Beginning and Ending

Brothers and sisters, we want you to be fully informed about those who have fallen asleep in death so that you will not be overwhelmed with grief like those who live outside of the true hope. Here’s what we believe: since Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, God will bring with Jesus all who have died through Him.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (Voice)

Joyous music filled the sanctuary. A line of new believers moved onto the stage. One by one they stepped into the large tub, affirmed their belief in Jesus and were lowered into the water. Emerging from the water, they were symbolically raised to new life in Jesus. What a glorious experience for those getting baptized and congregants watching the celebration. 

            After church, I attended a memorial service for a neighbor. Uplifting music and words from family and friends spoke of his legacy. Of course, there was grief since he is no longer here but joy knowing he is now with Jesus. 

            In a few hours, I experienced the beginning of lives with Jesus and the culmination of a life well lived following Jesus to heaven. 

            For those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, there is an assurance of eternal life with Him. 

Heavenly Father, guide us as we follow the path You have planned for us. Open eyes and hearts to know You fully.

Amen

The Empty Mall

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. 

In all your ways acknowledge and he will make straight your paths. 

Be not wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:4-5 (NIV)

My eyes glanced at the massive structure near the highway as I drove to church. Years ago, shoppers flocked to the new mall and strolled from store to store. 

            Vendors passed out tasty samples at the food court. Cars filled the parking lots. People drove from nearby and other cities to experience the numerous venues. 

            From the outside, the building looked worn but basically the same. Only three or four businesses remain open. Four or five cars parked in the expansive lots. 

            The property had been sold and extravagant plans released more than once. Who knows when changes will happen and what they will actually be.

            The vacant mall reminded me of depleted lives. On the outside only minor changes show and they may appear normal. But inside, there is hollowness. Dreams and ambitions sucked out. Anxiety, divorce, death, addictions and other painful situations purged purpose and stripped away hope. 

            We can be like the useless mall with no purpose, loneliness and shattered dreams. 

            But if we lean on Jesus, He holds us tightly, lifts us up and guides us. 

Father, in our times of sadness and despair, show us how to regain purpose and follow your plan.

Amen

An Unforeseen Missionary

My dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith. If a man enters your church wearing an expensive suit, and a street person wearing rags comes in right after him, and you say to the man in the suit, “Sit here, sir; this is the best seat in the house!” and either ignore the street person or say, “Better sit here in the back row,” haven’t you segregated God’s children and proved that you are judges who can’t be trusted? Listen, dear friends. Isn’t it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world’s down-and-out as the kingdom’s first citizens, with full rights and privileges. This kingdom is promised to anyone who loves God. And here you are abusing these same citizens!

James 2:1-5 (MSG)

On my early morning drive to church, a pastor on the radio preached about James 2. At the exit from the highway, I pondered his message. 

            On many occasions, men begged at that stoplight but rarely on my way to church. However, that day, a man holding a sign that said-God bless you- stood near my car. 

            I averted my eyes from him as my mind quickly thought of beggars who try to guilt drivers by writing messages about God on their cardboard signs. Then a nudge by the Holy Spirit reminded me of the bag in my backseat. I grabbed a plastic bag with a bottle of water, granola bar and devotional. The man smiled as he took the gift. 

            The delayed light gave us time to talk. “Thank you,” he said. “God bless you.” 

            “I am on my way to church,’’ I replied. 

            A huge smile spread across his face as he raised his hands toward the sky. “I go to church at 9:30 at Sanlando. Do you go there?” 

            “No, I go to Northland,” I answered as the light changed.

            Our short, but meaningful exchange, played over and over in my mind and touched my heart. What perfect timing with the Scripture from James and the man by the road. 

            I have no idea why he was at the corner but his sign was sincere. I could have ignored him and missed an important lesson God had for me. 

            As a greeter at church, people enter who are dressed well, some rather shabby and all kinds in-between. Outward appearances mask what is inside whether they wear fancy clothes or well-worn ones. 

            I was almost like the priest who passed the beaten man on the road as he hurried to perform his priestly duties. I could have passed him since I was on my way to church to serve those who entered our building. 

            My job isn’t to judge but to welcome them all like Jesus whether I am volunteering at church or in the community. 

Loving Father, help us to be kind in all types of situations. You know what people are going through when we don’t. Open our hearts to love those around us even when it is difficult.

Amen

 

       

A Different Kind of Mission

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43: 18-19 (NKJV)

Candles twinkled on the tables. The aroma of delicious food filled the air.  Friends waited for Pastor Robert and Rose to descend the stairs for their surprise anniversary party. 

            Music played as the couple from Uganda were showered with love by American friends. Team members from mission trips, one of their sons, and other friends welcomed them. 

            The humble couple told a little of their stories and how thankful they were for each other and how God has worked in their lives. 

            Each attendee said a few words about the couple. It was evident they had touched many lives. My husband, Alan, had met them on a trip to Uganda several years ago after he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. 

            Memories of mission trips flooded my mind that night. The love of the couple made me miss Alan more than normal. They definitely displayed the love of Jesus to each other and those around them. 

            A couple of days later, I attended a lunch for the Brazilian mission trip members to share their experiences. Once again, friends and family members listened to testimonies of changed lives for the Brazilians and Americans. 

            Pictures of the boat on the Amazon reminded me of when Alan and I served there. Each story shared brought back memories of when we distributed reading glasses and sunglasses to residents along the river who had very little access to health care.  

            A team member’s story brought me back to the present when she said she was a widow. One day on the trip, she spoke with a widow who wanted to see well enough to read her Bible. A couple of team members left and returned to the boat. They came back with a pair of glasses so the lady could read. 

            That incident touched my heart because the ladies were also widows, and because I had donated reading glasses from the boxes Alan had left me. No longer did I wonder if anyone had given them out. Alan’s legacy lived on. My heart smiled. 

After lunch, Pastor Gus showed me an email he had just received from Pastor Patrick in South Sudan. He planned to be in the US and asked if I had any glasses.  Alan had given out hundreds while on a mission there.

As Alan prepared to see Jesus, he told me that there were enough glasses for four mission trips. However, I had only gone on one since he passed away. Each year, I think about the trips and remember how we traveled around the world. During the mission talks, I regretted that I had not continued our yearly mission trips.  

Then I realized that time and age change situations. As I near eighty, my body isn’t as adaptable or healthy as it used to be. However, I realized that instead of going on missions, I can continue to supply donations and support those who do go. The glasses in my garage will be put to good use around the world as others distribute them. 

Perhaps there will be an easier trip in my future but if not, I look forward to how God will lead me to serve others from home both nearby and overseas.  

Look around. Who can you serve today?

Heavenly Father, you have gifts and work for each of us to do no matter our ages. Show us your plans and help us accept that we can’t always do what we want to do but give us wisdom to obey what you want. Because you bless us, we can bless others. 

Amen

Expectations on My Trip and at Home

          

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17 NIV

Home. Peace and contentment enveloped me as I sat on my patio after a wonderful trip to parks and monuments out West. After a week of constant activity in different time zones, my body struggled to adapt to being back in Florida. 

            My mind replayed delightful experiences of snow-covered mountains, exquisite land formations and wild animals. Every day brought treasured memories. 

            Alan and I traveled all over the world, but after he passed away, my traveling trickled to almost nothing. He loved arranging journeys and taking care of all the details. But alone, I lost the joy of touring. 

            However, the recent trip out West with my friend, Carol, revived my enthusiasm for exploring. Joining a tour group allowed me to enjoy the trip with others taking the responsibility for planning.

            Carol and I faced the journey without our spouses. We shared previous experiences made with our husbands as we created new memories together. As widows, we relived happy times and grieved losses and realized everyone faces an uncertain future. Therefore, we decided to make the most of each day given to us. Whether we are at home or far away, God is with us.

            My algae covered lake surrounded by alluring trees certainly wasn’t a stunning, mountain scene but it brings me peace daily. 

            At home, there is no daily schedule of fascinating adventures, but I want to keep the sense of expectation for each day. In whatever situation we find ourselves, we can learn to be grateful and excited for what lies ahead. 

Father, as we confront unknown situations, give us a sense of adventure and peace in our joys and challenges. Guide us every day for whatever we face.

Amen

Scrambling Squirrels

God spoke: “Swarm, Ocean, with fish and all sea life! Birds, fly through the sky over Earth!” God created the huge whales, all the swarm of life in the waters,
And every kind and species of flying birds. God saw that it was good.
God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Ocean! Birds, reproduce on Earth!”
It was evening, it was morning—Day five.
God spoke: “Earth, generate life! Every sort and kind: cattle and reptiles and wild animals—all kinds.” And there it was:wild animals of every kind,
Cattle of all kinds, every sort of reptile and bug.
 God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1: 20-25 MSG

Scrambling squirrels distracted me. When I began reading my Bible, sounds of scampering critters caused me to look up. For several minutes, I watched their fascinating exhibition. 

            When we moved into our new home years ago, spindly trees lined the shore. They produced little food and offered no hiding place for squirrels. When friends complained about the pesky ruffians, I had no gripes since none came to my yard. 

            However, time changed that. Bald cypress towered over my yard. The oak spread its limbs higher than the roof. Somehow, the squirrels learned about the changed environment. 

            A few squirrels would appear and run around the area. Then, a whole community of the creatures raced around my trees and yard in a frenzy. 

            Instead of merely darting from tree to tree, they developed a unique combination of running a few steps and then leaping higher than their bodies like tiny gymnasts. 

            Over and over, pairs would circle trunks in a game of tag. They tore through limbs, dropped to the ground, and ran to another tree. 

            I searched high above me to see leaves jiggle with their antics. The elevations, compared to their small stature, would be like me scaling the Empire State Building. They leapt from limb to limb and tree to tree at incredible heights with no hesitation. 

            Youngsters tried to keep up with the older ones as they bolted across the grass. A trio stopped to dance in a circle before resuming their race. 

            Their energy and constant movement astounded me. Occasionally, they growled or squealed at each other. 

            Tiny feet grasped the bark whether going up or down. Dizziness must not have affected their downward runs. Not one fell to the ground. 

            I had no idea why the small number quickly turned into a whole village. They provided enjoyment, amazement, and inspiration. 

            They persevered despite obstacles and faced the fear of their surroundings. In addition, they used the way God made them to fulfill His purpose. 

            As I prepared to go inside, a rabbit stopped to look at me, and a pair of Monarch butterflies flitted around my yard. More evidence of the beauty of God’s creation that continues to teach and amaze me. How thankful I am. 

Creator, the intricacies and abundance in creation delight and overwhelm me. I am filled with thankfulness for what You have provided. You constantly teach through nature.

Amen

       

 

Sunshine and Rain

Retrieved from my archive

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:10-11 ESV

            Like a swarm of buzzing bees, the drone of rain enclosed my home. Morning light failed to break through the heavy clouds. A dismal dawn welcomed me.

            For over an hour, rain poured down. It hit the lake, my house, and garden. Gradually, the intensity lessened. Light drops pattered on the roof.

            Rain and gloom had replaced the previous day’s bright sunshine and dancing flowers. Instead of despair and discouragement, thankfulness filled me. Each flower drank its fill. The showers washed away dust and pollen. Much needed moisture restored my lawn and energized my garden.

            With only sunshine and clear skies, vegetation would dry up. But combined with rain, it flourishes. 

            In every life, there are times of sunshine and periods of rain. Though darkness and depression may linger, bright days will return when you trust in Jesus. 

Dear Jesus, give us strength and peace as we experience times of sunshine and periods of rain.

Amen