Hearing the Voice

Nevertheless, I am continually with You: You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel and afterward receive me to glory.

Psalm 73:23-24 (NKJV)

A curtain of black covered my patio. A variety of sounds pierced the blackness. Crickets hummed. A small plane nearby slowly disappeared. Leaves rustled. 

            Although I saw nothing beyond my lanai, when I listened intently, I recognized some of the familiar sounds.  

            Did I hear raindrops? Was a squirrel scampering through the oak tree? In the darkness, I wasn’t sure. 

As night turned to day, light illuminated the sky and peeked through the trees. 

Trees swayed. A plane twinkled in the emerging sky. Birds flew across the lake. I could see and not just imagine what was there. 

In my busy life, how often do I hear God? Do I focus on the Holy Spirit so that I am confident of what I hear? Or do I only notice Him when I can see the creation He has made? How often do I miss Him? 

When I read the Bible and pray regularly, my mind and heart are more open to how God is working in my life. The nudge from the Holy Spirit is more apparent to me. His guidance instructs me. 

Loving Father, be patient as we learn to listen and obey you each day. Amen

 

The Revived Orchid

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:29-31(NIV)

Months ago, I moved one of my nearly dead orchids from the plant stand on the patio to the oak tree behind my house. Friends placed their orchids under a tree when they left for the summer. It was worth a try since the lifeless plant looked beyond help anyway. 

            I placed it in an old macrame hanger and tied it to a large limb. The too small hanger made the already dejected looking specimen hang sideways. At least the dead leaves and crooked roots didn’t mar my patio any longer. 

            While working in my yard, I would notice the scraggly mess and think of throwing it away. But it remained. 

            As Hurricane Ian approached, potted plants went into the patio and lined the wall. I felt sorry for the excluded orchid so I attempted to take it down. However, the knot refused to loosen and I didn’t want to stop to get scissors so the hanger and plant remained outside.

            Three weeks after the storm, from the house I noticed yellow leaves on the poor plant. When I went outside to pluck them, the reality astonished me. Instead of three dead leaves, three gorgeous, yellow blooms smiled at me. 

            Not only did the orchid survive the gales and torrents of the hurricane for hours and hours but it flourished. What a beautiful example of God’s love and care. 

            When we face our own storms and feel there is no hope, God doesn’t give up on us. He can take the broken pieces and create something beautiful that we never imagined. 

            As people around Florida struggle to rebuild and repair the physical damage from the hurricane, God is working to repair their lives. To give hope, encouragement and purpose for discouraged souls. 

Abba Father, you are with us even in our distress. You take the effects of our storms and make them into something worthwhile. Thank you for always loving us. 

Amen

Shifting Sands

 

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:10-13 (NIV)

 

When hurricane Ian charged across Florida, the storm churned waters of the Atlantic along the east coast. Sand shifted onto streets, walkways and lawns. Steps to the shore were covered and mounds remained far from the water. 

            Wind and water altered the shape of the beach. Ian left a darker, heavier sand filled with shell fragments which covered the normally smooth surface. 

            A leisurely stroll on the beach before the hurricane would have left light footprints. However, walking after Ian was much different. It took longer to even get to the beach because some entrances were closed. Layers of sand covered walkways. 

            Each step into the dense sand left deep imprints. With every stride, I sank my heel down further than normal to steady myself. The walk along the water reminded me of winter in Indiana after a heavy snow. Each step deliberate and rather slow. 

Trails from beachgoers looked like large animals had crisscrossed the shoreline. The mile long hike felt much longer because of the difficult steps. 

            All across Florida, people are dealing with the effects of Ian. Some minor with only a few sticks to pick up. In nearby areas, flooding continues and its aftermath evident. An untold number of people face loss of loved ones, homes, and businesses. Grief and anxiety abound. 

            My walk on the beach reminded me that we all face times where storms strike and life knocks us around. We struggle to tramp through the mess. But in the midst of the battles, we can find hope. 

Neighbors and strangers reach out to those in distress. Even those who have lost much help out. 

The church has an opportunity to love like Jesus. 

Heavenly Father, come to us in our storms. Give us strength to endure and to help others. Amen

 

Courage Not Fear in the Storm

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever,For in Yah, the Lord, is ^[b]everlasting strength.

Isaiah 26:3-4 (NKJV)

Through a break in the trees, a beam of sunlight glowed from shore to shore on the dark lake. In the cool dawn, little clouds formed over the water and swirled along the light. 

            As the sun traveled toward the tree tops, an arc of sunbeams joined the dancing mist. The unusual phenomenon captured my attention. 

            Dewdrops glittered on my flowers. Overhead wispy white clouds painted an azure sky. After days of gray clouds, I stared at the gorgeous spectacle. 

            Then the sun exposed another surprise. An expansive spider web hung from the lower limbs of a tall bald cypress standing on the shore. When I walked across the water-logged lawn, the grass squished with each step. One day earlier, that area had been part of the lake.  

            What an incredible sight! For days constant winds lashed limbs back and forth. Unrelenting rain hammered our state, as the gigantic hurricane inched its way to the north. Despite ferocious weather, the spider web clutched tightly. 

            The intricate design had several holes but the form remained intact. Strong threads held it securely at the top and bottom. Later in the day, I saw a black and orange spider nestled within the web. 

            In the aftermath of the disastrous hurricane, what do we attach ourselves to? For many people, material possessions vanished or were damaged. Loved ones gone. Homes lost. Cars totaled. Prized belongings destroyed. 

            Everyone, those who endured the storm and those who worried about us, suffered in some way. Perhaps worldly goods remained intact but anxiety, fear, or apprehension took over. Uncertainty about the future brought trepidation. 

            If God can create spiders who form unyielding webs, He can make strong, courageous people to withstand the storms of life. It isn’t easy but possible with Jesus. 

Loving Father, thank you for being with us in our storms. Some come from the weather. Others come from difficult situations around us and also from within. However, You give us peace and strength for whatever we face. Amen           

 

Waiting for the Storm

 

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Psalm 62:8 NIV

Today’s the day. After endless broadcasts about the approaching hurricane, Florida waits for landfall. 

            Brightly colored weather maps show possible wind intensity and inches of rain. Changing squiggly lines display the path of the monster storm. Reports of floods and tornadoes add to the dire predictions. 

            Until today, I only occasionally listened to the weather reports so I could be prepared. 

            I secured furniture and plants on my patio. Four chrysalises hung from the top of the butterfly cage and two caterpillars have plenty of milkweed. Their enclosure is next to the wall and away from rain. 

            Instead of riding out the storm alone, I will be leaving soon for my son’s home. I am confident my house would be secure but with a few days of heavy rain and raging wind, staying alone would probably be very stressful. 

            A suitcase is packed with necessary supplies, food in a bag, yarn to crochet, I-pad, phone and chargers. Insurance papers in a plastic ziplock bag, and plenty of books. Doors locked. AC turned up. Almost ready to leave. 

            Rain soaked roads are busy as people leave. Soon I will be with them as I travel to be with my family. 

            As we wait, we have no idea how the storm will affect us. Rain, wind, flooding, tornadoes… But as Christians, we know that God is in control. I can be prepared somewhat but can’t change the weather conditions. 

            Disasters normally bring people together as we have opportunities to be kind and help each other. I plan to stay connected to friends and family around the state. To give updates to those who are concerned about us. 

            Please pray for all of us in Florida. In the middle of our storms, we can rely on God. 

 

Father, be with us in our recent storms whether related to weather or other situations. Thank you for your love and care. Amen

Our Goodbyes

 

The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you; and give you peace.

Numbers 6: 24-26 NIV

As I prepared this morning to leave on a short trip, my mind filled with memories of good byes. 

            Friends and family members struggle with the reality of farewells. Even when leaving is voluntary and exciting, departing can cause sadness and uncertainty. In some instances, the departure might be forced and excruciating for everyone involved. 

            Recently, I have observed all kinds of goodbyes. Students beginning college anticipate joyfully their new stage of life but endure sadness at leaving a loving home. Too many friends are experiencing a loved one whose body remains healthy but the mind is on its own journey. In other cases, the mind is intact but the body is wasting away. 

            Recruits and long-time service members deploy as their families stay behind. Spouses decide they no longer want to be part of the marriage and leave a hurting partner. 

In every case, there is grief, perhaps mixed with joy, for those leaving and for the ones left behind. None of the situations are easy but a part of life. Even when the end of the journey seems wonderful, the process can be painful. 

In all of my goodbyes, God has been with me but the walk hasn’t been easy. 

Loving Father, give us peace and comfort as we navigate the season of saying goodbye. Amen.

Hope in Isolation

 My new book is coming out soon. It is Hope in Isolation which is a book of devotionals about being in isolation. We can be isolated in all kinds of situations. 

Here is the website. Hopeinisolation.com