love God

the family, the Bible, and the prayers

From my earlier years, there are but a few specific things I remember well. I do recall our family devotions held nightly in the living room. Dad read selected passages from the Bible. I don’t know if he chose the verses or followed a devotional book. Either way, he regularly read and studied his Bible, and therefore was very wise.

Dad read from the King James Version, and I would imagine I had difficulty concentrating. Somewhere, between a thus, ‘tis, canst, thy, thou, art, shalt, etc. (and on, and on, and on…), I’m confident my mind slowly drifted away. When you’re a child, the KJV sounds like an elaborate and complicated Bible language compiled just for adults. After Dad read the Bible, we each said our prayers, beginning with the youngest (that would be me). As Dad was the oldest, his prayers were last, and by far the longest. Before our devotions came to an end, younger family members (that would be me) were likely sound asleep.

I don’t remember how or when the family devotions stopped. Mary (my sis) began working part time at Roses Dept Store and also began dating. Then, John (my brother) got a job at the A & P bagging groceries. After work, he spent a lot of time talking to girls on the phone and eating ice cream by the half-gallon. Sometime, in the midst of everything, family devotions were slowly discontinued. By that point, we most likely were old enough and mature enough to have personal devotions. Oh, did I mention that Dad’s prayers were extremely lengthy.

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Psalms 25:1-7 (KJV)

sacrifices and rewards

We had a guest speaker at church this morning. It was Dr Alvin Reid, a professor at Southeastern. He’s Associate Dean for Proclamation Studies and Professor of Evangelism. Our youth department had DiscipleNow going on this weekend, and he was the speaker. I don’t know what DiscipleNow is, but there was a large group of youth in the sanctuary wearing DiscipleNow t-shirts. From the name, it sounds like teaching the Great Commission to the youth of today. Dr Reid also spoke about how even a small Christian movement can make a big difference.

Dr Reid told us (the congregation) that every semester, he has a parent in his office crying, upset that their child has been led to the foreign mission field. I think I can understand that reaction. It’s hard to imagine your child (and his family) half-way across the world.

I’ve known for a very long time that Andrew would serve God in a special way. (A mother just knows these things.) Ever since his first summer with Campus Crusade, serving in Santa Cruz, it was evident how he felt about missions. When Andrew was very young, I began praying for the wife God had chosen for him, and what a wonderful couple they make! Both have a heart for missions, and both are following God’s call.

Each of us (Christians) serve God in different ways. I wasn’t called to work in a church somewhere in a foreign land, but I can pray for missions. I wasn’t called to be a nurse far away from here, but I can support missions. God has given us different gifts. I feel honored to be Andrew’s mother, and to be a part of God’s plan for him. Thinking back on Dr Reid’s words, about the parents in his office, I think I understand. But, I’m also excited how God is working in Andrew’s and Sheila’s lives.

I’m also reminded of the sacrifices and rewards of serving God.

The Great Commission
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
(Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)

poppy and olivia

a jumbled post - what would you expect at 1:30 am?

I recently received a sale booklet from LifeWay Christian store. A particular item caught my eye – “Save $25, while supplies last”. I wanted to take advantage of the sale, so I stopped by there this morning and bought a hardback copy of The Holman Christian Standard Bible - “The Holman Illustrated Study Bible, Holman CSB”. I normally don’t care for hardback Bibles, but I really like this one. I’ve only flipped thru it a couple of times, and I’m excited to begin a new version, a new adventure, and a new journey.
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/

Did you know that the serving size for Fig Newtons is 2 cookies, at 110 calories? The package weight is 1 pound.

Now, Strawberry Newtons have the same serving size of 2 cookies, but have 100 calories. The package weight is 12 ounces.

Okay. The Strawberry is 10 calories less than the Fig. The Strawberry package weight is 4 ounces less than the Fig. Is something wrong here? Or, am I somewhat confused?

Or, are my thoughts totally random?

A parting thought - "The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—’tis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning." - Mark Twain

One more thing, did you know the serving size of Lifesavers Jelly Beans is 32 pieces? And, 32 pieces are 150 calories. Do I have to count them? Will Mark find out if I don’t count 32 pieces? I’d rather grab a handful.

journey to joy

”May not a single moment of my life be spent outside the light, love, and joy of God's presence and not a moment without the entire surrender of my self as a vessel for Him to fill full of His Spirit and His love.” -Andrew Murray

My life. I can either be grateful for it, or grumble about it. I can be satisfied with what I have been given, or envy what others possess. Life is a journey that I can either tolerate or enjoy. I’d rather my life have J-O-Y.

My life. But, it’s not all about me. As a child, I learned that J-O-Y was Jesus 1st, Others 2nd, and You last. Jesus is the one, true source of everlasting joy. By giving my time and energy to others, I receive joy in return. I’d rather my life have J-O-Y.

My life. Because God lives within me, my joy may be eternal. Someone once said, “God made you for Himself, and it is only when you find His purpose for your life, that you will also find His peace and His joy in your life”. I’d rather my life have J-O-Y.

You reveal the path of life to me;
in Your presence is abundant joy;
in Your right hand are eternal pleasures.
(Psalm 16:11 The Holman Christian Standard Bible)

"I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”
(John 15:11 The Holman Christian Standard Bible)

hard, short, not perfect

happy valentine’s day

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:7-11 (NIV)

lists, lists, lists

I just realized – I haven’t been here since Jan. 30th! I've not been able to think of anything to write. As for today, I thought I'd make some lists. I make "to-do lists" more or less every day.

A list of “what I need to do”:
sew three window treatments
complete the bathroom updates
finish painting touch-ups
find sewing machine instruction booklet
hang two wall pictures
re-cover chair seat
buy two lamp shades
learn how to use our new camera
compile remaining tax items
(finish each item above)

Excuses for “why I haven’t completed the list above”
tired
achy
stiff
lack of sleep
sore
headaches
brain haze

I have a lot to do...
maybe tomorrow will be better…

People are like stained-glass windows.
They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,
but when the darkness sets in,
their true beauty is revealed
only if there is a light from within.
Elizabeth Kubler Ross

message along the highway

Last week, I was driving down a busy road during the lunch-time rush. As I stopped for a red light, I noticed a woman, dressed in tattered clothing, standing in the median. Her arms were stretched high above her head holding a handmade sign. On a paper poster board, large letters were clearly printed in black. The sign read: STOP SINNING, COME TO JESUS. She wasn’t asking for money, she was just standing there, in the middle of the busy road, planting seeds among the traffic.

Her actions were a witness for Jesus Christ. As a child of God, my life is a witness for Him, either for or against. Even as a Christian, I am not immune from testing and temptation. I was born with a sin nature, and will never STOP SINNING. There is no escape from sin; it’s a reality of life. Even so, I can COME TO JESUS and ask Him for forgiveness.

I did some shopping and ran errands for a couple of hours. On my way home, the woman was still there, standing in the median, holding the sign high above her head.

if My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 (NIV)

in the midst of life

(Okay. So I had a little fun with my last post. He rather deserved it!)

Lately, I’ve been thinking about life. Actually, my life. I came across this old quote and it made me stop and question just how I am living my life for God: “Our life is a gift from God; what we do with that life is our gift to God”. Am I doing all I’m expected to do, all that I’m supposed to do? Have I loved enough, shared enough, helped enough, learned enough, cared enough, understood enough, laughed enough, accomplished enough, given enough, listened enough, worked enough, or trusted enough? No, I can never do enough, there is always more.

How better can I live my life for God? What should I be doing differently? What purpose does God have in mind for me? When I became a Christian, God changed me. He continually prepares me to do His good works. He also prepares the good works for me to do. (Disclaimer: I earn nothing by doing these good works. I do good works because God is in me.) There is always more that I can do with my life, my gift, for God.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 (NAS)

mea culpa

This lovable, adorable little five-year-old was a charming, mischievous, precocious, enthusiastic, compassionate, witty, and energetic child. I was chosen to be his mother, and although not faultless, I tried to do an honorable job.

Sadly, it has recently been made abundantly clear (refer to comment #2, Jan 14th post) that Mark and I are responsible for the adverse effect our parental deceptions had upon the formative years of Andrew’s childhood. In response, I offer the subsequent clarification…

Andrew was raised in a Christian home and was taught of the miraculous birth of our Lord and Saviour, and how God loved us so deeply that He sent the baby Jesus. We read him Bible stories about the manger, the shepherds, the star, and the wise men. He learned the true meaning of Christmas – that it was the birthday celebration of the Christ child.

We also participated in the tradition of the obliviously fraudulent little guy dressed in red, who, on the night before Christmas, traveled the world in a reindeer-led sleigh to leave presents under Christmas trees and fill stockings with goodies. This was part of the make-believe magic of childhood, akin to imaginary fairy tales, tooth fairies, Easter bunnies, cupids, leprechauns, etc. We continued in the pretense of these mendacious customs until Andrew naturally grew out of them.

Consequently, Andrew has an apparent resentment and hurtfulness towards me for taking part in the prevalent Christmas tradition of Santa. “Andrew, I ask you, in this very public audience, for my earnest forgiveness. I deeply regret the disappointment and disenchantment we caused you. I yearn for the day in which you can overcome the traumatizing and deceitful practices we forced upon your childhood. Oh, and no hard feelings...”

a mother's joy

Sing to the LORD, all the earth; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.
1 Chronicles 16:23-24 (NAS)

Hooray! Andrew begins seminary this week! As another chapter in his life unfolds, I admire him even more...

spectacular snow

He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes.
Psalm 147:16 (NIV)
What a spectacular sight!

I was especially excited to hear snow was in the forecast today. Last night, eager with anticipation, I dreamed of Callie tasting the swirling flakes drifting from the sky. I would watch her cautious steps along the snow covered deck, shaking snow from her paws with each step. I looked forward to a tranquil walk down the street, holding hands with the love of my life, our footprints following in the new fallen snow.

Okay, time to jump back into reality. This picture is from December 1993. Hey, a person can dream…

snow.... sleet.... freezing rain.... rain....

The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen. He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through them. At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth. Job 37:10 (NIV)

What a progression in the weather today. I saw snow flurries around 4 am. Sometime later, I heard the pelting of sleet. Around 10 am, I noticed freezing rain had replaced the snow and sleet.

The pine trees are bowing down under the cover of ice. The old cherry tree is striking in its crystal glazed silhouette. The bird feeders are crowded and the usual chatter is hushed in the stillness of the morning. Under a dreary gray sky, the landscape is a dazzling crystal kingdom.

and He was saying to them all, "if anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. luke 9:23 (nas)

I enjoy listening to Ginny Owens. This particular song of hers has been stuck in my head all day. I finally listened to it several times. I needed an encouraging reminder that God wants me to go thru some hardships. I know I’m being tested, and often I ask why, but I must remember I’m never alone. The lyrics say it so much better…

If You Want Me To (Ginny Owens)

The pathway is broken
And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

Chorus:
Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will go through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone


So When the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the darkness If You want me to

When I cross over Jordan, I'm gonna sing, gonna shout
Gonna look into your eyes and see you never let me down
So take me on the pathway that leads me home to you
And I will walk through the valley if you want me to

Yes, I will walk through the valley if you want me to

tales/tails from my childhood

This story isn’t about a child’s bunny book, although, there are some very nice books about bunnies. It’s not about The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown, not Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt, and not The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams.

This story is about a little bunny and a little girl. The bunny had snow white fur sprinkled with black coal speckles, long silky whiskers, and eyes like a deep, dark pool. This little bunny had a large puffy tail, a wrinkle of a nose, and a kick in his heels. He had a comical little hop, a delightful disposition, and recognized his name was Frisky.

He and I had some happy times together. I would often take him from his cage, and the two of us would lie on a carpet of clover. Frisky would stay by my side, quietly nibbling his favorite meal, while I gently scratched his head and tickled his long, soft ears.

My Dad raised rabbits, and my brother helped with the feeding and cleaning of cages. I liked all the bunnies, but Frisky was mine. I took care of him all by myself.

Occasionally, Dad was the hunter, forging the cages to provide for his hungry family. For the sake of my sanity and general well being, I chose to ignore this aspect of raising rabbits. You see, rabbit tastes just like chicken, especially in casseroles, stew, or dumplings. I couldn’t tell the difference, and I didn’t want to know the difference.

One bright, sunny Saturday morning, I skipped out to the rabbit cages to take out Frisky. He especially enjoyed nibbling clover dipped in dew, and I enjoyed watching him. I stopped at Frisky’s cage, flung open the door, and excitedly called for him. The cage was empty.

My Mom had fixed a stew for Friday’s dinner. As Paul Harvey would say, “and that’s the rest of the story”.

here kitty, kitty

Yesterday, Mark and I went to the NC Cat Fanciers show. We thought it may be a fun thing to do on a Saturday afternoon. It was held at the downtown Radisson Hotel (where Mark once locked his keys in the car).

The setup was rather interesting and educational for us “first timers”. The judging rings were remarkable to me. The pedigreed cats certainly acted like they were aware of their pedigreed status. Callie would never consider standing ceremoniously while an unfamiliar judge rubbed her coat and gazed seriously into her eyes and intently judged her features and closely examined her bone structure and inspected her graceful tail and tested her lovely temperament and whatever else they do. All judging aside, I was amazed that the noise level didn’t frighten the fancy cats. Just being in close proximity to other cats would send Callie into a tailspin. I was truly impressed.

After walking down aisle after aisle of various different cats, I decided my favorite breed was the Havana Brown, with the Russian Blue coming in a very close second. They both were quite beautiful and incredibly striking. Of course, Callie is my purrfect pedigreed, and she is all I want.



Callie

pity party

Today, I had a bad day. In fact, the whole week hasn’t been all that great. So, today I sent out invitations to a great big “pity party”. Of course, I was the honored guest. I received three RSVPs, and was joined by me, myself, and I. We all got together and complained about this, whined about that, griped about the other, moaned about another, grumbled about…well, you get the idea.

Shame on me! How could I feel sorry for myself when innumerable others are suffering far worse than I could ever imagine??? This Bible verse teaches me that "pity parties" are never God's will. I asked for forgiveness and for joy.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)

Lord, help me to remember to be thankful for the roses and the thorns, for the good and for the bad, for the joy and for the pain, for the pretty and for the ugly – all things in my life.
My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain; Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant.

Author Unknown