My Shadow

I am very excited, as the weather has finally been nice enough for me to start walking again. It just does something for your spirit and sense of vitality, at least for me. So yesterday, it was a beautiful, sunny morning and I took off on my country roads for a walk. I decided to walk just over a mile to Janelle's house (my step-daughter), as my hubby was cutting off a big dead tree limb over there. I could hear birds singing, there was a slight breeze, it was great!

I was headed East, and I noticed that my long full-body shadow was straight out in front of me. I don't know why that caught my attention. On my way back home, I happened to glance behind me, and sure enough, that shadow was straight out behind me.

A strange thing happened; I all-of-a-sudden remembered a poem I had memorized when I was in grade school. So I started quoting it. I got through most of the first verse, but could only remember bits and pieces of the rest. So of course, I had to google it when I got home. Just in case you've never heard it, I decided to share it with you here.

My Shadow (by Robert Louis Stevenson)

I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;
And I see him jump before me when I jump into my bed.

The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow--
Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow.
For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball,
And he sometimes gets so little that there's none of him at all.

He hasn't got a notion of how children ought to play,
And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way.
He stays so close beside me, he's a coward you can see;
I'd think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me!

One morning, very early, before the sun was up,
I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup.
But my lazy little shadow, like an errant sleepy-head,
Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.

I have a "Heavenly Shadow" who goes in and out with me, walks and talks with me, and sticks close beside me, and I'm so glad He does!

Psalm 121:5-8 The Lord watches over you--the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

"Hitherto"

Before the clock strikes midnight tonight, I thought it would be well to reflect on the past year. Yes, there have been many challenges and struggles, but there have been so many ways and so many times that the Lord has blessed abundantly. My devotional this morning was from C. H. Spurgeon. It said so well what I would have liked to say, I wanted to post it here.

The word "hitherto" seems like a hand pointing in the direction of the PAST. Twenty years or seventy, and yet "hitherto hath the Lord helped us!" Through poverty, through wealth, through sickness, through health; at home, abroad, on the land, at sea; in honor, in dishonor, in perplexity, in joy, in trial, in triumph, in prayer, in temptation--"hitherto hath the Lord helped!".

We delight to look down a long avenue of trees. It is wonderful to gaze from one end of the long vista, a sort of verdant temple, with it's branching pillars and it's arches of leaves. Even so, look down the long aisles of your years, at the green boughs of mercy overhead, and the strong pillars of lovingkindness and faithfulness which bear up your joys.

Are there no birds in yonder branches singing? Surely, there must be many, and they all sing of mercy received "hitherto".

But the word also points FORWARD. For when a man gets up to a certain mark, and writes "hitherto", he is not yet at the end; there are still distances to be traversed. More trials, more joys; more temptations, more triumphs; more prayers, more answers; more toils, more strength; more fights, more victories; and then come sickness, old age, disease and death.

Is it over now? No!! There is more yet--awakening in Jesus' likeness, thrones, harps, songs, psalms, white raiment, the face of Jesus, the society of saints, the glory of God, the fullness of eternity, the infinity of bliss. Oh, be of good courage, believer, and with grateful confidence raise thy "Ebenezer", for

"He who hath helped thee hitherto, Will help thee all thy journey through"
(C.H.Spurgeon)

Clear Vision

For months now--yes I do mean several months!--my glasses have seemed cloudy to me. I kept thinking they just needed to be cleaned, but they would never really get better. My sweet husband kept telling me I needed to go get new ones. I knew it had been over two years since my last opthomologist appointment. ( I see my retinal surgeon every month for my macular degeneration, but he doesn't deal with eye glasses.). I knew if I took them in asking for new glasses they would want me to see the Dr. so I made an appointment.

My actual prescription didn't change much--they did improve it just very slightly.

When I went to order my glasses, she said the reason they were cloudy is because the anti-reflective coating was coming off. She said that can happen after 2 years, although she assured me the coating they now have is much better and more scratch resistant.

When I went to pick up my new glasses I couldn't believe the difference! I could actually see so much better, and the lenses were so clear. When I got home and started working on my computer I told my hubby, "Oh my goodness! My computer screen is so clear and bright--it's amazing!" He was very happy for me, but couldn't resist adding "I've been telling you to get those taken care of".

I couldn't help but think about that verse in I Corinthians 13:12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.

I'm very excited that my physical sight is so much clearer. And although we now can only get a glimpse of our Savior through descriptions in His Word, I know it will be so thrilling and wonderful when we are able to see our Lord and Savior face to face!

Calling Your Own Shots

Those of us who are bloggers have gotten used to "calling our own shots", in the world of photography at least. This article gives another perspective on calling our own shots.

My pastor, Joel DeSelm, has a regular column in our weekly paper. Today's article seemed to build on some thoughts that our family had last weekend. We were talking about how God is Holy, and as such, His thinking, perceptions, and view of circumstances is different (and much better) than ours.

I wanted to share at least part of this article. Maybe someone who reads this will be as blessed and encouraged as I was.

"According to an ancient legend, a certain small village sought to strike a bargain with God. They had been experiencing many years of poor harvest, and thought they could improve on God's way of doing things.
So they asked God for permission to plan the weather for the next year's harvest. To call their own shots in terms of rain, sunshine, etc. God agreed.
During the next year, everything worked exactly as the village requested. Whenever they asked for rain, God sent rain; when they asked for the rain to stop, the rain stopped.
When the villagers asked for sunshine, God sent sunshine. As a result, that year the corn and wheat were higher and thicker than before.
However, when it came time to harvest the crop, the farmers discovered that the tall corn had no ears, and the the thick wheat had no head of grain. The villagers complained bitterly to God.
God replied, 'When you asked for rain, I sent rain. When you asked for sunshine, I gave sunshine. But you never asked for the harsh north winds. Without the harsh north winds there is no pollination, and with no pollination there is no crop'.
How easy it is to think that we know what's best in our lives. It is human nature to think that we can orchestrate the events of our lives for our ultimate good, isn't it?
But the truth of the matter is, we simply cannot see the big picture. Our understanding is limited and our vision is often distorted. We cannot comprehend the long-range impact of events, incidents, and decisions.
Fortunately, the God revealed in the Bible is not only all-powerful and all-knowing, but He is also all-loving as well.
If God wer only all powerful, He could be a wicked despot and a cruel dictator. If He were only all-wise, He might be an impotent genius. But because He is all-powerful, all-wise, and all-loving, He is able to accomplish far more in our lives than we could ever accomplish on our own. And those attributes make God worthy to be trusted.
We often don't understand why God allows certain circumstances to take place in our lives; we can't comprehend how good can result from so much evil, tragedy and pain.
But the mind and heart of God are unable to be completely understood. As God states in Isaiah 55, "My ways are not your ways, neither are my thoughts your thoughts. For as far as the heavens are above the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts".
Trust in His wisdom to do what's best. Trust in His power to work in the hearts of people and in the midst of the circumstances. Trust in His love to do what's best for you in whatever it is you are facing.
Not only will the corn eventually grow tall and the wheat thick, but a rich harvest will be yours that you could never have realized, left to your own devices."

Lord, help me to trust you for my circumstances and for your rich harvest in my life.

Spring Cleaning

Last Thursday I did my Spring cleaning in one of my upstairs bedrooms. The window was broken and my husband had to replace it, and so things were kind of a mess. Besides which, I've been using that room for anything that didn't have another designated place. I don't use the room much so it was in dire need of cleaning. My son is coming in 2 weeks so I wanted it to be clean before he came. Thus I delved in and cleaned it from ceiling to floor and found places for all the "treasures".

As I was cleaning that day, I was thinking that my heart and soul really need a spring cleaning also. For at least a month it seems I have been very restless. I don't know what has caused it for certain. But I have been feeling like I need to figure out a purpose for my life. It seems to me like I'haven't done much worthwhile for some time.

In my heart, I know that there are a few things that I'm doing for the Lord. I am mentoring a woman in prison, who I feel has had significant spiritual growth since we have been writing to each other. I have sent her a Bible, books (such as "Purpose Driven Life"), etc and with my encouragement she is now also working on Bible memory. I have been to see her three times in this past year since I started this relationship with her.

I also help my husband in the radio ministry for "Radio Lumiere" in Haiti; and I've helped in our Sunday School class at church. But still, I've had this restlessness of spirit.

As I've been thinking about this, these 3 words/phrases have come to mind:

Cleansing/Pruning/Remaining: John 15: 2- 4 ...every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."

When I had finished cleaning my upstairs room, it was clean and orderly, and could be more useful.

Transformed: Romans 12: 2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what god's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will".

My room was certainly transformed from chaos, dust and dirt t0 being clean and attractive.

Teachable: Psalm 25: 4-5 (This was one of my first memory verses this year) "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth, and teach me. For you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

I don't know what cleaning my room taught me, except possibly that maybe I should keep it clean on a more regular basis.

I am trusting the Lord to give me a calm spirit, and to show me His way, and to help me be fruitful in His service. I pray He will do a work of spring cleaning in my heart and soul and keep me teachable, and show me ways that I can be used by Him.

A Window of Opportunity and Beauty

I woke on Monday morning to a dusting of snow

It gave our humble country dwelling a fluffy white glow.

The sun was coming up, so I seized the day,

Before this winter scene would melt away.

The fence looked like an intricate needle-work crochet

I had never seen it look quite this way.


I could have blown this fluff a way with a puff of air
It looked so fragile as I gazed on it there.

It was quiet and peaceful, with hardly a breeze,

But alas, I must get inside before I freeze.

Though my pictures don't compare to Moments of Mine,

I so much enjoyed this glimpse of God's design.

According to predictions, we're in for much more snow,

I wish I had a fireplace, to enjoy it's warm glow.

But not to worry, with a good book and a cup of tea,

Comfy and cozy in my recliner, I surely will be.

Just a Note

I admit this is a bit humorous, but nevertheless, I wanted to post a tribute to letter writing. I'm dedicating this post to Cindy at Letters from Midlife, as I know she truly believes we should not lose the art of sending letters and notes by snail mail. I always enjoy getting a personal note or card in the mail.

This is a poem that was passed on to me by a fellow "senior". I'm sure it will be mostly appreciated by those of us who have a "senior moment" now and then.

Just a note to say I'm living, that I'm not among the dead
Though I'm getting more forgetful and mixed up in the head
I got used to my arthritis, to my dentures I'm resigned.
I can manage my bifocals, but gosh I miss my mind!

For sometimes I can't remember, when I stand at the foot of the stairs,
If I must go up for something, or have I just come down from there?
And before the fridge so often, my poor mind is filled with doubt,
Have I just put food away, or have I come to take some out?

So if it's my turn to write you there's no need for getting sore,
I may think that I have written and don't want to be a bore.
Just remember that I love you and wish that you were near.
Now it's nearly mail time so I must say goodbye my dear.

Here I stand beside the mailbox with a face so very red!
Instead of mailing you my letter, I have opened it instead!

Choices--A reflection for the new year.

I wrote this poem last February, and I posted it then. I haven't thought about it for many months, but came across it again as I was going through my journal. (True confession--I started journaling again last year about this time, but didn't keep it up--only about 2 months.). As I was thinking about the events of this past year, and some goals for the coming year, it seemed to me that the paths we find ourselves walking through and many of the circumstances we find ourselves in are a result of the choices we've made.

As we begin our journey through 2010, may we seek the Lord's guidance and wisdom in the choices we make.

CHOICES

In God’s perfect plan, He made a way,
For us to make our own choices each day.
Sometimes we chose well, sometimes bad,
We surely often make His heart sad.

So many choices we are allowed to make,
What career we’d like, and what way we’ll take.
Where we will live, city or country,
Who to marry, and who our friends will be.

In some things we have absolutely no control,
We don’t understand, and it grieves our soul.
We would never chose to suffer great loss,
Yet He chose to suffer for us on the cross.

No matter what the circumstance may be,
I know the Lord’s working it for good, you see.
As my love for Him grows greater still,
I chose to seek and follow His will.

So many promises we find in His Word,
When we pray, we will always be heard.
He gives peace and joy, we can’t comprehend,
And for every need, on Him we can depend.

So, I’m making a choice to give Him praise,
I want others to see Christ in me all my days.
Many times I will fail, but He gives strength to the weak,
He will guide and direct me when I listen to Him speak.

Thank you, Lord, for blessings you bestow,
With praise to You, may my heart overflow.
May I be an encouragement to others, I pray,
Help me to serve you joyfully each day.

A Day to Celebrate

Nehemiah 8: 10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

These words were written when Nehemiah and the Levites were reading the Book of the Law to al all the people of Israel, after they had returned to their country. The people were weeping, as they listened to the words of the Law.

I don't remember this verse making an impact on me before, but it was in my devotional reading today. There are two things that stood out to me: First, they were weeping as they were listening the words from the Law. and second, Nehemiah instructed them to eat and rejoice, because it was a special day, sacred to the Lord. But he also told them to give food to those who did not have any.

Verse 12 says, Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food, and to celebrate with great joy, because they NOW UNDERSTOOD the words that had been made known to them.

My prayer for myself today, is that I would never take the Word of God for granted, but that I would weep and rejoice because He has given me understanding of His Word, and that He would give me a hunger and thirst to study more that I might learn more of Him. With that understanding comes a responsibility to share the wonderful good news of the gospel with those around me.

I also realize that I have been blessed beyond anything I could think or imagine; and I want to be a vessel that the Lord can use to supply not only physical food or other needs as He leads me to do so, but also be a source of spiritual encouragement and blessing to those I come in contact with.

This day, December 225th, is a day that has been set aside for us to celebrate the birth of our Lord, and to thank Him for the salvation and fellowship that He provided for us through His death on the cross. As we celebrate, let's thank the Lord, for giving us His Word, to give us guidance, comfort, and encouragement!

I rejoice in you today, Lord, for the salvation that You made possible. As Nehemiah said, truly the joy of the Lord is my strength!

A Visit to Prison

Matthew 25:36, 39-40 (Our Lord speaking) "Ineeded clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers of mine, you did for me'.

Last Spring, our church received a letter from a woman in prison, asking if someone could please write to her. She wrote to our church, because her father had attended our church, and had recently passed away. Because she was in prison, she was not able to attend his funeral.

This letter was given to one of the leaders of our women's ministry; she brought it to me, and asked if I would be willing to write to her; she said she thought of me, because of the experiences I've had with my son. I told her I would be glad to do this.

Thus began our relationship. I have corresponded with Nichole ever since that time; we are able to do this by e-mail now. I have learned much about her. The first thing I wanted to know was if she had accepted Christ as her Savior. She assured me she had, but that she needed someone to help her grow and encourage her.

I gave her some scriptures to read, and have since sent some books to her. I sent her "The Purpose Driven Life", and she went through it faithfully, chapter by chapter. Over the months that we've corresponded, I truly believe she has really grown in her christian walk. She says she has a much more positive outlook, and she has shared the books and her faith with other women there.

I have also sort of become her advocate on the outside. She asked me to phone her Grandmother, as she wasn't able to call her. I did that and found her to be a sweet christian lady, 82 y/o. Nichole also has 2 little children, ages 2 1/2 and 3 1/2, who are staying with their aunt, who has guardianship. Nichole's grandmother and this aunt were supposed to take the kids for a visit to the prison on December 11th. But at Thanksgiving, the father took the kids for a "visit for a couple day", and has not allowed them to go back to the aunt. So this visit didn't take place.

Obviously, Nichole has been very upset with all of this. She asked if her grandmother and I could come for a visit. So we made arrangements to do that. Yesterday, I drove her grandmother, Colleen, and I to Rockville for this visit. We had a wonderful time conversing on the way down, and she filled me in on more of Nichole's background.

We were able to spend 2 hours with Nichole. I found her to be delightful. She has a bubbly personality, and has maintained a positive attitude through all of this. She has taken a CMA and QMA course while there, and is now in a labor apprenticeship, learning factory skills, and will be labor-certified. She is making plans and has goals for when she will be released, hopefully in May 2010. She of course was tearful about her kids. She will be sending a notorized document to the aunt, which she can then take to the police, to get the children back. (The police had said they couldn't do anything without a court order from the mother). There are circumstances which make it rather unsafe for her kids to stay with their dad.

She was so excited to have us visit. She is a beautiful young woman. I prayed with Nichole and her grandmother before we left. I continue to pray for her, that she will indeed be able to get a job and get her life back together when she is released.

I told Nichole that I truly believe God brought her into my life for this period of time. She is very grateful, and says she values our friendship. I also am praying for her kids, that the Lord will keep them safe until she can be re-united with them.

He sends the Sunshine and the Rain

I so much enjoy a beautiful, sunny day! I'm afraid our beautiful Fall days are about over for this year. It just seemed like the colors were so bright and vivid; or maybe I just appreciated it more this year for some reason. Yesterday was a pretty fall day, in the mid 50's with sunshine. I took a walk in the afternoon and enjoyed the sun (and a little bit of wind).

However! Thursday and Friday were not sunny! It rained and rained! Now, I know there are times, living in farm country, when we desperately need the rain. But right now the farmers are trying to harvest beans, and corn, and the rain has been a hindrance.

My husband is an engineer with a full time job, but is a farmer at heart. We have 80 acres that someone farms for us. He also tends to fret and worry about the crops, the rain, etc. I try to gently remind him that none of this weather is a surprise to the Lord. He brings the sunshine and the rain according to His time table.

I was looking up a verse after reading Brenda's blog, regarding the trees clapping their hands. But I also saw these verses and they struck a chord in my heart.

Isaiah 55:9-11 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways highter than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

so is my word that goes out from my mouth; It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire, and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Thank you, Lord, that you know what we need and you send the sunshine and the rain, and we reap the benefits. Help me also to recognize that as we are faithful in sharing your Word, it will accomplish the purpose for which you intended it. Help me just to be faithful in sharing your love with those I meet every day, and be sensitive to needs all around me.

Old Story--New Lessons

In Sunday School this quarter we are studying Joshua. Today it was about the very familiar story of the Battle of Jericho. This is one that we have heard from the time we could walk. Even people without a church background usually know about the story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho, and how the 'walls came a tumblin' down'.

However, today I gained some new insights from this very wonderful story. It's amazing how something you've heard so often can have new significance in your life. These are some of the truths I learned today:

1. Just like the Joshua and the people of Israel, we face enemies (walls) in our lives.
2. God wants us to be obedient. ( Even though the instructions seemed strange, they marched with Joshua around the walls once a day for 6 days. They did not see the victory until the 7th day.)
3. God will not compromise with sin in our lives. (There were very specific instructions they had to follow once the walls came down).
4. It is always God who gives the victory. Any success or accomplishment we have in our lives is because He has worked in us through His love, grace and mercy.
5. Nothing is impossible for God! (I'm sure the people of Israel had no idea how they were going to penetrate the high, thick walls of Jericho). God performed a miracle in their lives.

I have seen some miraculous things happen in my life and the lives of friends and family, most recently in the life of my son. My heart is full of gratitude for the way He has worked in my son's life, and also for the way He has blessed me in so many ways.

I am so thankful for the Word of God which is "God-breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man (or woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." II Timothy 3: 16,17

He Changes the Times and the Seasons

Have I mentioned--I really love Fall! I have been so much enjoying the changing colors, the Fall scenes with pumpkins, and pretty leaves, etc.

I was out the other day, and wanted to take some pictures of some of the beauty around me, but it was cloudy, and misting on and off and not a good day for pics. So I settled for these that I have.

Daniel 2:21 says "He changes the times and the seasons" I actually enjoy all of the changes, from Fall, through Winter, Spring and Summer--even a little snow! It's wonderful to know that it is not something man-made, but His creation, placed here for our enjoyment.

Daniel 2:21 also says, "He sets up kings and deposes of them". In light of our current political climate, that truth is also re-assuring to me. (But I digress, and that's probably a topic for another time.)

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of god; the skies proclaim the work of His hands

Psalm 8:1,3,4 O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him...?


Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:...He has made everything beautiful in its time.

How to Stay Young--and Live Well!

(enlarges)

A friend sent me this and I thought it warranted passing on. It gave me a lot to think about. However, I've had my share of tragedies in my life, and I have always said that life is short, and we need to enjoy it and live it well.

How to Stay Young:

• Throw out non-essential numbers. This includes age, weight and helght. Let the doctors worry about them--that is why you pay them.
• keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
• Keep learning! Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever interests you. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop'; and the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
• Enjoy the simple things
• Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
• The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us all of our lives is ourself. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
• Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies or whatever. Your home is your refuge.
• Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. It it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can do, get appropriate help.
• Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, or a picnic in the country, just NOT where the guilt is.
• Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

And Always Remember:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Share this with someone you love, and remember we all need to live life to its fullest every day!

Worry--Part Two

I am using my sister, Lou, as a guest blogger for today's post. After she read my post from yesterday, she sent me this article that she found. So, although this wasn't original with her, I wanted to thank her for giving me a nice follow-up to yesterday's post. Thanks, Lou, for your contribution to my blog.

POINT TO PONDER: WORRY

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
Luke 12: 25-26

We would worry less about what others think of us if we realized how seldom they do.
>Ethel Barrett

If a care is too small to be turned into a prayer, it is too small to be made a burden.
>Corrie ten Boom

Never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you.
>John Adams

Worry and trust cannot live in the same house. When worry is allowed to come in one door, trust walks out the other door; and worry stays until trust is invited in again, whereupon worry walks out.
>Robert G. LeTourneau

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength
>Charles H. Spurgeon

It ain’t no use putting up your umbrella till it rains
>Alice Caldwell Rice

Anxiety is the natural result when our hopes are centered in anything short of God and his will for us.
>Billy Graham

Don’t tell me that worry doesn’t do any good. I know better. Things I worry about don’t happen.
>Author Unknown

Borrow trouble for yourself, if that’s your nature, but don’t lend it to your neighbors.
>Rudyard Kipling

You have a disagreeable duty to do at twelve o’clock. Do not blacken nine and ten and eleven and all between, with the color of twelve. Do the work of each and reap your reward in peace. So when the dreaded moment in the future becomes the present, you shall meet it walking in the light, and that light will overcome darkness.
>George Macdonald

Antidote for Worry: Prayer

Left to my own sinful nature, I tend to be a worrier. I'm one of those people who would worry about not having something to worry about.

Fortunately, the Lord has been showing me that excessive worry is truly a sin. I am so thankful that God is in control of our circumstances, and our world, and I can trust Him to work out everything in my life for His purpose.

I recently came across some statements on worry, and I thought I would pass them along to you.

Worry pulls tomorrow's cloud over today's sunshine.

Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.

Worry is today's mouse eating tomorrow's cheese.

Real difficulties can be overcome; it's the imaginary ones that are unconquerable.

Of all our troubles, great or small, the greatest are those that don't happen at all.

Wrinkled with care and worry? Get your faith lifted.

Phillipians 4: 6, 7 Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

A Balanced Life--Praise and Prayer

Recently I came across some quotes about praise and prayer. Then I also read a devotional by my pastor on prayer. It got me thinking: I know I don't spend enough time just giving God praise for all He's done for me; and praise should be an integral part of my prayer time. So I decided to do sort of a topical study on praise and prayer.

I'm going to try to put my thoughts on this into some sort of a meaningful meditation.

Hebrews 13:15 by Him therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.

Psalm 100: 4,5 Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. for the Lord is good, and his love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 147: 1 Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him!

Psalm 150: 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

So I have decided I need to make a conscious effort and habit out of giving God the praise and glory He so rightly deserves. I came across this quote: "Forget the troubles that are passed away, but remember the blessings that come each day."

Another quote I found sort of ties these two topics together. It said, "Nobody has so little that there is no room for praise, or so much that there is no room for prayer.

It is still beyond my understanding that a Holy God, Creator of the universe, truly desires fellowship with me. It is overwhelming. My pastor did a devotional on John 14: 13,14 And I will do whatever you ask, in my Name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything, in my Name, and I will do it.

I don't think I had ever considered this verse in exactly the way that Pastor Joel wrote about it. He said, "The promises regarding prayer in John 14 are given in the context of maintaining relationship with Jesus. The promises are not some magical incantation we repeat to get what we want. Rather, prayer is a method to share our heart with Jesus and to listen to His heart. ...Notice in vs. 13 Jesus gives the correct motive for prayer, "so that the Father might be glorified", in other words, prayer is to be for God's glory. ...I don't claim to have the complete answer on prayer...I struggle with prayer as much as you do. But it is the means by which I can maintain an ongoing love relationship with the Savior. "

I could go on much longer with all that I've found that has impressed me. But I just want to add a couple more quotes.

Put everything in God's hand, and eventually you will see God's hand in everything.

He who is thankful for little things, enjoys much.

Get your soul in tune with God before the concert of the day begins.

I have one more quotation I found, which just gave me such a vivid word picture. It goes along with the picture at the top of the blog. (I wanted to have the picture closer to the quote, but I had technical difficuties.) The quote said this:

Faith does for living what sunshine does for stained-glass windows.

My paraphrase: Praise and prayer do for living what sunshine does for stained-glass windows.

Let's Go Deep!

Isaiah 7:11 Make thy petition deep.

The amplified Bible: Isaiah 7:11 Ask for yourself a sign (a token or proof) of the Lord your God {one that will convince you that God has spoken and will keep His word}; ask it either in the depth below or in the height above (let it be as deep as Sheol or as high as Heaven).

This sort of sounds like putting out a fleece or putting God to the test, but actually the Lord spoke these words to King Ahaz. I don't really believe in asking for a sign or putting out a fleece; However, I think really what the Lord was trying to convey to King Ahaz was that He, the Lord God, could and would give him the victory.

I do think that many times we don't really believe that the Lord can work in our various circumstances and bring the best outcome for us. We really have no idea of His power or His potential to do much more than we can ever ask or even imagine. We kind of put Him in a box and, without meaning to, put limits on what He can do. The fact that we worry as much as we do is evidence that we really don't have enough faith and trust in our omnipotent Lord.

My devotional this morning started with the verse above, and then it had this poem.

Make thy petition deep, O heart of mine,

Thy God can do much more

Than thou canst ask;

Launch out on the Divine,

Draw from His love-filled store.

Trust Him with everything;

Begin today,

And find the joy that comes

When Jesus has His way!

It spoke to my heart, and reminded me that God is already at work in the situations that concern me. I just need to "make my petition deep" and trust Him for the outcome.

Open My Eyes

I was reflecting today on my eyesight. I had my regular appointment with my retinal surgeon. A little less than 3 years ago, in the fall of 2006, I went to have my eyes checked. He sent me to a specialist, and I was told I had Macular Degeneration in my right eye. At that time my eyesight was 20/200--I was legally blind in that eye. (I have the wet type, which is the more severe type of MD).

Fortunately, in recent years, they have found a medication which can be injected into the eye, and stops the progress of the disease, as well as often improving eyesight. It also helps to keep it from going to the other eye. The medication I use is Avastin; there is also another one called Lucentis. My eyesight has gone from legally blind to 20/50 in that eye. (Actually, today it was better than usual--20/40). I currently get these injections about every 5-6 weeks, to keep my eyesight at this level.

I am so very grateful for this medication! There was a time when this condition was untreatable. I can still read and do everything I enjoy doing, with the possible exception of night-time driving. I especially have trouble seeing if it is raining at night, so I have finally realized that this is something I really shouldn't do.

It goes without saying that I will do what ever is necessary to maintain my physical eyesight. I should be just as diligent to maintain my spiritual eyesight.

There are several verses that give instruction for our spiritual eyes.

Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Psalm 121:1 I will lift up my eyes to the hill--where does my help come from? My help cometh from the Lord.

Proverbs 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord...This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

There are also verses that tell us about the Lord's eyes.

Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

II Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

I Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are atentive to their prayer.

I need to remember to keep my eyes on Him and I am ever so thankful that His eyes are on me, keeping watch on me and on my loved ones. Praise be to His name.

A Sweet Friendship

When I lived in Oklahoma City, I had the privilege of becoming friends with a lady who lived across the street from my mother-in-law. Her name is Naomi. She and my mother-in-law, Gloria, had become very good friends; whenever I went to visit mother, I also would visit with Naomi. I loved talking with her. She just always seems so positive and in love with life.


Last summer Naomi had to move to Terre Haute, Indiana to live with her daughter. She has an unstable hip bone, and they can't do surgery, but she has become basically wheel chair-bound. Last fall I went to visit Naomi, and took her to a park. We had such a great time.

This past week I went to visit her again. We had planned to take her on an outing, to get her out of her room, but she just really wasn't feeling up to it. But we had a great visit! I've learned a lot about Naomi, in my last 2 visits with her.

She has really had a difficult life. She had a very unhappy childhood. Then she got married to a man who abused her, and she finally divorced him. She had 4 small children, and worked several different jobs while trying to raise her kids. Most of that time she lived in a small flat. Fortunately, there was a neighbor who would watch her kids while Naomi worked.


Then finally in 1972, when she was 38, it worked out for her to go to Nursing school. That had actually been her dream since high school. She became a registered nurse and in 1979 moved to Oklahoma. However, she still had her 2 youngest children with her, and she felt they would be happier finishing school in Indiana, so she moved back until they had graduated and were on their own. Then she moved back to Oklahoma, got a nursing job there, and has been there ever since until this recent move back to her daughter's.

I wanted to post this nursing school graduation picture of Naomi. I just think she was such a beautiful woman. She gave me this picture when she moved back to Indiana last year.

I asked Naomi how she could be so positive and full of life in Oklahoma. She said that of course the major reason is because she has the Lord as her Saviour. But she did tell me that the years she lived in Oklahoma were the happiest years of her life. She's had a little bit of a difficult time adjusting to being back in Indiana. However, Cindy, her daughter, has been very good to her.

Naomi is currently trying to find a place to live by herself again. She feels she could manage it, with handicap-accessible facilities. And 2 of her daughters would be close enough to help if needed. She loves to paint, and feels she would be able to set up a place where she can do that again. I saved a piece of wood from my dad's barn, and I told her the first thing she needs to paint is to paint a picture of dad's barn on that wood. She is very excited at the prospect of doing that.

Both Naomi and my mother-in-law are very lonely, being separated. They had become the best of friends, and would sit on Naomi's porch every day, weather permitting and talk and laugh.
Naomi says they are both just "waiting to see Jesus" where they can talk for eternity!