I can not seem to get God's amazing Love out of my mind lately. I do suppose that might be because, along with all the Christmas lights and decorations that I am seeing, there are also some large scenes on lawns around our area. These scenes have a man, a woman, and a baby lying in a manger filled with straw. Sometimes there are also a few sheep and a donkey standing nearby. Floodlights are illuminating the scene. Occasionally instead of life-sized figures, there are live people and animals who are depicting the event.

It brings to my mind the haunting melody and striking words of the song written by Mark Lowry,

Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?

….This child that you've delivered would soon deliver you?

Yes, it is true! The Bible tells of this amazing event that happened so long ago:

“Though he was God,

He did not think of equality with God

as something to cling to.

Instead, he gave up His divine privileges,

He took the humble position of a slave

and was born as a human being.

When He appeared in human form,

He humbled Himself in obedience to God

and died a criminal's death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor

and gave Him the name above all other names.

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:6-11

How amazing! How could such a thing be possible? God, the creator of the world being born as a human baby! And for what purpose? So that people could get to know Him, and so that He could bring salvation to all people! (John 5:39; 1 John 5:10-11).

May I always keep God's amazing Love uppermost in my mind. My heart leaps with joy because someday everyone will know who He is and will bow and confess that He is Lord!

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift!”

2 Corinthians 9:15

“Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made,

Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade;

to write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry;

Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.

O, love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure—the saints' and angels' song.”

The third verse of this song has been one of my favorites since the first time I heard Bev Shea singing it many years ago. It touched my heart then, and it still does even today.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,

that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

2 Corinthians 5:21

Recently a missionary friend from Italy sent me the following story. It touched my heart and I knew that I needed to share some of it:

“A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific coast when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to the shore. The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright and the
three were swept into the ocean as the boat capsized.

“Grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life: to which boy would he throw the other end of the lifeline? He had only seconds to make the decision.

“The father knew that his son was a believer, and he also knew that his son's friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of the waves. As the father yelled out, 'I love you, Son!' he threw out the life line to his son's friend. By the time the father had pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the raging swells into the black of night.
 His body was never recovered.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16

Oh, how I enjoy seeing all the Christmas lights and decorations as we ride through the main streets! It never fails to put a smile on my face. The stores are now having Christmas songs filling the air. The radio also has some stations that feature mostly Christmas songs. One such song that I enjoy hearing is the one made popular many years ago by Andy Williams,

“It's a most wonderful time of the year,

With the kids jingle belling

And everyone telling you, “Be of good cheer!”

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

It's the hap-happiest season of all

With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings,

When friends come to call,

It's the hap-happiest season of all.”

“I am the light of the world.

He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness,

but have the light of life.”

John 8:12

The Apostle Paul later picked up on this theme when he challenged the believers,

“For you were once darkness,

but now you are light in the Lord.

Walk as children of light.

Ephesians 5:8

May I heed these words from the Holy Scriptures. And as I enjoy all the lights, may I let the light that comes from the True Light, that is the Lord Jesus CHRIST shine in my life. Perhaps others might give glory to God, for as Jesus challenged His followers,

“Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

May I “so shine!” May I be, as Paul admonished, “a light in the world.” (Philippians 2:15).

My heart warms within me every time I think of the ways in which the Lord has been answering my prayers lately. Amazingly, one after another, they have been almost immediate answers. It brings a smile to my face and a warmness in my heart.

I say, 'amazingly,' simply because it isn't always like that! Many times it seems as if the heavens are silent. I know He hears my prayers, but for reasons known only to Him, the answers don't seem to come as quickly as I think they should. I don't mind admitting that at those times, I feel a sense of frustration.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Shall tribulation, or distress,or persecution,

or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword?

...For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,

nor angels nor principalities nor powers,

nor things present nor things to come,

nor height nor depth,

nor any other created thing,

shall be able to separate us

from the love of God

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:35, 38-39

In that same passage I am reminded that since God was willing to give up His only begotten Son for us, He will also be willing to give us all things (vs. 32).

And so again, when those wonderful words of Philippians 4:6-8 come to the forefront of my mind, I do thank the Lord for all His goodness to me. And I bask in His precious peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding! And I do thank Him for being “A Prayer Answering God!”

“Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything

by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving,

let your requests be made known to God;

and the peace of God,

which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.”

Hey! What is this all about? Turkey Day? What happened to Thanksgiving? Are we not to be thankful anymore? How sad to allow Thanksgiving Day to become Turkey Day!

This week we celebrated Thanksgiving Day. Yet, it seemed that the advertisers were pushing “Turkey Day.” What happened to the emphasis upon being thankful? To me, it seems to be so contrary to one of our country's great traditions, and more importantly to the Bible. It is full of the theme of being thankful. In fact, during a time of much suffering, the Apostle Paul exhorted the believers to be thankful in everything!

“Giving thanks always for all things

to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 5:20

Interestingly in almost every epistle, he urged believers to be thankful. One of my favorite verses, but admittedly among the hardest to obey, is found in Philippians 4:6:

“Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving,

let your requests be made known to God;”

Yes, I remember at certain times how very hard it was for me to do this. Yet without it, I could not have the peace of God that is promised in the next verse.

“...and the peace of God,

which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

But especially during the time of my mother's death, I just could not be thankful. I remember crying out to God, “But I miss her! How can I be thankful for her death?”

Finally, with the passing of time, I was able to realize that I was indeed thankful that she did not have to suffer any longer. I was also able to visualize her being in the presence of the Lord, being completely without pain and able to breathe freely. As I came to this point, I realized that the heartache was giving way to a deep-seated peace. Oh, I still missed her terribly, but I was happy to know
 that she was in the Lord's loving arms.

Yes, I can see how important it is to be thankful in everything. So why is it that some would turn Thanksgiving Day into “Turkey Day?” Are they turning it into nothing more than a day of celebrating food, feasting, and satisfying the lusts of the flesh?

“Day by day, O dear Lord,

three things I pray,

May I know Thee more clearly,

love thee more dearly,

follow thee more nearly,

day by day.”

“Thanks be to Thee, my Lord Jesus Christ

For all the benefits Thou has given me,

For all the pains and insults Thou hast borne for me.

O most merciful Redeemer, friend and brother,

May I know Thee more clearly,

Love thee more dearly,

Follow thee more nearly.”

Beautiful and emotional sentiments! Yes, but how can I know Him more clearly?

The Bible states in Romans 1:19-20 that there are things that everyone can know about God. His creation has revealed both His eternal nature and His power. To know these basic facts, people simply need to look at His creation. The very least they can know is that He exists and that He is powerful!

“The heavens declare the glory of God;

and the firmament shows His handiwork.”

(Psalm 19:1)

Yes! They certainly do! Many times I take time to stop and look. I am thrilled as I marvel over the wonders and glories of His creation! So I can know something about God from His creation.

God further revealed Himself through His prophets over and over again.

But the most wonderful thing is that He revealed Himself through His Son Whom He sent into the world over 2000 years ago (Hebrews 1:1). The Gospels tell about that amazing time.

And now today, we have His written Word, the Bible! He has revealed Himself throughout that Word. Through that Word, I can also get to know the Lord Jesus Christ more clearly and the great salvation He has made possible (2 Timothy 3:15). Also, when I know Him more clearly, I will learn to love Him more dearly, and then I can follow Him more nearly. Thank you Lord, for your great plan!

What a difference it makes to have a solid foundation rooted in the Scriptures!

This statement became a reality to me recently when several of my heart medications were being changed. The chemical balance in my body seemed to be affected which caused me to have disturbing feelings. However no matter how the medication affected me, I still had the Lord and His Word to support me.

The phrase, “Fact, Faith, then Feelings” came to mind. I'm thankful that when I learned to talk, my parents taught me the Scriptures. They encouraged me to memorize them. I learned that:

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried,

and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

I memorized Romans 3:23, 6:23, and 1 Corinthians 5:21 and came to know the Savior,

“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

“For the wages of sin is death,

but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,

that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Since I came to know the truth of these Scriptures, I was also led to Hebrews 5:16:

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

My Faith in Him and His Word helped me get my perspective straight again.
 Then I thought of the song by Cleavant Derricks,

“I may have doubts and fears, my eyes be filled with tears

But Jesus is a friend who watches day and night

I go to Him in prayer, He knows my every care

and just a little talk with Jesus makes it right

“Now let us have a little talk with Jesus,

Let us tell Him all about our troubles,

He will hear our faintest cry and He will answer by and by.

Now when you feel a little prayer wheel turning,

then you'll know a little fire is burning,

you will find a little talk with Jesus makes it right!”

Yes, I can rest my Faith in the Lord and in His Word. Then Feelings really don't matter, because I'll have confidence that I will be receiving the help of the Lord whenever it is needed!

It is unusual that this week I've had contact with several people who have been feeling discouraged. Things didn't seem quite right with them. It seemed to be the common theme that I was hearing.

Strangely, on Monday, I felt quite low myself both physically and emotionally. I was seriously missing the condo where we had stayed for over ten years. I didn't like the feeling. It was like nothing that I had remembered experiencing before. It definitely wasn't pleasant, and it wasn't easy to shake. Now I can understand what it is like for some people who experience depression.

I began to reflect. It was in the month of October, 1986, that my husband had his first heart attack. In 1989, in October, he had open heart surgery. It was in October of 1998 that I had emergency Open Heart Surgery. Yes, October has been an unusual month for us.

I wondered what might contribute to making October such a month? It is true that there are changes in the weather and in the air pressure during this time of year. The days are becoming shorter, therefore there is less sunshine. That always seems to have an effect on the well-being of people.

I decided I had to have a serious talk with myself. I had to consciously call to mind the many Scriptures that talked about the Joy of the Lord. I looked up the word 'Joy' in the concordance and typed out the references. Then I had to have a serious talk with the Lord.

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,

Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home,

When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He...,

I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy. I sing because I'm free,

For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

He Himself has said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”

So that we may boldly say:

“The Lord is my helper;

I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Hebrews 13:5-6

How can I glorify God? He is the personification of all things glorious and praiseworthy! I feel immensely insignificant when I acknowledge this fact. So how is it possible that I could glorify Him?

As I was resting on the beach the other day, my mind pondered these things. I thought of all the millions of creatures beneath the surface of the water. To think that our Creator-God thought of their needs, such as the food-chain from the smallest creatures to the mammoth whales living in the same ocean! Countless times the Holy Scriptures talk about the God Who created the heavens and the earth, the sea and all creatures in it. Yes, He is a mighty God. He is all-powerful! So again the question plagues me,
 how can I possibly glorify Him?

There was only one way for me to find out. I began to search through the Scriptures. I remembered the many times in the book of Isaiah that God spoke through the prophet to tell His children about that day in the future when He would be glorified (cf 60:21; 61:3; 62:2; and 63:14). 'But,' I thought, 'these passages are talking about that time yet to come when He will definitely be glorified! But what about now?
 How can I glorify Him in my life now?'

Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works

and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

Jesus told His disciples that the hour had come that “the Son of Man should be glorified.” He was speaking of his death, for in John 12:28, He said “Father, glorify Your name.” John 17:1, He said, “Glorify Your Son, that

Your Son also may glorify You.” So by His obedience to the death of the cross, He glorified God.

For you were bought at a price;

therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit,

which are God's.” (1 Corinthians 6:20)

Peter continues the exhortation for he wrote to his people who were dispersed everywhere that they should have their conduct honorable to all people, so they might,

“By your good works which they observe,

glorify God ...” 1 Peter 2:11-12

So could it be by my obedience to God that I can glorify Him? May this be so in my daily life.

“What would happen if Jesus came into our Church tonight?”

The congregation became very quiet. It was the Pastor's opening question. What a loaded question! It made my mind jump into action. He paused, and then asked the question again, 'What would happen?'

I questioned myself. I wondered why the Lord hadn't seemed to lay any soliloquy on my heart thus far this week, now I think I know why. I needed to think seriously about this question.

The pastor continued with many instances when crowds gathered around Jesus. He asked, 'What was the reaction of the crowds?' I guess I hadn't really thought much about that. What would happen?

He began to give examples, such as Mark 10:46-48 when there was a “great multitude” around Jesus. All of a sudden a blind man heard that Jesus of Nazareth was there, so he cried out saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” But many people around him warned him to be quiet!

Yes, I can imagine that! If I were in church and someone yelled loudly while someone else was speaking, I can imagine many people saying, 'Shhh! Be quiet!' The offender might be escorted away.

But the Bible continues the story. That made the blind man cry out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” He wasn't going to be quiet! He needed Jesus! He needed Him right then! What did Jesus do? He stopped and told them to bring the blind man to Him. In loving kindness, He helped him.

Then there was the time when there were multitudes gathered around Jesus. He was answering their questions. However, someone brought little children to Him so He could touch them. What did the disciples do? 'Send them away! Can't you see that He's busy?' But what did Jesus do? He rebuked the disciples! He told them “Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them!” (Mark 10:14).

Luke 4:33-35 records Jesus teaching in the synagogue. The crowds were astonished because He taught with such authority. However, a man with a spirit of an unclean demon was there. He screamed at Jesus, “Let us alone!” They didn't want Jesus in church! The demons were there, but not Jesus. How did He handle that situation? He rebuked them and cast them out. He had time for those in need.

Luke also records the instance of a little man named Zaccheus climbing a tree so he could see Jesus. There were huge crowds around Jesus as usual! But He looked up the tree at Zaccheus and told him to come down because He was going to his house that day! Again, that angered the crowds, and they grumbled! Jesus was going to be a guest with a man who was a sinner! (Luke 19:1-10).

“The Son of Man has come to seek and to save those that are lost.” Luke 19:10

May I follow the example of Jesus. I need to be more aware of all the people around me who
 are in need of the salvation that He offers.

What a blessing friends are! This past week has been an extremely heart-warming one for me!

On our way south, we stopped to visit with my cousin and her husband near Atlanta, GA. The sweet time spent with them warmed my heart! We heard of their friends and loved ones. Their son and his wife and puppy also came over to see us. Watching the new addition of their puppy
 reminded me of the little dog I used to have. It felt good!

The following morning we left early for Florida where we met the Military Men who served in Trieste, Italy with my husband. Many of their wives were Italian, so it was fun being with them. My husband especially appreciated using his Italian! Several of them have seemed to have stamped their influence on my heart, so I will remember them in my prayers. I do wish I had asked for their email addresses.

After we said goodbye to them, we headed to a nearby church where friends from our Bible training days in Milwaukee met us. What a delightful time we had with them! The years that have flown by seemed to have been erased as we enjoyed simply being with each other again. They had been missionaries in Central and South America, and so they were using their Spanish with a large number of Spanish-speaking people that were now attending their church. How our hearts were warmed as we heard
 about the various ministries with which they were involved!

But at the same church, our hearts were burdened as we were with their former pastor and his wife. They both now have serious physical problems. I knew this former pastor when we were growing up in Michigan. Our parents all attended the same church. So our fellowship, though sweet, was also
heart-rending because of their present trials. We keep them in our prayers.

Our dear friends from North Port drove up and visited with us in the evening! She particularly has seemed to be intertwined in my heart ever since the winter when we ministered there. It was wonderful seeing them again! The following morning we had breakfast with the church's pastor and his wife and many of the dear saints from the church! What blessed fellowship we enjoyed while there.

We drove down south of Ft Myers where we met dear friends from our former church, Calvary Chapel! It is always wonderful renewing our friendship with them! Our grandson, Matthew, had his lunch break and seemed to brighten our day! He is an amazing young man, a “Genius” at Apple Inc.
 He has a special place in my heart!

A field full of butterflies! Imagine that! It gives me a great deal of pleasure thinking of all of God's little creatures. And this field full of butterflies started my imagination going!

I thought back to the day that my daughter told me about a field full of butterflies she saw on the way home from work a few weeks ago. She said there must have been millions of them flitting and fluttering around. She stopped her car and took pictures with her cell phone to try to capture the unusual scene. Her description brought the little song written by Bill Gaither to mind,

“If I were a butterfly, I'd thank you Lord for giving me wings

If I were a robin in a tree, Id thank you Lord that I could sing

If I were a fish in the sea, I'd wiggle my tail and I'd giggle with glee

But I just thank you Father for making me, me.

“If I were an elephant, I'd thank you Lord by raising my trunk

If I were a kangaroo, You know I'd hop right up to you

If I were an octopus, I'd thank you Lord for making me, me

“If I were a wiggle worm, I'd thank you Lord that I could squirm

If I were a fuzzy wuzzy bear, I'd thank you Lord for my fuzzy, wuzzy hair

If I were a crocodile, I'd thank you Lord for my great smile

But I just thank you Father for making me, me.

“For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile

You gave me Jesus and you made me your child

And I just thank you Father for making me, me.

“And so dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God

because of all He has done for you.

Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will find acceptable.

This is truly the way to worship him.

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world,

but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

Then you will learn to know God's will for you,

which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)

Our granddaughter and her husband stopped for a visit on their way south. Their three darling children captured my heart once again! They are remarkable, but then I suppose all grandparents and great-grandparents think the same of their own.

Seeing them in person made me remember what captivating bundles of potentiality they are! The boys are now 4 and 7 years old, and Sophie is two. As I was reminiscing about their visit,
 the popular little song came to mind:

“I am a promise, I am a possibility

I am a promise with a capital “P”

I am a great big bundle of potentiality

And I am learnin' to hear God's voice

And I am tryin' to make the right choice

I am a promise to be anything God wants me to be.

I can go anywhere that He wants me to go

I can be anything that He wants me to be

I can climb the high mountains

I can cross the wide sea

I'm a great big promise you see!

(repeat first verse)

So after we spent time with our great-grandchildren, my mind drifted back to when our own children were so young. It's been quite a while, but some of the memories are still fresh! I remember one day when I was explaining the way of salvation, my four year old son worriedly asked me, “But Mommy, How can I ask Jesus to come into my heart? Must I be cut open so He can get in?”

Years earlier, even though my husband had been having heart problems, he still enjoyed being with our four year old granddaughter. One day he was taking care of her while her mommy was in college. He mentioned to the little one that he wasn't feeling well, in fact he might soon go to be with Jesus. He said she was quiet for a long time, and then suddenly exclaimed as she began clapping her hands, “Oh goody, goody! That means you'll be in my heart!”

“Let the little children to come to me, and do not forbid them:

for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14.

“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children,

you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3

The sound of the wind rustling through the trees brings back memories. It seems to be a soothing sound saying that all is well in my little world.

However, now that I am older, I have seen the damage that the wind can do. Recently in our area, it blew roof tops off houses. It even uprooted huge trees and made others break with its force. In the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico we have also seen the damage that the hurricanes have done.

Yes, I can definitely see the effects of the wind! So, do I doubt that the wind exists just because I can't see it? No, I believe it exists because I have seen its effects.

Some people say, I don't believe in God because I can't see Him. Therefore He must not exist. Yet, these same people do believe in the wind. They have seen what the wind can do. Jesus said,

“The wind blows wherever it wants.

Just as you can hear the wind

but can't tell where it comes from or where it is going,

so you can't explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

John 3:8

I hear the wind blow

High in the tree tops.

Where it seems to go,

Without evidence,

No one can ever know.

I hear someone came to Christ

Over at the local church

She went out to her workplace

the same as before.

How will the world ever know?

I saw a child come to Christ

weeping and calling to Him

Jesus touched and healed her heart.

The very next day

His great love came shining through!

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.”

Acts 16:31

I have no soliloquy this week....Nothing comes to me. The two that crossed my mind just didn't seem to flow. It reminded me of a song I heard many years long ago, “I have No Song.” It starts out in the minor key and then goes into the major as it joyfully tells how the Lord gives a song.
It was a haunting melody and probing words.

The blockage reminded me of the passage that I read recently in Psalm 137 about the children of Israel, despondent, feeling really low. They hung their harps in the willow trees because they had no song that they could sing in a foreign land. The Bible says,

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down,

yea, we wept when we remembered Zion.

We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst of it.

For there those who carried us away captive

asked of us a song.

And those who plundered us requested mirth, saying,

“Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”

How shall we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?”

Psalm 137:1-4 (NLT)

Ah yes, how difficult it is to sing and play joyful music when the heart is heavy. I've realized this lately since it occurred to me how difficult it is to play my harp. It rests in its case since I've had some side effects from new heart medications. My mind refuses to get in gear. And my spirit seems low.

So, no soliloquy..., nothing came to my mind. It was like a blank slate. Even those things that entered my consciousness were fleeting. So when I read these verses about the children of Israel being reluctant to play on their harps among the heathen when their spirits were low, I completely understood.

So, what must I do? I need to get out my harp and play it. I need to realize that I have the joy of the Lord within me, and I need to cling to His precious promises!

“A merry heart does good like a medicine.”

Proverbs 17:22

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.

Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”

James 5:13

As I was doing that, my mind went to the 71^st Psalm that I had recently read. It caught my attention as I thought of what the Psalmist had penned,

“You are my rock and my fortress... (vs. 3)

“You are my hope, O Lord God...(vs 5)

“You are my trust from my youth...(vs 5)

“You are He who took me out of my mother's womb...(vs 6)

“You are my strong refuge...(vs 7)

“You are the God who does wonders...(77:14)

“You are my God...You will answer me... (86:2, 7)

How wonderful this privilege of prayer is to me! Sometimes even before I call, He will answer (Isaiah 65:24). He knows and is able to supply my every need (Philippians 4:19). My heart is full of
praise and worship to the Lord My God!

“For to be absent from the body,

is to be present with the Lord!”

2 Corinthians 5:8

What a blessed thought that is! That means that my dear friend, Marion, is now in the Lord's presence! I'm told she slipped away peacefully on Saturday night.

Interestingly, the Bible also says,

“Precious in the sight of the Lord

is the death of His saints.”

Psalm 116:15

How strange that statement seems to be! It could even be interpreted as being insensitive!

But then I thought of the analogy of a Parent who had a daughter who had been far from home. How wonderful it would be for the Parent to be able to receive that child back after a long absence! What a reunion that would be! Especially because so many times the daughter had confided in the Parent, and the Parent was aware of the trials that had been endured.

The daughter had lost her husband and many times had felt lonely. She had spoken to her Parent often during those times of deep grief. Also, the daughter had felt the infirmities of the flesh, and sometimes felt all alone in those sufferings, even the doctors had not been able to help her. Again, she had shared them with her Parent, but her Parent was so far away. He tried to give His grace in her time of need, and it had been sufficient, but the sufferings were still there.

But then imagine being that Parent on the day of her return home! Oh the unspeakable joy it would be to be able to hold her in His loving arms! All around His throne would be many of her friends and even her earthly husband, all welcoming her Home! Yes, it would be a very precious thing in the sight of her Heavenly Father to see His child come Home, to wipe away all her tears, to completely heal her of all her sufferings, and to have her with Him forever.

The Bible says,

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time

are not worthy to be compared

with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Romans 8:18

But the Lord also knows how much we who remain on this earth will miss her. Tears will be shed in those times. Even Jesus wept when his good friend Lazarus had died (John 11:35). Yes indeed! He does know, and He does care (1 Peter 5:7)!

Ah, the shock when I went to get into the car! The sky overhead was dark. I knew a storm was approaching over the lake, but I thought I could get groceries and get back again before it arrived. As I got on the road, in the distance I could see a bright sky above the trees, but there was a huge dark cloud above it. The separation of light and darkness was dramatic!

A prayer quickly escaped my lips, 'Thank you Lord, for speaking through the storm. Even in the midst of the dark sky, in the midst of the thunder, I know You are there! Sometimes I need to look in the distance to see Your bright light, but I know that You are there!'

“The Lord said to him, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'

Elijah replied, 'I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty.

But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you,

torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets.

I am the only one left,

and now they are trying to kill me, too.'

'Go out and stand before me on the mountain,' the Lord told him.

And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by,

and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain.

It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose,

but the Lord was not in the wind.

After the wind there was an earthquake,

but the Lord was not in the earthquake.

And after the earthquake there was a fire,

but the Lord was not in the fire.

And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.”

1 Kings 19:9-12 (NLT)

Yet God hadn't finished His object lesson with Elijah, there is much more before and after this story. But the wonderful thing to me is how at Elijah's lowest point, when he was thinking that he had been forsaken by his people, God assured him that even though this was true, He was nevertheless there!

Yes, I mused, God doesn't have to be seen in some dramatic way. He can be present in the most gentle whisper. I remind myself, God is everywhere! He is All-powerful! And He is the Creator. He is the beginning and the end of all things! He is the Eternal God! Amazingly, He is also my Savior, a very present help in time of trouble whether the skies are bright and blue, or dark and bleak. (Psalm 46:1). He is always there, just when I need Him most.

My dear friend, Marion, has been constantly on my heart and in my prayers. She has had Congenital Heart Failure for quite a long time, but in spite of it she has been persevering in her faith. We have many precious memories: having lunch together, going to various concerts put on by a local Symphony Orchestra, and have had blessed fellowship in a number of Bible studies through the years.

Through this past year and a half since her husband died, I have greatly admired her spirit and her love and trust in the Lord. During the summers when we have been apart from each other, it has been good to have talked together on the phone. However, now she is no longer able to talk, and this saddens my heart. But I can not leave her in any more capable hands than those of our loving Lord. This morning as I was reading Psalms 9:10, I was praying that she would be aware of her Lord's comforting presence
during these difficult days.

“And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;

for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.”

Then my mind drifted to the thought of my cousin who has been suffering from difficult physical infections and problems. After she went through an unsuccessful eight hour surgery, she is now no longer able to eat any food through her mouth. I also thought of so many other good friends who are going through severe physical trials and testings. My heart aches and cries out to the Lord to wrap them in His ever-loving arms and hold them close during these difficult days.

Yes, He knows and He cares! The eighth chapter of Romans is very precious to me,

“The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.

For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought,

but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings
which cannot be uttered.

Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is,

because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,

to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

And the chapter goes on to assure me of even more wonderful promises of God,

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution,

or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,

nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present

nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing,

shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in
Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:26-28; 38-39

What desolation of spirit! He had lost everything, even his health. He felt as though He had been forsaken by everyone. It even came to the point where he despaired of life itself, wishing that he had never been born and seen the light of day (Job 3:11).

As I was reading the book of Job, I realized that there are some people today who feel the same as Job did. They despair even of life itself because of the circumstances in which they find themselves.

But then I remembered that this is the oldest book in the Bible, thought to have been written even before Genesis. So Job did not have the advantage of having the Scriptures. He anguished before God. Job felt that if God were a man, he could answer Him. He said (Job 16:21),

“Oh, that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleads for his neighbor!”

Job's heart's desire was that there would be some way for a man to have direct access to God. He cried,

“For He (God) is not a man, as I am, that I may answer Him,

And that we should go to court together.

Nor is there any mediator between us,

who may lay his hand on us both.”

Job 9:32-33

Since Job didn't have the whole counsel of God as we do today, he didn't know that God would solve this problem. Now we do have God's complete message to mankind! Now we realize that we do have a mediator between God and mankind. God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1). And best of all, He (Jesus) is One who was tested in all points as we are, yet without sin. When He was on earth, He entered into the sufferings of all the people around Him, He listened, He had compassion on them, and He healed them. He is the perfect mediator!

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men,

the Man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5

However, even with Job's incomplete knowledge, he exclaimed,

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him...

He also shall be my salvation.” 13:15-16

How much more, with my confidence in God's Holy Word, should I be able to exclaim in whatever circumstance I should find myself, I will be content (Philippians 4:11). I will be able to say,

'He is my God, He is my salvation. I put my trust and confidence in Him. His way is best!'

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways,

and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9

In recent days, these verses have constantly been on my mind. They are simple and yet they are profound. They are also timely, since several people have been on my heart and in my prayers. I always pray that the Lord's will would be done, for He always knows what is best. However, sometimes I feel like I know how the Lord will lead, but this time things did not go as I had expected.

Since I rest in the fact that the Lord does not make any mistakes, I was therefore convinced that whatever the outcome He was still in charge. All I needed was to bow in submission to Him. Thus it was that these Words kept going through my mind, 'His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.' I had peace as I fell back on what the Lord was telling me.

Then I began to ponder the question: “What are God's thoughts?” Eagerly I began to search the Scriptures in order to find answers to this question. Beside answers, I found rich blessings!

“Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done;

And Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order;

If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.”

Psalm 40:5

“O Lord, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep.”

Psalm 92:5

“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!”

Psalm 139:17

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord,

thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11

And so, during the challenges of what was happening around me, I found great comfort in the preceding words. Not only did I experience peace, but there was blessed assurance in the hope that was mine because I am a child of His. And my heart had to exclaim in joyful adoration, “Thank you Lord, for Your great promises and your precious thoughts toward me.”

Oh, my poor husband! The tops of his legs got a severe sunburn. They are horribly red. I hurt every time I look at them!

It happened at the beach where we went for a family reunion. I checked to make sure he was sitting in the shade of a big tree, but somehow the tops of his legs picked up the sun anyway. He doesn't usually wear shorts, but since the temperatures have been in the high 80's and 90's, he was wearing a pair.

In addition to that, I'm told that the reflection of the white sand can increase the likelihood of sunburn. So his legs were not used to such over exposure.

Since then our daughter and granddaughter who have been visiting have been hovering over him, making sure he keeps a good lotion on the burn.

I pondered over how much we do need the sun. It not only gives the plants what they need, but it gives people Vitamin D. Also its rays seem to contribute to an overall sense of well-being. However, as with my husband, too much of the sun can also be quite harmful.

Then I started thinking about other things that we need in moderation. Just recently I read how beneficial it is to drink a cup or two of coffee a day. The article listed all the benefits. I was pleased to see that, for I do enjoy a cappuccino first thing in the morning! But then the article also continued with a cautionary note about how too much caffeine can be harmful to the body.

I mused more about how even something as wonderful as salt can be good and can be bad! For example, it is a preservative. It also can enhance the flavor of foods. But too much salt is harmful. It can be damaging to the body. The Bible uses salt as a metaphor illustrating its delightful benefits. But it also warns about the necessity to keep it fresh so that it can be useful. It says,

“You are the salt of the earth;

But if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?

It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

Matthew 5:13

Another comparison is our 'food.' Oh yes, we do definitely need it! BUT not in the amounts that are consumed sometimes – especially at picnics or pot-lucks!

Another thing that I need to watch carefully is the kinds of foods that I eat. I should eat more fruits and veggies. At least, that is what I'm told! Ah, moderation! That's probably the key!

Philippians 4:5 reads: “Let your moderation be known to all men.”

Lord, help me to do just that! Amen.

Ah, the celebrations that will be around us this weekend! Excitement in the air! Reunions! Picnics! Barbecues! Parades! Pot-lucks! Fireworks! Re-enactments! You name it, we'll probably see it!

It is one of the most important holidays of our calendar year! All government offices will be closed on the Monday after the 4^th. Many people will ask for extended vacation time so they can spend a longer time with their families. But how did these traditions begin?

It actually goes back to July 2, 1776, when the 2^nd Continental Congress voted to approve a Resolution of Independence that had been approved in June. After they voted, the Declaration of Independence was written which explained the decision of the colonies to separate from Great Britain. They approved it on the 4^th of July. It is a day that is considered to be the birth of our country, the USA. Thus all the celebrations!

When I stop to think about it, it will be a great time for our family! My sister, sister-in-law, and their families live nearby, so we plan to have a pot-luck together. It will be a time when we can get together and catch up with everyone's activities, as well as share precious memories and enjoy good food!

Our daughter and granddaughter are taking vacation time from their work-places in Ohio in order to be with us. How I look forward to seeing them!

Our granddaughter who lives on the other side of the state has asked our son, who is her father, to walk with her and her family in their parade. Of course, he naturally enjoys being with them! However he does intend to be back for Monday afternoon's activities on the beach so that he will be able to be with the family here also.

I enjoy the anticipation of looking forward to these special times. It is always good when we can get together and do a lot of reminiscing as well as looking to the future.

It was no different in the Biblical times. God had instructed the children of Israel to come together at various times when their leaders would remind the people of all that God had done for them. At special times they would set up tents to live in as reminders. They would offer sacrifices and praise the Lord for His goodness to them in bringing them out of the land of Egypt, in order to form a new nation more numerous than the stars in the sky or the sand on the shore. They were to remember their beginnings.

So it is with us. We also remember our beginnings. We thank the Lord for His goodness in allowing us to live in this great country with its freedoms to worship Him in spirit and in truth. We look to Him for guidance in the days that are yet ahead of us.

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...” Hebrews 12:2

“Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21

“Looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God....” 2 Peter 3:12

“Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing our our great God...” Titus 2:13

As I walked this morning, the intense blue of the sky and the fluffy white clouds took my breath away. I marveled and my heart broke out in thanks and praise to the Lord for His merciful goodness. I thought of Job who long ago exclaimed (36:22),

“Behold, God is exalted by His power.”

That verse meant more to me this morning because of the violent thunderstorms we had experienced during the night. They woke me with the power of the thunderclaps and the intensity of the lightning. They simply did not stop. There didn't seem to be a breath between them as they kept up the cacophony of sound and spectacular flashes of lightning. In fact, I didn't need to turn on a light in order to guide me to close the window. It was amazing! I thought of Job again (36:32-33),

“He covers His hands with lightning

and commands it to strike.

His thunder declares it...

At this also my heart trembles

and leaps from its place.”

Ah, I understood what Job was talking about, for I think that my heart nearly leaped from its place also.

I was spellbound with Job's thoughts after our storm last night. He continued in 37:2-3,

“Hear attentively the thunder of His voice,

and the rumbling that comes from His mouth.

He sends it forth under the whole heaven.

His lightning to the ends of the earth.

Sometimes these violent 'acts of nature,' as some call them, do make me stop and listen. Increasingly I realize that it is important for me to acknowledge that my Creator is a mighty God and I must not take Him for granted and talk about Him glibly. I must respect His greatness, His power, and His majesty.

I continued walking thinking these thoughts, yet marveling at the extraordinary beauty of the sky. It became a time of reflection and awe. I thanked Him for His assurance of never leaving me or forsaking me (Hebrews 13:5). My mind mused over Job's words as I contrasted the terrors of the night with the beauties of the day (26:14),

“Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways.

And how small a whisper we hear of Him!

But the thunder of His power who can understand?”

Sometimes it does seem like a small whisper nudging me. Yet at other times there are strong thunderbolts that feel as if they were striking me. I need to hear the whisper and feel the thunder.