A Simpler Christmas

No presents beneath the tree. Only a tiny tree on the counter. A few poinsettias, two wreaths on the front doors, and a couple of angels decorated our home this year.

With a full schedule of trips to visit my parents because of my mom’s illnesses, an upcoming move, and other commitments, there was little time or energy for Christmas decorating. Without the sparkle and abundance of holiday adornments, our nativity sets dominated the house. 

In the dining room and family room, simple, olive wood nativities, from trips to Israel, reminded us of Jesus’ humble birth. Each figure faced baby Jesus and focused on him. No distractions turned them away.

On a cabinet in the family room, two more sets proclaimed Christmas. A white stone nativity Alan bought in Kenya contrasted with all the others. The artist produced tall, thin unique figures to create the Christmas story. The unusual forms showed how Jesus accepts all people from around the world. 

The last nativity revealed Peruvian villagers worshiping the King. From a balcony, four villagers looked to the baby at the base of the church. Dressed in native clothing, Mary and Joseph stood beside the manger. Surrounding the holy family, villagers came bringing gifts for the baby. Nothing fancy or expensive but what they had. 

Every nativity displayed the story that Jesus came to be a Light to the world and save the lost. Each one also imparted a special lesson.  My simpler Christmas allowed me more time to focus on Jesus and the true reason for Christmas.

Lord, thank you for sending your son as a baby to save us. Let us not forget. Amen

Early Morning Gift

From my wicker chair on the patio, I stared into the inky blackness before dawn. Occasional water drops trickled from the roof into a bucket. In the quiet solitude, I spent time praying, reading the Bible, and contemplating my daily devotionals.

Little by little, gray replaced the blackness. Dark clouds reflected on the lake. Dim trees and flowers emerged. Huge slate clouds rushed across the lightening sky. 

After two nights of rain and storms, more was predicted. For a few days, elusive sunshine had skipped the Sunshine State. 

Difficult situations had been clouding my life too. Alan’s pulmonary fibrosis. Mother’s long hospitalization. Aunt Evelyn’s journey with Hospice. Uncle Jim’s illnesses and hospitalizations. Downsizing and moving to a new area. At times, the combination of events was overwhelming. 

As the light increased, I looked up to see an amazing sight. A strand of pink colored a patch of sky. Like an artist’s brush, strokes of paint swept across a small portion of sky between the trees. 

The fantastic display said, “There is hope even in the clouds.”

After only a few seconds, dark strokes erased my gift. The memory remains and reminds me of other gifts of hope and encouragement. Alan getting into a research study for his lungs. My mom moving to a rehab center. Access to good medical care for ailing family members. Friends who have reached out to me and many more special gifts.

Life is filled with dark times, but there are tiny breaks in the clouds. I want to be open to them.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 And now dear friends, may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. (NKJV)

Comforter, thank you for your hope and peace even in difficult circumstances. Amen

Look for the Light

Darkness enfolded me when I stepped onto the patio. High above the trees a slice of moon shone. 

During my mom’s hospitalization with constant detours and setbacks, it’s easy to get worn down. But the glimmer of the moon reminded me of the advent candles which point to Jesus and offer hope. 

When we focus on the darkness filled with seemingly endless problems, the light is ignored and fades. Broken marriages, addictions, job losses, evictions, diseases, accidents... Depression can extinguish the light and make life seem worthless.

Slowly the sunlight replaced the moon, and light revealed a gorgeous, new day. The worries and despair of the night lessened in the morning.  

Even a tiny flicker gives hope. Gradually the darkness flees. Light from the Advent candles remind us to prepare for Jesus, who is the Light of the World. He doesn’t always take away our pain and suffering or change our circumstances, but He goes along side us. 

“All this will flow from the kind of compassionate mercy of our God. A new day is dawning: the Sunrise from the heavens will break through our darkness, and those who huddle in night, those who sit in the shadow of death, will be able to rise and walk in the light guided in the pathway of peace.” Luke 2:78-79 (The Voice)

Yahweh Yireh, the God who sees the situation and provides for our needs, guide us and give us peace. Amen

Serenity in the Midst of Storms

         Like a gigantic painting, the peaceful lake scene held me captive. Dawn revealed dark trees and  a pale mirrored lake. Only a few ripples marred the surface.

After a stressful two weeks of uncertainty, fear, sadness, and decisions, returning to my retreat offered tranquility. 

After two weeks in the hospital, with one week of grave condition in ICU, my mom is improving each day. Though still weak, she is gaining strength and eating on her own. Tomorrow she is to move to a rehab center for more therapy. The plan is for her to be home by Christmas. Last week, that would have been an absurd dream.

Thankfully, my dad doesn’t have pneumonia but bronchitis with a bad cough. The doctor said that could continue for three weeks. His devotion to my mom takes him to the hospital several times each day so he hasn’t had much time to rest. A mask has become part of his outfit when he visits her.

The serenity of the lake this morning reminded me that God provides peace and comfort in the midst of stressful circumstances. I have been held up by family and friends who have acted as His hands and feet. What a blessing.

2 Thessalonians 3: 16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. (NKJV)

Heavenly Father, thank you for holding me in your arms. Amen

More Thankfulness for Another Miracle

“I don’t want to go back to the hospital.”

After having serious health problems for ten years, we could understand my mom’s reluctance to endure more medications and treatments that often made her worse. 

Though we understood she was tired of being sick, we weren’t ready to let her go. However, we didn’t think we should force treatment on an eighty-seven year old lady who was tired of the pain.

After calling my son Chris, Alan and I left for my parents’ home. I tried to prepare myself for the end but didn’t know what we would find when we arrived.

As we drove, Chris, Anne, Ashlyn, Emily and Molly prayed. Part of their prayer was that my mom would consent to go to the hospital for treatment.

My phone rang. “We are on the way to the hospital and will meet you there,” my dad said. “I didn’t mention going any more. She just said she wanted to go.”

We didn’t know what changed mother’s mind until I spoke with Anne. When she mentioned they had prayed for mother to go to the hospital, we knew we had another miracle.   

How thankful our family is for her being treated there. When the doctor said she had a nasty type of pneumonia, we knew if she had stayed at home, she would not have survived.

Though she is still in ICU, the doctor last night was more encouraging. Her lungs were clearer and her fever was gone. Hopefully, the sedation will soon be reduced and the ventilator taken out in the next couple of days.

Thank you for all of your prayers. They certainly do work. The quickly answered prayer reminded us that God listens and miracles do occur. 

He heals up the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

Dear Lord, thank you for watching over us and listening to our prayers. Amen

Thankfulness During Another Hospital Visit

A pale form sat in the wheelchair. Listless eyes opened and closed. Mother tried to smile when we walked into the hospital waiting room.

“I’d rather be home in bed,” she said.

We understood why she hadn’t wanted to go to the emergency room again. In six or seven weeks, she had been there three times. Another hospitalization wasn’t welcome news. 

After my dad’s phone call, Alan and I quickly prepared for the hour’s drive to their home.  With multiple issues, her health was precarious. We wondered how she would be when we got there. Thankfully, before we arrived, she had finally decided to go to the hospital.

After a rather prolonged time, they began the process of evaluating her. During the extended wait during the evening, I tried to find things to be thankful for. There were many. 

Cell phones to contact family members. A nearby hospital with caring doctors, nurses and other staff members. Blood tests and a lab to analyze them. Oxygen tanks to help her breathe. A mobile x-ray machine so she didn’t have to leave the room. An EKG machine to check her heart. A clean bed so she could stretch out and relax. Warm blankets to take off the chill. A dad who is devoted to his wife of sixty-eight years and patiently sat with her.

I remembered what our recent house guest from South Sudan said about his country’s hospitals. They have little equipment and medications. Many citizens die for lack of good medical care. What a blessing that we have well equipped medical facilities.

When my mom was stabilized and waiting for a room, Alan and I decided to leave for home. Even on the way, I thought of more to be thankful for. A husband willing to drop everything and drive me there. A new book for him to read while he waited. A reliable car with plenty of gas. A McDonald’s where we could get a late night snack. Light traffic and good weather for the late drive.

The first phone call caused anxiety and uncertainty. However, with prayer and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, peace and thankfulness returned. When I concentrated on the positive things, the rest receded. 

Please pray for continued healing, peace, and thankfulness. 

I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 Celebrate always, pray constantly, and give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.) The Voice

Thankful for the Visit

“Could we stop over for a visit today?” the email asked.

After talking with Alan, I answered the friend we had met while on a tour of Egypt and Jordan a few years ago. They had traveled from their home in California to see relatives who lived near us.

A little while later, two couples arrived. Our friends introduced us to their relatives. We settled onto the patio and talked like old friends. 

After a while, they asked about Alan’s lung disease. He explained the symptoms and advancing progression. He also told them that he might or might not be healed and knew it was all in God’s hands. 

“May we pray for you?” 

“Of course.”

Our friend said, “I felt God leading us to come and pray for you.”

As we all held hands and stood, they prayed. First for Alan and then for me. What a blessing.

They didn’t know if we would be receptive but came because God wanted them to do it. Their prayers were heartfelt and lifted us up.  Their obedience encouraged and blessed us. 

Each time I think of them, I hope that I will be as receptive when God leads me. How thankful I am to have friends who love God and display their faith.

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Ephesians 1:15-16

Dear Father, thank you for your servants. Help me to willingly follow your plans. Amen