A TASTE FOR GOD

O taste and see that the Lord is good:
blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.
Psalm 34:8

When just a few months old, babies begin eating baby food, often the commercial kind purchased in grocery stores. Babies seem to really like the fruits which have some sweetness to the taste. There are some mixed foods like chicken and vegetables that seem to be palatable to most little ones. Then come the vegetables. Most perhaps are taken into the little mouths and swallowed with not much resistance. However, it's in this area that the funny faces begin to appear. Little heads may turn or little mouths twist in silent protest that what they are tasting isn't acceptable. I've always been surprised at some of the vegetables baby food companies encourage for the very young. Where a baby may wince at the taste of spinach, he may like spinach when older. What makes the difference?

This may sound elementary, but there is a lot in babies that aren't developed physically. We all know that, but don't think of some of the little integral parts that are important..I refer to taste buds. That's an area of development in the beginning stages. Some baby foods may not taste just right to a baby. Baby food companies have toned down certain foods that may be strong in tangy taste so they are aware that there must be some compensation for strong taste in foods to a little one. Where a baby may shun carrots or spinach at one year and under, they may develop a taste with maturity for those same vegetables in a few years.

Taste is something that is acquired. Generally we develop a taste for things through exposure. Frustrated parents wonder why a child of theirs dabbles in some things they do that brings them down or into serious trouble. It doesn't happen overnight. Generally a bad crowd is involved at school or even at church. With a teen's exposure to the wrong influences, a parent's worst nightmare begins. The exposure usually encourages more and more negative behavior and rebellion toward parents. Exposure of the wrong things in the lives of our children is common and of major concern and bad tastes culturally develop.

What about we adults? We don't just jump into the things of the world that affects our taste for the things of God. We are as easily drawn aside as any child by our exposure to those things that are not of God. I have spoken with women who little by little found themselves away from the Lord, no longer living for Him and wondering how it all happened. Our tastes are developed through exposure.

I wish you could have known my sister Kay. I admired just about everything she ever did, even from a young age. She always had good taste in clothes. She had a sense of style that I admired. I used to say that she could dress in a burlap bag and look good. She was pretty with hair in place, neat as a pin. She had a beautiful alto voice even from high school on and at the time of her Home-going was active in her church choir. She was a godly woman, loving the Word of God. She raised two godly daughters. My list could go on and on. In appearance, I was always a slob up against Kay. Even though I was the older sister, she was an influence on me more than she knew. I loved being “exposed” to her, a godly woman of great taste.

When we come across those who influence us with their class and good taste in so many ways, we are affected by them whether we know it or not. Inside, we want to adopt some of what they are into our own lives. We may want to look better, talk better, serve more, etc. This happens in us because of our exposure, that helps us in developing good,godly taste.

Taste is also at times experimental. I've heard of developing a taste for certain foods. The only way that can happen is if we actually taste the food in question. There are still foods I don't have a taste for and never will no matter how often I taste them. Taste is developed by exposure to whatever the food or drink may be. I hasten to say that the same is true of spiritual taste.

I don't know how often I heard in my life, “Come on, Glendarae, just taste this...try it, you'll like it.” When someone has to beg me that much, I figure the experience isn't going to be good. The purpose of tasting anything is with the hope we will like what we've tasted. All over our area, there are places where one can go into a store and take part in free wine tastings. Why would an establishment have such a thing? Those merchants are hoping with the tasting, a person will enjoy what they taste and will buy more of what was merely tasted.. Taste can take us in many directions.

Our opening Scripture verse encourages us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” The thing with our tasting the Lord is that there is a trust that develops in us with this in-depth exposure to Him. This tasting and seeing the goodness of the Lord is not a one time thing. When tasting of Him with consistency, we will be drawn even more to Him. Acquiring a spiritual taste takes time and in that time, helps us love Jesus more. We hopefully will want more and more of who and what He is. Hopefully tasting of Him will create in us a deep hunger for God that will be on going.

My hope for each of us is that we will develop a deep taste for the things of God. Too often, I have settled for just snacking on the things of God. Snacking isn't healthy in most cases. It doesn't build the human body in healthy ways. Spiritual snacking doesn't build strong, spiritual bodies. May we enjoying feasting (and yes, tasting) on the things of God and come to develop a loving and ravenous appetite for our Lord.

Father, thank You for the privilege of eating from Your Word and drinking from Your fountain of life. Thank You for sending Jesus to make all of this possible. Thank You for loving me and giving me the privilege of being your child. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

HEAR ME!

Then shall the righteous shine forth
as the sun in the kingdom of their
Father. Who hath ears to hear,
let him hear.
Matthew 13:43

We just returned home from a wonderful Bible seminar at the Billy Graham Cove led by Larry Crabb. In the study of the book of Colossians, we delved into the subject of recognizing false teaching in our day and the goal of living the true Gospel. Even back in the day of the Colossian church, Paul had learned of the drifting of the church at that time into false teaching. The same false teaching then has also drifted down into our own day and is rampant in many circles.

There are many pastors today who want to preach an easy Christian life gospel. They say if we do certain things, we will live lives of happiness and bliss as Christians, a message never promised in Scripture. There are two problems at play here. For one, people tend to believe everything they hear from the pulpit, never evaluating even questionable things said up against the Scriptures. The second problem, is that a good many Christians don't know the Scriptures for themselves. They want leaders to do all of the studying and searching so they don't have to, thus it's easy to fall into false teaching. There are preachers on television today with big smiles and personalities that are convincing Christians how perfect the Christian life will be if they do certain things.

One of the most important things our teacher this week pointed out that really got my attention was something I had read any number of times, but hadn't really pondered. It sent me on a mental search and physical one as well as I delved into the only concordance I had with me. It was the end of each of the instruction to the seven churches in Revelation John was instructed by the Holy Spirit to write. John writes to seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. He calls their attention to positive things about their churches as well as pointing out areas where improvement is greatly needed. At the end of each of the messages to those seven churches, there is a common admonition said to each of them. (2:7,11,17,29 and 3:6,13,22) Each sentence says, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” It was pointed out to us the use of the word “hear.” Nothing was said about listening in those sentences. I wondered why.

I have known that listening and hearing are two different things although they may be dependent on each other. Listening is the physical action by which a voice is heard and those tones register on ear drums, thus registering pictures and thoughts in the brain. However, listening doesn't mean things are registering and being heeded. Hearing is also a physical process, but seems to mean there is more adherence to what is said. John didn't write to those churches that they should listen to what he was saying. He was interested in their hearing his words.

Just getting on my computer and looking up both words I found the word “listen” in only one verse of Scripture that was found in Isaiah (KJV). I found the word “hear” 2248 times. I found the word “hear” somewhere in 38 Old Testament books and 25 times in New Testament books. “Hearken” is included 283 times in that overall number and for good reason. As I look at the word “hearken”, it's clear to see the word of interest. So I conclude for myself that God isn't nearly as interested in my merely listening to His word even though that's important, as really hearing what He has to say. However, in the listening process, it's easy for it to go in one ear and out the other, as my Mother would say. When we really hear, we are taking in not only what has registered in the ear, but whatever has truly been heard, will be retained.

Why all the encouragement for people to hear or hearken? Sticking with me was when our teacher said, “The Holy Spirit always has something to say to those with hearing heart.” I felt a real conviction settle in on me as I thought of the thousands of sermons, Sunday school lessons and Bible studies I've sat through where I mostly listened, even taking notes. So often though, I wonder how often I was really hearing what the Spirit wanted to say. He would have said much if I was really listening in order to hear.

The word “hearken” is also in the mix and it's obvious when we look at the word itself...”hearken.” Hark was a word often used in Scripture to really get someones attention. Another word I hadn't paid that much attention to is the word, “heart”...heart. You see, when I am really hearing what the Spirit has to say, it may register in my brain, but settles down in a serious way in my heart.

By the way, the opening verse I have used in the beginning is a direct quote by Jesus. In Matthew, Mark and Luke, He uses these same words (hear) a total of 8 times. Jesus didn't use the word “listen.” He really wanted the people to hear, soak up, believe and put into action in every way whatever He said.

How well am I hearing what the Spirit wants to say to me? He is willing to speak if I'm available to hear...really hear...what He has to say. My prayer is that I will be alert to this lesson learned because my heart's desire is to know Him better and walk with Him closer than ever before.

Father, I'm so grateful for how You speak into my life through Your sweet Spirit. May I slow down enough to really absorb all He has to say to my heart. I pray for a “hearing heart” that will draw me closer to You. In Jesus' sweet name...Amen

HEAR ME!

Then shall the righteous shine forth
as the sun in the kingdom of their
Father. Who hath ears to hear,
let him hear.
Matthew 13:43

We just returned home from a wonderful Bible seminar at the Billy Graham Cove led by Larry Crabb. In the study of the book of Colossians, we delved into the subject of recognizing false teaching in our day and the goal of living the true Gospel. Even back in the day of the Colossian church, Paul had learned of the drifting of the church at that time into false teaching. The same false teaching then has also drifted down into our own day and is rampant in many circles.

There are many pastors today who want to preach an easy Christian life gospel. They say if we do certain things, we will live lives of happiness and bliss as Christians, a message never promised in Scripture. There are two problems at play here. For one, people tend to believe everything they hear from the pulpit, never evaluating even questionable things said up against the Scriptures. The second problem, is that a good many Christians don't know the Scriptures for themselves. They want leaders to do all of the studying and searching so they don't have to, thus it's easy to fall into false teaching. There are preachers on television today with big smiles and personalities that are convincing Christians how perfect the Christian life will be if they do certain things.

One of the most important things our teacher this week pointed out that really got my attention was something I had read any number of times, but hadn't really pondered. It sent me on a mental search and physical one as well as I delved into the only concordance I had with me. It was the end of each of the instruction to the seven churches in Revelation John was instructed by the Holy Spirit to write. John writes to seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. He calls their attention to positive things about their churches as well as pointing out areas where improvement is greatly needed. At the end of each of the messages to those seven churches, there is a common admonition said to each of them. (2:7,11,17,29 and 3:6,13,22) Each sentence says, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” It was pointed out to us the use of the word “hear.” Nothing was said about listening in those sentences. I wondered why.

I have known that listening and hearing are two different things although they may be dependent on each other. Listening is the physical action by which a voice is heard and those tones register on ear drums, thus registering pictures and thoughts in the brain. However, listening doesn't mean things are registering and being heeded. Hearing is also a physical process, but seems to mean there is more adherence to what is said. John didn't write to those churches that they should listen to what he was saying. He was interested in their hearing his words.

Just getting on my computer and looking up both words I found the word “listen” in only one verse of Scripture that was found in Isaiah (KJV). I found the word “hear” 2248 times. I found the word “hear” somewhere in 38 Old Testament books and 25 times in New Testament books. “Hearken” is included 283 times in that overall number and for good reason. As I look at the word “hearken”, it's clear to see the word of interest. So I conclude for myself that God isn't nearly as interested in my merely listening to His word even though that's important, as really hearing what He has to say. However, in the listening process, it's easy for it to go in one ear and out the other, as my Mother would say. When we really hear, we are taking in not only what has registered in the ear, but whatever has truly been heard, will be retained.

Why all the encouragement for people to hear or hearken? Sticking with me was when our teacher said, “The Holy Spirit always has something to say to those with hearing heart.” I felt a real conviction settle in on me as I thought of the thousands of sermons, Sunday school lessons and Bible studies I've sat through where I mostly listened, even taking notes. So often though, I wonder how often I was really hearing what the Spirit wanted to say. He would have said much if I was really listening in order to hear.

The word “hearken” is also in the mix and it's obvious when we look at the word itself...”hearken.” Hark was a word often used in Scripture to really get someones attention. Another word I hadn't paid that much attention to is the word, “heart”...heart. You see, when I am really hearing what the Spirit has to say, it may register in my brain, but settles down in a serious way in my heart.

By the way, the opening verse I have used in the beginning is a direct quote by Jesus. In Matthew, Mark and Luke, He uses these same words (hear) a total of 8 times. Jesus didn't use the word “listen.” He really wanted the people to hear, soak up, believe and put into action in every way whatever He said.

How well am I hearing what the Spirit wants to say to me? He is willing to speak if I'm available to hear...really hear...what He has to say. My prayer is that I will be alert to this lesson learned because my heart's desire is to know Him better and walk with Him closer than ever before.

Father, I'm so grateful for how You speak into my life through Your sweet Spirit. May I slow down enough to really absorb all He has to say to my heart. I pray for a “hearing heart” that will draw me closer to You. In Jesus' sweet name...Amen

Movin' Along

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

Moses was told by God to lead His people from Egypt back home to the Promised Land. One would have thought it was the best of situations for the Israelites. They had a wonderful leader God had chosen. That leader had the wisdom and provision of a great God. The move wouldn't be easy but it would take them from slavery back to their homeland. We know that despite all of God's guidance and provision, the people still felt they had reasons to complain....not enough variety in food, not enough water, leadership wasn't the best, etc. If they learned nothing else about God, they learned in quick fashion that God didn't and still doesn't like complaining and murmuring. They ended up far longer in the wilderness than God ever intended because of the peoples griping, rebellion and lack of faith.

I remember standing beside a U-Haul truck when Brian and I made our first move. I stood crying about leaving that lovely apartment that had been our first home from day one. My Mother was there and assured me I would love the next place as well because Brian would be there. We needed to move...needed more room as a young relative had come to live with us. In that next apartment, we would also bring our two baby girls home to it. I just remember the emotions of moving and leaving all that was sentimental and familiar to me.

We made several moves after that. Some moves required going a distance while some were no more than a couple of miles from the previous place. I learned with the short move that although moving within the same town, going from one neighborhood to another can be like moving from one state to another because every neighborhood is different.

I don't like moving. I could probably pack up the house in a good long day if we had to move again. When I dig in with packing boxes, I fly, but I do pack in an organized way. I know what boxes will go in what rooms, some boxes that will go to an attic or garage and other stuff to Goodwill. It's tiring and troublesome to move, but in our day of mobility, jobs change as they often did for Brian. I cried with every move mostly because of losing church ties including those ladies I had taught from God's Word. I grew up in the same southern Illinois town. I still tend to have a touch of envy toward those who have “stayed home.” They have very deep roots in our town and everyone knows everyone else.

Friends can make moving very difficult. They will express disappointment that we can't stay put. They will cry. We promise to stay in touch and with some we will, but with most, we just can't. The wonderful thing about Heaven is that there will be no goodbyes or so-longs, not even for a time. We'll be with the Lord and our Christian family forever...no moves...Heaven will be our forever home.

This is the season when people move. School is about to be out in most places, houses come up for sale and it tends to be the time for moves. No matter the move, there will be stress and high emotions. Children often don't understand what's going on. It's hard for an emotional mom to be super positive with children about a move when her heart is breaking. I do know though that things will work out.

I heard a pastor speak on one occasion regarding a couple in his church that was in the process of moving to a distant state. Many in the church were really upset to see those long-standing members leaving to go elsewhere. The pastor got up in the pulpit and said to his congregation to stop the emotional behavior that was beginning to turn negative. He reminded the people of how the moving couple was serving in the church, classes taught, and programs they had helped to start. The pastor suggested the people regard this couple as missionaries they were bidding farewell to who would do many of the same things in a new church as they had done in their present one. I had never thought of that either as I watched Christian friends move or with our own family moving.

May I give us some reminders to encourage both those leaving and staying:

*When Christian friends move, we must trust they are doing God's will. We dare not argue with that
*Make the move of friends as easy for them as possible. Volunteer to help in any way
*Give them a gift certificate for some place to eat along the road if they are driving.
*We live in a wonderful day of communication...phones, computers, etc....that makes staying in contact very easy. Fifty years ago, a move would have meant loss of convenient contact.
*Allow friends to depart/move with your blessing and good wishes.

The blessing in it all is that no matter where folks move, God is already there preparing the way. There will be a church to find, grocery store, doctor, dentist, hospital (in case of emergency), schools and much wisdom and discernment will be needed in making so many decisions. Friends who are moving need our continued prayers as they make adjustments to their new setting.

Father, many of us who have moved, know the joys and sorrows of such. We look forward to that great moving day when we go to Heaven or Jesus comes for us. There will be no boxes or moving vans to pack, meeting new people, etc. Meanwhile, when our moves do come on this earth, be with us in every aspect of them. Make us a blessing wherever that place is and use us for Your glory. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

I REPENT

Therefore I will judge you, O house
of Israel, every one according to his ways,
saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn

yourselves from all your transgressions;
so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
Ezekiel 18:30

It might be easy for us to look back at Israel of the Old Testament days with some criticism. We might feel the spiritual condition of their day was nothing like that of our own. I would say that we are different from their day in that we have fallen just as far into sin as that of Israel. Our country has more advantages when it comes to sinful thinking and activity. With all of that sinful advantage, we Christians don't seem to be making that much of an impact on this society of ours. Why? Because Christian America isn't a repentant nation. God is seeking a people that will turn from its culture of sin and return in repentance to their holy God.

It was my privilege Thursday night to watch the National Prayer Gathering in the US Capitol rotunda led by Anne Graham Lott and the committee that has spearheaded all of the days of prayer activities across the nation. There was music, Scripture reading, praying and comments by Anne as she led those there through a time of self evaluation.

Programs had been given to all who were present. On one panel of the program was a list of sins, personal in nature, that could apply to any and all of us. There was then a section regarding the need for our country to repent of its sins. It was stressed that with the personal sins, one might not think all applied to them, but if read prayerfully a few times, it would begin to dawn on the readers that the sins listed probably applied in entirety to each individual.

I don't have a copy of that program those folks had in hand but most folks who know me, know I have suggested for years a prayerful look at Colossians 3, that I have considered a wonderful chapter in Scripture that can serve as good words for self evaluation before God. It's not a comfortable chapter. There are the “put ons” and “put offs.” However,, there are small sections sufficient for self evaluation before the Lord.

Colossians 3:1 begins with a very foundational verse:

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those
things which are above, where Christ
sitteth on the right hand of God.

Perhaps this is a place to repent of our sin. I wonder how long it's been since most of us have really lived life seeking things above...seeking God in everything. I would also note the first word in that verse, IF. Without a true relationship with Jesus, repentance is going to be the furthest thing from an individual's mind.

Looking down the chapter, I see in verse 5 a list of sins that can grossly affect any Christian's body....fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire and covetousness. Perhaps many people in our day have either participated in some of those things in the past without repentance or are currently involved in such without repentance.

Down to verse 8, I see some things that are very convicting for me...anger, wrath (anger in action),malice, blasphemy, filthy communication. Where one of those sins strikes conviction in our hearts, we need to sincerely repent in sorrow before the Lord for those sins.

Verse 9 puts icing on the cake so to speak with an admonition to Christians about lying to each other. Paul was speaking to the saved community of Colossae, thus the Holy Spirit speaks to us as well in our day. Do we speak in truth with others even in general conversation without stretching or elaborating on truth?

When the group in the Capitol Rotunda read through those personal sins and sins of our country listed in their programs, they would say at the end of each, “I repent.” They didn't say, “We repent” because no one individual can repent for anyone else. Again, it's a very personal spiritual event in the heart of an individual Christian.

We all have a desire to see repentance take place in our country...few would deny that. However, we fail to see that such repentance will only happen through individual lives and then as a whole; we will then see a flood of repentance flowing over our sinful and divided nation. We have such a wonderful opportunity in these days with the leadership we have in place in our nation's capitol to see some wonderful things happen that can bring us back to basics. However, government can't order spiritual change. Spiritual repentance and thus revival will only happen one by one...one by one...one by one. Our prayer should be, “Let it begin in me.”

Father, our country is starving for You. However, we got away from You one by one. Change can only come with Your Holy Spirit working in us on an individual basis. May I first turn to You like never before...not looking to my neighbor in the church pew. Bring our country back to Yourself using Your people one by one. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

"Bear" With Me

As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear;
so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
Proverbs 28:15

I loved stuffed animals in my youth and by youth, I mean junior high through high school. I don't know whatever happened to all of them, but I don't have even one of them now. However, I do have a wonderful stuffed black bear maybe as tall as a cowboy boot that Brian bought for me as a reward for either hiking or biking around Cades Cove several years ago. I named it “Cadie” with a long “a” sound. Just a few minutes ago as I left my bedroom, there she sat looking her usual attentive self from the top of my desk. Cadie never growls, begs for food or misbehaves in any way for which I'm grateful.

However, Cadie is stuffed. She looks cute, but has no life to her and couldn't hurt a flea. She is, though, a nice replica of the beautiful live black bears we see in the mountains in our area. Tourists flock to certain areas in the hope of seeing at least one bear they can take pictures of to take home to show off to friends or relatives. Cars line up beyond reason in the Cove just to view a bear that has been spotted in a nearby wooded area. Children giggle with delight at the sight while parents make fools of themselves rushing with phone cameras in tow to take pictures. It's all fun and a delight.

Some tourists, however, take serious risks despite warning signs and stiff penalties to get as close to a live bear as they can without sustaining serious injury. The opening verse speaks of a “ranging bear.” That is a bear that is seriously wandering on the hunt for food. It may display a low growl, head moving from side to side seeking food. Most bears here live on berries, bugs and even yellow jackets. That's not a lot of food even at first thought for a bear that might weigh 200-250 pounds. While that bear is on the hunt, though, it does not want any distraction and may attack if aggravated. A bear was found in a local ladies kitchen having broken through the back door and then got into her refrigerator. Hearing the noise, she glanced to see the bear and immediately called authorities. You've heard of someone being “hungry as a bear?” Well, if that's the case, that human being is pretty desperate for a good meal if he's that hungry.

Looking in Scripture, I find another kind of “bear” there. This requires action on our part that will be of benefit to others. In definitions I found regarding that kind of “bear”, I find that we may be asked to carry, deliver, support, prop or hold up someone who might have great need at any given time. So in a sense, we have the privilege of being “bears” of sorts. For instance:

Bear ye one another's burdens
and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

WHY?

So Christ was once offered to
bear the sins of many; and
unto them that look for Him shall
He appear the second time without sin
unto salvation.
Hebrews 9:28

We are to bear the burdens of others because Jesus was willing to bear our sins and the sins of all others.

I also love the verse in Psalm 91:12 from one of my favorite chapters in the Old Testament:

For He shall give His angels charge
over thee, to keep thee in all
thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their
hands, lest thou dash thy foot
against a stone.

I don't know about you but there have been times when I knew my God-provided angels were on duty, especially when an accident was avoided or I sensed a special protection over me when I felt myself in an unusual situation where I felt a threat. Those angels bore me up many a time and I'm so grateful for that.

I love all of the cuddly bears that are stuffed, but don't want to mess with the real thing. I am grateful for those who have come along my side as a burden bearer. I know God has used them in my life as well as His providing those angel bearers I need on a daily basis. Personally, I need to be much more aware of the burdens of folks around me. So many of these folks have come to my attention in recent days who may need a card, a word of encouragement, a lunch date with a burdened down soul...any way I can be an encouragement and can only help one bear their burdens. Then I can have the joy of following Jesus' concern for others in being a burden bearer. We can be Jesus with skin on in the lives of others.

Father...Help me to be conscious of those around me who are really going through tough times. I want to help bear the burdens of others to be of help to them but to bring glory to You. Guide me in knowing the wise things to do and say as I seek to serve You in this way. In Jesus precious name....Amen

"Trust Me"

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart,
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5

Much as I hate to admit it, I like to know all that's going on in my life...the why's and wherefore's. I'm a happy camper even when unusual and sometimes negative things come into my life, if I can figure out why or how something has come about. I like to have all the pieces of a situation I can put into proper place. However in recent weeks, I have learned that I won't always have all the pieces to nicely sort out.

It's been one month since I was admitted to a local hospital. I went to the emergency room because of a reaction to an antibiotic I was taking for a kidney infection. Several years ago in Texas, I had the same thing happen so knew what needed to be done for the problem. However, a doctor in the ER decided I was experiencing a heart attack. I knew a heart attack should not only to be under consideration, but was overall ridiculous. However, the wheels of hospital protocol began to roll and I spent three days there going through just about every heart test possible including a heart cath. My mind was in a whirl. Everything was moving so fast, I couldn't keep up. I'm used to being somewhat in control of my life, but now it seemed as though I had absolutely no say in anything that was going on.

After three days in the hospital, I was discharged with my needle-punctured black and blue arms, horribly weary and really feeling sick. Even at home, I found myself wondering periodically what in the world had happened.

For anyone who has or is presently teaching the Bible in a Sunday school class or Bible study group, you know that we teachers will be held to a higher standard than those we teach. I'm thinking right now of a dear friend of mine in Austin, Mary, who is teaching the Sunday school class I once taught. I received a call one day that she had been in a horrible car accident and was critical at a local hospital. I got there as quickly as I could to see her dear husband. Mary was really torn up as a result of the wreck. It was a miracle not only for her to survive but to successfully make it through weeks and some months of therapy and recuperation. Mary, being a stronger Christian than I am may not have asked the “why's” I did, but I wondered them for her. There's no way she could have known when she left her home on that morning that on her way home would be involved in a wreck and taken to ICU at a local hospital. I can tell you though, that Mary was a blessing through it all more than she could ever know. I never heard a complaint even though she lived in a great deal of pain for weeks. She always had a smile and a good word for the Lord.

I am always so blessed when the Holy Spirit brings to mind Scriptures we have memorized through the years. Sometimes they bless us, encourage us or may even convict us. No matter what they do in our lives, such verses can teach all over again in a fresh way, the things of God.

Proverbs 3:5 and 6 are verses most of us memorized in Bible School or in Sunday school classes. Some verses may even at times seem to be over used, even stale. Even though I love both of these verses, I must admit I haven't referred to them very much in quite awhile. Several days ago while still pondering the medical events in my life and still not being able to make much sense of it all, the Holy Spirit presented me with a sweet and refreshing reminder that not only gave me encouragement for the moment, but that I feel impressed to incorporate into my regular thinking. My heart heard two words....”Trust Me.” Now as I think on any number of things for which I have no answers, my heart echoes those two same precious words. They echo even as I write and are such a comfort. Yes, for me, “Trust Me” are words of conviction, but are words from a loving Father Who wants me to realize that He is in charge of whatever comes into my life whether I understand it or not. I have known that nothing can touch my life lest it filter first through the fingers of God. When rough times come, we are tested with how deeply we believe the words we so easily express with great pomp.

Looking at the entire verse of Proverbs 3:5, I find that too often I lean on my own understanding, wanting all the answers and wanting things to go my way. When I make the decision to trust God, I also must be willing to give up leaning on my own understanding. My understanding of things will very often lead me in the wrong way or will prove to be wrong in the end. Trusting Him means abandoning what I think I know for knowing what God thinks.

At this point, I love just saying those two words because they aren't just words. You and I can trust our Father through the thick and thin of life. He loves and cares for us beyond what words can express. When He says “Trust Me”, we know He can back up those words by working on our behalf. Whatever you face today, join me in the only appropriate response we can render to our loving, caring Heavenly Father...”I WILL trust You.”

Thank You Father for lovingly guiding me through the thick and thin of life. I so often want to take the controls from Your loving hands When I do, I really make a mess of things. I'm so grateful I can trust You in everything. In Jesus precious name....Amen

THE LAST PICTURE

Jesus saith unto her, Mary.
She turned herself, and saith unto Him,
Rabboni which is to say, Master.
John 20:16

Nellie Barker was the first Sunday school teacher I remember having back to probably my kindergarten years. All I ever knew her by was “Nellie Barker” because that's what my Mother and Grandmother called her. Nellie Barker had a strong English accent and that caused a lot of friendly bantering back and forth with my Scotch grandmother. Our class was in one corner of the church basement. I always looked forward to Sunday mornings in Nellie Barker's class. I'm sorry to say that I don't remember much of what she taught, but at the time, her teaching was meaningful. There was one way Nellie Barker taught me that I didn't realize until I was an adult.

Nellie Barker received pictures of Bible stories and scenes for the classroom. They were probably 15x10...good sized pictures. She would attach them to the wall and they sometimes surrounded us at least on three of our four walls. There were all of the usual pictures...Jonah in the whale, Adam and Eve sharing an apple, Moses on the mount getting the commandments, and then we came to the New Testament. There we saw Jesus as a baby in a manger, talking to the elders in the temple, blessing the little children, and then there was THE one I didn't like...Jesus on a cross. I remember sometimes looking at that picture and wondering how that could have happened to someone who was such a nice man. I was saved from further thoughts on that by the last picture of Jesus standing in front of a place where there was a huge round rock behind Him that had been moved away from a doorway. He stood with arms out...a hole in each hand...talking to some ladies who were on the ground. I'm sure they were all happy, but I didn't see any smiles. I often wondered why pictures didn't show Jesus smiling because He seemed to me to be a happy person.

Nellie Barker will never know how her Sunday school pictures influenced the mind and yes, heart of a little girl. I often have thought back to that room, that English accent and those pictures, especially that last one. ...yes, THE last picture. That last one showed Jesus risen from the dead. However, it really isn't the last of anything where Jesus is concerned. I'm more in wonder in these more advanced years of how God does and has done all of His miracles and performed wonders far beyond comprehension.

So we have just finished celebrating that last picture on Nellie Barker's wall. Some folks wore new clothes to church, some even showed up for church, Easter eggs were hunted by children all over our country and choirs presented their Easter cantatas. But guess what, that last picture is still on the wall of my mind. Was it all just for one day or can we continue every day of the year to sing those wonderful songs and hymns that celebrate that last picture.

I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today.
I know that He is living, whatever man may say.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.

He lives! He lives!
Christ Jesus lives today.
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way.

Nellie Barker has been in Heaven for many years now. If she was a typical Sunday school teacher, she probably wondered at times if there was anything getting through to that group of snotty-nosed, overly energized little kids. She may at times have felt the tedium of plodding along, Sunday after Sunday doing many of the routine things Sunday school teachers do. Those of us who have taught, have felt that at times. We knew though that Nellie Barker loved us and one of the main ways I knew that was through those pictures. She didn't have to post all of them, but she did. For me, they were a touch of love from her.

In all probability, Nellie Barker hasn't received her “well done” yet because I don't think I'm the only one who came under her influence who remembers her being in our lives. Even today, in this grown up body, there is still a bit of that little girl who thinks back to that last picture of the risen Christ who within five years or so from that time would come to be my Savior. This picture in my hall of remembrance ever reminds me of my victorious Savior. It's also a picture not for just one week or Sunday, but for every single day. Thank You Jesus...and thank you Nellie Barker.

Thank You Father, for sending Your Son to die for me. Thank You, Jesus for Your love in dying on that cross for my sin that I might live in relationship with You and have the privilege of being with You in Heaven for eternity. Thank You for the victory I still see in that last picture on that Sunday school wall. In Your precious name...Amen

TEAR IT DOWN!

To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under
the heaven:
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time
to build up.
Ecclesiastes 3:3

There are a couple of shows on TV I thoroughly enjoy. Perhaps some folks think I could find something more beneficial to watch. The one program I especially like is hosted by the couple from Waco, TX who have a house renovation type program. They are good kids so appreciate them, their work and their testimony.

I'm always amazed no matter who has chosen a beat up, damaged house to redo, to see how they approach the challenge of making something beautiful out of a place that has undergone such damage. They often look like very hopeless projects, but I've learned to stay tuned because a really miraculous end is coming by the end of the program.

Something I have looked at as a an older house is being evaluated is the foundation of the house. Rarely does much of anything have to be done to the foundation of a house no matter its age. It is usually made of cinder blocks, bricks or concrete of some sort. Perhaps the flooring on the inside of the house may need some replacement, but the foundation originally laid for the building of a house is there.

It's amazing the damage folks do to the inside of a house. Some damage, of course, is a result of age. Kitchens usually age out and I smile when I see some of them. I like to see nice kitchens. Aging out usually happens to a bathroom as well. Many older houses have only one bathroom, but if there are two, some real updating is usually called for. Many times, windows in an older house need replacement as well as outside doors. Many older houses have real problems with fireplaces. Some have to be torn down completely or can sometimes be painted a color that matches the new paint in the living room.

The part I would like to have a part in is to be handed a sledge hammer so I could tear down a desired wall or some old cabinets. I think that would help the project, and looks like it would be such fun. We have lived in a few houses, usually new ones, in our married life. Some we still own but they are aging. It hurts me at the thought of someone going into one of those houses where in some cases may need a lot of work down the road to do any demolition work.. After all, we raised our children, shared sweet memories and shared life and love together in those places. I sometimes wonder about the original owners of those old houses I see on TV that have fallen into such disrepair and how the original owners would feel about what was being done to a place once precious to them. There are some old and empty houses we see on our way to church. They are in the process of being torn down, parts of them burned making way for newer construction. I have said to Brian that in those old and dilapidated houses are lots of memories of some families where they shared life together.

Demolition of any building happens, but that building feels no physical pain. There may be emotional pain on the part of some owners who have long-lasting and loving memories of the building that has been torn down. But back to my TV program. Those young renovators look at a dismal and lonely looking house and they see potential, warmth, beauty and a home being prepared for a family. When the end product is revealed, there is great joy. You see, they started out with a building that was broken and in some cases even vandalized. But that young couple looks through such a place and their eyes begin to sparkle as they look at all of the potential that can come from something that seems so hopeless and not worth much.

You see, when it comes to many such buildings that are broken, there are those who feel they can renewed and renovated with new purpose. They don't just picture new walls, kitchen fixtures, flooring and a pretty new shower in the bathroom. They envision people...people who need a fresh start in their lives, a house to make into a home. They may see a family who can bring joy, happiness and love to those walls that many years ago, heard and felt the same things as a family moved into it.

Paul tells us that we are temples, houses of sorts where the Holy Spirit dwells. Some have forgotten the importance of these houses of clay that are ours. Perhaps through the years, our houses have sustained a lot of damage, not just physically but spiritually as well. We may feel at times that we are pretty torn up and yet, Scripture tells us there's a time to build back up. We're never given a command in Scripture we can't accomplish with Holy Spirit strength. I often feel I need a renewal in so many ways and when I yield to the changes that should be made, I feel a refreshment in my life. I feel renewed in every way when I allow God to come in and do business with me.

Here we are in the spring time of the year. Remember spring housecleaning? I hardly hear the term anymore but perhaps it wasn't a bad idea. When growing up, I hated it when it was time to clean wallpaper, take down curtains and no telling what else. I wonder in the whole process when completed if our house smiled...a smile I couldn't see of course.

I wonder if God doesn't smile when He sees our willingness to tear out the old stuff of our lives and let Him come in an not only help with the cleaning but also with the beautifying. Yep, there's a time to break down but it becomes a disaster if rebuilding up doesn't follow.

Thank You Jesus, for doing a work in my life. Sometimes it's uncomfortable, but I really want to make a difference for You in the lives of others. Grant me Your power in whatever process is necessary in my life right now to bring me to all You want me to be. Thank You for seeing potential in my life when I don't see much. In Your precious name...Amen

"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