“If You Look for Me at Christmas”
If you look for Me at Christmas, you won't need a special star.
I'm no longer just in Bethlehem, I'm right there where you are.
You may not be aware of Me amid the celebrations.
You'll have to look beyond the stores and all the decorations.
But if you take a moment from your list of things to do
and listen to your heart, you'll find....I'm waiting there for you.
You're the one I want to be with, you're the reason that I came.
You'll find Me in the stillness as I'm whispering your name.
Love, Jesus
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
My Walk to Bethlehem
As God prepared the road for Joseph and Mary, He is preparing our road.
Our road is our walk through this physical journey of life and our spiritual journey to God. My walk has taken me to Bethlehem and The Christ Child.
We are all at a different place in our spiritual walks.
God will help us to walk forward into a deeper place.
How do we get there?
How does our spirit grow?
I have found that God uses the circumstances and trials of life to awaken our spirits and to make us open to what He wants to teach us.
When the situations of life empty our cups of what we think is so important; God then, has the opportunity to fill our cups, our spirits, with the things which are spiritually and eternally important.
The things of this life are temporary. The physical busyness of getting ready for Christmas is soon over and we are taking down the tree, putting away or returning gifts, and making New Years resolutions to diet and exercise.
Each of us is looking for more than the temporary.
Scripture has taught me that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God”.
As we hear again the Christmas story, as we listen to and read scripture, as we sing songs of adoration, praise, and thanksgiving, as we worship together, and as we share our faith with each other, we grow and move into that deeper spiritual place.
I have found that love is contagious and so is faith.
Faith is a gift from God.
The bible says that we all have been given the gift of faith even if it is as small as a mustard seed.
Our faith grows as we use it and share it with others.
I have been given the gift of faith. I would like to share with you a little about my life and my personal faith journey.
To grow in faith is a choice. How God chooses to bring us to the place where we meet Him is not usually a choice. I have asked Him, “couldn’t you have brought me into a closer walk with you some other way?” I personally believe that God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives.
I was born in Brooklyn. My father was born in Norway. My mother was born in North Dakota. Her parents were pioneers from Norway and she was a teacher who taught in a one room school house. Dad was a carpenter. I have two sisters, Marlene and Jane.
We moved to Huntington in 1955. I graduated from Walt Whitman High School in 1960 and from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in 1963. In 1964 I married my high school sweetheart, Richard. We started our family 6 years later. We lived in West Hempstead during our first years of marriage and moved to Dix Hills in 1974. Richie built our home on Long Island and we lived in it for 35 years.
God gave us four daughters but has only allowed us to raise two of them.
Erica is 38 and married to Trevor. They have two sons, Trevor and Hunter.
Christa is 27 and is married to Kristopher.
Our first born Elisa died at 9 years of age in 1979.
Our third born Carrie died at 2 weeks of age in 1980.
Elisa died in her sleep early one morning and Carrie was post mature in utero and died of the complications of meconium aspiration.
Needless to say these were the hardest years of my life.
My faith was being severely tested.
No physical person could help me.
I felt as if I was walking in a fog.
I was going through the motions of living.
I had to keep going for Erica. Richie couldn’t even function.
My parents and sisters were devastated.
No one could help us.
I was searching for comfort and purpose.
Many couples are unable to make it after the loss of a child because both are hurting so much that they can’t help each other.
Prior to the death of my children my life had been a very stable one.
Richie did not have an easy childhood but was now settled and happy as a husband and father. His world came crashing in on him once again.
His spiritual foundation was not strong enough to bring him any peace or comfort.
My friend Bobby said “you have the Lord and Richie has you”.
My faith gave me strength.
As God lifted me up I could keep Erica and Richie going.
My foundation of faith was begun and nurtured by God fearing parents who brought me to church and Sunday School at a very young age. I was baptized at Bethelship Methodist Church in Brooklyn.
I was confirmed at Gloria Dea Lutheran Church in Huntington.
I attended and taught Sunday School as a teenager at West Hills Methodist Church.
While living in West Hempstead, I attended Hempstead Methodist Church. This is where Elisa and Erica were baptized.
When we moved to Dix Hills in 1974 we attended the Dix Hills Methodist Church.
After the death of my children, I went back to West Hills Methodist Church to be with my parents and to be spiritually fed by a wonderful pastor who helped me through a very difficult time.
In my search for deeper understanding and spiritual growth Erica and I began attending The Commack Church of God. God used the preaching and the loving congregation of this church to feed my spirit and to bring me into a deeper dimension of faith.
It was during this time that I continued to pray for another child. I had had two miscarriages. My prayer became, “God, if it isn’t in your plan please take the desire for another child away from me”. I had submitted to his will. He did not take the desire away. He gave us the desire of our hearts on May 25, 1983. Christa Grace was born. I thank Him every day for giving us another child and for giving Erica a sister.
In 1984 our family joined St. Luke Lutheran Church. It became our church home for 23 years. I taught Sunday School for 10 years and as a family we grew in faith and in the love for our Lord. Pastor Froehlich baptized, confirmed, and married Christa. Pastor confirmed and married Erica and baptized her two sons. The people at St Luke were our extended family.
In 2008 we sold our home of 35 years; I retired from Oncology Nursing at Huntington Hospital; and we moved to Orefield, Pennsylvania. Our new home is one mile away from Erica and one hour away from Christa. We had purchased a house in The Florida Keys in 1991. Again, God has given us the desire of our hearts. We are spending our retirement between sunny Florida in The Keys and Orefield, Pennsylvania near our children and their families.
I can only remember one time in my life when I questioned God’s existence. It was after Baby Carrie died. I couldn’t believe that a second child would be taken from me. When she died, others including Richie questioned how I could maintain my faith. How could a loving God have allowed this to happen again? Maybe the God, whom I’ve always known, was not really there. It was the loneliest time of my life. Who could I turn to if He wasn’t there, if He wasn’t walking with me.
This dry period only lasted a few weeks. I searched the scriptures. Where else could I go for answers? I would sit in my yard with my Bible. God led me to the Book of Job. Job was God’s most beloved servant and God allowed him to loose everything including his children. Job never lost faith. I wasn’t going to either! I was reminded of the poem Footprints in the Sand. God was there and He would continue to carry me through the tough times in life.
When I read 2 Corinthians1: 4, 5 I knew the words were meant for me.
I read that “God helps us in all of our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God”.
He spoke to me through His word. I would continue to search and believe! I was sure that He had spoken to me; I was sure that He was there! I knew that He would use me in the lives of others and He has.
Faith is an awesome gift but with that gift comes responsibility. To he whom much is given, much is required.
Jesus is the Lord of my life. I love Him with all of my heart, mind, and soul. I am able to love others because He loved me first.
I pray for wisdom and discernment daily, asking God to use me to His glory in the lives of others. My trials have given me spiritual strength and understanding. God in me, through The Holy Spirit, gives me the ability to know what He would want me to do or to say to help others. He has touched people through me in my personal life and in my professional life as a nurse. I want to be His vessel and He hears my prayer.
Nothing is more important to me than being in God’s will. What I do for Him is the only thing that will last throughout eternity.
The Bible is our road map and gives us direction. It is God’s love letter to us.
God’s promises are real.
Jesus is our Savior.
The Holy Spirit is our comforter and guide. He is God’s power within us.
We are God’s children and He calls each of us to come to Him as we are. He draws us to Himself; asking us to believe and to receive the gift of faith. Anyone who truly confesses believing and receiving Christ will never want to turn back from their walk to Bethlehem.
By sharing myself with you, my hope is that your faith will be encouraged.
If anyone is going through a difficult time in their lives, you are not alone, God is with you. Ask for and seek His presence; He will make His presence known.
As we walk the road to Bethlehem this Christmas; may we grow in the love of Jesus, may we grow in faith, and may we pass on our increased love and faith to others.
I pray that the lights of Christmas will glow through each of us all year long.
I wish a Merry Christmas to everyone. I plan to continue my writings in the New Year. I thank The Lord for working in me and through me to complete my 2010 blogs. It was a promise which I made to Him and to myself last January. Thank you Dear Lord.
Wishing everyone who reads my blogs, a happy, healthy, and spiritually full 2011 as we continue our journey together.
Our road is our walk through this physical journey of life and our spiritual journey to God. My walk has taken me to Bethlehem and The Christ Child.
We are all at a different place in our spiritual walks.
God will help us to walk forward into a deeper place.
How do we get there?
How does our spirit grow?
I have found that God uses the circumstances and trials of life to awaken our spirits and to make us open to what He wants to teach us.
When the situations of life empty our cups of what we think is so important; God then, has the opportunity to fill our cups, our spirits, with the things which are spiritually and eternally important.
The things of this life are temporary. The physical busyness of getting ready for Christmas is soon over and we are taking down the tree, putting away or returning gifts, and making New Years resolutions to diet and exercise.
Each of us is looking for more than the temporary.
Scripture has taught me that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God”.
As we hear again the Christmas story, as we listen to and read scripture, as we sing songs of adoration, praise, and thanksgiving, as we worship together, and as we share our faith with each other, we grow and move into that deeper spiritual place.
I have found that love is contagious and so is faith.
Faith is a gift from God.
The bible says that we all have been given the gift of faith even if it is as small as a mustard seed.
Our faith grows as we use it and share it with others.
I have been given the gift of faith. I would like to share with you a little about my life and my personal faith journey.
To grow in faith is a choice. How God chooses to bring us to the place where we meet Him is not usually a choice. I have asked Him, “couldn’t you have brought me into a closer walk with you some other way?” I personally believe that God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives.
I was born in Brooklyn. My father was born in Norway. My mother was born in North Dakota. Her parents were pioneers from Norway and she was a teacher who taught in a one room school house. Dad was a carpenter. I have two sisters, Marlene and Jane.
We moved to Huntington in 1955. I graduated from Walt Whitman High School in 1960 and from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in 1963. In 1964 I married my high school sweetheart, Richard. We started our family 6 years later. We lived in West Hempstead during our first years of marriage and moved to Dix Hills in 1974. Richie built our home on Long Island and we lived in it for 35 years.
God gave us four daughters but has only allowed us to raise two of them.
Erica is 38 and married to Trevor. They have two sons, Trevor and Hunter.
Christa is 27 and is married to Kristopher.
Our first born Elisa died at 9 years of age in 1979.
Our third born Carrie died at 2 weeks of age in 1980.
Elisa died in her sleep early one morning and Carrie was post mature in utero and died of the complications of meconium aspiration.
Needless to say these were the hardest years of my life.
My faith was being severely tested.
No physical person could help me.
I felt as if I was walking in a fog.
I was going through the motions of living.
I had to keep going for Erica. Richie couldn’t even function.
My parents and sisters were devastated.
No one could help us.
I was searching for comfort and purpose.
Many couples are unable to make it after the loss of a child because both are hurting so much that they can’t help each other.
Prior to the death of my children my life had been a very stable one.
Richie did not have an easy childhood but was now settled and happy as a husband and father. His world came crashing in on him once again.
His spiritual foundation was not strong enough to bring him any peace or comfort.
My friend Bobby said “you have the Lord and Richie has you”.
My faith gave me strength.
As God lifted me up I could keep Erica and Richie going.
My foundation of faith was begun and nurtured by God fearing parents who brought me to church and Sunday School at a very young age. I was baptized at Bethelship Methodist Church in Brooklyn.
I was confirmed at Gloria Dea Lutheran Church in Huntington.
I attended and taught Sunday School as a teenager at West Hills Methodist Church.
While living in West Hempstead, I attended Hempstead Methodist Church. This is where Elisa and Erica were baptized.
When we moved to Dix Hills in 1974 we attended the Dix Hills Methodist Church.
After the death of my children, I went back to West Hills Methodist Church to be with my parents and to be spiritually fed by a wonderful pastor who helped me through a very difficult time.
In my search for deeper understanding and spiritual growth Erica and I began attending The Commack Church of God. God used the preaching and the loving congregation of this church to feed my spirit and to bring me into a deeper dimension of faith.
It was during this time that I continued to pray for another child. I had had two miscarriages. My prayer became, “God, if it isn’t in your plan please take the desire for another child away from me”. I had submitted to his will. He did not take the desire away. He gave us the desire of our hearts on May 25, 1983. Christa Grace was born. I thank Him every day for giving us another child and for giving Erica a sister.
In 1984 our family joined St. Luke Lutheran Church. It became our church home for 23 years. I taught Sunday School for 10 years and as a family we grew in faith and in the love for our Lord. Pastor Froehlich baptized, confirmed, and married Christa. Pastor confirmed and married Erica and baptized her two sons. The people at St Luke were our extended family.
In 2008 we sold our home of 35 years; I retired from Oncology Nursing at Huntington Hospital; and we moved to Orefield, Pennsylvania. Our new home is one mile away from Erica and one hour away from Christa. We had purchased a house in The Florida Keys in 1991. Again, God has given us the desire of our hearts. We are spending our retirement between sunny Florida in The Keys and Orefield, Pennsylvania near our children and their families.
I can only remember one time in my life when I questioned God’s existence. It was after Baby Carrie died. I couldn’t believe that a second child would be taken from me. When she died, others including Richie questioned how I could maintain my faith. How could a loving God have allowed this to happen again? Maybe the God, whom I’ve always known, was not really there. It was the loneliest time of my life. Who could I turn to if He wasn’t there, if He wasn’t walking with me.
This dry period only lasted a few weeks. I searched the scriptures. Where else could I go for answers? I would sit in my yard with my Bible. God led me to the Book of Job. Job was God’s most beloved servant and God allowed him to loose everything including his children. Job never lost faith. I wasn’t going to either! I was reminded of the poem Footprints in the Sand. God was there and He would continue to carry me through the tough times in life.
When I read 2 Corinthians1: 4, 5 I knew the words were meant for me.
I read that “God helps us in all of our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God”.
He spoke to me through His word. I would continue to search and believe! I was sure that He had spoken to me; I was sure that He was there! I knew that He would use me in the lives of others and He has.
Faith is an awesome gift but with that gift comes responsibility. To he whom much is given, much is required.
Jesus is the Lord of my life. I love Him with all of my heart, mind, and soul. I am able to love others because He loved me first.
I pray for wisdom and discernment daily, asking God to use me to His glory in the lives of others. My trials have given me spiritual strength and understanding. God in me, through The Holy Spirit, gives me the ability to know what He would want me to do or to say to help others. He has touched people through me in my personal life and in my professional life as a nurse. I want to be His vessel and He hears my prayer.
Nothing is more important to me than being in God’s will. What I do for Him is the only thing that will last throughout eternity.
The Bible is our road map and gives us direction. It is God’s love letter to us.
God’s promises are real.
Jesus is our Savior.
The Holy Spirit is our comforter and guide. He is God’s power within us.
We are God’s children and He calls each of us to come to Him as we are. He draws us to Himself; asking us to believe and to receive the gift of faith. Anyone who truly confesses believing and receiving Christ will never want to turn back from their walk to Bethlehem.
By sharing myself with you, my hope is that your faith will be encouraged.
If anyone is going through a difficult time in their lives, you are not alone, God is with you. Ask for and seek His presence; He will make His presence known.
As we walk the road to Bethlehem this Christmas; may we grow in the love of Jesus, may we grow in faith, and may we pass on our increased love and faith to others.
I pray that the lights of Christmas will glow through each of us all year long.
I wish a Merry Christmas to everyone. I plan to continue my writings in the New Year. I thank The Lord for working in me and through me to complete my 2010 blogs. It was a promise which I made to Him and to myself last January. Thank you Dear Lord.
Wishing everyone who reads my blogs, a happy, healthy, and spiritually full 2011 as we continue our journey together.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Joy, Praise, and Thanksgiving
On January 1, 2010 I promised God that I would share my faith in a way that was new to me. Now, as this year approaches its end, I am so grateful for the strength and perseverance which the Lord has given me to be His vessel through my blog, “Anna’s Faith Journey”. I seek his guidance as I write about my life and my faith. I don’t always know who reads or will read my entries; that I leave up to Him. As I look back over the year, I hope that someday my grandsons will get a better understanding of their faith heritage. They are young now and just beginning to read. I want them to know who I am and what God has done in my life. In the same way that I dedicated my own children to God, I dedicate my grandchildren to Him. I envision them as “Men of God” who will pass on their faith to the next generation. Jesus Christ is The Lord of my life; the light of my life. I hope that the light within me continues to light the lives of others as I pass on the faith that previous generations gave to me.
As I praise God for everything in my life, I tell him how thankful I am. Praise is a form of thanksgiving. We should always come to Him in the spirit of praise and gratitude. Gratitude is an attitude. God wants us to have an internal sense of peace and joy even when our external circumstances would deem otherwise. My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28. I know that God is always functioning in my life, working things for good. I have and will continue to walk through trials knowing that God has a plan and that He will weave my situation to His glory in my life. I never have to travel a road alone. This is why I have an attitude of peace and in turn a continuous attitude of thanksgiving. Happiness is dependent on external circumstances. I am not always happy. Joy is internal. The joy of knowing who I am in Christ keeps me peaceful and grateful in all situations.
How can one experience joy always? Believe in God. He will give you the gift of faith. I believe that God gave His son for me, for all of us, and that when Jesus returned to the Father in heaven He left the comforter for us; the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works in us and through us and gives us The Gifts of the Spirit. Internal joy is one of the Spiritual gifts. Read Galatians 5:22. Joy is God’s gift to the believer.
I will continue writing my blog in 2011. This November has been a busy month for me. We had a trip to visit family in Oklahoma with a stop in Dallas, Texas. We are going to New York for a few days and will come back to Pennsylvania to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with our daughters and their families. I love Thanksgiving; being with family and friends, and taking part in cooking and eating turkey and all of the other traditional dishes of the season. After Thanksgiving we are expecting company, my cousin and his wife will be coming from Norway. We are looking forward to their visit. They were such wonderful hosts when we stayed with them during our trip to Norway in the summer of 2009. Then we will be headed back to Florida for the winter. God blesses us daily and we thank Him for everything in our lives.
This will be my last blog in November 2010. I plan to do one blog in December. I will post my testimony. I presented it a few years ago to the women at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Dix Hills on Long Island. I have also shared it with my friends at the Martin Luther Chapel in Marathon, Florida. It is about my journey to Bethlehem; my journey to the cross. I hope my story will encourage others in their faith walk. We are all on a journey. We are all in a different place. Let us continue to lift each other up and keep growing in our faith. Let us live our lives as an example of who we are in Christ. May we live in an attitude of joy, praise, and thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I love you and God loves you too.
As I praise God for everything in my life, I tell him how thankful I am. Praise is a form of thanksgiving. We should always come to Him in the spirit of praise and gratitude. Gratitude is an attitude. God wants us to have an internal sense of peace and joy even when our external circumstances would deem otherwise. My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28. I know that God is always functioning in my life, working things for good. I have and will continue to walk through trials knowing that God has a plan and that He will weave my situation to His glory in my life. I never have to travel a road alone. This is why I have an attitude of peace and in turn a continuous attitude of thanksgiving. Happiness is dependent on external circumstances. I am not always happy. Joy is internal. The joy of knowing who I am in Christ keeps me peaceful and grateful in all situations.
How can one experience joy always? Believe in God. He will give you the gift of faith. I believe that God gave His son for me, for all of us, and that when Jesus returned to the Father in heaven He left the comforter for us; the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works in us and through us and gives us The Gifts of the Spirit. Internal joy is one of the Spiritual gifts. Read Galatians 5:22. Joy is God’s gift to the believer.
I will continue writing my blog in 2011. This November has been a busy month for me. We had a trip to visit family in Oklahoma with a stop in Dallas, Texas. We are going to New York for a few days and will come back to Pennsylvania to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with our daughters and their families. I love Thanksgiving; being with family and friends, and taking part in cooking and eating turkey and all of the other traditional dishes of the season. After Thanksgiving we are expecting company, my cousin and his wife will be coming from Norway. We are looking forward to their visit. They were such wonderful hosts when we stayed with them during our trip to Norway in the summer of 2009. Then we will be headed back to Florida for the winter. God blesses us daily and we thank Him for everything in our lives.
This will be my last blog in November 2010. I plan to do one blog in December. I will post my testimony. I presented it a few years ago to the women at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Dix Hills on Long Island. I have also shared it with my friends at the Martin Luther Chapel in Marathon, Florida. It is about my journey to Bethlehem; my journey to the cross. I hope my story will encourage others in their faith walk. We are all on a journey. We are all in a different place. Let us continue to lift each other up and keep growing in our faith. Let us live our lives as an example of who we are in Christ. May we live in an attitude of joy, praise, and thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I love you and God loves you too.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Every Life is a Story
We can learn and grow when we look back on our own lives. We can also be influenced as we view the lives of others by observing them or reading about them. Each of our lives is a story. It is for this reason that I reminisce and write about mine in this Blog.
When my daughter, Christa, was at Muhlenberg College she volunteered to become buddies with an elderly woman, Betty, who resided at The Phoebe Retirement Community in Allentown. A school project turned into a lasting friendship. They became part of each others lives. They would get together for lunch and other activities. They shared stories and shared their lives with each other. Betty joined our family to celebrate Christa’s graduation. Betty died last year but her influence and story go on. This past Friday, Christa was asked to participate in a story telling reception at Phoebe. She was asked to recollect and share about her friendship with Betty. Sometimes we take for granted the people who touch our lives. This exercise in story telling was very emotional for Christa and for the people who listened to their story. Although Betty is no longer physically here, her shared life and story will always be a part of Christa’s life.
Another story that comes to mind is that of the limousine driver, Ali, who picked Richard and me up at the Dallas airport last week. We spoke for less than an hour as we traveled to our hotel. I was so very impressed by him and his life story. He expressed his story with passion and fluency. He came to America on his mother’s passport from India when he was 18 months old. He is the only one of his siblings who has learned his parent’s native language. After college, for ten years, he traveled all over the world with one company. He did very well financially but traveled so much and was so busy that he didn’t have time to enjoy life. He appreciated the sacrifices which his parents made by taking the initiative to travel to a new land and a new beginning. He told us about the time he made a trip back to India to attend a very exclusive affair. There were no limits to the food and fruit which were being served. He became aware of a young child approaching the garbage cans to retrieve what he could of the food which people were throwing out. Tears came to his eyes and he made arrangements for the left over food to be given to the boy and his family. This little beggar boy touched Ali’s life. America had given Ali and his family opportunities and a life that he was very grateful for.
Ali decided to quit his all-consuming traveling job. The pay which he collected from his former employer gave him a financial cushion but when that was spent he still didn’t have another job or know what he wanted to do. He vented his dilemma to a friend, a limousine driver, who had previously taken him to the airport so many times when he was traveling at his previous job. This friend offered to set him up with his own limousine. He suggested that it was something that Ali should try because of his personable nature, experience, and education. Ali said, “I have two college degrees and you suggest that I become a limousine driver?” The rest is history. Ali started with one limousine and now owns his own company which runs fourteen vehicles. He is doing very well. He married, bought a home, and has twin sons. He mainly manages the company but still has certain customers that he likes to drive for. We thank him for wanting to pick up Christa’s parents and for telling us his story. I hope my account has done it justice. I am so very proud of America and everything our country offers to those who have a dream and ambition. Ali, we wish you continued success in your business and personal happiness to you and your family. It was a pleasure to have met you. You are a very impressive young man. As I suggested, you should write a book. If you do, I want a copy!
Our lives aren’t compartmentalized. All areas of our life are connected. Decisions which we have made in the past, or even yesterday, will affect our lives today. They compose our story. We reap what we sow and everything we do has consequences. The character of our life will touch the lives of others. Not only are we personally connected; mind, body, and spirit; past and present; our lives are connected with others. Sometimes we don’t even know who is looking at us or listening to our story. Our character is what we are when no one is looking. Let us try to be real, not disingenuous. God sees our hearts and motives in every situation. We cannot always control our circumstances, but with God’s help, we can control how we act and respond. He looks on the inward, not the outward. Let each of us live a story that we would want to be told.
When my daughter, Christa, was at Muhlenberg College she volunteered to become buddies with an elderly woman, Betty, who resided at The Phoebe Retirement Community in Allentown. A school project turned into a lasting friendship. They became part of each others lives. They would get together for lunch and other activities. They shared stories and shared their lives with each other. Betty joined our family to celebrate Christa’s graduation. Betty died last year but her influence and story go on. This past Friday, Christa was asked to participate in a story telling reception at Phoebe. She was asked to recollect and share about her friendship with Betty. Sometimes we take for granted the people who touch our lives. This exercise in story telling was very emotional for Christa and for the people who listened to their story. Although Betty is no longer physically here, her shared life and story will always be a part of Christa’s life.
Another story that comes to mind is that of the limousine driver, Ali, who picked Richard and me up at the Dallas airport last week. We spoke for less than an hour as we traveled to our hotel. I was so very impressed by him and his life story. He expressed his story with passion and fluency. He came to America on his mother’s passport from India when he was 18 months old. He is the only one of his siblings who has learned his parent’s native language. After college, for ten years, he traveled all over the world with one company. He did very well financially but traveled so much and was so busy that he didn’t have time to enjoy life. He appreciated the sacrifices which his parents made by taking the initiative to travel to a new land and a new beginning. He told us about the time he made a trip back to India to attend a very exclusive affair. There were no limits to the food and fruit which were being served. He became aware of a young child approaching the garbage cans to retrieve what he could of the food which people were throwing out. Tears came to his eyes and he made arrangements for the left over food to be given to the boy and his family. This little beggar boy touched Ali’s life. America had given Ali and his family opportunities and a life that he was very grateful for.
Ali decided to quit his all-consuming traveling job. The pay which he collected from his former employer gave him a financial cushion but when that was spent he still didn’t have another job or know what he wanted to do. He vented his dilemma to a friend, a limousine driver, who had previously taken him to the airport so many times when he was traveling at his previous job. This friend offered to set him up with his own limousine. He suggested that it was something that Ali should try because of his personable nature, experience, and education. Ali said, “I have two college degrees and you suggest that I become a limousine driver?” The rest is history. Ali started with one limousine and now owns his own company which runs fourteen vehicles. He is doing very well. He married, bought a home, and has twin sons. He mainly manages the company but still has certain customers that he likes to drive for. We thank him for wanting to pick up Christa’s parents and for telling us his story. I hope my account has done it justice. I am so very proud of America and everything our country offers to those who have a dream and ambition. Ali, we wish you continued success in your business and personal happiness to you and your family. It was a pleasure to have met you. You are a very impressive young man. As I suggested, you should write a book. If you do, I want a copy!
Our lives aren’t compartmentalized. All areas of our life are connected. Decisions which we have made in the past, or even yesterday, will affect our lives today. They compose our story. We reap what we sow and everything we do has consequences. The character of our life will touch the lives of others. Not only are we personally connected; mind, body, and spirit; past and present; our lives are connected with others. Sometimes we don’t even know who is looking at us or listening to our story. Our character is what we are when no one is looking. Let us try to be real, not disingenuous. God sees our hearts and motives in every situation. We cannot always control our circumstances, but with God’s help, we can control how we act and respond. He looks on the inward, not the outward. Let each of us live a story that we would want to be told.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Seeing and Doing
There are some things in life that we hope for. Some things can be imagined, wrongly or rightly. We visualize in our mind's eye that which we have not experienced or seen.
Richard and I just came back from a trip to Texas and Oklahoma. Now we have seen for ourselves that which before the trip we could only imagine. In addition to cementing a picture in our minds, we are so glad that we didn’t put off a trip which we have been talking about for months. We chose to light the candle and make it happen.
We went to visit Richard’s family in Oklahoma. Tela will be 90 years old on March 3, 2011. She has made a major change in her life and moved into a Retirement home in Oklahoma City. Prior to being with her, we could only imagine how she was doing or where she was living. Words cannot express how happy we are with our decision to make the visit. She absolutely looks wonderful and is adapting so very well to her new home and regained sense of independence. Her new life has freed Richie’s sister and husband, Nancy and Lloyd, from worrying and extra care giving. They can now feel peaceful about her comfort, care, and life in general. Now we have seen her elegant new home. We have seen Tela for ourselves and are happy that she looks so well and is doing so well. We had hoped that she was doing well, now we have seen.
How many times do we put the things that we know we should do on the back burner’s of our lives. I can only encourage you to write that card, make that call, give that word of encouragement, or visit someone as we did. Give and it shall be given unto you. A kind act shouldn’t be done for that reason but it sure has that effect on one’s life. Don’t procrastinate and be generous. These are good rules to live by.
The other purpose of our trip was to be with our daughter, Christa, for a couple of days in Dallas. Her job, with a growing internet advertising company, Reach Local, brings her from Pennsylvania to Texas once or twice a month. She introduced us to so many of her wonderful out of state co-workers. She took us to work with her as she taught the new hires, from all over the country and Canada, about the company and their internet media products. The company labels this teaching orientation their “Boot Camp”. For us, it was “Bring your parents to work day”. As it was with Tela, we now can visualize where Christa is when she is in Texas and we will be able to put faces to names as she talks about her job and the people she works with. It is so important to us to be involved in our children’s lives. We never want to be intrusive, but always want to be there for them and to be aware of things that are going on in their lives. This trip opened up a window into her life and this makes our lives richer. Thank you Christa for lighting this candle with us, and for driving with us to Oklahoma to visit Grandma Tela and our extended Oklahoma family.
God is good. When we honor Him, He honors us. He shows us His favor and makes our lives work. The only thing constant in life is change. God gives us wisdom and is always there to help us adapt to new situations. He is with Tela. He is with Christa in her travels. He is with us as he directs and leads us to care for others and be an important part of the lives of our loved one’s. I am so grateful that we took this trip. I ask The Lord to always keep us aware of where He wants us to be and how and when He wants to use us, to His glory, in the lives of others.
Richard and I just came back from a trip to Texas and Oklahoma. Now we have seen for ourselves that which before the trip we could only imagine. In addition to cementing a picture in our minds, we are so glad that we didn’t put off a trip which we have been talking about for months. We chose to light the candle and make it happen.
We went to visit Richard’s family in Oklahoma. Tela will be 90 years old on March 3, 2011. She has made a major change in her life and moved into a Retirement home in Oklahoma City. Prior to being with her, we could only imagine how she was doing or where she was living. Words cannot express how happy we are with our decision to make the visit. She absolutely looks wonderful and is adapting so very well to her new home and regained sense of independence. Her new life has freed Richie’s sister and husband, Nancy and Lloyd, from worrying and extra care giving. They can now feel peaceful about her comfort, care, and life in general. Now we have seen her elegant new home. We have seen Tela for ourselves and are happy that she looks so well and is doing so well. We had hoped that she was doing well, now we have seen.
How many times do we put the things that we know we should do on the back burner’s of our lives. I can only encourage you to write that card, make that call, give that word of encouragement, or visit someone as we did. Give and it shall be given unto you. A kind act shouldn’t be done for that reason but it sure has that effect on one’s life. Don’t procrastinate and be generous. These are good rules to live by.
The other purpose of our trip was to be with our daughter, Christa, for a couple of days in Dallas. Her job, with a growing internet advertising company, Reach Local, brings her from Pennsylvania to Texas once or twice a month. She introduced us to so many of her wonderful out of state co-workers. She took us to work with her as she taught the new hires, from all over the country and Canada, about the company and their internet media products. The company labels this teaching orientation their “Boot Camp”. For us, it was “Bring your parents to work day”. As it was with Tela, we now can visualize where Christa is when she is in Texas and we will be able to put faces to names as she talks about her job and the people she works with. It is so important to us to be involved in our children’s lives. We never want to be intrusive, but always want to be there for them and to be aware of things that are going on in their lives. This trip opened up a window into her life and this makes our lives richer. Thank you Christa for lighting this candle with us, and for driving with us to Oklahoma to visit Grandma Tela and our extended Oklahoma family.
God is good. When we honor Him, He honors us. He shows us His favor and makes our lives work. The only thing constant in life is change. God gives us wisdom and is always there to help us adapt to new situations. He is with Tela. He is with Christa in her travels. He is with us as he directs and leads us to care for others and be an important part of the lives of our loved one’s. I am so grateful that we took this trip. I ask The Lord to always keep us aware of where He wants us to be and how and when He wants to use us, to His glory, in the lives of others.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Celebrating a Gift
Today is our daughter, Erica Gayle’s birthday. She was born at 5:30AM on a Sunday morning in 1972. Richard and I had recently bought a piece of property in Dix Hills on Long Island. Richard, Elisa, and I were spending every weekend at my parent’s house in South Huntington. We lived in West Hempstead. During the week Richie commuted to NYC and was all consumed on the weekends and most evenings with the construction of our first home. We were building an extensive addition to a small cottage which was present on the property which we purchased.
My parents had just returned from a wonderful trip to my Dad’s birthplace in Flekkefjord Norway. When I went into labor, my Mom and Dad were there to take care of Elisa and they were there for Erica and me when we were discharged from Syosset Hospital. Life was busy and we were so very blessed. Today, the memories of this day and this time in our lives played in my mind all day long.
Erica was a beautiful child and has become such a beautiful young woman; a daughter, a wife, a mother, a teacher, and a special friend to so many. I have always stressed that external beauty is a gift from God but internal beauty results from the development of our character and who we are on the inside. Erica is beautiful on the inside and the outside. She knows and loves the Lord. This love shines through her life.
We celebrated Erica’s birthday this evening. Richard and I and our family; Erica, Trevor, Trevor, Hunter, Christa and Kris went out to eat at a local restaurant. I look forward to the times when we can all be together. They give me such happiness. They are my legacy. They light up my life.
I want to share with you the words on the Birthday card which we gave to Erica. It is a special birthday message to a daughter by Emily Matthews.
“If” for a daughter says:
If you can value truth above approval,
And friendship over beauty, wealth, or fame,
If you can share your gifts and talents wisely,
Leaving someone better off than when you came,
If you find happiness in simple pleasures,
And see the rainbow, not the falling rain,
If you have faith to keep right on believing in miracles that no one can explain,
If you look until you see the good in others and keep your spirit honest, true, and free,
Then you’ll be, not just happy and successful, but the woman only you were meant to be.
The verse on the card goes on to say:
If you could see all the flowers in the world,
If you could hear all the laughter in the universe,
If you could make all the dreams that were ever wished come true,
Then you would know a little part of the joy of having and loving a daughter like you.
Happy Birthday Erica, and
Thank you Lord for our daughter Erica, on this her birthday, and always.
My parents had just returned from a wonderful trip to my Dad’s birthplace in Flekkefjord Norway. When I went into labor, my Mom and Dad were there to take care of Elisa and they were there for Erica and me when we were discharged from Syosset Hospital. Life was busy and we were so very blessed. Today, the memories of this day and this time in our lives played in my mind all day long.
Erica was a beautiful child and has become such a beautiful young woman; a daughter, a wife, a mother, a teacher, and a special friend to so many. I have always stressed that external beauty is a gift from God but internal beauty results from the development of our character and who we are on the inside. Erica is beautiful on the inside and the outside. She knows and loves the Lord. This love shines through her life.
We celebrated Erica’s birthday this evening. Richard and I and our family; Erica, Trevor, Trevor, Hunter, Christa and Kris went out to eat at a local restaurant. I look forward to the times when we can all be together. They give me such happiness. They are my legacy. They light up my life.
I want to share with you the words on the Birthday card which we gave to Erica. It is a special birthday message to a daughter by Emily Matthews.
“If” for a daughter says:
If you can value truth above approval,
And friendship over beauty, wealth, or fame,
If you can share your gifts and talents wisely,
Leaving someone better off than when you came,
If you find happiness in simple pleasures,
And see the rainbow, not the falling rain,
If you have faith to keep right on believing in miracles that no one can explain,
If you look until you see the good in others and keep your spirit honest, true, and free,
Then you’ll be, not just happy and successful, but the woman only you were meant to be.
The verse on the card goes on to say:
If you could see all the flowers in the world,
If you could hear all the laughter in the universe,
If you could make all the dreams that were ever wished come true,
Then you would know a little part of the joy of having and loving a daughter like you.
Happy Birthday Erica, and
Thank you Lord for our daughter Erica, on this her birthday, and always.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Undying Love
God is love. Many are the afflictions of the righteous. These two sentences seem so contradictory. God loves His children unconditionally but suffering comes into each of our lives in different ways and in varying degrees. The Old Testament book of Job speaks about Job as God’s most beloved servant. God allowed him to be tested and afflicted with all kinds of trouble. When Job was questioned he said, “shall we accept good from God and not accept adversity?” The bible also tells us that God never allows more trials into our lives than we are able to endure. God will prove Himself. As we experience God’s grace and we grow in our faith, our little faith will become bigger faith.
2Corinthians 1:3,4 says, “What a wonderful God we have – He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does He do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us”. When we know God’s grace and receive the gift of faith, we want to share our testimony and God’s love with others.
Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit”.
Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds”.
Isaiah 49:13 says, “The Lord has comforted His people, and will have compassion upon them in their sorrow”
Psalm 23:4 says, “Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way”.
Christ suffered and died for us. 2Corinthians 1:7 assures us that when we share in Christ’s suffering, we will also share in His glory. What a wonderful promise!
I found a bookmark in my bible. The verse on it, in uncomplicated language, explains what I have been trying to say:
God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through;
God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain;
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above;
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
2Corinthians 1:3,4 says, “What a wonderful God we have – He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does He do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us”. When we know God’s grace and receive the gift of faith, we want to share our testimony and God’s love with others.
Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit”.
Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds”.
Isaiah 49:13 says, “The Lord has comforted His people, and will have compassion upon them in their sorrow”
Psalm 23:4 says, “Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way”.
Christ suffered and died for us. 2Corinthians 1:7 assures us that when we share in Christ’s suffering, we will also share in His glory. What a wonderful promise!
I found a bookmark in my bible. The verse on it, in uncomplicated language, explains what I have been trying to say:
God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through;
God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain;
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above;
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Memories Which I Ponder in My Heart
The Scriptures, when speaking of Mary, say “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart”. After the Angel Gabriel came to her, Mary praised The Lord and rejoiced in her Savior but could not have understood all of God’s plans for her life and for her baby’s life. After Jesus’ birth, the shepherds in the field came to her with words spoken to them by The Angel of The Lord. St. Luke says that all who heard, wondered at these things, and Mary pondered them in her heart.
One event in my life, which I have pondered in my heart, is the birth and death of my baby, Carrie Marlene. Exactly 30 years ago, she was in Nassau Medical Center. I had just been discharged from Central General Hospital in Plainview after having had a Caesarian Section in an emergency delivery. Richie was traveling between both hospitals and keeping me updated as to Carrie’s condition.
Carrie was born on September 25, 1980. It was the day of our 16th wedding anniversary. She only lived for two weeks. She died on October 8, 1980.
It is hard for me to recall and write about that time in my life. God has brought me so very far in my faith walk. I know that He will give me the grace and strength to talk about the things which I have been pondering in my heart. I don’t know if my story can help someone else but I feel the call to share some of my most inner memories and feelings.
When my first daughter, Elisa Lynn, died one month after her ninth birthday in 1979, I told The Lord that I wanted another child. This was the immediate desire of my heart for myself, and for Richie, and especially for Erica. God heard my cry but brought me through many more trials before answering that prayer.
God wanted to grow my faith and show me so many things. It was during this time that the words in the Bible came alive to me. I knew that God was talking to me and bringing me into a place of peace and understanding which I had never entered before. My pain was so intense that no physical person could comfort me. I thanked The Lord every day for my daughter, Erica Gayle. She gave me reason to keep going, even though at times, I was only going through the motions of daily living. I had to keep functioning for her. Richie went into a hopeless, reclusive, angry, depression. We needed him but he could not help us because he was hurting so much himself. It is during times like this that one’s marriage can be strained to a breaking point. God gave me the strength, insight, love, and forgiveness to keep on persevering into the future. It had to be a supernatural strength! Erica had to be cared for, our lawn business had to be run, my parents had to be comforted, and life had to go on.
I did become pregnant within a few months of Elisa’s death but miscarried within the first trimester. After a trip to the hospital for a D&C, and waiting the required time afterward, I became pregnant again. I had an amniocentesis. Our baby was a girl and she was due early in September. We named her Carrie after a very special person in our lives, Richie’s Aunt Carrie. Carrie would not replace our Elisa, but she would give our family new hope for the future. I knew that Elisa was with The Lord and that she had been given to us, to enrich our lives, for nine short years. My faith would not have been where it is today if I had never known her.
On September 24th, I was 3 weeks past my due date. I had been going to the doctor daily. No signs of labor. I was 38 years old and at risk because of my age and history. Needless to say, I was getting very anxious. The doctor wanted to wait a little longer, but I came packed for the hospital and insisted on my admission. My dear friend Bobby was with Richie and me. I was admitted, attached to a fetal monitor, and was started on a pitocin drip to induce labor. I was given medication for anxiety. Richie went home, and Bobby stayed at my side. Bobby and I are both registered nurses. Bobby’s expertise is in the field of Lamaze, and labor and delivery, as coach and instructor. She was not only at my side now; she never left me physically or emotionally during my present suffering. I will be forever grateful to God for giving me such a special friend.
I will not go into the specific details of Carrie’s birth. When the doctor finally broke my water, he said, “pea soup”. The amniotic fluid is supposed to be clear. This indicated that the baby’s first meconiam stool had been passed into the fluid. Carrie was post mature in utero and should have already been born. I will never know why I didn’t go into labor in time, or why the doctor whom I trusted treated my situation so lightly, or why he waited a few hours before doing an emergency section. These are questions which will never have any answers!
When I think of Carrie, I remember calling out loud to Jesus in the delivery room. I heard the doctors working on her, suctioning her, and then, I finally heard a faint cry coming from the area behind me where they all were. The next thing I remember is being on a stretcher, in the hall, outside the delivery room. Richie was at my side. Carrie was in a baby transporter incubator. We were wheeled near to each other and I have a clear memory of her eyes looking up and connecting to mine. I can see that moment again now. It was all horrible but I never doubted that God was aware of the situation. I kept on repeating Romans 8: 28 to myself and out loud. Bobby was still at our side. We all felt so helpless. Nothing we could do now would change what just happened in our lives
Carrie was transported to The Nassau Medical Center where she was fighting for her life. She had aspirated meconiam causing respiratory distress leading to failure of all of her systems. The doctors did everything to save her. I was so sure that she was going to survive but late one night we were awakened by a call from the hospital informing us that nothing else could be done and Carrie was dying. She died on October 8th.
Where was God? How could this be happening again? Are non-believers right? I stayed in this confused place for a short while. It is a place where I had never been before. I have never been so lonely. What is life all about? Am I in charge of my own destiny? Is there not a plan for my life? or a God who understands the pain which I am feeling? Pastor Mech told me, “The God who was there for you before, will be there for you again”. I read my bible for answers; answers which I could not find from any other source or person. God spoke to me through Job and the Gospels. He told me that Job was His most beloved servant. If God allowed so very much suffering into Job’s life, I realized that God loved me too, knew my pain, and would see me through. In 2Corinthians He told me that He would be able to use me to help others who will experience even greater suffering than I was going through. I read, I listened, and I believed. God was always with me. He never did leave me. As related in the poem, “Footprints in The Sand”, God would carry me through my time of suffering and trials. I knew that He was real and He took away my loneliness. I knew, because I knew, because I knew. I never have to be in that place of doubt again.
I continued to pray for another child, but my body had to recover from the Caesarian Section first. I had one more miscarriage before my prayer was answered. I was now under the care of a high risk OB-GYN specialist.
I was about 5 months pregnant. Early one morning, I had a dream. I dreamt that I was going to have a miscarriage. The sac came out, but it was empty, there wasn’t any baby in it. I knew that the pregnancy was over but I heard a baby crying in the distance. When I awoke, I miscarried. Richie brought me to the doctor. When the doctor examined the miscarried tissue we were told that the baby never did develop, the sac was empty. I knew that God prepared me in my dream and I knew that He was with me.
Now my prayer became, “Lord, if I am not to have another child, please take the desire away from my heart”. I put it in His hands. I would accept His will but He had to change my longing. I continued to think about my dream and the baby’s cry which I heard at that time.
God heard my plea and did not take away my heart's desire. On May 25, 1983 our fourth daughter, Christa Grace was born. Erica has a sister, and our lives became complete.
Thank you Lord, for Elisa and Carrie. They are with You and I will join all of you someday.
Thank you Lord, for Erica and Christa. They light up our lives. They are gifts from you. Richie and I thank you every day for them, their husbands, and our grandchildren.
Thank you Lord, for the gift of faith, and for growing my faith as I search for a closer walk with you. In my times of weakness and pain, you give me strength and peace. Use me and my testimony in the lives of others to your glory. I love You, Lord. Amen
One event in my life, which I have pondered in my heart, is the birth and death of my baby, Carrie Marlene. Exactly 30 years ago, she was in Nassau Medical Center. I had just been discharged from Central General Hospital in Plainview after having had a Caesarian Section in an emergency delivery. Richie was traveling between both hospitals and keeping me updated as to Carrie’s condition.
Carrie was born on September 25, 1980. It was the day of our 16th wedding anniversary. She only lived for two weeks. She died on October 8, 1980.
It is hard for me to recall and write about that time in my life. God has brought me so very far in my faith walk. I know that He will give me the grace and strength to talk about the things which I have been pondering in my heart. I don’t know if my story can help someone else but I feel the call to share some of my most inner memories and feelings.
When my first daughter, Elisa Lynn, died one month after her ninth birthday in 1979, I told The Lord that I wanted another child. This was the immediate desire of my heart for myself, and for Richie, and especially for Erica. God heard my cry but brought me through many more trials before answering that prayer.
God wanted to grow my faith and show me so many things. It was during this time that the words in the Bible came alive to me. I knew that God was talking to me and bringing me into a place of peace and understanding which I had never entered before. My pain was so intense that no physical person could comfort me. I thanked The Lord every day for my daughter, Erica Gayle. She gave me reason to keep going, even though at times, I was only going through the motions of daily living. I had to keep functioning for her. Richie went into a hopeless, reclusive, angry, depression. We needed him but he could not help us because he was hurting so much himself. It is during times like this that one’s marriage can be strained to a breaking point. God gave me the strength, insight, love, and forgiveness to keep on persevering into the future. It had to be a supernatural strength! Erica had to be cared for, our lawn business had to be run, my parents had to be comforted, and life had to go on.
I did become pregnant within a few months of Elisa’s death but miscarried within the first trimester. After a trip to the hospital for a D&C, and waiting the required time afterward, I became pregnant again. I had an amniocentesis. Our baby was a girl and she was due early in September. We named her Carrie after a very special person in our lives, Richie’s Aunt Carrie. Carrie would not replace our Elisa, but she would give our family new hope for the future. I knew that Elisa was with The Lord and that she had been given to us, to enrich our lives, for nine short years. My faith would not have been where it is today if I had never known her.
On September 24th, I was 3 weeks past my due date. I had been going to the doctor daily. No signs of labor. I was 38 years old and at risk because of my age and history. Needless to say, I was getting very anxious. The doctor wanted to wait a little longer, but I came packed for the hospital and insisted on my admission. My dear friend Bobby was with Richie and me. I was admitted, attached to a fetal monitor, and was started on a pitocin drip to induce labor. I was given medication for anxiety. Richie went home, and Bobby stayed at my side. Bobby and I are both registered nurses. Bobby’s expertise is in the field of Lamaze, and labor and delivery, as coach and instructor. She was not only at my side now; she never left me physically or emotionally during my present suffering. I will be forever grateful to God for giving me such a special friend.
I will not go into the specific details of Carrie’s birth. When the doctor finally broke my water, he said, “pea soup”. The amniotic fluid is supposed to be clear. This indicated that the baby’s first meconiam stool had been passed into the fluid. Carrie was post mature in utero and should have already been born. I will never know why I didn’t go into labor in time, or why the doctor whom I trusted treated my situation so lightly, or why he waited a few hours before doing an emergency section. These are questions which will never have any answers!
When I think of Carrie, I remember calling out loud to Jesus in the delivery room. I heard the doctors working on her, suctioning her, and then, I finally heard a faint cry coming from the area behind me where they all were. The next thing I remember is being on a stretcher, in the hall, outside the delivery room. Richie was at my side. Carrie was in a baby transporter incubator. We were wheeled near to each other and I have a clear memory of her eyes looking up and connecting to mine. I can see that moment again now. It was all horrible but I never doubted that God was aware of the situation. I kept on repeating Romans 8: 28 to myself and out loud. Bobby was still at our side. We all felt so helpless. Nothing we could do now would change what just happened in our lives
Carrie was transported to The Nassau Medical Center where she was fighting for her life. She had aspirated meconiam causing respiratory distress leading to failure of all of her systems. The doctors did everything to save her. I was so sure that she was going to survive but late one night we were awakened by a call from the hospital informing us that nothing else could be done and Carrie was dying. She died on October 8th.
Where was God? How could this be happening again? Are non-believers right? I stayed in this confused place for a short while. It is a place where I had never been before. I have never been so lonely. What is life all about? Am I in charge of my own destiny? Is there not a plan for my life? or a God who understands the pain which I am feeling? Pastor Mech told me, “The God who was there for you before, will be there for you again”. I read my bible for answers; answers which I could not find from any other source or person. God spoke to me through Job and the Gospels. He told me that Job was His most beloved servant. If God allowed so very much suffering into Job’s life, I realized that God loved me too, knew my pain, and would see me through. In 2Corinthians He told me that He would be able to use me to help others who will experience even greater suffering than I was going through. I read, I listened, and I believed. God was always with me. He never did leave me. As related in the poem, “Footprints in The Sand”, God would carry me through my time of suffering and trials. I knew that He was real and He took away my loneliness. I knew, because I knew, because I knew. I never have to be in that place of doubt again.
I continued to pray for another child, but my body had to recover from the Caesarian Section first. I had one more miscarriage before my prayer was answered. I was now under the care of a high risk OB-GYN specialist.
I was about 5 months pregnant. Early one morning, I had a dream. I dreamt that I was going to have a miscarriage. The sac came out, but it was empty, there wasn’t any baby in it. I knew that the pregnancy was over but I heard a baby crying in the distance. When I awoke, I miscarried. Richie brought me to the doctor. When the doctor examined the miscarried tissue we were told that the baby never did develop, the sac was empty. I knew that God prepared me in my dream and I knew that He was with me.
Now my prayer became, “Lord, if I am not to have another child, please take the desire away from my heart”. I put it in His hands. I would accept His will but He had to change my longing. I continued to think about my dream and the baby’s cry which I heard at that time.
God heard my plea and did not take away my heart's desire. On May 25, 1983 our fourth daughter, Christa Grace was born. Erica has a sister, and our lives became complete.
Thank you Lord, for Elisa and Carrie. They are with You and I will join all of you someday.
Thank you Lord, for Erica and Christa. They light up our lives. They are gifts from you. Richie and I thank you every day for them, their husbands, and our grandchildren.
Thank you Lord, for the gift of faith, and for growing my faith as I search for a closer walk with you. In my times of weakness and pain, you give me strength and peace. Use me and my testimony in the lives of others to your glory. I love You, Lord. Amen
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Teaching Our Children
God wants us to teach our children well. In the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, Moses gives a series of addresses to the people of Israel. He reviews the Ten Commandments. In chapter 6, verses 4-9, He says, “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, The Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates”. It is up to us as parents to teach our children The 10 Commandments. Along with the entirety of the Bible, they are no longer mentioned in the schools. Secularists are in the process of eliminating their display in the court room or any public building. These ten very good rules for living were the basis for western morality and the laws of our nation. It is us parents who give children values and show them how to act, behave, make the right choices, and know the difference between right and wrong.
When children are given a moral foundation and guidelines to live by, they will grow in character and in the awareness of the needs of others. Political correctness tells us that there are no absolutes. The Bible does give us absolutes. We are also told that truth is what you perceive it to be. Our children have to be taught to be honest. Truth is truth. We must be honest with our children even if it means admitting our own mistakes. Our children learn by the example which we give them, not just by our words of instruction. They will be real with us if we are real with them.
A person’s moral code develops throughout childhood and is ultimately shaped and determined by thousands of little decisions being made every moment of every day. Every situation becomes a teachable moment. Many times it is easier to give in to a child’s demands or tantrums than it is to stay steadfast and consistent knowing that you are helping them to develop into an unselfish adult with a healthy self image and respect for others. God wants us to teach and train the children He has blessed us with. He is loving and we are to be loving. We are to speak blessings over their lives and pray for wisdom and God’s guidance in everything thing we say and do.
As believers, we want our children to seek and know God, know the Bible, know truth, and know right from wrong because God says so. We want them to be wise and make wise decisions. The book of Proverbs was written to teach us wisdom and discipline. It begins with the reminder that, “to have knowledge we must first fear the Lord”. The book then goes on to deal with matters of religious morality, common sense, and good manners. Qualities such as humility, patience, respect for the poor, loyalty to friends, self-control, family relations, and business dealings, are found in short sayings throughout the book of Proverbs. If you have not started to read the Bible on your own, The Proverbs is a good place to start.
Richard and I have always been honest with our children. As children, they were taught to always tell the truth. They are now trust worthy and very honest young women. I now witness this trait being passed on to my grandsons. 7 year old Trevor is open and honest at home and in school. He is quick to report any situation which has happened in school, good or bad. Trevor and Hunter have observed politeness at home. They are both very quick to say please and thank you. I have passed on my faith to my children and now faith in God is being passed on to my grandchildren.
I prayed with my children and now Erica prays with her children. When we talk to God about everything, any time, and all the time, they grow up feeling God’s presence and know that He is always with them. Erica and the boys, on their drive to school or when they get to Erica’s classroom always say a prayer for God to help them through the school day. God honors them as they honor Him. Little Hunter (4) had surgery this past Sunday to repair a bad break in his left arm and elbow. He knew that God was with him and would help him. His mommy prayed with him and both Hunter and Erica were given the “peace that passeth understanding” which is promised in God’s word. Everything went smoothly and he is recovering. Now God is healing his bones and Hunter is going back to school to show his classmates the cast on his broken arm. And, I know that all things aren’t good but “all things work for good” (Romans 8:28), and that God gave Erica the “strength” (Philippians 4:13) and “peace” (Philippians 4:7) which she needed to help her son.
When children are given a moral foundation and guidelines to live by, they will grow in character and in the awareness of the needs of others. Political correctness tells us that there are no absolutes. The Bible does give us absolutes. We are also told that truth is what you perceive it to be. Our children have to be taught to be honest. Truth is truth. We must be honest with our children even if it means admitting our own mistakes. Our children learn by the example which we give them, not just by our words of instruction. They will be real with us if we are real with them.
A person’s moral code develops throughout childhood and is ultimately shaped and determined by thousands of little decisions being made every moment of every day. Every situation becomes a teachable moment. Many times it is easier to give in to a child’s demands or tantrums than it is to stay steadfast and consistent knowing that you are helping them to develop into an unselfish adult with a healthy self image and respect for others. God wants us to teach and train the children He has blessed us with. He is loving and we are to be loving. We are to speak blessings over their lives and pray for wisdom and God’s guidance in everything thing we say and do.
As believers, we want our children to seek and know God, know the Bible, know truth, and know right from wrong because God says so. We want them to be wise and make wise decisions. The book of Proverbs was written to teach us wisdom and discipline. It begins with the reminder that, “to have knowledge we must first fear the Lord”. The book then goes on to deal with matters of religious morality, common sense, and good manners. Qualities such as humility, patience, respect for the poor, loyalty to friends, self-control, family relations, and business dealings, are found in short sayings throughout the book of Proverbs. If you have not started to read the Bible on your own, The Proverbs is a good place to start.
Richard and I have always been honest with our children. As children, they were taught to always tell the truth. They are now trust worthy and very honest young women. I now witness this trait being passed on to my grandsons. 7 year old Trevor is open and honest at home and in school. He is quick to report any situation which has happened in school, good or bad. Trevor and Hunter have observed politeness at home. They are both very quick to say please and thank you. I have passed on my faith to my children and now faith in God is being passed on to my grandchildren.
I prayed with my children and now Erica prays with her children. When we talk to God about everything, any time, and all the time, they grow up feeling God’s presence and know that He is always with them. Erica and the boys, on their drive to school or when they get to Erica’s classroom always say a prayer for God to help them through the school day. God honors them as they honor Him. Little Hunter (4) had surgery this past Sunday to repair a bad break in his left arm and elbow. He knew that God was with him and would help him. His mommy prayed with him and both Hunter and Erica were given the “peace that passeth understanding” which is promised in God’s word. Everything went smoothly and he is recovering. Now God is healing his bones and Hunter is going back to school to show his classmates the cast on his broken arm. And, I know that all things aren’t good but “all things work for good” (Romans 8:28), and that God gave Erica the “strength” (Philippians 4:13) and “peace” (Philippians 4:7) which she needed to help her son.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Head Knowledge or Heart Knowledge
A Christian talk show recently spoke of a survey which was conducted. A group of men and women were questioned about their personal knowledge of the Bible. I don’t remember the actual statistics but I found it very interesting that the atheists and agnostics scored higher in their positive responses to the biblical questions. Christians were able to answer a smaller number of the questions correctly in a descending percentage according to their denominations. I find this to be a very sad commentary on us.
As I thought about this survey, I thought about the difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge. An individual, no matter how smart or well read he or she is, cannot logically come to faith in God. Faith is a gift. If one comes to the scriptures with a closed mind and a closed heart, reading the Bible as literature or history, not seeking God, he or she will receive the facts, not the faith. The atheists and agnostics questioned were probably well educated. That they, at present, were unbelievers is not to say that God will not change the circumstances of their lives and open their hearts and minds at a future time. God has said that His word will not return void.
In the survey, why did Christians know less about the scriptures than atheists and agnostics? I think it is because we come to God in faith believing. We receive God into our lives and feel secure in that belief and in our salvation. Many of us stop there and never continue to study and grow in the word. The scriptures say that so many of us stay baby Christians and only get fed milk. God wants us to get into the meat of the word. He wants us to become mature Christians.
Children don’t grow up learning the Bible. The Bible has been taken out of American Schools. I don’t think as many of our children attend Sunday School and Religious Instruction as compared to years ago when I was growing up. Now on Sunday mornings we find parents taking their children to sports practice and games instead of Church or Sunday School. The Bible stories and songs which I learned in Sunday School were the beginning of my faith foundation.
I think that some Christians depend on their pastors or priests to study the word and they never open up their own Bibles. Many people who attend a Christian Church are still only practicing a Religion and have not yet found a personal relationship with God through Christ with the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Read 1Corinthians chapters 1,2,and 3. It tells us that God’s wisdom is foolishness to the world. Chapter 1, verses 18- 22 says, “For the message about Christ’s death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved it is God’s power. The scripture says, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and set aside the understanding of the scholars.’ So then, where does that leave the wise? or the scholars? or the skillful debaters of this world? God has shown that this world’s wisdom is foolishness! For God in His wisdom made it impossible for people to know Him by means of their own wisdom. Instead, by means of the so-called “foolish” message we preach, God decided to save those who believe.”
In 1Corinthians 2:12-14 we read, “We have not received this world’s spirit; instead we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us. So then, we do not speak in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual truths to those who have the Spirit. Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from the Spirit. Such a person really does not understand them; they are nonsense to him, because their value can be judged only on a Spiritual basis”.
The door to God is open to everyone. There is a door in each of our own hearts. He is knocking and wants to come and live within us. The Holy Spirit will convict our heart. We come to Him, believing that He is God. We must ask him to help us turn away from the life and habits that are destructive to us. As He forgives us, we are to forgive others. We then receive Him, His gifts, and His promises. The Holy Spirit indwells in our spirit, and as we study and read the Bible, the Words become alive in our hearts. We now have a heart knowledge of God, not just a head knowledge.
As I thought about this survey, I thought about the difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge. An individual, no matter how smart or well read he or she is, cannot logically come to faith in God. Faith is a gift. If one comes to the scriptures with a closed mind and a closed heart, reading the Bible as literature or history, not seeking God, he or she will receive the facts, not the faith. The atheists and agnostics questioned were probably well educated. That they, at present, were unbelievers is not to say that God will not change the circumstances of their lives and open their hearts and minds at a future time. God has said that His word will not return void.
In the survey, why did Christians know less about the scriptures than atheists and agnostics? I think it is because we come to God in faith believing. We receive God into our lives and feel secure in that belief and in our salvation. Many of us stop there and never continue to study and grow in the word. The scriptures say that so many of us stay baby Christians and only get fed milk. God wants us to get into the meat of the word. He wants us to become mature Christians.
Children don’t grow up learning the Bible. The Bible has been taken out of American Schools. I don’t think as many of our children attend Sunday School and Religious Instruction as compared to years ago when I was growing up. Now on Sunday mornings we find parents taking their children to sports practice and games instead of Church or Sunday School. The Bible stories and songs which I learned in Sunday School were the beginning of my faith foundation.
I think that some Christians depend on their pastors or priests to study the word and they never open up their own Bibles. Many people who attend a Christian Church are still only practicing a Religion and have not yet found a personal relationship with God through Christ with the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Read 1Corinthians chapters 1,2,and 3. It tells us that God’s wisdom is foolishness to the world. Chapter 1, verses 18- 22 says, “For the message about Christ’s death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved it is God’s power. The scripture says, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and set aside the understanding of the scholars.’ So then, where does that leave the wise? or the scholars? or the skillful debaters of this world? God has shown that this world’s wisdom is foolishness! For God in His wisdom made it impossible for people to know Him by means of their own wisdom. Instead, by means of the so-called “foolish” message we preach, God decided to save those who believe.”
In 1Corinthians 2:12-14 we read, “We have not received this world’s spirit; instead we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us. So then, we do not speak in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual truths to those who have the Spirit. Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from the Spirit. Such a person really does not understand them; they are nonsense to him, because their value can be judged only on a Spiritual basis”.
The door to God is open to everyone. There is a door in each of our own hearts. He is knocking and wants to come and live within us. The Holy Spirit will convict our heart. We come to Him, believing that He is God. We must ask him to help us turn away from the life and habits that are destructive to us. As He forgives us, we are to forgive others. We then receive Him, His gifts, and His promises. The Holy Spirit indwells in our spirit, and as we study and read the Bible, the Words become alive in our hearts. We now have a heart knowledge of God, not just a head knowledge.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Religion or Relationship?
Throughout the book of Matthew there is a contrast between those who are religious but don’t know God and those who are humble and repentant and do know God.
In Matthew 15 Jesus speaks to The Pharisees and teachers of religious law. Jesus said to them, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was prophesying about you when he said, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. Their worship is a farce, for they replace God’s commands with their own man- made teachings’.” In Matthew 18:30 Jesus, speaking about eternity, tells His disciples that “But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then”. The first shall be last, and the last shall be first, as this passage is worded in other Bible translations. God knows our hearts. Outward piousness and ritual have nothing to do with our true relationship with God or our salvation.
Righteousness, not religiousness, will bring us into The Kingdom of God. How can that be? Romans 3:10 says, “None are righteous, no not one”. So how can we be righteous or right with God? God gives us directions in His Word. Matthew 5:6 says that if you hunger for righteousness you will be fed or satisfied. In and of our own selves, in our own flesh, we cannot satisfy. Romans:3 tells us that all people are sinners. It then says that Christ took our punishment. Verses 21-23 say, “But now God has shown us a different way of being right in His sight – not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the scriptures long ago. We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. Our acquittal is not based on our good deeds. It is based on our faith. We are made right with God through our faith, not by obeying the law. We are justified by faith and because of our faith we want to follow the laws of God. We follow the law because we believe. We don’t follow the law to be saved. There is only one God and one way to be accepted by Him. The plan of salvation is found throughout the Bible’s Old and New Testament. If you don’t believe this, search the entire scriptures for yourself. God will make His words and His plan come alive in your life. Romans:4 tells us about Abrahams faith.
God’s plan to make us righteous in His sight, to save us, is given to everyone. No one is born a Christian. To become a believer, a Christ follower, is a decision that is open for anyone to make. The Messiah, The Christ, has become alive in the hearts of people from all backgrounds; Gentile, Jew, Muslims, and all other peoples and races. As individuals seek the truth they will find it. Religions and doctrinal differences within religions cause strife and dissention. Knowing God, as He wants us to know Him, in a personal relationship, brings us into His will and makes us like minded with each other. God has a perfect plan. We certainly won’t always understand His ways, but by faith we can become united with Him and each other. God uses the foolish to confound the wise. Let us keep seeking for truth, the way, and life in a personal relationship with God through Christ.
We must all ask ourselves, “Do I have religion? or a personal relationship with The One and Only Living God?”
In Matthew 15 Jesus speaks to The Pharisees and teachers of religious law. Jesus said to them, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was prophesying about you when he said, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. Their worship is a farce, for they replace God’s commands with their own man- made teachings’.” In Matthew 18:30 Jesus, speaking about eternity, tells His disciples that “But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then”. The first shall be last, and the last shall be first, as this passage is worded in other Bible translations. God knows our hearts. Outward piousness and ritual have nothing to do with our true relationship with God or our salvation.
Righteousness, not religiousness, will bring us into The Kingdom of God. How can that be? Romans 3:10 says, “None are righteous, no not one”. So how can we be righteous or right with God? God gives us directions in His Word. Matthew 5:6 says that if you hunger for righteousness you will be fed or satisfied. In and of our own selves, in our own flesh, we cannot satisfy. Romans:3 tells us that all people are sinners. It then says that Christ took our punishment. Verses 21-23 say, “But now God has shown us a different way of being right in His sight – not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the scriptures long ago. We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. Our acquittal is not based on our good deeds. It is based on our faith. We are made right with God through our faith, not by obeying the law. We are justified by faith and because of our faith we want to follow the laws of God. We follow the law because we believe. We don’t follow the law to be saved. There is only one God and one way to be accepted by Him. The plan of salvation is found throughout the Bible’s Old and New Testament. If you don’t believe this, search the entire scriptures for yourself. God will make His words and His plan come alive in your life. Romans:4 tells us about Abrahams faith.
God’s plan to make us righteous in His sight, to save us, is given to everyone. No one is born a Christian. To become a believer, a Christ follower, is a decision that is open for anyone to make. The Messiah, The Christ, has become alive in the hearts of people from all backgrounds; Gentile, Jew, Muslims, and all other peoples and races. As individuals seek the truth they will find it. Religions and doctrinal differences within religions cause strife and dissention. Knowing God, as He wants us to know Him, in a personal relationship, brings us into His will and makes us like minded with each other. God has a perfect plan. We certainly won’t always understand His ways, but by faith we can become united with Him and each other. God uses the foolish to confound the wise. Let us keep seeking for truth, the way, and life in a personal relationship with God through Christ.
We must all ask ourselves, “Do I have religion? or a personal relationship with The One and Only Living God?”
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friend
During worship on Sunday we praised our Lord by lifting up to Him, the song, “I Have a Friend in God”. God is my Lord and Savior but He is also my friend. I have known and have felt His presence and friendship with me since childhood.
My friend Heidi, was brought up knowing God as a punishing, strict, and authoritarian God. She never thought of Him as her friend. Before her death in February of 2009, we had many conversations about God’s love and His personal friendship with each of His children. She did meet Him as her friend and their relationship changed. She always knew that He was there for her but now they could have genuine, earnest, and honest conversations. When we know God as our friend we don’t loose our Holy fear or respect for Him but we are no longer afraid to come to Him with the big things, or the little things, in our lives. He is always there for us, a true friend. She is with her Lord, her friend, now. I miss her but the love and relationship of a friend lasts forever. This I will always have.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples and to us in John 15:9-17. This is what He said, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in His love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here is how to measure it - the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. You are my friends if you obey me. I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn’t confide in His servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you what ever you ask for, using my name. I command you to love one another”. Jesus was preparing His disciples for what was to come. He was going to be obedient to God and lay down His life for them and for you and me, His friends.
My grandson Trevor at 7 years of age has a very special friend, Jack. Their moms were friends and introduced these children to each other while in the womb. They were born a few weeks apart. They played together, went to nursery school together, and developed a very special bond. I have never heard them argue. They both love Legos and Wii and are experts at both. They defend each other and stick up for each other. This past summer, Trevor chided a group of peers for laughing at his friend because Jack was upset and crying. Now, each having started first grade in different schools, time and the busyness of schedules have kept them apart. Erica came downstairs this morning before they were to leave for school. She found Trevor sitting on the couch with Jack’s picture in his hand. He started to cry and express how much he misses his friend. Erica comforted him and told him that they would call Jack on the cell phone as they drove to school. He ate breakfast with Jack’s picture at his side and on the way to school, Jack was called. The moms made arrangements for all of them to get together that day after school. I am glad that Trevor, at such an early age, has developed such a true and deep friendship. A special friend is a gift that will last a lifetime. Whether near or far or whether here or in eternity, the bond of friendship can never be broken. We must love each other, forgive each other, and care for each other as Christ has done for us.
In 1855, Joseph Screven wrote the poem, “What a Friend we Have in Jesus”. In 1868 it was put to music by Charles Converse. The words speak to our hearts about the wonderful personal friendship of our personal friend and Savior, Jesus. Jesus is Lord, The Messiah, The Christ, The Son of God. He is our friend.
“What a Friend we Have in Jesus”
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
My friend Heidi, was brought up knowing God as a punishing, strict, and authoritarian God. She never thought of Him as her friend. Before her death in February of 2009, we had many conversations about God’s love and His personal friendship with each of His children. She did meet Him as her friend and their relationship changed. She always knew that He was there for her but now they could have genuine, earnest, and honest conversations. When we know God as our friend we don’t loose our Holy fear or respect for Him but we are no longer afraid to come to Him with the big things, or the little things, in our lives. He is always there for us, a true friend. She is with her Lord, her friend, now. I miss her but the love and relationship of a friend lasts forever. This I will always have.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples and to us in John 15:9-17. This is what He said, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in His love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here is how to measure it - the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. You are my friends if you obey me. I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn’t confide in His servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you what ever you ask for, using my name. I command you to love one another”. Jesus was preparing His disciples for what was to come. He was going to be obedient to God and lay down His life for them and for you and me, His friends.
My grandson Trevor at 7 years of age has a very special friend, Jack. Their moms were friends and introduced these children to each other while in the womb. They were born a few weeks apart. They played together, went to nursery school together, and developed a very special bond. I have never heard them argue. They both love Legos and Wii and are experts at both. They defend each other and stick up for each other. This past summer, Trevor chided a group of peers for laughing at his friend because Jack was upset and crying. Now, each having started first grade in different schools, time and the busyness of schedules have kept them apart. Erica came downstairs this morning before they were to leave for school. She found Trevor sitting on the couch with Jack’s picture in his hand. He started to cry and express how much he misses his friend. Erica comforted him and told him that they would call Jack on the cell phone as they drove to school. He ate breakfast with Jack’s picture at his side and on the way to school, Jack was called. The moms made arrangements for all of them to get together that day after school. I am glad that Trevor, at such an early age, has developed such a true and deep friendship. A special friend is a gift that will last a lifetime. Whether near or far or whether here or in eternity, the bond of friendship can never be broken. We must love each other, forgive each other, and care for each other as Christ has done for us.
In 1855, Joseph Screven wrote the poem, “What a Friend we Have in Jesus”. In 1868 it was put to music by Charles Converse. The words speak to our hearts about the wonderful personal friendship of our personal friend and Savior, Jesus. Jesus is Lord, The Messiah, The Christ, The Son of God. He is our friend.
“What a Friend we Have in Jesus”
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The Bible
The Bible is the most controversial book in history. People have tried to destroy it through the ages. It is the Living Word of God and cannot be destroyed. The Holy Spirit makes it come alive when you read it with your heart. Even when you only read it with your mind, it is full of history, poetry, and wisdom. As such, it should never have been abolished from our schools. It comes alive when you read it in faith, believing that through His words, God is able to speak to you and change your life. Isaiah 55:11 says that God’s word will not return void. This means that when you read or hear the Word of God, the words will come alive and God will begin to do a work in you. Read the entire chapter of Isaiah 55 and see if God speaks to your heart. Isaiah 55:8 says, “My thoughts are completely different than yours,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine”. Check out the truth for yourself. Seek and read the Bible with an open heart and mind. God won’t force himself on you, but He will prove himself to you. God’s living words can and will change your life. It is a miraculous book. The words tell us about God’s character and His plan of salvation. It is a guidebook. It instructs us and gives us direction. It is also a love letter from God to each of His children. We should read the Bible, study it, and hide the Word in our hearts (Psalm 119:11). We can go directly to God through prayer and The Word. He is waiting for us to find Him and then to keep growing in our walk with Him as we travel the road of our spiritual journey.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Dry Bones
As God instructed Ezekiel about the people of Israel, Ezekiel 37 speaks to us today about our dry spirits. God promised to breathe life back into His people. He reminds Israel that He is The Sovereign Lord. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When He breathed his Spirit into them, He restored peace and hope into their lives and led them out of captivity. He is waiting to do the same for us. We just have to let him into our lives and when we do we have to allow Him to take over more and more of us. God wants to be Lord Of All, not just of pieces of our life, or only for an hour on a Sunday morning.
I feel dry when I am not spending enough time with Him. When I feel empty, I have nothing to give anyone else. When I am not feeding my spirit, I feel dry and empty. During these barren times I lack the inspiration needed to share my faith with you. Just living life and handling its busyness redirects my focus. Traveling from Florida and caring for the needs of my family cause my schedule and priorities to change. We all have these dry times but we cannot stay in the desert.
How can these dry bones become alive again? God said to Ezekiel, “Speak to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! This is what the sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to breathe into you and make you live again! I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). We will experience God’s power as the Holy Spirit breathes life into our spirits.
Meditating on God and His word refreshes and renews my mind. As I praise Him and talk to Him he is able to talk to me and somehow I just know what I should share before sitting down to type. Worshiping with others, singing hymns, reading the word, personal and group bible studies, listening to Christian radio and TV, and spending quiet time talking to and praising God are all ways in which my spirit is instructed and renewed by God.
In the New Testament God speaks to the followers of Jesus on the day of Pentecost. The Christ followers felt lost and empty after His death, burial, and resurrection. In obedience to God they waited in Jerusalem as instructed. God proved His Sovereignty as the Holy Spirit fell on them, breathed life into them, gave them power, and increased their faith and witness.
The people of Israel survived their exile in Babylon, the followers of Jesus survived His crucifixion, and with God, we will survive anything which we are facing in our present lives. God is searching, waiting, and always ready to breathe life into us. He will bring us into a deeper walk when we come to Him open, believing, and seeking His presence and power in our lives.
Praise be to God!
I feel dry when I am not spending enough time with Him. When I feel empty, I have nothing to give anyone else. When I am not feeding my spirit, I feel dry and empty. During these barren times I lack the inspiration needed to share my faith with you. Just living life and handling its busyness redirects my focus. Traveling from Florida and caring for the needs of my family cause my schedule and priorities to change. We all have these dry times but we cannot stay in the desert.
How can these dry bones become alive again? God said to Ezekiel, “Speak to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! This is what the sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to breathe into you and make you live again! I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). We will experience God’s power as the Holy Spirit breathes life into our spirits.
Meditating on God and His word refreshes and renews my mind. As I praise Him and talk to Him he is able to talk to me and somehow I just know what I should share before sitting down to type. Worshiping with others, singing hymns, reading the word, personal and group bible studies, listening to Christian radio and TV, and spending quiet time talking to and praising God are all ways in which my spirit is instructed and renewed by God.
In the New Testament God speaks to the followers of Jesus on the day of Pentecost. The Christ followers felt lost and empty after His death, burial, and resurrection. In obedience to God they waited in Jerusalem as instructed. God proved His Sovereignty as the Holy Spirit fell on them, breathed life into them, gave them power, and increased their faith and witness.
The people of Israel survived their exile in Babylon, the followers of Jesus survived His crucifixion, and with God, we will survive anything which we are facing in our present lives. God is searching, waiting, and always ready to breathe life into us. He will bring us into a deeper walk when we come to Him open, believing, and seeking His presence and power in our lives.
Praise be to God!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
A Generous Heart
My daughter and her children just began their new school year. She is teaching at the same school in which the boys attend. They had a busy but happy beginning.
At the end of Trevor’s first full day he spent some time with his mom. Erica was straightening her classroom and preparing for the next day. He went with her to a storage room used for teachers to recycle extra articles. The things in this room would not be needed for their new school year classrooms. The toys, puzzles, shelves, etc. could be taken by any one else on staff to be used in their current classroom. They were excesses and placed in this common room after last term. All summer long, as teachers set up their new classrooms, they added to and subtracted from this stash.
Erica and Trevor went there to get an unclaimed bookshelf. At this time, they were told that any article left in the room would be thrown away. Trevor looked at the untaken toys and said, “some child would love to have these”. They both agreed and proceeded to ask if it would be permissible for them to bring some of the remaining toys to Good Will. Both Erica and Trevor were weary after a long day but could not envision the tool bench, doll house, and many puzzles etc. being thrown into a garbage truck.
This is when a minivan comes in handy. They transported what they could carry and what the minivan could carry to the nearest Good Will store just before it closed.
Now, they headed for home after an extra long day. Trevor, tired but happy, said to his mom, “Mom, I’m just picturing the smile on the little girl’s face who gets that doll house”. God loves a generous heart. Trevor’s giving spirit came back to him in the sense of the happiness and satisfaction which he felt after his kind, and charitable action. His mom was, and should be, very proud of her 7 year old. She is teaching him well and going the extra mile to let him learn for himself to be as openhanded as she is.
When this account was related to the head of the school, he called Trevor’s insight and verbal expressions, “emotional intelligence”. Trevor was able to see outside of his own little world.
When we give, it comes back to us. The following are some verses from scripture which teach this principle:
Luke 6:38 “If you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give- large or small- will be used to measure what is given back to you.”
(note: you don’t give to get, you get because you have openhandedly given)
Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
Proverbs 19:17 “When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord- and He pays wonderful interest on your loan.”
Proverbs 28:27 “If you give to the poor, your needs will be supplied!”
Matthew 25:40 “When you did it to these my brothers, you were doing it to me.”
Mark 9:41 “If anyone so much as gives you a cup of water because you are Christ’s- I say solemnly- he won’t lose his reward.”
Isaiah 58:10 “If you give yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness, and your gloom will become like mid-day.”
(note: The best way to lift yourself out of depression is to do something good for someone else.)
Proverbs 11:21 “The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.”
2Corinthians 9:6 “If you give little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much.”
2Corinthians 9:7 “Every one must make up his own mind as to how much he should give. Don’t force anyone to give more than he really wants to, for cheerful givers are the ones God prizes.”
At the end of Trevor’s first full day he spent some time with his mom. Erica was straightening her classroom and preparing for the next day. He went with her to a storage room used for teachers to recycle extra articles. The things in this room would not be needed for their new school year classrooms. The toys, puzzles, shelves, etc. could be taken by any one else on staff to be used in their current classroom. They were excesses and placed in this common room after last term. All summer long, as teachers set up their new classrooms, they added to and subtracted from this stash.
Erica and Trevor went there to get an unclaimed bookshelf. At this time, they were told that any article left in the room would be thrown away. Trevor looked at the untaken toys and said, “some child would love to have these”. They both agreed and proceeded to ask if it would be permissible for them to bring some of the remaining toys to Good Will. Both Erica and Trevor were weary after a long day but could not envision the tool bench, doll house, and many puzzles etc. being thrown into a garbage truck.
This is when a minivan comes in handy. They transported what they could carry and what the minivan could carry to the nearest Good Will store just before it closed.
Now, they headed for home after an extra long day. Trevor, tired but happy, said to his mom, “Mom, I’m just picturing the smile on the little girl’s face who gets that doll house”. God loves a generous heart. Trevor’s giving spirit came back to him in the sense of the happiness and satisfaction which he felt after his kind, and charitable action. His mom was, and should be, very proud of her 7 year old. She is teaching him well and going the extra mile to let him learn for himself to be as openhanded as she is.
When this account was related to the head of the school, he called Trevor’s insight and verbal expressions, “emotional intelligence”. Trevor was able to see outside of his own little world.
When we give, it comes back to us. The following are some verses from scripture which teach this principle:
Luke 6:38 “If you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give- large or small- will be used to measure what is given back to you.”
(note: you don’t give to get, you get because you have openhandedly given)
Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
Proverbs 19:17 “When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord- and He pays wonderful interest on your loan.”
Proverbs 28:27 “If you give to the poor, your needs will be supplied!”
Matthew 25:40 “When you did it to these my brothers, you were doing it to me.”
Mark 9:41 “If anyone so much as gives you a cup of water because you are Christ’s- I say solemnly- he won’t lose his reward.”
Isaiah 58:10 “If you give yourself to the hungry, and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness, and your gloom will become like mid-day.”
(note: The best way to lift yourself out of depression is to do something good for someone else.)
Proverbs 11:21 “The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.”
2Corinthians 9:6 “If you give little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much.”
2Corinthians 9:7 “Every one must make up his own mind as to how much he should give. Don’t force anyone to give more than he really wants to, for cheerful givers are the ones God prizes.”
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Thoughts Of A Child
I love to have conversations with my grandsons. Little Hunter is a real story teller. After his big brother, Trevor, relates a happening in his life, Hunter always follows with his own version of the same story or of a different situation. I try never to be too busy to listen. I respond in conversation and use these times to teach life lessons when I can.
A few days ago Hunter told me that “God’s team is bigger than Satan’s team”. “God’s team has the sword of faith. When we are on God’s team, someday, we will be in Heaven with Him and the whole team.” He told me that Nanna, his great grandmother, is with God in Heaven. Nanna died recently. She was 93 years old and is his dad, Trevor’s grandmother. He has been listening to conversations at home. He was able to figure this out in his little innocent, uncluttered mind. This is an example of the childlike faith that God wants us to come to Him with. He also told me that we really don’t know what heaven looks like. We only know a little bit, things that God said in the Bible. As Hunter seeks, he will find more answers and continue to grow in his faith. Faith is God’s free gift to each of us. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Hunter hears about God at home, in Sunday School, and at Vacation Bible School. God will grow his faith. No one is ever too old to seek and find but when we do, we should never stop growing in our faith and our knowledge of the Lord. He has a plan for each of us.
I wish that I could relate the story in Hunter’s little adorable four year old voice and word pronunciations and have you see his serious facial expressions. It is more than precious! Tears come to my eyes just thinking about it.
I asked him, “How do we tell other people about Jesus?” He said, “We can write it down and send it to people”. I told him that is what I have been doing. He doesn’t know what a blog is but I explained to him that I have been writing about how I love Jesus and about things that He teaches me. I want him and Trevor to learn how to read so they can read my words. I want to share my faith with them and with everyone I love. I want all of us to be on God’s team so we can be together throughout eternity as promised in the scriptures.
A few days ago Hunter told me that “God’s team is bigger than Satan’s team”. “God’s team has the sword of faith. When we are on God’s team, someday, we will be in Heaven with Him and the whole team.” He told me that Nanna, his great grandmother, is with God in Heaven. Nanna died recently. She was 93 years old and is his dad, Trevor’s grandmother. He has been listening to conversations at home. He was able to figure this out in his little innocent, uncluttered mind. This is an example of the childlike faith that God wants us to come to Him with. He also told me that we really don’t know what heaven looks like. We only know a little bit, things that God said in the Bible. As Hunter seeks, he will find more answers and continue to grow in his faith. Faith is God’s free gift to each of us. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Hunter hears about God at home, in Sunday School, and at Vacation Bible School. God will grow his faith. No one is ever too old to seek and find but when we do, we should never stop growing in our faith and our knowledge of the Lord. He has a plan for each of us.
I wish that I could relate the story in Hunter’s little adorable four year old voice and word pronunciations and have you see his serious facial expressions. It is more than precious! Tears come to my eyes just thinking about it.
I asked him, “How do we tell other people about Jesus?” He said, “We can write it down and send it to people”. I told him that is what I have been doing. He doesn’t know what a blog is but I explained to him that I have been writing about how I love Jesus and about things that He teaches me. I want him and Trevor to learn how to read so they can read my words. I want to share my faith with them and with everyone I love. I want all of us to be on God’s team so we can be together throughout eternity as promised in the scriptures.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam
I am back in Pennsylvania and am doing one of my favorite things; spending time with my two precious grandsons. It is so important for me to be active in their lives and for them to be a part of my life. They are my legacy; my love and life will continue on through them. Erica is returning to her teaching profession. Since returning to Allentown I have been helping her with the children while she is setting up her classroom and going to meetings at Swain Independent School. The children will be starting at Swain this coming week. Trevor will be in the First grade and Hunter in Pre-k.
While putting Hunter in for a nap a few days ago we were talking and reading books. One of the books was, “Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam”. This bright yellow children’s picture book was based on a song which I learned as a child and sang with my children when they were small. The words are as follows:
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, a sunbeam, a sunbeam, to shine for Him each day;
In every way try to please Him, at home, at school, at play;
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam.
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, I’ll be a sunbeam for Him,
Jesus wants me to be loving, and kind to all I see;
Showing how friendly and happy His little one can be.
I’ll be a sunbeam for Jesus, It’s easy if I try;
Serving Him moment to moment, then live with Him on high.
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, I’ll be a sunbeam for Him.
The words of this song are based on words from The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. In verses 14-16, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world- like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see………In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father”. Jesus is the light of the world. As believers, His light shines through us and we reflect His light through our lives. We become His sunbeam and His radiance. As we serve Him, we glorify Him. I am a sunbeam for Jesus. Jesus and I want my grandsons to be sunbeams for Him too.
As I rocked Hunter before his nap, I told him that rocking him to sleep made me think about how much I loved to do the same when his mommy, Erica, and his Aunt Christa were little like him. It was as special to me then as it is now. I am so glad to have a new little sunbeam to hold, talk to, and rock to sleep.
Thank you Jesus for my family. Thank you Jesus for my grandsons.
While putting Hunter in for a nap a few days ago we were talking and reading books. One of the books was, “Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam”. This bright yellow children’s picture book was based on a song which I learned as a child and sang with my children when they were small. The words are as follows:
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, a sunbeam, a sunbeam, to shine for Him each day;
In every way try to please Him, at home, at school, at play;
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam.
A sunbeam, a sunbeam, I’ll be a sunbeam for Him,
Jesus wants me to be loving, and kind to all I see;
Showing how friendly and happy His little one can be.
I’ll be a sunbeam for Jesus, It’s easy if I try;
Serving Him moment to moment, then live with Him on high.
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam, I’ll be a sunbeam for Him.
The words of this song are based on words from The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. In verses 14-16, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world- like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see………In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father”. Jesus is the light of the world. As believers, His light shines through us and we reflect His light through our lives. We become His sunbeam and His radiance. As we serve Him, we glorify Him. I am a sunbeam for Jesus. Jesus and I want my grandsons to be sunbeams for Him too.
As I rocked Hunter before his nap, I told him that rocking him to sleep made me think about how much I loved to do the same when his mommy, Erica, and his Aunt Christa were little like him. It was as special to me then as it is now. I am so glad to have a new little sunbeam to hold, talk to, and rock to sleep.
Thank you Jesus for my family. Thank you Jesus for my grandsons.
Friday, August 20, 2010
We Seek, God Reveals, We Respond
When we search for God, we will find Him. Each of us has a hole or void within our being. As we seek to fill this emptiness, we tend to look in all of the wrong places.
Youth, idealism, temporary pleasure, and striving for lofty goals lead us into shallow successes. External happiness is experienced for awhile but doesn’t last.
Frequently we don’t even realize we have this internal need to investigate a deeper purpose for our existence until something or someone in our life has gone away. Humanly, we take for granted people and things we have in our lives, believing that they will always be there. Things or even people in our lives aren’t there forever.
As young men and women we depend on peers, activities, successes, and life around us to be, or to contribute to our personal happiness. When one depends on others or on circumstances for happiness, the happiness is only a fleeting reality.
Disappointments cause us to question ourselves, our goals, and our life purposes. Living life teaches us not to take ourselves so seriously. We learn how to laugh at ourselves and at our actions. When we finally begin searching for true meaning and value in our lives we realize that happiness is internal. We are responsible for our own happiness. We can be responsible for the care and comfort of others but we cannot be responsible for someone else’s happiness. Once we understand this, especially when we are dealing with difficult people in our lives, we are freed from a lot of pressure.
When striving and external pressures are lifted and when we are emptied of what we thought was important, we hopefully seek that which is important. Now God has the opportunity to fill us with Himself and things of value. As we seek, we will find. This He has promised to us in His Word.
How does God reveal Himself to us? We see Him in the beauty of His creation. His art work is magnificent. An artist creates his art. The Creator has created His creation. Contrary to what some would have you believe; we, and the world around us, are not mutations. God’s plan and design are perfect. We are fearfully and wonderfully made!
God has spoken to me in a rainbow around the moon in New Mexico. He made Himself known to my family and me in a falling star as we left church after a Christmas Eve service. He spoke to my heart in the chirping song of a bright red cardinal sitting in the mangrove bushes across the canal from me as I sat praying. He told me that His mercy is as wide as the sea while I quietly worshiped Him on board a cruise ship in a Norwegian Fjord. He speaks to Richie and me from the dark starry sky above the canal and our balcony in the Keys. The song, “God Will Take Care of You”, came to my spirit as I road my bike on Long Key’s bike path. I know that He “will take care of me through all the way, or all the day…God will take care of me”. He will speak to you too if you are seeking and listening.
The following glimpse of God’s presence touched my heart as I am sure it will touch yours. I received a phone call from my sister, Marlene, yesterday. Her friend, Ann, had passed away the previous night. Ann was told, less than a week ago, that there were no further treatments for her cancer. She chose to be placed on hospice. Her family and the hospice nurse were with her when she died. The priest came to be with her, and to bless her, and to comfort her family. My sister, an RN, was at her side and has been there for her and her family throughout the course of Ann’s illness. Everyone at the bedside looked out through the picture window in the room. A golden glow filled the view and was followed by the full arch of a vivid and vibrant rainbow in the evening sky. Everyone went outside to gaze on its beauty and its message. Neighbors, now all aware of Ann’s death, stood with her family in silent awe of the moment. God’s presence in the comfort and beauty of His rainbow was a spiritual revelation and a spiritual moment in the lives of each person present. God helped Ann tell each of them that she was at peace and her love would always be with them. This moment, and the recounting of God’s perfect timing, and His rainbow will continue to touch lives. He revealed Himself to everyone there. Ann’s life and the story of the miracle rainbow will live on, in all of our lives.
He is in his creation and in our consciousness. Be still. Listen. Take time to be less busy and purposefully look for Him and listen to Him. Seek Him. You will find Him. You will sense His still small voice within you. He will give you a feeling of peace when you are in His will. He will also do the opposite. When you have uneasiness about a situation or a decision in your life, give it some more time and greater consideration until you feel a sense of peace about your choices.
God reveals Himself in His Word. He tells us who He is, what He has done, and how we are to live. Find all of His promises and claim them for yourself. This is what He wants us to do. Search the scriptures for answers. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. As our faith grows, we develop a more intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior. Jesus is my friend and I continue to seek to have a closer walk with Him.
How have I responded to God?
I have looked for the Lord, and He has found me. I have responded to Him by saying “Yes, I believe”. “I am truly sorry for wrongdoings in my life”. “I receive Your love and forgiveness”. I have asked Jesus into my heart and have accepted Him as my Savior. I have made Him The Lord of My Life.
If you haven’t done the same, do it, and see what a difference He makes. He will walk with you and guide your life and choices? He sets us free and gives us a peace that passes understanding.
Let us keep learning, keep listening, keep seeking a deeper walk, and keep growing in The Lord.
Youth, idealism, temporary pleasure, and striving for lofty goals lead us into shallow successes. External happiness is experienced for awhile but doesn’t last.
Frequently we don’t even realize we have this internal need to investigate a deeper purpose for our existence until something or someone in our life has gone away. Humanly, we take for granted people and things we have in our lives, believing that they will always be there. Things or even people in our lives aren’t there forever.
As young men and women we depend on peers, activities, successes, and life around us to be, or to contribute to our personal happiness. When one depends on others or on circumstances for happiness, the happiness is only a fleeting reality.
Disappointments cause us to question ourselves, our goals, and our life purposes. Living life teaches us not to take ourselves so seriously. We learn how to laugh at ourselves and at our actions. When we finally begin searching for true meaning and value in our lives we realize that happiness is internal. We are responsible for our own happiness. We can be responsible for the care and comfort of others but we cannot be responsible for someone else’s happiness. Once we understand this, especially when we are dealing with difficult people in our lives, we are freed from a lot of pressure.
When striving and external pressures are lifted and when we are emptied of what we thought was important, we hopefully seek that which is important. Now God has the opportunity to fill us with Himself and things of value. As we seek, we will find. This He has promised to us in His Word.
How does God reveal Himself to us? We see Him in the beauty of His creation. His art work is magnificent. An artist creates his art. The Creator has created His creation. Contrary to what some would have you believe; we, and the world around us, are not mutations. God’s plan and design are perfect. We are fearfully and wonderfully made!
God has spoken to me in a rainbow around the moon in New Mexico. He made Himself known to my family and me in a falling star as we left church after a Christmas Eve service. He spoke to my heart in the chirping song of a bright red cardinal sitting in the mangrove bushes across the canal from me as I sat praying. He told me that His mercy is as wide as the sea while I quietly worshiped Him on board a cruise ship in a Norwegian Fjord. He speaks to Richie and me from the dark starry sky above the canal and our balcony in the Keys. The song, “God Will Take Care of You”, came to my spirit as I road my bike on Long Key’s bike path. I know that He “will take care of me through all the way, or all the day…God will take care of me”. He will speak to you too if you are seeking and listening.
The following glimpse of God’s presence touched my heart as I am sure it will touch yours. I received a phone call from my sister, Marlene, yesterday. Her friend, Ann, had passed away the previous night. Ann was told, less than a week ago, that there were no further treatments for her cancer. She chose to be placed on hospice. Her family and the hospice nurse were with her when she died. The priest came to be with her, and to bless her, and to comfort her family. My sister, an RN, was at her side and has been there for her and her family throughout the course of Ann’s illness. Everyone at the bedside looked out through the picture window in the room. A golden glow filled the view and was followed by the full arch of a vivid and vibrant rainbow in the evening sky. Everyone went outside to gaze on its beauty and its message. Neighbors, now all aware of Ann’s death, stood with her family in silent awe of the moment. God’s presence in the comfort and beauty of His rainbow was a spiritual revelation and a spiritual moment in the lives of each person present. God helped Ann tell each of them that she was at peace and her love would always be with them. This moment, and the recounting of God’s perfect timing, and His rainbow will continue to touch lives. He revealed Himself to everyone there. Ann’s life and the story of the miracle rainbow will live on, in all of our lives.
He is in his creation and in our consciousness. Be still. Listen. Take time to be less busy and purposefully look for Him and listen to Him. Seek Him. You will find Him. You will sense His still small voice within you. He will give you a feeling of peace when you are in His will. He will also do the opposite. When you have uneasiness about a situation or a decision in your life, give it some more time and greater consideration until you feel a sense of peace about your choices.
God reveals Himself in His Word. He tells us who He is, what He has done, and how we are to live. Find all of His promises and claim them for yourself. This is what He wants us to do. Search the scriptures for answers. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. As our faith grows, we develop a more intimate relationship with our Lord and Savior. Jesus is my friend and I continue to seek to have a closer walk with Him.
How have I responded to God?
I have looked for the Lord, and He has found me. I have responded to Him by saying “Yes, I believe”. “I am truly sorry for wrongdoings in my life”. “I receive Your love and forgiveness”. I have asked Jesus into my heart and have accepted Him as my Savior. I have made Him The Lord of My Life.
If you haven’t done the same, do it, and see what a difference He makes. He will walk with you and guide your life and choices? He sets us free and gives us a peace that passes understanding.
Let us keep learning, keep listening, keep seeking a deeper walk, and keep growing in The Lord.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
An Untitled Blog
I am starting this blog without a title. Right now my mind is a clean canvass. It is 5pm and I have been thinking all day about the ideas and the words which God would have me to use to touch someone’s life, or maybe my own. With a sense of obedience, I have promised The Lord that I would write a blog entry every 5 days. Today is the 5th day and midnight is my deadline. This is a self imposed deadline because I know that God would give me an extension. I take this commitment very seriously and am sure that the needed words will come.
Late this afternoon I had phone calls from both of my sisters. In different contexts we talked about hope. So I will start there. Jane is newly retired and will not be going back to a classroom and the little minds to be molded as she has done for years. With this major change in her life will come a sense of loss. I can identify with her as I had similar feelings when I retired from Nursing. Our professions become a part of who we are and what our purpose in life is. We cannot replace these parts of us but we can move on to new hopes, dreams, and purposes. It will be a process. We cannot let ourselves become stuck in grieving a loss or in the memories of what was.
Taking care of my family is now and always has been a very important purpose in my life. As the years fly by, I am so much more aware of how short life is. I don’t know when I will cross over into eternity but I want my life to be prepared for that day. I will be there for a much longer period of time than I am here. I truly believe that we are all spiritual beings on a physical journey. We all worry so much about what we will eat or drink or do today. God reminds me in Matthew 10:31 that I am worth much more than a sparrow. If He takes care of a sparrow, how much more will He take care of me!, and you! In my retirement, I have more time and an increased desire to feed my spirit and come into a closer walk with God. In Matthew 6:33 He instructs me to seek His kingdom first then everything else that I need, or even desire, will be added unto me. I am daily reminded of His blessings and favor in my life. The more I learn, the more I trust, and the more obedient I become, the bolder I grow in The Lord and in my faith. My hope is to live in Eternity with my Savior and those who I love. I cannot take any physical thing with me but I can share my faith and allow The Holy Spirit to convict the hearts of everyone I love so that we can be together always. I want to be bold, yet humble. I am so sure of what I believe but never want to come across as being arrogant. My authority is in The Word and in Christ.
At the end of this physical life the only part of our being which dies is the body. Our mind, intellect, and spirit live on. I believe that as we have purpose in this life, God will use us and all we have been taught now for a particular purpose in eternity. I want to be used by Him in this lifetime and throughout my life to come. I lift up a prayer of Thanksgiving; “Thank you Jesus for giving me the gift of faith. May what I am given and I am taught always be used to your glory”.
My sister Marlene and I spoke about her friend Ann who was just put on Home Hospice. Her hope has now changed from cure to comfort. As an oncology nurse, I have seen many patients’ hopes change with time as their disease progressed and their treatment was altered. I walked with my friend Heidi through a similar journey. I wrote about Heidi’s physical trial and faith journey in previous postings. Doctors, in each of their patient’s lives, have to carefully balance their conversations. They want to be truthful and realistic but not take away all hope from their patient. Only God has the time table on anyone’s life. Heidi always hoped and prayed for her physical healing. She wanted her testimony to be a witness for God in the lives of others going through similar trials. This was not to be, but she did write about her journey. Her testimony, her love, and her friendship will live on in each of us, who loved her, until we meet again. God grew her faith throughout her battle as she searched for meaning and for Him. Her hope changed from physical to spiritual. This should be the goal for each of us.
Oncology patients become very special people. Their diagnosis causes each one to face their own mortality. Each person seems more able to prioritize their life as they contemplate its physical end. God, others, and life itself are what is important. No longer are things and the trivia one use to worry about important. I believe that this is why Oncology Nurses gain a unique perspective on life itself. As we care for and become part of our patient’s journeys we become more compassionate and less able to personally have patience with trivia and unjustified complaining. We also prioritize our own lives. I didn’t choose to be an oncology nurse. It is where God placed me and grew me. I am grateful for all He has taught me through my own suffering and through the lives of others. Because I am not afraid to die, I am not afraid to live. I live in the hope of the Gospel, God’s Word, and God’s promises for today and I live with the hope of Eternity for tomorrow.
Late this afternoon I had phone calls from both of my sisters. In different contexts we talked about hope. So I will start there. Jane is newly retired and will not be going back to a classroom and the little minds to be molded as she has done for years. With this major change in her life will come a sense of loss. I can identify with her as I had similar feelings when I retired from Nursing. Our professions become a part of who we are and what our purpose in life is. We cannot replace these parts of us but we can move on to new hopes, dreams, and purposes. It will be a process. We cannot let ourselves become stuck in grieving a loss or in the memories of what was.
Taking care of my family is now and always has been a very important purpose in my life. As the years fly by, I am so much more aware of how short life is. I don’t know when I will cross over into eternity but I want my life to be prepared for that day. I will be there for a much longer period of time than I am here. I truly believe that we are all spiritual beings on a physical journey. We all worry so much about what we will eat or drink or do today. God reminds me in Matthew 10:31 that I am worth much more than a sparrow. If He takes care of a sparrow, how much more will He take care of me!, and you! In my retirement, I have more time and an increased desire to feed my spirit and come into a closer walk with God. In Matthew 6:33 He instructs me to seek His kingdom first then everything else that I need, or even desire, will be added unto me. I am daily reminded of His blessings and favor in my life. The more I learn, the more I trust, and the more obedient I become, the bolder I grow in The Lord and in my faith. My hope is to live in Eternity with my Savior and those who I love. I cannot take any physical thing with me but I can share my faith and allow The Holy Spirit to convict the hearts of everyone I love so that we can be together always. I want to be bold, yet humble. I am so sure of what I believe but never want to come across as being arrogant. My authority is in The Word and in Christ.
At the end of this physical life the only part of our being which dies is the body. Our mind, intellect, and spirit live on. I believe that as we have purpose in this life, God will use us and all we have been taught now for a particular purpose in eternity. I want to be used by Him in this lifetime and throughout my life to come. I lift up a prayer of Thanksgiving; “Thank you Jesus for giving me the gift of faith. May what I am given and I am taught always be used to your glory”.
My sister Marlene and I spoke about her friend Ann who was just put on Home Hospice. Her hope has now changed from cure to comfort. As an oncology nurse, I have seen many patients’ hopes change with time as their disease progressed and their treatment was altered. I walked with my friend Heidi through a similar journey. I wrote about Heidi’s physical trial and faith journey in previous postings. Doctors, in each of their patient’s lives, have to carefully balance their conversations. They want to be truthful and realistic but not take away all hope from their patient. Only God has the time table on anyone’s life. Heidi always hoped and prayed for her physical healing. She wanted her testimony to be a witness for God in the lives of others going through similar trials. This was not to be, but she did write about her journey. Her testimony, her love, and her friendship will live on in each of us, who loved her, until we meet again. God grew her faith throughout her battle as she searched for meaning and for Him. Her hope changed from physical to spiritual. This should be the goal for each of us.
Oncology patients become very special people. Their diagnosis causes each one to face their own mortality. Each person seems more able to prioritize their life as they contemplate its physical end. God, others, and life itself are what is important. No longer are things and the trivia one use to worry about important. I believe that this is why Oncology Nurses gain a unique perspective on life itself. As we care for and become part of our patient’s journeys we become more compassionate and less able to personally have patience with trivia and unjustified complaining. We also prioritize our own lives. I didn’t choose to be an oncology nurse. It is where God placed me and grew me. I am grateful for all He has taught me through my own suffering and through the lives of others. Because I am not afraid to die, I am not afraid to live. I live in the hope of the Gospel, God’s Word, and God’s promises for today and I live with the hope of Eternity for tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The Little White Church
I retired from Huntington Hospital’s nursing staff in December 2007. It took me a long while to adjust to all of the changes that were happening in my life during that point in time. Retirement, selling our home in the Spring of 2008, moving from Long Island, relocating to Pennsylvania, and traveling between our new Pennsylvania home and Florida Key’s home caused me to feel very unsettled. Everything was going as planned and I was grateful but it wasn’t easy. I wrote the following account of an incident which happened in my life during that time. Now, August again, three years later, I would like to share those thoughts with you.
On a clear sunny day early in August 2007, I prayed for wisdom and the capacity to part with some “things” in my life. My husband, Richard and I were getting ready to downsize after 43 years of marriage and 35 years living in our present home. I trusted God to give me the ability to let go of so many memories through His strength (Philippians 4:13). I proceeded to pack up some boxes to bring to Good Will. It has been a process and I have already made a number of drop off trips. Today I was going through some items that had belonged to my mother, my mother-in-law, and my Aunt Carrie. I sorted through glasses, vases, and knickknacks and put them into boxes. These objects had special meaning to them during their lifetimes but now I knew that I had to pass them on. Someone will be able to use and enjoy them.
One item that I especially agonized over was a foot tall white plastic church. The cross on the steeple has been missing and its music box no longer played. I tried again to wind and unwind the little turning handle to no avail. I was having a difficult time. As I talked to the Lord, I put the little church into one of my boxes.
I have a habit of talking to myself when I’m not busy having a conversation with the Lord. I told myself, “I will bring the five packed boxes to St. Vincent de Paul instead of Good Will this time”. “Some one there will want and care for these items of past memories.” I loaded the boxes of donation items into the back seat of my Saab. I looked at the little white church again. “My, it is dusty!” I went back into the house, got a damp rag and dusted the church. I thought back to when my mother had received it from my cousin Gig when we lived in Brooklyn. My two sisters and I were young children. I tried again to coax the music to play. It remained silent. I placed it gently back into the box and proceeded to drive to my destination.
When I arrived at St. Vincent de Paul on Jericho Turnpike in Huntington two young men came down off of the truck delivery platform to help me. After the five boxes were placed on the platform one of the men looked at the church and said “This is so nice.” He picked it up out of the box and as he did “Silent Night” began to play sweetly and clearly. Tears came to my eyes and I knew that Mom was present with the Lord yet still present with me! It was a spiritual moment. God used a spiritual young man, a little white plastic church, and a sacred Christmas tune to give me a glimpse of His presence. The young man handed me the church saying “I think you should keep this.” I placed it back into my car and went back to get my donation receipt. Upon returning to my car the music was still playing and my emotional tears continued to flow. I called one of my sisters. I had to share my story. Our lives were touched. “Silent Night” continues to play and the little white church will continue to be part of my life.
On a clear sunny day early in August 2007, I prayed for wisdom and the capacity to part with some “things” in my life. My husband, Richard and I were getting ready to downsize after 43 years of marriage and 35 years living in our present home. I trusted God to give me the ability to let go of so many memories through His strength (Philippians 4:13). I proceeded to pack up some boxes to bring to Good Will. It has been a process and I have already made a number of drop off trips. Today I was going through some items that had belonged to my mother, my mother-in-law, and my Aunt Carrie. I sorted through glasses, vases, and knickknacks and put them into boxes. These objects had special meaning to them during their lifetimes but now I knew that I had to pass them on. Someone will be able to use and enjoy them.
One item that I especially agonized over was a foot tall white plastic church. The cross on the steeple has been missing and its music box no longer played. I tried again to wind and unwind the little turning handle to no avail. I was having a difficult time. As I talked to the Lord, I put the little church into one of my boxes.
I have a habit of talking to myself when I’m not busy having a conversation with the Lord. I told myself, “I will bring the five packed boxes to St. Vincent de Paul instead of Good Will this time”. “Some one there will want and care for these items of past memories.” I loaded the boxes of donation items into the back seat of my Saab. I looked at the little white church again. “My, it is dusty!” I went back into the house, got a damp rag and dusted the church. I thought back to when my mother had received it from my cousin Gig when we lived in Brooklyn. My two sisters and I were young children. I tried again to coax the music to play. It remained silent. I placed it gently back into the box and proceeded to drive to my destination.
When I arrived at St. Vincent de Paul on Jericho Turnpike in Huntington two young men came down off of the truck delivery platform to help me. After the five boxes were placed on the platform one of the men looked at the church and said “This is so nice.” He picked it up out of the box and as he did “Silent Night” began to play sweetly and clearly. Tears came to my eyes and I knew that Mom was present with the Lord yet still present with me! It was a spiritual moment. God used a spiritual young man, a little white plastic church, and a sacred Christmas tune to give me a glimpse of His presence. The young man handed me the church saying “I think you should keep this.” I placed it back into my car and went back to get my donation receipt. Upon returning to my car the music was still playing and my emotional tears continued to flow. I called one of my sisters. I had to share my story. Our lives were touched. “Silent Night” continues to play and the little white church will continue to be part of my life.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
God's Grace is Sufficient
I have found that when God wants to imprint a truth in my heart, He tells the truth to me in different ways through out my day or week. He did this for me last week. God told me in 2Corinthians 12:9: “My Grace is sufficient”. He wants me to hide this word in my heart so that it will be readily available for me when I need it.
In this scripture passage, God was responding to Paul who was praying to have an infirmary removed from his flesh. God always hears our prayers. He, sometimes, answers them in ways that we don’t understand at the time. When He doesn’t take away our pain or difficulty, He gives us the strength to face and walk through our problems.
In The New Living Translation, verses 8-10 relate Paul’s plea and God’s response: “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said to me ‘My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weakness and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
As seen in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, God views our actions differently than does the world. He honors a humble, loving spirit. Proverbs 8:10 says that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When we believe in, respect, and honor God, He gives us the gifts of the Spirit, enabling us to be strong in Him, not in our own flesh. We are in the world, not of the world. Knowing God and the scriptures give us a different, a Kingdom, perspective to our lives and our circumstances. When those who don’t understand where we are coming from look down at us or persecute us, God is our strength. His Grace is sufficient. I pray for wisdom and boldness in that knowledge.
God is the Great “I AM”. Because I believe HE IS, I pray for the strength to be obedient and to do what “I MUST”. As Christians, we are overcomers because of His power within us. We are sealed by The Holy Spirit. He will protect and defend those whom He seals. His Grace is sufficient, His Grace rests upon us, and His Grace reveals His Glory in and through us. 2Corinthians 4:7 says, “But this precious treasure - this light and power that now shines within us - is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own”.
Grace is the power of God to do for us, what we cannot do for ourselves. It is God’s unmerited favor in each of His children’s lives. We do not earn His grace nor do we deserve it. Grace is free. Salvation and Faith are God’s freely given gifts to us. God’s grace and the plan of Salvation in Christ is told throughout the scriptures. Ephesians 2:6-10 says, “In our union with Christ Jesus He raised us up with Him in the heavenly world. He did this to demonstrate for all time to come the extraordinary greatness of His grace in the love He showed us in Christ Jesus. For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it. God has made us what we are, and in union with Christ Jesus He has created us for a life of good deeds, which He has already prepared for us to do”.
There is purpose in each of our lives. Have you yet discovered the good deeds which He has already planned for you? Let us be bold in our faith. Read God’s word, listen for His directions, stand out in faith and obedience, and see what He has planned for you. He rewards us and blesses us when we diligently seek Him. You can underestimate your own power, but never underestimate the sufficiency and power of His Grace within you.
HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT!
In this scripture passage, God was responding to Paul who was praying to have an infirmary removed from his flesh. God always hears our prayers. He, sometimes, answers them in ways that we don’t understand at the time. When He doesn’t take away our pain or difficulty, He gives us the strength to face and walk through our problems.
In The New Living Translation, verses 8-10 relate Paul’s plea and God’s response: “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said to me ‘My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weakness and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
As seen in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, God views our actions differently than does the world. He honors a humble, loving spirit. Proverbs 8:10 says that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When we believe in, respect, and honor God, He gives us the gifts of the Spirit, enabling us to be strong in Him, not in our own flesh. We are in the world, not of the world. Knowing God and the scriptures give us a different, a Kingdom, perspective to our lives and our circumstances. When those who don’t understand where we are coming from look down at us or persecute us, God is our strength. His Grace is sufficient. I pray for wisdom and boldness in that knowledge.
God is the Great “I AM”. Because I believe HE IS, I pray for the strength to be obedient and to do what “I MUST”. As Christians, we are overcomers because of His power within us. We are sealed by The Holy Spirit. He will protect and defend those whom He seals. His Grace is sufficient, His Grace rests upon us, and His Grace reveals His Glory in and through us. 2Corinthians 4:7 says, “But this precious treasure - this light and power that now shines within us - is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own”.
Grace is the power of God to do for us, what we cannot do for ourselves. It is God’s unmerited favor in each of His children’s lives. We do not earn His grace nor do we deserve it. Grace is free. Salvation and Faith are God’s freely given gifts to us. God’s grace and the plan of Salvation in Christ is told throughout the scriptures. Ephesians 2:6-10 says, “In our union with Christ Jesus He raised us up with Him in the heavenly world. He did this to demonstrate for all time to come the extraordinary greatness of His grace in the love He showed us in Christ Jesus. For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it. God has made us what we are, and in union with Christ Jesus He has created us for a life of good deeds, which He has already prepared for us to do”.
There is purpose in each of our lives. Have you yet discovered the good deeds which He has already planned for you? Let us be bold in our faith. Read God’s word, listen for His directions, stand out in faith and obedience, and see what He has planned for you. He rewards us and blesses us when we diligently seek Him. You can underestimate your own power, but never underestimate the sufficiency and power of His Grace within you.
HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT!
Friday, July 30, 2010
The Baggage of Unforgiveness
The dictionary tells me that unforgiveness is not a word. Well, I am going to use it anyway. The meaning is self-evident. It is the inability to leave behind something in one’s past. It is the need to harbor the memory of a hurt or many hurts, thinking that holding on to or not letting go of the remembrances will somehow get even with the individual who harmed or is harming us. This comes naturally as a protective mechanism. How can one move on from the wounds and the feelings that upset our entire being?
Each of us is made up of a mind, a body, and a spirit component. When one part of us is out of balance it affects all aspects of our life. When our mind and emotions are stuck in the past, our physical body and spirit are also ill at ease. They experience dis-ease. This gives our body and our immune system an opening to diseases of the body and of the mind; illness and depression.
God speaks to us in His word about wholeness. The Bible will guide us, direct us, and show us how to live. God gave us His Son, Jesus, as an example of the perfect, sinless life. We cannot attain perfection but we should try to live as God would want us to live. He will give us the balance, strength, wisdom, and power to know truth and to be able to trust and obey. His Grace is sufficient (2Corinthians 12:9). When we are weak, He is our strength.
When we are unable to forgive, it is our own body, mind, and spirit that suffer. The thoughts and feelings of anger, hurt, bitterness, and vengeance do not harm anyone else. When these emotions are deep-seeded, it is hard, almost impossible, for us humanly to forgive. But, nothing is impossible with God. Ask anything in his name and it shall be done. God can, supernaturally, do for us that which we cannot accomplish on our own.
The first step that we must take is to recognize that we are harboring unforgiveness. We must realize that we have been unable to forgive our self or someone else. We make a choice to forgive or choose to stay stuck where we presently are. When we seek to forgive, so we can move on, God will hear our plea. He will make forgiveness possible.
We have control over our own decision but we cannot change another individual or the facts of the past circumstances. Forgiveness takes away the power and control that another person has over our life. Unforgiveness affects how we react in and to other relationships and experiences in our daily lives. The act of forgiveness doesn’t justify or minimize the hurt or even excuse it; it just helps us to let go of it. We must realize that it is not about the other person, it is about our self and our choice to keep the wound or let it go. God will help us through the process of putting it behind us.
We recognize the need to forgive, we choose to forgive, we give the process to God, and we then experience freedom from the bondage of our unforgiving spirit. When we are free in Christ, we are free indeed! In that freedom, we experience the ability to receive all that God has planned for us. The Holy Spirit is now able to fill our spirit with His gifts, unhindered by the barrier of an unforgiving heart. Love, compassion, and empathy can now flow from Him through us. We can now experience healing and the gifts of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22,23).
God wants us to be whole and He wants us to be healed. In Mark 2:5, The word says, “Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘My son, your sins are forgiven’ ”. Forgiveness is equated with healing. His sins were forgiven and his body was healed. In faith, he and his friends came to Jesus believing that he would be healed. His faith made him whole.
James 5:16 says “Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective”.
God instructs us to forgive in Matthew 6:14-15. He says, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses”.
Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you”.
Proverbs 20:22 says, “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong’, wait for the Lord and He will deliver you”.
I would encourage you to continue studying forgiveness by reading the many other passages of scripture which teach us about forgiveness. Look in your concordance or search the Internet for a list of Biblical passages on forgiveness. God will direct you to the ones that will speak to your heart and free you from the baggage of unforgiveness. He has promised us that when we seek we shall find.
When we choose to forgive, God will enable us to forgive and be healed.
Each of us is made up of a mind, a body, and a spirit component. When one part of us is out of balance it affects all aspects of our life. When our mind and emotions are stuck in the past, our physical body and spirit are also ill at ease. They experience dis-ease. This gives our body and our immune system an opening to diseases of the body and of the mind; illness and depression.
God speaks to us in His word about wholeness. The Bible will guide us, direct us, and show us how to live. God gave us His Son, Jesus, as an example of the perfect, sinless life. We cannot attain perfection but we should try to live as God would want us to live. He will give us the balance, strength, wisdom, and power to know truth and to be able to trust and obey. His Grace is sufficient (2Corinthians 12:9). When we are weak, He is our strength.
When we are unable to forgive, it is our own body, mind, and spirit that suffer. The thoughts and feelings of anger, hurt, bitterness, and vengeance do not harm anyone else. When these emotions are deep-seeded, it is hard, almost impossible, for us humanly to forgive. But, nothing is impossible with God. Ask anything in his name and it shall be done. God can, supernaturally, do for us that which we cannot accomplish on our own.
The first step that we must take is to recognize that we are harboring unforgiveness. We must realize that we have been unable to forgive our self or someone else. We make a choice to forgive or choose to stay stuck where we presently are. When we seek to forgive, so we can move on, God will hear our plea. He will make forgiveness possible.
We have control over our own decision but we cannot change another individual or the facts of the past circumstances. Forgiveness takes away the power and control that another person has over our life. Unforgiveness affects how we react in and to other relationships and experiences in our daily lives. The act of forgiveness doesn’t justify or minimize the hurt or even excuse it; it just helps us to let go of it. We must realize that it is not about the other person, it is about our self and our choice to keep the wound or let it go. God will help us through the process of putting it behind us.
We recognize the need to forgive, we choose to forgive, we give the process to God, and we then experience freedom from the bondage of our unforgiving spirit. When we are free in Christ, we are free indeed! In that freedom, we experience the ability to receive all that God has planned for us. The Holy Spirit is now able to fill our spirit with His gifts, unhindered by the barrier of an unforgiving heart. Love, compassion, and empathy can now flow from Him through us. We can now experience healing and the gifts of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22,23).
God wants us to be whole and He wants us to be healed. In Mark 2:5, The word says, “Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘My son, your sins are forgiven’ ”. Forgiveness is equated with healing. His sins were forgiven and his body was healed. In faith, he and his friends came to Jesus believing that he would be healed. His faith made him whole.
James 5:16 says “Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective”.
God instructs us to forgive in Matthew 6:14-15. He says, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses”.
Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you”.
Proverbs 20:22 says, “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong’, wait for the Lord and He will deliver you”.
I would encourage you to continue studying forgiveness by reading the many other passages of scripture which teach us about forgiveness. Look in your concordance or search the Internet for a list of Biblical passages on forgiveness. God will direct you to the ones that will speak to your heart and free you from the baggage of unforgiveness. He has promised us that when we seek we shall find.
When we choose to forgive, God will enable us to forgive and be healed.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Love is a Gift of The Spirit
Love is the first fruit of the Spirit which is listed in Galatians 5:22. When the Holy Spirit controls our life, a special kind of unconditional love is produced within us. One is able to care for and react to others as God has commanded us to do.
In Matthew 22:36-40, the Pharisees asked Jesus: “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the Law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “You must love The Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. All of the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” We must love God, others, and ourselves. Because God loved us first, we are shown how to love. The expression of love within us becomes witness to others of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This ability to feel and express love, compassion, and empathy in an unconditional way is not a worldly trait. God’s gift of love in our lives enables us to feel and see ourselves and others as God sees us; in a spiritual or supernatural way. Loving ourselves is important because how would we be able to love others if we don’t love and respect ourselves. Unforgiveness is a hindrance to unconditional love. God will help us to forgive others and ourselves when we bring our needs and shortcomings to Him. He will do for us that which we are unable to do for ourselves.
I can think of many times in my nursing career when I was able to react compassionately in love while taking care of some very unlovely or difficult individuals. God gave me the ability to see past their outward rude or offensive history, behaviors, or actions. I was given the gift of love so that I could react to them as I knew Christ would have done. I would begin each day in prayer asking the Lord to make me His vessel in the lives of those who would cross my path throughout my course of duty. When a patient recognized and would gratefully comment or compliment me, I would point upward and say, “It’s not me, it is Him in me”. This was the truth and I am so grateful for the gift of faith and the gifts of the Spirit which I have been given.
In Matthew 22:36-40, the Pharisees asked Jesus: “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the Law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “You must love The Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. All of the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” We must love God, others, and ourselves. Because God loved us first, we are shown how to love. The expression of love within us becomes witness to others of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This ability to feel and express love, compassion, and empathy in an unconditional way is not a worldly trait. God’s gift of love in our lives enables us to feel and see ourselves and others as God sees us; in a spiritual or supernatural way. Loving ourselves is important because how would we be able to love others if we don’t love and respect ourselves. Unforgiveness is a hindrance to unconditional love. God will help us to forgive others and ourselves when we bring our needs and shortcomings to Him. He will do for us that which we are unable to do for ourselves.
I can think of many times in my nursing career when I was able to react compassionately in love while taking care of some very unlovely or difficult individuals. God gave me the ability to see past their outward rude or offensive history, behaviors, or actions. I was given the gift of love so that I could react to them as I knew Christ would have done. I would begin each day in prayer asking the Lord to make me His vessel in the lives of those who would cross my path throughout my course of duty. When a patient recognized and would gratefully comment or compliment me, I would point upward and say, “It’s not me, it is Him in me”. This was the truth and I am so grateful for the gift of faith and the gifts of the Spirit which I have been given.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Light and Salt
I have pledged to join Charles Stanley and other Christians in intercessory pray for America daily.
In week 1 we read Psalm 51 asking God for wisdom and personal forgiveness as we prepared our hearts for the 140 days of prayer.
In week 2 we read Psalm 77: 7-15 confirming God’s Holiness and showing His might and power in our lives and among the nations. I know that with Him, all things are possible and that He honors the fervent prayers of the righteous. There is power in prayer and great power in the collective prayers of many believers. I consider it a privilege to have been born in America where I have freedom to worship and pray. I will stand up for this right. Our Judeo-Christian heritage has made and will keep our country strong and free when each of us remains strong and committed to God’s laws and principles. We cannot let those who believe otherwise continue to slowly try to take away our freedoms; personally and as a nation.
This is week 3. I just read Matthew 5: 13-16. We must recognize our responsibility to be salt and light in what ever situation we find ourselves. We can’t afford to hide our lights under a bushel. We must sprinkle the truths which we know, the saltiness of our faith, into the lives of our loved ones, our friends, and into our nation. When we honor God, He will honor us; He will honor America. We cannot be responsible for others but we can start with individual accountability. Can you imagine the strength in our numbers if we all started right where we are. There is no perfect person other than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, The Messiah. When we believe in Him, God sees us through His righteousness and we become righteous. We must stand tall in God’s promises! Trust and obey. The Holy Spirit helps us to live as God would want us to live.
The Beatitudes in Matthew 5, given by Jesus in The Sermon on The Mount, shows us how God wants us to live and treat each other. They instruct us in The New Testament as God through Moses gave us The 10 Commandments in The Old Testament.
Jesus in His Sermon on The Mount laid out a standard by which all Christians should live, a call for moral and ethical living that cannot be met in our own power. This power is given to us by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Galatians 5:17,18 tells us that “The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what The Holy Spirit wants. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. But when you are directed by The Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law”. Galatians 22 says, “But when The Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law”.
How God wants us to react as related in The Beatitudes is exactly opposite from the reactions according to the world’s standards. When the Holy Spirit controls our lives and gives us His gifts as listed in Galatians 22, we can understand Jesus’ instructions in The Beatitudes:
Blessed are the poor in spirit..... they will inherit the Kingdom of God
Blessed are those who mourn........... they will be comforted
Blessed are the meek.................. they will inherit the earth
Blessed are those who thirst for righteousness......they will be filled
Blessed are the merciful.............. they will be shown mercy
Blessed are the pure in heart..........they will see God
Blessed are the peacemakers............they will be called sons of God
Blessed are those who are persecuted...theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven
John 10:10 tells us that Jesus gives us the abundant life. As seen in the Beatitudes, this abundant life is according to God’s standards, not the world’s standards. As we stand firm in our beliefs we cannot worry about what non-believers say about us as long as we are pleasing God. He is our ultimate rewarder. Our character is the sum total of our words, thoughts, and actions. I pray for wisdom, power, and strength to keep the Lord’s light shinning through me and the salt of His word working in me. I will daily pray for America and for God’s power in our lives and in our land.
In week 1 we read Psalm 51 asking God for wisdom and personal forgiveness as we prepared our hearts for the 140 days of prayer.
In week 2 we read Psalm 77: 7-15 confirming God’s Holiness and showing His might and power in our lives and among the nations. I know that with Him, all things are possible and that He honors the fervent prayers of the righteous. There is power in prayer and great power in the collective prayers of many believers. I consider it a privilege to have been born in America where I have freedom to worship and pray. I will stand up for this right. Our Judeo-Christian heritage has made and will keep our country strong and free when each of us remains strong and committed to God’s laws and principles. We cannot let those who believe otherwise continue to slowly try to take away our freedoms; personally and as a nation.
This is week 3. I just read Matthew 5: 13-16. We must recognize our responsibility to be salt and light in what ever situation we find ourselves. We can’t afford to hide our lights under a bushel. We must sprinkle the truths which we know, the saltiness of our faith, into the lives of our loved ones, our friends, and into our nation. When we honor God, He will honor us; He will honor America. We cannot be responsible for others but we can start with individual accountability. Can you imagine the strength in our numbers if we all started right where we are. There is no perfect person other than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, The Messiah. When we believe in Him, God sees us through His righteousness and we become righteous. We must stand tall in God’s promises! Trust and obey. The Holy Spirit helps us to live as God would want us to live.
The Beatitudes in Matthew 5, given by Jesus in The Sermon on The Mount, shows us how God wants us to live and treat each other. They instruct us in The New Testament as God through Moses gave us The 10 Commandments in The Old Testament.
Jesus in His Sermon on The Mount laid out a standard by which all Christians should live, a call for moral and ethical living that cannot be met in our own power. This power is given to us by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Galatians 5:17,18 tells us that “The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what The Holy Spirit wants. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. But when you are directed by The Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law”. Galatians 22 says, “But when The Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law”.
How God wants us to react as related in The Beatitudes is exactly opposite from the reactions according to the world’s standards. When the Holy Spirit controls our lives and gives us His gifts as listed in Galatians 22, we can understand Jesus’ instructions in The Beatitudes:
Blessed are the poor in spirit..... they will inherit the Kingdom of God
Blessed are those who mourn........... they will be comforted
Blessed are the meek.................. they will inherit the earth
Blessed are those who thirst for righteousness......they will be filled
Blessed are the merciful.............. they will be shown mercy
Blessed are the pure in heart..........they will see God
Blessed are the peacemakers............they will be called sons of God
Blessed are those who are persecuted...theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven
John 10:10 tells us that Jesus gives us the abundant life. As seen in the Beatitudes, this abundant life is according to God’s standards, not the world’s standards. As we stand firm in our beliefs we cannot worry about what non-believers say about us as long as we are pleasing God. He is our ultimate rewarder. Our character is the sum total of our words, thoughts, and actions. I pray for wisdom, power, and strength to keep the Lord’s light shinning through me and the salt of His word working in me. I will daily pray for America and for God’s power in our lives and in our land.
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