Monday, December 17, 2018

A True Advent



I am filled with joy and my soul vibrates with exuberant hope, because of the Eternal my God. For He has dressed me with the garment of salvation, wrapped me with the robe of righteousness. It’s as though I’m dressed for my wedding day in the very best: a bridegroom’s garland and a bride’s jewels. (Isaiah 61: 10-11 The Voice)

Remembering five years ago. Grieving the loss of my dad months earlier. Grieving the final months with Alan after the doctor’s prognosis of six months to live. Grieving mother’s terminal condition. 

            Both Alan and mother were in hospice. Death hovered. Grief pricked me daily. 

            Christmas approached. Joyful songs played everywhere. Twinkling lights blinked happiness. Busy shoppers scurried from store to store. None of that really mattered to me. 

            I barely remember preparing at all. No tree. Few decorations in our home. But all around me, people prepared for the holiday. 

            During Advent, Christians anticipate the coming of Jesus. Candles are lit. Scriptures read. Days marked off on Advent calendars. 

            That year, Alan prepared to meet Jesus in a different way. Not in a Christmas play or candlelight service but face to face. 

            One day he said to me, “I wasn’t asleep but I saw Jesus. Like in a vision.”

            His surprising statement startled me. Never had he said anything like that. 

            “What was it like?”

            “He told me, ‘I am coming for you,’” Alan said. 

            I tried to absorb what he was telling me. It was too much.

            “Tell him not yet.” I said. I wasn’t ready for him to leave me. 

            Tears trickled from Alan’s eyes. “I see him every day.”

            As hard as it was to know Alan’s time was limited, his revelation comforted me in my sadness. He was at peace knowing he would be with Jesus. 

            Besides seeing Jesus, he kept seeing his aunt who had passed away. She spoke no words but smiled and motioned for him to cross the stream in front of her. 

            Each day, I pondered the visions he saw. My fact driven husband had never experienced anything like that before. His tears and joy when sharing the revelation confirmed the authenticity of it.
            When I met Alan, he wouldn’t even pray out loud with other people. Gradually, he began sharing his faith as we went on mission trips. His prayers at family gatherings went on and on as the food cooled. 

            However, most surprising to me was when he began sharing about Jesus during his last days. He talked to anyone who came to our home including friends, family and even the man who brought oxygen. Only God could have transformed a quiet, reserved man into a dying evangelist. 

            Before Christmas that year, Alan experienced a true Advent. He saw and heard from Jesus. A few weeks later, months short of his six months, he met Jesus face to face. 

            Though I still grieve, his anticipation and joy in going to heaven continues to give me peace and comfort. I see Advent differently now. What an incredible gift I received to see the love of God in Alan’s final steps to heaven. 

            Not everyone receives visions like Alan did, but we can all anticipate the coming of Jesus into our lives so we can let others know about him. Eventually, as Christians, we will one day meet him face to face. 

Lord, during this Advent season, help us anticipate the coming of Jesus and truly know him. Amen


            
            

Saturday, December 15, 2018

The Special Angel Tree



Three granddaughters joined me in making my home festive. While Emily and Molly took care of the nativity sets, Ashlyn easily transferred bins of Christmas items from the garage into my house. 

            Within minutes, she carried the long tree box to the living room, took out the sections and assembled it. I couldn’t believe how quickly she got it together. Then she pulled branches up and down to get the tree into the correct shape. 

            After that, she strategically placed sparkly, silver balls all around the tree. As she picked up various ornaments, I shared memories of them with her. 

            The year my dad passed away mother and Alan were both ill so we didn’t put up a tree. The next Christmas after Alan and mother passed away, it was too painful to even think about decorating a tree. 

            However, the following year, I decided to buy a tree and decorate it with angels  in memory of those who had passed away. I looked for all kinds of silver or white angels along with balls, snowflakes and ribbons. Each year, I looked for more angels to add to my collection. The angel tree brings memories but often tears too.

            This time was different because I didn’t have to decorate alone. Ashlyn carefully added each silver and white decoration. She even placed the vintage angel on top. 

            “How did you get her to stay upright?” I asked. 

            Ashlyn smiled. “I just bent the branches.”

            Even though I tried and tried, the angel would never stand straight so every year I would give up and replace her with a ribbon. But Ashlyn easily finished the tree with the lovely angel gazing out from the top. 

            Every time I look at my beautiful tree, I think of Ashlyn and her quiet, meticulous manner. This year my angel tree is even more special because of her love in helping me remember.  

Father, thank you for those I love who have passed and for those who continue to love me. Amen

            

Monday, December 10, 2018

Unfamiliar Nativities



Before my granddaughters arrived, I cleared shelves in my family room and imagined the nativity sets that would soon fill them. Every year, I carefully place each one in a specific spot with every figure in a certain position around the manger.

            This year when Ashlyn, Emily and Molly came to spend the night, we decided to decorate my house. I looked forward to not carrying the bins of decorations into the house and not being alone as I went through memorable keepsakes. Their infectious enthusiasm put me into a holiday mood instead of feeling sad that I was alone. 

            As Molly and Emily unwrapped boxes of olive wood figures, I told them about purchasing the sets in Israel. When they took paper off ceramic figurines, I explained the set had been my parents’. Memories flowed from me to the girls as I remembered other Christmases. 

            While I dug through bins of decorations, the two younger girls took care of the numerous nativities from the United States and around the world. A tall church with a manger scene from Peru, a stone one from Kenya, homemade ones and a painted picture from Ashlyn. Some had moveable pieces and others were carved or formed into stationary scenes. Every one had a story and meant a lot to me. 

            When they finished, I looked at various scenes before me. The characters were the same but in different positions. Instead of my symmetrical arrangements, shepherds were grouped together at one side with animals among them. Wise men stood way back.  One nativity set had all of the figures far apart on the entire shelf. 

            At first, I thought we should change them. But on closer inspection, I realized I liked the new way. The girls carefully put every piece where it needed to be. Their interpretation gave me a new perspective.  

            Of course the sheep should be close to the shepherds instead of in front. The shepherds were probably talking about what they were seeing. Maybe deciding if they should get close and what to say to the young girl and man next to the baby. 

          Even though the Wise Men actually appeared a couple of years after Jesus’s birth, modern nativity sets include them. Perhaps they did stand far off in awe when they first saw Him. 

            Why did I think the shepherds and Wise Men should be exactly the same distance from Jesus? Why did it always have to be a certain way?  

            Not only did the girls get me into the holiday spirit but they gave me a fresh perspective of those who came to see the baby Jesus. Every time I look at my extensive display, I remember their excitement and am thankful I can continue to learn from them. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for grandchildren and for all they can teach. Amen
             

Monday, November 26, 2018

The Altered Journey



May we never tire of doing what is good and right before our Lord because in His season we shall bring in a great harvest if we can just persist. So seize any opportunity the Lord gives you to do good things and be a blessing to everyone, especially those within our faithful family. (Galatians 6: 9-10 The Voice)

The trunk lid closed with a suitcase, cooler and shoes inside. The beginning of my solo trip began as I pulled out of the garage. So did my tears. 

            When I prepared for my Thanksgiving journey to my niece’s home, I looked forward to seeing my family. But grief, once again, ambushed me. Memories swirled of happier times when everyone sat around the table and celebrated. 

            Reality made me remember the tough times around Thanksgiving too. When I was a child, a phone call interrupted our meal with my mom’s family to let us know my other grandpa passed away. When I was in college, grandma went to the hospital before Thanksgiving and passed away the day after. A few years ago, another phone call came with unwelcome news as we began to eat. My nephew was in ICU. Painful situations altered other Thanksgivings over the years. 

            In my mind, I wanted a perfect holiday but many of mine had hardly been ideal. Often family members were missing so this year would not be that different. Of course, driving alone on unfamiliar roads made the whole trip more difficult. 

            For about five minutes, tears flowed. Then I decided my journey would be an adventure and not a sorrowful drive. 

            Sunshine and blue sky joined me while I drove in light traffic on the interstate. Praise music and sermons on thankfulness boosted my spirit. I did have much to be thankful for despite the empty chairs. 

            After leaving the highway an hour later, I pulled into a McDonald’s for a drink and break. However, flashing lights on three police cars in the parking lot and officers entering the restaurant, changed my mind. 

            A stream of customers entered the Wawa across the street as I pulled into their parking lot. I felt more secure and safe there.

            Inside the store, I took a cup of tea to the counter. The clerk looked at me and said, “Are you just getting a drink?”

            “Yes.”

            “You are good,” she said.

            “I don’t have to pay for it?” I asked. 

            “No,” she said with a smile. “Happy Thanksgiving.”

            “Happy Thanksgiving to you too,” I said.  

            Her act of kindness soothed the ache in my heart. She had no idea how she helped 

a lonely traveler and encouraged me to reach out to someone else.

            Later at a stoplight, a ragged looking man stood beside the road with a cardboard

sign. However, his was different than most.

            It read  Palm roses. Donations accepted. 

            In his hand, he held flowers made of palm fronds. To people in the long line of 

cars, he seemed invisible.

            I rolled down my window and motioned to him. He walked across the road, and 

we exchanged blooms for money. He didn’t ask for a handout but something for what he 

made. I hoped that I encouraged him like the lady at Wawa did for me.  

            From the well-traveled highways, I continued on rural roads and experienced a bit 

of nostalgia. Fields of crops. Cattle and horses grazing. Goats munching. I passed through 

small towns and by country churches. Moss covered trees swayed in breezes. With each 

mile, I thanked God for many wonderful things in my life. 

            What began as a lonely journey, turned into a trip of blessings. I looked forward 

to celebrating with family and new friends instead of lamenting those who were missing. 

Loving Father, thank you for putting people in my life who lift me up. Help me do the 

same for others. Amen

             

Friday, October 19, 2018

Wilted Hairstyle


 Since you are all set apart by God, made holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a holy way of life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Put up with one another. Forgive. Pardon any offenses against one another, as the Lord has pardoned you, because you should act in kind. But above all these, put on love! Love is the perfect tie to bind these together. Let your hearts fall under the rule of the Anointed’s peace (the peace you were called to as one body), and be thankful.  Let the word of the Anointed One richly inhabit your lives. With all wisdom teach, counsel, and instruct one another. Sing the psalms, compose hymns and songs inspired by the Spirit, and keep on singing—sing to God from hearts full and spilling over with thankfulness.  Surely, no matter what you are doing (speaking, writing, or working), do it all in the name of Jesus our Master, sending thanks through Him to God our Father. (Colossians 3: 12-17 The Voice)
            Gel went onto my freshly shampooed hair and rollers formed curls. After a brush styled it, hairspray held my hair in place. A glance at the mirror showed it looked good.  
            Then I stepped outside into Florida’s humidity. Moisture dampened and flattened the time consuming hairdo. Within minutes, the look of my hair changed dramatically because of the environment. 
            On my recent retreat in North Carolina, I was immersed in godly teaching and meaningful Christian music. Everyone attending the conference and the staff of the center showed Christian love. The entire experience gave me peace and contentment. Love enfolded me. 
            Being secluded at the retreat, can help prepare and encourage me to go into a broken world. It is easy to be kind and loving when surrounded by loving people. The real test comes when I return to the real world. 
            Would I be able to be kind to annoying people? Would I continue to have peace when caught in traffic? Would I remain strong when hit with difficult circumstances? 
            Like my hair drooping in the humidity, it is easy to bend and fall with the trials of the world. But with the help of Jesus, I can remain strong.
Father, give me the strength and peace to endure whatever life brings. Amen 

Sunday, October 7, 2018

The Lizard and the Vanishing Dragonfly



Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19: 26 WEB)

            From my porch chair, I noticed a peculiar creature on the screen and couldn’t figure out what it was. Up close, I discovered a brown lizard with four transparent wings protruding from his mouth. The outlandish sight distracted me from my morning devotions. 

            The predator gripped a large dragonfly in the center of the defenseless bug’s body. Never had I observed a lizard capture such a large, swift insect. 

            For fifteen or twenty minutes, I studied him through the screen as he struggled with his prey. Bit by bit, tiny teeth nibbled. A faint crunch sounded with each bite. Two wings vanished into the wee mouth. With every breath, his lungs heaved but he didn’t stop. 

            While he ate, the anole moved up and down my screen. His head turned back and forth to help move the meal into his mouth. Gradually, only two wings and the slender body remained. Little by little, almost all of it descended into his fat belly. 

            The final piece of wing glistened in the sunlight. At the end of his meal, his mouth opened and closed numerous times. His tongue shot out as the finale of a delicious feast.  
Then he rested among my flowers. 

            The amazing incident astounded me. I could not understand how the lizard caught a rapid dragonfly and ate such a large creature compared to his size. When I looked at his tiny body and miniscule mouth, the process seemed impossible.  However, with time and perseverance, he accomplished his goal. 

            Often, situations appear too big and grueling for me to handle. Tasks seem impossible. But with God’s wisdom, guidance, and strength, I can persevere and conquer my challenges like the lizard did before my eyes.  

Heavenly Father, thank you for your extraordinary creatures and your plan for each one. Thank you for teaching me through them and for helping me accomplish what I often think is impossible. Amen

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Surprise Grandeur



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. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

            As the sky lightened, ebony gave way to dusty blue in tiny bursts. Shadowy trees materialized around the lake. 

            With the dawn, birds awoke and joined into a chorus of songs. Their chirping rose louder and louder with the light. 

            A bit of pink glowed behind a lofty pine tree. Then an explosion of coral infused the eastern sky. Flashes of pink tinged scattered clouds in the south. No word could describe the breathtaking display. 

            I simply sat and stared. The morning gift astounded me. The loveliness and surprise grandeur provided a sense of awe and peacefulness.

            Too soon, deep pink faded to pale rose and finally to off white. But with the color changes, a collection of clouds swept over the blue sky. Fluffy. Small. Large. Filmy. Endless. A vast expanse of heavenly beauty with no discernable movement captured my attention.

            The tranquility and wonder of the dawn exhibition reminded me of God’s work in my life. He often surprises me with more than I ever expected. He brings change which I only notice when I look back. I need to remember what He has done for me in the past and take time to enjoy what has been given to me each day. 

Creator, thank you for the amazing displays of your creation. Help me to notice and appreciate all that you do for me. Amen

            

Friday, September 14, 2018

Listening to the Voice



DEMONSTRATE Your ways, O Eternal One.  Teach me to understand so I can follow.
EASE me down the path of Your truth. FEED me Your word because You are the True God who has saved me. I wait all day long, hoping, trusting in You.
 (Psalm 25: 4-5 The Voice)

            A mass of swirling clouds danced across the dark lake. The wisps rose and twirled as dawn awakened. Cypress trees stood like statues. Not a leaf stirred on trees or flowers. 
Except for whirling fog above the water, movement stopped. Normal life halted. 

            As the sun rose, fog deepened and further disguised the lake and trees. Bit by bit, they disappeared before my eyes. I stared at the lake and, finally, saw slivers of tiny ripples. 

            A solitary, boisterous crow broke the silence with his annoying caws. Then he flew away. Quiet returned. 

            From across the lake, squealing chatter erupted. I searched without success to see the majestic birds. Their shrill shrieks continued for a few minutes and then ceased. Haze prevented me from observing the bald eagles. 

            During the summer, they perched in trees across the lake. Neighbors along the shore, texted each other whenever someone saw them. A friend taught me to recognize the voices of the birds. With careful observation, a listening ear, and much patience, I often enjoyed their presence. 

            Hearing God’s voice also takes observation, a listening ear and patience. He speaks through His Word as I read my Bible each day. I notice Him as I study His creation. Sometimes, he instructs me through a sermon, book or another Christian. The more I know Him, the easier it is to identify His voice. 

            One way He speaks to me is through my writing. I see a situation and instantly notice a lesson that I write about. When I was younger, that didn’t happen. Was it because I wasn’t paying attention or because He wasn’t showing me anything? I am not sure but probably because I wasn’t attuned to Him. 

Teacher, I want to be able to listen when you speak. Open my eyes, ears and my heart. Amen 

Monday, September 3, 2018

Unflinching Pallbearers



            Step by step the honor guard moved in perfect precision from the Capitol to the sidewalk below. Strong hands held tightly to the casket of Senator John McCain as he made his final journey from the iconic building where he served for many years. 

            Even as the elite group moved downward, the flag draped casket remained sturdy. Arms adjusted to keep it level on their long walk. Heads never turned. Eyes stared straight ahead. Only after intensive training could they perform so flawlessly. 

            Only a few feet from the top, wind caught the plastic cover on the flag. It billowed and a section landed on the head of a military pallbearer. Without flinching, he continued his duties stoically while plastic encased his head and shoulders. His eyes focused forward and his feet continued the downward trek. Even though his comrades must have noticed his unusual headgear, no one appeared to see it. 

            My eyes stayed on the young man who displayed remarkable endurance and discipline. He refused to acknowledge the problem or his own discomfort. 

            Only after the casket went into the hearse, did he try to pull the plastic off. With one swipe, it moved but went back over his face. With the honor guard still at attention, a comrade stepped up and gently removed the piece of plastic. However, the hat came off too. Before it fell to the ground, his helpful companion carefully replaced it. Even during that maneuver, none of the military pallbearers moved his eyes, head or hands. 

            The precision teamwork and focus on duty of the honor guard was a tribute not only to Senator McCain but also to all Americans. With all of the challenges our country continues to face, how thankful we can be to the men and women who selflessly love and serve our country.

Saturday, August 11, 2018

A Wee Visitor



God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning the sixth day. (Genesis 1: 31 NIV)

            When I added the scraggly, clearance plant to my garden, I didn’t even know what kind it was but it grew and provided for many tiny creatures. The stems shot up as tall as four feet.

            Every day bees clustered within its foliage. Soaring stems of red orange blooms bounced up and down each time a bee gathered pollen and nectar. Its jumble of color delighted me but I didn’t even know its name. 

            Occasionally, a hummingbird joined the bees for a morning treat. He darted from flower to flower to savor the nectar. His frantic pace only allowed a couple of seconds at each stop as he visited a number of them before zooming away. Because I was inside the screened porch, I observed without disturbing him. 

            When doing my morning devotions, I waited for him to appear and marveled at his tiny size and vibrating wings. He hovered to eat but moved sideways to leave. I learned he preferred red blooms and ignored my pink, white and lavender flowers. Only once did he bring a companion.

            One day while working in my garden, a surprise awaited me. I stood up and at eye level about three feet away, a hummingbird hovered like a helicopter. His body hung vertically as his eyes stared into mine. For a few seconds, I stared back in disbelief and wonder. Then he dipped his wings and flew away like an airplane.

            Our encounter astonished me. Never had the hummingbird come that close nor hovered in midair without pulling nectar from the flowers. What a gift it was to see him up close and have him look into my eyes. 

            God’s creation is full of great masterpieces and also small ones. The hummingbird reminded me to be on the lookout for little things in life that can bring joy. It is easy to overlook seemingly insignificant people, events, and even creatures in favor of the bigger, stronger and louder. Special blessings could be missed. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your creation including the tiny ones. Help me to notice and appreciate whatever is around me. Amen
            
            

            
            

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Forced Stillness



“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46: 10 WEB)

            At dawn, heavy clouds ensnared the sun. Rain pelted the lake. In Florida, summer rains normally appeared in the afternoons. 

            Because of the gloom, birds hid. No turkeys, sand hill cranes, or cardinals visited my yard. Silence replaced cheerful bird songs. Even bees refused to flit from flower to flower. Dejected blooms had no visitors. 

            For a couple of hours, the dismal feeling encompassed my sanctuary. It matched my somber mood as I longed to resume my life after enduring a virus, bronchitis, and surgery. 

            But by the end of my devotional time, the weather changed. Clouds slid away to reveal a beautiful, blue sky. A chorus of songs surged into a symphony. A large, black bee and orange butterfly plucked pollen from the blooms. A squirrel scampered within the cypress trees. Lizards scurried up and down the screen. Life had returned and renewed my hope. 

            Even though my debilitating symptoms disappeared, energy remained elusive.  My body quickly rejected most activity. Over and over, friends and family told me to rest and not rush the healing. 

            Reluctantly, I agreed to continue my extended rest. I learned to enjoy reading a variety of books. Old sit coms made me laugh and reminded me of simpler times. Educational shows increased my knowledge on several topics. My forced relaxation helped me appreciate the quiet times. Embrace the solitude. 

            Each day, I read the wall plaque given to me by my son and his family. 

            Be Still and Know that I am God.   Psalm 46: 10
            
            For four weeks, I had to watch church online instead of attending. Last week, Pastor Matt displayed a plaque with the same Scripture. His sermon reminded us to be still even in our trials. Just what I needed to hear. 

            During this time, God has been teaching me to be more patient and trust Him. Hopefully, my time to rest will end soon. Life will resume like it did on my lake.  

Loving Father, thank you for being with me in my trials. Help me to remember the lessons I learned during my time of rest. Amen

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Blessings During Uncertainty



Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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)


            Cool water surrounded me. Even during warm up exercises, I huffed and puffed to keep up. Was I out of shape or was there a problem?

            After the water aerobics class the teacher stopped me. “How are you doing?”

            “I had trouble breathing,” I said. We had talked earlier about my continued problems. 

            “You need to call your doctor,” she said. 

            Because of her health issues, I listened to her advice. As soon as I got home, I called the cardiologist’s office to get an earlier appointment with the physician’s assistant. 

            “We don’t have any openings with Amber but Dr. Jamnadas could see you today,” the receptionist said. 

            “That would be wonderful.” I couldn’t believe it. He was the one I wanted to see but it was difficult to get an appointment with the busy doctor. 

            All the way to the office in Orlando, I marveled at the miracle of seeing the doctor that day. 

            In the crowded waiting room, an elderly lady sat near me. Our brief conversation helped me. The day before, my doctor had inserted stents in her leg veins. Her husband also died of a lung disease, and we lived in the same town about an hour away. Both of us were Christians. 

            After telling her about my situation, she turned to me and said, “Dr. Jamnadas will find out what is wrong with you. He’ll take good care of us.” 

            Her encouraging words helped calm me as I dealt with the uncertainty of my situation but knew God was with me. 

            When a young lady took me back for a blood pressure check and ekg, she looked at my name. “Rebecca, that is a good biblical name,” she said with a smile. 

            Another kind Christian gave me comfort. 

            Finally, an entourage entered the examining room with me. Dr. J and three young people. One lady kept her hands busy on a laptop. The other two listened to everything the doctor said. 

            I answered his questions as he studied my chart. “That should have been in her chart,” he said to the young people.

            He continued probing but his next comments startled me. “You have too many risks and are aging too quickly. Uncontrolled blood pressure. Uncontrolled cholesterol. Strokes. TIA’s. Sleep apnea.”

            Was I on my death bed? 

            He began ordering a whole series of tests. I remembered the words of the lady in the waiting room. 

            “Thank you for looking for a reason,” I said. “Other doctors just kept giving me more medicine.”

            He smiled. “I want to see you back in 48 hours.” 

            He left with his protégés. I later learned that one lady was a new PA and the young man had come from Australia to learn from my doctor. 

            For an hour, the appointment assistant made calls and tried to arrange all of my tests before I returned. 

            The local Christian station played quietly as I waited. “I like your music,” I said. It was another Christian connection.

            “Thanks,” 

            “I have to go tell Dr. J that I can’t get all of the tests by Friday.”

            “ I will pray for you,” I said.

            In a few minutes, she returned. “Your prayer didn’t work. He said to make it work by Friday.”

            She had to start over with the appointments to make sure all tests were done in time. More phone calls but she did it. Her sense of humor kept us laughing. It also kept me from worry about the whole process. 

             My friend, Margot, went with me to my Friday appointment to offer support. 

            Dr. J said, “Your heart is fine. But you have renal stenois.”

            In my mind, I thought I had a blockage in my heart. The good news about my heart crushed my concern. However, the kidney problems loomed and surprised me. 

            I tried to listen as the young man explained the blockage in my arteries. Dr. J continued by telling me about the angioplasty and stents. Hormones released by my kidneys raised blood pressure when not enough blood flowed. My blood pressure should go down so that medications wouldn’t be required. 

            Again, I waited while more appointments were made for the pre ops, post ops and two procedures. Everyone in the office worked efficiently and offered kindness. 

            At each point of the journey, God showed up in wonderful ways and continues to do so with numerous prayers and help from family and friends. The whole process revealed how blessed I am. 

            Tomorrow, the first stent will be inserted after the angioplasty. Please pray for the doctor and his staff. Also, pray that the procedure goes well and I continue to have peace about it. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the ways you show up at just the right time. Amen   

Thursday, July 12, 2018

The Hazy Future



“Are any of us strong enough to give God a hand, or smart enough to give him advice?” (Psalm 22: 2-3 The Message)

            A red ball glowed between the far away trees. Water droplets glimmered on nearby blades of grass. A large black and yellow bee maneuvered through spires of purple and orange blooms that pointed skyward.

            Echoing chirps sounded around the lake. Crickets hummed. A duck formed a perfect V shaped wake on the still water. I loved the beauty of the morning. 

            But minutes later when I glanced up from my writing, a different view greeted me. Beside my patio, I clearly saw the grass and flowers. But haze swept across the lake, water plants, and trees. Faint images replaced distinct ones. Trees blended together into a blurry mass of green. 

            In the foggy state, I experienced a peaceful contentment. A different kind of beauty. A type of wonder and expectation of what was ahead. A time to enjoy the present. 

            After being confined by a virus for too long, my mind conjured a list of what if’s about my upcoming surgeries. While in bed, I wondered if the procedures would be delayed. My mind scheduled people to drive me and stay with me after the surgeries. I didn’t want to inconvenience anyone too much. Worry planning added to my already poor sleep. 

            Then two friends offered advice. When I worried about putting people out, the first one said, “Stop it. You have done that for me.”

            I remembered. I was glad to help her and others when they needed it. I also had counseled friends to accept help gratefully. 

            As I complained about being stuck in the house, the second friend said, “God is telling you to be still.” 

            Both of them gave me good advice and made me think. When I picked up my Bible, it opened to Psalm 46:10. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” NIV

            That same verse is on a plaque on my wall given to me by my son’s family. What should have been a reminder during my sickness.  

            As the sun rose, the lake and trees reappeared in a beautiful display. The brief haze reminded me that only God sees the future clearly. My complex, worry planning won’t alter His plan. Even though I don’t know what lies ahead, I can learn to be content and trust Him with my future and all the details. 

Loving Father, thank you for wise friends. Thank you for using your creation to teach me. Amen

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Homebound and Alone?



Weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5 NIV)

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 19 NIV)

            Homebound for days. Confined to bed and the couch. Energy waned. When activity slowed, perspectives changed.

            Thoughts of food brought nausea. The endless journey to the kitchen seemed like an impossible dream. 

            Sickness intensified loneliness. No one brought a glass of water. No bread went into the toaster. The kitchen remained untidy. No box of Kleenex by the bed. The light didn’t go off. No hugs or good nights. 

            While I lay in bed, I remembered. Alan took care of me when I was sick and after an operation. Tears came but didn’t linger. 

            After sending a brief message about my recent health issues, I went back to bed. What a surprise to see a full inbox and scores of text messages when I got up. 

            Friends prayed and offered to help. My doorbell rang. Smiling faces greeted a weary one.  Medicine and food appeared just when I needed it. When my appetite returned, more delicious food arrived. 

            Beautiful cards bore heartfelt sentiments and lingered on my counter. Calls came to check on me. 

            In my grief, loneliness, and weakness, God provided. Over and over, people both near and far prayed and took care of my immediate needs. Though at first, I felt alone, I really wasn’t.

            Unless we are vulnerable, we may never experience the fullness and healing of God’s love through other people. 

Loving Father, even in my darkest times, you are with me. I am blessed to be surrounded by countless loving people. Amen