Forgotten Treasures

               Recently, my husband and I moved to a new location after 28 years at our second country home.  In the process of sorting, packing, discarding and recycling, I found all kinds of forgotten treasures.

               Some of them went back to my childhood days when pictures of my school classmates stared at me from an old cigar box.  I had to smile when I ran across a picture of my third grade teacher who was my inspiration for becoming a teacher. More pictures of friends as well as family were uncovered.  In fact, discovering all these forgotten pictures detained me from my packing chores. J

               As I sorted through another box of keepsakes, other items of interest caught my attention.   Letters from the past lay dormant in a snuggly-fit stack:  one from my brother when he was serving in Vietnam; another from my husband when we were dating; one from my dad (and the only one) when I was in college. More remembrances emerged from that box, such as unique birthday cards, both boughten and homemade, cards/notes from family and friends who have passed away, and of course, those carefully prepared cards that only my children could have created. Tears crept into my eyes as memories overwhelmed me.  And then, just when I thought I was ready to move on with more discarding and packing, what should I stumble upon but yearbooks.

               Yearbooks halted my progress once again.  In my school days, yearbooks or annuals were only distributed in high school, unlike today when every level of education receives yearly ones.  Of course, flipping through those four years of my high school era brought chuckles and fond flashbacks as I read the various comments my classmates had written.  I must confess, however, that some of the adventures that were penned had faded from my memory…hmm?? J

               By experiencing this packing process and by re-discovering forgotten items, I caught a glimpse of my past…my life’s history, sort to speak. This awareness made me realize the importance of life and how quickly it passes. But I also came up with another realization. There’s another life importance to me and it lies in my spiritual walk with God.  Just as hidden treasures exist in boxes of belongings so do treasures lie within God’s Word, His written communication to each and every one of us.

               In my hurried life I sometimes forget I have His source to guide, to instruct, to encourage, and to comfort me. In fact, one such jewel spoke to me as my husband and I were deciding our next step after selling our farm land. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”  Psalm 32:8.  And guide us, He did. 

               Another verse hiding in one of the books of the Minor Prophets captured my attention. “The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.”  Habakkuk 3:19.  Even when I am weak and ready to stop the packing and unpacking process, not only in moving but in life’s daily struggles, God will provide me with strength and energy to endure and to finish.

               Finally, the priceless gem that drew me even closer to my Heavenly Father was found in the words from Psalm 36:7, “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!  Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.”  I am protected by a Father who loves me and whom I can trust. I consider that a HUGE treasure to hold onto and well worth searching for!

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  Psalm 119:105

Another Dime Incident

Many of you who read my blog know how I collect dimes (“Dimes and Hearts”), and I have come to identify dimes, especially those I unexpectedly find lying on the ground or pavement or wherever to be my reminder of God’s Presence.  Well, my friends, I have another “Dime” story to shareJ

              

It has been a custom in my family to commemorate our departed loved ones by placing flowers on their gravesites over the Memorial Day weekend.  As long as I can remember, Memorial Day was a very important holiday for my family.  Perhaps it was because my dad’s parents had died in their 40s, and my mom’s dad had passed away in his 50s that made remembering them on Memorial Day a special occasion.  Or maybe it was because my Grandmother Phares (my mom’s family) along with my aunts and uncles planned family reunions on that day.  Of course, the reasons don’t matter how or why the custom began. It did, so now as long as I am able, I want to continue it. So…

On Memorial Day 2017 my husband and I drove to my hometown of WaKeeney where we met my Cousin Julie.  This was the first time that her mom, my Aunt Margaret (Phares) Dietz (“Wise Words”) would be among our relatives to honor.  After lunch we drove to the county cemetery and began distributing our flower arrangements.  Our first stop was at the Dietz family gravesites (my dad’s family).  My Grandpa Dietz had foresight to purchase several plots in one area. As a result, all five Dietz brothers with their wives lay near to their parents. Having them all in close vicinity to each other made it convenient in placing the flowers.  When we had finished decorating the graves, we stood with respect and admiration as we shared a few special family memories before heading to our second stop.

The graves of my mom’s family were next on our list.  My mom’s family also claimed WaKeeney as its hometown.  Even though six of my mom’s siblings had relocated through the years, one of her brothers and one of her sisters had bought plots beside their parents. Consequently, we placed more flowers upon their gravesites and once again reminisced.

Ready to proceed to our final destination, we climbed into the car and drove next door to the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery. Several years ago WaKeeney was chosen to be the site of this special cemetery. Since its completion, it had become the final resting place for veterans of all military branches. Included among these servicemen and women were two friends of my family that I wanted to remember with flowers. Once we left the car, we couldn’t help but be in awe of the rows of identical, white tombstones representing our fallen military men and women.  It was quite a solemn sight.

 We found the first friend’s gravesite rather quickly, but it took some searching before we found the other one.  When I discovered it, I knelt to place the bouquet of flowers AND what should be staring up at me in the short-cut grass but a bright, heads-up, shiny DIME!!  I couldn’t believe it.  I looked at Julie and she saw it too.  My heart pounded because I knew God had dropped it there for us. And His timing was PERFECT because this was our last flower placement.  He was reassuring us of His Presence! This Memorial Day held mixed emotions for Julie as well as for me because of this being her mom’s, my Aunt Margaret’s, first year in the cemetery.  And the first time of placing flowers on a loved one’s gravesite is the hardest. But God, our Father, showed His love and tenderness by reminding us that everything will be okay. He is and always will be with us no matter what life experiences we are facing. He is our constant care provider.  I picked up the dime and placed it in my pocket. A sense of peace came over me and I silently thanked Him for His surprise in the grass.

When we left the Veterans' Cemetery, we drove down WaKeeney’s memory lane.  For Julie, this had become a closure for her.  In years past, Memorial Day had always been a big annual event for our family.  Now, our older generation is gone and WaKeeney is no longer our meeting place. However, no matter where our lives may take us, we have some of the best memories as a family in that small, rural town. And someday our family will be together again in a larger, eternal home!!

”The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

I'm Hungry

               A couple of weeks ago while I was taking care of Nora and Evalyn, two of my granddaughters, Evalyn, who is two, approached me in the kitchen. “I’m hungry, Grandma. I’m hungry,” she said. I checked the clock to discover it was indeed time for an afternoon snack. In fact, I joined her and Nora for a brief break as we watched the Disney movie, Finding Dory.  When we finished our snack, Nora and Evalyn continued to watch the movie while I returned to the kitchen to create a casserole for supper.

               I hadn’t been in the kitchen ten minutes when I heard tiny steps draw near behind me. “I’m hungry, Grandma.” 

               I looked at Evalyn. “You’re still hungry?”

               She nodded her head, “Uh huh.” Now who could resist that sweet face??                                 

Since the first snack consisted of a fun-size packet of teddy grahams, I cut up half an apple for her.  However, it hadn’t been but twenty minutes or so when Evalyn approached a third time.  Still hungry!!

               I asked Nora who was happily playing with a set of old-fashioned glamour gals if Evalyn was always this hungry at home.  Nora smiled and said she was, but at home her requests were often ignored, especially after her first snack. I thought that was probably the case. BUT, this Grandma gave in and Evalyn enjoyed a third snack, a small cup of cheese puffs.  Yes, I’m a “sucker” when it comes to my grandkids J

               Several days later as I was remembering the grandkids’ visit, I thought of Evalyn and her hunger for snacks. I was reminded of another kind of hunger…a spiritual hunger. Just as Evalyn sought me to satisfy her hunger with a snack so can I seek my Heavenly Father to satisfy my hunger. When I find my faith wavering and growing weak or when I’m depressed and doubting myself and others, I realize I need nourishment. So….I approach my Father by talking to Him, sometimes out loud and other times in silence.  As I express my concerns, my worries, my failings as well as my joys and blessings, I begin to be filled with His assurance and hope.  However, if I’m still not satisfied (still hungry), I turn to the pages of His Holy Word which not only reveal new insights and answers but also provide comfort and confidence. These help in subsiding my hunger pains, but then…like Evalyn, I’m still hungry…so…God in His patience, kindness and goodness leads me to other Christian materials as well as to trustworthy Christian friends who bring me encouragement.

               Now, with all these spiritual “foods” to satisfy my spiritual hunger, my craving subsides but is never complete because my hunger for God’s Son, Jesus, never stops.  That’s the way it is with a personal relationship with Jesus. The more I have and receive from Him, the more I want of Him. Like a Grandmother who responds to the wants of her grandchildren, Jesus fills the emptiness of all who hunger.

“And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’”  John 6:35

Smoke Below

               In August of 2015 Larry and I took a trip to Oregon to visit our oldest daughter. As our plane flew from Denver to Seattle, I noticed that the usual scenic view below was not as clear as on other trips.  Of course, weather conditions always played a factor, but this time the atmosphere was different.  The further west we travelled, the less landscape we could see.  Then, it suddenly dawned on me.  Our view was obstructed by smoke from the fires that had invaded the states of Washington and Oregon.  In fact, when I looked from the plane’s window, I saw fire lines and smoke rising as the lines stretched across the land.  It was a concerning sight, to say the least.

               When we arrived in Eugene, we had distanced ourselves from the devastating fire lines, but hazy conditions from the smoke had settled over the city.  Our daughter commented that warnings of unhealthy air quality had been issued off and on since the fires began.  This kind of health warning was relatively new to Larry and me since the quality of air in Western Kansas was seldom questioned.  However, if it were, ours would probably be a warning dealing with dust rather than smoke.  Throughout our stay, the haze remained.  Consequently, much of our sightseeing ventures weren’t as breathtaking as if the atmosphere would have been clearer.

               The wildfires of Washington and Oregon continued for several more weeks. In fact, the 2015 wildfire season was the largest in the state of Washington’s history.  Having witnessed a small portion of this historical event later brought some thoughts to mind.  Just as the smoke from the wildfires prevented us from enjoying the beauty of the landscape so does sin prevent us from enjoying a close fellowship with God, our Heavenly Father.

               Those wildfires in Washington were ignited by something, whether it was a single match or a campfire or an act of nature. Likewise, sin begins with a temptation, whether it is by thought, by word or by action.  Once the temptation takes hold, the flame is lit and spreads its influence throughout all areas of a person’s life.  No matter whether a person is a Christian or not, sin corrupts us all. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)  However, when the Washington wildfires were finally contained and the smoke began to clear, the landscape soon became visible from the air.  Despite the destructive force of the fire, with the clearing came new growth along with new beginnings, although both would take time to heal.  Such as it is with our fellowship with God.

               Sin separates us from our communion with God, our Father. But once we come to our senses, we can find ourselves back to Him.  How?  By admitting our sins to Him.   As King David of the Old Testament admits to us in Psalm 32:5, “I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah” Also, another verse in the New Testament from I John confirms King David’s testimony.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9

               I know from personal experience that when I have turned my back away from Jesus, I have felt guilt, stress, and shame. BUT as soon as I apologize and admit my wrongdoings, I feel a freshness of life and my fellowship with Jesus returns even closer than it was before. The smoke has cleared.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Christmas Memories

              Some of the most cherished Christmas memories I hold snugly in my heart center around the kitchen where my mom and my grandma would prepare trays filled with an assortment of homemade cookies and candies to be delivered to family and friends.  For several days a variety of sweet-smelling aromas filtered throughout our house.  At times the temptation to sample the once a year delicacies was too much so I would snitch a Christmas tree sugar cookie or a piece of divinity.  Yes, I was usually caught but kindly forgiven.  However, once the trays were completed for delivery, our family enjoyed the leftovers. J

               But it wasn’t until Mom asked me to go with her to deliver the trays that I discovered the true meaning of giving.  The look on the recipients’ faces when Mom handed them a tray and their words of gratitude brought joy to my heart. Something inside me transformed as I witnessed the Spirit of Jesus in action. It was thrilling to be a part of this Christmas gift.

               Another special memory of mine took place at the annual children’s Christmas Eve program at our church.  I was cast as Mary from the Christmas story.  Being a second or third grader ( I don’t recall which one), I was excited to play the part of Mary. There were no speaking parts, just action.  I remember walking down the aisle with Joseph beside me and taking our places around a wooden manger in front of the altar.  As the narrator told the familiar story with the coming and going of angels, shepherds and wise men, I felt honored to be portraying Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Even now after all these years, the scene remains vivid in my memory and warms my soul.

               Of course, included in my Christmas memories were the gathering of family and the exchanging of gifts.  One special gift that surpassed all others was the arrival of a puppy that welcomed me with whimpering and licks of love as he leaped from a decorated box lying under the tree. I was so surprised and thrilled that I called him “Happy.”  Happy, part Chihuahua and terrier, became my best buddy through my junior and senior high school years.  His devotion and affection brought me joy, comfort, and unconditional love, characteristics of Jesus who entered our lives at Christmas.

               And because of Christ’s arrival, my Christmas memories wouldn’t be complete without those simple but significant Christmas Eve candlelight services.  In my home church the children’s Christmas program was held on Christmas Eve at 6:30 and then at 11 o’clock, the candlelight service began. As I grew older, I came to understand the candlelight service with a deeper spiritual appreciation. The special music, the Christmas hymns, the message of Christmas, the lighting of the candles, and the silence upon departure drew me closer to the heart of Jesus, who was born for me and for the entire world.

               Since our home was only a block from the church, my family would often walk the short distance, weather permitting. I remember one night in particular when I walked ahead of everyone else. The stillness of the night surrounded me while the cold, crisp air refreshed me.  I looked up and what seemed like thousands of bright, glittering stars covered the ebony sky. It was breathtaking!!  When I turned the corner toward our house, I imagined what the shepherds must have felt as the angels appeared with the announcement of our Savior’s birth.  Truly, the ultimate GIFT!!

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’”  Luke 2: 13-14    

A Gift from My Nook

               The second day after Larry’s total knee replacement surgery, he texted me about 8:30 in the morning that he might be dismissed. I was still in bed at our daughter’s house and reading his message woke me with a fright. Flashbacks of his dismissal from the hospital after his first knee replacement surgery swept through my mind.  When we had arrived home from his first surgery, his pain level had worsened so much so that we contacted his surgeon who was unavailable at that time. We managed to speak to the doctor on call and eventually received stronger pain medication. Then, beside the pain, there was concern about blood clots. Consequently, these memories created anxiousness within me when Larry said he might be dismissed, a day earlier than anticipated.

               I hurriedly dressed, packed my bags, and drove to the hospital. When I arrived, Larry was resting in bed.  I must have looked in disarray because he asked if I were okay.  I confessed that I felt anxious, especially with the possibility of his being dismissed.  Selfishly, I wasn’t prepared to be the home “nurse” quite yet.

               As I struggled with these concerns, I felt my spirit struggling as well. In my haste to get to the hospital, I had failed to release my misgivings to God.  In fact, the words from one of my favorite Bible verses, Psalm 18:2, kept eluding me, and this frustrated me even more. Trying to pull my emotions together, I found comfort from the morning sun’s warm rays as I sat in a chair near the window in his room.  I glanced at Larry who had fallen asleep.  In that solemn atmosphere I remembered I had a copy of the Bible on my nook. Immediately, I grabbed my nook from my purse, woke it up, and selected the Bible from my library.  When the page opened, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Psalm 18:2 stared at me from the screen. “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”  Oh my…the verse I was struggling to remember appeared before me. To me it was a small miracle, a gift from God, as though He had selected the page for me. I was genuinely in awe of God’s goodness!!  I read the verse over and over and praised my Father for His Presence. I continued to read and rest in the LORD.

               When Larry woke from his nap, it was mid-morning and no definite word of his dismissal was mentioned. In fact, the entire south wing of the hospital where his room was located seemed rather quiet. A CNA entered and checked his vitals as well as his pain level. She then commented that she had heard that he might be going home. With her comment, I asked Larry if he felt he was ready to be dismissed. He, too, was somewhat apprehensive. We had nothing to do but wait.

               Lunch time arrived. While Larry ate his food, I left the hospital, not only for lunch but also to process what lay before us.  After buying my food, I parked the car in the hospital parking lot, ate, again thanked God for showing me the verse, and relaxed.  All the various emotions of the morning had tired me.  Then, as I rested, I was reminded of a text I had recently received from my Christian soul sister in Hong Kong. She had expressed her concern for Larry’s surgery and for me as well.  In fact, she said she had asked her colleagues to pray for us too. With that reminder of prayer and the support of her words plus the prayers of other prayer warriors, my body and my mind were filled with an unexplainable sense of peace. Sitting alone in the silent car refreshed my soul. Hope returned! I knew without a doubt that God would give me the strength, the energy, and the patience I would need to help Larry through the weeks of recovery. After all, He is my ROCK!!!

               As it turned out, Larry was not dismissed that day because his PT session did not go well and his pain level had risen.  He stayed one more night and was dismissed the next day. Both of us were better prepared, thanks to God who was involved throughout our ordeal. He was the “ behind the scenes” guy, orchestrating all things for our good: prayers and support of family and friends, the successful surgery and the care of the health providers, the special Bible verse, the comforting peace, the reassurance of His Presence, and much more.  He had known our needs before we did and had followed through with His faithfulness, His protection, His care, and His love.

“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24

“In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” Psalm 94:19

My Personal Oasis

              When I entered the church that I had grown up in to attend my Aunt Margaret’s Memorial Service, I felt like I had come home. Being there brought countless memories. From my infancy through my marriage, Bethlehem Lutheran Church had a major influence in growing my faith in Jesus Christ. From all the church activities my family was involved in, like Sunday school and church services, Vacation Bible School, Luther League, choir, Christmas programs, special services, etc., my favorite experience was being in the sanctuary alone with Jesus. In fact, I claimed it as my “oasis” amidst the often confusing and challenging ways of the world.

               When I thought of an oasis, I imagined an attractive area filled with an array of trees and shrubbery along with a beautiful assortment of flowers, like a secret garden.  A pool of water or several watering holes might have been dispersed among the growing vegetation. An oasis in the middle of a desert offered rest, refreshment, and renewal to the sun-parched travelers crossing the arid land.  It was a place of refuge and safety, a place to regain energy and zeal, and a place to recondition one’s mind and body.  Likewise, the church, the physical structure, a place to worship God, became my personal oasis.

               Today, whenever I walk into any place of worship, whether it is my “hometown” church or one of the many I’ve attended through the years, I feel a special sense of His Presence.  This awareness is difficult to describe because it comes from within. I must admit I am more in tune with this awareness when I am alone in God’s house.  However, its similarity is to that of my personal oasis of my youth. I find rest, refreshment, and renewal within its walls.

               Once inside the church, I am greeted by a quiet, calm atmosphere that relaxes not only my body but also my mind. As I sit in a pew or on a chair, I pause for rest because life’s trials often wear me down. Peace surrounds me and the only disturbance might be a passing vehicle outside. I take time to look at the surroundings and marvel at the various pieces of art displayed through stained-glass windows or elaborate, cloth banners.  It’s a beautiful setting, giving honor to God through works of art.

               As I rest, I find myself becoming refreshed.  There in the presence of my Father, I feel no condemnation because as Romans 8:1 states, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”  I can be myself…no pretense. I can freely express myself without interruption, insult, or correction while God gently listens. Of course, I am certainly aware of my shortcomings but more fully aware of His unfailing love and forgiveness. This time of prayer brings my refreshment.

               There in the quiet I notice that my inner strength and confidence are being renewed. My attitude toward myself, toward others, and toward life in general is becoming positive and hopeful once again. I have the faith and reassurance that God is continually by my side. “And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deut. 31:8.  With a sigh, I’m reluctant to leave this peaceful sanctuary and return to the world outside. But for a brief moment, I have found rest, refreshment and renewal.

               May you, my readers, find your personal “oasis”.

“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him…” Psalm 37:7a

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” Acts 3:19

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  Psalm 51: 10