Heavenly Messengers

 

Animal voices echoed throughout the cave. Rustling as they moved closer to see the surprise guests. An exhausted Mary tossed and turned to ease her pain. Nothing helped. 

 

            Joseph covered her with another cloak and rested near her for warmth. She stifled a groan. Then a scream bounced off the stone walls. 

 

            “If only we were home, mother could help,” she said. 

 “Why did the government force us to leave home now?”

 

            Joseph had no answers. Helplessly, he stared at Mary but could not ease her pain.

 

            “Help! Joseph, the baby is coming.”

 

            Together, the inexperienced couple delivered the precious baby. Joseph caught the babe as he entered the cold, dark world. When he handed Jesus to Mary, she wrapped him in swaddling cloths and they stared in awe at the tiny baby in her arms. They truly witnessed a miracle on that long ago night. 

 

            The father placed clean, hay in a stone feeding trough, a crude bed for a king. As the new mother laid the baby in his bed, voices interrupted the calmness. 

 

            Firelight illuminated shining, expectant faces at the mouth of the cave. The couple looked at each other and then motioned for the shepherds to enter. At once, the visitors bowed before the makeshift bed. Reverently, they gazed longingly at Jesus. A heavenly silence filled the cave. 

 

            “Why did you come here?” Joseph asked. 

 

            Excited voices overtook each other. Finally, one man spoke for the group. “We were on the hills outside of the village watching our sheep. All at once, we heard a voice from the sky. Everyone fell to the ground. We were terrified. A light filled the night. An angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am telling you joyful news for everyone. Today, in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.’

 

            “We tried to understand the news. Then we had more surprises. The whole area was filled with heavenly singers. The angels sang, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’

 

            “We didn’t know what to do. It all seemed so strange like a dream but we all saw it. We didn’t want to leave our sheep unprotected but knew we had to follow the heavenly instructions. We kept walking and wondering where to find the baby. Finally, we found you.”

 

            Unlikely messengers followed the star to Jesus. They continued praising God and repeating the Good News. The shepherds gave Mary and Joseph another confirmation from God about the baby. 

 

            As we wait for Jesus in our unsettled world, we must be open to His message even when delivered by unexpected people in surprising places. If God decided to use despised, dirty shepherds to announce Jesus’ birth, He can surprise the world now. Perhaps He will occasionally even use us as messengers.

 

Nearby, in the fields outside Bethlehem, a group of shepherds were guarding their flocks from predators in the darkness of night. Suddenly a messenger of the Lord stood in front of them, and the darkness was replaced by a glorious light-the shining light of God’s glory. They were terrified! 

 

Messenger: Don’t be afraid! Listen! I bring good news, news of great joy, news that will affect people everywhere. Today in the city of David, a Liberator has been born for you! He is the promised Anointed One, the Supreme Authority! You will know you have found Him when you see a baby wrapped in a blanket, lying in a feeding trough. 

 

At that moment, the first heavenly messenger was joined by thousands of other messengers-a vast heavenly choir. They praised God. 

 

Heavenly Choir: ‘ To the highest heights of the universe, glory to God! And on earth, peace among all people who bring pleasure to God!’

 

As soon as the heavenly messengers disappeared into heaven, the shepherds were buzzing with conversation. 

 

Shepherds: Let’s rush down to Bethlehem right now! Let’s see what’s happening! Let’s experience what the Lord has told us about. (Luke 2:8-15 The Voice)

 

Father, thank you for the wonderful gift of Jesus. Help us to listen to your messengers and follow Jesus in what we do. Amen

 

 

 

              

 

       

No Room

 

Cold gripped me when I pulled back the covers in my unheated bedroom. Before I went to bed, I turned off the heat and snuggled under a comforter. The nippy morning air reminded me of a long, cold journey over 2,000 years ago. 

 

            Mile after mile on rocky roads of Israel, a pregnant girl and her husband traveled from the small village of Nazareth in the north to Bethlehem in the south. 

 

            Every bump in the road and sway of the donkey jolted Mary and made her more uncomfortable. The treacherous journey was hard for anyone but especially for someone in her condition. 

 

            Caesar Augustus decreed a census be taken of the entire Roman Empire. Everyone had to go to his own town and, not where he was presently living, to be registered. Joseph was of the lineage of David so he and Mary went to Bethlehem.   

 

            Finally, twinkling lights of Bethlehem beckoned to the exhausted couple. 

 

            “I will find a warm place for you to rest, Mary,” Joseph said. 

 

            She could barely smile. Her aching body longed for a warm, soft bed. Her stomach growled. She waited expectantly for Joseph. 

 

            “No room,” he said when he returned. Although the narrow streets were crowded, he knew he would soon find a place for the night. 

 

            At the second stop, there was no room. Mary nodded at the news but knew the next place would accommodate them. 

 

            The third inn also had no vacancy. By then the weary couple began to worry. Mary desperately needed a place to rest. Pain contorted her young face. Joseph agonized over the situation. 

 

            Both Mary and Joseph believed the baby she carried was from God. Surely, he would provide a safe haven for His coming Son. 

 

            Joseph trudged into another crowded inn. “Sorry, no room,” the innkeeper said. When he saw Joseph’s dejected face, he continued. “There is a small cave in back where animals stay. At least, it would be a spot to lie down and be out of the cold.”

 

            Joseph attempted a smile when he returned to Mary. “There is no room at the inn but the innkeeper is allowing us to stay in a cave with his animals.”

 

            With no other choice, Mary agreed. Joseph helped her get off the donkey and guided her into the dim, smelly stable. Cattle mooed. Sheep rustled. 

 

            The doting husband threw a cloak on the floor and helped Mary settle down. Through her pain, she smiled. 

 

            “Thank you, Joseph.”

 

            After hearing the messages from the angels, they accepted the vast change in their lives but knew it would not be easy. Mary’s pregnancy shocked the community. Joseph’s reaction brought more questions. 

 

            Because Mary carried the Son of God, they thought He would provide for them. But they soon discovered one obstacle after another. Lonely, tired, rejected again and again. They wondered at the circumstances and waited. 

 

            Like Mary and Joseph that long ago night, we wait as we long for normalcy. We can look ahead with expectancy for how God will work or we can feel despair with all that has happened and imagine more disasters to come. 

 

            During Advent, like Mary and Joseph, we anticipate the coming of Jesus. Problems should not overtake joy and peace now or in the future. 

 

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel-which means “God with us.’” (Matthew 2:23 NIV)

 

Caring Father, thank you for providing for us even in hard times and when we are tired of waiting. Amen

The Pink Gift

 

A pink glow covered the trees, grass, lake and sky like a filmy scarf in a fanciful dream. Nothing looked real as I gazed at the lake behind my home. 

 

            For several minutes, I enjoyed the pink world around me and marveled at the unusual beauty. A sense of peace, joy and expectation filled me. A balm in the uncommon year and gift during Advent. 

 

            But within a short time, the sun rose higher and swept away the extraordinary phenomenon. Normalcy returned with green grass, a few lingering orange and white flowers, and trees changing from green to gold. 

 

            A white egret ascended from the shore and sailed above the lake. Four stately sand hill cranes strode across my yard. A pair of ducks formed a wake on the still water. 

 

            Although a missed the spectacular pink gift, I enjoyed the beauty of my normal lake view too. Whether sunny, rainy or cloudy, my special retreat gives me peace and contentment. 

 

            Frequently, we expect to see God in the spectacular but he more often appears in the ordinary. A child’s laugh and exuberance. A needed hug. A smile in hard times. A special song. The smell of a favorite meal. A dependable car. Food in the refrigerator. Countless other gifts. 

 

            In the busyness of ordinary lives, it is easy to overlook God’s blessings in the mundane. Every day, He shows up so we must look for the gifts.

 

Every good gift and every perfect gift comes down from above, from the Father of lights, with whom is no variation nor shadow of turning. (James 1:17 Darby)

 

 

 Loving Father, what wonderful surprises you give to your children. Many times we are so busy that we overlook and don’t open the gifts. During Advent help us learn to look for You each day. As that becomes a habit, we will see you more clearly and appreciate your love for us. Amen

Where is Baby Jesus?

 

“Grandma, I can’t find baby Jesus,” Emily said.

 

       When my three granddaughters came to help me decorate for Christmas, Ashlyn worked on the tree. Molly decorated outside and Emily displayed nativity sets. 

 

       Eight shelves in my entertainment center held my large collection of nativity sets and angels from here and around the world. It is a perfect place to showcase the scenes where I can gaze at them every day. 

 

       They include a ceramic one with small figures I got from my parents’ home after they passed away. Alan and I bought two olive wood sets on our pilgrimages to Israel. He bought a white stone one in Africa during a mission trip there. On one mission trip to Peru, we bought a large church with a nativity around it. Ashlyn’s painting of the holy couple and baby Jesus added to the display. Every one is special to me because the focus on the baby Jesus. 

 

       Besides all the nativity sets, a wide variety of angels graced the shelves. Small, large, glass, cloth, wooden …all added to the Christmas spirit. 

 

       Most nativities were set up when I heard the disturbing announcement that baby Jesus was lost. I picked up all of the papers that I had so carefully surrounded every piece of the white stone figures. No baby Jesus. We knew we couldn’t display the nativity without Jesus but were stymied. 

 

       Emily held up a larger, white cherub. “We can use this for when the wise men arrived.”  We laughed but knew that wouldn’t work. 

 

       Then I glanced at the shelf. “There is baby Jesus.” 

 

       Emily couldn’t believe it. She had placed one of the sheep and the baby on the shelf. "I thought that was a sheep," she said. 

 

    All of us laughed at the confusion. That set always gave me trouble too because the stone figures were not distinct in who they represented. I wasn’t sure which ones were shepherds, wise men or Joseph.  

 

     I had never mistaken Jesus for a sheep but it was a rather strange piece. There was a flat piece with a head similar to a man’s instead of a child's. But thinking baby Jesus was a sheep is biblical. He was sent as a sheep to be sacrificed for our sins. 

 

       We often overlook Jesus too and think He is missing. When life doesn’t go the way we think it should, we assume He doesn’t care and has deserted us. 

 

       When we stop whining and complaining, we can see Him in His creation, His Word, friends, family, and even in difficult situations. 

 

       During Advent, we look forward to His coming just as Mary, Joseph and the wise men did so long ago. My array of nativities reminds me to constantly look for Jesus. He hasn’t gotten lost but often I do. 

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife. (Matthew 1:20-23 KJV)

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1 KJV)

Father, thank you for reminding us that Jesus isn’t lost. He continues to work in our lives but we need to be open to seeing Him. Amen 

 

A Covid Thanksgiving

 

Hours before dawn, my eyes opened and I remembered it was Thanksgiving during a pandemic. Even though my body yearned for more sleep, my mind stubbornly refused. After tossing and turning for an hour, I threw back the covers and ventured into the blackness. 

 

            Covid also brought blackness to our world with deaths, illnesses, shutdowns, riots, job losses… Each dreadful situation brought consequences. The pandemic affected the entire world. 

 

            Despite the horrible circumstances, we can choose to be thankful. Perhaps for small things or miraculous ones. 

 

            My mind replayed previous Thanksgivings. Many were joyous celebrations with family members. During my childhood in Indiana, I joined parents, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents for feasts. Large gatherings occurred every year. 

 

            After my parents got jobs in Florida, the celebrations became smaller. We thought my grandparents, who were a couple hours away, would join our festivities each year. However, on our first Thanksgiving in Florida, Grandma was in the hospital and passed away the following day. Grandpa became part of our meals for many years. 

 

            As my immediate family grew with marriages, babies, and adoption. more people crowded around the table. There was excitement in being together and enjoying delicious food. 

 

            Changes came as families spent time with spouse’s families. Then Mother could no longer host the meals so we shifted locations to my brothers’ homes and mine. We didn’t mind but it signaled more changes. 

 

            Empty chairs appeared. First Grandpa, Dad, Alan and then Mother. Each time, sadness mingled with celebration. But thankfulness continued for what we still had. 

 

            Every year family members gathered around the table but not always the same ones.  There was an abundance of delicious food in a safe home. Reliable cars got us there and everyone wore more than adequate clothes. We all could speak and hear the conversations. Of course, there were trials in many lives but thankfulness usually overtook the troubles that day. 

 

            Along with a year of attacks, Covid also assaulted Thanksgiving. Many large celebrations were cancelled and travel eliminated for thousands of people. Around the US, smaller groups planned to assemble. Some not at all. 

 

            For the first time, I won’t be with family on this holiday. When loneliness attacked, I thought of blessings instead. 

 

            I had resources to buy food for my own Thanksgiving meal. Yesterday, I prepared a traditional meal for myself and I will enjoy leftovers for several more. Today, I will join a couple of single friends for an outside meal at a local restaurant in the beautiful, Florida weather. 

 

            No one I have spoken with is having a normal Thanksgiving this year but all are adapting to the situation. 

 

            Thanksgiving Day is a marvelous time to thank God for what He has given us. However, it should not be one day of 365 but a daily occurrence. 

 

            As I think of God’s blessings, the list is endless. Although I won’t be with my family, I can connect with them through my phone and on my computer. I have children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and cousins. I live in a lovely home on a peaceful lake retreat. Electricity keeps me warm and cool. My refrigerator keeps my food cool and my microwave warms it up. I can go to church when I want to and read my Bible freely. I live in a country of many freedoms. On this day and every day, I can choose to be thankful. 

 

            Perhaps you are in a horrible situation now, but you can still be thankful in tiny ways. Maybe you have had wonderful things happen to you this year. I challenge you to find at least five things you can be thankful for and hopefully, even more. 

 

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)

 

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13 NIV)

 

Loving Father, as the world goes through a year of constant trials, thank you for being with us. Nudge us to be thankful no matter our circumstances. Amen

 

       

 

       

Danger Beneath the Surface

 

Cars whizzed across the expressway over Lake Jessup. Sunlight lit tiny waves on the expansive lake like twinkling Christmas lights. A clear, blue sky and enchanting lake made me smile but also, reminded me of the dangers.  

 

            Occasionally, a fisherman throws out a line or a boater ventures onto the vast lake. But never do swimmers or skiers enjoy the lake unless they are newcomers.  

 

            But I know the history of the lake and reality of what lies beneath the surface of the sparkling lake. For years one of the largest lakes in Florida has declined. Because nuisance gators were released into the giant lake for years, almost thirteen thousand alligators were estimated to live in the once pristine lake. Runoff from around the lake sent pollutants into the water. The highway and berms disturbed the natural flow of the St. John’s River which had helped clean the lake. The combination of several problems created a mostly unusable lake for humans even though it still looks appealing. 

 

            Life is also filled with enticing people, places and activities which appear trustworthy, decent, and suitable. However, below the surface danger awaits. Thankfully, there is an answer. 

             

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! (Proverbs 3:5-7 The Message)

 

Lord, help us learn to trust you in all we do. Listen and follow your instructions. Amen

 

Turbulent Times

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling…“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah .(Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11 WEB)

A never ending barrage of angry waves bashed the beach. Dark clouds blocked the sun. Only a few brave souls ventured into the intense winds as the high tide pushed water farther and farther up the sand. 

            Winds died down that evening. Waves calmed. Water  receded and exposed more of the beach. Clumps of brown seaweed littered the white sand. I shook my head at the blight on the normally pristine sand. To avoid the ugly mess, I zigzagged through the disorder during my evening walk. 

            At the beginning of my vacation, I loved seeing the beauty of the endless beach. Then turbulent winds churned the water, pulled up unsightly seaweed, and spit it out as refuse.  After the storm, I wanted the tides to retrieve the rubbish and return it to the ocean. 

            Down the beach, I noticed hundreds of sand pipers. A few courageous birds scampered to the seaweed and stuck long beaks into the ugly masses for morsels of food. The birds weren’t afraid of what looked horrible. What appeared to me as only an unwelcome mess was actually beneficial to birds. 

 

            The year 2020 spit out one mess after another on the world. We can lament the shambles left behind or trust God and look for blessings within them. 

Loving Father, we don’t understand all of the chaos and upheaval, but You are not surprised. Help us trust You and show us the blessings in the midst of the messes. Amen 

Creatures in the Dark

 

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12 NIV)

 

A single light bulb illuminated my Bible and devotional books. Darkness wrapped my patio like an ebony cocoon. Unseen traffic from a nearby highway rumbled. 

 

            Eerie noises, like screeching voices, interrupted my devotional time. My eyes searched the shadows but saw nothing. 

 

            In my mind, possible hidden dangers lurked beyond my screen. The unusual commotion created dragons and menacing obstacles. 

 

            But as beams of light broke through the blackness, dawn revealed serenity. No ferocious creatures emerged from the forest or lake. Instead of hearing mysterious screeching, birds sang melodious songs.  

 

            In our chaotic world, constant voices shriek and bellow their agendas to cause fear and anxiety. Truth or lies about the virus, riots, injustice, jobs, politicians, health care…? Dangers lurk. Invisible dragons destroy order and harmony. 

 

            Answers won’t come from the government, politicians, the media or a friend’s post on Facebook. 

 

            God’s the answer. He removes fear and anxiety from our hearts and minds. He gives peace and joy in the midst of uncertainty and turbulence. His love endures forever. 

 

Loving Father, calm our hearts with your wisdom, faithfulness and compassion. Overtake our fears and give us peace. Amen

Visiting Cardinals

 

Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105 NKJV)

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxieties and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 140:23-24 NKJV)

 

Anxiety crept into my bed and stole sleep. Disturbing news stories and conversations with friends distressed about the condition of our world added fear and uncertainty. 

 

            Praying and trying to ignore the turmoil didn’t work. A collection of tragic situations friends experienced added weight and squeezed hope from my heart. 

 

            Instead of praying to God, I had taken on the problems of my friends and the horrors of the world. No matter how many times the troubles swirled in my brain and disturbed my sleep, no solutions came from my little brain. Worry kept me from listening for His answers and didn’t provide any solutions. 

 

            Before dawn, I stumbled outside with my cup of tea. A spot of lamplight shined on my books. One reading after another spoke of peace, gratitude and trust in Jesus. As my focus turned to Him, anxiety started to melt away. 

 

 

            In my special haven, a vibrant sunrise displaced darkness and covered the sky. Dew drenched blooms bordered my patio and sparkled in sunlight. Songbirds welcomed the dawn with delightful melodies. 

 

            A pair of cardinals perched among yellow flowers in a bush a few feet from me. Their beaks nipped at leaves which also hid them from sight. They tweeted to each other and flew away. God adorned them in lovely feathers and provided just what they needed. 

 

            My serene retreat refreshed me as I pushed the world away and enjoyed creation around me. God’s Word, prayer and my daily devotionals calmed my heart. 

 

            In the distance, I heard rumbling traffic on the highway but could not see it. Nor could it join me in my sanctuary. 

 

            Reading the Bible and praying every morning before venturing out fortifies me and helps me avoid pitfalls of negativity consuming the world. I am protected and encircled in His love, wisdom and peace.  Trusting Him provides armor for whatever the world slams at me.

            If He cares for the cardinals, how much more He cares for you and me.  

 

Loving Father, protect us as we venture into the world. The Bible provides words of strength, comfort, and peace. Help us to focus on You and not unending troubles of this world. Amen

Stabs of Pain

 

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12 NIV)

 

Light poked through the trees as dawn awoke the lake. With my Bible, devotional books, and journals, I settled down in my wicker chair on the patio. While immersed in my reading, a tiny stab of pain distracted me. I examined my leg but saw nothing unusual. 

 

            As I resumed reading my devotional, another prick startled me. Once again, I searched for the cause without success. 

 

            Even though I returned to my reading, my mind wandered away from the page and to my stinging leg. 

 

            For the third time, a needle like jab stung my leg. There had to be a reason my leg continued to hurt. Finally, I saw a red welt and the culprit that caused it. I immediately squashed the critter.

 

            A tiny ant had crawled up my leg and released its venom. Thankfully, it was not a fire ant so it was not dangerous but distracting. Because of the pain, I couldn’t fully engage in my morning devotions until I found the cause. But even after finding the ant, the effects of the bite diverted my attention. 

 

            Days later, the red spot remained as a reminder. Pain and trials can distract from what is truly important. Instead of searching for the offender and worrying about consequences, focus on what is significant. 

 

Loving Father, show me what is important and what is not. Guide me in ignoring things which pull me away from your best for me. Amen

 

  

Toppled Bush

 

 After all, it is I, the Eternal One your God, who has hold of your right hand, Who whispers in your ear, “Don’t be afraid. I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13 The Voice)

 

Wind battered cypress and oak trees in my yard. Limbs thrashed in every direction during the raging, summer storm. Torrents of rain pelted the lake. Bits of hail hit my windows. 

 

            Thunder and lightning produced a frightening fireworks display as I watched the power of the storm from one window after another. 

 

            Gradually, rain only dimpled the lake. Weary limbs stilled. Thunder rumbled in the distance. Only then did I venture outside to check for damage. 

 

            Pink periwinkles reached for the ground. I trimmed heavy stems. When remaining leaves dried off, most of the flowers stood upright. But no bees buzzed around red and white frazzled blooms on neighboring plants.

 

            Another clearance plant from Lowe’s grew from bedraggled to vibrant and beautiful until the thunderstorm hit. Then the five-foot tall bush leaned almost to the grass but the mass of yellow blooms clung tightly to the toppled plant. The rain soaked ground loosened the sturdy trunk and tipped the healthy plant. 

 

            

            With lower branches removed and less weight on the tilting trunk, I hoped the bush would right itself. That didn’t happen and days of more storms pushed it lower and lower. 

 

            A decision had to be made about the unsightly bush before it fell completely from another storm. Should I cut off more limbs and hope it would stand up? Should I just dig it up and replant?  

 

             First, I cut more branches off as I tried to decide its fate. Before I could put the trimmings in a garbage bag, bees returned to the plant. They stuck furry heads into smiling blooms and collected nectar from the lopsided plant. I stopped working and watched the busy insects.

 

            Although I am allergic to bees, I knew they were too busy to notice me. When I reached down to dispose of the remains, bees flew to the blooms on the ground and sipped nectar. They noticed something worthwhile in the waste. 

 

            I realized trimming didn’t help, but I couldn’t dig up the once beautiful plant. It needed a second chance so I rummaged in my garage for some type of support. I found two short wooden stakes connected with yellow construction tape. Although they were much shorter than the bush, I decided to try. 

 

            At once, I realized a single stake wouldn’t hold the leaning bush. After jamming both stakes into the ground, I struggled to enclose the errant branches in tape. More hands would have made the job much easier. However, I finally surrounded the entire plant and pulled and pulled until it stood as tall as I did. Knots held. I waited for another storm.

 

             In the meantime, roots had a chance to push deeper and hold steady. Bees visited daily. Yellow sunshine blooms made me smile. Although it leaned slightly, the small stakes gave needed support to the crooked bush.    

 

            Months of multiple disasters have caused uneasiness, anger and depression. Difficult circumstances extinguished hope and brought despair. Like the small stakes, our limited strength can help prop up others temporarily. 

 

            Lasting strength, peace and comfort comes from God. 

 

Father, thank you for the strength you give us when we have none of our own. Show us how we can support others and help them know You. Amen

 

                        

Hummingbirds, Bees...

 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)

 

Spires of flowering plants lined the back of my patio. Bell shaped blooms of red orange and white decorated green stems. Both kinds of flowers came from the clearance rack at Lowe’s. 

 

            A couple of years ago, I dug holes and dropped withered plants into the ground. With plenty of water and sunshine they flourished. Occasionally, I trimmed dead and out of bounds foliage but mostly let them grow on their own.  

 

            Tiny plants grew to be over four feet tall and formed a lovely addition to my garden. They attracted a variety of winged creatures. Monarch butterflies swooped down for a visit. Lizards climbed part way up until the stems swayed with their weight.

 

            Fuzzy bumblebees zoomed from one flower to another. They grabbed onto the flowers and stuck their heads into white and red orange blooms almost every day. 

 

            Although I enjoyed watching all of the visitors, hummingbirds were my favorites. Whirling wings allowed them to hover as their slender beaks dipped into the red orange flowers for delectable treats but they always bypassed the white ones. 

 

            Some days they drank briefly and disappeared. At other times, the pair of teeny birds hung in the air as if by magic above one plant and another before drinking from flower cups. Then they whizzed away. 

 

            At our previous home, Alan put up a hummingbird feeder and meticulously cleaned and filled it with red hummingbird food. Because it was away from the house, we didn’t see many birds come to eat.

 

            After we moved, the feeder remained in the garage. When Alan passed away, I didn’t want another thing to take care of so I gave the feeder away. 

 

            During isolation, I have had more time to appreciate the things around me. I had no idea my clearance rack plants would bring such joy to my garden. Hummingbirds come more frequently or perhaps, I have slowed down and noticed them more. I have also observed other wildlife and plants more closely. 

 

            In addition to increasing gratitude for my retreat on the lake, cherished family and friends have become even more precious. As my world opens up again, I don’t want busyness to overshadow thankfulness of all God has given me. 

 

Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for all you have put into my life. Show me daily how to live for You in the midst of a busy and chaotic world. Amen

 

             

 

Predicted or Unpredicted Storms

 

He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they don’t sow, they don’t reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds!  Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit^[a] to his height? If then you aren’t able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest?  Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? Don’t seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek God’s Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you. Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. (Luke 12: 22-32 WEB)

 

Constant, frantic warnings filled the airwaves. Weather maps with colorful lines showed the approaching hurricane’s possible path. For several days, the relentless forecasts dominated the news. 

 

            They admonished us to prepare for the hurricane by purchasing batteries, water, medications, and food. Put important papers in plastic bags. Fill cars with gas. My mind shut them off their admonitions. 

 

            Even though the hype continued, the weather forecasters admitted that wind speeds dropped. The horrible storm was no longer even a hurricane and barely a tropical storm. However, many people felt panic at what might happen. 

 

            The storm proceeded up from the Caribbean and close to Florida. Its path shifted back and forth. Coming toward our area and then not coming. What were we to believe? Instead of being afraid, I turned off the TV and went about my life. 

 

            Only when my brother texted from Georgia about the storm, did I check the weather report again. At that time, it was again headed my way. 

 

            The following day I stayed home and waited for the storm. Thankfully, my neighborhood received no downpours or blustery winds. Only a little rain came our way. Days of worry for nothing.

 

            A few days later, summer thunderstorms resumed with a vengeance. With little warning, the storm hit. Rain swept across my patio. Trees by the lake whipped wildly in the gusts. Hail beat against my windows. 

 

            Dark clouds brought evening early. With the ferocious gales whipping around my house, I kept looking outside from one window to another. Then I gathered candles and matches in case the electricity went off. 

 

            For a few days, thunderstorms rocked the area. Those normal, summer storms produced more rain, wind and hail than the much publicized possible hurricane.  

 

            The anticipated hurricane caused worry and anxiety but no catastrophe for my part of the state. Often people anguish over big tragedies that never occur. 

 

            Then we can be hit with unexpected adversities on a smaller scale but no less harmful. Being prepared for emergencies is advantageous whether large or small. But trusting God can eliminate panic and desperation. He stilled the storm on the Sea of Galilee and can still our storms too. 

 

Loving Father, still our minds and hearts. Help us seek you instead of worrying about possible storms. Amen