Times of Anticipation

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

For months stores displayed twinkling lights and enticed shoppers with an assortment of appealing purchases. Christmas arrived with jubilance for a large number of people. But not everyone. 

            A number of friends lost loved ones this year. They didn’t look forward to the holiday. Their anticipation was one of dread because of grief and sadness. How would they make it through the normal activities and not break down? Would tears replace joy? 

Gifts were unwrapped. Christmas carols silenced. Cookies eaten. The joyful anticipation of Christmas faded. The sparkle vanished. But in some homes there was no sparkle even at the beginning.

            Cloud covered skies reflected the mood of disillusionment the day after Christmas. The after Christmas let down leaves many people, not just those who are grieving, feeling lost with feelings of uncertainty. What comes next? Even the new year may bring anxiety and not upbeat anticipation. 

            I studied the nativity sets in my living room. Baby Jesus lay in every manger. We celebrate His birth and welcome the image of the infant. However, Jesus didn’t stay in the feeding trough. 

            He grew into a toddler, teenager and a man who gathered a group of twelve disciples. For three years He taught them so they could share the Gospel. 

            As the decorations are boxed up and goodies finished, the joy of Jesus’ birth, life and resurrection continues. His story resonates around the world giving hope to the hopeless. Life to those who feel lifeless. Comfort to the ones who grieve. 

            Jesus commands us to share the Good News to those near and those far away. As the new year approaches, we can learn to be more like Jesus as we encourage those who mourn, who are depressed and who feel lost. 

If we reach out in the name of Jesus, what a blessing that will be.  

Father, thank you for Jesus coming as a baby and becoming a man who is always with us as we travel an uncertain journey.

In Jesus name,

Amen

From Bare Shelves to Anticipation

And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2:7-11(NIV)

After a time of staring at barren shelves, I pulled boxes of nativities from the closet and began putting them in place. Memories overflowed. Two olive wood sets came from our trips to Israel. There was a stone one from Kenya which Alan purchased on one of his many mission trips. On a mission to Peru, we visited a large market and bought a pottery creche. My mom had painted a set of ceramic figures which covered one shelf. Every one of the over twenty nativities took me back to previous years. 

            Each set was distinctive but also similar with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and a manger. Most had shepherds, sheep, and wise men. A few had camels, cows, angels and a star. 

            Typically, Mary and Joseph look down at Jesus in the manger. Shepherds and wise men stand or kneel outside the stable. Farm animals gather outside with the camels further away. Angels spread their wings and watch in awe. 

Every scene is frozen in time. No movement or sound. I enjoy looking at each scene but they only represent one moment in history. 

A video might reveal a chorus of animal sounds as sheep and cows settle down.  New parents marveling at their tiny son and discussing how to comfort him. Cries of a newborn and a young mother wrapping her son in swaddling cloths. Then came excited voices of unkempt shepherds as they peered inside. 

Wise men would be far away questioning the bright star before starting their journey to Bethlehem. 

I would love to know the thoughts and feelings of everyone involved at Jesus’ birth and those who traveled to visit him. 

Whether a short trek from the hills of Bethlehem or a long journey from a far-away land, they all came with anticipation at the birth of Jesus. 

Like my collection of nativity sets we can become stuck at Christmas in the busyness of the season.  Better options would be to spend time reading Scripture and meditate on what God says. Trust Him to lead us to what is important instead of what we think is best, what others want us to do or what we have always done. 

Because of illness for several days, I have had to cancel activities to rest and relax. My full schedule contained all kinds of pursuits that I looked forward to. 

However, being home has given me an opportunity to enjoy a simpler but meaningful Advent. Drinking eggnog while watching special Christmas presentations and listening to Christmas carols gave me entertainment. I am reading through the book of Luke along with other Scriptures and have enjoyed other Christmas stories.

When I hear people say the most important part of Christmas is giving gifts or being kind, I realize they don’t know they full story of Jesus. Of course, we are to be generous and loving but why do we celebrate Christmas? 

Unfortunately, many people don’t really know why we have the festive celebrations or have failed to remember. 

A life changing gift would be to truly know Jesus. 

Loving Father, teach us to know Jesus better and to help others know Him.

Amen

 

Empty Shelves and Lives

 Empty Shelves and Lives

Rebecca Carpenter

December 7, 2023

But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,

 they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, 

your Savior. I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.

Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV)

Bare shelves, stripped of all decorations, challenged me each day for over two weeks. The entertainment center normally held souvenirs of our travels, family pictures and inspirational plaques. As I thought of adorning my home for Christmas, each treasured item found a safe haven. But then I didn’t feel like dragging out the bins of Christmas decorations. 

            Somehow, the empty shelves seemed appropriate in our chaotic world. While wars rage and unrest becomes normal, crowds rush into a frenzy of shopping. Many can’t afford gifts but buy them anyway.  People are offended by the mention of Jesus and Christmas. They want the glitz and bustle of Christmas but not the One for whom it is celebrated. 

            With nothing to see except pieces of dark wood, I imagined the bleakness of Israel when Jesus was born. Roman occupation suppressed the Jews and made life difficult. Life was hard. 

            Jews looked forward to their coming Messiah as Isaiah had prophesied hundreds of years earlier. Many believed their Savior would rescue them from the tyranny of the Romans.  

            Perhaps their lives seemed empty like my shelves. Were they hopeless and crushed at the state of their world? Did they abandon God, turn to other gods or give up? 

            In our crazy, mixed-up world, we face similar problems to those of long ago in Israel. Wanting an end to despair, people try to find relief in drugs, alcohol, relationships, work… In many cases, there is no hope for the future. Joy alludes them. 

            But there is an answer. 

God, guide us in sharing the Good News this Christmas season.

Amen

More Thanksgiving Lists

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)

Another Thanksgiving has arrived which encourages us to remember what God has done for us. For many, the past year brought pain and suffering. But even in our hard times, we can find much in which to be thankful. 

            I challenge you again to join me in writing an alphabet of blessings. I could make a list of people but decided to not add names this time. 

            For my initial list, I wrote the first thing that came to mind which is why some seem rather strange. For the second list, I thought longer and added multiple words for each letter. 

A-apples,  B-bike,  C-chocolate,  D-daisies,  E-eggs,  F-fruit,  G-garage,  H-home,  I-ice,  

J-jacket,  K-kitchen,  L-laundry, M-money,  N-night,  O-orange,  P-peas  Q-quiet,  R-rest, 

S-steam,  T-turkey,  U-underwear,  V-violin,  W-washing machine  X-x-ray,  Y-yellow,  Z-zoo

More thoughtful list. 

A-ambulances, airplanes, B-Bible, birds, butterflies, books, C-church, cars, chairs,  

D-doctors, dentists,  E-envelopes, earrings,  F-flowers, fish,  G-grandparents, glasses, gasoline

H-heaven, hope,  I-ice cream, I-pad,  J-joy, jobs  K-kindergartens, keyboard, L-learning, 

M-medications, music, maps  N-nurses, neighbors,  O-oceans, octogenarians, (some of my friends and me before long),  P-pastors, peace, pens  Q-quiet, quilts,  R-radios, rain, roads,  

S-ships, schools,  T-trees, tea,  U-United States, umbrellas, V-Vee Gees (the singing group I am part of), vacations, W-water, weddings,  X-x-ray, xylophone,  Y-yarn, youth, Z- zinc, Zoom

            As I wrote down the words, thankfulness overflowed. I realized I can never list all of the things God has done for me. Make your own lists and share with me. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving in whatever way you celebrate this year.  

Loving Father, thank you for all that You have done for us. Help us to appreciate what we have and how you are molding us to be more like You.

Amen

A Birthday Gift

My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.

Psalm 71:8 (NIV)

As darkness faded away, an explosion of red lit up the sky. Vibrant scarlet painted the background of the forest and even the lake. 

            I hurried outside with my phone to capture the magnificent spectacle. However, the camera couldn’t fully express the breathtaking phenomenon before me. 

            From my patio chair, I stared at the transformation of the sky as it moved like the turning of a dial. Red became bright orange across the lake while the rest of the sky evolved to pink. In a very short time, pale orange replaced brightness and then a huge yellow ball peeked through the trees. The pink faded to reveal blue sky with a border of gray clouds. 

            Within a few minutes, I experienced a kaleidoscope of design and color as God presented me with an extraordinary birthday present. 

            While I marveled at the gift, a curtain of clouds closed to end the production. Although I longed for a longer display, I was thankful for what I received. 

            Memories filled my mind. Over the years, I have experienced happy periods but also seasons of heartache and grief. God has been with me comforting and guiding.  

            In the last several years, each birthday has brought more and more family members and friends departing this earth. 

My time here grows shorter too so I want to make the most of each day. Age makes me look at life a little differently. People are more important than things. Helping others know Jesus is crucial. Take time each day to be with Jesus. Overlook insignificant problems. Lend a hand to those who need encouragement. Comfort those who are grieving. Enjoy the beauty around me. 

My latest birthday gift from God reminded me of His presence, love and compassion. The stupendous sunrise was a tiny glimpse of heaven.

Loving Father, thank you for being with us and giving us special gifts. Help us each day notice Your presence in creation and in those around me.

Amen

Scary Steps

In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

Because of the intense summer heat, I parked far from the store’s entrance in a patch of shade. 

            With a shopping cart of purchases, I left the store and began the long trek to my car. In a flurry of activity, shoppers entered the store and moved about the parking lot to and from their cars. But as I pushed my shopping cart farther and farther toward the back of the gigantic lot, I was alone. 

            Step by step took me away from the bustle of other shoppers. Then I heard footsteps behind me. When I sped up, they did too. As I slowed, they slowed. I was afraid to look behind me and confront the possible attacker.  

            No matter what I did, the feet behind me mirrored my cadence. Finally, I stopped completely. Total silence. Surely, no one would harm a grandmother in broad daylight. 

            No one could hear me or maybe even see what was going on at such a distance.  Were there cameras? 

            Determined to act normally, I opened my trunk and began putting groceries in my car. Still no sound from the potential assaulter. 

            My eyes fell to my shoes. Laughter replaced fear. Only then did I notice the backless, rarely worn sandals. The flopping of the shoes produced puzzling sounds so my mind formed a frightening story which seemed real. Instead of discovering a scary intruder, I found that I had caused my own fears. In my laughter, a lesson was learned.

How many times do we create unnecessary worries and anxiety instead of taking our concerns to Jesus?  

Loving Father, when I am frightened and anxious, help me trust you as you guide my steps.

Amen

A Flower and Cookies

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in all purity.

1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV)

A smiling, teenaged girl stopped at our table in the church café. She held yellow and orange flowers in one hand and clutched a large basket in the other. 

            “Would you like a flower?” she asked.

            My friend and I each received a lovely bloom from her. 

            “Would you like a cookie?”

            She pulled a couple of bags from her basket. She told us it was the first attempt at making decorated cookies. We each took a bag with slightly imperfect pumpkin faces on sugar cookies. 

            She beamed as we accepted her delightful gifts and then left to continue her mission. 

            While I visited with my friend, I ate one cookie and later gave the second one to my granddaughter. With no vase or water, I picked up the sagging flower before attending a meeting.  

            Then during lunch with another friend, the slightly wilted blossom waited in a warm car. 

            When I arrived home hours after receiving the once charming gift, it went into a vase with clean water. Its forlorn head dropped to the top of the container. 

            Thoughts swirled in my mind. Should it be propped up? Maybe it should go into the garbage but I left it alone. 

            Every time I looked at the dejected bloom, I remembered the happy young lady who walked around church spreading joy.  

            A surprise awaited me the following morning. The droopy head stood upright and perky. Infused water revived the almost dead plant. Days later it continued to add beauty to my home. 

            Sometimes we feel downcast, disheartened and despairing like my flower. But Jesus can infuse us with His love and compassion. Life returns. Then we can spread His joy and light to the world. 

            The flower/cookie girl had no idea how her presents would affect the recipients but she took time to joyfully share with strangers. 

We can learn from her gifts and kindness as we spread the love of Jesus to others. 

Jesus, thank you for the young people who know you and  demonstrate that love to the world including their elders. Help us to do the same.

Amen

Where is the Power?

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40:28-29 (NIV)

My watch glowed at 6 a.m. I climbed out of bed in the darkness. The motion light didn’t come on so I shuffled closer. Still no light. 

            I felt along the wall to the bathroom where a motion night light would show my way. But it didn’t. I flipped the light switch and nothing happened. 

            No power. Total darkness. Fortunately, I had put two flashlights in my closet, which is my safe room, when a hurricane threatened. My hand slid along a shelf and then groped the small light. My finger pushed on the button. No light. 

            Back to the closet shelf. My hand found the larger flashlight. Thankfully, light shined and the beam led me through the pitch-black house. 

            Through a window, I noticed my neighbor’s outside light glowing. I opened the front door and stepped outside to see if any other neighbors had power. 

            Like a beacon, light illuminated my walkway and two beady eyes that stared back at me. The cage my neighbor placed near my hedges caught a possum instead of the armadillo that had been digging in my plants. 

            At that moment, my outside motion light turned on which surprised us both. My electricity had returned. 

            How thankful I was to have power restored. I could clearly read my Bible and make a cup of tea. See to fix my hair and watch the weather report before I left for the day. In our country, we have become accustomed to constant electricity which many in the world do not have. We expect it and aren’t often thankful. 

            As the sun rose, I thanked God for its light and beauty of my lake view. Even when my power was off, His wasn’t. His power never shuts off during a storm or runs out. There is no bill to pay. 

            Even during my dark morning, I felt peace and knew that God was with me. 

Father, you are with us even when we face dark and often scary times. Your power gives us strength and comfort.

Amen

 

In case you were wondering. My neighbor released the possum who was not hurt. My other neighbor’s lights were on because they have a generator. 

A Joyful Celebration and Not a Gloomy Funeral

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you will be also.”

John 14:1-3 (NKJV)

Less than two weeks after assisting at my daughter’s memorial service, I attended and spoke at a friend’s service. 

            That morning funeral and visitation memories crowded my mind. The first one was when I was in fourth grade and saw my first-grade teacher lying still in a casket. Flowers lined the walls of the funeral home. The whole experience was creepy. 

            A couple of years later at our Thanksgiving dinner with my mom’s family, my dad received a call that his dad had passed away. As a sixth grader, I understood a little more funerals and death but seeing grandpa in his casket was still rather creepy. Watching my dad look down at his dad as tears wove down his cheeks was painful. I had never seen him cry. 

            Over the years more and more relatives and family friends passed away. The tradition with each one was to look at a lifeless body, pretend they looked like they were sleeping, and try to think of comforting words for the family. Often the casket, open or closed, stood in front of the guests during the ceremony.

People whispered as though the one in the casket might be awakened. Attendees wore black or other dark colored clothes. Somber music played. A melancholy mood floated around the room. The preacher read Scripture and reflected on the deceased person’s life. Tears flowed freely amid the grief.  

In biblical times, certain rituals were required for mourning. Perhaps some of those traditions continued at the funerals I attended.  

Thankfully, the services I have gone to in the last several years have been celebrations. Colorful clothes and joyful music set the mood. Pictures of the deceased and videos of their lives played for visitors who enjoyed the memories. The celebration of life continued as family members and friends related stories and the impact the deceased had made. Of course, there was sadness and some tears along with smiles and laughter. But the focus was on life and not death. 

For Christians there is rejoicing that the person is whole and healed. We celebrate that they have joined Jesus in heaven.  

It is hard to let go of loved ones because we miss them. However, if we all know Jesus, we are certain we will see them in heaven which is a reason to rejoice. 

At the end of Alan’s service, we sang “I’ll Fly Away”. What a joyful ending to his life here and send off to the next one. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for being with us in the sadness of losing loved ones. But we rejoice when we know they are with you.

Amen

The Unidentified Creature

Darkness enclosed my patio like a blackout curtain with not even one speck of light. Porch lights beamed so I could read my Bible and devotionals. In the stillness before dawn, I prayed and wrote in my journal. 

            As summer neared its end, the sun came up later and later. I preferred spring and summer when the sun rose earlier with gorgeous sunrises which painted the sky and lake.  

            Silence settled all around me. The birds and crickets slept before the sun awoke. 

            Then steps crunched the grass a few feet from me just outside the screen. My heart raced. I froze. A bob cat, possum or armadillo would not have heavy steps like I heard.  

Would the creature come at me through the screen? It could clearly see me with the two porch lights. However, I could see nothing at all. 

I quietly moved to the sliding door, opened it and turned on the outside lights. With flood lights illuminating my yard, I scanned my yard but saw no animal. 

No invader lurked ready to spring at me. No beady eyes stared back. Within seconds, it vanished.  

No footprints or other clues remained. Only the mysterious sounds lingered in my mind where I envisioned a large, black bear roaming around the lake. 

As the sun rose, I turned off the lights and continued my devotional time. 

Often our minds imagine scary situations. A tiny problem morphs into a tragedy. What If’s cause worry and can paralyze us as we conceive monstrous scenarios.

Even though the problem had no conclusion, I decided to remain outside. I could have cowered in fear, retreated inside, and been fearful to venture out. 

When we put our lives in the hands of God, we let Him take care of the scary stuff. 

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)

God, remind us that You are our protector and refuge. When we become frightened and nervous, give us peace and comfort. Amen

My Daughter Susie's Memorial Service

The smile of a spunky, blond five-year-old revealed a huge gap of missing teeth. After the introductions, she grabbed my hand and called me mommy. Our family went from three to four when she went home with us. 

            We tried to channel her energy into positive activities. At first, she was involved in gymnastics, dancing and soccer. But when I picked her up from gymnastics, she would often be sitting because she had not listened to the teacher. When she danced, she made up her own routines instead of following the choreography. In soccer games, she enjoyed looking around and sometimes ran for the wrong goal. 

            In high school she excelled at cross country as a freshman. Running suited her. She enjoyed being a goalie in water polo. Both sports enabled her to use her energy to shine. 

            Unfortunately, school was always difficult for her. Poor grades removed her from the sports that helped her excel. 

            From the time she joined our family, we always attended church. Her Sunday School teachers loved and taught her. She took a confirmation class and was baptized when she was in fifth grade. 

            My plan for a happy family fell apart months after Susie joined our family. Being a single parent was hard with two young children. 

            As a family of three, we continued attending our former church even though sometimes I was the only one who wanted to. Her rebellion grew but my rule was that if you lived in my house, you would go to church. She slouched in her seat with her head down. I prayed that something was getting into her head and heart. 

Susie enjoyed being around children and was good with them. She was happy to have two daughters and loved them. 

Over the years, she made many poor choices with hard consequences which affected her and her loved ones.  Even when I had no idea where she was, I prayed for her. God knew where she was when I didn’t. 

            Occasionally, I received letters from her when she was in jail or prison. After she passed away, I found some of them. They reminded me that she knew Jesus and loved God even in her trials and unhealthy lifestyle. 

            During the last year or so, I sometimes heard from Susie when she spent time in the hospital. The visits weren’t easy. Her body deteriorated more and more every time I saw her. 

            I took her devotionals and a Bible. She thanked me and said she would read it. 

            Chris, Frank and Sallie joined me on one visit. Frank asked how we could pray for her. She asked for prayers for Brittany to stop drugs and for herself to not be addicted. Tears streamed down her face. 

            Tears trickled down my face but hope filled my heart. She had not given up on God even in her desperate state. 

            On another visit my cousin, Ruth, asked Susie if she knew Jesus. The answer came quickly. “Yes.” She knew she would be in heaven. 

            When I was out of town, my friend, Nancy, went to see Susie. She talked and prayed with her. Nancy asked Susie, “If you died tonight, do you know where you would go?”  With no hesitation, Susie said she would be with Jesus. 

          

            Those conversations gave me hope and peace. Even though her life wasn’t what I had hoped for her, I had confidence she would be in heaven. 

            A few months ago, I got a call that Susie was in a health rehab facility under the care of hospice. The news didn’t surprise me because of her weakened condition but the finality of it was difficult. 

            However, I was thankful to know she was being cared for at the end of her life. Even though I talked to her on the phone a couple of times, she only spoke to me once when I visited. She asked, “Who are you?” 

            One day, my friend, Sallie and I walked into the room and found Susie flailing her arms in agitation. As we played Christian music, she calmed down and even hummed along. Sallie prayed and read Scripture with no further response but a peace filled the room that hadn’t been there earlier. 

            When Chris, Sallie and another friend, Susie, sat with me that final day, my daughter didn’t respond at all. Oxygen blew into her damaged lungs. As time went on, her breathing became for labored. She would take a breath and stop. We would think it was over and then she took another breath. Finally, I couldn’t watch her die any longer. The hospice nurse said she didn’t see any signs that the end was close. 

            Right after I pulled into my community, my phone rang. The hospice nurse told me that Susie passed away right after we left. When I walked into the house, I noticed a slip of paper on the counter. It was a prayer request I had written to give to my Bible study friends.  

“Pray for my daughter, Susie, to be free of drugs and at peace.” 

            I had prayed that for years and also that someone would be able to get through to her, when I couldn’t.  

            God answered all of my prayers but not in the way I had imagined. Chris, Ruth, Nancy, Sallie and Frank touched her life while she was in the hospital. When she was incarcerated, she learned more about Jesus from chaplains, Bible studies and Northland church services. 

            Proverbs 22:6 came to mind as I thought of Susie’s life. Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. 

            Watching Susie’s life unfold, often caused pain and heartache but at the end of her life, I felt relief, peace and comfort because I was confident she was whole and living in heaven. 

            Often, we don’t realize God is working until we look back.  

            If you died tonight, do you know you would be with Jesus?

 

The Roar of the Leaf Blower

 

Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely; never depend upon your

own ideas and inventions.

Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)

The roar of the leaf blower grew louder and closer. A landscaper moved to the rear of my house and pointed the machine at my back step. After a couple of swipes, he walked to my neighbor’s house to clear off another clean stoop. 

            When I looked out front, he had begun waving the blower across tidy sidewalks down the street.

            The sound of noisy mowers grew as they began cutting the grass. Only then did grass litter walkways. 

            Couldn’t he figure out that his job would only be beneficial if he followed the mowers? As I shook my head at his actions, I saw a lesson in my mind. 

            How often do we act before consulting God? We think we know best and neglect to ask God for instructions. Without His guidance, our actions can be as unsuccessful as the overanxious yard man. 

            But if we ask for direction and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading, we won’t have to try to repair or redo what we attempted to do on our own.

            Later I noticed that the grass had been blown away. Perhaps he did the job again or someone else did. Either way, it was done twice. 

Heavenly Father, help us as we learn to come to You for guidance in our lives instead of trying to make it on our own. 

Amen

Alone at the Lodge

 

Mountains rose in the distance as I sat on the deck of the lodge. Rabbits scampered across the lawn. A doe and her fawn emerged from the forest and into the clearing before sprinting away. 

            Unfamiliar bird songs drifted through the trees. A cardinal darted back and forth. Sunlight gleamed through the woods. 

            The splendid scenery captivated me on my first morning at Young Life’s camp at Sharptop Cove in Georgia. The peaceful retreat soothed me and calmed my soul. Away from the chaos of the world, I relaxed in the serene oasis. 

            Although I was a host for adult guests, a last-minute cancellation meant I was alone for two days before other attendees arrived. At first, I was a little disappointed at being by myself in the spacious, wooden lodge but realized the solitude was a gift.

            With my retreat high above the rest of the camp and before campers ventured outside, silence enfolded me. My time with God gave me an opportunity to meditate and explore my feelings of grief. 

            Sadness had come at my daughter Susie’s death weeks earlier. But I hadn’t fully grieved. Being alone in God’s exquisite creation gave me time to think about Susie. 

            Grief for her began years earlier when poor choices took her into drugs and a turbulent life. I grieved for the normal life she didn’t have and how it affected her family. I longed for a daughter who came to dinner and was part of our family. But that stopped many years ago.

            Visits with her in the final years occurred mostly when she was in the hospital. She would call to tell me where she was and I would go see her. In the last few months, she read the Bible I took to her. She asked for prayers for drug addictions to stop for her daughter and herself. Tears came as she spoke. 

Friends talked with her about Jesus, and we all believed she knew Him even though her lifestyle had not changed. Those conversations came to mind. 

After she entered hospice care, my friend, Sallie, joined me for a visit. Susie thrashed in her bed but didn’t talk to us. As we played Christian songs, she relaxed and hummed along. When Sallie read Scripture and prayed, Susie calmly listened. Peace entered the room and comforted us. 

The tranquility of my mountain retreat helped me process the last times with Susie. God’s peace filled me again. Tears sprinkled down my face but not intense grief. Instead, joy filled me as I knew Susie was released from a life of uncertainty, pain and turmoil into peacefulness with Jesus. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Loving Father, your love and comfort surround us and take away the pain of this world. This is not our home and we look forward to being with You in heaven.

Amen

My Bibles

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)

Bibles filled a shelf in my office. Over the years the collection of various versions had grown from one to many. 

            Each New Year’s Day, I select a copy to use throughout the coming year. Underlined verses and notes remind me of what I was going through when I used a particular Bible. Words of thankfulness, sadness and grief often accompany highlighted Scripture that offered peace, comfort and instruction. 

            As I read the notes, memories of past events and God’s promises, faithfulness and provision filled my mind. Wonder overflowed at how He protected me in dire circumstances. When I thought problems were too big, God made a way through. 

            At the start of this year, I chose The Voice and looked forward to the easily understood version. However, as I opened it, pages started slipping out. I stuck them back in and every day more and more would come loose. As the year progressed, handfuls of Scripture tried to escape every time I opened the Bible. 

            What should I do? I liked that version and reading the journal of my life written inside. If I bought a new one, my notes and underlining would be lost. 

            As I pondered options, I thought of my other Bibles. A copy of the King James was the first one when I was in fourth grade. At school, if we sold a certain number of greeting cards, we received a Bible. For years that was my only Bible and the version used at my church. I memorized Psalm 23 and other Scriptures from the King James while in elementary school. Those verses remain firmly in my mind. 

            Around fifty years ago, I added a newer version of the Bible which was easier to follow. Gradually, a more extensive collection began with a study Bible, a small paperback for traveling, and some with a more contemporary language.  After my dad passed away, I inherited his study Bible which was different from mine. 

            When I write devotionals, BibleGateway.com compares versions so I can determine the best one for each writing. Online Bibles also provide convenience and availability for people around the world. 

            How thankful I am to live in a country where Bibles are openly sold and anyone can have one without concern of being persecuted. 

            As I try to figure out what to do with my damaged Bible, stories come to mind of Christians around the world who would be grateful for any printed Scripture to study. Some churches have one copy for the whole church. In one community, each church member had one page of the Bible. Millions might be arrested for having even a page of God’s Word. 

            Hidden Bibles protect Christians from being imprisoned as they study and treasure the holy book. Arrests and imprisonments occur when governments forbid the possession of Bibles and think they can eliminate Christianity.  

            What a precious blessing to have one or multiple copies of the Bible. Unfortunately, a great number of people neglect to open the gift which can change lives. 

Loving Father, the Bible is a cherished gift given to us. Lead us to study, learn and teach from it. Open hearts and minds to your inspired Word. 

Amen

Be a Duck

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Movement caught my eye. A pair of mallard ducks waddled from the lake onto my lawn. They traveled through one flower bed and then into another one. 

            They stopped in the grass. Their heads swiveled one way and then the next in unison. Tail feathers wiggled while the rest of their small bodies remained still. Stubby, orange legs, almost hidden in the grass, propelled them. 

            I often observed them form tiny waves on the mirrored lake as they gracefully glided from shore to shore. But rarely did they visit my yard. Never had I seen them so close to my house. 

            I tiptoed to the screen for a better look. The nondescript female led the brightly colored male as they left. A few minutes later, they reappeared from the opposite side of my home. 

            They didn’t search for tasty morsels in the grass but waddled back and forth. Then they returned to the lake. 

            In the water, they swim artistically and easily because they were created for water. However, on land they move awkwardly on their short legs and webbed feet. 

            No matter how they might try, they will never walk elegantly like an egret or soar like an eagle. They won’t sing like a meadowlark or catch fish like a heron. God designed them to excel on water. 

            Likewise, we need to embrace the gifts and talents given to us by God. Follow His path for us. 

            Don’t try to soar like an eagle if you are a duck. 

God made you as you are in order to use you as he planned.

S.C. McAuley

Creator, thank you for making us unique with a special plan. Help us accept our gifts and talents so we don’t strive to be like someone else. Guide us each day in the way we should go.

Amen