.  Thank You for that and that You continue doing so.  I don’t know what I would do without Your listening ear.  In Jesus’ name….Amen

 

HOUSE CLEANIN' TIME

Have mercy upon me, O God, according

to Your loving kindness; according

to the multitude of Your tender mercies,

blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalm 51:1,2

When I begin to look at the coming days of Spring, my mind goes back as a young girl to what I would consider to be my absolute “nightmare city.” Great plans were always made in anticipation of the spring housecleaning that was to be done. We did things then that rarely if ever are done in our present day.

Our housecleaning meant taking things out of the house, into the yard to give certain items the beating of their lives. Throw rugs were thrown over clotheslines and with some kind of wire racket, were beaten until there was no dust left to fly into the air. Organdy curtains were taken off the windows, gently washed and stretched on special racks, putting them in the sunshine to dry. Windows were cleaned inside and out, the outhouse in the backyard got a good cleaning and the kitchen was dismantled so as to clean every nook and cranny of just about every available space.

I was recently reminded of a phrase in Scripture that referred to God's cleansing of our sins. Our mandate is to repent and God will do the cleaning. We often think of repentance being reserved for the unsaved but not so. Believers need to be alert to having a repentant spirit before the Lord. Perhaps at times, there might need to be an in-depth cleaning of saved- up dirty sin. I must say that back then, when finished, our house sure smelled good and fresh. Perhaps with a spiritual housecleaning, we would know more of that sweet aroma of Christ that we can share with the world around us.

Father, clean me up. I'm so sorry for my sin and the times I disappoint you. I want to live a clean life for Your honor and glory. Thank You for Your love and power that are sustaining and ever available. In Jesus' name...Amen

 

AN EARLY CALLING

And whatever you do in word or

deed, do all in the name of the

Lord Jesus, giving thanks to

God the Father through Him.

Colossians 3:17

Her name was Ruth Young. She's been in Heaven for awhile now. She was one of those ladies in the church who did a little bit of everything...church bulletin, bank deposits, teacher and whatever else she did. One of her big responsibilities was VBS every summer, often leading the junior department.

Bible school went through sixth grade and I had attended all I could...being in seventh grade, I was finished. Ruth stopped me at church one day and asked me to help her with her VBS kids. She wanted me to teach them Bible memory verses. I immediately told her that I had never taught anything before. She assured me she would help me along the way.

I faced about 30 boys and girls the first day of VBS and I was scared to death. I have to tell you, though, that I had a ball. I had some ideas I used and the kids had such a good time learning. My only mistake was while teaching, I sat on the Lord's supper table as we met in the auditorium. It was the only place to sit, but I haven't done that since.

Time went quickly. I can't tell you what awakened in me but didn't say anything to anyone about it. Ruth came to me on the last day and thanked me. She added a comment to her gratitude saying, “I believe you are going to be a great teacher. In fact, some day I think you will teach hundreds.” Twenty five years later, something like that happened at a conference. As I finished, God allowed my mind to go back to Ruth and how she seemed to see this part of my future.

I mention this because there are younger folks around us who need encouragement in considering how God can use them perhaps just in their local church. Our suggestions of some possibilities may seem unrealistic at first but we know it is God that will do the work. You may even have the privilege of helping young people peek into their future spiritual callings.

God used a faithful church lady who saw something in a scrawny young girl that the girl didn't see in herself. It may not have changed Ruth's life to speak of, but with some years, it sure changed mine. Thank you, Ruth.

Father God, too many reasons to thank You for calling me to be a teacher for You. I also thank You for Ruth Young who got me started with 30 girls and boys in VBS. Thank You for using her encouragement and for You choosing to use me. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

 

CALLED TO WAIT

But those who wait on the LORD

shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings

like eagles, they shall run and

not be weary, they shall walk and

not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Rest in the LORD, and wait

patiently for Him.

Psalm 37:7a

We all have done our share of waiting. I don't like it even though I have often seen the purpose of it. Just the word “wait” does not bring warmth to my bones. I, perhaps like you, have waited and no matter where or what it was...not my cup of tea. I have waited for a ten month pregnancy to end giving me the precious gift of my middle child. I have waited in doctor's waiting rooms, waited to hear regarding test results, waied at airports, waited for holidays to arrive and yes even for grass to grow. I waited for that last one a few times when we moved into a new houses..

We may pace, chew nails, over eat and even talk to ourselves. I guess if we didn't have waiting to help put brakes to our lives, we would be crazy beyond understanding or control. I want to know RIGHT NOW what I need to know without a waiting time. I've come to know but not always appreciate that God doesn't work according to my wrist watch or calendar. We know He does all things well and a part of that is His working His way and in His timing.

I've come to learn when I am called upon to wait to find a way to be busy. That generally means reaching for my Bible and doing some reading. I can use some of that time to pray for friends and family who are facing their own challenges. The end result can be of those things seen in the above verses. In our waiting times, whether we feel or realize it, we gain in patience, in strength and may even find ourselves feeling rested. It takes a determination on our parts to realize the problem and prayerfully wait. The Great Enabler is faithful...waiting + patience = spiritual strength.

Father God, thank You for the rest You give when we patiently wait on You. Give us Your power to wait when You want us to. You are a wonderful Father, always looking at what's in our best interest. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

THIS DAY

This is the day the LORD

has made; we will rejoice

and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

The older I get, the more important each day seems to mean to me. God has made every single day for me to live and enjoy. I see in this verse there are no description of what a day may consist of. For instance, there are rainy days, sick days, work days, vacation days, discouraging days, wedding days, sunny days, and on and on. We may have more than one of those things all in one day.

God's word isn't precise for a reason. Whatever comes our way on any given day, whether positive or negative, we are to have the spirit of two things....difference but like as well. Glad is an emotion that begins within us. Folks may not be able to tell what we are thinking or feeling. Gladness generally will come to the surface through a smile, relaxed spirit or even twinkle in the eye.

Rejoicing is the outcropping of our gladness. We perhaps have gladness building up in us and as if we can't contain ourselves, we laugh, face brightens and we at times can be come plain silly.

Our rejoicing, the evidence of an inner joy doesn't come from life's circumstances. It's a spiritual quality from God Himself. If I am ill, I still should be able to find joy because God is not only in control of my life, but is my Best Friend...and the source of my gladness as well.

We love You, Father, and at times don't show spirits of gladness and rejoicing because of circumstances. Help us to see You in all our days, no matter the pain or happiness. Thank You for being our friend and for giving us the days You for serving and loving You. In Jesus' name...Amen 

SPIRITUAL BUDS

Why are you cast down, O

my soul? And why are you

disquieted within me?

Hope in God, for I shall

yet praise Him for the help

of His countenance.

Psalm 42:5

Many of us might find ourselves a little wealthier if we could have one dollar for every time we have heard “I hope so.” Most often the word is used in a very downcast manner, but that is not the meaning or intent of the word.

I have also considered the phrase “Keep the faith.” I used to hear that said sounding like some kind of cheer, called out by someone usually wanting to encourage someone. I have come to see the two words FAITH and HOPE as words that are to be encouraging. Non believers use both words in their own way, just perhaps helping others to be of good cheer.

I have looked at these words before, and although I'm primarily looking at the word HOPE, I still want to give attention to the word FAITH for us to once again see them in light of spiritual importance.

                                                        F-orsaking              H-aving

                                                        A-ll                          O-nly

                                                        I-                             P-ositive

                                                        T-rust                      E-xpectations

                                                        H-im

One thing I see both words have in common is that both requires some activity on our part. Those activities can be on the uncomfortable side for us. One part tells us to “forsake all” and that's a word we don't care for. It generally means giving up thing(s) we don't want to give up but the key added word there is “all.” God may convict us of something we need to get away from be it habits, people, pastimes, etc. Forsaking means to give something up totally, never to revisit it again.

Hope, however is a very positive concept. The hard part of this is the word “positive.” We live in a very negative time. At times our first inclination is to thing about what won't or can't happen. Hope, however, is purely a positive concept. We wouldn't hope to be in a car accident or burn the dinner. It means our focusing on the good that can happen in any situation of our concern.

Be it faith or hope in our lives, the one Person that might not be considered in the moment is the Author of both...our Father. He has meant both for our joy and well being. In our complete trust in God, hope can walk us through any situation. We can trust and rest in Him with a smile of anticipation when we trust only Him and hope in those expectations He will work for our good.

Help us to trust You, Father, in all things and to plant our hopes and desires in You alone. May we function in Your power and Yours alone. In Jesus name...Amen