Tuesday, December 23, 2014

In the Quiet: a Christmas Reflection

In the Quiet: a Christmas Reflection         

In all the flurry of Christmas preparations, programs, parties, gifts, and unexpected events, my most favorite part is in the quiet.
               Growing up, our house was located a block from our church so, weather permitting, our family would walk the short distance to attend the services. After the 11 o’clock candlelight Christmas Eve service, we would usually walk home together. However, on occasion I would walk home by myself. It was in those quiet, unrushed walks when I truly felt the impact of Christmas. Night’s cold air accompanied me as I would stare into the star-filled sky and imagine a host of angels announcing the birth of the Christ child to those startled shepherds. At times, I thought I could hear the angel chorus.  But it was the stillness of the wind, the quiet of the sleepy, little town, and the pure silence of the night that made my heart pound with the wonder of Christmas.
               Then, later as a mother of four, Christmas Eve day became a continual list of to-dos.  By the time night came, and the kids and my husband were pretending sleep in their beds, I would finally have the chance to be selfish. I would turn off all the lights except the Christmas tree, snitch a cookie left for Santa, collapse in my favorite chair, and absorb the quiet.  In the silence, I would again reflect upon the significance of the season, appreciate the brief existing peace, and look forward to Christmas morn.
               Now, as the years have passed and our children have grown with homes of their own, Christmas Eves are celebrated in a variety of ways.  However, no matter the form, the quiet will find me.  Perhaps it will appear in the beauty of the glittering Christmas tree or maybe in the night as I venture outside for one last glance into the solemn, starlit sky.  And perhaps once again my imagination will take me to that first Christmas Eve when Jesus came to save us for Him.  


“That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them.  The shepherds were frightened. But the angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.’”    Luke 2: 8-11 CEV    (you emphasized)

Monday, December 15, 2014

A Roll of Quarters: a Christmas Blessing

A Roll of Quarters: a Christmas Blessing

I had made a last minute stop at our local grocery store to finish buying food for our Christmas dinner.  Surprisingly, the store wasn’t overrun with customers so I was able to take my time. When I went to check out, a woman of lesser means stood at the register in front of me. I didn’t pay much attention until I saw her place a roll of quarters on the counter, and the check-out clerk had asked her if she wanted to pay her bill with the quarters.  The lady shook her head so the checker began to unravel the roll. At that moment, the Spirit nudged me to action.
“Wait,” I said. “I’ll pay her bill. She can keep her quarters.”
The response I received from this lady more than repaid my small donation. Her smile revealed both surprise and appreciation as she thanked me and merrily passed from my view.
Reflecting on this incident as I drove home, I realized God had given me an opportunity to show His love, and thankfully, I had reacted.  However, perhaps I had received the greater blessing because she had genuinely appreciated my gesture of kindness. Sometimes we don’t show our appreciation to others when they give us help or gifts or conversation. We take them and the objects of their good will for granted.  I hope the next time someone offers me an act of kindness, I’ll appreciate it like the lady in the  grocery store.


 “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.”  2 Peter 1:5 – 7







Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A Poem


Several of my friends have recently mentioned how they are clinging to Jesus as they face personal challenges. After listening to their situations, I noticed how the idea of clinging to Jesus kept coming up in the devotions I was reading as well as in Scripture. Consequently, the following poem emerged.
May you find comfort as you "cling" to Jesus through all of life's trials.



CLINGING TO JESUS

I want to cling to you, Jesus,
Like a piece of plastic wrap to fingers,
Like an errant spider web to hair,
Like dryer sheets to slacks.

I want to cling to You, Jesus,
Like a wet bathing suit after a swim,
Like morning dew to a blade of grass,
Like dust to a well-worn piano bench.

I want to cling to You, Jesus,
When storms of life invade my peace;
When silence becomes my enemy;
When relationships drift apart and cease.

I want to cling to you, Jesus,
When life’s challenges intensify;
When truth and confidence take a slide;
When water streams from swollen eyes.

I want to cling to You, Jesus,
Where trust never breaks;
Where hope never falters;
Where faithfulness never fades.

I want to cling to You, Jesus,
Safe and secure in Your strong, encircling arms.

                                                                                                VLK

“that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling (emphasis added) to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days…”  
Deuteronomy 30:20


            

Monday, December 8, 2014

The Christmas Tree

The following true story was written in 2007 and was printed in the Kansas Country Living Magazine as a Christmas memory.  

The Christmas Tree

Christmas was a few days away. My mom had been bedridden with the flu so we didn’t have a tree because she usually picked one up at our local grocery store. With Mom sick and Dad busy with work, I was afraid we weren’t going to have a Christmas tree.
            Mom had noticed my sad face and instantly knew what was wrong. She suggested that Dad and I go to the grocery store to buy one. After a quick supper, Dad and I hit the streets.
 Only two mangled trees remained on the grocery store’s parking lot. Neither Dad nor I liked our choices, but we were thankful that we had a choice. Looking both trees over closely, Dad thought he could cut a few branches here and there to revive the one.
            When we got home, Dad found his hand saw and cut away. I unpacked the tree stand and the Christmas decorations. Mom had managed to leave her bed and was assisting us as much as possible.
            Dad’s job was to put on the lights first; then, we did the rest. This year, however, I did the decorating solo while Mom offered suggestions from the sofa. When we finished, we turned off the house lights and plugged in the tree lights. Despite its crooked trunk and crippled branches, its colorful array of ornaments, garland and icicles transformed it into a glistening spectacle. It was the prettiest Christmas tree we ever had.


           
AFTER THOUGHT:  What my earthly father did to that marred, unwanted tree is what my Heavenly Father is doing to me.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”  Philippians 3:20-21








Monday, December 1, 2014

Number 8

Number Eight
           
Last July I was “sitting on pins and needles” as the old adage goes, waiting to receive word from our son that their baby girl was on her way to join our family.  Every day I awoke, cell phone beside our bed, and wondered if this was the day our granddaughter would arrive. With her due date in the past tense, each text message or call increased my heart rate.
As I thought of this great anticipation of new life, I sadly realized that we believers in Jesus Christ should be living with this same expectancy. Unfortunately, the majority of us (including me) don’t.  We are sidetracked by life and its every day challenges and commitments. We are preoccupied with our own selfish situations and events. Sorry to say, some of us have let His return slip from our minds completely.
But what if we didn’t forget?  What if daily, we would awake, anticipating His arrival just as I had awaited our granddaughter’s birth?   What if now, with the beginning of Advent, we would take the time not only to reflect upon His birth but on His glorious return as well?   I wonder.

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your LORD is coming.”  Matthew 24:42


NOTE: Our little Evalyn Rose joined us July 14!

Tuesday, November 25, 2014


Number Seven
           
The image of a lighthouse attracts me. As waves pound upon the rocks and sand below, the lighthouse stands firm upon the solid rock it rests upon. Its light shines brightly out to sea and serves as a path for those caught in turbulent storms and snares of life.
            Likewise, our Heavenly Father stands firm upon His Heavenly throne, and the light of His Son, Jesus, spreads His rescue life rope to all who call upon Him. One example of this marvelous rescue is described in Psalm 107: 23 – 32.  Men of the sea marvel at its majesty, but when the storms arise, they panic and call upon the LORD for help. The LORD responds and guides them safely to shore.
            Another verse from Isaiah 60 also presents a lighthouse image for me. Verse 19 states, “The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; but the LORD will be to you an everlasting light, and your God your glory.”
 In the quiet I envision a lighthouse sending out God’s glory 24/7.   Thanks be to God for His everlasting light!





Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Special post: In Remembrance of My Mom


In Remembrance of My Mom

My mother’s memorial service was held on November 19, 2004, which would have been my parents’ 65th Wedding Anniversary. Several weeks before their anniversary, I had emailed family members suggesting a card shower. Since Mom had been hospitalized for several months with no hope of returning home, I thought she and Dad would enjoy reading the cards and sharing memories together. As it turned out, Mom’s health issues worsened quickly and she died on November 15. 
            As Dad, my brother and his wife, and I and my husband met to plan Mom’s memorial service, we discussed the pros and cons of having it on their anniversary. Although Dad was still sad and grieving inside, he thought Mom would like it so that’s what we did.
            Now, ten years later I realize that what had been a simple card shower celebrating their 65th anniversary had turned into a gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of a beloved, Christian lady. Their 65th was indeed a very special occasion, and yes, Mom would have “liked” it!!

The following Psalm was one she had chosen to be read at her service.

Psalm 121

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The LORD shall preserve your going out
And your coming in

From this time forth, and even forevermore.


Monday, November 17, 2014

Number Six


Number Six
Day’s end was fast approaching. Reflecting upon my day’s activities, I sought solace inside my silent car. Nothing disturbed me; the quiet invigorated my soul. As I pondered the day, I was overcome with thoughts on a much larger scale. Throughout the day, all the following were taking place instantaneously:
·        While some people struggled with health issues, others welcomed new life.
·        While some labored to make an income, others lined food banks for handouts.
·        While some enjoyed retirement, others were disabled and confined to nursing homes.
·        While some were in school learning about life, others were in the streets seeking life.
·        While some prepared for tonight’s togetherness with family or friends, others faced loneliness in a shelter or cardboard box.
·        While some fought physically at war, others battled enemies within.
Even though many more comparisons could be added, one conclusion kept repeating itself. No matter the circumstance, the Father of all creation, the One who designed and planned each person for a purpose, is present in every situation. His omnipresence makes Him available 24/7.
As Psalm 33:13-15 states:  “The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works.”

Only God, our Father, has the power to fulfill our every need. If only we would let Him.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Number Five

Number Five
           
Just before evening’s changing of the guard, I was walking down our quarter mile road, and a falling star drew my attention. Following its trail, more stars began to appear. I suddenly realized I was experiencing the oncoming of the stars.
            One by one my eyes caught their presence. I stood in silence as though mesmerized by this unexpected encounter. Soon the twinkling began as evening’s light grew darker. As I stared in wonder, it dawned on me that the stars were continually in the sky covering me both night and day. Then, God through His Spirit revealed to me that He is like those stars. He is always with us. However, unlike the stars, we don’t have to wait until dark to see Him. We can experience Him through the day as well.  


“Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.”  Gen. 1:16-18   

Number Four


Number Four

One evening I was hurriedly fixing supper. I placed an instant rice bag into the microwave and set the timer for 90 seconds. Not paying attention to it, I proceeded to take the meat from the oven. I turned just in time to see the bulging bag ready to explode. I had forgotten to vent it! I quickly pressed on the stop button and grabbed the puffing bag. However, when I set it on the counter and gently squeezed it, it deflated without an explosion. Whew! Relief!
That incident reminded me of how our temperaments can build with increased pressures of everyday life. We might not reach our boiling point in 90 seconds like a bag of rice. However, over time with unfulfilled dreams, strained or lost relationships, selfish desires, financial concerns and other numerous burdens building inside of us, the pressure becomes too great and we find ourselves about to explode to whoever is nearest.
Perhaps just as an unvented bag of rice can be deflated with a gentle touch, we, too, can be calmed by a gentle word. The pressures of the day can be lifted if we trust in God and genuinely release our concerns to Him. Seeking solace in His Word as well as from believers who trust in Him might prevent us from reaching the boiling point.



“Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55: 22.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

SPIRITUAL SIMPLICITIES IN EVERY DAY LIFE, a collection of inspirations

Number One
            When I had finished reading another of my favorite Bible verses, I realized that I have many favorite verses. I smiled as it reminded me of my grandson, Jonathan, as he opens his birthday presents. With each new gift, he exclaims, “Oh, my FAVORITE; it’s my FAVORITE!”
            Whenever I read God’s word, no matter how many times I’ve read the verse, there seems to be a new or renewed lesson learned. That’s the way God’s word surprises us. Each verse becomes my favorite at the time I need it most, just like Jonathan’s birthday presents.



Number Two
         One of my dearest Christian friends once shared with me how the number 111 reminds her of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Whenever she saw the number displayed on a clock, a watch, or a cell phone at 1:11 or 11:11, it would bring to mind the Presence of the Triune God.
By applying her example of God’s Presence through the number 111, I have been blessed over and over.
          Recently, I had a number of activities occurring at once. My multi-tasking skills were competing with my sanity. I was rushing to change clothes to go to a wedding when I thought I heard my cell phone. I ran to check it, and on the display the numbers 1:11 showed brightly.  I did not have any kind of human message, but I did have a God reminder! I smiled, took a deep breath, slowed my pace, and finished dressing.




Number Three

           I am slowly learning and continuing to learn that when that soft voice inside of me is speaking, I need to listen and respond to what He is telling me to do. Such an incident took place recently.
           I received news that an elderly friend of mine had died. I had met Emma on brief encounters during the past several years, but it was when she became a resident at the same nursing home where my mother-in-law lived that we became friends.
           The day before I had heard about her passing, my husband and I had stopped for a brief visit with his mother. As I walked by Emma’s room, I heard my inner voice telling me to peek in her room to say, “Hi.” I ignored the prompting and passed by. Consequently, when I heard the news of her death, I felt devastated. The Spirit had told me to stop, but I had failed to obey.
           However, God provided me with another chance. The news of Emma’s death had been erroneous. Misinformation had been given, and Emma was alive and well. The next time I went to the nursing home, I made certain I visited Emma.


“that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice…”  Deut. 30:20

NOTE: Whenever I mention the names of people in my pieces (posts), I have changed their names, except for my immediate family.




















































             




Saturday, November 1, 2014

Number One
            When I had finished reading another of my favorite Bible verses, I realized that I have many favorite verses. I smiled as it reminded me of my grandson, Jonathan, as he opens his birthday presents. With each new gift, he exclaims, “Oh, my FAVORITE; it’s my FAVORITE!”

            Whenever I read God’s word, no matter how many times I’ve read the verse, there seems to be a new or renewed lesson learned. That’s the way God’s word surprises us. Each verse becomes my favorite at the time I need it most, just like Jonathan’s birthday presents.
Number Two

One of my dearest Christian friends once shared with me how the number 111 reminds her of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Whenever she saw the number displayed on a clock, a watch, or a cell phone at 1:11 or 11:11, it would bring to mind the Presence of the Triune God.
By applying her example of God’s Presence through the number 111, I have been blessed over and over. Recently, I had a number of activities occurring at once. My multi-tasking skills were competing with my sanity. I was rushing to change clothes to go to a wedding when I thought I heard my cell phone. I ran to check it, and on the display the numbers 1:11 showed brightly.  I did not have any kind of human message, but I did have a God reminder! I smiled, took a deep breath, slowed my pace, and finished dressing.