And Then Came Black Saturday

Roman soldiers had a rather strange assignment to guard a dead man’s tomb. Of course, they were used to guarding men, often unruly ones, but watching the tomb of a battered, lifeless body seemed absurd. 

Religious leaders asked for security at the grave because of Jesus’ proclamation to rise on the third day. Soldiers would prevent His followers from stealing the body. With the huge stone over the opening, it would be an easy four day assignment.

Darkness invaded the garden. Crowds went home. The soldiers waited.

Huddled in a locked room, the disciples tried to make sense of the week. After the excitement and exhilaration of Palm Sunday to the anguish and misery of Friday, they were filled with despair. Fear and depression consumed them. The disciples waited.

All over Jerusalem, Jesus’ story was retold. Diverse opinions and unanswered questions abounded. The city waited.

Just as emotions traveled up and down with the events of Holy Week long ago, my family has been on a continual up and down journey for months because of my parents’ health issues. One day there is improvement only to be followed the next day with a set back. 

As I wrote yesterday, both of my parents had improved since moving in with my brother and sister-in-law this week. However, last night mother became very ill with high fever, vomiting etc. The Hospice nurse stayed with her until 2 am. All night my dad, Ken, and Kim kept vigil. The caretaker relieved them this morning.

Suggestions from Hospice are to return her to the hospital or take her to their in-patient facility for an IV. At this point, no one knows what is causing her sudden illness.

As we deal with this latest trial, I remind myself that even in darkness and despair, Jesus didn’t remain in the tomb. He rose indeed.

John 14:1 Don’t get lost in despair; believe in God and keep on believing. 

(The Voice)

John 14: 18 I will never abandon you like orphans. I will return to be with you. 

(The Voice)

John 14: 27 My peace is the legacy I leave you. I don’t give gifts like those of this world. Do not let your heart be troubled. (The Voice)

 Yaheweh Rophe (God who heals), guide us as we make hard decisions. You are the healer who heals in many ways. Bring healing and peace as we wait. Amen

The 100 Year Old Game

Ashlyn read before bed. I listened. “When you are done with the book, I would like to read it,” I said.

She held it out to me. “No, when you are done.”

With a smile, she replied, “I have read it lots of times.”

Even though I knew the essence of the book, I had never read Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter. For one hundred years the book has been read and quoted--but not always with a positive tone.

The story captured my attention, and I quickly finished it. With the concerns and trials of the last several months, the children’s book offered a delightful retreat and lesson.

The “game” that Pollyanna’s pastor father taught molded her attitude and way of life. Her example changed and enriched lives. Adults and children were all affected. That same message impressed me.

Yesterday, as I struggled with seemingly endless phone calls and problems, I recalled upbeat Pollyanna. Her “game” didn’t remove her trials but helped her through them. 

The theme of the book reminded me of Romans 8:28. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

  We can’t escape the burdens and adversities  of this life, but we can have help in getting through them. Pick up a copy of Pollyanna and learn about her “game”.

My parents are doing better and hope to leave the rehab soon. The final day keeps changing with unexpected circumstances. Since they want to be together, the options have dwindled because of their differing needs. 

Mother has amazed everyone with how well she is doing since her pain has been managed better by Hospice. She is up in the wheelchair and even making sure their drawers are neat and tidy.

Dad was doing much better but a surprise blood transfusion has slowed him down a bit. His therapy has helped him overcome effects of the stroke and being down for so long. 

We are hoping the doctor signs the release today so they can leave to go to Ken and Kim’s on Monday. There will be constant care during the day while Ken and Kim are at work. This is the first step in finding a permanent solution. 

Continue praying for my parents’ health, wisdom in decisions, peace and strength for everyone involved.  

Being Jesus

“Let me know if I can help.”

“Call me if you need anything.”

These common statements offer help but usually don’t get a lot of responses. 

Independent people don’t want to admit they need help or they dislike bothering others. In many cases, they enjoy serving but find it difficult receiving assistance. 

Over the years, I have enjoyed being of service. However, when I was recuperating after an operation, I didn’t ask for meals to be brought to us because I didn’t want to bother anyone. My friend, Gail, called and told me she was bringing dinner. Then she informed Linda, the leader of the women’s club sunshine committee, that we could use meals for a while. What a blessing it was to have several days of delicious meals. 

During the recent trials with my parents’ health issues, another friend, Kathryn, told me that she would fix an extra dish for our Bible study potluck so I could go without having to prepare food. What a wonderful way to reduce my stress.

Those experiences taught me some lessons. Be specific when offering help. Telling someone what you can do relieves the stress of thinking of what is needed. It also relieves the recipient of wondering if the offers were sincere. 

The third lesson was perhaps the most important. Asking for help doesn’t indicate weakness but allows someone else to experience a blessing. To refuse help could deny someone else a blessing.

My mother’s Hospice pastor said my parents could be Jesus as they allow others to serve them. I had never thought of the Scripture in quite that way. For years they have faithfully served.  When they now accept the offers of service, their friends and family can be blessed.

Come here, you beloved, you people whom My Father has blessed. Claim your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of creation. You shall be richly rewarded, for when I was hungry, you fed Me. And when I was thirsty, you gave Me something to drink. I was alone as a stranger, and you welcomed Me into your homes and into your lives. I was naked and you gave Me clothes to wear; I was sick, and you tended to My needs; I was in prison, and you comforted me. 

Matthew 25:34-36 (The Voice)

Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessings you give to those who serve and those who are served. Amen

Enjoying the Moment

My mind wandered from my devotionals and the Bible in my lap. My eyes drifted to the lake. Why not enjoy the blissful scene?  In only a few months, I will see a different lake, smaller with fewer trees and wildlife, during my morning devotions. 

A trio of white ducks floated for a while, climbed the bank, and returned to the water. A lone mallard formed a wake as he skimmed the lake. 

Normally boisterous blue jays quietly picked at the grass and hopped from tree to tree. Squirrels leaped from limb to limb like acrobats. 

Blackbirds cawed. Bird melodies soothed me. Repetitious chirps beckoned. 

 Spring finery in multiple shades of green clothed the trees and bushes. Their impressionist forms painted a picture on the quivering lake.

Pink azaleas repeated a spring blooming after a surprise display during the warm winter season. 

Noticing and savoring details of my present sanctuary calmed and prepared me for the tasks and possible trials of the day. A reminder to look for blessings, large or small, each day. 

Though I will miss my beautiful retreat, I will continue to appreciate it while I am here. Instead of lamenting what I am losing, I will enjoy the blessings of today and look forward to those in the future.

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

Dear Lord, help me to live in the moment and not worry about the future. Amen

My dad is progressing well with his therapy--physical, speech and occupational. Mother continues to be in pain much of the time and gets discouraged. Hospice is helping to make her more comfortable. Thank you for all of the prayers. We need to decide what to do after dad finishes rehab and where they will live etc. 

A Symbol of Hope and Strength

Though wrapped in a warm blanket, I shivered. Bright sunlight enticed me outside for my morning devotions, and the crisp air rejuvenated me. 

The mirrored lake produced a perfect image of the surrounding trees. A concert of bird musicians enriched the tranquil scene. 

In stereo, melodies rang out from around the lake. An amplified solo overtook the other singers for a few minutes. Intermittent tweets and chirps made me smile. Even the bellowing of a retreating blue heron, added to the chorus.

Ducks floated lazily across the glassy lake. At the top of my bald cypress a silhouetted hawk waited patiently for a glimpse of his breakfast. A pair of blue herons, with skinny necks extended, swept across the clear sky. A snakebird rose from the water like a cobra weaving to a flute. Swallows built a nest at the top of a porch column. All were content with their missions. 

A white egret followed a dark bird zooming down the lake. When the leader landed in a high pine, I realized it was a bald eagle. He scanned the lake, rose and swooped gracefully to the lake. With a minute movement, he clutched a fish in his powerful talons and soared away. 

Through the years, I had seen eagles at a distance but never so near my garden. The strength, beauty, and magnificence of the majestic bird captivated me. What a blessing to see God’s creation up close. 

I had almost stayed inside but felt a nudge to brave the cool morning. The spectacular creature refreshed me after months of concern and worry about family members. 

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, thank you for nudges you give to me. Help me to follow them and receive the blessings. Amen