A GENTLE WHISPER

Psalm 77:14 “You are the God Who does wonders.”

Let’s never assume we have it in the bag thinking we know what a particular word means.  Whether a noun or a verb, it proves so often that our finite minds can’t absorb what a term of communication entails.  Are we alike in that when you look up a particular word in a dictionary or thesaurus, you find yourself with a host of other words.  And sometimes, in my admission, I forget the original word I was looking for.

This particular morning a week or so ago, I was reading in my Bible Psalm 77, verse 14.  In our activity-addicted, fast-paste life, we often skim over thoughts and expressions without pausing to park our minds on any particular phrase.  This verse, especially the last few words (God Who does wonders) wouldn’t allow me to move on in my reading.

It didn’t take me long to look up the word WONDERS.  Here’s what I found in my

Websters dictionary: 

Wonders:  a cause of astonishment or admiration, a feeling of awe a sense of surprise, amazement caused by something beautiful, unexpected or inexplicable. 

Biblical perspective:  supernatural event, a divine sign or the emotional state of awe and astonishment in response to God’s power.  It describes both the awe-inspiring works of God and the human reaction of being amazed by His presence.

Here’s an opening question for those who have committed their lives to Jesus Christ and read His Word, the Bible, regularly.  When was the last time you were “in awe” of what you just read?  Don’t we often think to ourselves, “I’ve read this many times before,” and continue in break-neck speed finishing the paragraph or chapter at hand.

“YOU ARE THE GOD WHO DOES WONDERS.”  There were stop signs all over this sentence.  And, proclaiming my ignorance, I wanted to see what “wonders” meant.  I was in the pause of my life at this early hour of the morning.  I had a number of errands to run that day…. but all would have to “wait” in line, after listening to God through His Word.

This very personal God desires to make His ways and presence known to each of us if we “seek Him” with all our heart. 

Jeremiah 29:13 “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

Psalm 119:2 “Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts.”

There are many verses about “seeking Him,” but this isn’t just having a quick read, close the book and then on with our day.  I’m getting to love the phrase PAUSE….

After reading and thinking about what it means to “wonder,” it was as though that word wouldn’t exit my thoughts.

I began running a few errands and my last stop of the day was at our local Costco store.  For those of you reading this story and are not familiar with that store; it’s a huge warehouse of food items, pharmacy and untold miscellaneous items for homes, gardens and the like.

One of my favorite places to pause in life is the ladies’ restroom.  You men may not comprehend this, I realize.  It’s not just a place for needful pausing, freshening up makeup, powdering our noses and chatting with friends.  It’s a “room to rest for ladies who wish to be engaged in a variety of activities.”  That may contribute to the well-used phrase when women are together, they may ask another gal to join them in their journey to the nearest ladies’ room.  Men, I realize this will not make sense to you…it’s a “lady’s thing.

Exiting one of the five feet by three feet stalls, I went over to what looked like a cattle stall with fixtures for soap and water and a large mirror above.  Again, to show my ignorance, about a year prior, Costco had just installed this new “trough” for washing your hands.  It was then that I learned the techniques for washing up.

The soap container was obvious.  I lathered up really well and then attempted “just the right spot” to ignite the stream of water.   Alas, nothing was working.  My hand was full of suds, but no water.  I thought to myself, “how difficult can this be?”  A fellow female traveller gently shared some critical information.   My hands were not in “just the right spot or angle” for the water to come forth.

I thought to myself, I hope “Candid Camera” isn’t on the scene to see how many minutes it takes for a woman to locate just the right area for water.   I thanked this woman profusely.  We both had a chuckle from it….at my expense.  But I was grateful.

My experience some time ago came in handy this particular day.  I washed my hands and now was on the “rinse-cycle” of my hand-washing career.  It was AT THIS MOMENT, a woman appeared next to me.  She looked at the gadgets before her and seemed to have no awareness of what to do next.

That’s when it happened!  It was as though God came near and softly and said to me, “Help her find the soap and show her what to do.”  For just a few seconds, it felt like “time stood still” and I was prompted to help this woman.

Right now, you may be thinking, that’s odd, and “why would you be attributing all this to God speaking to you?”  He’s a personal God and interested in EVERY DETAIL OF OUR LIVES.

Psalm 37:23 “The Lord directs the steps of the godly (those who belong to Him).  He DELIGHTS in EVERY DETAIL OF THEIR LIVES.”

For some reason, this lady next to me found it a difficult adventure in utilizing the facilities.  I softly pointed out where to place her hands.  She lit up like a lantern, and by the time she discovered the specific spot for the water faucet, she broke out in smiles.

As I was drying my hands, I shared that I understood her plight because a year ago, I was in the same quandary.

God has His kids everywhere to notice and

assist others in the challenges of life, doesn’t He!

But this isn’t the end of the story.  For you see, God made me “quietly aware of her need.”  God doesn’t need to shout to get our attention.  Right after I left the room, the impact of what just took place made a lasting impression on me.  I couldn’t get the tiny details out of my mind.  It was such a quiet, gentle nudging….as though everything was in s l o w –  m o t i o n.

When I got home, I was reminded of a verse in 1 Kings 19:11,12:

“Go out and stand before Me on the mountain,” the Lord told him.  And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain.  It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind.  After the wind there was an earthquake.  And after the earthquake there was a fire.  And after the fire there was the sound of a “gentle whisper.”  When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.”     (Then the Lord continued His conversation with Elijah). 

What struck me here was what had taken place in the ladies’ restroom at Costco.  God was making Himself known to my heart at that moment and inviting me to join Him in helping the woman next to me.

It wasn’t “earth-shattering,” but ever-so-gently and personally.

“Whoever is faithful with very little

will also be faithful with much.”

Luke 16:10 Let’s be available and alert for the LITTLE THINGS, the LITTLE WAYS we can be Jesus, with skin on, helping others.

BUS DELIVERY OF A NEW FRIEND

When you frequent a place, don’t you find that you gravitate to the same area sometimes, perhaps even the same row of seats?  And perish the thought if someone else should occupy “your seat” before your arrival. 

Though cool, it was a delightful Sunday morning in October.   One of my favorite joys is greeting people at the church.  On this day, I placed myself between the door and the brisk outside air – not wanting to lower my body temperature so early in the morning.

Of course, you can stand inside and wait until people enter the building; but I feel it’s important that people see someone genuinely greeting and welcoming them.  

We had been at this church for a few months, and I was trying to learn names and recognize faces each week.   But I found that even if I couldn’t remember a name, I was becoming familiar with the faces.   In our busy world being remembered can make others feel important and welcome.

The parking lot was buzzing with people arriving for the morning service.   Hugs and conversations were in full swing, but out of the corner of my eye I saw a small yellow and white bus pull up to the curb and park.  In a few moments the driver came around to the exit door.  Even from a distance, I could see that a woman inside was moving slowly toward the bus steps

A small-statured lady with lovely white hair appeared at the top step.  She was dressed so neatly and waited for instructions and a caring hand to help her down the steps.  I heard the faint verbal count of each step as the driver audibly counted down her descent.  The young driver then accompanied this lovely woman arm-in-arm toward the door of our church.  I’m reminded often that the Lord directs our steps, and the steps of others that come across our path.

I did not hesitate to ask if I could help.  Somewhere in the brief conversation, I was informed that she was partially blind and needed help to be guided and seated in the sanctuary.  She was such a pleasant lady and I was only too happy to escort her.

As we approached the auditorium, we exchanged pleasantries and I found her simply delightful as I guided her to an appropriate row toward the back.   An usher noticed our entry, and I asked him to watch carefully when the service was over, and to be sure and help this fine lady to the exit door to wait for the bus to pick her up.

He was most agreeable.  After introducing them, I assured her that he would take care of escorting her out of the seat and back to the entrance to the church.

Sometime after the service as I was leaving, I noticed her again by the exit door.  She was sitting on a ledge by the window peering out the window and watching for that nice yellow and white bus.

It was a pleasure to see her again: and oddly enough I felt strangely drawn to her.  Many people were passing by her as they were leaving, but she seemed all alone.

Just before leaving the building I asked how she was as I wanted to make sure that she was being picked up soon.  With a warm smile, she assured me the bus driver would be there soon and take her back to her place of residence.   

I introduced myself as the woman she met when she first arrived.  “What is your name?” I asked.  I could tell that she was happy to have been asked.  Her name is Caroline and this was her first Sunday visiting our church.  

It was my pleasure to assure her that I would be looking for her next week and I would be delighted to see to it that I would help her find a seat and have her cared for each Sunday.   She seemed very happy about that.

Now think about this for a moment.  “If you were partially blind and you visited a church and no one greeted you or cared for your seating needs, would you return?”   How would you and I feel in a foreign setting with hundreds of others passing by without a word being said to you?  

How would you find your way out?  How awkward and frightening that would be.    I sometimes get nervous visiting places I’ve never been, and I can see why.   But what if I were blind?   Frightened wouldn’t come close to describe my inner fears. 

I find it incredible how God places people and situations right in front of us, trusting us, if I can use that word, to care for and look after them.   This first encounter was meant to be.

The following Sunday, about twenty minutes before the service, the yellow and white bus pulled up to the curb, and the driver circled around to help this sweet lady off the bus.   This Sunday was different however.   My feet couldn’t mobilize fast enough to arrive at the bus steps.   I called out her name to welcome her back to church. 

My plans were to walk arm-in-arm with her right to the area where she sat “last week.” However, God had “other plans.”   God’s ways are amazing, and can be contrary to our plans

Arm-in-arm we began our approach to where she sat last week; yet something within me would not allow that to happen.   I asked if she would like to sit with my husband and me in another location instead, and she seemed only too pleased and somewhat relieved with that offer.

So we walked a little further than the previous week to the area where my husband and I normally sat.   The rest is history!   Every Sunday morning it is as if she prances off that bus like a queen.   She started bringing her walker, which increased her speed limit and freedom.   

At 93 years of age she’s so good at maneuvering her walker, I wonder if she was into race-car driving in her earlier years. 

I parked her walker at the back of the sanctuary wall, and we then proceeded – arms clutched together a few more row aisles to where we would sit together. 

At the end of the service, I moved her walker close by and we leave  a few moments before the rest of the congregation exits.

We’ve added a “refreshing stop” after exiting the auditorium doors.    Caroline and her mobile-wheeled helper move with me in the direction of the donuts and coffee urns.   I would make a bee line for the cups and get pouring as Caroline, gleefully munched on a donut.    

The next item on the agenda was to return to the entry door waiting for the little yellow and white bus.   Her walker has a fold out seat which provides her a comfortable way to sit and enjoy her liquid refreshment before boarding the bus.    

People began noticing her arrival and departures each Sunday; but it isn’t her walker and fragile frame they’re drawn to.   It’s her smile and laughter and singing all the way to the front door.   Whatever the last hymn or praise chorus we’ve sung that morning, that’s our theme to coffee and out the front door.

I love it when others stop and introduce themselves to her.  Slowly she’s getting acquainted with others and beginning to feel at home.What encouragement this woman is to me and I couldn’t be more privileged to be “Jesus…with skin on” to one of His delightful children.                                       

My prayer is that my eyes will see like He sees, and that I would take advantage of every practical opportunity He places in front of me, to love and show kindness.

KINDNESS IS A LANGUAGE THAT THE DEAF CAN HEAR

AND THE BLIND CAN SEE.

A PICKUP THAT DIDN’T GO WELL

“NOT AT FIRST”

Do you ever have days when everything just seems Blah?  Your inner voice and motivation are essentially “Zero. Zip. Nada.” You try to talk to yourself to, “Get your act together!”  

I saw a cute cartoon which describes this day.  It read: 

“If you see me talking to myself, not to worry. 

I’m self-employed and we’re having a staff meeting.”

My husband and I had moved into a home that was, shall we say, neglected beyond belief, both inside and out.  In Real Estate parlance, such a home is often referred to as a “Real Fixer-Upper.”  My attempts at clearing the outside extended well beyond what I anticipated.  After one particularly trying day, after I had just finished bagging 48 large disposable waste bags of leaves, yard clippings, and tree trimmings, my patience was at an extremely low point, and when converted to temperature, it was likely about minus 10 degrees.  I had completed the yard clearing and piled everything neatly – ready for pick up for the garbage collector.  Exhaustion oozed from my body.

Being new to this neighborhood, I had inquired from a neighbor about how these bags and contents of the waste bin would be picked up by the city.  The neighbor told me that the city would pick up three or four of these yard waste bags each week if they were placed next to the large waste bin provided.  

Monday morning found four of these bags hugging the large waste container.  Our little dog began to bark consistently in anticipation of the arrival of the city’s Sanitation Engineer assigned to our area.

Yep, there he was, complete with a truck making loud mechanical noises while lifting the bins and moving forward from house to house.  Since I’ve always shared goodies with our “garbage guys” to show appreciation for their efforts and efficiency in trash removal, I thought I should do so with this fellow.  This would be our first meeting “at the can location,” and I was so pleased with myself at my orderly arrangement of all the bags, sure that the young man would also be duly impressed with heap of trash – ready for pick up.

I was armed with a big smile, anticipating a congenial introduction, but things did not go exactly as planned.  The young man’s face did not exude joy.  In fact, he was perturbed, and immediately invoked a corrective action to me on his route.

My placement of the rubbish bags was too close to the large bin; and because of COVID, I was informed that the city was not picking up the paper garbage bags.  My anticipated friendly relationship with My Garbage Guy began to disappear like a mist while I received a curt discourse on “trash rules and regulations” from a generally unhappy city employee.

To add insult to injury, as he was picking up the waste bin with the arms of his truck and in so doing, ripped a gash in a bag of tree limbs and leaves.  You can picture that all of this was spewing out of the bag.  He released the bin and pulled away, all the while giving me a rather smug look.  I found his attitude and actions very hurtful.

My neighbor saw what occurred and came over to encourage me.  Once I related my details of the event, she returned home.  About an hour later this same truck appeared again to remove the rubbish from the other side of the street.  

My “defense-lawyer” (my neighbor) was waiting for the driver.  She spent about ten minutes in “trash conversation” with this garbage collector, the content of which she shared with me later.  I would have avoided her “chosen wordage,” but I wasn’t in charge of her sermonete.  She said that she told the driver how inconsiderate he was to me, especially since I was new to the area and was only trying to follow the rules.

Needless-to-say, this wasn’t a good morning for me.  My feelings were hurt, and my “pleasant introduction” turned into a fiasco.  Humanly speaking, he was about to be crossed off my “treats for the garbage guy list.”  Now it was time to have a chat with the Lord about the verbal confrontation.

Yes, I received my “Divine instructions” and the pathway to mending was plain and simple.  Only put out the appropriate bin and hold off on those 48 bags of yard waste for a few months.

A week had passed and I was “ready and waiting” for the sound of his approach.  To be honest here, my tummy was churning, but I was going to pour out the “kindness barrel” as best I could.  I hadn’t premeditated what I was going to say, but just trusted that if my heart was in the right place, God would fill my mouth with the right words that needed to be delivered. 

The noise from the truck announced his arrival!  I approached the driveway, where the bin was placed, and as he pulled up, I said, “Did I put everything out okay this time?”  My jaw dropped as I viewed a smile that appeared on his face.  “Yep, you did it right.”  Then he proceeded to tell me why he couldn’t pick up the yard waste in the thick paper bags for a few months.

I thanked him and I thought that would be the wrap up of our conversation.  He paused and said, that he would soon return to empty the garbage on the opposite side of the street.  If I could handle it, he told me to empty one of those paper bags into my bin and roll it across the street and he would empty it for me. 

Those bags can be very heavy.  I was informed that I needed to load the yard waste into the bin myself since he was never allowed to touch a bag, but only use the truck’s pick-up mechanism to collect any trash.

What???  I couldn’t believe what came out of his mouth.  About an hour had passed and I perched myself outside in anticipation of his arrival in the big blue truck.  Sure enough, an hour later, he appeared.  This time I was ready with a can of Pepsi in my hand.  His arrival was more pleasant this time.  Perhaps he saw the Pepsi can in my hand as he made his way around the corner of the street.  As he pulled into position, I handed him the can of refreshment as his eyes sparkled and a great big grin appeared on his face.

As he took hold of the Pepsi can as I was attempting to place the second bag of yard waste into the bin when the bin tipped over and all the yard waste went all over the street.  It was just too heavy to get a firm grip on it.

So, what would any woman do at this point?  I politely told him that he could just move on to the neighbor’s bin, and that I would spend the next few minutes “cleaning the street” from my yard waste.  I knew this would be my next assignment as he had to remain in his truck … per the City’s bylaws. 

At this point, I almost began to cry, but that wouldn’t solve anything.  So, I quickly began the clean-up operation.  To my shock and surprise, the door to his cab opened and out he popped.  He began helping me tidy up the street from all the tree clippings that had been stored in this supposedly heavy-duty bag.  

I offered many heartfelt “thank-yous.”  He just smiled and said, “Don’t tell anyone I’m doing this, as I’m not supposed to touch the trash.”

Within about two minutes, the street was cleared, and in the bin and up and over into his truck it went.  He knew I was grateful, and a huge smile from him appeared in the rear-view mirror as he drove off.

So, if you’re wondering if God is interested and desires to be involved in our “tiny trials.”  The answer is a resounding “Yes!” He longs that we see Him at work in our daily duties and regular routines.

I serve a BIG GOD … who cares to be involved in every aspect of my life and in yours.  However, we need to give Him the opportunity.

And yes, my Sanitation Engineer will become part of my “baking routine each week.”  I want to let him know that in our busy, often impersonal world, his occupation is important, and he is not just scenery on those days –and that his work makes a difference in the lives of many people.

Is your “garbage guy” or your personal “sanitation engineer” aware of your appreciation for his or her efforts?

EVENTS AT THE MEDICAL LAB

I gave more than blood!

It was an early morning that day, and even the sun hadn’t come up yet.  This day’s routine required leaving the house earlier than usual because I had an appointment with the people who draw blood at our local medical laboratory.

That ordinary procedure developed a life of its own that day.  Like me, I hope you often discover what we often refer to as “ordinary events” of life can sometimes spring into unexpected joys.  Our connection to God allows us to rest in the truth that:

“A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.  How then can we understand their own way?”  Proverbs 20:4

His ways lead to His purpose, and many times we will never understand the path before us.  

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.”  Isaiah 55:8

So, when you and I feel lost or can’t see a way forward, these verses can bring an unexplained deep peace which is not of this world, but directly from God.

At the time of this writing, we were still living with COVID restrictions, and in self-isolation mode.  So, when I venture out, I need to adorn my face with a blue mask.  Honestly, this morning that would be a marked improvement to my appearance. 

Sadly, the worst part of this “mask-wearing protocol,” is that you can’t tell if someone is frowning or smiling.   However, after looking into the mirror, I have discovered that if you put on a really enthusiastic smile, your eyes kind of enlarge and light up.  At least that’s my story and I’m sticking with it. 

Having a shower and dressing for this appointment was quite simple.  All I had to do was just show up and stand in line, of course six feet (2 meters) from the person in front of me.  I was there promptly at 8:00 am when the doors to the Lab opened for business.

A lab attendant hurried out the door with his clipboard and pen and proceeded to ask all the COVID questions necessary to allow anyone to enter the facility.

I was ready with my “all no’s” to their questions.  The lineup wasn’t a lengthy one, and so within 10 minutes I was hunkered down inside the facility waiting for my turn to be sequestered to a chair, ready for the “ready, aim and fire” by the gal with the needle.

Yes, the personnel are very clever in how they try to trick you and disguise what’s going to happen next.  To distract you, they begin to ask you questions, like:  what’s your name, date of birth, and then suddenly your arm is strapped with a tourniquet.

I really don’t mind needles, just so long as they’re going into someone else’s arm.  My needle-apprehension began to emerge, and I looked away while she did her little prick.  This gal’s “administration of the needle” wasn’t bad:  but I’ve had some in the past that when they inform you that you’re about to receive the prick, you never feel it.  Now that’s what I call a “good day” and an “excellent poke.”

All went well and I was glad that … it was over.  As I was about to leave, the people at the front desk told me that I could obtain the lab results by looking on line.  They gave me the website and the instructions (which seems a little blurry to me); but they were very pleasant, and being no need to hang around, off I went. 

We don’t live far from this lab, so I was home in ten minutes.  After being home for a while I began thinking about the lab staff’s kindness; and with the COVID protocol and restrictions they have to deal with together with the lack of patience and complaints of some people, the thought arose in my mind that a letter of thankfulness might be nice.

But I was home now and I wanted to relax. Well, you can imagine “Who” would not allow me to unwind just yet.  Before long I found myself drawn to my computer; and before I knew what hit me, I was writing a “letter of appreciation” to the Lab personnel.  It only took me a few minutes to strike the keys on the keyboard so that hopefully 15 or so people at the lab could have a better day at the office after receiving my note.

So, off I went to deliver my “expression of gratitude.”  I soon found myself about to stand in the lineup for a second time that morning, a line which had grown considerably since I was there earlier.  The man who was interviewing each patient saw me approach the line, and I felt I should let him know that I wasn’t in line again for questioning; but that I just wanted to give the lab staff this “letter” from me. 

I was startled when he asked me to “stay right where I was.”  I remained in position and he quickly left me and all the others as he rushed inside, my letter in hand.  He returned moments later with an unusual look on his face.  As he came close, as close as he could without violating the distancing rule, he said these words.

“We have never, ever received a letter like that.  I’ve just read it and it’s now being circulated around to all the staff.”

This man’s face looked as if he was about to break into tears.  I told him that in a season like this with all that we’re going through, I felt they all needed to know that what they were doing was really important, and I appreciated it very much.  It was a “well-deserved letter of gratitude.”

Off he went, reminiscent of a school boy with a new candy bar.  I can honestly say I felt the Lord’s pleasure in my own heart all the way home.

As I reflected about my “ordinary way” in my visit to the medical lab, thoughts came to me of the many ways God has provided for me, through others, and I never took advantage of the “practical way” I could express “thanks” to them.  Oh, how we need to have the lens of our eyes cleared so we can see others like God sees them.

Proverbs 11:25 “A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

I felt joy way down to my feet.  I’m learning to carry a few blank cards of stationery with me when having access to doctors, dentists, or the general public serving me.   They need to know that what they do and how they do it is “important.”

And best of all, you won’t even need a stamp if it’s your personal delivery.

WHO MIGHT YOU WANT TO ENCOURAGE on your next “ordinary outing?”  Go ahead, make someone’s day…. with your words of kindness and appreciation.  Be the love of Jesus, to them.  They might just find Him for themselves.

The Gift of our Words: the expression of our hearts!

Though we have all heard the expression, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” but what does that mean?  For me, it’s when I see something so lovely, so heart-warming, and so delightful that it moves my hearts beyond verbal expression.  We hear people trying to express themselves after an event as “that’s beyond description,” or “I just can’t find the words.”

I was recently thinking about words.  The words we hear and the words we speak.  The word itself is a one syllable collection of letters that carries meaning: W O R D S.  Our words can carry a tremendous weight in and of themselves.  They can bring joy, encouragement, and delight; but they can also transmit disappointment, discouragement, disillusionment, and destruction.

Words can either be a “construction zone” or a “demolition site.”  The elements of our speech that proceed from our mouths have the potential to deliver affirmation or devastating criticism.  It’s not just “what we say,” but “how we say it” that can bless and strengthen the heart of another, or demoralize them in a split second.

Words convey expression from our hearts.  There is one collection of words that may be seldom used, but words with a message that are tenderly and longingly sought after; and those are the words I LOVE YOU.  

Sadly, I have often heard people share that their parents rarely said those words to them.  They knew their parents loved and cared for them, but the parents found it difficult to let the words proceed from their lips to their children.  Often culture, background or how people are raised can squelch that loving expression.  

I think back to the many people who have encouraged, instructed, corrected, and loved me during my life.  They stretched my character to grow and think about others ahead of myself.  People who have accepted me, just as I am (warts and all), and loved me beyond measure, seeing potential in me that I never comprehended in myself.  

God has used such a carousel of delightful people to bless my life here on earth.  He has orchestrated a “lifetime array” of circumstances, during which I have been introduced a wide variety of people who loved, taught and mentored me.

At the end of last year, I wanted to express to a few precious friends how “grateful” I was that they had been part of my journey through time here on earth.  Their lives touched and enriched me in ways they probably never realized.  My heart and life have experienced such nourishment, enthusiasm, encouragement, correction and joy because of the many “ways and words” these people have shared and have made a profound impact upon my heart and life.

The last few weeks I’ve experienced encouraging comments from five friends that related to a few short responses I gave them in a text.  I was delighted to affirm each person, but was surprised with their “appreciative comments” on how I phrased my affirmation.  What an awakening to me again reminding me that how we craft our comments and conversation can not only be helpful, but sometimes life-changing by giving others a fresh perspective.

Our lives “impact and influence” others around us.  I was especially thinking of the impact of our words!  We deposit positive and life-giving joy and encouragement to others, not just by “what we say,” but “how we say it,” and sometimes, by what we choose “not to say!”

For me, I struggle inside when I’m around “opinionated” people.  And I need to be careful here, because my own mouth and tongue can “motor” around on that highway expressing unsolicited opinions. 

No need to take notes, but let me share how God addressed something ugly in me a few months ago.  My scripture reading that particular morning (Proverbs 29:11) is presented in a few translations below:

  • “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” RSV
  • “A fool utters all his mind:  but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards.” KJV
  • “A fool lets it all hang out; a sage quietly mulls it over.”  Message

Oops, you might be saying, I’m not a fool.  Well, God seems to call a spade a spade.  Or on a clearer note, He calls sin … exactly what it is, sin.  Sometimes our words can be categorized as words that proceed from a foolish tongue.  

My eyes caught on the word fool.  I didn’t want to linger there, but God was kindly pointing out that there was a better way to handle people and circumstances in life.  There was a boomerang affect when I read the rest of the verse.   “… but a wise man holds it back.”  Holds WHAT back? 

At first, perhaps like you, I wasn’t fond of the word fool.  God loves us “just as we are;” but He loves us too much to “leave us there.”  I wondered what a wise man holds back or refrains from.  Yes, part of that verse (in other translations) uses the word anger.  But He’s not just referring to holding in the wrong kind of anger.  Anger is an emotion for sure, but anger most often is reflected in our WORDS and WAYS with others and towards others.

Here’s a verse that addresses the formula for “holding back our words,” and I’ve memorized this verse to help me watchful with what I say. 

“The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.”   Proverbs 15:28

If you’re convicted in any way here, please get in line behind me on this one!  Let’s learn together.  What captured my thinking was this:  this applies to not only anger, but anything that’s “on your mind.”  It wasn’t long before the word “opinion” came into view.

So often if I have an opinion about something, I feel it needs to be “let out of its cage.”  After reading this verse in Proverbs 29:11, I looked at the bottom section of my Jeremiah Study Bible where there’s a further explanation of the meaning of certain verses.

I mentioned my “discomfort” earlier when I’m around opinionated people (who seldom see themselves this way); I was blown out of my socks when God’s arrow fell right on my turf.  I can be opinionated too.  Yes, it even hurts as I express this in writing for all the world to see, but it was true many times of me.  

So, I committed the verse to memory to help ward off the temptation of voicing what “I think about a topic” without an invitation to do so.  My new trains of thought are to:

“Zippa da lippa.”   Or perhaps, “Engage mind before stepping onto the accelerator of my tongue.”  Just because I have an opinion doesn’t mean it needs expression.  I’ve found that we “seldom, if ever, have all the facts about a matter, anyway.” 

Here’s what Dr. David Jeremiah has pointed out in the Jeremiah Study Bible on that verse:

“Many things are better left unsaid, and many opinions are better left unspoken, not only for the sake of others, but for the sake of one’s own well-being.”

So, in summary, I’m choosing to continue to study “how to answer” as well as “how to not answer.”  How about you?  Our text book on this should be the Bible, not the dictionary.  Just in the book of Proverbs alone, there are numerous verses that teach a willing student how to interact and connect with others in a “grace-filled” manner. 

Jesus was a “Master communicator,” and He longs for His children to enlist in His “communication class” as willing students.  I’ve been in His class for a few years now.  If you feel uneasy in this area, I would love to have you join me, so I don’t feel that I’m the only one in this “Carefully Crafted Communication Class.”

If you’re not certain that God has a lot to say about this area of our “speech,” I have a 31-day challenge for you.  Since there are 31 chapters of Proverbs, there’s a chapter for every day of the month.  When you’re reading each chapter (s l o w l y) circle every word that appears that refers to speech, words, lips, tongue, etc.  You get what I mean. 

Perhaps you’ll be as shocked as I was.  But then again, how marvelous that God would want to not just challenge what we say and how we say it, He offers a “free education” so we’re more effective with His Word and ways with others. 

“The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.”  Proverbs 16:23

Oh, that our words and opinions be filled with expressions of encouragement, sound counsel, and filled with grace.   Will you join me in “cutting the kindling” so only goodness is ignited.

“Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.”  Proverbs 26:20

Before I “stop writing” (ha ha ha), let me share a moment I had while in my car with another driver on the highway of life.  I don’t recall the exact details, but suffice it to say that I made a poor judgment in a parking lot.  I was made painfully aware that my judgment wasn’t the best.  How do I know that?   The driver gave me a piece of his mind that he couldn’t afford to lose.  His words and hand gestures just about tore me to pieces.  

Wouldn’t you know I was knee-deep in this “verbal response school,” and when this man’s words came bulldozing out of his mouth, I felt buried.  He got out of his car and headed towards me.  This gave me a moment to draw a quick breath of prayer and God brought to my mind Proverbs 15:1.  

I can only give credit to Jesus for literally filling my mind and heart with the words in that verse that I had memorized. Once he was within ear-shot of my voice, I found myself apologizing for my error in judgment.  Yes, you read that correctly.  I apologized!  I told him I was in the wrong and so very sorry.

By now, I probably have your full attention, and you’re wondering how this turned out.  Right?!  My comment literally took him by shock and surprise.  He didn’t know whether to eat a banana or crawl back into his car.   Once he gained his “composure,” he gently said something like, “Oh, oh, that’s okay.”  Then off we travelled in our separate directions.  I’ll never forget the power of God’s word in that automobile scenario.

“A soft word turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.” Proverbs 15:1

Remember, our words are either a “construction zone” or a “demolition site” in the lives of others.  Let’s be wise and positive in our speech, building others up and offering grace to them as God is building His character in them, as well as us.

Years ago, Ruth Bell Graham, wife of evangelist Billy Graham, saw a sign by the road: “End of Construction—Thank you for your patience.”  Smiling, she remarked that she wanted those words on her gravestone.   

EVENTS AT THE MEDICAL LAB

I gave more than blood!

It was an early morning that day, and even the sun hadn’t come up yet.  This day’s routine required leaving the house earlier than usual because I had an appointment with the people who draw blood at our local medical laboratory.

That ordinary procedure developed a life of its own that day.  Like me, I hope you often discover what we often refer to as “ordinary events” of life can sometimes spring into unexpected joys.  Our connection to God allows us to rest in the truth that:

“A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. 

How then can we understand their own way?”  Proverbs 20:4

His ways lead to His purpose, and many times we will never understand the path before us.  

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.”  Isaiah 55:8

So, when you and I feel lost or can’t see a way forward, these verses can bring an unexplained deep peace which is not of this world, but directly from God.

At the time of this writing, we were still living with COVID restrictions, and in self-isolation mode.  So, when I venture out, I need to adorn my face with a blue mask.  Honestly, this morning that would be a marked improvement to my appearance. 

Sadly, the worst part of this “mask-wearing protocol,” is that you can’t tell if someone is frowning or smiling.   However, after looking into the mirror, I have discovered that if you put on a really enthusiastic smile, your eyes kind of enlarge and light up.  At least that’s my story and I’m sticking with it. 

Having a shower and dressing for this appointment was quite simple.  All I had to do was just show up and stand in line, of course six feet (2 meters) from the person in front of me.  I was there promptly at 8:00 am when the doors to the Lab opened for business.

A lab attendant hurried out the door with his clipboard and pen and proceeded to ask all the COVID questions necessary to allow anyone to enter the facility.

I was ready with my “all no’s” to their questions.  The lineup wasn’t a lengthy one, and so within 10 minutes I was hunkered down inside the facility waiting for my turn to be sequestered to a chair, ready for the “ready, aim and fire” by the gal with the needle.

Yes, the personnel are very clever in how they try to trick you and disguise what’s going to happen next.  To distract you, they begin to ask you questions, like:  what’s your name, date of birth, and then suddenly your arm is strapped with a tourniquet.

I really don’t mind needles, just so long as they’re going into someone else’s arm.  My needle apprehension began to emerge, and I looked away while she did her little prick.  This gal’s “administration of the needle” wasn’t bad:  but I’ve had some in the past that when they inform you that you’re about to receive the prick, you never feel it.  Now that’s what I call a “good day” and an “excellent poke.”

All went well and I was glad that … it was over.  As I was about to leave, the people at the front desk told me that I could obtain the lab results by looking on line.  They gave me the website and the instructions (which seems a little blurry to me); but they were very pleasant, and being no need to hang around, off I went. 

We don’t live far from this lab, so I was home in ten minutes.  After being home for a while I began thinking about the lab staff’s kindness; and with the COVID protocol and restrictions they have to deal with together with the lack of patience and complaints of some people, the thought arose in my mind that a letter of thankfulness might be nice.

But I was home now and I wanted to relax. Well, you can imagine Who would not allow me to unwind just yet.  Before long I found myself drawn to my computer; and before I knew what hit me, I was writing a “letter of appreciation” to the Lab personnel.  It only took me a few minutes to strike the keys on the keyboard so that hopefully 15 or so people at the lab could have a better day at the office after receiving my note.

So, off I went to deliver my “expression of gratitude.”  I soon found myself about to stand in the lineup for a second time that morning, a line which had grown considerably since I was there earlier.  The man who was interviewing each patient saw me approach the line, and I felt I should let him know that I wasn’t in line again for questioning; but that I just wanted to give the lab staff this “letter” from me. 

I was startled when he asked me to “stay right where I was.”  I remained in position and he quickly left me and all the others as he rushed inside, my letter in hand.  He returned moments later with an unusual look on his face.  As he came close, as close as he could without violating the distancing rule, he said these words.

“We have never, ever received a letter like that.  I’ve just read it and it’s now being circulated around to all the staff.”

This man’s face looked as if he was about to break into tears.  I told him that in a season like this with all that we’re going through, I felt they all needed to know that what they were doing was really important, and I appreciated it very much.  It was a “well-deserved letter of gratitude.”

Off he went, reminiscent of a school boy with a new candy bar.  I can honestly say I felt the Lord’s pleasure in my own heart all the way home.

As I reflected about my “ordinary way” in my visit to the medical lab, thoughts came to me of the many ways God has provided for me, through others, and I never took advantage of the “practical way” I could express “thanks” to them.  Oh, how we need to have the lens of our eyes cleared so we can see others like God sees them.

Proverbs 11:25 “A generous soul will prosper,

and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

I felt joy way down to my feet.  I’m learning to carry a few blank cards of stationery with me when having access to doctors, dentists, or the general public serving me.   They need to know that what they do and how they do it is “important.”

And best of all, you won’t even need a stamp if it’s your personal delivery.

WHO MIGHT YOU WANT TO ENCOURAGE on your next “ordinary outing?”  Go ahead, make someone’s day…. with your words of kindness and appreciation.  Be the love of Jesus, to them.  They might just find Him for themselves.

TELEPHONE TREASURES

During our short lives, God orchestrates many cameo appearances of people who walk in and out of our lives.  Often our interactions are brief, and we can’t connect with everyone, but we can make a difference in the lives of a few.

Each interaction allows for laughter, hope, care, love and a listening ear.

It’s funny how ideas and promptings come to us, and it is not uncommon to be reluctant to implement them.  My heart and mind have been drawn to “practical little ways” to interact with someone – let them know that I was thinking of them.  It is these ideas that become the “shoe leather” of our walk.

Like me, have you wondered if someone is thinking of you during their day?  This is a big world and people are busy with their own lives and responsibilities.  However, it’s critical to occasionally let others know that they are important to us.

So, how will they know we’re thinking of them and their

welfare if we never phone them?

If we’re alert and perceptive, we can see a blessing being displayed and distributed person to person.  On occasion I have put God’s blessings into framed categories to better identify where to look for them. 

There’s an art and challenge in developing that practice because God’s ways are not our ways.  He shows up in the most surprising ways and incredible places.

His touches of love, kindness, thoughtfulness, care, comfort and provision, explode in the most “practical of settings” which most of us miss if we aren’t looking for them.

How often do we often attribute a sunrise, sunset, rainfall or gently falling snow to just the weather!  Or perhaps a hummingbird, butterfly or a bee circling and cuddling a flower and call it nature.

Those familiar with the Bible and many of the historical events mentioned therein, we can recall specific events like the parting of the Red Sea which were HUGE.

 However God still intervenes and touches lives in what may appear tiny but are actually huge!

In our everyday practical living, we can easily miss many opportunities to either “see” or “be” a blessing simply because we don’t pause and consider that God is at work.

I think God wants to lead us into adventures of blessing others, but we often don’t recognize it at first glance.  I’m glad He’s into repeating things, aren’t you, because I seldom catch on the first time.

I observed many lovely qualities in my mother.  She has gone “home to heaven;” but her passion for outreach is etched in my memory.  Though she felt her life was quite ordinary, and appeared so – on the surface. 

Soon after marriage, we moved away – far away – to a different country – Canada.  The very cold winters in Calgary were ideal for homesickness to set in.  But every week God warmed my heart through my “mailbox!”  My mother wrote me a letter once a week for 30 years – to let me know she was thinking of me. You may think I’m foolish, but I have kept all those letters as a visual reminder of God’s tenderness to my heart and life.

When was the last time you wrote someone to let them know they were “special to you?”

Mom’s letters were a powerful example of how God uses us in simplicity to touch the lives of others.  Yes, I enjoy email, and the internet can be very helpful, but I still yearn for a personal touch – a hand-written note saying, “I’m thinking of you.”

When considering simplicity, I’m grateful how God used Alexander Graham Bell to bless others.  If you’ve never read about Bell’s life, you would be amazed at how the telephone was invented.

My dad loved to grocery shop.  He knew nearly all of the prices of the items in their local supermarket and their specific shelf location.  His friend, Stanley, would pick up my dad almost every morning and they would drive to the large grocery store nearby.

This daily routine provided exercise for their legs, heart and billfolds.  They knew all the names of the cashiers as well.  They turned their excursions into family gatherings.

Stanley’s wife had died many years earlier, and he felt quite alone.  The “grocery runs” with my father became a weekly social pattern.  What impressed me was that my mother would phone Stanley “every morning.”

It wasn’t to arrange for a pickup of my dad, but just to say “hello,” and see how he was doing each morning, or perhaps inquire as to what he had for dinner the prior evening.  My mother would phone Stanley every morning, and she had so faithfully for over 25 years – even after my dad died.

In 2006 due to health challenges, my mother came to live with us in Washington State.  We had prearranged for an Ohio phone number to be incorporated into our phone line so she could conveniently call her friends in Ohio – including this “friend of my dad’s” every morning for almost three years.

During this time, it was my delight to care for my mother in my home, and I continued to see her exercise this “touching outreach” to my dad’s friend who was alone. 

While caring for my mother, my energy and focus was limited to my home and all its responsibilities.  There were many times I felt a bit lonely, but God used my mother’s pattern for reaching out and touching others to spur me on to a new outreach. 

Her legacy was about to begin a new journey for me.  The morning that my Mom went “home to be with Jesus” was the first morning that I began to phone Stanley myself.  My calls to this dear man went on for another four years.

The morning before he died, I was able to pray with him on the phone.  The telephone had become a “touching tool of outreach.”

In those times of being alone, God helped me see that I could be a source of love and joy to another, simply by phoning people every day just to say hello and check in on them.  My calls seldom went beyond 5 minutes.

God introduced many others to me whom I felt that He wanted me to begin regularly contacting by phone.  Some were caregivers, widows or widowers, or –singles facing medical or physical challenges, or simply someone who was alone.  These calls have brought me joy as I entered their lives through the telephone.

Many of friends, with whom I would connect, have gone home to heaven, and I miss them terribly.  But every year God continues to give me one or two new people to phone daily – just to say hello and ask about their lives, and how to pray for them.

I’ve found it profoundly meaningful to “forget about myself,” and to invest just a few minutes each day enjoying people and letting them know that they are loved and thought about.  Yes, each one has been, and continues to be a “treasure.”

Do you know someone that has perhaps lost a loved one, and is alone a lot and needs a tender touch via your cell phone?  Let’s update our “contact lists” with those to whom God leads us to touch on a regular basis.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

 Matthew 6:21

                   Our friend & treasure….Stanley

A SKATING ELEPHANT

Not long ago, my husband and I were reminiscing about funny things that occurred when we were younger.  So, sit back and relax as I invite you into my parents’ kitchen in Columbus, Ohio.

My husband and I lived in Canada at the time, but several times a year I would fly back to visit my folks in Ohio.  On one of these trips, we were sitting together in the morning at their kitchen table enjoying each other’s company.

My dad went outside, probably to take out some trash or have a tour of his tomato garden.  Whatever, the reason, he was gone longer than expected.

My mom and I just continued chatting when, all of a sudden my dad burst through the front door with an incredible announcement.

“Come out and look!  You won’t believe what I just saw.”  My dad was quite a jokester, and I agreed to join his invitational adventure.

Proceeding from the kitchen, through the living room, and heading towards the front door, I asked, “What did you see that was so incredible?”

He kept repeating, “It’s amazing.  There’s a skating elephant in that big semi-truck parked across the street!”  By now, I thought my dad was losing it.  Sure, he was creative, but I thought this was surely stretching the facts.

Yes, I saw the huge semi-truck, but couldn’t see how an elephant could be connected to this huge carrier parked just across the street.  Their home was very close to the interstate entrance, so access to a service station was a fairly easy maneuver for trucks wishing to refuel.

I had stepped off the front porch and glanced to the right to get a more detailed look at the printing on the side of the large semi-trailer.  Yes, I saw the truck, but still couldn’t make a connection.

By now, my dad was acting like a six-year-old little boy.  He crossed the street to get a closer look on the sign.   Ordinarily a person wouldn’t even need a pair of glasses to see the huge words colorfully displayed on the truck:

TARRA – THE SKATING ELEPHANT

We both just stood there star-crazed and in total unbelief.  A few minutes later the driver appeared with an enormous bucket of water.  Perhaps he had been very thirsty, but this bucket was beyond large … it was HUGE.

My dad couldn’t get the words out of his mouth fast enough, “Is there really an elephant in your semi?”  “Yep, that’s right sir.”

We both looked at each other in disbelief and immediately surveyed the “sign” which indicated her talent and skill.   My dad asked, “Can the elephant really skate?”  The driver’s reply was again in the affirmative.

My dad and I must have looked like six-year-olds that just got free cones from the ice cream guy on a bicycle with a freezer in the front.  Do you remember that from your childhood?  If not, it was before your time. 

In the summer, a guy would ride throughout the neighborhood with a small portable freezer at the front of this bicycle, selling various forms of popsicles and ice cream bars.  Often The Entertainer – a Scott Joplin tune – would play loudly and repeatedly as he pedaled his bicycle, attracting every child in their neighborhood.

Back to the elephant story.  The driver told us a little about this huge elephant, and how she was trained to skate.  She had been known known around the world, and this semi-truck was delivering her to her next theatrical event.

This occurred many years ago, and I think we only saw part of this priceless princess elephant’s legs while she stood in her BIG air-conditioned limousine (semi-truck).

By now, my mother had come to the porch and was absorbing all this from a distance.  My dad and I walked away from the truck, shaking our heads in disbelief.

We shared our eye witness account with my mom; and she could tell by our expressive animated description as borne out by the sign on the semi-truck that it was all for real.

Here’s a clip from the internet about this famous elephant:

Tarra, the world’s only roller-skating elephant.  Soon after moving to Ojai, California, Tarra became the world’s only roller-skating elephant.  Her celebrity took her around the world, always with her owner Carol, and her family in tow. 

Tarra is a wild-caught Burmese elephant.  She was three months old when an exotic animal broker sold her to an animal collector in California, who put her on public display at his tire store.

Carol and Tarra met in 1974 when Tarra was not even a year old and Carol was a 20-year-old college student studying exotic animal training and management at Moorpark College in southern California.

Carol immediately became Tarra’s volunteer caregiver and, eventually, her legal guardian.”

Coming back to reality, as I thought about this true-life event, I got to thinking about the “impossibility” of my dad’s proclamation.

It became clear as I pondered this scenario, how many times have I read in the Bible about how God is a God of the impossible?  How many times have I doubted his character of goodness, holiness, love, mercy, forgiveness, power and majesty?

Let me bring you to the incredible verses in Luke 1:37 and Matthew 19:26:

Luke 1:37 “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Matthew 19:26 “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

This event brought me back to the Scriptural truth about the God I serve.  At first, I doubted my dad’s announcement regarding this impossibility in front of their home.  However, it was possible and it was true. 

In that same way, I need to transfer this trust to my heavenly Father – that He has plans for my life and yours that would dwarf ours, if we would just believe Him.

There is no task, situation, problem or challenge that is impossible for our God to address.  He is the God of what might seem humanly impossible, but … not for Him.

I love how Dr. Tony Evans often shared a phrase in his sermons – it’s this:

Faith Is Acting as if God is Telling the Truth!

MY UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

Deep down in our hearts, aren’t we all yearning to “feel special,” “be special,” and feel like our lives are significant to someone?  Have you, like me, ever entertained the thought: “Does anyone really care to know me?   Do I matter to anyone?  Am I  just scenery down here for people to glance at?

What would you and I feel like if your Prime Minister, President or King of England asked you to come to their home for tea or a latte?  Let’s get honest here.  I’d be thrilled out of my socks.  If they gave me a date and time and provided free transportation, I’d be days trying to figure out what I’d wear, wouldn’t you.  I mean after all, it’s not like you’re popping in to your local grocery store or going to the doctor.  We’d want to look our best, wouldn’t we?!   It’s not required that we buy something new, but we’d want to look our best while we’re in “their company” or in “their presence.” 

Well, guess what — there is some One who loves us and brings “significance to our lives.”  It’s our CREATOR-GOD.  His name is Jesus.  And He personally designed each of us in someone’s womb.

My mother adopted me at two years of age.  Between the ages of three and five, I was taken to Sunday School. 

I was learning to be social around other children, and I was introduced to who Jesus is.  You see, that was the first time I heard about Him and why He came to earth.

At about five years of age, my mom remembers seeing me just outside the door in the backyard looking up and she heard me saying: “I know You’re up there; I just can’t see you.”  After Sunday School was over, I was escorted to church.   Even though I was young, I remember one lesson she taught me.  It was to be “quiet.” 

One particular Sunday she told me that I was quiet all right, but my body was moving.  I kept turning around and smiling while quietly entertaining the people behind us. 

Soon, I was re-positioned out of the pew, down the aisle, and outside the church where we had a “firm, but gentle hand-to-bottom” sermonette about how to behave in church.

I was in church most of my growing up years, attended a catechism class, and baptised as an infant.  But around age 20, I didn’t feel the need for church.  God was distant, and I felt very unconcerned about my life.

A next-door neighbor shared two significant truths.  One, she told me the truth about Santa Claus (that he wasn’t real) when I was five years old.  My mother was not impressed!  The second and most astounding truth was that she “accepted Jesus Christ” as her personal Savior and that she had become a Christian.  What was that she was talking about?

What I found incredible was that my neighbor and now close friend, never set foot in a church.  And here she is telling me, a (former) church-goer and Sunday School attendee…that I wasn’t a Christian.    My response to her comment was: “I’m a Christian too because I believe in God and, I’ve been in church most of my life.”  That’s all you need.

She countered with a verse I was not prepared to hear at all.  She quoted a verse that read: “You believe that there is one God, good!  Even the demons believe that – and shudder.”  James 2:19

Let’s get real here.  I knew that Satan wouldn’t be in heaven; but yet He and his demons still believe in God?   If he believed and wasn’t destined for heaven, what’s the missing piece of information here?  It was shocking to hear a non-church attender share that.  What my friend was not privy to is that I was so “afraid to die.” Not realizing my fear, she shared another verse that seemed to remove all the slats I was standing on: “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.  Hebrews 9:27

Sin, I never liked that word (still don’t), but the truth is that “sin is in all of us.  We’re born with a “sin nature in our DNA.”  It’s like a cancer that we can’t get rid of ourselves.   In all honesty, I found it difficult to admit that I was a sinner. I used to make fun of Christians who even used that term.  But God knows all the facts about each of us.

It’s like God finally broke through my hard heart.  I knew I was the awful term…a sinner.   And I knew I needed His forgiveness and a fresh start in life.

Weeks seemed to pass and during this time relational events in my life turned sour.  It seemed like life was crushing in on me.  God used those events to show me I was not living the life He had planned for me.  My friend’s words began to marinate in my thinking for weeks.  

One Sunday morning I decided to turn on the television, and wouldn’t you know, I came across a pastor sharing all these truths.  Within minutes, I realized afresh that I was a person who needed Christ and His offer of forgiveness for all my sins and a “fresh start” in life.   It had been over twenty years since I looked up. 

I got down on my knees and admitted I was a sinner like everyone else.  I shared that I didn’t measure up to His holiness.  I believed Jesus died for all of my sins and I wanted Him to come into my life and make me His child.  I wanted a fresh start in life…like being born all over again.  My life has never been the same.

None of us know when we will draw our last breath.  But by accepting what Jesus did on the cross…dying for our individual sins, taking the punishment from God for those sins…and offering us complete forgiveness for everything; by this one act on the cross, He made it possible to be made “right with God.”

So, you see, Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection “paid in full…your death penalty and mine.”  That’s the EASTER GIFT that’s been given, but needs to be received  –  and that’s our part.  We don’t have to “do anything” to be right with God.  It’s BEEN DONE!   Why not take Him up on His offer!  It’ll be a decision that will make a difference for your eternity too.  Each of us must decide before we die here…and this will determine where you spend your eternity.

Receiving Christ means that when we draw our last breath here…our next breath is in heaven.  Then, we begin living forever:  no pain, no sin, no sorrow, no more good-byes.  All perfection, joy and pleasures forever, like God intended in the first place.

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  John, chapter 14, verse 6

“In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins.  Everyone who believes in Him is freed from all guilt and declared right with God.”  Acts, chapter 13, verses 38 & 39

HUNTING DOWN LOST DOGS

It is a joy to reach out to our neighbors, for a variety of reasons.  One being that neighbors are close by and are often a wonderful source of help in an emergency. 

We were living in Southern California, and our homes were situated on a relatively short street.  In that climate people are often outside more than any other area of the country.  We loved living there and felt very comfortable in this new ared.  Being newcomers, we also began learning the names of our neighbors, their children and their pets.  I pray for these people on Thursdays.  You may wonder if prayer makes a difference.  Yes, it does, for many reasons – including remembering names. 

In this little story, God was orchestrating a new adventure on behalf of our neighbors two doors down.  God wanted to let them know that having a relationship with Him comes as a package of caring from others.

Being visible and available in your front yard regularly offers many open opportunities for friendship.  A woman who lived a couple of houses away from us appeared at our front door one evening.  After a brief hello, she asked me if I could do her a favor.  I had no idea this might lead, but I agreed with the stipulation of “if I could help, I would.”

She began sharing her need.  Since it was around Christmas time, and she and her husband had purchased a puppy for their two children.  At this point of the conversation, I couldn’t imagine how I could be involved, but it didn’t take long to be included in her dilemma.

She had made arrangements to pick up the puppy the following evening, and needed a “housing arrangement” with someone who would care for this little furry critter.  If you know me, you know that I love animals, and puppies are very high on my affection index.  Of course, this “hotel arrangement” would only be needed for a few hours. I thought about the challenge as she was describing his size. 

I didn’t see this as a problem and after all, I could enjoy this little bundle of enthusiasm for a few hours before he was to be introduced to his new family.

The following evening, I readied our kitchen ready for his rambunctious arrival.  He remained in my boarding house for about two hours … just enough time for him to get accustomed to my scent and my tone of voice.  Soon, the woman picked up this furry bundle of energy and took him to his new home….just two doors down.  Aaah, all was well.

This little energizer bunny seemed to enjoy his new family and often they would walk him past our home each morning and evening.  Every time they went past our home, and I was visible, his entire body would shake enthusiastically.  He must have remembered that my kitchen was his first “adoptive home” in the neighborhood.

One day while I was out front in my garden, this little dog scurried past me like lightning down the street all by himself.  Because I love animals, I noticed that he was on his own and this was not good.  He was so tiny and alone, I did not even want to think of the possible outcome.  

I offered up a quick “Help me to catch this dog, Lord.”  I called out his name and he remarkably came back running towards me.  I drew a big breath of thanksgiving and carried him to his own home.  The family had no idea of his disappearance.

This escape artist repeated his adventures frequently in our neighborhood.  This wee furry ball discovered happiness in disappearing, and wouldn’t respond to his owners.  However, if they were able to locate me, I could call out and he would respond and return to sound of my voice.  I soon became the “fetch-that-dog lady.”

One day they asked me why the dog would come to me and not to them.  The man of the house had observed that whenever I went looking for the dog and called out his name, he would respond and bound back happily in my direction.  I paused, and shared with him that I had prayed and asked the Lord for His help.  It took several more times of my intervening retrieval before they began to realize that God really cared as I had told them.

A few years later we were about to move to another part of the country.  This couple arrived at my front door with a little gift.  I thought it was appropriate to open it immediately as they were standing there and seemed excited to see my reaction.  Secretly I thought this package was too small for a furry surprise, so with nervous anticipation I hurriedly opened the gift to see what was in the package.  It was a Willow Tree “Angel of Prayer” figurine. 

They wanted me to have this as a reminder that they remembered that prayer makes a difference, and that God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives. For that matter God delights in every small detail of our lives.   

Psalm 37:23  “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. 

He delights in every detail of their lives.” nlt

I think of this family whenever I view the little figurine on my bookcase.  It’s a reminder to me too, that God knows and cares about our every need.