Outside My Deck Door

 

 We have a large deck door next to the dining room table where I write and eat and consider things. The birds nibble on a nearby birdfeeder; the squirrels perform various acrobatics while trying to get to the "squirrel proof" feeder to get a portion themselves.

What fascinates most; however, is the American Elm Tree just ten steps beyond the deck area. Although planted perhaps eight years before, it is approximately 50 feet tall. The bark is rough and grooved; the summer-time leaves are pointed with saw-tooth edges. 

Today, as I look from the window, I spot hundreds of tiny buds emerging. A Cardinal flits in and out perhaps determining if its branches are worthy of nesting. Each day this tree entertains me. Its song and dance vary with wind's whims.

Beyond the tree another 25 yards is the backside of our neighbor's house. There is a child's playset in the backyard and the landscaping was attractively and totally redone last summer. They are grandparents, like us. She does not speak to me when we are both outside. They have chosen not to be neighborly for whatever reason we do not know.

Without the wonder of the Elm tree, this would be my view: a neighbor's house filled with ill feelings. It is an interesting shield that God has provided in that when I look out the window I am entertained and pleased by God's creation. The neighbor's house is simply a backdrop--an interesting contrast for what I can choose to focus on.

Philippians 4:8 reads

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

Basically, scripture tells us to feed our minds with the good we find in our lives.

Today, I will fill the birdfeeders, watch the wind wrestle with the tree limbs, and know tomorrow as the forecast spring rains fall, I'll have yet another
delighting view of God's creation at work.

Afterall, according to scripture, rain can be a symbol for the divine outpouring of the Holy Spirit--each sent by God as a concern for life. Life from the tree; life across the street; life inside my house. All things considered, it's worth watching and wondering. It is also worth sending a daily prayer for a better understanding of others while praising our Creator God for whatever is true, honest, just, and pure. 

There is a Balm in Gilead

 Gilead is a region of Palestine known for its balm.

Is there no balm in Gilead?
Is there no physician there?
Why then is there no healing
for the wound of my people? Jeremiah 8:22


A balm is a healing, restorative ointment.
There is actually a plant named Balm of Gilead.
It has aromatic leaves; it soothes, relieves and heals.

*****

"Balm of Gilead" is a well-known Black-American spiritual. A version of this song has been found in an 1854 hymnal... The words tell of hope mingled with despair....

There is a Balm in Gilead

Refrain:

There is a balm in Gilead

To make the wounded whole;

There is a balm in Gilead

To heal the sin sick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged,

And think my work's in vain,

But then the Holy Spirit

Revives my soul again.

Refrain

...... 

The spiritual is a reminder of a God who is bigger than any of our problems; it is a reminder of a love so great that Someone died for each of us that we might live eternally.


Although Balm of Gilead is a reference from the Old Testament, the lyrics refer to the New Testament and salvation through Jesus Christ. It is interpreted as a spiritual medicine that is able to heal Israel--and sinners like you and me today.



He died for all.

*******

Holy Week and Easter are on the horizon.

Think about what Jesus, God's son, did for you and me.
Talk about sacrificial love.... Talk about a reason to be...
... no matter your circumstances.
There is ALWAYS hope because of THIS.

Hard Lessons

 Our writers' group once assigned--

"Something Learned from a Hardship" 

 

 My first thoughts were --

I've had an easy life; 

I have nothing to write about.  

 

However, while walking our country road
the following morning, I came up with some personal hardships: enough to fill a page. I'll mention a few:

*When growing up on our family farm, a brother gave permission to a friend of his to ride my new paid-for-by-me bike. It came back dusty, twisted, dented.
*A high school coach with killer workouts, and my mother protesting that I would not be able to have children because of them.
*A college freshman history course with a failed first test.
*My first year of teaching and the terror I felt for weeks.
        . . .  and, of course, . . .
*Marriage and children were a mixed basket of trials and blessings including the occasional worry of not being able to pay the bills. There were car accidents, a child who traveled to Africa (alone), another who had allergic reaction while far from home (alone), relationship issues, etc.

*And then later in life, diagnoses of autoimmune diseases for both my husband and me....

You get the picture. What was I thinking?

Truth be known is that when our darkness is real, it becomes a place for growth and an ah-ah moment or two. We each suffer from broken-ness in the little and big things of life--no matter our age. It seems that when I'm down and out, this is the time, I really start to figure things out. Our little lives are part of the big world. God's world. His determined love works in every situation and relationship. Allow God to heal your heart and keep on the journey. It's your journey designed for you. By Him. Honor it.

 

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3



 

Impacting Eternity

 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Those of us who believe in the power of prayer and others who find themselves on their knees because desperation of some kind has crept inside, ask or plead for a variety of things.

I'm sick; make me better; the sooner the better.
My child has crammed all night for this test; he needs an A, or at least a B.
The car is broken down, again....
Grandma's heart is failing her; we don't know how to pray.
I've been trying to lose weight for years and doing all the right things. What's wrong with me?
I thought this marriage would work, but I can't really do it any more....

WHAT IF, after giving our Creator/Redeemer King the glory, after confessing our own sins, after giving thanks for his on-going grace and unconditional love for us... that then we express our needs?

And, WHAT IF, when doing this,

 we pray that however he chooses to answer our supplications, 

we ask that it impacts eternity....

Sound too big?
Sound too much to ask for?

Ecclesiastes 3:11 reads  He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 

With an eternal perspective, we can view life quite differently.
Immediate gratification is out the window...
It's seeing beyond what is right in front of us.

Art Katz writes, We may"believe" in eternity, but to what extent have we actually agreed with the world that eternity is not relevant until after this life? Eternity is not merely a time frame that is endless; it is profoundly and foremost a qualitative thing that is available now. When we begin to see all our moments set in the context of eternity, we will bring to those moments a seriousness [perspective] that we would not otherwise have had. 


 It's quite possible that we can bring a little bit of heaven down to earth by living in the joy of being the hands and feet of Jesus, now, right here where we are. 
Just think: You may be impacting eternity! 

The Ultimate BFF

 Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10 reads Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up.

Many of us have been fortunate to have a Best Friend Forever in our lives. Some of us have more than one. These special people allow us to complain, cry, laugh. In turn, they are honest, give encouragement, and simply accept and love in spite of our faults and difficulties. However, when I think of these very special persons, something is missing. I can not talk to them every second of the day; they don't know ALL my thoughts. Because of their own life difficulties, they can not humanly take care of my every need.

However, there is One who can love unconditionally every second of your worst day; you can talk to Him whenever you feel like it. He even hears your sighs, He knows you better than your BFF.  He is your Savior. He is your Eternity.

He is the Ultimate BFF.
Truly....

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:11-12

Time for prayer?
He's already listening.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

 I'm not often speechless after finishing a book.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, a fable by John Boyne, published by David Fickling Books (an imprint of Random House Children's Books) is not a book for children. It's a book, however, that every adult should read so that books like this don't need to be written.

I highly recommend it. 

Bruno, a young boy, lives in Nazi Germany during World War II. His family is relocated due to his father's promotion to "Out-With"--a countryside (occupied Poland). Bruno misses his friends and the huge house he used to live in until he meets the boy in the striped pajamas who lives behind a fence line that he can see from his bedroom window. 

And they lived happily ever after is not part of the ending. Who is to blame for such a sad story? Bruno's mother had a gut feeling before their move to "Out-With"-- her decision to return to Berlin with her children came too late. Could she have been stronger? More courageous? Was the father too full of himself not to see the evil seeds of destruction that were being planted (on both big and small scales)? Can we simply blame "The Fury"? --or is this the easy way out for not taking personal responsibility for acting like a human being?

It's get complicated like much of life. There's innocence and ignorance--from everyone in the story. Everyone....

What do we learn?

When do we learn it?

There are ten commandments in the Bible. Most don't know what they are. Actually, if you remember two, you've pretty much covered everything: 

Love God. Love your fellow man.

If only we would....

The Podcast Experience, Butterflies, and no do-overs....

Earlier she had emailed me, writing, "Don't be nervous." 

The day came, a few butterflies landed inside me as I drove to the local library where I had reserved a room for a quiet environment. I taped a sign on the door, "Do not disturb. Taping ...," locked it, and waited for a call from Suzanne Harris, web talk radio host. The cell phone rang right at 10, and we were laughing within seconds. The butterflies found other landing spots. I felt like we were chatting--new friends-- over a cup of coffee. 

I had my papers in front of me: thoughts concerning the story-behind-the story, the notes on the book Thou Shalt Not, and, of course, the book, in case I wanted to read something from it. My cup of English Toffee coffee from Kwik Trip was within reach along with a cough drop.

We both cleared our throats, she punched the recording button, and started the podcast. Oh my goodness, light-hearted music, and then Susanne with Welcome to books on air, the podcast you won't want to miss. I'm Suzanne Harris and today you're going to get a sneak peak about what it's like to be an author...." Hmmm...would I be able to come through and make it all interesting to someone? Anyone?

It all seemed to go nicely until the last question when the butterflies returned with all their cousins. Suzanne's last question, When the reader finishes, do you just want them to feel entertained or is there something else you want them to take away from the book? I hesitated, and then said something like, "That's big. That's really big. That's maybe even vast." Vast? I never used the word... Where do I go from here, I thought, while my mind was asking me the question, "Is there such a thing as a do-over for a particular question..." 

I started with There's a lot to figure out about life..... what happened way back then still plays out in our lives today and I used the words fascinating...a purpose.... a part of something bigger than anything you have imagined.

After the interview, Suzanne told me she would let me know when the podcast would air, and we said our goodbyes. I lamented over the fact that my last answer was so random that no one would "get it"... And, maybe, if I would listen to it, I wouldn't even get it.

She gave me a chance to witness my faith. And, I never mentioned God. Hopefully, the something bigger and better than we can even imagine hints at God-- so that the listener may think about the possibilities of hope and a future with a loving God no matter the life journey taken. 

https://webtalkradio.net/internet-talk-radio/2021/08/27/thou-shalt-not-by-kathleen-stauffer/

From now on, when I see the book, Thou Shalt Not, I will remember to Thou shalt not miss an opportunity to witness my faith. God has assured me that he works through us--no matter our failings. Amen and thank you Suzanne for the opportunity.

Click on the above webtalkradio site to listen in.

 

My Ideal Home

 I grew up in an older farmhouse--the same house my dad spent time in with his parents and some of his siblings. The basement was damp with spiders and the occasional mouse. The upstairs bedroom windows leaked frost in winter. The linoleum floors were cracked in places. The various steps throughout the house informed any other occupant of another's whereabouts. However, I never desired a newer, more modern house. It was home. 

Several years ago, it was burned to the ground and buried. Where it once stood, grass was seeded--in the dirt and dust where a family had thrived. I can't help but imagine that tiny particles of a past no longer seen are there. In the new living things, in the air, lingering in the grove surrounding.

My husband and I have moved a number of times. Each time, I nested, made it a warm, secure place for our family--from a rental on the other side of the tracks to a Victorian with a wrap-around porch to a one story ranch painted orange to a Spanish style house on an acreage with horses surrounded by fields of corn and beans. Scrapbooks filled with photos help me recall and relive hard times, good times, precious memories. A passage of time seemingly in a capsule of some sort. 

Today, our home is a walk-out ranch in a quiet neighborhood. Last night, I watched a deer walk within 25 feet of me as the tree tips whispered of things above. Bunny rabbit watched and then hopped another direction. Chickens nibbled seeds from grass tips in the side yard.

Home? Yes....

However, there's another home I'd d like to build. It would be an exact replica of that old farmhouse placed on the homestead where I grew up. Although it no longer exists, it's where my roots are. My beginning perspectives, moral fiber, way of thinking all originated here. I'd like to go back to this place where it all began and reflect, gather serenity...

Ultimately, when it's all over and done, there is yet another incomprehensible ideal home. It's called heaven and it's already promised by the God who created you and me in His image. However, I imagine this to be, I have a promise that it will exceed my expectations.

In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2

As my good friend from Chili often signs off her emails.

Believe and Dream

Amen.

My Purpose or X Marks the Spot

 I left the house one summer night to escape the summer heat build-up that impacted an aging farmhouse--leaving behind five brothers and two work-weary parents, each mesmerized by whatever appeared on the black and white tv in our living room. Once outside, I heard the hogs banging their snouts on their feeders; the windmill moaned high above them. A few cows turned to look at me as they swished their tails--ubiquitous flies in pursuit.

A breeze sifting through grove trees surrounding the farmstead beckoned, and I headed down the lane that connected our home to the main gravel road that led to our neighbors' and the little town beyond. It grew darker as I took one step after another enjoying the cool night air, the quiet, the peace until I reached the end. Instead of heading back, I plopped myself into a soft grassy spot in the ditch, placed my hands behind my head and took in the stars and planets. Awesome was an understatement. Why had I never noticed this before?!

A flurry picked up the tips of my hair; I breathed in and out; I felt my heart beat. Silence. And, then a voice, surrounding me:  I HAVE SOMETHING PLANNED FOR YOU. AND, IT'S BIG.

God?

I stood, looked around, wanted more. I started home; Mom would be worried. I danced a little, skipped, kept glancing at the sky. What did it mean? Would I be a missionary? Would I fly to foreign nations to do.... what?

I slept with my head next to the window sill that night--keeping it all to myself. After all, who would believe that God spoke to me?

Time passed; it doesn't fail us in that respect. High school graduation, college in another state; a teaching job; marriage; children; retirement--not to mention all the ups and downs, roller coaster rides, near-cliff experiences, joys, mysteries, miseries that happen in everyone's life. Often, I wondered What is this big plan, dear God? Please, just write it across the sky, dear God, and then send a thunder bang so I'll look up and notice it. What am I not getting? What am I missing that you want me to see?

Well, in March of 2020, COVID-19 arrived along with physical distancing and a different way of living and thinking. An opportunity to join a zoom Bible study group came along, and I said "yes." Without sharing all the wonderful enlightening thoughts I studied during this Genesis study, the ah-ha moment came in one particular lesson when asked: What is the purpose of your life?  

And, I thought, finally, the answer! According to the lesson: My purpose is to know God, love Him, enjoy Him, and glorify Him. We are to glorify God in whatever He calls us to do. Looking back, I realize that my life has been big, and that, yes, it was intimately planned for me by my Creator King. In other words, X marks the spot for each of us. I'm living in this world at this time in history, in my particular community, a part of a family God planned for me with all its ups and downs, joys, concerns, struggles. 

Robert Louis Stevenson first used "X Marks the Spot" in Treasure Island where X marked the location on a map where buried treasure lay. Wherever you are in your life, there is treasure--because God put you there to do His work. Can't do it? Our life goals will always be too small until we understand God made us for Himself. And, that means you can do it; I can do it. And, that is big.

Give praise and glory!

Holy Week Thoughts

 A poem prompted by Maundy Thursday commemorating the Last Supper (Luke 22)

Ordinary Men On Their Way to Supper

Long before Passover Feast, something lingers in the air

Something mysterious, foreboding, and yet prophetic

Philip, hears, Follow Me

Andrew, James, Thomas, and Bartholomew desert their nets

Matthew, tax collector, finishes, with no misgivings

Jude leaves the fields with a sense of urgency--get to Jerusalem

James experiences grief and, yet, joy without understanding

Simon, his arguments now inconsequential, quiets, seeks out his brothers

Peter and John go into the city to seek a man carrying a water jar

A man who knows of a large upper room, already furnished

Judas, prompted by Satan, grows restless

Ordinary men, already deeply spiritual

Not knowing their feet would be washed by the promised Messiah

Not yet grasping the sacredness of shared bread and wine

Not knowing they would argue over who was the greatest

Not knowing one of them would deny his Master

Not knowing Judas would betray their Savior with a kiss

Not comprehending the magnitude of their commission

Ordinary men coming face-to-face with the Glory of God

 

 

Ready, Set, Go...

 Track is a little like life. In this sport, we know where the race starts and where the race ends. Life differs in that we know where we started, but the finish line remains a mystery.

With track, everything is laid out: the lanes, put one foot in front of the other, keep going, the finish line. No surprises here....

With life, there are no lanes painted on an all-weather track. We don't know what's around the curve or where the finish line lies. It seems to be more of a roller coaster ride--scary, adventurous, messy--to places we've never even imaged or wanted to.... Hurdles, stumbles, quicksand--and it goes on and on.

There is no end to the "ready, set, go".  A new job, another baby, a relationship challenge, a financial or health issue. There are periods of time when each morning seems a "ready, set, go."

The use of the word "go" is used many times in the Bible, from when the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you." To the verse in Matthew, "Go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Some things don't change a lot. The sport of track being one of them.
Some things in life don't change a lot. From generation to generation to generation, it's been a "ready, set, go" kind of routine.

Someday, that will all change. There will be a finish line. A permanent finish line, a glorious finish line. Knowing that, let us remember Timothy's words, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

                                         Ready, set, go...

Valentine's Day, 2021

Negative 17 my phone ap reads. The furnace runs repeatedly, its fan moans occasionally, and I wonder when it will admit it's had enough and say, forget it, I'm done. After almost a year of physically distancing, masking, etc., Valentine's Day looks like it will playout like most other days in February. 

I turn on Dr. Charles Stanley's ministry, 6:30 service, with a breakfast of raisin bran and toast on a tray on my lap, my heaviest robe enveloping me. The sermon title: "Love Lessons." Within a minute, I push pause, set my breakfast aside and locate pen and notebook. The word love always gets my attention. 💖 While a bowl of cereal grows soggy, I listen and take notes:

Love is more than an emotion; it is a commitment to another person. Love can discern true love in others (like radar). If you go through life unloved, you will have missed what life is all about. When a person truly feels love, it enables him to have three other important emotions: feelings of completeness, competent-ness, worthiness. Love is always thinking about the other person. If you're talking to someone, and they often use me, myself, I--be weary. Love gives, love is forgiving, love desires to express itself, love is patient. When you learn to love, God will change the direction of your life and you will discover life at its best. 

Want this? According to Dr. Stanley, read the Bible, talk to God. Dying on the cross was the greatest act of love. EVER. And, we who already have this, have a divine obligation to touch every generation of the love of God. DIVINE, isn't it?

Later, we bundle up and pick up carry-out lunch from a local restaurant. Steak, skewered shrimp, chicken parmesan, mashed potatoes and eat from an environmentally unfriendly Styrofoam box while we consider its impact on the planet's ecological system.

My husband's brother calls during our meal (the "gas man") from Missouri where temps are equally miserable and road ice an issue. He'd been working since 6 a.m. --delivering propane to keep houses and families warm.

After lunch, it's a good book, Mrs. Einstein; and on television, Monk, with husband David. It doesn't take chocolates, roses, candle-light--although they're all very special. Where's the love? It's in the appreciation of a cup of hot cocoa during church on u-tube, having a place to pick up excellent food just down the street, calls from family, a warm house with a complaintive furnace, worthy discussions, laughter... Someone to share it all with, ... whether this person is in the house or a phone call away or "on the radar" ....and in your heart. And, remembering, that spending time with God is at the top of the list. 

Happy Valentine's Day. 💖

Choose love. Choose divine love. 

On My Way

 2021 .... 

I am more careful than I used to be. 

Winter meant sliding on ice as a child. Now, if I see it, I toddle like a Penguin. 

Life is kind of that way, too, especially as the years pass--progressing through life with careful steps.

People speak of a new normal. We have little idea of what this will look like. With a definition of usual, typical, expected, the word may become obsolete. In other words, there may be no "normal." 

And so, we tread carefully. 

Yesterday, I came upon the "Ten Top Questions God asked in the Bible."  It's interesting how what applied in ancient days still applies today.

1) Where are you?

2) What is this you have done?

3) Where have you come from and where are you going?

4) What is your name? 

5) What is that in your hand?

6) What are you doing here?

7) Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?

8) Whom shall I send?

9) Do you have reason to be angry?

10) Son of Man, can these bones live?

These are questions God asked of  Adam and Eve through Ezekiel with points to be made, lessons to be learned. I could ask these questions of myself, each day of my life, to help keep me on course. They are especially relevant, now, with a new beginning, 2021. 

The tick tock of the clock does not stop. We're at a crossroads. We're on our way--sometimes pushed, sometimes pulled--whether we want to or not. 

Tread carefully. 

Stay close to your Redeemer King.

Pray. Praise.

FOMO, JOMO, WWJD

FOMO, fear of missing out, is a current social media acronym. 

As a young person, I thought I should at least know as much as my friends did--about what was going on in our world, what was going on at school, what was going on with them. At seventy some years of age, I do not like to clutter my head with stuff I do not need to know. 

However, I do learn something new on most days. If you listen to the news occasionally, use any form of social media, or have a book handy at bedtime, the opportunities are limitless. I actually became aware of FOMO while reading a daily devotional; I also became aware of JOMO, joy of missing out, at the same time.

With political divisions, indecisiveness, criminal behaviors, etc., I have no fear of missing out on what is happening in our country. Fear of what is happening is more likely. Perhaps JOMO would make it possible for many of us to get a better night's sleep. If you have a tendency to be less social to begin with--you already understand this JOMO as you are out on your personal walk, gazing at the clouds, listening to the birds. 

Fear doubts the goodness of God's grace.

Walking around with your head in the clouds or buried in the sand is not the answer either.

Let's go back to a popular acronym with Christians several years ago. There were bracelets or sweatshirts with WWJD imprinted on them.

WWJD, what would Jesus do, is an encouragement to live the same way that Jesus would. Impossible? Yes, however, it is what God desires for us to strive for. 

WWJD, spelled backwards, could be "devil just won't win" .... And, basically, that's what it comes down to when you put your trust in Him.  FOMO? Fear of missing out on God's plan for your life? Pray. He'll guide you. JOMO? Every day will be blessed in some way when you walk with your Creator God--and put worldly concerns in His hands. Yes, there will be joy and an incredible peace that is not possible anywhere else. Anywhere.

2021 begins soon. 

WWJD

 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Doggo: Just One More Christmas Story

 Our grand daughter cuddled with her Dad one evening during Christmas week. An Advent Calendar, dollhouse, decorated tree just for her own room, a shelf with dozens of books filled this four-year old's bedroom--along with more than a dozen stuffed animals scattered about. Because she had a love for all creatures, every imaginable critter gathered here--in the corners, the closet, under the bed, behind the door. She especially had deep, sincere feelings for her soft and cuddly dog, Doggo--always knowing his whereabouts. 

She had diapered this plush creature, washed him with wet wipes as needed, kept him warm in blankets, made a bunkbed for him, fed him, potty-trained him. She was the Momma for Doggo. It was bedtime, and therefore, story time. And story time usually meant Doggo was present, too, predictably wrapped in her arms. 

Her father, thinking that this four-year old daughter of his, could benefit from the real meaning of Christmas, told her about Joseph and Mary, their journey to Bethlehem, and the birth of the baby, Jesus, in a manger--shepherds on the way. She listened intently, her eyes never leaving his face--realizing the seriousness of this revelation.

"And this is why we celebrate Christmas," Daddy finished. "Because it is Jesus' birthday." 

She looked at her dad with a look of wonder, took a deep breath, and said, "Daddy, it's Doggo's birthday, too!" And, smiled. 

When I heard this precious story, I thought, "So cute, but she kind of missed the point."

Just today, December 26th, I got the point!

Our grand daughter in her loving environment, with her loving parents--a daddy's story, a creature she adored in her arms--felt love. God is love. He sent his only Son to prove this love. 1 John 4:16 starts with God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him...."

And, of course, Let the little children come to me... for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these... from Matthew.

Happy Birthday Jesus.

And, Happy Birthday Doggo and to the rest of creation's critters.

Tell Your Story

 A little over 2000 years ago, a very pregnant Mary was riding a donkey on her way to Bethlehem--the city of David. Bethlehem was the place where God first's appointed earthly king, David, was born and raised as a shepherd boy 1000 years before Mary took her journey.

Because Mary and Joseph were both of the lineage of David, they made this trip to take part in a census as was the law during the time. 

We know the story: they ended up in a stable because there was no room in the inn. A stable with noisy and smelly animals. A stable where the Christ child was born. Can you imagine Mary's thoughts? Gabriel had told her she would give birth to a son, that his name would be Jesus. He would be called the Son of the Most High; his kingdom would never end.    

....Talk about over-whelming....

Listen to the song, "Mary Did You Know"... just google it. It will help you understand the magnitude of all this: Jesus' birth!

2000 years later, here we are. It's our story, too, because we are all of the family of Christ. 

Some stories are told. 

Some stories are left untold. 

Tell your story. 

Tell what it means to believe in Christmas. 

I Did It For You

 

I Did It For You

In a very short period of time , we celebrate Christmas.
Ever wonder WHY Jesus was born? 
Why did he come to a lowly manger on this earthly planet....

I discovered a site, UGG.org/The Good News, which gives seven reasons why Jesus was born--

1) Jesus had to be born because of mankind's sin.
2) Jesus had to be born because God wanted to reveal His own character to humanity.
3) Jesus had to be born to remove the sins of humankind through a perfect sacrifice.
4) Jesus had to be born for mankind to have a Mediator.
5) Jesus had to be born to provide the promised Seed of Abraham.
6) Jesus had to be born for God to make His Spirit available to all humankind.
7) Jesus had to be born for God to redeem mankind.

Each of the above is supported by scripture passages.
If you dwell on each one, you understand the significance of God's gift in the birth of His Son.

In spite of the immeasurable magnitude of each of these, 

we need only remember, in His words:

I did it for you. 

Herodias

Morning bares its head—red and hot. A head-less body waits in a prison cell for John the Baptist’s disciples. Servants tip-toe, not speaking, with a cluster of grapes, bread, broiled fish—on a platter. 

Arguments erupt from the street below.  I dismiss those attending to my every need with a slight of hand, curl into a ball—my pampered, aging hands quiver and cover my face.

Men filled with too much wine, talk, desire-- overly attentive to a scantily clad young woman, her full hips and slender arms swaying to the harpist’s strings--fill my head until it throbs.
However, with Herod’s hormones running amuck came a promise: to give whatever she asks. 

Salome came to me. For show, I hesitated and whispered what she already knew.

My heart quickened as this daughter of mine paraded in front of everyone to her father. “John the Baptist’s head-- on a platter,” she stated. Confidently. Herod’s face paled; he looked to me. His left eye, bloodshot and glassy, twitching, and the tremor in his left hand beginning.

Where is this feeling of satisfaction I yearned for?  Nausea comes in waves.
The king interrupts my thoughts.

“Herodias? You should get up and be about. Our palace aids, the army officers, and our leading citizens of Galilee expect more revelry. Although…” He stutters….

“Although what?” I snap, stand to battle; the platter clattering to the tiles-- grapes, fish, bread strewn.

The old man, he shuffles away. No more words. Sinking to my knees, I choke on each breath. Although restless, I cannot stand—remembering the man in camel’s hair clothing, living on locust and wild honey, preaching of forgiveness and One to come.
Now, his head on a platter drizzled with dry blood. 

A deed that cannot be undone.

Mark 6: 14-26

Eve

Eve

Ankles, pelvic bones, fingers root to the earth.  Sounds I cannot yet fathom settle on me: “This is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.”

Dew drops cling; what is inside me quivers. I stretch and shed minerals and minute living things. A creature, wide-eyed, stands before me—like me, but different. Feeling free, reckless even, I wander amidst velvety ferns, ornamental flowers, dancing trees—seeing, touching, smelling. There are other creatures—all sizes, all colors, all wonders—with their own movements and sounds.

Then, another sound, like thunder: You must not eat from the tree in the middle of the garden, nor touch it. Or, you will die.

Die? What is die.... And, then, the sound of hissing-- “You will not surely die… You will be. Like. God.” 

Be like God…? The other-like-me, his hand envelops mine; our limbs brush. His body heat and needing penetrate. Plucking what is forbidden, I taste and offer what is not allowed. His eyes lock on mine; he bites. The other existing things stop, watch, wait—eyes wide, guttural sounds dropping.

What is this you have done?... The rumbling, again; this time, like sorrow. Sweetness dribbles from the other’s lips. I slowly wipe the stickiness from my own with the back of my hand. The other beasts, their tails swishing, their wings flapping, turn, and leave. What was above swells and veils everything. Silence stretches out with on-coming mist. The man, he looks away. My insides sink.

“But, the Serpent, he….” My sounds stumble on each other. Cold scales slither across my toes, loop my ankles. Stuck. I try to rid the stickiness from my fingers, lips, hands, but everything it touches, sticks, stays. Bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh stammers, “But, it was the woman…” and turns his back. He walks from me. I follow. Thorns bite my skin; jagged rocks wound my feet. Ahead lays a twisted path. Eternal judgement plays out--with choices. Children of the devil or children of God?

Genesis 2:4-3:24

Have you ever wondered what you would have done had you been Eve?

Our World in Transition

Boring title, I know. But, the point I want to make is BIG.

With the pandemic, George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis, the riots it caused across the world, and the Sahara dust storm reaching the US mainland, we have a lot to consider. Our nation and world are in ongoing transition. What next? What will be the new norm? Will there even be a new norm with this and that coming at us like unpredicted hail stones from a suspect sky....

In a "Mornings With Jesus" devotional written before the pandemic, author Cynthia Ruchti writes, "I might not recognize the external serenity if it weren't for my internal serenity. Despite deadlines, projects waiting for me, family health needs yet unresolved--pockets of uncertainty--peace reigns in my soul because the Word of God is true. Jesus is our peace."

I could write, "Despite the pandemic, despite the riots across the nation, despite political upheavals, despite whatever is going on in my family--peace reigns because the Word of God is true. Yes, Jesus is our peace."

Because I have this thing about words, I'm thinking of transitional expressions. Words like, nevertheless, however, even though, regardless, because since....

Need more? Undoubtedly, indeed, obviously, definitely, without a doubt, furthermore, after all....

Put CHRIST 

behind each one of these transitional words and 

what do you get?

Nevertheless: Christ. However: Christ. Because: Christ. Undoubtedly: Christ. Furthermore: Christ...

The answer to your life! Afterall.... In every circumstance.

Due to Christ, because of Christ, you can be at peace. Always, Christ. In every circumstance, Christ.

Give glory. 

For He is our peace.

 

Ephesians 2:14