THE NEW NORMAL

Jesus Christ, the same
yesterday and
today and
forever.
Hebrews 13:8

When we speak of “normal”, we are told that it's the everyday, typical or usual state of one's circumstances. For the most part, our lives are so routine that we seem to know what we are going to be doing day by day. I know the days I'm going to be at church, what day I teach a Bible study, scheduled doctor's appointments and even the day I get my hair done. My life is very full, but full of the expected. I keep a purse calendar where I make notes of any special events that are upcoming, but even special events aren't anything unusual because I try to stay “planned” as much as possible.

Lately, I've heard this term “new norm.” To be honest, the term concerns me just because of me. I like to have things planned and scheduled which makes for a pretty normal life. In that term though, is the the word “new.” I don't like that word because what it tells me is that “new” refers to “change” and I've never done well with change. I've been through a lot of it and have survived, but the unexpected tends to throw me.

The “new normal” in one's life indicates that there has been something transpire in life that has totally changed life for her or him for life and that even it will come to be normal after some time has gone by. Our lives, therefore, are going to be full of these new normals because of so many drastic and sometimes tragic changes that come our way.

There are some things we might consider negative in nature that can create for us a “new normal” that may require not just change but special attention being paid to them. For instance: death of a family member or friend, change in health that might be considered terminal in nature, empty nest syndrome, changes in location, financial crisis, divorce...the list could go on and on of those things that can be sudden and negative in nature.

“New normals” can also be positive and may require adjustments but the kind of adjustments folks don't mind. I'm thinking of weddings, new baby in the home, new job, moving into a new house, adoption of a child, some kind of financial windfall...all of which can be fun, positive, never perfect but most would consider to be positive events.

I don't know of a better example of a new normal than when I think of a person who comes to the Savior for salvation. Paul tells us that “Old things are passed away and all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) It's wonderful being around a new Christian with their excitement and enthusiasm for the things of God. Their old lives are gone and evil desires as well. There are new goals, lifestyles, habits, friends perhaps...with salvation comes a whole new life...a whole new norm. Paul wrote epIstles regarding his “new normal” after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus. Jesus became Paul's normal in every way even unto his execution. In that moment, even then, Paul was greeted with a forever “new normal” that would be ongoing.

Such was true about a friend of several years ago, whose husband was not a believer in Christ. He wanted nothing to do with Jesus although was a good man according to all reports. This went on for years. His faithful wife was active in church as anyone could be. Every Sunday, she saw to breakfast, getting herself and her children ready to leave for church. After church she came right home to fix dinner for the family. She and the children faithfully prayed for the man of the house, but with no response on his part. No one nagged at him and he was very compliant with the family's church activity.

On one occasion, he asked his daughter what she wanted for her birthday. She replied that it would be such a special birthday if he would come and sit with her in church. Seeing his daughter's sincere look and hearing her sweet, but urging words, he agreed to attend church the following Sunday. He did arrive and the family sat toward the back of the church. Little did he know how many of the church members had prayed for him through the years at the request of his wife and children as well. When invitation time came, amazingly, this man immediately stepped out,went to the altar where he was sweetly saved. There was hardly a dry eye in the church as people rejoiced with him and is family. He became a very active church member and eventually a deacon. For that family situation, their “new norm” became a whole new dynamic.

Even spiritually, there can be a new normal. Sometimes a Christian backslides, gets away from the Lord. Through the Spirit's leading and prodding when someone like that comes back to the Lord, it's like a whole new beginning for them. I've seen folks like that who get back on spiritual track. They get back to who and what they should be for Christ and they get a fresh start with a new normal in life.

In all of our “new normals,” only the Lord can bring a healthy normal to our new norms. Our “new normals” don't have to be frightening. God goes before us no matter our circumstances but never leaves us. He always keeps us in His sight and will always be a Presence no matter the status of the normals in our lives.

Thank You, Father for the times You've been such a strength in my times of adjustments when life has taken turns on me. You are always faithful in my life and I'm more grateful than I can express. In Jesus' precious name...Ame

MIND YOUR MIND

There hath no temptation taken you but
such as is common to man: but God is
faithful, who will not suffer you to be
tempted above that ye are able;
but will with the temptation also
make a way to escape, that ye
may be able to bear it.
I Corinthians 10:13

My Scotch grandmother made good use of the word “mind.” Maybe it was a word she was more familiar with in her home in Scotland when she was a child. It wasn't unusual for her to say to me, “Mind your manners.” Often she would say, “Mind your Mother.” Growing up I also heard people say to others, “Mind your own business.” For me, minding had to do with obedience or seeing to some kind of self control. Of course, you and I also know that the mind refers to our thinking process.

I'm convinced in our times that we should be minding our minds...taking control over our own thinking especially with regard to all the negatives in life we are often called upon to deal with. Whether we are aware of it or not, we aren't left helpless when it comes to choosing what we entertain in our minds. As Christians, we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who is available to guide and teach us. He also has the ability to steer our thinking, but I'm convinced we must want Him to do that.

There is something in us that wants to know everything about everything that is going on be it regarding our associations, family business or even political happenings. We live in an age of available information and have become almost addicted to getting every bit of news we can cram into our brains. It keeps getting worse...people's lives are exposed in full, feuds of all sorts, political war, terrorism, murders, missing children, school shootings, etc. If we want info on anything, it's right at our fingertips with rare filtering.

The sad thing is we have control over the on-off switch on our TV's or on the screens of our computers. We would like to think we are at the mercy of these things and just can't help ourselves. It's as if we have been made prisoners with no where to turn. This may be true of a non-believing person. People who aren't born again Christians don't realize a lot of the damage they do to themselves or others. They don't have the Holy Spirit to guide their thinking and actions. However, we believers have no excuse.

God never gives us a command in His Word we cannot obey. God isn't a tease, dangling a carrot in front of us, daring us to do the right thing. He is our biggest cheerleader urging us onward and upward to doing the good and right things. He's provided His Spirit to empower us to be victorious over Satan's wooing in our lives.

Safety equipment is used in our day to protect people....car seat belts, hard hats on a construction worker, bullet-proof vests for policemen and military personnel, protection items for our firemen, car seats for young children and helmets for athletes. Football players of all ages cannot step out on a football field without their protective helmets on. All of those things protect bodies, so why don't we take steps to protect our minds, be it screens we view or even people we associate with who aren't good for us. We are to think on good things. We may have lots of information from all over the world, but our knowing it all won't change anything.

Another command that is the key. Philippians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...” The next few verses lists those qualities found in Jesus. We are told to be like Jesus. He had to walk in this world. He saw all of the negatives around Him yet could rise above all. You and I are called to rise above the fray...to be like Jesus...to get our thinking in control all through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dear Father, we hate seeing our culture spiraling downward. We have concerns as to the kind of world our children and grandchildren are going to have to live in with it's sins and dangers. We pray for a moving of Your Spirit in the hearts of folks in our country despite who are what they are. You are the answer. Keep our minds and hearts pure as only You can. Keep us in Your Word and away from those evil things that would keep us concerned and nervous. We love You and are grateful for Your power in our lives. In Jesus name....Amen

MARK IT!

The older I get, the more I enjoy simpler things that aren't necessarily fancy or expensive. Anyone who knows me well know how much I like bookmarks. Each Bible I have may hold within their pages two or three bookmarks. They do their job for me. I'm usually reading two or three places in my Bible at once. Some bookmarks I have made, some I've purchased and others have been given to me.

I recently told a friend that if I want to come up with another Bible Study project, I think I'll do it making use of “Bookmarks with Purpose.” Over the last few months, I've noticed in bookstores, and other places how special newer Christian bookmarks are, each with special messages that bless and encourage. At each Bible Study session, each lady would receive a bookmark that would be the study for that session. Haven't gotten around to that yet, but am watching for just the right things to use for such a time.

There is a bookmark I found a few months ago that I have gone back to the store for more to replenish my supply of it. I keep one in each of the Bibles I'm working in at the present time. I wish I could share it with you in its present form as I am looking at it right now. I will give you the info as best I can because it is precious and encouraging in so many ways. It was in our local Lifeway Store thanks to Universal Designs.

Trust in GOD'S TIMING....
IT'S ALWAYS RIGHT!

And they that know thy
name will put their trust in
thee: for thou, LORD, hast
not forsaken them that seek
thee. PSALM 9:10

The Lord will work out his
plans for my life, for your
faithful love, O Lord,
endures forever. PSALM 138:8

They that wait upon the
Lord shall renew their
strength, they shall mount
up with wings as eagles;
they shall run and not be
weary. They shall walk and
not faint. ISAIAH 40:31

Fear thou not; for I am with
thee: be not dismayed; for I
am thy God: I will
strengthen thee; yea, I will
help thee; yea, I will uphold
thee with the right hand of
my righteousness ISAIAH 41:10

I wish I could tell you I have memorized these verses but I deliberately have not done that.

I love looking at my bookmark, slowly reading those precious promises and reading them as often as I want, looking carefully at each word and phrase. I'm not against Bible memorizing, but there many ways of enjoying God's Word. I've been in friend's homes where they have lovely copies of favorite Scripture verses displayed. (Some ladies from previous Bible studies have shown me how they display their “foldies” but that's a secret thing from Bible Study.) As you see nice bookmarks with encouraging Scripture or messages, pick them up. When you send a card or note of encouragement to someone, enclose a bookmark. It's fun and a different way to be a blessing to others. 

Take advantage of bookmarks for your own benefit. When in one's Bible, looking at a good bookmark can be a kick start to whatever reading you are planning. I shared my bookmark for two reasons...as an example of a really good one and then that you might be encouraged if it seems you just have a little too much on your place. We need the sweet assurance that God is always present in our lives even going ahead of us preparing the way for us. I don't always understand His timing in my life, but know His timing is always true and sure.

Thank You Father that in this world of evil and turmoil, You are still present and working for our best. Your timing, even in dealing with evil, we leave in Your capable hands. Meanwhile use us in reaching the lost who so desperately need Jesus in their lives. In His precious name...Amen

SOME BENEFITS OF LOSS

But what things were gain to me,
those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things
but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:
for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things, and do count them but dung, that
I may win Christ.
Philippians 3:7,8

It doesn't seem that long ago we were seeing the devastation of fires burning in California. I am reminded of almost two years ago when we witnessed something similar in our area. Fire, in these circumstances , always does the same thing...it destroys. Where nature is concerned, it has a wonderful way of restoring itself. However, there are things fire destroys that cannot be restored...homes full of memories, transportation, and often lives of residents as well as those who so bravely fight such fires.

At times, we drive through some of those areas affected by the fire here. Some places have been rebuilt, perhaps erecting better houses or buildings than there was before. Those homes are empty of the former things that were important to home. Even in great loss for so many, there are new beginnings.

When we think of loss, we often think of death, perhaps of a deadly disease or because of some unexpected accident. Loss may come to us in degrees. For instance, losing a fingernail can't compare to losing a priceless ring from the same finger. Any loss strikes at our very being because loss is usually out of our control. We are left vulnerable, unsure of our next move.

Loss may involve for any of us, death of a loved one, our health, a friendship, a job, treasured item, loss of the familiar due to a move, and even one's youth. From your own experience, I'm sure you could add to that list. For me, just about the biggest loss is the loss of a friend in any way...death, estrangement or even distance.

In recent months, I attended the funeral of a dear friend...Sandra. She was in my Sunday school class and Bible study sessions plus she was just a really good friend. She struggled with cancer for well over a year. I doubt the doctors thought she would last as long as she did. One never heard a complaint from her. If I pinned her down, she would tell me how her days was going but never in a complaining way. She knew God was in control of her life and would work the entire situation for her good and His glory. Her funeral was like a worship service. She had planned it with a pastor friend of ours. For a time when she couldn't get to church, we had “Monday School” in her home. When she couldn't handle that anymore I still would see her weekly. However, in circumstances like that, a friend isn't lost. If it is a loss, it's very temporary for we will see each other again.

Recently when consulting with my former pastor (whose wife is a dear best friend) regarding the upcoming Fall Bible study, he quietly told me of his upcoming resignation, really his retirement that would be announced on the coming Sunday. I was saddened, but at the same time, always want friends to be in the center of God's will. Loss....it can come in packages as well.

Paul in his writing to the Philippians, spent some verses in describing what a jerk he had been even though a faithful Pharisee who dutifully did all he could to wipe out Christians. In some circles, he was a hero and faithful to society's expectations. In those circles, when he became a Christ follower, he lost everything he had known in wealth, fame, even race to a great extent. Name the loss, however, and Paul considered those things as loss for Jesus. There was no self pity or regret in any loss he had sustained.

Alot depends on our view of life. Life on this earth is a very temporary thing. We will eventually lose all and everything we have known here. All that will count is what we have done for Jesus. Whatever any loss we have sustained, it will all be gain for Christ...nothing lost, everything gained.

Thank You, Father that in You, I find my sufficiency. Those times of human loss, You are so faithful to comfort and fill in the gaps of any hurt with Your love. Thank You for sending Jesus who in His humanity understands my feelings. May I count all things as loss for You. Help me to keep that focus on You. In Jesus precious name...Amen

THREE IS GOOD

And the Lord shall guide thee continually,
and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make
fat thy bone: and thou shalt be like a watered
garden, and like a spring of water,
whose waters fail not.
Isaiah 58:11

We've almost always heard “three is a crowd” which means something negative. That might be true when it comes to some, but it doesn't have to be true across the board. Usually I don't pay much attention to numbers and think of some good things about most of them if I want to think about it hard enough. Woke up early this morning and got to thinking about “threes.” For one thing, I have three great kids. The problem with my three children is that they grew up much too fast and now have adult lives all their own.

When I cook a main meal, I usually plan for at least three things on the menu...meat, taters and a veggie. I may add a salad or something else at times, but for some reason, I've felt I should have three things to serve in some fashion.

I 've been thinking of the most important “three” in my life and that is my Father, Jesus, His Son and the Holy Spirit who abides in me. This wonderful trinity has individually meant more in my life than I can say. God sent His Son Jesus to die for my sin, and thus, brought me to the Father under His blood. At my time of salvation, the sweet Holy Spirit came to live in me. He guides me, teaches me the Word, prompts me regarding those things I ought and ought not to do
.

In all of this I thought of three things that are mine through all my Heavenly Father has done for me and three words came to me that all begin with the letter “P”....

PRESENCE....PROTECTION....PROVISION

Without saying, God through His Holy Spirit is with me 24/7. He is what I like to refer to as the “constant” in my life. I have every promise through Scripture of His ever-presence in my life. I'm not sure for any of us if we have grasped that fact. I think if we did, we would act, talk and think differently. As much as I may disappoint my Father at times, He never removes His presence from me. He hangs around me simply out of love. It's that love that's hard for me to wrap myself around, but it's real.

Secondly and this week especially, I'm thinking of God's protection. This last Thursday, I celebrated a special holiday. The date was 10/11/12, a day I can never forget. It was the day I fell into a dark church basement, flying down about a dozen rickety wood stairs only to crash my head into a cinder block wall, and then tumbling further down a few more stairs onto the concrete floor. I knew I was bleeding heavily from the head, but never did pass out. I was at the church to run the church bulletin. Normally, Brian never went with me, but for “some reason”, he went with me. I don't know what would have happened if he hadn't been there. I was taken by ambulance to the emergency room (my first ride in an ambulance) It was like bouncing around inside a tin can. I was taken for an MRI and then stitched up. The doctor asked me that days date, I guess to check my thinking. The date was easy 10/11/12. He felt it all had been a miracle that I had lived through it all. I knew it was God's presence who was in charge the entire time. I've always believe that my times are in His hands. That day was a part of the plan.

Then there is God's provision. In my life I've known want, need, greed, abundance and even just enough. We all probably experience those things from time to time. Paul stated to the Philippians how God provided his every need. There have been times I've been perfectly happy with God's provision of just what I needed in the moment. His provision in my life hasn't always been that of money or material things. I mentioned to my hubby last night how we have been so blessed to live in the places we have, meeting the most interesting of people and making good friends with some of God's choice folks. I guess I'm at an age where I don't need a lot of what this world has to offer, but I'm grateful for good health, and just the simple of things of life....all through the provision of a gracious and loving Heavenly Father.

Thank You Father for being a Presence, my Protector and Provision. I don't thank You enough even for the little things in my life that You see to. I'm so grateful for Your Spirit and Your Son Jesus who made all things possible through the ultimate gift of His life for me and everyone else. In His precious name....Amen

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF

Therefore encourage one another and
build up one another, just as you
also are doing.
I Thessalonians 5:11 NASB

Mrs. Lilly was one of my favorite teachers of all time. She taught in our local junior high school. She taught a combination of penmanship and orthography. I could never get the right arm muscle moving to be the cursive writer she hoped, but I did come to love orthography. This is a subject to this day I use when I come across a word that either isn't clear to me or could be clearer. We had to learn prefixes and break down the other parts of words to get a clear meaning of them. She would have us pull the word apart, Take the word “encourage” for instance. Mrs. Lilly would say that .”en” means “to cause to “ and “courage” speaks of “strength in the face of pain, grief or challenge.” From that we see then, encouragement is to “cause a person to be strong in his circumstances.” It's one thing to know the meaning of the word, another thing to do it.

In whatever form discouragement comes, it affects people in all walks of life. Leaders of every ilk as well as common ordinary people need to hear encouraging words. All of us
need encouragement at one time or another, but I think there are some who need it a little more. I think of single parent families, caregivers taking care of loved ones, unemployed persons, first time empty-nesters and the list could go on and on. All of us know of such folks and others.

I'm thinking right now of our pastors. Just today I read of two young pastors, each on opposite sides of our country who in recent days have committed suicide. Young families are left with no husband and father. Both suffered from great bouts with depression. Our pastors carry heavy and often unreasonable loads. They may smile and appear upbeat while carrying a hurting heart. I wonder what difference it would make for them to receive a kind note or e-mail expressing appreciation for all they do for so many.

Encouragement isn't a new concept. We find it scattered through God's Word and from some examples we can read such admonitions given to some who really needed it. I can't help but think of Moses to Joshua: Moses wasn't going to be allowed to enter the promised land. Joshua was appointed by God to take over what Moses had been doing. I can't imagine the butterflies in the stomach of Joshua, perhaps even a kind of panic. But God told Moses in Deuteronomy to speak words of encouragement to Joshua, the newly appointed leader. Note God's instructions to Moses in verse 3:28:

But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him:
for he shall go over before this people, and he shall
cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.

In Joshua chapter 1:7-9, the Lord Himself spoke to Joshua with great power. Just verse 9 said it all:

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and

of a good courage: be not afraid, neither be thou

dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee

whithersoever thou goest.

We can understand the importance of those words of encouragement as Joshua was to undertake an almost impossible challenge.

What about you and me, in every day life who may be going through any number of things life throws our way. We may not have someone ready to call us with an encouraging word. We may not receive a kind note in the mail from someone thinking about and praying for us. There is an element I think we fail often to think of when we are discouraged with no encouragement in sight. In my reading, a verse stood out as if written in neon lights. The verse has to do with David who went through all types of tests and trials. It was a verse I know the Lord presented to me recently for purpose. The verse is I Samuel 30:6 and it says:

And David was greatly distressed; for the people
spake of stoning him, because the soul of all
the people was grieved, every man for his
sons and for his daughters: BUT
DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF
IN THE LORD.

There was no one around or even in sight who could encourage David in the way he needed. A little further down in the passage, it says that “David inquired of the Lord.” I mention these things about David because I'm afraid these are about the last things we think to do when in despair. We often expect everyone to encourage us when God waits for us to call on Him for comfort and support. He may send someone with “skin on” to act for Him, but He may not. It could be He wants to hear from us with no one else around. 

My hope for you and me is that we learn to encourage ourselves in the Lord. That can empower us more than we can imagine. Our Father is waiting with armloads of encouragement to pour into your life and mine. May we seek Him first. No one can lift our spirits like our Heavenly Father can.

Dear Holy Spirit, help me to remember to invite You to my next pity party? You are the best encouragement there is and I often rely on frail human beings to do for me what really only You can do. Thank You for my pastor and others in ministry who need Your guidance and strengtheneing every day...keep them strong in You In Jesus precious name....Amen

WHAT'S LEFT?

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon

earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves break through and steal;

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and

where thieves to not break through and steal:

For where your treasure is, there

will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

We met shortly after Brian and I moved here to our Tennessee home. In fact, her house is near enough to my house that I can see her house and she could see mine. She was a recent widow in her 80's, lonely with no family to speak of in her life. She did have a niece she didn't really know well,, but had no close relationship with her. As nice as “Sarah” could be she had a streak of bitterness in her that was quite noticeable even during our first conversation.. She could latch onto the wrong friendships that didn't last long at all because conversations would turn into complaining sessions so people would withdraw from her.

Sarah wasn't interested in spiritual things. I spoke with her often about coming to church with me. She could have been in the ladies class I taught at the time. She told me that her husband didn't need Jesus and so she didn't think she did either. She lived in a lovely home with nice things, but she was a very unhappy person. Any friends she made were quickly worn out by her negative attitude.

A few weeks ago, Sarah died. There was a brief memorial service, nothing religious with only five or six people in attendance as I was told. Her house had been sold and today, with sadness, I can look across the field and see her things out on her front yard and porch...an estate sale. Sarah had a delightful personality when she wasn't in a bitter mood. She had the capability of making friends, but usually chased people away with anger and insults. Sarah had lovely things in her home and now strangers are culling through her things at the estate sale that would be upsetting for her if she could see it going on. I saw the couch I often sat on during our visits...a touch of sadness for me.

The sadness was intensified for me when I stopped by that house at the end of the sale. I asked if I could just look inside at the living room and kitchen. The new owner thought it an odd request, but allowed me to do it. Obviously people had tromped through the house and it would need a good cleaning. I recalled where the couches had been, pictures on the wall and looking at the kitchen I had thought was as nice as I had ever sat in. There was the counter Sarah and I had sat at any number of times, her talking and me mostly listening. The house felt empty and lonely just as I believe Sarah's life was in her final years of life. All of her lovely things are now gone...worth nothing to Sarah anymore..

I'm not trying to speak ill of Sarah. Sarah was friendly and warm upon meeting. Despite living alone, I know Sarah could have had a good, and fulfilling life with Jesus in her life. She was an intelligent lady and could have contributed much in the lives of others, but not without Jesus in her life. She had resources she could have invested in the lives of others, but chose to stay walled up in her lovely house full of lovely things.

Sadder to me are Christians who feel they can manage very fine without Jesus an active part of their lives. Many Christians have enough of Jesus to get them to Heaven but not enough to really keep themselves at their happiest and most peaceful. They may go through daily routines never giving Jesus a thought. Prayer may not be a thing of importance nor the Word of God prevalent in their lives. Some may even feel the regular practice of church attendance and activity aren't all that important for them. When I think of it, those Christians don't have much more going for them in practice than Sarah. She felt like she didn't need Him...many non-practicing Christians live as if they don't need Him either....how sad.

The day will come however, when Jesus will be VERY important to everyone...Christians, non-practicing Christians and the unsaved as well. Time is short. What am I doing to keep in close relationship with my Heavenly Father? What am I doing to show love and concern in the lives of others...Christians and non-Christians alike? If Jesus would return today, would He find my life just full of things that really don't count for anything when I am finally gone to be with Him? Seeing couches on a lady's front yard just don't seem to matter a great deal when all is said and done.

Father, I want my life to count for you. Keep me from complaining and even bitterness. I want to be an influence for You in every way I can as You lead. Help me to not put importance on the things of this world that will only come to nothing in a short time. Thank You for Your love and direction in my life. I love You. In Jesus precious name....Amen

CHALLENGES OF CHANGE

Jesus Christ, the same yesterday
and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8

Change is something I have resisted most of my life. I've never liked having to adjust to it, no matter where or what the change may have been...or continues to be, for that fact. Every dictionary I checked for a definition of change basically said the same thing that change is making or becoming different. The definition is pretty simple, but the process certainly isn't.

In a previous presidential election, a major candidate ran on the promise of change

. Everyone knows what change is, but there was no way of knowing at the time what that man meant by change in government. We learned after eight long years, his view of change certainly wasn't our view. If we thought, and often do, that change is good, we have found looking at the devastation and ruin in our country left by him, wasn't what we had in mind.

One of the first major changes that came into my life was leaving my hometown to attend college in the state of Kansas. Little did I realize, it was the beginning of change(s) for the rest of my life. Growing up in my hometown was comfortable. Most folks knew each other. I had teachers in every level of school who had taught both of my parents when they were in school. Ours was a coal mining town. Many guys out of high school went to work in the mines. Some went to college or found jobs at home. I lived in two houses at different times, both comfortable with neighbors I dearly loved. There was a security in those 18 years as far as location and friends.

To this point, I've lived in five states, lived in 11 residences. This has meant church changes as well as selecting new doctors, dentists, grocery stores, and all the rest. For the last 20 years, I've made a habit of learning people's first names only. If I latch onto someone's last name, that's okay. In it all, I'm still not a good adjuster. New folks can't look at me and see what churns inside of me that has to do with change.

Can change be a positive in our lives? I had lunch this week with my NEW Sunday school teacher. She asked me where all we have lived and I told her some of it. Her comment was, “What an interesting life you have lived.” I think I nodded pleasantly. She asked me if I had taught the Bible in all of those places and come to think of it, I pretty much had. On that count, perhaps change has been good for me without thinking back on it all.

Scripture often speaks of change. In the Old Testament, there is a lot of mention of changes of clothes. Priests also had to keep an eye on disease of the skin on people such as leprosy. They would monitor changes in the lesions hoping for positive healing. There were changes of names such as with Daniel and his three friends when taken into captivity. They were basically given pagan names in place of their Hebrew ones. That couldn't have been a welcome change for those young men but there was nothing they could do about it.

Any number of times, we can read in Scripture of changes in the hearts and minds of people. These changes came often after going through very difficult circumstances. If the people had been disobedient to God's law, there were consequences for that, often bringing drastic changes in their lives.

Change, however, isn't always a negative thing. I have known friends with severe physical conditions that have changed for the good, with positive healing taking place. Most of us have at one time or another changed jobs. There were adjustments to be made, but any inconveniences seemed worth it knowing we had a better job with higher pay. Those of us who are parents have watched physical changes in our children as they have grown from babyhood through all the phases of physical change. Those changes, as we look back, came all too quickly as we look now at our children with their own families.

The greatest change any of us can experience is that time when we accept Jesus as our personal Savior. I was ten years old and went through this wonderful change in my life while listening to an evangelist in our small church. I didn't know what a lot of the BIG sins of life were like at that age, but knew that sin was sin, even if it was something as big as taking a cookie out of the cookie jar too close to supper. Sin is sin whether that sinner without Christ is ten years old or fifty. But....

Therefore if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creature; the old
things are passed away; behold,
new things have come.
II Corinthians 6:17

Changes are going to come....things will become different in any number of ways. They won't all be just positive or just negative. However, we will never be alone no matter the differences. God in His sovereignty has His hand on your life and mine. That is the best security we can have no matter the changes that come our way.

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth should change
and though the mountains slip
into the heart of the sea.
Psalm 46:1,2

Dear Father, thank You for seeing me through every change in my life. Your guiding hand not only leads in my life but is my comfort and security. Thank You for Jesus Who has made life worth living. In His precious name....Amen

STORIN' UP

How great is Your goodness, which You
have stored up for those who fear You,
Which You have wrought for those who
take refuge in You, before the
sons of men.
Psalm 31:19

As a little girl, I loved the time in the summer when my Mother and younger sister would go to my Grandma Benbrook's house for canning time. My grandma and Mrs. Carlisle next door would get together for “putting up” their garden vegetables along with some fruit off of their fruit trees. Mrs. Carlisle had a deep basement with pretty big windows she could open up. There was a big sink and stove with tables to work at. I couldn't even count the mason jars lined up on some of those tables. One day, they ladies gathered the foods they were going to pre-cook and can the next day. There was just about every kind of vegetable you can think of.

Once it was all finished, both women took their jars full of goodies and placed them on shelves in their cellars. I remember asking my Grandma why she did all of that work and her reply was, “Just storin' up.” Later I learned that the storing process was for winter months or for having food on hand when money was scarce.

My grandparents also had at the side of their house in the yard a mound that looked like a mountain to me. I couldn't play on it because of Grandma's Black-eyed Susan flowers that covered the hill. To the back of it though, almost flat to the back of the hill was a door. Some folks referred to storm cellars and maybe that was one, but my Grandma referred to it as a root cellar. It kept a pretty steady temperature and there she kept 'taters, cabbage, and onions that would keep longer under those conditions than other vegetables. Again I would ask my Grandma why she did that and the answer was always the same, “Just storin' up.”

There's something wise about planning for future days. We never know what problems or concerns await us around any corner. If we haven't gone through difficulties in the past or even in the present day, be sure they await us in the future. There are many ways we prepare for future events. Most of us carry some kind of medical insurance in preparation for medical emergencies. We do the same preparing for auto accidents. We are people who strongly believe in being educated. I can recall when in fourth grade some teachers in my school went to night school at a nearby university to complete their bachelor degrees. At the time they were very capable teachers, but if they were to have a future, they prepared with a degree. Few people can food as did my Grandma, but many still in our day purchase fresh foods to put in their freezers, especially people who live in snow prone areas of our country.

One area of preparation that is often neglected is that of spiritual preparation. I'm careful as I approach this area, for the best preparations spiritually for future days begins now on a day by day basis. It's important for us to stay strong in the Lord on a daily basis. If we don't stay strong now, we will certainly feel the lack of it when hard times come. I haven't memorized nearly the Scripture I ought to, but am grateful for those I know that have been a strengthen and comfort in my life during some very hard times.

We can't store up spiritual strength for future days like my Grandma would can peaches and have them in store some months ahead. Everything we do on a daily basis to keep spiritually strong contributes to our being stronger in coming days. I can't do all of the spiritual dailies though in one day and expect them to last me for weeks to come. Spiritual catch-up is not a concept found in Scripture.

When we expect we can store up spiritually for tough days ahead, we leave out a most important fact. When we go for days ignoring spiritual practice, we are leaving out the fact that God misses us. You see, we don't practice a religion as Christians. Ours is a relationship... the most important relationship we can ever have in life. Our Father wants to be our strength and comfort on a daily basis and He will consistently meet us right where we are...no matter the hour, day or whatever. We must remember that God's joy is our strength for any day or time. Meanwhile, we must stay strong in Jesus by being in the Word, being people of prayer, and being a part of a church where we can be ministered to and minister as well as the lives of others.

 Meanwhile, I want to enjoy the spiritual feast awaiting me on a daily basis...that's the best “storin' up” I can do.

My Father, thank You for providing for my every need, every day under every circumstance. Thank You too for the joy you bring into my life everyday. I know wherever life takes me, You are already there. I love you. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

THE NEW NORMAL

And the Lord, he it is that doth go before
thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail
thee, neither forsake thee:
fear not, neither be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8

In the above verse, Moses was speaking to Joshua. Because disobedience, Moses was not going to be allowed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Moses' right hand man was chosen by God to continue the journey with His people. What had been normal for Joshua up to this point in his life was never again going to be normal. For Joshua, big changes were coming. One important change was going to be the loss of one of the dearest friends on earth to him, Moses. He now wasn't going to be in a subordinate , but he was going to be the “boss.” He would have to lead the people militarily and in every other way. There would be adjustments in his life he never dreamed he would have to face. God spoke to him through Moses to assure him that with all the changes, God would always be the Presence in his life. Joshua would never have to wonder where God was. He had no reason for fear or discouragement as God would be Joshua's success.

The term “new normal” has come to my attention in the last few months. Wish I had learned of it many years ago. It would certainly have explained a lot of things to me as I faced various circumstances. Somehow, we think when our lives seem in an uproar, it would seem things will never be the same again. Well, they won't be the same, so we establish with God's direction, a new normal, a normal in our lives we will live...until the next major change.

I have some friends right now who are leaving their church that has been home for them for years. They know because of some corruptible influences that they must leave and go elsewhere. It seems so unfair and folks are left in a quandary in dealing with their church situation and the seeking of a new church home. Nothing right now feels normal for those for whom the church has been such a major part of their lives. Nothing feels normal right now. I use the term “limbo”...just hanging in mental space for a time. Church changes in our day are not unusual. Many churches are changing drastically and not necessarily for the better. Some situations have all but forced church members to seek churches that are more conservative and even more worshipful.

My family and some friends would attest to the fact that I don't like change in any way. Our family has made several moves. I don't like all the adjustments needed in new places, but they eventually come and a new normal sets in. There are major events in our lives that come to us sometimes through our own doing. There are other events that come almost like a semi truck, slamming into our emotions. These are things of life that occur often with great surprise. For instance, death of a friend or relative leaves a mark on us for some time. Like it or not, we face a new normal where that person will not be alive in our world...only in memory.

What do we know about “new normal?”:

*It will come because of a drastic often emotional changes in our lives.
*A new normal may be rejected or embraced. ''you choose
*Embracing the new norm can lead to a fruitful life.
*The new normal is a provision for healing.
*God stands ready to guide, comfort and be present in one's entire situation.

So how do we arrive at *our new norm when the necessity requires it? Some will try to find their new normal in money, things, drugs, entertainment and all other things that really don't satisfy or heal. Joshua's life at the time of hearing of Moses' not leading anymore and that he was the new leader, Moses, through God's direction gave him the answers for his new norm. Moses was very clear with Joshua some things that would usher him into his new norm:

*God had already gone before Joshua. Remember when we set out to follow the Lord to a certain place or situation, He is already there.
*God is present 24/7. Don't take that in a casual way. It is a rock-bottom truth.
*God won't fail us. He's not in the business of failure. Our God isn't a failure in any sense.
*God won't forsake us. He won't run off and leave us under any circumstances.
*Lastly and very important is a familiar command to not be fearful. Have you noticed how many of the things we fear or worry about, rarely come to pass?

Call it healing or adjustment, but the “new normal” will come to each of us at some time. May we embrace those times. Our Father is totally engaged in the new process that presents itself to us. In this area, much depends on how we view the “is-ness of God”, how we view His reality our lives.

Thank You Father for Your presence in every situation I face. Thank you that as I look ahead, You are already there. You have shown Yourself so present in my life and I thank You for that. Thank you for the “new normal” You have orchestrated in my life. May I be found faithful in every moment You send my way. In Jesus' precious name...Amen