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!

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’ 65^th 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 65^th anniversary had turned into a gathering of family and friends celebrating the life of a beloved, Christian lady. Their 65^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

             

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.