COME and Dine!!

"God provides every bird its food but doesn't throw it in the nest." (copied)

We watched as the male bluebird flew to the spot where my husband had just put out meal worms and had whistled for the birds, signalling that supper was ready. Perched high above on a wire, the female patiently sat.

Husband said, "Watch him take her a worm to eat."

That's exactly what happened! I positioned myself to get a good shot of the pair and snapped my camera just in time!

The bluebirds could have stayed high in the trees and missed an opportunity for an easy meal. Hunger, instinct, and the whistle that they had grown accustomed to prompted them to respond, move out of their sheltered spot and fly to the food.

How many times do I fail to be nourished because I don't respond to the overflowing table that my Heavenly Father prepares for me? He invites me to "come and dine" on a daily basis. His Word is always available to me . . . words that can fill any hunger in my soul. But I must open the Bible . . . and my eyes . . . and ears . . . and mind . . . and heart . . . and prayerfully digest The Bread of Life. Jesus is a Gentle Shepherd and never forces Himself or His Word into my life or yours. I must recognize my hunger and respond. I must do my part . . . and He'll certainly do His! I can always leave His table satisfied!

And when I've been nourished, I think He smiles when I share the Bread of Life with others!

"Jesus has a table spread, where the saints of God are fed . . . "

"Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,

mightier than the breakers of the sea -

the Lord on high is mighty."

Psalm 93:4

"Our God reigns . . . our God reigns."

Tunnel Vision

I've never liked traveling through tunnels. On our recent trip, the road took us through quite a few like the one above, and a much longer, more traveled one near Norfolk. I'm claustrophobic and don't like the idea that water - or earth - is piled on top of me! Some tunnels are illuminated to some degree by lights, but the fact that I'm in a dark, dark place is still very real. Signs warn near others to "Use your headlights" - as if we wouldn't think of that! Smells from exhaust pipes are intensified, especially in the longer tunnels, and the noise from other vehicles is incredibly loud. For me - not a pleasant place to be! I can't wait to see a glimmer of sunshine ahead, and the suffocating feeling leaves me as we burst into the sunlight.

So much like life. You understand this analogy as well as I do, for we all must travel through some tunnels, both brief and seemingly never-ending ones. I've never enjoyed any of the circumstances that thrust me into the suffocating darkness; neither have you. But I do know that my Heavenly Father knew where I was every moment; even though I couldn't see Him, He was my constant traveling companion and guide. The noise from my own confusion and the voice of Satan sometimes drowned out His gentle whispers. In fact, in the dark times of life, the tempter seems to shout the loudest as he spews suggestions into my mind - suggestions that only intensify the pain and keep me stalled in the tunnel.

In recent days, God has been speaking to me about abiding in Him - even when I'm in a tunnel. Abiding . . . even the word itself seems to bring comfort. I must confess that I have much to learn about all that abiding means in my life. I do know that I want to be as close to Him as I can and that abiding is something I must choose and consciously practice. Abiding does not take away the troubling circumstances, but it does give me the inner calmness and the confidence to continue on my journey because I know that His grace is sufficient. He is enough! And in His time, I always emerge into the sunlight again!

One day this week, when I turned the page of my Scripture calendar for the day, these words summed up my own prayer so well:

Lord, I don't pray for tranquility, or that my problems may cease; I pray that Your Spirit and love would give me the strength to abide in You during adversity.

"Jesus will walk with me . . . in the night season and all the day long."

"So Freely Flowing"

One of my favorite places is the Smoky Mountains. For the past week, we enjoyed the beauty of the mountains, untouched woods, preserved farm sites, the wildlife, and the streams and rivers. Tucked far away from the noise of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, the ever-flowing, crystal-clear streams calmed the spirit and reminded me of God's majesty. Even in downtown Gatlinburg where our hotel was located, a stream flowed back of our room. Its soothing sounds never stopped nor did its flow. . . over and around the rocks. . . always moving.

As we drove along one of the winding mountain roads one day, husband and I talked about the dependable, predictable, always-flowing waters . . . so much like God's love and grace for us. Never ending . . . always moving . . . pure and clean . . . starting at Calvary . . . flowing through all the ages . . . and will never run dry!!


Lord, I pray with the songwriter: Let Your love flow through me. . . Keep me pure; keep me clean so that Your love may be seen. Let your love, let your love flow through me.

"So freely flowing from Calv'ry's mountain . . . and now my soul is fully satisfied."

Simple Country Pleasures

I cherish the memories of long ago Sunday afternoons in spring when Mama and Daddy would take us children for a drive along the familiar country roads near our home.
Since there was no extra money to spend on entertaining ourselves, we loved "riding around," as we called it, and enjoyed many simple country pleasures.

One of those was looking for "piney woods" violets along the winding dirt roads. It was such fun to spot the brilliant purple clumps before we got to them. We'd all get out of the car and pick huge bouquets to take home. Nothing was prettier that a violet bouquet nestled in some simple container and set on the dining table.

Today, as my husband and I drove through the woods after delivering a load of firewood to my father-in-law, we spotted the familiar purple color along the road. I think my heart began to beat just a little bit faster at the sight of them in all their glory! Of course, I had my camera handy, and loved capturing their beauty. But even better was picking a handful of the miniature beauties.

Back at home, I found an old blue medicine bottle that we discovered in the woods behind our house and placed my prized bouquet in it. Simple - yes, but it couldn't be prettier! Expensive - no! Didn't cost a thing! Just one of the countless simple pleasures that makes life a little more pleasant and lot more beautiful!

I think our Heavenly Father must enjoy watching us discover and take pleasure in the awesome beauty and serenity He has placed all around us. I really believe He wants us to enjoy the journey! And who knows - when I get "home," He just might have bouquets of "piney woods" violets decorating my mansion!

Until then, I plan to enjoy as many simple country pleasures as I can!

"Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me . . . "

Beauty After the Storm

After the storm, with raindrops still very visible on their petals, these flowers looked more beautiful than ever!

"Something beautiful . . . something good . . .
All my confusion, He understood.
All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife,
But He made something beautiful of my life."

Precious Moments

I cherish the "Precious Moments" of life! No, not the adorable, collectible figurines like the one pictured above from Google's images, although I do enjoy those . . . but real life moments that can only be called "precious." Those unexpected moments that touch you deep in your heart, make you smile, and then are filed away in your mind's memory album under the heading: So Glad I Didn't Miss That One!

Every Wednesday afternoon I hear a knock - a certain knock - on the door and know that the little boy from next door is here to "visit" and to make sure we're going to church for Caravans and Bible Study. Since I have been sick for several days, I opened the door and told him I couldn't go to church and that I didn't think he should come into my germ-filled house. He stood there and listened with his hands behind his back. I wondered what he was holding. You never know!! I didn't have to wait long to find out that he was holding his big, black Bible.

I knew something was on his mind, so I quickly said, "We can visit out here under the carport for a few minutes."

So we sat down on the old camp-meeting bench, he opened his Bible, looked at me and asked, "Did your sons ever work on Sunday?" Just that matter of factly! I could tell this was going to be one of those "Lord-help-me-to-say-the-right-thing moments!"

"Yes, they did," I answered, "but I didn't like it."

He pulled his Bible up closer to him and began to read: Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you . . . nor your son or daughter . . . "

So, we talked . . . about the fact that the Ten Commandments haven't changed . . . God still intends for us to obey them . . . and about today's culture requiring some people to work on Sunday for the well being of others . . . but we should worship Him and keep the day holy. He seemed to understand.

He told me about someone who had stolen, then said as he pointed to another verse, "It says here thou shalt not steal."

"Yes," I replied. "That's one of them, too. And so, we shouldn't even take a pencil or a penny that isn't ours."

As he flipped through his Bible, he turned to the front pages where family records are kept. He said that he didn't quite understand one page and turned to the one that referred to "Holy Matrimony." With a smile I told him that's where he would write his and his wife's names when he married. He didn't linger on that page too long!

I noticed that on the page labeled "Deaths," he had written one word: Nana. A few weeks ago his grandmother died, and it was so very hard for him. On that occasion his question to me was: Why do we have to die?

Oh, my! How do you answer that adequately for an eight-year-old boy? I tried to answer him as simply and honestly as I could but ended by saying, "When you get to heaven, you can ask Jesus!"

His reply: You'll get there first, so you can ask Him!

Today I encouraged him to keep reading his Bible . . . maybe read Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, I suggested. By this time, I was getting really hoarse, so I sent him on his way - or in his words: You ran me off!

Those brief moments were like a breath of fresh air - literally - and figuratively speaking! Do I always take the time to sit and "visit" like I did today? Not always. But I'm so glad I did today. I wouldn't trade those "precious moments" for anything!!

(I usually include a line or two of a song from my heart here. Today I think a prayer of my heart is more appropriate.

Oh, God, help me to never get so busy that I push aside a child who wants to know more about You and Your Word. Give me patience, discernment, and the right words to say. Help me to love them as You do and to see them through Your eyes. May I never forget that when I have shown love to one of "the least of these," then I have shown love to You.

Amen.

Some Things Never Change!

Husband's prop for his garden tools caught my attention! There stands one of modern technology's tools - along with simple implements that have been used for ages: a push plow, a shovel, a hoe, and a rake. I don't do the gardening, but I've noticed that husband uses the tried-and-true basic tools often. And they do the job well. They also take more effort on the user's part. But the results - come harvest time - are worth it!

In our fast-paced, technology-run world, there are some basics that still work. The message of the Cross will forever be the same. God's Word can still be trusted. Prayer and honest communication with our Heavenly Father still work. Yes, it takes some effort on our part, but the results are abundant and far-reaching. Ultimately, they are out of this world!

Basic . . . simple . . . but not obsolete!

" . . . simply to Thy Cross I cling . . . "

Easter Lilies and Cacti

Quite a strange combination . . . quite a contrast . . . Easter lilies and cacti in the same flower bed! But it works, as you can see!

When I think of a cactus, I think dryness, heat, desert, painful pricks. On the other hand, Easter lilies remind me of new life, springtime, beauty, fragrance - the Resurrection.

Because of the Resurrection, Jesus offers newness and beauty - even in the desert places of our lives . . . those painful, dry places that seem to sap life from us in the heat of some battle. Then we realize - sometimes ever so slowly - that He is right there with us . . . and hope springs up . . . and peace begins to seep into the dryness and despair of our souls.

It works in my flower bed . . . and it works in my life! I've agonized in the "desert places," but He's never failed to show up. And in His time, He made life beautiful again!

" . . . and life is worth the living - just because He lives!"

Majesty

"From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same

the Lord's name is to be praised."

Psalm 113:3

"Majesty . . . worship His Majesty . . . "

Scriptures, Serpents, and Sweet Abby

I can't think of anything more refreshing than a child who loves God's Word and enjoys memorizing it!

That's our soon-to-be eight-year-old Abby! Seems she has a special gift for remembering Scriptures. Reciting thirteen separate Scripture verses - with their references - in one session of her Awana class is proof of that! Just last week, when asked how she felt about missing Awanas because of a family trip, she replied, "I've learned all my verses, and I want to go to Awanas and say them. And I want to tell my teacher that it didn't take me a long time to learn them all like she said it would!" (As it turned out, she'll get to go tonight and say her verses.)

Of course, I'm proud of her abilities just as any grandparent would be, but even more than that, I am so thrilled that she is hiding His Word in her heart. She'll never forget what she is learning now. Oh, she may not remember every word in the correct order, but she won't forget the Truth of the Words she's memorizing and reciting. By the way, she's very much impressed with her NIV translation as opposed to the King James! After learning a very difficult passage from the KJV, she told me in a phone conversation, "Nana, I had to learn a verse last week that I didn't even understand! Mama had to explain it to me. Let me read it to you."

So she read to me a very hard-to-understand passage, one that I'm glad I don't have to recite from memory!

"Now," she said, "let me find it and read it to you from my Bible."

What a precious conversation . . . one that I am so thankful to be able to enjoy.

You've probably noticed the snake in the above picture. I am reminded that the ancient serpent, as the Bible calls Satan, is slithering around Abby - and all of us - hissing his lies and tempting us to follow him. But if we know God's Word and anchor our lives in His Truths, we can overcome all the devil's schemes.

Abby, keep learning your verses and reading your Bible. God has great plans for you! And just one more thing . . . I haven't forgotten about opening the frig and finding that snake coiled on the top shelf :-)!!

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, a light to my path . . . "

Who Needs Math?!!

Oldest GRANDchild, a very bright homeschooler, is studying business math . . . and hates it!! As you can see from her protest poster, made to present to her parents, she has her future all planned, and business math is not part of it! Her quickly scribbled note made them smile, but her math lessons continue, of course!

That she needs to learn all types of math, no matter what her vocation, is an understatement. But, that's not the point of this blog entry. I just think it's kinda' neat that a young girl has aspirations to be a wife and mom in today's culture that so emphatically stresses career to young girls. Please don't get me wrong; I'm not against a woman having a career! I am a retired teacher and loved my years as an educator. And I'm very aware that many times a wife and mother must work outside the home. But I still think the greatest and most rewarding "job" a woman can have is that of taking care of her family and all that entails. I'm very sure that Emily understands - as much as any almost-thirteen-year-old girl can - what a stay-at-home wife and mom does. You see, she has had a terrific example . . . her mom!

Em, don't loose sight of your aspirations! But for now, learn all you can - even how to buy insurance, stocks, and bonds! And when you have married the man God already has picked out for you (I know . . . I know . . . you don't want to even think about THAT!) and you get your children raised, write all those wonderful books you have in that oh-so-creative head of yours.

Then when your books begin to sell, you'll be glad you learned that "useless" business math!!

"Give of your best to the Master; give of the strength of your youth . . . "

Just a Cup of Coffee . . .

Today I was reminded once again that it's an awesome blessing to be an American! Those who know me well know that our military men and women, both past and present, hold a very special place in my heart. My husband is a former Marine (and is still a Marine!) and our younger son is now a Navy officer after serving 11 years in the Marines. So, it's true . . . I really do love our veterans! I was made more aware of my appreciation for them today, and I cherish the opportunity I had to give back to them in just a tiny way.

For a couple of hours this afternoon, my former Marine and I served free coffee and snacks to the veterans at the Veterans' Hospital not too far from our home. What an honor! It was incredible to witness the gratitude of these men and women, some in wheelchairs or walking with the assistance of a cane, as we handed them a cup of hot coffee. Just a cup of coffee! Some told us how they appreciated us serving them; others said the same thing with their eyes and their smiles. Even as we walked to the car, one gentleman remembered us and said, "Thank you for taking the time to serve us." Just a cup of coffee!

They deeply touched my heart - and they made me smile. One elderly gentleman waited in line for his coffee, and when he got close, he said, "I want a half cup of sugar!" At least that's what I thought he said!

I replied, "You want a half cup of sugar?"

He came closer, almost in my face, and put his hand on my arm. With a smile, he said, "I-want-a-half-cup, SUGAR!" Made my day!!

To say the least, those two hours were some of the most rewarding moments of my life, and I look forward to going back next week. It doesn't take talent, or money, or lots of time to say, "Thank you!" to our veterans.

Just a cup of coffee seemed to be enough today!

"I'll gladly stand up - next to you and defend her still today . . .

God Bless the U.S.A."

Peace

"I've got peace like a river . . .

And it flows like a river . . . in my soul."

Love thy neighbor . . . ?

Aren't kids fun? Our grandson Aiden stayed with us last week, and for some reason felt the need to "mark his territory" by taping this note (the part written in pencil) to the door of the "kids' room." Shortly, one of the little boys who lives next door came to visit and apparently didn't like what he read. He found a marker and added the words you see in black! I love it!! And you know, there really is room for everybody!

"We have THESE MOMENTS to hold in our hands . . . "

A Little Birdie Told Me . . .

I love watching birds from my kitchen window while I wash dishes! Sure makes my least favorite job more pleasant! I keep my camera close by and try to capture some of their beauty through the window. I've closely observed their behavior, and I think we can learn some valuable lessons from them.

As you can see from the photos, birds of all colors, sizes, and personalities congregate outside my window to enjoy the feed that we put out for them. And the neat thing is: they all can eat together without a big fuss! Oh, sometimes a bossy, noisy bluejay tries to upset their peaceful existence, but you know what? His antics never keep the others from coming back again and again. Um-m-m . . . what lesson can we learn? You got it, didn't you?

I think of author Reuben Welch's beautiful description of all of us - each so very different - coming to eat at God's table. In his book We Really Do Need Each Other, he says: Can you see it? Jesus is at the head of the table and the disciples around the sides. And then I see the wall open up and the table begins to lengthen - and it lengthens out and . . . it comes all the way into our world to where we are. . . believers of all the ages are gathered at the table and we are one table with the Lord. . . and so we come . . . and we are one. If the birds can do it, can't we?

How the little creatures know where to find feed is a mystery, but they do know. It's funny to watch various birds flock to the feeders as soon as I fill them and come inside. Reminds me that we as Christians know where to go when we need The Bread of Life and The Living Water. Just as the birds seem to have some kind of internal "radar," we have His Spirit that never fails to invite us: Come eat; come drink until you are satisfied.

Near our bird feeders are two bluebird boxes, and it's almost time for the bluebirds to start building their nests and making a home for their new brood. I've observed that they are so very protective of their "space," even before nesting season. Just let another bird light on one of the boxes and out of nowhere . . . one or both bluebirds zoom in, wings flapping, and scare away the unwelcome visitor! Even though they are out of view, the pair seems to constantly watch their "home." Another valuable lesson for us: We need to diligently guard our homes - and our hearts, watching for unwanted and unwelcome influences that can so easily creep in.

Finally, I think of the Scripture that says: Not one of them (sparrows) will fall to the ground apart from the will of the Father. . . so don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matt. 10:29-31


"His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me . . ."

Hope

"Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand,

but I know Who holds tomorrow,

and I know Who holds my hand."

Through Isaac's Eyes

"The anchor holds - though the ship is battered.

The anchor holds - though the sails are torn . . .

The anchor holds - in spite of the storm."

Children are listening - even when we think they aren't. On one of the rare occasions that grandchildren Isaac, Emily and Abby have worshipped with us, I gave Isaac a pen and some note paper. During the service, George sang my favorite song, The Anchor Holds. I was not aware of what Isaac was writing, but I was focusing on the words that have meant so much to me during the storms of my life. After George had finished the song and sat down, Isaac handed me the piece of paper you see in the above photo. He was listening and through his seven-year-old eyes (pictured below), saw and drew the anchor. Today I have a copy of his drawing framed and hanging in our bedroom - a constant reminder that I've anchored in Jesus. The storms of life I'll brave . . .

Aunt Lizzie Belle's Daffodil

". . . walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?"

Matthew 6:28-30 The Message

"He loves me; He loves me. He loves me; this I know . . . "

It's Just That Simple!

I am often amazed at the wisdom of young children. Many times they, in their simple faith, have less difficulty in seeing the "big picture" of life and setting priorities than we adults. I was reminded of this fact again this week during a visit with our six-year-old grandson. When asked, "Do you like . . . (and Poppa named some things) . . . without any prompting he replied, "I like God . . . and Jesus . . . and my family . . . and my friends." Just that simple!

Now that will warm a grandparent's heart! He gets it! Sadly, for many older folks, priorities are not that simply defined, and when life get's complicated - and it often does - chaos fills the heart and mind. It's only when we remember Who is "first" in life that He can help us fit all the other pieces of life together.

Thanks, Aiden, and I pray that you never edit your list!

Thank God for kids . . .

Do you ever stop to think or wonder why
The nearest thing to Heaven is a child?
When you get down on your knees tonight
To thank the Lord for his guiding light
And pray they turn out right,
Thank God for kids.

Spring Planting

"Plow your unplowed fields, but then don't plant weeds in the soil."

Jeremiah 4:3 The Message

Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness . . .

On the Road . . . Again

Someone has said: Jesus' home was the road along which He walked with His friends in search of new friends. I think He still travels the roads of each of our lives - and He never walks too fast nor lags behind us.

Sometimes we walk alongside Him, talking to Him, learning from Him.

Sometimes we stop to rest, gaining new strength and getting refueled for the journey ahead.

Oftentimes, if we are sensitive to His voice, He asks us to sit down for a lesson, maybe even a much-needed correction. At those times I'm tempted to just keep walking! But when I choose not to stop and listen - and obey, I always run into trouble somewhere down the road.

At other times we walk slowly - enjoying the scenery and most of all, His presence. We stop and smell the roses, listen to the birds sing, and bask in the Light of His love.

Now and then, He says to us, "Hurry! Run! Someone down the road needs your help - now!" And He's there to run alongside us.

As we travel, our eyes sometimes get full of dust from the road, and so we must stop long enough for Him to touch our eyes. Then we can focus more clearly on Him and on those who are off the road - those who have lost their way and have decided to call it quits.

How many times have we needed Him to touch our hearts so that we want to reach out to those who live on the wrong side of the road and whose lifestyles are so very different from ours? He always has time to take what's wrong and make it right - if we ask.

And He always - always - says: "Bring a friend . . . and another . . . and another. . ."

Jesus will walk with me. He will talk with me; He will walk with me. In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow, I know He will walk with me.

Needin' a Makeover?

Makeovers - extreme makeovers - seem to be the rage! Bodies, homes, outdoor spaces, and offices can all be beautifully transformed. Even out-of-control children can be wonderfully changed when Supernanny comes to visit! And to be fair, many of the makeovers that we see on television are needed and are a blessing. But all of these transformations basically deal with externals and have no eternal value. I'm so glad that I know the One who deals in extreme makeovers that begin inside a person, making us ready for that ultimate makeover that will never need any touch-ups!

Who else but the Potter can remold us "earthen jars" - or cracked pots - into beautiful vessels that He can fill and use? Who else but our Heavenly Father can transform a stony heart into one that is pliable in His hands - or make a sinful heart white as snow? Know anyone else who can set captives free from guilt, addictions, and the past? And when Jesus shows up, darkness becomes light and mourning turns to joy! He trades our weaknesses for His strength and exchanges our timidity for boldness. Without exception, a touch from the Master's hand brings hope. Now that's an extreme makeover and is available to anyone who sincerely asks! No one is beyond His transforming love.

No matter how mature we may think we are as Christians, we should continually pray: Make me over in Your likeness. You are the Potter; I am the clay. One day, maybe not too far in the future, we who have been changed by His grace will experience a makeover that we can't begin to imagine. We shall all be changed . . . (I Cor.15:52).


O, to be like Thee; O, to be like Thee. Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art . . . Stamp Thine own image deep in my heart.

New Life

This is My Father's world . . .

"To Everything There Is a Season . . . "

Great is Thy faithfulness; great is Thy faithfulness . . .

Early Morning Visitor

Just suppose that as you sit and drink your first cup of coffee early in the morning, you hear a gentle knock at your door. You go to the door and peek out, but daylight is just beginning to break, so you can’t immediately identify the person standing just outside the door. You open the door a little wider and focus your sleepy eyes more closely on the early morning visitor.

As you take a step out the door, suddenly you know – it’s Jesus!! Of course, you invite Him in and offer Him your most comfortable chair. You feel the need to make excuses for your disheveled hair and your ungroomed appearance. He says that doesn’t matter; He remembers how it felt to wake up here on earth for most of the thirty-three years He lived here. With a far away look in His eyes, He reminds you that He often had no place to lay His head, and more times than not, He went to sleep bone-tired from the day’s ministry.

Taken aback and remembering your manners, you offer Him a cup of steaming hot coffee, but He says, “No, I’m here to offer you an invitation - an invitation that can change your life and the lives of those in your corner of the world. I invite you to go on a mission trip with me today, to touch as many hurting people as possible.”

You feel so honored that Jesus chose to visit you and wants your company, so you quickly respond, “Oh, yes, Jesus, I’ll do whatever you ask!”

But then you suddenly remember your job and say, “Oh, wait, Jesus! I have to go to work today! With the economy the way it is, I can’t just take off!”

Laying His hand on your shoulder, He gently replies, “I know, my child. I know all about you, every detail of your life. I never ask more of you than you can give. But down at the office, (or the mill or the school or the bank or . . . ), there are hurting people. I’ll point them out to you. And remember, I’m going with you, so you don’t have to be afraid.”

At this point others of us would say, “Oh, yes, Jesus, you know I want to reach out to needy people, but I don’t see many people during the day. I stay at home and take care of my family. Oh, I read the Bible and I pray more than I ever did. I faithfully prepare to teach my Sunday School class on Sunday – and I sing in the choir. But I really don’t know who I could help today. Besides, I have so many problems of my own, how can I help anyone else?”

With a smile He lovingly answers, “I know all about you, too. You are where I have placed you at this point in your life. And you don’t have to ‘have it all together’ as you say. But there’s so much folks like you can do. Don’t ever stop praying and studying and teaching My Word, but what is that in your hand? I know you can bake cakes and pies - or cookies or bread. I know you can write encouraging notes or pick up the phone and call someone. You can offer the elderly lady down the road a ride to the grocery store. Not too far from here, someone is dying, spiritually that is, for someone to tell them about Me. Would you let them know that I show up on their doorsteps every morning, too? You don’t know where to start? I see the questions, even the fear, in your eyes. I’ll supply the names and the courage, and remember: "I’ll be with you. You don’t need to be afraid.”

He stands and beckons for you to come. It’s then you see the nail prints and remember why they are there. . . .

And the truth is: that is what happens at our heart’s door every morning. Do I even hear the knock? Do I recognize it’s Jesus and let Him in? Do I listen to Him? More importantly, do I obey Him?


I'll say, yes, Lord, yes, to your will and to your way . . .

Pity Party

I’m having a pity party -
Just me, myself, and I.
We’ll rehash all the hurts and pains,
Each punctuated by “Why?”

What, Lord? Are you invited?
Did my invitations include Your name?
No, Lord, I didn’t include You;
The party wouldn’t be the same.

For if I took just one look
At the nail prints in Your hands,
I’d be reminded of what You endured
And forget my party plans.

And then I’d look into Your loving eyes
And know that You suffered for me.
I’d know that it’s Your power I need –
Not pity – to set me free.

On second thought, Lord,
Would you come in and take a chair?
Forgive me of my selfish plans,
And lift me from the pit of care.

I’ll get out my very best cup, Lord,
And ask You to fill it to overflow -
With Your power, Your Spirit, Your grace -
Then I’ll drink and in Your strength go.

Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord . . .

A Beautiful Life: A Tribute to My Aunt Ollie

My dear sweet Aunt Ollie! I think God must have had an awfully good time creating a blueprint for her life and then molding her into the beautiful lady she was. I can picture Him smiling at his handiwork and thinking, "Well done!" I'm sure it wasn't hard for Him to shape Aunt Ollie's life because she never seemed to have gotten too far from His touch. And it showed in her sweet smile, her forgiving attitude, and her simple lifestyle. You could hear it in her kind words, her soft chuckle and in her clear, ringing voice as she led singing in the little church she loved, Good Hope Baptist. You could see it in the work of her hands - especially her beautiful quilts and her flowers that seemed to fill her yard. I even remember tasting the work of her kind hands at those Sunday dinners at her house.

Some Sundays long ago, Mama would decide we were going to Good Hope. Now, Aunt Ollie never knew ahead of time we were coming. But after services, often led by Aunt Ollie, we went to her house for dinner. Never once did she seem flustered that she had five extra, unexpected people to feed! Instead, she'd get down her biscuit-making bowl, which always intrigued me, and make us delicious biscuits to go with the rest of the meal she served - undoubtedly, most of it from jars of canned vegetables and fruit. While she was cooking and visiting with Mama - and Uncle Bryant and Daddy talked by the fireplace - it was an adventure for me to "roam" through her log-constructed house. Ah, what wonderful memories!

I was saddened that Aunt Ollie's eyesight grew dim in her latter years, but I have a feeling that she had stored away countless images of the truly beautiful things in life. I know that she could always "see" Uncle Bryant, Winnie, Glennie, Young (as I called him), and all their families. I think she never lost sight of her parents, her beloved sisters and brother and their families . . . her friends . . . Miss Hattie's place . . . Aunt Sallie's homeplace . . . her flowers. . .and her little white church that sits in one of the most serene places I've ever been - a place she called home.

And now she IS home . . . and her faith has become sight - literally! She relished God's beauty here on earth, and she lived a truly beautiful life, but we can only imagine what she's enjoying today!

When God reached out to her for the last time on this side of eternity, I'm sure He was still smiling as He said to her, "Well done, Ollie!"

What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see, when He takes me by the hand and leads me to the promised land . . .

A Note From the Father

My dear child,

When you are so weak and exhausted, remember that My strength is yours. When you seem to have reached your limit physically and emotionally, that strength will enable you to mount up with wings as eagles. When you feel yourself falling, remember that underneath you are my everlasting arms. I see every tear, even when you are careful to hide them from others. I hear every spoken and unspoken cry, every whispered prayer. Don’t forget that I love you with an everlasting love and that my faithfulness to you is renewed every morning. You are my child and I haven’t forgotten you.

Your Heavenly Father

Oh, how He loves you and me . . .