Mark 6: 14-29

This woman’s character isn’t one we’d like to emulate, believe me.   But on a bad day, maybe even a menopause or PMS day (any males reading this should bypass this paragraph), we can become “Herodias”….bitter and not in a good frame of mind.   I know this is stretching it…but bitterness can crop up from nowhere and grow in our hearts when we least expect it.

If you have a difficult time remembering “who” she is….this thought might help.   She was King Herod’s brother’s (Philip’s) wife.  So when you hear Herod’s name….just as “ias.” 

Notice, she had been married to Philip, Herod’s brother.  Events happened that we needn’t bother with, but the results were that Herod married his former sister-in-law.  Not good.   John (the one that leaped in Elizabeth’s womb) had been saying to Herod that it wasn’t lawful for him to have his brother’s wife.

John was acting as Herod’s Christian counselor, but he took no notice of the exhortation.   The Scriptures take no time in introducing this woman and she’s not painted in a good light.  Mark 6:19 begins her introduction.   “So Herodias nursed a “grudge” against John and wanted to kill him.

My goodness, there’s no room for imagination here.   Needless-to-say she didn’t have a teachable attitude when hearing about it from John’s counsel.  He began growing on her black list right away.    John was right and she was wrong, but admitting that would not be her style.

Before we begin to think of all the possibilities of not liking her, we sure can learn something from her.   As we’ve eluded to before, the Bible doesn’t paint people “perfect” but it does paint them with great “accuracy.” 

We’ve learned that she was bitter, and we’ll come to all that; but have you and I ever been bitter when someone has confronted us about a bad attitude or unhealthy or ungodly behavior?  

Another way of saying that might be, do you and I have a tendency to get in a “huff inwardly or outwardly” if we’re corrected?   Ouch…let’s not cast stones in an aquarium we’ve swum around from time to time.

Sometimes God has used another person to quietly correct me…how about you?

Let’s move forward to some of the words that describe bitter.  I don’t even like how the word sounds, how about you?

Bitter:  sour, sharp, harsh, severe, tart, caustic, sarcastic, biting

Aren’t these words distasteful!   I’d never want to be categorized with any of them, and yet my countenance and attitude has raised its ugly head from time to time.  I can identify with these every so often in my life, can anyone join me on this one?

Sometimes this inner attitude seeps out of our pores without our permission.  Our heart attitudes pour right out of our lips and behavior and, it isn’t a pretty picture.

For those of us privileged to have proceeded through menopause or PMS, we “know” there are those moments, hours or days where we’d like to even get away from ourselves and can’t.   I hope you’re having a chuckle at this moment.  But honestly, where do you go to get away from yourself?  Now I’m hysterical with laughter.  Let me pause to compose myself.

This attitude that can “spring into behavior at a moment’s notice” isn’t godly or attractive.  So please don’t interpret the above paragraph to say that Herodias’ life-style or behavior is anything but right.

She hates John’s exposure of her sin, takes it personally (and she should) and determines that at the right time and in the right setting, she’s going for John’s jugular.

Scriptures tells us Herod was curious and somewhat fearful of John because he knew he was a righteous man.  He even enjoyed listening to him and somewhat enamored with John.  That is when he wasn’t being corrected by him.  He knew that John’s counsel was right, but he was king and perhaps felt “above being counseled.”  Accountability didn’t seem to be in his vocabulary.

There’s no mention in Scripture that Herodias ever appreciated John and his “let’s get our hearts right with God” approach.   She could have taken his counsel to heart.  Obviously her conscience troubled her, but ignored the warning signs. 

She obviously knew “about” God, but she never “reverenced Him.”  She had no commitment to her marriage.  She lacked any respect for John, God’s man of the hour.   Instead she became furious because John’s counsel “exposed her heart and behavior.”  

The soil of her heart was ripe for the seed of bitterness to take root and grow.  No doubt the more she thought of him or saw him or even heard her Herod talk about John, it just added fuel to her inner furnace.

She knew she was guilty, then became resentful and no doubt bad-mouthed him whenever she had opportunity.   We never read of any conversation between Herod and Herodias talking about “repenting.”

Preaching of God’s word does that sometimes, doesn’t it?  Pastors have the responsibility to “comfort the afflicted” and at the same time “afflict the comfortable.”

Our world is filled with Herods and Herodiases.   Even when we’re being kind and thoughtful and honoring in our behavior to others, people may not like us because our behavior exposes theirs.   

The important thing is that we don’t behave in ways that “deserve their accusations.”   Haven’t you found that our approach and love of the other person should greatly affect how I approach another? 

Even a wise approach can help another be willing to listen and heed good counsel.   You know what I mean.   If you don’t perhaps we could have coffee and talk about it over a cinnamon roll.

But if I’m unhealthy, I want my doctor to be honest, or I won’t get better.

Herodias didn’t “want to repent/change.”   Her defensiveness exposed her heart.  This attitude within her heart was fueled by her nursing anger toward John. I’m sure she re-lived his counsel and became “historical in her recollection of his rebuke.”

It all came to a head at Herod’s birthday party.  Philip and Herodias had a daughter from their marriage.   She must have been attractive and knew the right moves to entertain Herod and his guests.    Even his attitude towards Herodias’ daughter wasn’t like what it should have been as a perhaps “step dad”….as no doubt her dancing was provocative to say the least.

It must have stirred him in some ways because Herod asked the girl. “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.  And if that wasn’t inviting enough, he laced it with “And he promised her with an oath, whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”    Now that must have been some dance, if you ask me.  The Scriptures don’t seem to flatter or doctor up the truth…it just tells it.

I know my personality is going to leak out here … but I’ve attempted many a nice meal for my husband.  You know candles, tablecloth, music and his favorite meal.   But in all the years we’ve been married, he’s never responded like Herod.   You know, whatever you’d like, it’s yours response. 

Reading between the lines, the daughter sought counsel from her mother, Herodias.  They had something up their sleeves, you can bank on that.   Herodias caused her daughter to sin, so she lacked no restraint in this attitude.  Her scheming was brazen, rebellious and hateful. 

The daughter was even instructed by her mother as to how to carry out their bitter plan.  “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”   We can see that this bitterness was well incubated and ripe for the request.

Herodias wanted John and his testimony out of her life, and this was the moment she was waiting for.  Her bitterness and hatred were lethal weapons.  John was imprisoned for his stand for righteousness and now he was about to “go home to heaven”….but not without losing his head first to an embittered, ugly-hearted woman.  He may have been imprisoned, but his heart was free!

When we think about it, Herodias’ heart was imprisoned by her bitterness and it had eaten away at her.    It had taken “her” captive and the environment became murderous and ugly at that birthday party.

Even Herod became distressed by the situation, but his behavior was far from kingly, and his pride was so great that because of his oath, status and dinner guests, he didn’t refuse her.   Talk about being a man of your word….in the worst possible way.

Bitterness can color any heart and take people by storm.  Everyone in this picture and at that party was touched by this murderous and bitter attitude.   It poisoned her, Herod, her family, the guests and caused horrible distress and sadness for the disciples that came for his body, not to mention the agony of Jesus.

There’s nothing happy about this ending.  From letting this situation marinate in my own heart, I don’t ever want bitterness to ever root in me, for it’s an ugly and active attitude that can kill motivation, encouragement, and shatter relationships and the reputation of another.

Lord God, thank you for your mercy and instruction.  We want our lives to ooze with the “fragrance of your grace.”

It’s true……….we never know what a day may bring.  This day began very early in the morning.  My husband had a flight around 8:00 a.m. this particular day, so we were up early and on the road to the airport by 6:00 a.m.   Thirty minutes later my husband exited the car, grabbed his luggage, kissed me goodbye and headed inside the airport.   I got into the car to drive home; but noticed there were a lot of traffic parked not only by the curb, which is where I was parked, but there was a line-up of cars next to me.

After a moment or two the car parallel next to me pulled away.  Yes, I thought, this is now clear for me to pull away from the curb and begin the drive home.  Even though the space was clear, my foot was firmly on the brake, as I wanted to double check that the area where I would be pulling out was clear.   Once that was established, I placed my foot on the accelerator and off I went.

I’m pausing for a moment because I’m finding recapping this event somewhat difficult.

That all changed in a matter of seconds.  The next thing I remember was a huge noise, sudden darkness, a blast of what felt like an object pole-vaulting me forward, and an explosion in front of me.   “Stunned” became reality, followed by shock, blurred vision and nausea.  It took a second to realize that I was in a car accident and I had plowed into something extremely hard.  A CEMENT GUARD WALL is what they call it.

Thinking smoke was filtering in the air, I realized I needed to exit the car.  I later found out it was the particles from the airbag that was filling the car.   I was amazed that the car door was partially opened, due to the impact into the wall.   How thankful I was that it was open enough that I could sort of crawl out the bottom half of the door, as the upper half was consumed with the air bag.

Our little Papillion dog was in the seat next to me, and had been thrown into the glove compartment area and only suffered a slight cut on her head.  I didn’t realize that until later — but she was alive.   I placed the leash around her neck, grabbed my purse and picked up my dog and crawled out of the car.

“I’ll (Jesus) be whatever you need Me to be as you carry out my assignment.”  Experiencing God,” by Henry Blackaby

My first need of reliance was to exit the car!  Gosh those airbags take up a lot of space when they “explode in front of your body!”   The first order of business was to hold onto my little dog and purse and cross three lanes of airport traffic.

I felt very nauseated and my vision was blurred, but I knew I had to get into the airport and tell someone I needed help.  There were three traffic lanes of oncoming traffic approaching next to where the car was demolished.   The urgency for help was increasing, so I raised my arm and began waving at the cars so they would see me and stop to allow me to cross.

As I look back, I wouldn’t have attempted that feat in a thousand years!  But I had to get inside the airport.   I called out to the first man I saw and exclaimed that I had been in an accident, was sick and couldn’t see straight; and that I needed to lie down “right away.”

I could vaguely see seats ahead and I moved in that direction still cradling our little dog.  I needed help and quick.  I phoned my husband, who was well past “security” and in the lounge area to board his upcoming flight.   No answer, of course, as he would have his phoned turned off.  I sent a text and began phoning two other people.  It was only 6:40 a.m. so most people would have had their cell phones turned off.

Just before the pain struck, my cell phone rang and it was my husband asking, “Are you all right and where are you?”   “I’m at the airport – I haven’t gone anywhere.”   Gone anywhere?  Yet I seemed to  have made a terrific impact on a cement guard wall.  It’s a good thing the guard rail was just above the cement wall, otherwise I’d have gone ‘down’ to another level of the airport – and, I would not be writing this story.

At this point, I could not function.  I laid down on the seat with my coat under my head, and our little dog curled up on my tummy.  My blurred vision cleared, but pain was beginning to settle in my back and neck.   At this point all I could do was very quietly say, “Jesus, help me.”   

Within what seemed like just a couple minutes, the area around me was flooded with “visitors.”   Peter was escorted back through Security to come to the area where I was horizontally located.  There were four policemen, six paramedics, a fire truck, emergency squad and a tow truck.  Goodness, a person has to go through quite an ordeal to locate a “personal crowd.”

I say that with humor now, but it wasn’t funny at the time.   The paramedic was telling me that I needed to be taken to the hospital; but I told him that I wasn’t going anywhere until my little pooch (Puppet) was taken care of.   The wonderful paramedic not only read the situation medically, but emotionally.  

He leaned over me and said that, “We’re not taking you anywhere until your little Puppet has been taken care of.”   Aww, how tenderly his words were spoken, and I felt some relief in my heart and mind.

Peter took the dog and gave her to our friend (who had arrived at the airport lounge) along with the keys to the house, and asked that they take her to our home and lock up the house.   

As pain emerged and I was only too relieved to proceed to a hospital.   But first the policeman wanted to do an interview!   He was asking me about the details of what had just happened.   I don’t mind being questioned, but certainly would have preferred a relaxed atmosphere and more convenient timeline. 

There was nothing my husband could do, as he was already checked in and waiting to board an aircraft.  He walked alongside me as they transported me into the ambulance; and I assured him that he could do nothing to help me, but to go ahead on his trip.

That’s all my recollection; and now I’m in a new and scary environment, an “emergency vehicle.”  If you’ve been in one, you probably know how scary and yet safe it can feel; because you know the paramedics know how to care for you.

Well, my “personal paramedic” was sent by the Lord!  He was probing gently all over my body for symptoms of perhaps a broken neck, etc.  After he ascertained that he thought my neck would recover, he leaned over me and asked me this question.   “Dianne, are you a Christian?”  “Yes I am” was my response.  He then said, “I am too, and honey we’re going to take real good care of you!”   I almost cried at his tender and compassionate response.  

I knew then, that God indeed, was present and caring for me in such kind and wonderful ways.

“The Lord will allow you to face situations where you have absolutely no choice but to rely upon Him.”   Wisdom From Above, by Charles Stanley

In my right mind, I’d never would have attempted to cross three lanes of oncoming cars, much less with blurred vision  — but what’s a woman to do to get help.  No one appeared physically at the car to help me.  But there was One who was there all the time and proved Himself “faithful” in incredible ways.

To breathe in some fresh air on this accident, I’d like to leave the “cement situation” behind me, and invite you to the many “attentive ways” my Savior supported me in the trauma of the event.

First of all, in normal settings, my husband would not be allowed out of the waiting lounge to revisit the check-in area of the airport.   He had gone through Security and that pretty well sealed him in position for boarding his flight.  

The airport staff made an “exception” and had him escorted to my “horizontal location.”  It’s at this point that I realized God made sure I could see my husband before heading toward the hospital.  That would have given him a sense of peace as well as myself.

But here’s an incredible thing God did for me:  I wasn’t fearful of being left alone, but encouraged my husband to continue on with his needed travel plans.  Are you kidding?   As I review it again, that wasn’t a “normal response” of a wife who was in my condition at the moment.   It was as if God “took over” my responses and gave me PEACE…..and “INCREDIBLE PEACE.”

A few days before my husband’s trip away and this crash landing at the wall, I kept sharing with the Lord that I had no projects at home to do, the housework was caught up (that seldom happens), no laundry or painting plans.  What was I going to do for seven days?   Just as I was being examined in the emergency squad, a humorous thought came my way.  It was as though the Lord said, “I have an idea what you’ll do … REST.”   I actually smiled on that one.  Laughter wasn’t in the cards at that moment.

Here’s another incredible thing God did for me:   I wasn’t one bit afraid!   I was hurting, to be sure, but I had “no stress.”  I’m amazed I’m even writing this down, but it’s true.   I was now alone, husband returns to the waiting lounge, a friend was escorting my dog home and I was by myself in an emergency squad heading for a destination for which I had no idea of how long I’d be there, or would anyone come to be with me.

Here’s another incredible thing God provided for me:  The emergency room wasn’t busy!  I was taken to an empty area – you know, the ones with the baby blue curtain separating you from your hospital neighbor.   Within minutes I was surrounded by two nurses and a physician and my personal paramedic, Ray.  The nurse was on-the-spot with the needle for one arm in case I required blood.

Here’s another incredible thing God helped me with:  On my right was the paramedic and physician chatting about my “high blood pressure.”  Now here’s where it’s time to defend your medical rights.   I wasn’t comfortable hearing all about their concern about my high blood pressure; so I piped up and said:  “Hey, your blood pressure would be high too if you just slammed into a cement wall like I did.”   I began to laugh, and they did too.   “Just patch me up and get me out of here and my “white coat pressure” (our blood pressure usually rises upon seeing a doctor in a white coat) will reduce to a normal range.

Here’s another incredible way God showed up:  Within half an hour they housed my entire head in a cage.  They told me it would be uncomfortable, and they were right.   As they fitted this gear on me, the Lord seemed to calm my mind and heart to be “still” and you’ll be safe.   I wasn’t allowed to move, but I’d be safe.   Now the ceiling was my new “vista to view.”   However God provided a wonderful presence through the nurse, even though brief, as she needed to attend to a newcomer on the E.R. block.  I was now by myself, yet not alone.  God was with me.   Within just a few minutes, I heard the “familiar voice,” the voice of a friend.

This friend had been informed of where I was and she drove to the hospital to “be with me.”  She announced firmly that she would be there all the time so I wouldn’t be alone.  And, she would be driving me home when all the testing was complete and I could be discharged.  Another provision of the Lord Jesus.  He was there, but He wanted me to sense “Jesus with skin on” (through the presence of a friend) to further comfort me.  I was stunned and wanted to leap for joy when I heard my friend’s voice.   But due to my “caged prison,” there would be no physical leaping.

Here’s another incredible way God showed up:  My personal paramedic appeared at the hospital, no doubt, bringing in another patient.  But as I was now in a laid back position on the bed, I could see people coming and going.  “There’s Ray….my paramedic.”   I called out to him and he instantly came over to my temporary hotel accommodation, ha ha.   I was able to thank him and encourage him because of the way he had attended to me earlier that morning. 

Right then and there I had plans to write him a letter, to not only thank him, but to encourage him in how good he is at his job (actually his ministry to others).   Perhaps this was one of the purposes in all of the events…………..a paramedic needed encouragement.

Within two hours, testing was complete, no broken bones and within the next hour I would be released.

Here’s another incredible way God cared for me:  My friend drove me home and stayed with me the entire day and evening just to make sure I would be all right staying by myself.  The pain medicine would be a regular companion for a few weeks, no doubt; but she wasn’t going to leave me until I felt comfortable being alone. 

The following three evenings she came over to attend to me with hour long massages.  What a “gift she was.”  She even bought and brought home three meals…as I was too weak to prepare anything for myself.

Here’s other way God provided for me:  Two of my neighbors came over with food on various days.   Another neighbor brought flowers. 

Here are some musings God gave me about all that transpired throughout this ordeal.  I’ve journaled them so I can reflect on all that God provided, and how He proved Himself faithful through it all.

Mental gifts from my Lord…..through and because of the accident:

• I can attest that all this has given me a “deeper and more intimate” walk with Jesus
• There are purposes in our trials (and I’ve only seen just a few)
• Adjusting to God’s plan B…..develops my character
• Giving of ourselves in those moments of pain, we’ll have “keepsakes of Him to treasure”

A keepsake is something precious that serves as a reminder, a memorial or symbol of a treasure to our hearts.  I wanted to journal this event and rehearse over and over the “treasured keepsakes of Jesus and His marvelous care in all that transpired.”

Before I close off this personal story, I want to share the Scripture that I was memorizing just weeks before the incident at the airport.

Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped.”

That verse came to me soon after the accident reminding me of His constant care in and through everything, and I couldn’t be more GRATEFUL!!!!!   Every word of that verse was lived out that morning, and continues to remain as I heal.

 As people asked me about what happened that day, I wanted to be keenly aware that even if I shared the details, the most important details were “about God….and how He came near to attend me in every way.”

We will all have or will experience disappointments, pain, frustration, and various griefs woven throughout our life because we live in a sinful world.   It’s easy to camp on the negative as we tell our stories; but we need to be confident to share what “God does” for His people in the midst of our life experiences.   Why?   So others will want to trust in Him too – for their life journey.

BUT GOD…………..are crucial words in sharing our life’s experiences (good & bad), and what He does to accompany and care for us.

Our comments of testimony about what God does to help us should “highlight our experience.”  When we share how Jesus helps us, it tells others that He is worthy and worth trusting and walking with here on this earth,” and right on into eternity.

It has been three and a half months since this event……and as I continue to completely recover, I recall it all with a “grateful heart.”

How many times in life do we find ourselves in the “waiting room” awaiting God’s intervention in the practical events of life?   My guess would be “A LOT!”

I think life is “abundant in the pauses and holding patterns.”  From my simple walk of faith, I’ve found that it’s not really the answer to our prayers that’s critical, but the time “in between.”   You know, the time frame between your sharing your concerns with Him and the actual “answer” to prayer. 

For me, I’ve been discovering that the time in between is when He seems to establish His best work in our minds, hearts and souls.   We often refer to this arena of time as the “waiting time.” 

I don’t know of anyone who enjoys the luxury of waiting, whether it be in traffic, the grocery store, or at the doctor’s office.   I admit, I’m on board with all of you who claim this flawed character quality.  I can be as impatient at times for even a casserole that’s in the oven for 45 minutes, much less hours, days, weeks or years.

I’m also convinced that it’s in the “waiting period” that our spiritual eyes can be refocused and enhanced.  God yearns that we not only know a truth about Him, that He is omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent (present everywhere), omniscient (knows everything about all things); but that He deeply wants us to “EXPERIENCE HIM” in and through each day of our waiting…..not just in waiting for the answer.

Faith and character are developed in this “waiting period.”  The situation is the womb; and it is in the “waiting womb” that our character, our faith, perseverance and our hope is developed.

No wonder God gave the birth of a baby about nine months to develop before entering the world.   We talk about the formative years, but for a baby to be born.. it’s formative months.  

Christian maturity isn’t an over-night transition.  He uses each of the issues in our life to build our faith and trust in Him, and it’s “in those times” that we’re stretched and tested, like gold being refined by fire.

God is always at work, but we may feel like much of His work is going on underground, out of our sight, but it is going on, and is real none-the-less. 

This recent scenario in my life which I will describe, I found very down-to-earth, yet it is both astounding and encouraging.  It all began unraveling without any effort on my part.

We have our home up for sale.  For those of you who have ever sold a house and waited for a buyer you can relate to that even though it’s a regular and routine occurrence for a realtor.  It can be emotional and stressful just waiting on the “right buyer.”

You probably know the ropes on this one.  You obtain a realtor, go through the motion of price and staging your home so it “doesn’t look lived in at all,” and then it’s advertised, and probably soon an “open house” will be scheduled.

In our case the open house would be held for those who actually make an appointment to see it; thus preventing all your neighbors from taking a lookie-look throughout your home without being invited.

We had one open house the weekend before and another one this day.  Times were set, just two hours for that “right buyer” to float by and say the words, “we love it….and make an acceptable offer.”

Minutes before I circled our home and turned on all the lights throughout the home.  The realtor arrived and off I went in the car to give those coming through our home the privacy they needed.

I’ve moved many times in our married life, so I knew that I didn’t need to go far, just far enough so people flocking through our home would not be aware that I was only two homes away, in my neighbor’s driveway, stalking the potential clients…..I mean getting a glimpse of who was coming and going and the length of time they spent in our home.

There were disappointments as one couple spent just 5 minutes and the other 10 minutes looking.  It’s not rocket science to realize this home didn’t appeal to what they were looking for. 

Two hours of “waiting” had passed.  But prior to my exiting our home I began to sing the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”  After parking myself comfortably in my neighbor’s driveway (yes, I had permission), my mind kept reviewing some truths about God and His ways in our lives.

He directs our steps and the steps of others.

He has a plan and purpose for this waiting time.

He knows already what He has in mind in meeting our need of the sale.

He has His own timeline in the answer, and a timeline for the waiting too.

He is at work in this situation to work things out for my good & His glory.

He knows what He is about….in all of this.

He wants me to just “trust Him” and “acknowledge Him” in all my ways.

All these truths were brought to my mind by His Holy Spirit.

Now I need to share that towards the end of the time line of the open house, I was discouraged that no one appeared to have any interest.  The home showed beautifully (the realtor stated), but buying a home needs to be a glove fit, doesn’t it?!

Before I proceed further, I want to share the encouragement God gave me the following day.  I’m a journaler, and that helps me keep “track” of God’s activity in my life.

“Every time of waiting is just your heavenly Father WORKING IN THE UNSEEN for your ultimate good.”  Romans 8:28

“God……acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him.”  Isaiah 64:4

“You may not perceive Him, and you may not be able to imagine how He is engineering your circumstances for your benefit.  Abandon yourself to His care!”

“This is the wisdom of the patient person:  He or she understands that God is ACTIVELY ORCHESTRATING THE DETAILS OF HIS OR HER SITUATION AND WILL INTERVENE AT JUST THE RIGHT MOMENT, even when THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF HIS ACTIVITY.   Hebrews 11:1

All of the above was taken from the book “Wisdom From Above” by Dr. Charles Stanley.  I just happened to be on that page for that date.

Now………..back to the car.   At the end of the time for the open house, I pulled into our driveway and entered our home.  Both the realtor and I were busy turning off all the lights.  Once the realtor left, I felt like I needed some fresh air…..and some fresh attitude.

I exited my home and took our little dog for a walk around the block.  This walking routine only took about 15 minutes.  As a rounded the corner, I was now approaching the area of our home when I noticed two Chinese ladies standing by the “for sale sign,” pointing and chatting in their native Mandarin language.

As I approached, they noticed me and we just exchanged pleasantries of a smile and that was it.  As I stepped onto the driveway I heard a loud “hello!”   I turned to respond and in broken English, they asked me if the house was mine?   Yes, I live here. 

Then, the surprise came.  Can we come and look at it?   For just a moment, I thought, “My realtor usually does this, but here’s an opportunity, a live one, that is interested.”  

What’s a person to do in this situation?  Of course, open the door and have them come in.  It took less than a minute to present myself at the front door.  Entering, I ran to a few lights and turned them on and then welcomed them inside.  I pointed them to the master bedroom and I placed myself way ahead of them frantically turning on every light in sight.

As they paused in that room, I exited and flew around the main floor lighting again every lamp and wall switch I could find.  To make a long story short, they toured the place calmly and I opened cupboards and doors to show them some features of the home.   I wanted them to feel “at home” and see where all this would lead.

After the grand tour, she shared she wanted her husband to see it.  It took a couple of phrases for me to understand that he was just down the street and could appear in l5 minutes.  You see, they were visiting their daughter, who lives down the street.  How convenient would that be for Mom and Dad to live “just up the street” from family?!

Time passed and Mr. Husband appeared and the woman was showing him around the same route I took her and her daughter.  At the end of the show time, which was about 45 minutes, I encouraged her that if she was interested, she needed to phone our realtor.  She smiled and exited our home.

Again, I was in “lights-off” mode.  All the while amazed at what had just taken place.  It was as though God addressed every character quality that I rehearsed in the car.

He was showing me that He has “His plans and ways” of selling the home and He didn’t need the realtor to show the home.  He wanted to use “me” to just tour the place with this smiling stranger.

This may be the end of that event and the people may or may not ever contact our realtor and enter the home again.  But it showed me IN THE MIDST OF MY WAITING and even DISCOURGEMENT He wanted to make Himself known “to me….little ole me.” 

HE WANTED ME TO EXPERIENCE HIM in the midst of all that seemingly went wrong and not according to my hopes and expectations. 

GOD SHOWED UP…………..AND SHOWED OFF for me!!!!!

No answer, just that He wanted me to know He knew what I was thinking and feeling.  And even if nothing comes from all this, the experiencing Him “filled me with tremendous joy.”  Yes, joy in this tiny activity on my street and in my home.

And regarding His orchestrating our steps, if I had left for my walk one minute “earlier,” I would have never seen the women at the for sale sign. 

How’s that for “God’s timing and tender care” of such a practical need in life.    And if they return with interest and an offer, believe me, there will be a sequel to this story!

Dishonest to God Acts 4:32 – 5:11

I love the cartoon that shows a picture of an answering machine.  When the phone rings, the recorded message says, “I am listening to your voice.  If, when I hear you, I want to talk to you, I will pick up the telephone.  Otherwise, leave a message.”  The caption under the cartoon says, “Finally, an honest answering machine.”

Yes, we have those answering machines for a reason.  Those machines we hold dear in our home really are telling people that:   I’d enjoy talking with you, but at a more convenient time.  I’m either sleeping, eating, napping, working or talking with others, or maybe not talking with anyone, but at the moment I don’t feel like speaking with others.   So, hold tight, leave your message, and I will get back to you, if I really want to speak with you. 

I hope you’re laughing, as I was having a little fun about honesty.   But let’s be honest here: if you don’t have an answering machine, no worries, just don’t answer the phone.  If it’s important, people will phone back.

My study of this woman, Sapphira, is about dishonesty.  Here are some words to describe what it means to be “honest:”  scrupulous, straightforwardness, correct, trustworthy, exact, verifiable, candid, respectful, factual, plain, authentic, legitimate, truthful, character, just to name a few.   I found it interesting that the word “character” was listed. 

As I looked at this woman’s life, I was thinking about the level of honesty in churches, fellowships and even Christian organizations.  Oh my, wouldn’t we think that honesty would not be a problem in these arenas of living.   But these areas of relationships all involve people….and to be honest, we are all not “always honest,” let’s be honest.

Women in the New Testament were real women, with real issues and the Bible simply tells it like it was in each of these women’s’ lives.  And as I mentioned earlier, aren’t we glad He’s not writing about our lives!

What do you think when you hear the words “being honest with God.”   God’s word paints the accuracy in and of peoples’ lives, warts and all.

Why is it we’re sometimes afraid to be “honest with God?”   If anyone knows the naked truth about each of us, He does.   Our humanness enjoys “air-brushing our behavior, thoughts, and attitudes” wouldn’t you say?   We’d rather others, and even God sometimes, to see our best side.

How ridiculous that we think we can hide or cover over things.   The Scriptures are so right when our hearts are exposed for what they really are…..desperately wicked, and out to deceive us.  This inner “air-brushing” of our lives is sinful and this woman, Sapphira, lived to tell her lie and then she died!   Quite a “consequence.”

In these verses in Acts we hear about the generosity and “what’s mine, is thine” approach to their possessions.   Everyone was sharing whatever they had.   Each person owned possessions and could do with them whatever they chose.   When needs arose, a general outpouring of care was expressed to those in need.   It was as though they took to heart that they were only stewards of God’s provision, not owners.

My husband and I were really wanting to wear this one in our lives.   One day as my husband was out on the highway, a woman ran into the car he was driving.  The car was totalled.  

A few weeks later, I was on the freeway and experienced a group of cars in a four car pile-up.  I was in one of the cars in the middle of this accordion collision.   Our second car was totalled.   When I phoned my husband, I remember sharing with him that “God’s other car” had now been totalled.  My husband, knowing I was all right, just shaken up, chuckled with me.  

I can’t tell you the relief I felt inwardly just saying that it was God’s second car that had been totalled.  It took the “ownership” out of the stressful situation.   But, in all honesty, it was “His car” that we were driving around and were stewards of it.

How would it feel if everyone was honest, gently honest, but honest?  Freeing and refreshing are words that sure come to mind.   Why aren’t we always honest with others?   Could it be that we don’t want to hurt another’s feelings, so we are gentle with our words.  But if we were honest, perhaps being truthful wouldn’t always be embraced or appreciated.

Sometimes, the truth hurts, but I’d rather have a friend who loves me and is committed to me be truthful, wouldn’t you.   I know God always tells me the truth about myself.  Sometimes, when He does that with you, is it hard to take? 

Since we’re being honest here, I do.   But there’s something “freeing” when I admit the truth and see it for what it is and what, perhaps, some wrong thought pattern or attitude that is hurting me and hurting my relationship with another person.

God takes honesty very serious.  If we doubt that, take another look at the consequences of this poor woman, Sapphira.   Talk about “drop dead honesty” this is it.  She is compared with Barnabas, who had property, sold it and gave everything he wanted to give to the apostles to help others.  In this case, he wanted to give all the profit to help others.   None of the people in the church were forced to give a certain amount, each one decided what their donation would be to others who were in need. 

This couple, Mr. Ananias and his wife Sapphira were in what we’d call “cahoots” with each other.  They had also sold property and decided on the amount they’d admit to as their profits. 

Can’t we gather from their story, they wanted to “look better to the community” than they were willing to sacrifice.  Perhaps they heard about Barnabas, and wanted to get in on the ban wagon of generosity…..but without telling the whole truth about their “property profits.”  I mean, who’s going to know whether they told the truth about the amount or not.   Certainly no one there would be qualified to know the “real truth” about their financial 401K decision. 

As we discover, there was some One there who knew the truth about the situation!   God’s Holy Spirit knew, and He was the One to whom they risked their lives in not disclosing it to Him. 

If we were a news reporter on the scene of this incident between Peter challenging the “authenticity of this benevolent financial gift” with Ananaias and his wife Sapphira we’d be in shock, to say the least. 

God’s Spirit was mightily working in and through the apostle Peter.  For He was the One who informed Peter of the discrepancy of this man’s disclosure of funds; or “more honestly” his attitude in the lie.   No doubt, he wanted to look good and very benevolent.  He didn’t even have a chance to repent, he dropped dead on the spot.

Then, later, Sapphira approached the “bench of truth.”  She didn’t need to lie.  She could have thought about it and told exactly what they, as a couple had decided to do with the profits, give some and keep some.   They weren’t coerced in giving.  People were giving out of the generosity and authenticity of their hearts.    Here was the problem, this couples’ hearts weren’t all they were cracked up to be.   The “motive of their hearts” were to look good, regardless of the truth.

To bring a little “shoe leather living” upon this scenario, have you or I ever lied or implied that we were honest about something, when it wasn’t the full truth?   This woman didn’t leave the best “testimony” as soon as she was discovered, by the Holy Spirit through Peter, she dropped dead and was buried outside next to her husband.

Moral of this story….just be honest.   This couple wanted to look better in the eyes of others, but they lied not only to Peter, but to God.  He was “in on their conversation” and He is “in on our conversations too.”  

I think in all these lives, we can learn something.   In all honesty (good phrase here), don’t we want to look better to others…than perhaps we are.  I know for myself, I just adore it when someone is “transparent” with some of their struggles.  No one is perfect, but this couples’ consequence reminds me and brings me up short, that we needn’t expect perfection, but we are refreshed with others are “transparent.”   Doesn’t it make you warm up to another who just admits a struggle, pain or sin once in a while?  

For those of us who are married, we shouldn’t always be wanting to shift blame, but rather learn to accept our part of the problem.  I think it’s called “ownership,” instead of the blame game.  Each of us are responsible for our “own behavior.”

Scripture tells us that great fear came upon everyone.  Can’t we understand why!  Perhaps others were evaluating their own lives at this point and this event surely brought clarity to the table. 

Another lesson this couples’ story teaches me is that “each of our lives influence others!”   It also teaches me that our spiritual life and closeness with our Father will be greatly hampered through dishonesty.  We lose our sensitivity to Him, His guidance, His correction, His closeness and we lose our “effectiveness on others” too.   Our influence toward loving God is hampered.  We’re to live contagious lives and influence others toward a relationship with Christ.

Any dishonesty in us also affects how we deal with others, and affects how or if we trust others.  We can, through our dishonesty, mistrust others.  We just won’t grow in our walk with God and our relationship with others is hindered.

Satan loves to work “within the family of God…within His church.”  He enjoys if we self-destruct and bring others with us.  Satan works in deceptive ways, introducing thoughts in us to tear down others from within….where it’s least expected.   No wonder Jesus said that “You’ll know them by their love…..their love toward one another.”  

Oh to respond to our Lord when He points toward a destructive behavior, to admit it, own it (which is honest repentance), and ask for not only His mercy and forgiveness, which is ours through Christ.   Oh the joy of those whose sin is forgiven.

Like our parents would tell us:   Honesty is the best policy! And it’s God’s policy too!

WHAT IS YOUR PASSION? WHAT BREATHES AIR INTO THE LUNGS OF YOUR LIVING?

Perhaps it’s time to conclude the pages of “my” stories, or “my encounters with the Living God” as I refer to them.  My prayer and wish throughout the writings of these true events, is that your heart has been stirred, and your life activated to begin a journey with Jesus of your own.   Years ago I never realized that God designed people to know Him, enjoy Him, and walk through life here on earth “with Him.”   I used to feel He was an abstract unknown…..that it was a religion verses a “relationship.”

I’m passionate about this because it’s a daily delight to know that God is personal and wants to be in a “personal relationship with me,” and with each of us.  But Jesus will never push His way into a life, but waits for you and me to recognize we need Him.   He is Holy and we are not!   We need our sins and waywardness from Him to be dealt with. 

God dealt with it all right – He sent His Son to come and take our sins upon Himself, receive the anger and punishment of God by dying on a cross, and taking that punishment which we individually deserve.  He was buried and three days later rose from the dead, alive forevermore.  He was seen by over 500 people, and then several weeks later ascended into Heaven to be with God the Father.  

That is the “good news!”   Jesus came here to earth to show us what God the Father is like.   Jesus is God……with skin on.   He died the death our sins deserve, and offers us His righteousness (perfection) in its place.

Those are the facts, plain and simple.   Jesus is THE GIFT…..but like all gifts, He needs to be received.   Have you received Him?   Have you received the gift of eternal life?   Because no one can come to the Father except through Jesus.   He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

John 14:6

Not too long ago the thought came to me, “How will I wrap up these stories?”   I carefully used the term wrap up and not “the end,” because each day of living offers opportunities to see God at work in our lives.   But our individual “eye sight” cannot see properly, our vision has been blurred and blinded by that three letter word…..”sin.”   The thrill comes when we decide to respond to God’s promptings in our life and where He works in our circumstances to help us see that we are desperately lost and sold out to going against Him.   If we “admit that” and turn to Him requesting His presence and leadership in our lives, God “instantly” opens our eyes to see Him (with our heart & inner eyesight).

 One particular day last month Romans 14:12 appeared in my reading.

Romans 14:12   “So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.”

What a startling verse, regardless of whether you believe there is a God or not makes no difference to the truth of this Scripture.   One day we each will be asked by God:   What did you do with my Son, Jesus Christ?

There are only three possible answers: 

1.   Yes, I’ve invited Him to be my own personal Savior
2.   No, I decided that what He did on the cross means nothing to me
3.   No, I feel no need of Him, because I think I’m good enough already

Good enough?   We need to be “perfect” to live with our Creator, and anyone, who is in their right mind, must honestly admit they aren’t perfect. 

We can live each day going about our routines and responsibilities and never sense a deep purpose for living, may I call it “quality living.”   Oh we go through the motions, but without a real zeal for life here or the anticipation of how wonderful it could be to live with our Creator forever.   A forever, with purpose, pleasure, joys, fulfillment, and enthusiasm for living on a new earth, as it was planned in the beginning.  Heaven will not be boring, as some acclaim. 

My mind and heart began to really think about what it will be like for me to stand before Him and give an account of my life?   Jesus is my Savior, so I have no fear of punishment for my sins, because they’ve all been forgiven.  Jesus paid for all my sins (past, present and future).   So they won’t be in God’s ledger of my life, and I can only thank Jesus for that.

But He will review my life and how I lived it here on earth.  God has a plan, a purpose or “calling” for each of our lives; and all that began to marinate in my thinking after reading that verse.

Ephesians 1:18   “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you….”

Ephesians 2:10  For we are God’s handiwork (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

Two thoughts arose in my mind.  What is my calling?   What has God asked me to do?

What a sobering thought, and yet it clarified something for me.   Like you, I want to receive a “well done” from Him and that comes by being faithful to what He has asked me to do.    It clarified it even more, because I will never be compared to anyone else.

So, my heart leapt into a prayer:  Father, help me RECOGNIZE what You may be asking me to do each day, and please give me the strength and enablement to do what You ask.   

He will not ask about things He didn’t ask me to do (like so many of my personal plans and ideas), so that narrows the evaluation down to a simple “Did I do each day what was asked of me?”   

Luke 16:10   “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much…..”

What is your calling? What has God asked you to do?

What is my calling?  What has God asked me to do?

Our “well done” is based on what He has asked us to do….be faithful in the little things…..the everyday, ordinary, insignificant things of life.

My stories are really His stories of how He came near to show me He is real and yearns to be involved in the details of my life……and in your life.

Each day is an opportunity for God to express Himself in and through each of us in such “insignificant, oatmeal-ordinary ways.”  God is so EXTRAORDINARY in both the large and the ordinary.  In the meaningful and in the “macaroni moments” of life.

If you don’t have Him in your life, why not stop right now and extend Him the invitation to come into your life, forgive you for all your sins, and begin a journey with Him that will take you places you never imagined with Him in your daily walk.  He has plans far greater than you could ever imagine.

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:27

Jesus is EXTRAORDINARY amongst the ORDINARY !

And I love that about Him, don’t you?   We don’t have to do big things, just little things with a big heart for Him.   He’ll make the “mundane magnificent” and the “ordinary extraordinary!”

Oh that we would live our lives in such a way that would produce a “yearning for God” in the lives of others.

What foolish, seemingly insignificant things are you involved in for the Kingdom of God and His glory?

Even before the words are expressed on these pages, there has been a Gardener in my heart and soul that has stirred me to communicate and confess that the soil of my heart and soul has stagnated in places.  They aren’t areas of a large terrain, but some tiny opportunity spots that haven’t been exposed to the Son’s touch of refreshment and fertilizer.

Honesty prevailing here, I didn’t even recognize that the soil of my heart was becoming hidden and malnourished because I was afraid of pondering the landscape of grief.   The grief isn’t because of someone leaving this life, but rather a sense that my soil had shifted, and I felt that some of my roots seemed buried. 

This is difficult to write about because there is a stirring deep within me, but there is no outlet above ground.  It’s as though my passion is growing deep inside my heart, but there is nowhere for it to be expressed.  

Talking about these issues to a few close friends is not the answer, nor does it bring relief to talk with my husband.   In sharing this with the Lord, I know He understands and cares, and only the “nutrient of grace” He brings to me conveys peace, and the fact that His sovereignty rules over all.

Sovereignty:  supreme authority, control and power over all that has happened, is happening, and will happen in the future, in all times, and across all history; and to govern all that happens, and what has, is, or will happen always being in accordance to His divine will.   He has the right to achieve His purpose, and has the power to bring about circumstances that dictate whatever He wills to come to pass.  He has complete control of everything, and there is nothing that is done that is not done or allowed through His will. 

Proverbs 16:6 “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

Zechariah 4:6 “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:  Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”

Psalm 103:19, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.

Even as I view these verses in front of me, they remind me that I am not in charge of any “opportunities for ministry,” God is.   I’ve been introduced to a few relationships in this new country I’m living in.  The moment I sense oxygen reaching out from within me, I’m transplanted again, out of that situation and into my home garden.

Seeing a beautiful garden brings such joy and beauty to me.  Whenever I meet other women, it’s like I’m entering their world, their garden of beauty, and I want to be involved in the soil of their lives.  A few meaningful conversations take place and my heart begins to beat, wondering where this relationship might be headed.

When the gate at these gardens close and I’m back home again, I’m home with disappointment flooding my heart and mind.

Seeing my thoughts on paper help me to realize afresh, that I’m not the one responsible for my life, my opportunities, my purpose, my fulfillment.   I’m His………and God is the One in the driver’s seat.   I’m sure somewhere buried beneath all this is pride…..yes…..but I want my life to count for eternity, and I long to come alongside other women and share truths and experiences from my walk with Him.

Seasons change….and our “personal soil” of location changes too.  A timely text arrived on my phone just now.  It’s a blog from Ann Graham Lotz and I must quote it, as it was to me, a beautiful reminder from God on what He may be up to in my “current soil” of waiting.

The Silence of God

He who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.   Psalm 32:10, NKJV

“Is God silent in your life?  What prayers has He not answered for you?  

At a time of unanswered prayer in my life years ago, my mother taught me the verse to a hymn that I still quote when I am totally baffled by events that seem to careen out of the orbit of what I have asked:

Trust Him when dark doubts assail thee,

Trust Him when thy strength is small,

Trust Him when to simply trust Him,

Seems the hardest thing of all.

Is your focus on your immediate need blinding you to a greater purpose that God is working out?  Would you choose to be patient and simply trust Him?  Sometimes God does not answer our immediate prayer because He has something greater in store for us.”  Anne Graham Lotz

                               

                  

If you’ve read any of my stories, you’ll recall my wee Canadian Hummingbird who became a long-time friend…..until we moved to Australia.   You’ll think I’m little “off,” but I felt responsible for her daily nutrition, especially since she had been feeding at my outside diner for almost three years.   My neighbor kindly adopted the feeding routine in her yard where she perched in a small tree throughout the day.

After our move and transition to Australia I wondered if God would ever grant me another opportunity to get up close and personal with His feathered creatures.    They are such a delight to my heart.

We had been in our home about two weeks and already I was on the lookout for birds.  Australia is filled with a marvelous array of birds of all kinds and sizes.   One bird in particular that I longed to see was a Kookaburra.    A dear friend of mine that had lived in Australia for many years shared many a story about Kookaburras.  In fact at one visit to her home we were talking about these birds and she burst forth, right in front of my eyes, making the sound of this bird.   To be honest, she mimicked the sound so well, that she sounded more like a Kookaburra than the actual bird.

One morning my husband and I were sitting on our patio and glancing out over the large arena of trees and land that we face towards the back of our home in Australia.   I was missing “little Hummer” and the closeness I had with this tiny little creature. Then, it dawned on us both.   Let’s ask God to send me a Kookaburra.

A few weeks had gone by, on this particular day we both heard the sound of a Kookaburra.  In no time we were out of our chairs and into the fridge to grab some ready-cut pieces of raw meat (a Kookaburra’s delight).  We then bounded out the front door, around the house, and into the field behind us.    We finally spotted two of them in a very tall eucalyptus tree.   They were both about 14” long, so they were a bit easier to locate than a small bird.   We threw the meat into the air near the tree they were sitting in, and kept backing up to see what would happen next.

The two of them spotted the two pieces of meat we tossed wildly in their direction.   Minutes later, as we continued to back away, they both pounced on the “buffet” of raw meat.   When we first heard them and were able to spot them in the tall trees, we continued the meat-tossing exercise and slowly moving backwards until we were at the bottom of the hill which met the fenced area of our yard.        

Surprisingly, together they both arrived a day or two later at our fence.  The male came for only about six weeks and never returned.  He is the bird on the left in the photos below.  His feathers were lightly dusted with a teal blue coloring on each side of his body.  Perhaps he found a better “dining table.”

What we wanted them to know was apparent.   Both seemed to “take notice” of our home address.   I also made a little sound as we proceeded along the grassy area.  The “meat-lined” tour ended and we went into the house; hopeful they would make the connection between seeing us, and realizing we had a delectable cuisine available to them, if they would only stop by and check us out.

The next morning I repeated the “sounds” I had made upon that first toss out of the meat the day before, hoping they would remember the calls.  At this moment of my story, you might want to sit down and prepare yourself for what God did next.

Yes, God does delight to respond to those who call out to Him.   God knows each of our hearts, and our heart’s desires.   My desire was to see and enjoy, up close, one of His little creatures.  And this morning, the “feathered show” was about to begin.  

The new routine as we both enjoyed a latte together (I’m speaking now of my husband) was in place and suddenly there she appeared!   A Kookaburra!  In all her radiant glory of appearance of grey, white, brown and a touch of teal blue draped on her wings.   When she came she sat there for about 3 minutes.  None of us moved.    The idea came to me to make the sound I made each morning to let her realize, she was at the “correct address” for a raw-meat snack.  

We were ready for her for whenever she would appear.  We had cut up slivers of raw meat and had them ready for distribution in the fridge.   I rose from my chair, ever-so-slowly, to collect the selection of meat and bring it outside.

I needn’t have be concerned that she would fly away, because she was perched on the fence for a good ten minutes.  We began to speak softly in her direction, all the while tossing intermittently, pieces of this raw meat in her direction.   There was hesitation at first, but she soon perceived that this was a “fine-dining experience” and she had better indulge herself before other fine flying creatures would retrieve the food ahead of her.

It didn’t take her four pieces of meat to catch on; and each time I would toss the meat a little closer to my feet.   Each morning upon her arrival I would repeat the routine of tossing the delivery of raw meat toward her direction.  This went on for about a week.  Then she must have added our “take away” to her daily agenda.  She began coming around 6:00 am and then again around 4:30pm.   Don’t tell me Kookaburra’s don’t have a rapport with “fine diners.”

              Ok, I’m ready for the nibbles.  I just had to insert the “proof!”

I think “adoption papers” are in the future, don’t you

This daily routine continued for about two weeks.  What a joy to have her respond to my call in the morning.  Within a few minutes in all her beauty she would alight herself on the fence, with her eyes peering at  me, and waiting until I placed a piece of meat about 12” from my feet.  This was a little closer than she had planned.  After all why move closer if the meal is delivered within a foot of your beak.

She paused for what seemed a long time, and then she hopped off the fence and hopped over to my feet.  I kept dropping little pieces and she would just remain in her “receiving position” about 12” from my feet.  Clumsy me started to drop the last piece of meat and for some reason it stuck to my hand.   No problem….she just waltzed over and took it “right out of my hand.”

I was breathless for a moment and so pleased I was alert enough to let go of the dangling meat from my fingers.   After digesting all of the delicacies at this close-up range, off she hopped and flew away.    

That morning was just the beginning of our journey together.  She arrives every morning now to sit at my feet for personalized feeding. 

Wait now, this isn’t the end of the story.  After about a week something even more special took place.   I was sitting at the table, waiting for her arrival, and as I was sipping my latte, she flew in for a landing “right on top of the table next to me.”   She just sat there, anticipating an up-close and personal encounter.   Was I ever pleased I was ready with the “tasty bits” distribution, but I had no idea she would want to perch next to me on the table. 

She arrives each morning and afternoon and is no longer satisfied with the on-the-ground serving of treats.  She must sit right next to me.   For details, I mean within 12” of my face.   And yes, I always wear my eye glasses.   After she dines, she remains on the table looking directly at me….as if to say, “Will there be more food?”  After about two or three minutes, she turns to the side and looks afar off, and I’m thinking she is now considering what direction she’ll head for more delicacies in the woods.

No, this assumption isn’t right either.   When I’m sitting at the table by myself, she will often remain there for as long as ten minutes.  You’re no doubt wondering why the length of stay.   Well, you’ll need to ask her about that; but for the time she resides next to me, I just talk to her.   I use to talk to my houseplants, but now, I’m into more “living creature discussions.”   To my delight she listens intently, cocking her head from side to side with a continuing steady gaze into my eyes. 

Since the writing of this “encounter story,” she now makes regular appearances from two to four times a day.  And what’s so surprising is she sometimes “announces her arrival” by making the Kookaburra laughing sound.  As soon as that hilarious sound proceeds from her tiny little lungs, I proceed with increased speed out to the patio to let her know that I’ve heard her call and that a tasty bit is about to come from our refrigerator and into her tummy.  

I understood that kookaburras make that peculiar sound when weather patterns change, or to let their other family members know where they are located in the trees.   However, to make that sound for me, tells me that we’re more than just friends.    And I couldn’t be happier about the new friendship.

Because it’s been five months since this feathered delight entered my yard and heart, I must update this story with new photos of her.  I’ve named her Kathy!   When she first began coming into our yard, I had no idea of her age.  Several people who had seen her told me she was quite young.  With the passing of time, I’ve realized they were quite accurate in their estimation.  I would guess she’s less than a year old.  Enjoy the photos at the end of this story.

Now, for protection mode, I’m not sharing with you my home address, because I don’t wish a visit from the “men in the white coats” escorting me to a new “personalized home cage.”  

This little feathery creature, along with her husband, are gifts from God for my enjoyment.  So I’m not concerned about what you think about our daily verbal exchange.  I’ve named the “feathered couple…..” Kenny and Kathy Kookaburra, and yes they do respond to my verbal invitations at my patio table.   Kenny came to our fence regularly for about 6 weeks and then decided to go elsewhere for his dining, but Kathy is my regular visitor.

It’s thrilling to see her respond to my quiet comments and questions in her direction.   The length of her visits are never the same.  The other day she arrived and ate out of my hands for about three minutes.  She began to flutter her wings and my assumption was that she’d be in takeoff mode.  But as I continued speaking to her she remained.  She would cock her wee head from side to side and then peer right into my eyes, listening intently to every syllable.  

Before her arrival I had my Bible and a couple devotional books placed on the table.  After our one-way conversation, she hopped onto the books and began looking outward towards the wooded area behind us.   She seemed to have no fear of my presence, thus her back was toward me.  This is a highly unusual behavior for any bird.  

I continued my dialogue in her direction (I think that means I was talking behind her back).    Another few minutes passed and when she had enough verbiage, she lifted herself up from the table and off she headed into the woods.   

Before you see the collage of updated photos, I wanted to share with you the thoughts God brought to me through my “wee friend.”   This all occurred on Mother’s Day.  I joked with a few friends that I wondered if my new “little one” would bring me a Mother’s Day card.    Of course, it was supposed to be a funny statement.

But God, in His tender and unique ways, spoke to my heart through the poised little feet standing on my Bible that afternoon.   When I first looked at her new position, I chuckled in my heart that she was now “standing on the Word of God.”

She perched herself on my devotional book and Bible. I’d call that “standing on the promises of God, wouldn’t you?”                          

It wasn’t until the following day that what had happened I realized was God “speaking to me through His creation.”  Yes, we are to “stand upon His Word…..to listen, learn and obey God’s instructions in “our lives” and “for our lives.”   God used my kookaburra to encourage me to remain “standing on God’s Word, His truth, for my life.”

As if to confirm my thoughts, this same day a friend in the United States sent me a text sharing precisely what God placed upon my heart concerning this “event.”  

Yes, God wants to speak “to us” and “through us” to encourage others to come to Him and give Him their lives; and then “walk with God throughout each day” along their earthly pilgrimage.  Then, in wonder, when we draw our last breath here, we’ll be ushered into His presence to see Him “face to face.”    He longs to communicate to us through His Word, the Bible, through our circumstances, through people, and in our inner spirit that He places within us.

Oh, that we would turn down the “volume of our lives” to hear Him, to listen and gasp in wonder that God would use all sorts of methods to tell us we’re loved incredibly by Him.

My friend’s text alerted me profoundly that God comes close and personal to nourish our hearts and enrich our souls.  Let’s pause to actively and more intentionally be alert to enjoy all of God’s creation. 

Enjoying His creation is giving Him glory and praise…..He is so deserving.   He feeds our souls and reveals Himself through His created world…..let’s take the time to marvel at it.

After reading all of this you are probably saying to yourself, “this gal has a wild imagination.”  So, to give you a photo delight and to defend my story details, I have attached a photo to share with your friends.  Enjoy my new little friend that God has bestowed upon my table and heart. Praise the Lord for His beautiful creation. And even more amazing…….that He shares it with us.

GOD DOES DELIGHT IN THE DETAILS OF OUR LIVES!

 The Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in

every detail of their lives.  Psalm 37:2                  

Before I share this tender-hearted story, I thought it best to introduce “pictorially” the wee sweetie I’m writing about.  Yes, it’s a true story of my all-season friend.   I’ve named her Anna.  It’s a most appropriate name because she is an Anna’s Hummingbird. 

Anna and I met about two years ago.  We had moved to Surrey, British Columbia and lived near the USA and Canadian border.  We hadn’t lived in our home long before I noticed the frequency of hummingbirds in the area. 

 One of the first boxes I unpacked was my yard box which contained my hummingbird feeder.   It didn’t take me long to prepare the dining cuisine of sugar and water (l part sugar to 4 parts water…in case you would care to join the buffet preparations for hummingbirds in your area) and locate just the right spot in our little yard. 

This newly placed feeder must have been hung in the flight path of the bird buffet line as it didn’t take a day for this Anna’s hummingbird to find a brand new source of nutrition for herself.  I made sure that in the warmer months, the feeder was cleaned and refilled with fresh liquid refreshment each week.

It was late spring when all this food attraction was placed in our yard.  My husband and I would enjoy a cup of tea or a latte early in the morning, and with the lovely morning sunshine, we enjoyed our cuppa while sitting out on the patio.  It wasn’t long before we’d notice a visitor.   She would announce her arrival with wee beeping chirps that hummingbirds make.  Just for the fun of it, I responded with similar sounds.    My imitation sounds weren’t the best, but this little hummer (as I called her), would respond and beep her chirps back to me.  My husband and I laughed and adored her presence as she partook of her morning “sweets.”

Throughout the day I found myself looking out to see if she was near the feeder.   Near the feeder???  Are you kidding, she was perched comfortably next door in a ten foot tree overlooking her new “in and out” diner.’ 

This time of year invited me outside often and I would indulge in a cup of tea or an iced tea and I would observe this little bird eating about ten times in an hour out of the feeder.   I couldn’t believe the liquid intake of such a tiny bird.  She is about 1 ½” long and simply adorable.  

This feeding frenzy went on for most of the summer and into the fall.   After that, I assumed she flew southward like most other birds.   Just this year when October came around, I noticed she was still eating regularly and so I keep doing the cleaning and refilling of the feeder, thinking that soon she would be heading south for the winter. 

I was wrong!   She decided to stay-it-out up north.  Things were going along as normal until the temperatures began to drop.  I phoned the Hummingbird Society in Arizona and checked the internet to see how I could provide a winter diet for this gorgeous fine-feathered friend.

Now before I continue you must promise me that you won’t turn me in to the “men in the white coats.”    They know about me already, and are not interested.   I’m simply beyond their help.

I was instructed to make sure that the contents of the feeder did not freeze.   This moved me to my next purchase which was another hummingbird feeder.   Yes, now I have two.  One is to be placed out early in the morning, after the sun comes up.   The other feeder remains inside (where it can be room temperature).   If it’s really cold and the contents of the outside feeder are beginning to form ice, I bring it inside and put out the other feeder.   This way there is no problem of freezing the liquid food.

An idea came to me via the internet to aid keeping the feeder warmer.   I had a pair of fuzzy socks.  I took the socks and cut off the toe part and then placed both socks over the first feeder I put outside in the morning.   This discovery proved to be a wonderful solution.   Even at 25 degrees during the daytime, the feeder would not freeze.

To be honest, I wondered if this bird would be nervous about a new item on the food buffet being gift wrapped with socks.   The following morning I placed the “new little diner” on the hook.  No problem … she got stuck right into the food.   There is nothing wrong with her appetite.

It’s winter for sure, so maybe I’ve been inside too long, but I had another idea.   On the wrought iron fencing around our raised patio I place stringed Christmas lights…the real tiny ones.   I also moved the feeder to just right outside our back door.    This little gal LOVES HER BUFFET selection, so I knew she wouldn’t be bothered that I moved it a little closer so we could see her in action more clearly.   It also was hung in a safe environment away from any predator and shown beautifully in the winter sunshine.

What I haven’t disclosed is that I was secretly wondering if she would enjoy the Christmas lights.   No, not to view, but to sit around and be warmed by the lights.   By now, you might be considering the men in the white coats again, but I can assure you that my sanity is just fine. 

Just the other day I kept looking out to see where in the world she had disappeared to.    There were two feeders for selection in the yard, one by the fence about 30 feet from our back door, and the other just 1 ½ feet from the door.   I kept looking at both feeders and she was nowhere to be found.

As my eyes jumped from one feeder to the other, I neglected to see the obvious.   She was now perched ON TOP OF A CHRISTMAS LIGHT!    Yes, you’re reading correctly.   Then she moved to arrange herself in the middle of about six lights.  This was keeping her warm.  She simply had to lift herself away from the lights and fly only a foot and a half to her feeder and back again.  She has this new feeding arrangement down to an art.

With close observation, I’ve found her daily routine to be the following:  

–        Arrival at her tree perch between 7:45 – 8:00 am

–        Glance over to see the Christmas lights in the “on” position

–        She fluffs her feathers and continue glancing to the buffet

          chef (located inside)

–        When the chef notices her arrival, she comes outside with the dining cuisine container, topped off with warm socks

–        Chef returns to place the second feeder by the fence (this feeder is right across from “Anna’s” tree limb)

–        As the chef (that’s me) leaves the feeders, she calls out “Anna” and makes wee hissing sounds to notify Anna that breakfast is now being served in the main dining areas

–        Anna responds back to the chef with her wee sounds…as if      to say thank you

–        Chef enters the house to go undercover for the day

–        About 10 minutes later, Anna flies over for several sips of delight

–        About 9:00 am Anna decides to perch on a “Christmas light” which keeps her warm.  Sometimes she tires of that one location and then moves to the center of about 6 lights….where she’s very toasty for the day.  Sometimes she adds a little exercise to her routine and swings on the light cord that dangles in mid-air

–        At 4:25 pm she exits her Christmas light, heads for the closest feeder and drinks for about a full minute to stock up for the night to go into her torpor state.

Then…….she takes off for the entire night in a local tree and goes into torpor state where the body reduces to a very low temperature.   The nourishment that she’s had all day, and especially at the 4:25 feeding provides enough warmth for the tree trip and to cuddle down for the night.  This same routine begins every morning. 

I know this is a blow-by-blow detail, but it’s incredible how God has not only designed this little sweetie, but placed within her the ability to reduce her body temperature so low, then come alive and alert the following morning.  How great is the majesty of God, the Creator of all things, Who goes to this tiny detailed extent, to display His creative touch not only in our world, but in our lives as well.  If we would just “invite Him into our life.”  What a difference He longs to make in each of us if we would just “invite Him into our life.”

This isn’t the end of the story, but the beginning of realizing that little things we do can make a “great impact” on another, regardless of their size, nationality, color or design. 

We cannot help everyone, or touch the life of thousands, but God designed each of us to come to know Him, our Creator, and then be used by Him in meaningful and personal ways to make a difference in the life of another.

This little feathered friend has brought to “light” that I can’t help or make a difference in the life of everyone…….but, I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO ONE!

Each day, let’s ask God to help us be alert to the “one” that He would have us encourage, help, show a kindness to, or listen to.  You never know, we CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE in our world.

I couldn’t help but show another photo of little Anna.  Look close under her lower tummy, you’ll see a tiny Christmas light.

The Christmas light is right under her lower tummy just above her tail!  

                                         

This little tea party took place in Southern California.   We had moved from Washington State to Ventura, California.   Everything was new again:  a new home, a new neighborhood, and a new church.  I’ve moved enough to know that those first few months in a new location can bring on some depression and sadness.     Most of this can be quite normal when you’ve been uprooted from one home to another, and for a time you can be emotionally “fragile.”

My husband went off to work, and as I looked around at the collage of boxes waiting to be opened, I felt overwhelmed.   For me, that’s the time to put first things first.   It’s time to pull away, grab my Bible and a cup of tea, and have a mini retreat.   Goodness knows I had a wide variety of things to chat over with Jesus.

The stack of “things to do” was so overwhelming that the landscape of my vision was blurred.  I needed to “sit with my Savior” and have my heart and eyes readjusted for all this newness and period of transition. 

If you have walked with the Savior for any length of time, you have probably come to a point where occasionally He seems distant and unconcerned with what you’re experiencing in life.   It may seem and feel that way, but He is as close to us as our heartbeat.   But, we need to choose to look for Him, regardless of our emotional status. 

Being quiet can be difficult sometimes, can’t it!   But it’s oh so necessary if we want our emotional equilibrium to be adjusted to “steady.”

To be completely honest, I was lonely.   I chose a comfortable chair in our family room.   It was at the far end of the room by a large window.   This area of the room was cozy, and I had arranged the two chairs to face each other with a glass end table at an angle in between.   It isn’t critical that you see this arrangement, but it provided a lovely setting for two people to chat.

I settled my body into one of the chairs and discovered that I had neglected to make myself a cup of tea.   Moments later the tea kettle was boiling and the thought dawned on me.   I’m alone, I feel alone, but I’m not really alone … Jesus is with me.    The sweetest thought popped into my mind, I’ll make two cups of tea.   One for me and one for Jesus.  

Yes, I located two nice china tea cups, made two cups of tea, and paraded them over to where I’d be sitting.   The presence of the “other cup of tea” was a VIVID reminder that I wasn’t alone. 

Time passed, and as I read God’s Word and had a long chat about my new experience, my new location, and wondered what new plans would God have in store for my husband and I. 

When I’ve shared this with others, they often ask … was the cup of liquid tea still in the cup?  Of course it was!  But the fact that the tea was still present didn’t discourage the fact that Jesus was “very present” with me.    But the placement of the tea cup for Him brought the reality to me that morning that even though we can’t see Him with our visible eyes, we can see Him with our inner Spiritual eyes, and know in our heart He wouldn’t leave us for a moment.   And seeing the tea cup brought that reality alive for me that morning.

Just recently I was sharing this event with a lovely young woman named Alysia.   We were both enjoying a cup of tea on the back patio together sharing stories of our encounters with our Savior.

This young woman just oozed with the Savior’s joy and delight.       

Time passed, and off she went to be with some other friends for the evening.  This was on a Friday afternoon. 

On Sunday as I returned from church, I went out to the back patio to open the awning as it was a very warm, sunny day.   Then … there it was … a new TEA CUP placed in the center of the patio table with this message on a wee note above the cup:

“Having tea with my sweet Dianne.   Jesus”

My heart stopped and my eyes got enlarged.  I couldn’t believe my eyes.    It was as though Jesus stopped by and left me a note to say He had been there to see me and enjoy tea.

Who in the world knew about my teacup episode that happened years earlier?   It was this Alysia…..it had to be her.   I phoned her immediately to confirm my suspicions of the precious delivery she had made when I was at church.   She had to drive at least 20 minutes to get this cup to me.  

What a beautiful reminder it is of the memory of having made an extra cup of tea for Him years ago.  

This young woman’s thoughtfulness resurrected the beautiful memory of the past.   The next time you feel a bit lonely, make two cups of tea for your heart’s pleasure.

If you’ve ever been a caregiver, you may have experienced a taste of the draining emotional environment in which I resided for almost three years.    When you have steady responsibilities for someone’s care, you seldom have time for any social outing.

My personality is such that I love having people around me, their presence is a welcome treat.   God knows that we need people to love us in practical ways.    A favorite phrase from Scripture that encapsulates where my heartbeat is this, that God works in us to “will and to do” His will and pleasure.     When He works His work in His people, and they express His nature and care to another, recipients experience JOY!    Pure joy!

For weeks at a time, I would be alone at home with my precious Mother.   She would enjoy reading, and watching television programs and chatting with her friends on the phone.   I loved hearing her laughter throughout our home.    

This day was an ordinary day…….until our doorbell rang.    Two people from our church stopped by to say hello.   If you can visualize the strength of a vacuum hose sucking in debris, you have the accurate picture of my response to these two special people.  

I really didn’t know this couple very well.   We had often exchanged hellos and hugs at church, but that was the extent of our contact.   They had heard about my isolation at home and decided they would come for a little visit.  

We’ve probably all employed the phrase describing how we enjoy the presence of another person as a “breath of fresh air.”   To this day, I don’t think this couple had any idea what their presence meant to me on their first visit.  

It was as though God was breathing “divine oxygen” into my heart and soul.    This loving couple just wanted me to know they were thinking of me, and praying for my mother and me.    Their visits were a practical way on how to love-on another.  

They not only prayed for me in my care-giving role, they became like “God, with skin on” in my presence.   Sometimes in life, there just aren’t adequate words to describe the heart-felt compassion and emotional tenderness that is experienced when the presence of a friend shows up and lightens the atmosphere in where we live. 

This thoughtful couple in subsequent visits would stay for about an hour and a half and we would share a cup of tea together.   Their visit would stabilize and energize my heart with a tremendous amount of joy.   It was as though through this couple “God came near…..to visit me.”

This experience brings alive the reality that yes, our lives can express the presence of Jesus to others.    Let’s practice this often, in everyday living……realizing that if we have given our lives over to Jesus Christ’s lordship of our lives, we carry God’s presence in us, through the living Holy Spirit touching others with His love.  

I hadn’t seen this couple for a few years, but just the other day I saw this couple again.    I found myself trying to share with them, again, how meaningful their many visits in our home meant to me…………..but there just aren’t words to describe when the “love of God comes near.”

“PEOPLE MAY FORGET WHAT WE TEACH, BUT THEY’LL NEVER FORGET HOW WE MADE THEM FEEL.” William Buechner

Oh that we would ask God regularly to show us who He would have us visit, either personally, or perhaps just across the telephone wires or via a little note….so that they can experience the “touch of the Lord in the arena of their life.”

“The heroes of the faith had one thing in common:  They were all ordinary people with no power of their own.  The difference is the mighty presence of God.   Times may change, but the effect of God’s presence remains the same.” Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby