"I Forget"

Brethren, I count not myself to have
apprehended: but this one thing I
do, forgetting those things which are
behind, and reaching forth unto those
things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13,14

Now that I'm at the age I am, I am feeling that the last thing I ever need to say to anyone in response to a question or statement is “I forget” or “I forgot.” If you pay attention around folks 60 and older, there is a hesitancy in using those words. I can understand the hesitancy. There are some conditions that afflict elder citizens that cause lapses in memory. To say they forgot something of some sort may appear to others to indicate one of THOSE conditions.

My problem is that I've never had a good memory, especially when it comes to names. We have resided in five states during our married life. I don't even recall all the women I have taught in Bible studies or Sunday school classes through those years. I've made it a habit to at least memorize first names of folks in my present although I've done poorly in memorizing some of those. When put on a spot regarding names, I almost have a panic attack trying to remember a person's name who approaches me, knowing I should remember the name. I've met ladies several times who have said to me, “Do you remember me?” Oh, I hate that question. Even if I remember someone like that, I draw a blank with that question.

People forget things for any number of reasons....illness, too busy to think, too much time has passed, medications, or maybe never had clear cut information to begin with. We should be alert all the time, no matter the age, to possible health issues. We mustn't, however, be quick to make judgments when it comes to trivial comments of forgetfulness.

The one area I am usually good at remembering are those things I should forget. There have been times in my life when I know I was a disappointment to the Lord and then to some family members and friends. I know I hurt people at times not realizing I had done it. There are so many of those things I wish I could forget, but tend to remember them, often chastening myself mentally over and over to no avail. Even with God's forgiveness, I often find it hard in forgiving myself.

It's also easy for me to remember past hurts and Satan is so wonderful in reminding me of some of those over and over. The problem with that is nothing is solved or cured. There are those who have hurt me and don't realize it. If they do realize it, they may not care if they know I'm hurt. God has helped me in my older years to measure within myself what is important to harbor in my mind and what isn't. There are things I am choosing to ignore, giving them to the Lord in prayer.

There are things we can remember both positive and negative that can be very valuable, lessons in life. The positive things we learn from are usually things that can create a prideful attitude which is a lesson in itself. Those negative things that humble us help us greatly in learning about dealing with people and the negatives in their lives.

In it all, there are things I never want to forget. I want to remember that I am loved by God more than I can imagine. I love remembering things from the Word of God that encourage and bless me even when I don't have my Bible near. I never want to forget how much I love my family...hubby, children and grandchildren and others. I want to remember how much God's church means to me where I can learn, worship and serve. All of these things bundled together have such meaning in my life along with so many blessings God pours into my life on a daily basis.

How is our memory doing these days when it comes to the things of God? Perhaps if we take time to remember those things instead of hanging onto all of the negatives that have happened in our lives, we would be healthier in every way whether in our dealings with people in general or in our personal thought life. I have to often remind myself that to God, our thoughts are words. He's well aware of the things that trouble us, especially on a long-range basis. How can we be fruitful blessings in the lives of others when we choose to harbor so many things in our minds we should have chosen to forget a long time ago. Forgiving is possible when necessary and even when that happens, forgetting is possible as well.

Sometimes when we are forgetful about some things, isn't so bad.

Thank You Father for Your thought of us. Your Word says You know each of us by name and keep us in Your mind. Thank You for loving each of us that much. In Jesus name...Amen

ALL THINGS

And we know that all things work together
for good to them that love God, to them
who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

After some days in the hospital this last week, I found this verse from Romans had more meaning for me than in a great while. I'm not quick to throw this verse around in a casual way as some might. For many it's become a too-casual catch all for every event of life. This verse does apply to our every circumstance, but it must be a sincere application.

Going to an emergency room because of a bad reaction to a medication seemed innocent enough....in and out...right? No way in this case. An over zealous physician on the spot decided I had had a heart attack which couldn't have been further from correct. However, in an emergency situation, when those two magic words (heart attack) are are mentioned, things go into full swing. After the events of the next three days, I got to learn first hand what all does and needs to happen when there is a suspicion of a heart event. I've now seen all of the blood tests, EKG's, medications, sonograms and yes, a heart catheterization. I found myself on a medical merry-go-round I could not get off of. I did my best to explain over and over what I had come to the hospital for, but my information fell on deaf ears.

Don't get me wrong, I was surrounded by loving, caring and dedicated people. The nursing staff and two other doctors who all came my way were blessings beyond explanation. I loved the housekeeping ladies who liked to linger in my room for chats. My nurses in the wee hours of the morning were sweet and efficient seeing to my every need. So what's the problem?...ME! I don't think I had ever been in a situation quite like this where things were moving so quickly, making little sense to me although I was perfectly conscious and aware of my surroundings. In this situation, I had NO control over my circumstances.

I'm thinking of friends of mine who at times have found themselves feeling like I did at that moment with nothing making sense in their own worlds that were spinning around them. I think of a friend suddenly widowed...a husband in seeming good health gone to heaven. I think of couples dealing with older children who seem bent in keeping parents in a constant state of fear and turmoil. I've had several friends return home from a doctor's offices after hearing news no person wants to hear...stage IV. Recently in our area, hundreds of people were affected in the worst of ways because of the fires that ravaged through the mountains and into a busy tourist town. Many lost everything...even loved ones...in just a matter of hours. That's an event those folks are still picking their way through.

Our verse speaks of “ALL things.” Just the term “all things” really doesn't give us much in the way of specifics because there are some things we feel need explained to some degree. “All things” is pretty broad...there are surely exceptions. As I was wide awake in my hospital bed after the heart cath, for the life of me, no explanations for what had just happened dawned on me in anyway. There are just some things we accept because we bottom line trust Jesus that He knows what He's doing or allowing..

Feeling a little on the down side and yes, still asking some questions, one of my sweet VERY young nurses (aren't they all) came into the room. We had done quite a bit of talking, but this time she seemed to have a determination to really speak something into my life she felt I needed in that moment. She sweetly said, “Mrs. Lanoue, I am a believer. I believe you are wise and love Jesus. You've probably taught ladies for years with God-given wisdom and I have no right to say anything spiritual in nature to you.” She then went on to sweetly explain to me how in her young life she had learned there are things that happen over which she had no understanding or control. She went on to tell me that in many of those times, she learned no matter the circumstances, she had to just trust that God always knows what He's doing and has purpose in every event of our lives.

As I was listening to her, I wondered how often I have said those same things to any number of women going through tough times. Now I had a sweet, young nurse teaching me all over again those very same things that I needed to hear, that I needed to hear from the Lord through her. In her entire medical career, she'll probably not remember that moment, but I will and more important, God will.

Sooooo, I don't have to know all the details of every circumstance that occurs in my life even when I think I know what's best at the moment. When I love my Lord, and am called to serve Him, ALL things are going to work according to His purpose and I can rest in that through Eternity.

Dear Father, forgive me for forgetting You are near, dear and working on my behalf no matter my circumstances. Forgive my humanity and may my circumstances serve as life lessons for me in future days. Thank You for Your healing touch in my life and for loving me through it ALL. In Jesus precious name.....Amen

HANDS ARE HANDY

My sheep hear my voice, and I
know them, and they follow me:
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall
never perish, neither shall any man pluck
them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater
than all; and no man is able to pluck
them out of my Father's hand.
John 10:27-29

It's been amazing for some time how amazing our bodies are in their functioning. In God's creation, He thought of every possible and intricate thing regarding these bodies of our all that work in concert for us to function efficiently in so many ways. There are a multitude of things our bodies do without our thinking that work in concert with each other to keep us healthy and functioning.

One area that fascinates me are human hands. I must admit I didn't give my hands much thought until I broke my right wrist ago several years ago. I was painting my new office at work. Brian was with me when I fell off of a chair and banged my right wrist on the desk. I have never had a break in a bone before nor since that time. I asked Brian to go to the reception room and get a magazine that I put around the wrist that would do until we got to an emergency room.

At that time, a plaster cast was placed on my right arm from the elbow down into my hand. Suddenly I realized I was going to spend several weeks functioning with my left hand. I wondered how I would cook, bathe, drive safely, and feed myself. It is humiliating having to have your husband cut your meat, hence we didn't usually eat anywhere but burger places. A huge concern for me was that in my new job, typing was required because of all the reports that had to be written. With practice, I got to where I could type 45-50 words per minute with my left hand. I had to learn to do a lot of things left handed. It's amazing to this day that I still tend to do some things left handed.

Hands are mentioned often in Scripture. We read of the guiding hands of God. Also we read of people who lifted up “holy hands” in worship. Hands were often mentioned in the context of work. We are challenged in Scripture regarding our hands....”have clean hands and pure heart”...”stretched out hand”...to name a few.

I take such comfort in the fact of all my hands can do, and all God's hands do, One of the biggest blessings to me is what I see in the opening verses. Two wonderful promises are given by Jesus...”neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” He didn't stop there, but went on to say, “and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” What a double promise is given in those verses, but I wonder if we ever think of the safety and intimacy of being that close to Jesus and the Father.

When our daughter Jennie was about two years old, we made one of our treks to the Smoky Mountains and went on the Laurel Falls trail that is paved. Many families take their children on this particular trail. With Jennie being two, but a very sturdy walker, Brian still put her on his shoulders most of the way up the trail, but allowed her to walk as much as she wanted to on the way down. The stipulation was that she had to be holding her Dad's hand at all times if she was walking on the trail. There were times she wanted to pull away a run, but Brian had her in hand. That's where she stayed until we got to the car.

I'm not sure where we were going to go the next day when Brian took Jennie's left hand. She resisted almost to the point of tears. She said, “It huts.” We looked and sure enough the back of her left hand was bruised, noticeably so. Brian had held that little girl in the safety of his grip. It would have taken a lot for anyone to come along and grab Jennie. They would have had to take Brian's arm with them.

God does even more. I don't know how He gets all of us into His hand, but Jesus said that's the way it is. I wonder how many times we try to get away to do our own thing, but His grip tightens on us. He tries everything to keep us safe in every way, but we still try to go our own way. God will never let go of us where our salvation is concerned. If I choose to do some of my own things, I'll be the one with the bruises. I am safe not just in my salvation but being in His will. He's given me the privilege of making choices. Should I err, His hand is still near to pick me up and restore me to the safety of His presence.

As women, we use our hands for such a variety of things...wash dishes, cook, wash and fold clothes, apply band-aids to ouchies, button buttons, zip zippers, comb hair, change diapers and on and on the list goes. It would be impossible to begin listing all the things the hands of God does on our behalf. We so often don't even think of all the little things He does for us...so many things that keep us encouraged and moving through everyday living. Jesus holds us close to Himself where we are safe and should feel very secure, much like a Dad holding the hand of a two year old on a mountain trail.

Thank You Father for Your loving care of us. There's so much You do we don't realize or recognize. Keep us close. In Jesus Name...Amen

WHO AM I...TO YOU?

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Matthew 16:15
...Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me...
John 21:15,16,17

The prospect of going to college was so exciting for me. It was to be my first time away from home and away it was. I left Southern Illinois to attend a small Christian college that was located right in the middle of the state of Kansas. I had never traveled anywhere even near the border of that state.

A really nice thing the school did ahead of time to break in us freshman girls was to assign to us a senior female student...a big sister. We wrote letters back and forth getting acquainted with each other. My sister's letters were long telling me about herself as well as introducing me to college life. We exchanged pictures of ourselves, but even pictures aren't sufficient to introduce people to each other. When arriving on campus, my big sister had left a gift basket on my desk for me. She had already let me know she wasn't around the dorm very much what with an overload of classes and working almost full time. However, when we did meet, both of us had the same reaction and said almost the same things to each other: “I feel like I've known you for a long time” and “I would have known you anywhere.”

In recent days both in my own personal thinking and study, I've thought a lot about how well I know Jesus. With all of the advantages we have had through the years in getting to know Jesus better, I'm wondering how well we really know Him. I realize we only have the Bible as far as actual written information about Jesus. Throw in Greek and Hebrew translations that do give us a little more insight into word meanings and phraseology, and it all still comes back to the Word of God.

With having studied a lot in the New Testament Gospels, I'm always interested in Jesus' interactions with people. All of His teachings are priceless, but there are what I would call “significant moments” where it may not appear there is much importance to an event, but in such events, Jesus' words can ring down through time. In the Gospels, I think the above two questions in our two Bible verses, posed by Jesus, are important questions for you and me to to answer within ourselves with some clarity and love for Him. Both questions were answered by Peter even though only one was posed to Him personally.

By mid-Matthew, Jesus had been preaching and teaching for awhile. It's hard to tell how far Jesus was into His ministry, but He was beginning to be known. At this time, Jesus was very cautious about becoming famous. In His mind was His own timetable. He knew what awaited Him down the road...a cross. He had much to do with little time. Fame for Jesus was not a friend at that point. Jesus and this band of 12 had ministered to hundreds of people and there was bound to be talk. If people were curious about Jesus, in all probability, they would talk to the disciples about Him. The disciples told Jesus of those men of God of the past that folks had mentioned. But then He asked THE question to only the disciples....”Who say ye that I am?” I would imagine there was a bit of a pause with the men looking at each other. Good old Peter spoke up as he was accustomed to doing. His answer was priceless to the point that Jesus told Peter he could only have received that knowledge from God Himself. Peter had responded: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Good job, Peter...right on.

After Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, He met with the disciples according to the last chapter in John. He questioned Peter three times regarding his love for Him (Jesus). He wanted to know if Peter loved Him. Some say Jesus asked Peter three times because he had denied Jesus three times. We don't know that, but Peter seemed puzzled being asked the same question three times. Each time though, Peter assured Jesus of his love for Him. Unbeknown to Peter, Jesus knew of some great opportunities that would be in the beginning of the new church and further missionary efforts that would contribute greatly to the Kingdom.

Let me say that I think these are two of the most important questions Jesus asked in the course of His ministry. Jesus had every right to ask them and today, He has every right to ask you and me those same two questions. Those two questions really go hand in hand. You and I have to come to terms with who we believe Jesus is. I'm not sure how verbal we could be if asked the question by anyone on the spot and that's because we just don't think about Jesus often enough. We could give the usual answers I guess....He's my Savior, my Friend, my prayer answerer, etc. Those really are quite elementary answers for many of us who have KNOWN Jesus for many years. How deep does our relationship with Him go? Have we gotten beyond the pictures on the wall of of our primary Sunday school rooms of Jesus that gives us only basic information.

Without having an initial encounter with Jesus, our own salvation experience, there won't be a relationship. Our salvation opens the door to an ongoing relationship with Him. We should be able to look at Jesus with more of a profound love for Him today than we've ever had. Perhaps one of the reasons we Christians today have problems with witnessing is because we really don't love and know Him like we should.

When we get to Heaven and meet Jesus for the first time in person, will we honestly be able to say, “I would have known You anywhere.” I realize we'll see the scars on His hands and feet. Those will be obvious indicators as will His wonderful presence be obvious. Jesus has often come to me through others He has used to minister to me in some way. Jesus will know us, no doubt, but will He look at me with disappointment. I hope not. He wants a close relationship with us. When ladies have told me how they don't feel close to Jesus anymore, my question is always, “Who moved?” I want a strong, loving and close relationship with Him. He's doing His part...am I doing mine? How would I answer today....”Glendarae, who do you say I am?”....”Glendarae, lovest thou Me?” Try those two questions using your name. It's rather convicting.

Dear Father, I love and appreciate all You do for me ..things I don't even think about. Jesus, I love You and am so grateful for the ways You work in my life through Your sweet Holy Spirit. I want to serve You faithfully and come to know You better than ever. In Your precious name....Amen

KNOWING JESUS

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Matthew 16:15
...Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me...
John 21:15,16,17

The prospect of going to college was so exciting for me. It was to be my first time away from home and I do mean AWAY. I left Southern Illinois to attend a small Christian college that was located right in the middle of the state of Kansas. I had never traveled anywhere even near the border of that state.

A really nice thing the school did ahead of time to break in we freshman girls was to assign to us a senior female student...a big sister. We wrote letters back and forth getting acquainted with each other. My sister's letters were long telling me about herself as well as introducing me to college life. We exchanged pictures of ourselves, but even pictures aren't sufficient to introduce people to each other. When arriving on campus, my big sister had left a gift basket on my desk for me. She had already let me know she wasn't around the dorm very much what with an overload of classes and working almost full time. However, when we did meet, both of us had the same reaction and said almost the same things to each other: “I feel like I've known you for a long time” and “I would have known you anywhere.”

In recent days both in my own personal thinking and study, I've thought a lot about how well I know Jesus. With all of the advantages we have had through the years in getting to know Jesus better, I'm wondering how well we really know Him. I realize we only have the Bible as far as actual written information about Jesus. Throw in Greek and Hebrew translations that do give us a little more insight into word meanings and phraseology, and it all still comes back to the Word of God.

With having studied a lot in the New Testament Gospels, I'm always interested in Jesus' interactions with people. All of His teachings are priceless, but there are what I would call “significant moments” where it may not appear there is much importance to an event, but in such events, Jesus' words can ring down through time. In the Gospels, I think the above two questions in our two Bible verses, posed by Jesus, are important questions for you and me to to answer even if just within ourselves with some clarity and love for Him. Both questions were answered by Peter even though only one was posed to Him personally.

By mid-Matthew, Jesus had been preaching and teaching for awhile. It's hard to tell how far Jesus was into His ministry, but He was beginning to be known. At this time, Jesus was very cautious about becoming famous. In His mind was His own timetable. He knew what awaited Him down the road...a cross. He had much to do with little time. Fame for Jesus was not a friend at that point. Jesus and this band of 12 had ministered to hundreds of people and there was bound to be talk. If people were curious about Jesus, in all probability, they would talk to the disciples about Him. The disciples told Jesus of those men of God of the past folks had mentioned. But then He asked THE question to only the disciples....”Who say ye that I am?” I would imagine there was a bit of a pause with the men looking at each other. Good old Peter spoke up as he was accustomed to doing. His answer was priceless to the point that Jesus told Peter he could only have received that knowledge from God Himself. Peter responded: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Good job, Peter...right on.

After Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, He met with the disciples according to the last chapter in John. He questioned Peter three times regarding his love for Him (Jesus). Some say Jesus asked Peter three times because he had denied Jesus three times. We don't know that, but Peter seemed puzzled being asked the same question three times. Each time though, Peter assured Jesus of his love for Him. Unbeknown to Peter, Jesus knew of some great opportunities that would be Peter's in the beginning of the new church and further missionary efforts that would contribute greatly to the Kingdom.

Let me say that I think these are two of the most important questions Jesus asked in the course of His ministry. Jesus had every right to ask them and today, He has every right to ask you and me those same two questions. Those two questions really go hand in hand. You and I have to come to terms with who we believe Jesus is. I'm not sure how verbal we could be if asked the question by anyone on the spot and that's because we just don't think about Jesus often enough. We could give the usual answers I guess....He's my Savior, my Friend, my prayer answerer, etc. Those really are quite elementary answers for many of us who have KNOWN Jesus for many years. How deep does our relationship with Him go? Have we gotten beyond the pictures on the wall of of our primary Sunday school rooms of Jesus that gives us only basic information.

Without having an initial encounter with Jesus, our own salvation experience, there won't be a relationship. Our salvation opens the door to an ongoing relationship with Him. We should be able to look at Jesus with more of a profound love for Him today than we've ever had. Perhaps one of the reasons Christians today have problems with witnessing is because we really don't love and know Him like we should.

When we get to Heaven and meet Jesus for the first time in person, will we honestly be able to say, “I would have known You anywhere.” I realize we'll see the scars on His hands and feet. Those will be obvious indicators as will His wonderful presence be obvious. Jesus has often come to me through others He has used to minister to me in some way. Jesus will know us, no doubt, but will He look at me with disappointment. I hope not. He wants a close relationship with us. When ladies have told me how they don't feel close to Jesus anymore, my question is always, “Who moved?” I want a strong, loving and close relationship with Him. He's doing His part...am I doing mine? How would I answer today....”Glendarae, who do you say I am?”....”Glendarae, lovest thou Me?” Try those two questions using your name. It's rather convicting.

Dear Father, I love and appreciate all You do for me ..things I don't even think about. Jesus, I love you and am so grateful for the ways you work in my life through your sweet Holy Spirit. I want to serve you faithfully and love you even more. In Your precious name....Amen

OURS FOR THE TAKING

Peace I leave with you,
My peace I give unto you:
not as the world giveth, give I
unto you.
Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27

It wasn't until the '60s that I recall people making a V sign with their first two fingers. Many said that it stood for victory. However about that time, it also became a peace sign. I can still recall seeing hippies in the streets of large cities with their riots and sit-ins, many making that sign and yelling, “Peace.” Looking at the setting, it was beyond me how they came up with the word “peace” in the middle of all of the confusion and wrong doing.

Our country is always trying to broker or mediate peace between countries who are at war with one another. Peace treaties can be signed until Jesus comes, but the simple fact is that without Jesus, there can be absolutely no peace between nations. The same is almost impossible even between individuals. True peace can only be made between those who know and love Jesus.

The above verse was brought to my attention a few months ago and saw it in a totally new light. In John 14-17 there are so many precious promises. Jesus spoke in these chapters His last lengthy discourse prior to His going to the cross. Jesus had eaten the Passover meal with His twelve disciples. Just prior to His sharing His last thoughts with them at some length, Judas had been dismissed by Jesus to go and complete the dastardly plan he was a part of in the betrayal of Jesus. That plan and betrayer was spoken of in the Old Testament so it had to be a part of whole scenario.

I've often viewed these chapters as Spiritual Growth 101. What a blessing...so much to absorb...so much to apply IF we want to be everything for God He expects of us. These chapters are chocked full of spiritual sustenance for you and me to partake of. I have loved Jesus' precious promise of peace. If we aren't people of peace, it isn't Jesus' fault. He told us to not allow ourselves to be troubled. Jesus wasn't specific as to what types of trouble. His comment was all encompassing. The only way peace can be accomplished is if we as Christians are people of peace ourselves. Jesus was clear in making His peace available to each of us. It's a peace that takes care of inner turmoil that can so easily keep us upset.

We will not have a country of peace until we have a people of peace. Jesus knew that His peace was the only peace possible. He knew that the world has it's way of providing peace that has failed over and over. Our peace won't come from pills, alcohol, money, fancy clothes, cars, mansions or popularity. All of those things will fail. Only Jesus can give true peace and it's ours for the taking. I can understand unsaved individuals not being people of peace. They don't know where to get it or from Whom. We Christians have no excuse.

I noticed a few months ago, something unusual about the opening of Paul's epistles.. Very quickly into the first chapters of his epistles, Paul gives a special greeting that can be found consistently in his writings. He will usually say, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father....” Sometimes he puts “mercy” in the middle of the two words but his greetings always include “Grace and Peace.” By the way, they are always in that order...never “Peace and Grace.” It wasn't too hard coming up with the reason for the order of those two words. Without the grace of God, there can be no peace. With the grace of salvation in our lives, we are then equipped to be people of peace. This is the main reason for the failure of peace treaties between people or countries. Peace is of God. If unsaved people are trying to broker a peace treaty for their countries, it won't be a lasting peace, only a cease fire for a time.

We are living in a divided country politically, financially and philosophically. However, none of the three is our major problem right now. We are a country in need of God. He is the only One who can bring us together as we follow His will. Until folks accept Jesus as Savior and Christians determine to walk in obedience to God's Word, we will be a fractured society. Jesus is the answer, yes, the only answer...He is our peace.

Help us Father to be people of peace. With Your Son's peace there should be fewer conflicts, arguments, and misunderstandings in our lives. Help us to be people of peace first within ourselves and then hopefully others will see that peace of Jesus in us. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

Aging Ain't Easy

I will go in the strength of the Lord God:
I will make mention of thy righteousness,
even of thine only.
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth:
and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O
God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy
strength unto this generation, and thy power
to every one that is to come.
Psalm 71:16-18

My grandmother (Mother's mother) from the time I was very young worked as a live in housekeeper for a working couple in my hometown. I loved when we would go out for Mam on Saturdays to bring her to our house to stay until Sunday evening. I loved going out to that lovely home that sat on property with lots of trees. What time I had, I loved running through that yard. My grandmother did all of the housekeeping, cooking, laundry and whatever else had to be done in the house itself. The thing that bothered me was after asking my Mother how old my grandmother was, I recall her saying that my grandmother was somewhere in her 50's. I recall being mortified at that news. I often wondered to myself, “What is an old lady like that doing all that work? She could die.” I smile now as I think of someone in their 50's too old to do much of anything and yet that's how children would view people of age.

I don't think when a little kid that I knew too many really old people. In my church, there was the Loyal Mother's Sunday school class. Let me tell you, as a junior girl, those women were old...not just old...but O-L-D old. Most wore hats to church, carried big purses and Bibles, wore laced dress shoes, always glasses and smelled of either Sweetheart, Palmolive or Life Boy soap. They always smelled good. Most of them carried candy in their purses and that was an advantage of knowing those of their age as far as I was concerned. Most of those ladies were in their 70's and some early 80's. I wondered at times how they were even breathing because they were very O-L-D.

However, times have changed. “People of age” don't seem to look all that old to me anymore. I look in the mirror and see a woman in her 70's. I don't wear hats to church or shoes with laces unless at times I wear my Sketchers for a more informal time. I don't carry candy in my purse except for myself. I don't use any of those soaps. I think they have to be ordered from specialty places now. What I'm wondering at this point is how did I get to where I am right now. I have three doctors I see on a pretty regular basis, am taking more medications than I care to number, and have too many aches and pains that I feel with some discomfort at times. For it all, I'm in pretty good health and as active as I care to be, especially in serving the Lord. I just don't know how I got here. It all happened so fast.

I look at our three adult children. I have pictures I look back at when they were at various stages. For some reason, I guess I thought they would stay there for a longer time and so would I, but that didn't happen. Now they have their own children and adult lives. I'm so grateful for them. God has blessed me with them, but the same thing happened to them as to me. We have all aged and the process will continue as it is meant to do.

My thoughts along this line have come to mind as I have witnessed some older adults who seem to have developed a streak of bitterness in their lives. One lady told me how resentful she is of aging like she has. I asked if she knew what the alternative to living is and she indicated she would almost rather go to Heaven than be old.

I believe the important thing in this process is to remember that every stage of our lives is meant to have purpose. We don't reach the age of 55 and up and purpose of our lives ends. Where I and others are at our ages is a very special stage that contains perhaps more purpose than when we were in our 40's. If we carefully manage our lives physically and spiritually, we have a great deal left to offer our individual worlds.

By now, my hope is that: I know God's Word better than I ever have...that I know how to pray better than in earlier years...that I have a wealth of wisdom to share with others who seek it from me...that I know the importance of relationships...that I value the little things of life...that I've given up having to have the latest toy or gimmick. I still like doing some yard work, getting dirt under my nails while at the same time, enjoying the smell of freshly mown grass. I love sitting in the mountains with Bible on my lap, sniffing the fresh air and maybe even dangling my feet in a stream. I don't need much to entertain me at this stage and that's just fine with me.

I love the verses from Psalms I have included with this blog. I guess at this stage of my life and for other friends of mine, this section is not only a beautiful passage on aging, but is a challenge and guideline for anyone at any stage of life. Thus, my desire is that I will:
*go in the strength of the Lord God,
*speak often of the goodness and righteousness of the Lord,
*share with others those wondrous things the Lord has taught me from my youth,
*show God's strength to this generation and the one to come that includes my children and grandchildren.
*always pray for God's nearness in my life, no matter the age.

Someone younger asked me how one prepares for aging. I have suggested at a young age to be doing the things right where you are that you hope to be doing when you reach those golden years. Stay close to the Lord, live a good, clean life, save your money and live within your means (aging will force you to do it anyway), and under-gird everything about your life with prayer. Prayer and Bible reading isn't just for the old folks...it's for all folks no matter the stage of life.

To be honest, I really don't have time to be bitter nor would I want to be. As long as we are living and breathing, God has purpose for each of our lives no matter our ages. Enjoy having purpose...in fact, have fun in the Lord doing just that.

Thank You Father, for bringing me and so many others to this stage of our lives. May we not waste a moment, not a crumb of this experience. Help us to be of help and encouragement in the lives of our peers and those who come after us. Give us your wisdom and strength. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

Wounds Really Hurt

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger,
and clamour, and evil speaking be put
away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God for
Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31-32

The first time I recall hearing the word “wounded” was around the time of World War II. I heard my Mother tell my Daddy of a family friend who had been wounded in the war. I recall asking what that meant and with my being VERY little, they didn't want to get into the whole thing. I knew whatever it was they were concerned about, it wasn't good as they were both very sober as they continued their conversation. My Uncle Paul was in the Army at the time. I recall a day or so later asking if Uncle Paul was going to “get wounded.” My Mother said they hoped not. I knew where I could get an answer so went next door to our neighbor, the Rennies. I walked into their kitchen and just point blank said, “Mrs. Rennie, what does it mean to be wounded?” She told me it generally meant that someone had been hurt in some way and it took time for their sore place to heal. That was all I needed to know.

I just looked up the word “wound” in the Miriam-Webster Dictionary. It gave me more information than I could have handled at a very young age. They defined the word from various angles. It spoke of “wound” as:

*to inflict injury

*an injury to the body by violence, accident or surgery that usually involves breaking of the skin.

*a mental or emotional hurt or blow.

That last definition was the one I was really interested in. We all could write our own books that would pertain to these kind of hurts or even sudden traumas. Such experiences can leave wounds in us that can last a lifetime.

Most of us, when the most disturbed about something tend to hold those things inside, refusing to reveal them even to a loving person who senses we may be going through a tough time. Perhaps we don't want even loved ones to see us as weak and out of control of everything in our lives. The bottom line is, we aren't in control of anything, especially when it comes to inflicted hurts, wounding, or inflictions by friend or foe. It happens.

I know the pain from physical wounds I've gone through, that really have been very few for someone my age. When little, I always had skinned knees that usually happened when falling while skating or while learning to ride a scooter. The worst part was that red stuff my Mother would apply to the wounds. I've had a broken finger and broken wrist, both that were put in splint or casts. They healed fine with very little problems. If you are like me, I would rather have then and even now, hoped the inner woundings could have been put in a splint or cast bringing about quick healing. Some of our wounds are deliberately inflicted by folks who really want to hurt us or do us harm. Some come by people or situations that hurt deeply unknowns to those who do the inflicting.

I have been browsing in my Bible looking at some giants in the faith who went through indescribably wounds. I think of those imprisoned from Joseph to the Apostle Paul. Stephen was beaten and stoned to death. David was on the run for a long period of time. His wounding was especially emotional, when we consider the one who was trying to kill him was his son. Job suffered physically and emotionally with lots of loss in his life. When I look at these men and others in Scripture, my hurts and wounds seem small, but my wounds are mine, all mine, when they do occur. Whether past or present, I have to learn to work through those wounds or I can end up being a very angry and bitter person. In those circumstances, I can't expect to have God's blessing on my life. Even with that information, I must come to grips with any wounds that I may harbor, even from many years ago.

By the way, wounds aren't just things inflicted on us. We are also guilty of inflicting wounds in the lives of others. At times, we don't mean to do it, but our words can pierce to the fiber of another like a knife. In this area, I think we ought to be careful about kidding with other people. I have often said that teasing can be a means of making a point with a smile on one's face. Even if someone is good at taking a joke, if not handed out at the right time or right way, can create hurt feelings that may linger for a long time.

I've never heard of a good wound. Even when a mom gives birth by C-section, she may have a beautiful baby, but suffer surgical pain she must get past. There are wounds that teach us lessons and sometimes we may have physical scars to remind us of them. They remind us to be more careful the next time. The scars from emotional wounds aren't easily revealed by the naked eye. They lie hidden beneath the surface only to be revealed by our words or actions. Those wounds may never completely heal and in those cases, our Lord Jesus is the answer.

Just today, I was thinking of Jesus' wounds while on the earth. We think of His wounds as being suffered on the cross only. I can't imagine Jesus coming from Heaven where there are no harsh words, no arguing, no teasing, no criticism...none of what we live with on the earth. Officials did everything to get a stir out of Him, criticizing and badgering Him. He knew what it was to be betrayed not just once, by disciples. He also knew the aching hurt from the death of a loved one. When you and I hurt and are wounded in any number of ways, Jesus knew it all, so He understands perfectly when we go to Him with our hurts. I can't imagine One so perfect taking on the sins of the world on the cross. In that process, He experienced the horrible taste of sin in His being. With all of His earthly experience, He more than understands when we bring those things to Him that crush our spirits. In reality, He is really the only One who can be of any help and healing of our every wound whether it be the healing of a surgical scar or the healing of any emotional wound, no matter how deep the cut. I love the fact that in it all, Jesus was wounded for me on a very personal basis. By the way, He did it for you as well.

Thank You dear Jesus for coming and not just dying for me but also living for me. In it all You can relate to every problem I face. It also means You know how to comfort and lead me through whatever hurts I face. What a relief to have You as Savior. I love you....In Your precious name...Amen

Learn By Heart

Thy word have I hind in mine heart,
that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:11

While putting some finishing touches on our upcoming ladies Bible study, something dawned on me I hadn't thought of in years. When I'm about to lead such a study, I often look back at teachers from my past from whom I learned much and who taught me well. I think back to Sunday school teachers when I was more at the elementary school level. There were also excellent, godly ladies whose love each summer was for teaching in Daily Vacation Bible School. I dearly loved Bible School and didn't just attend them at my own church but would go to other churches sometimes for their Bible Schools.

I loved memorizing Scripture verses. After that, I really liked craft time. Memorizing the Bible came pretty easy for me. However, the thing that dawned on me was that I never heard the word “memorize.” In fact whether at church or in elementary school, I can't recall even hearing the word “memorize.” The first I heard the word, that I can recall, was in junior high school.

No matter where I was in an educational setting, the term that was used was “learning.” Grade school teachers didn't say to memorize spelling words. I recall teachers tell us to learn our spelling words by Friday because there would be a test. I remember at Bible School being told we would “learn” such and such verses. So what's the difference between the two concepts?

The bottom line is that what we memorize isn't always learned. There is a difference in memorizing a Bible verse and learning it....really learning it. That learning may mean committing a verse to memory, but in learning a verse, the concept of the verse is learned as well. I have read that the most memorized Bible verse among Christians if John 3:16. Unless I take on a different mental attitude, I can quote that verse perfectly. However, if you ask me after reciting that verse what I was thinking about while reciting it, most times I probably couldn't tell you. You see, memorizing is good, but it doesn't mean that there is meaning to the words unless I deliberately intend think on them.

In college, I had an English History class. In fact, it was a two semester class. I wondered after a month what I had got myself in to. I dearly love history and felt that class would broaden my knowledge. However, I had the sweetest lady as my professor but when it came to tests, she seemed to really go for dates on tests. She liked having the matching questions with a long list of dates on the left of the paper with answers on the right. It was the usual drawing a line from a date to an event. I can't tell you how many historical dates I crammed into my head, purely for the sake of the next upcoming test. To this day, I wouldn't be able to give you a single date from English history. The memorizing of that materials was an exercise in memorizing purely for the immediate.

Recently, I have been revisiting several verses I have no problem recalling from my memory bank. I am slowly going through them phrase by phrase, taking in every word, every thought. So often we feel guilty in our Bible reading if we don't read at least a chapter at one sitting. To sit and mentally chew on one verse doesn't seem to be enough. I wonder though, if God wouldn't be more pleased with our totally soaking in one verse than reading a whole chapter we really don't get much out of.

Those Bible school teachers often used that term “learn by heart.” I knew I would be learning the verse by memory but we did more than that. The verse was discussed as to it's meaning. If I just learn Scripture by memory, I consider that a head thing. If I learn a verse “by heart,” I believe the meat of that verse not only goes into my head for recall, but also to my heart where I call recall it's meaning as well as its words.

I'm determined to go back over some favorite verses from Scripture, taking one at a time, reading it over and over while asking the Holy Spirit to speak to me about the depth of meaning of it. I've put some of those verses on cards that I can drop in my purse and pull out during times of waiting or just for some times of “spiritual recreation.” We can become so familiar with Scripture at times that we fail to stop and let the truths of God sink deep into our spirits. There are some verses I have found lately that I am enjoying just squeezing all the stuffin' out of them I can.

Join me in “taking a new look, at the old Book...a new look at the Bible.”

Father, I'm so grateful for Your precious Word and for Your Holy Spirit Who is so willing to teach me its precepts and truths. Please continue to teach me and empower me to take it all in, making it work in my life. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

Conform...Why?

And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may
prove what is that good, and
acceptable, and perfect, will of God
Romans 12:2

I don't know of any parents who have seen children through their teen years who haven't at one time or another had to respond to the plea of a child who says in a very pitiful or even angry voice, “But the other kids are doing it.” Many times we parents have replied in varied ways, but usually whatever the reply, we try to get the point across that, ”You are not other kids.” We cautioned our children about following the crowd because in most instances, nothing good comes from blind conformity.

I've heard many pastors interpret the first part of our above verse that we aren't to allow the world to squeeze us into its mold. I'm afraid though, that we adults are often more guilty than our children when it comes to going along with the crowd. Today we are bombarded by the media to respond to the latest and greatest of anything being offered and it succeeds or we wouldn't be biting on the bait that is dangled in front of us.

It is amazing and almost disgusting to see all of the medication advertisements on TV these days. I asked my doctor at one point if folks go to them (doctors) to see if some of those medications would be good for them. He said it is surprising how many buy into those ads, even disregarding the warnings of their usage. Advertising puts great pressure on people who see it in the mail or in the media. We tend to be easy prey and advertisers are well aware of it.

Many Christians today are also following the crowd when it comes to types of churches, worship practices, and type of music. Mention to folks the latest Bible translation, and it's amazing how many will purchase a copy of it as soon as possible. I feel sorry for Christians who get caught up in cults. For their own reasons, they have followed the crowd hoping some empty place in their hearts can be filled.

People may agree with me, but the Christian life can be very lonely where the company of others is concerned. This spiritual walk of ours is, or should be a very personal walk with God. No one can do it for us. It must be one on one with our Heavenly Father. There's nothing wrong with enjoying the fellowship of other Christians, seeking their prayer support and even their counsel. When it gets down to the reality of things, no one can live the Christian life for us.

One thing I noticed by Romans 12:1 was Paul's usage of “ye” or “your.” Yes, he was writing to the Corinthian church, but was writing to individuals. That verse speaks to you and me in a very personal way. Paul begins in verse one to throw out a challenge:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the
mercies of God, that ye present your bodies
a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service.

Paul beseeched those Christians by God's mercies to give over their lives as living sacrifices. Sacrifices for the Jews had to be holy, pure, nothing flawed and nothing else would be accepted by God. In light of all Jesus had done for them (and now for us), it was only reasonable for them to do such.

It's not easy living holy and dedicated lives in the corrupt world we live in. Our culture pulls and tugs at us to keep up with others, do as they do and live in the same fashion as they live. This pull isn't just out in the world but is often found in churches we attend. Many churches are conforming to “worshiptainment” and we are viewed as being narrow and judgmental if we don't go along with it. In some churches, the preaching and teaching of God's Word has become watered down in order to enable people to have a comfortable faith.

So, how do we NOT conform to this world. Paul says we are to be transformed...changed from one state to another. That takes concentrated effort on our part. It will mean consistently renewing our minds. Philippians 2:5 tells us to “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus....” It means first desiring the mind of Christ and making that our godly goal, not a human goal but one for God's glory only. As we do that, Paul tells us that as we keep our focus on having the mind of Christ, we will come to really know so much more about what is involved in being in God's perfect will.

The world does want to form us to it's shape, but you and I have a different call on our lives. I've heard pastors say that the problem with being a living sacrifice is that once on the altar, we can crawl off. However, a dead sacrifice in our day isn't of much use. God wants us alive and functioning for Him with that transformed mind that pleases Him.

Father, help me to be consistent in my walk with You. As I read Your Word, may You, Holy Spirit, bring it to reality in my life. May it not only bless me but also convict me when I'm not even close to my “reasonable service” for Your glory. In Jesus' precious name....Amen