One More Time

 

Our times are in God’s hands,

Your time is in God’s hands,

My time is in God’s hands...

 

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
   Ecc 3:1

1957...

1957--my family with Grandpa Harry and Uncle Ralph

A splintered toy box, scattered tinkertoys, Mom's ironing in the refrigerator, applesauce squirming through a sieve, playing in the hayloft, swimming in the lake, walking the lane to the school bus, my first date at the front door, falling in love on the back steps, a barn fire, leaving for college. . .

memories....

 

So teach us to number our days

that we may get a heart of wisdom...

   Psalm 90:12

2013...

I pick up my father from the nursing home and drive ten miles into the country--passing corn and bean fields bending in the wind and ready for harvest--and turn into the long lane leading to my childhood home.

Dad is with me, an oxygen tank attached.

 

He falls asleep easily--amidst the talk of harvesting, memories of his brother's work ethic, his parents and more. Cancer took my mother's life several years ago. We stop in front of the old farmhouse--inhabited only by field mice, an ocassional possum, squirrel or raccoon.
My father dozes; I survey the place I once called home. A place filled with laughter, supper smells, homework at the diningroom table, devotions after a meal. I feel ancient and hollow; grief and loss wash through me.

I wish Dad could wrap me in his arms,
 hold me tight, read me The Bobsy Twins,
and tuck me in at night with a kiss
and a Now I lay me down to sleep...

 

For my sake

and...

for his...

Just one more time

 

 

 

He served in World War II--

drove an army tank.

Dad raised six children

with my mom, farmed,

 served on the school board,

was a church elder.

And, now we sit, together,

hold hands and remember.

 



 



 Time?

 

Our times are in God’s hands, Your time is in God’s hands,

My time is in God’s hands!
But I trust in you, O LORD; I say,

You are my God.

My times are in your hands.

– Psalm 31:14-15

 

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
- Psalm 90:12

Wishing you the peace,contentment, and wisdom
that only comes from a gracious and loving heavenly Father...
today and always... 

Pray Without Ceasing

In every circumstance,
prayer ought to be our first thought...
Often, it is not.
We think we can fix things on our own.
We believe we can make important decisions without heavenly guidance.
When we are reduced to our knees, it is desperate pleading with God....
It is lack of faith that leads us to this state.

And whatever you ask in my name,

that will I do,

that the Father may be glorified in the Son...

John 14:13-14



 

Pray without ceasing....?

 When I became familiar with the verse, "pray without ceasing," I wondered how this was literally possible.

 

Perhaps I needed to consider what prayer really should be....

 

 

Jesus explained in Matthew 6: 5-12--

And when you pray... go into your inner room..pray to your Father who is in secret..do not use meaningless repetition... pray in this way:

Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

They kingdom come,

They will be done...

 

James 5:13-15 tells us more...

Is anyone among you suffering?

Let him pray.

Is anyone cheerful?

Let him sing praises...

 

Basically, I desire to be near to the Lord.

I know that I am most content when in this state.

So, if my thoughts are heavenly--

I am rejoicing, singing praises, and letting God know of my inner struggles and concerns for family, friends, my community and our world.

If this is my focus, perhaps I am near to "praying without ceasing"?

Just a thought :)

 





Jesus told his disciples a parable

of the persistent widow to show them

that they should always pray and not give up

... (Luke 18:1...)

 





Lately, I have been exhausted.

After 27 years on our acreage, we have/are/will be moving and settling.

The task seems never-ending.

When I think I am making progress, I look around and see more to do.

Prayer?

I have not been doing enough of it.

Perhaps, if I would just get down on my knees and give praise for our many blessings,

I would not be sooooo tired.

 

Whatever, your present dilemma,

I encourage you to find a quiet spot and reflect.

Reflect on the God of the universe and His incredible love for each of us.

And, then trust that everything will fall into place according to His plan.

 

Have a wonderful week.

Pray--always.

God is listening.

 

 

What a friend we have in Jesus

 

   All our sins and griefs to bear

 

      What a privilege to carry

 

         Everything to God in prayer....