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Share Four Somethings~August 2021

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We often think of joy and sorrow as opposites – their definitions far apart from each other. But when you’ve lived a “few” years you come to realize that they’re actually connected.  Joy and sorrow walk hand in hand together throughout our lives. Even in the most joyous times there are twinges of sorrow present; and as I’ve learned in this past month, when experiencing great, overwhelming sorrow, joy is also right there in the midst of it all.

My grandson, Sutton has been in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital for a little over two months now.  His life and ours, have changed. With that, comes the darkness of grief. But friends, I’m here to tell you that joy lights the way through it!

“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
Psalm 30:5b (NLT)

Share Four Somethings

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3 (NIV)

~Something Loved~

As Sutton was life-flighted to Columbus at the end of June, my husband and I were packing to make the four hour trip to be with our two older grandsons. Time passed with little talk and lots of prayer. Upon arrival we immediately went into caregiver mode. For two weeks, together we tried to put our fears and grief aside to meet all their needs. After that, my husband had to return to work and I began caring for them on my own.  I’ve been here ever since.

There’ve been days I was sure I couldn’t go on, times the boys were so upset I didn’t know what to do, moments when I had to ignore my MiMi heart to discipline, and nights when we all cried ourselves to sleep. But woven through it all has been the realization that we are making memories that we never would have under “normal” circumstances.  The funny thing is, before all this happened, I’d find myself lying awake praying that nothing would happen to me before I’d spent enough time with the boys for them to remember me. And now….here we are together! I’ve loved spending time with my grandsons; from doing simple things like playing office, to celebrating the first day of kindergarten, visiting Sutton every weekend, touring a museum together, reading bedtime stories, singing songs, and laughing…a lot. In the middle of the pain: Joy!

 

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

~Something Read~

Living in an unfamiliar town, driving a van, having a much more active schedule, etc…. For this “comfort zone addict” gal, being away from home has been hard at times. There may even have been a bit of whining. It’s amazing though, that when I’ve had an especially challenging day, I’ll go to the mailbox and find a card from a friend or my phone will beep with a text from a loved one. Reading inspiring Bible verses, encouraging words, even old fashioned newsy letters, have brightened my days and improved my mood…a lot. In the midst of change: Joy!

 

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 (NIV)

~Something Treasured~

As parents, we hope and pray that our children, no matter their age, have friends who’ll always be there for them, a community that embraces them, and a church family to uplift them. I’ve worried about this (I know shocking, right?) But there’ve been times when these things were missing from my kid’s lives.

Thankfully, my worry was unwarranted as usual, as both our children now have a wonderful support system! Never was it more evident though, than in this last month! The outpouring of care and concern for our family through this health crisis with Sutton has been beyond amazing! It’s impossible to find the words to express the gratitude we feel. There have been T-shirt Fundraisers, a Benefit Golf Tournament, an Auction of a one-of-a-kind clock made by the Blind Clockmaker (if you’ve never seen his inspiring story, I’ll link it below), cards, gifts, meals, donations to the Ronald McDonald House, and so much more. And oh my goodness, the outpouring of prayers lifted for Sutton. It’s been miraculous really, how such a little boy has brought so many people together!

Do you remember what the Bible says happened after the Shepherds had visited Jesus in the stable then left to spread the message the Angels had given them? Yes, Mary thought about all that had happened and she kept it in her heart. That’s how I feel too. I will treasure all I’ve seen, heard, and felt this past month, keeping it close at heart, knowing there are others who’ve got this support thing down pat, and I will ponder on that…a lot! At the center of great need: Joy!

 

“He sets the time for sorrow and the time for joy, the time for morning and the time for dancing,” Ecclesiastes 3:4 (GNT)

~Something Ahead~

Home. That is what’s ahead!
We’re rejoicing! If everything keeps going as well as it has been, Sutton will be home in a very short time. And while it will be different, and scary, and hard, and yes, sad sometimes, it is an answer to all our prayers and a gift we’ve been given that many do not receive. In time, these months will be behind us and a new normal will develop. Doing a happy dance just thinking about it!

Having Sutton home means that I’ll go home, too. I’ll return to my normal, my hubs won’t have to live the bachelor life anymore, my schedule will be my own. These are happy things. And yet..  I’ll be leaving the boys. No more tucking them in, fixing their breakfast, watching Bluey together while eating popcorn. Mother-daughter time will be less, too. The pull of home means leaving a part of me here and I’m going to miss them…a lot! At the heart of joyously moving on: sorrow.

August for me, has been a month of ups and downs, highs and lows, and many joys and sorrow. But really, that’s life, isn’t it? As Solomon reminds us:

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)

But no matter how long the season or the night, we can take comfort in knowing that “Joy comes with the morning!”

I’m once again linking up at http://www.heathergerwing.com to Share Four Somethings. Click over to read what others are reflecting on this month.  I’d love to know what you’d share! Let me know in the comments. I  want to remind you that I am so blessed by your presence here! Thank you for stopping in! And don’t forget to watch Jim Morgan’s story below.  You will be glad you did!

 

 

Trust the Transfomation

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Trust in the Transformation

It’s always amazing how God teaches me lessons right where and when I need them using what’s familiar. Honestly, I think that’s why so many happened in my Second Grade classroom. He knew I required the “elementary” version! Now retired, I can look back and see how, like my students, the foundation I received there helps me continue to build on and trust those basic truths I’ve learned.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

These words came alive during a favorite project of mine that included one of God’s most mysterious miracles! Every year, my students and I would begin to collect Monarch Caterpillars. Filled with Milkweed to feed them and long twigs to climb on, a large, glass jar on the Science table became their new home and the venue for us to observe an incredible transformation.

Metamorphosis (a profound change) doesn’t happen overnight, but it didn’t take long to recognize that once a caterpillar moved as high as it could go on a stick, the process had begun. That’s just what one of our “guests” did while I was working late at school.

Determined to watch the process from start to finish I settled in. Somewhere between caterpillar and chrysalis, this teacher became the student. It no longer was just a caterpillar’s rebirth I was witnessing; I was also gaining a better understanding of my own. A familiar unit, alone in my classroom, at a time I felt stuck between the old me and becoming “a new person”, amazing God at work? No doubt about it!

I don’t know about you, but I often feel like a caterpillar, slugging along, always looking for the next best, tasty thing to consume, hoping it will satisfy my hunger. And just like a caterpillar, that’s usually when we begin to feel something stirring deep within that compels us to think Higher and prepare for change.

Surprisingly, what struck me the most as I witnessed this wonder of nature, was the struggle. Back and forth the caterpillar swung, writhing as if fighting with all its might against what lies ahead. (Something else we have in common!) Then I blinked. On the branch in the same spot where the caterpillar had been resisting change, hung a chrysalis. The fight was over.

Maybe, like me, as a Christian you too find yourself suspended between old ways and the new life Jesus offers. Fear, worry, perfectionism, and so much more seem to continually worm its way back into our lives, but here’s the heart of the lesson: The struggle is real, but my friends, the fight is over! Jesus hung in our place and was encased in the tomb, taking our sins with Him.

For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Romans 6:4 (NLT)

Excitement always built as the children and I waited for each butterfly to emerge. Through every opened chrysalis that released a new creation with furled wings and shaky legs, The Teacher continued His lesson. Even though the cycle was complete and the old caterpillar nature was replaced with the new nature of a butterfly, it took time for each one to stretch its wings, to be a butterfly. I’m learning, and I hope it encourages you, that the same is also true for us.

“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.”
Colossians 3:10 (NLT)

Did you catch that? Becoming more like Christ is a profound change. As we learn to know our Creator, we become like Him. Becoming more like Christ doesn’t happen over night. It’s a life long process of learning, knowing, and trusting. Just like the Monarchs in my classroom project, with patience, practice, and lots of love, God takes who we think we are and completely transforms us into who He knows we were always meant to be! As we spend time in our relationship with Christ, we can be certain He is working within us and that our “new life” has begun..

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished
on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
We can trust that!

I was honored to write this as part of the #TrustThat Verse by Verse series at http://www.faithfullyfollowingministries.org I encourage you to click over to read more. You will be blessed if you do!

Not in My Dictionary ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

Not in My Dictionary

As a teacher and mother, I’ve received my fair share of excuses. From “I forgot”, to “They told me to”, and the ever-popular “I didn’t think it applied to me.” One of the most unique though, was used on the familiar assignment of looking up and writing the definitions for vocabulary words. Thumbing through the returned papers, one stood out from the others. At first glance it clearly had much less writing on the page and a closer look revealed why. Behind a majority of the words the same phrase was written; “Not in my dictionary” was the excuse used for not completing the homework as expected.

Answering a knock on my classroom door, I found a co-worker holding in her hand my son’s “creative” attempt at following directions. Promising to get to the bottom of it, that’s just what I did. I was relieved (however short lived) to know he hadn’t blatantly lied, BUT, because he didn’t want to take the time or put in the effort, my son decided to use an advertising pamphlet for a dictionary that had a few sample pages in it, instead of the actual dictionary sitting on his desk! The words were in fact, not in the dictionary he purposely chose to use. Instead of giving his best, an excuse was offered and ultimately, an opportunity to shine, lost .

How often do we adults do the very same thing? Maybe it’s taking a short cut, looking for a way out,  or choosing quick over quality. Similar excuses? Oh I have them and I’ll bet you do to.
~Tithe? “Oops, I forgot this week.
~Watching THAT show. “They told me to.”
~Forgiving a family member. “I don’t think it applies to me in this situation.”
We even live as if saying “not in MY Bible,” when we attempt to purposely pick and choose the verses and words we’re willing to follow, while knowing we have the whole Word of God to guide us right at our fingertips. Instead of presenting our best, we often offer an excuse to put forth less, and our opportunity to be a light in the world, is lost.

“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16 (NIV)

In my dictionary, some of the definitions for “excuse” are: to remove blame, serve as a justification, and release from an obligation. Unfortunately, we don’t have to look far in this world to find lots of dimming and extinguished lights being smothered by a “bowlful” of these very reasons. I don’t know about you, but sometimes, I don’t have to look any further than myself!

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” Philippians 2:14-16a (NIV)

If I’m being honest, “shining star” isn’t always an accurate description of me. You either? Here’s the thing though, I’m learning we can’t let that be an excuse to not give our best to complete our “assignment”. Is illuminating God easy? No. Does good work take time and sacrifice? Definitely. Will we always get it right? You and I both know the answer to that. We won’t. We’re challenged however, to work at living lives with meaning found “not in my dictionary“, but rather, ones defined by God’s Word, bringing Him glory and offering a glimmer of hope to those around us.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be throughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Once again this is MORE than five minute MONDAY for me, but I am joining with other writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com this week, thinking about the prompt “Excuse”. (Yikes! I have a lot of them in my life) If you’re interested to see what others have to say on the subject, just click the link. You won’t be sorry! I am grateful you’ve taken your time to join me and my pondering once again. I do not take it for granted! 

 

 

 

 

 

Share Four Somethings~April 2021

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Share Four Somethings ~ April

Somehow I’m always surprised when I start seeing others’ Share Four Something posts at http://www.heathergerwing.com! It doesn’t seem possible that another month has come and gone. I guess that old Tracy Lawrence country song is right. “Time Marches On!” April has offered many things like reminders of rebirth, a restarting of things paused by the pandemic, reassurance, and reuniting! “Re-” means again and yes, I am happy to relive my joys of April again with you!

Something Loved

“Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT)

After months of being apart, we finally were able to make the trip to see our daughter and grandsons. My heart overflows as I type this! To say we loved being together is an understatement! While the visit was short, the memories will last and last! Soccer practice, T-Ball, bedtime stories, Lego building, baking, snuggles, and lots of laughs, all in person, being together was as you can imagine, a highlight of my month!

Another special moment happened this month with a three-generation get-together.  Our son and daughter-in-love took time out of their busy schedules to take grandma and mom on a spectacular daffodil adventure! I was in heaven! Time with the” kids”, my favorite flower as far as the eye could see, an amateur photographer’s dream spot, and time with kids! Oh did I already say that? It was the best part! Yes, I LOVED reuniting in April!

Something Read/Said

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just a you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

I’ve had the unique privilege of being a mentor to a student I taught in Second Grade. He’s now a Sophomore in High School! Again, time DOES march on! April has presented him with some challenges and so each morning for the last few weeks I’ve been sending “Wise Words” of encouragement to reassure him of all I believe he can accomplish! We all need something said like that now and then, don’t we? I’m so proud of this young man and can’t wait to see all he achieves in life! Mentoring is an honor and I’m pretty sure that I’ve gained more than I’ve ever offered! There’s no doubt I’d do it all again!

Something Treasured

“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” Psalm 98:4 (ESV)

“The only thing better than singing is more singing.”(Ella Fitzgerald) Oh, how I believe this! I know that I’ve shared (probably more than once) that I have a musical soul. Music of all kinds fills the rooms of my house all day long and you can often find me dancing and singing along! Do I love to sing! Well, really I’m making a joyful noise, but I make it with a lot passion!

The Pandemic has taught me and probably you too, about taking things for granted. Never, did I imagine there’d be a time when our church buildings would be closed! And once they reopened, it seemed unbelievable that we wouldn’t be allowed to sing as part of our worship! I’m so grateful that this month that changed for us! At the conclusion at our last two Sunday services, we’ve joined together for one song. What a beautiful sound, masked voices and all! Regaining a little “normal” is such a blessing. One I’ll not take for granted again!

Something Ahead

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)

This is the last picture I have of the four of us together. It was taken on August 26, 2019. 2019! My mom, sisters, and I usually meet at least three times a year but have now been apart longer than we’ve ever been in our whole lives! Finally, we’re vaccinated and ready to go! I’m counting the days (literally) until we leave Michigan, Indiana, and West Virginia behind to rejoin each other in Ohio! Words cannot express how thankful I am to be looking ahead to being with these amazing women this week! I can just hear “Peaches and Herb” singing: “Reunited and it feels so good!” (You young people will have to Google it!)

April began with reuniting and will end with reuniting, too! Can’t think of a much better way to spend a month! Can you? Join me here next month as “time marches on” and we’ll do it all again!

What about you? What Four Somethings did you find in your month? I’d love for you to share them with me in the comments! Better yet, click the link above and join us there. As always, I want you to remind you what it means to me that you take the time to join me in my ponderings here! Wishing you many blessings in May! 

Broken Eggs ~ Five Minute Friday

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Broken Eggs

If you’ve been around small children much you know they can create a lot of noise! You also know that it’s when they’re quiet, you need to worry most. I found this out many years ago while folding laundry when I suddenly realized I no longer heard my young son playing as I had earlier. My motherly radar on high alert, I went to investigate.

The refrigerator door wide open, there he was, his bare little toes wiggling in a large, slimy puddle of shattered, empty eggshells and all they’d once contained. Looking up at me with large innocent eyes, in his sweetest voice, he said, “I just wanted to see what would happen. Will you help me put them back together?”

Well, we all know how that went don’t we? While tiny hands picked up some of the broken pieces of irreparable shell, they couldn’t remedy the oozy, gooey, mess left behind. A challenging job even for mommy hands!

Isn’t that just like us? We open a door we shouldn’t. Let our curiosity direct our actions. Find ourselves keeping quiet so no one discovers what we’ve thought or done. Sometimes we “just want to see what happens.”  And before we know it? The consequences of what we did lay at our feet. Fractured relationships, broken trust, empty dreams, results we didn’t expect or plan for. There WE are, standing in the midst of a mess we can’t clean up.

Little boy tears fell with the realization that the broken eggs couldn’t ever be made whole again. I don’t know about you, but all these years later, I can find myself in the very same place. As I attempt to pick up the pieces, my grief, fear, regret, or a multitude of other feelings overflow down my cheeks. It’s then I recognize, that fixing what I’ve broken is out of my “child-like” hands. Been there? I’m learning that’s the very moment we need to place it all, as slimy, oozy, gooey, and shattered as it is, into The Father’s hands.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

We all know cracked eggs cannot be put back together and unfortunately all we’ve intentionally or unintentionally let “fall and break” may not be mended either. But, amazingly when we look up and ask for God’s help to fix what’s broken, ultimately, it is  you and I who are lovingly restored.

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.”
 Romans 5:8-11 (NLT)

There is so much that is broken in our world, but I don’t want to ever forget how broken I am and the amazing gift God has given me in making me whole through Jesus on the cross and out of the grave!  I hope you find some encouragement here this week as I’ve written with the others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to the prompt “Broken”. I thank you for your presence here and am blessed by you more than you know! 

 

Permission Slip

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“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4 (NLT)

Permission Slip

Every year about this time, anticipation began to build in my Second Grade classroom. The children knew that Spring meant our annual field trip. Field trips were not one of my favorite parts of teaching. Preparation, organization, coordination, navigation, communication, attention. All that work didn’t mean anything though, without one more important “tion”: documentation.

The day permission slips for the trip were passed out was full of excitement! Chatter filled the air and wiggly bodies filled the chairs. Each year on that day, I’d say the same thing. “These need to be taken home, signed, and brought back as soon as possible. You cannot make the trip if you wait too long.”

As you might guess knowing the nature of kids, some students brought their signed forms back the very next day and didn’t need to worry again about making it to our destination. Others needed a little reminder of where we were going and how wonderful it would be, to get them to return their slips. A few just weren’t sure they even wanted to go. They didn’t quite trust that it would turn out the way I told them it would and required some extra support. And then there were always one or two children who had lots of excuses why they hadn’t done what they needed to do to go on the journey with us. You’ve probably heard it before: they were too busy, they forgot, their friends told them not to go, or they’d been careless and lost their permission slip.

In a blink of an eye, the day before the trip would arrive and the afternoon would find us cleaning out backpacks to make them lighter to carry. The conversation would center around all we’d hope to see and do. There’d be questions. I’d offer reassurance. Anticipation was at an all time high, except that is, for the ones who’d waited too long. For them, the future looked bleak, felt like punishment, and tears usually flowed as they thought about being left behind.

You know? The nature of adults isn’t any different than that of kids. We can see the same patterns of behavior in all areas of life, as I saw in the midst of planning an elementary school field trip; even when it comes to where we’ll go to spend eternity.

Are we prepared? Taken care of all our “tions”? Salvation, justification, sanctification, so that we needn’t worry about our destination and can travel with a lightened load of sin? I hope so!

“You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NLT)

Or, do we need a little reminder of how wonderful Heaven will be?

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’ ” Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT)

“And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.’ ” Luke 23:43 (NLT)

Maybe, we want to commit to the journey but are still just a little unsure and need some support.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NLT)

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)

Have you been wondering about my students through the years who failed to do what they needed to so they could go on the field trip with their class? Well, the truth is, I never wanted a single child to be left behind so I did what teachers often do, made phone calls, visits, sent reminders, all to be sure that each little one was ready to go on the day of our trip.

“It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52 (NLT)

Maybe as we read this, our hearts cry out because we feel that it’s too late. We’ve been busy, letting others influence our decisions, or haven’t admitted yet that we’re lost.  Now, we only see punishment in our future, like some of my students did. But guess what? Also like them, we too, have someone who doesn’t want anyone left behind! And the Good News? No permission slip is required for this journey! Jesus has that covered. He signed His name in His own blood for each and every one of us, so we can ALL make the trip! So the question is, Are YOU ready? Am I? This is the one place we don’t want to miss!

“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promises, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.
1 John 2:1 (NLT)

“Who then will condemn us? No one-for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.” Romans 8:34 (NLT)

Today’s post was written to the prompt “Permission” with my friends at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com I’m looking forward to reading what others have created.  I hope you’ll click over and read some, too! I thank you with all my heart that you have joined me here. Please know that it is a gift I don’t take for granted. As I’ve been writing this afternoon as song has been playing in my head. The chorus goes like this:

“Are you ready for the trumpet?
Are you ready for the call?
Soon the angels will assemble to usher in the Son of God.
Will He find you faithful?
Will He know your name at all?
Every moment brings us closer.
Are you ready for the call?”

 

Share Four Somethings ~ March

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Share Four Somethings ~ March

Spring has sprung here in my little part of the West Virginia mountains! Daffodils and crocus have burst forth from the cold ground, leaves are emerging on the lilac tree where my bird guests find their buffet, and the robins have returned doing their “dance” in the grass with the worms below. (The worms are not willing partners). Yes, March has brought blessings of Spring and for me, this month has presented other blessings, too! Join me and others at http://www.heathergerwing.com as we share our “Four Somethings” for the month.

Something Loved

“The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace.” Psalm 29:11 (NLT)

March is a big birthday month in our family! Both my son and daughter were born in March. Then we added a son-in-love who was a March baby, too. And….yours truly also celebrated a birthday this month. Not sure how it’s possible that I’m 62 years old, but I’m so grateful God has brought me this far! Truly, every day is a gift!

I don’t know about you, but not being able to gather with family and friends had really begun to weigh on me. My heart felt heavy and my soul, weary. That’s why I loved receiving “visits” from those I love in the mail. My spirit bloomed like the early Spring flowers with each envelope I opened and message I read! To say I am blessed with special people in my life is an understatement! Now, I can’t wait to be able to tell them so in person!

Something Read/Said

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. with less of you there is more of God and his rule.” Matthew 5:3 (The Message)

This whole idea about “being blessed” can be complicated. It’s something I’ve been talking with trusted friends about, engaging in social media on the subject, and this month, participating in a study about it. The Bible has a lot to say about what it means to be blessed and it doesn’t always match our worldly view. Each day in March, the ladies at http://www.faithfullyfollowingministries.org posted a key verse and often with it, insights others have gained in life about the subject. My “Something Said” came from a young woman on day 15 of the study. Alyssa Nelson shared this:

“What makes us blessed is not having all the things we’ve decided we need, even if those are good things, it is to see God for who He truly is and to know Him deeply and personally.”

Such wisdom from a young heart! Her words were the focus I needed and they will stay with me  even though the #Blessed study is over! I encourage you to click over and read more for yourself!

Something Treasured

“May the LORD bless you and protect you.May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)

I have to take you back to my birthday for my “Something Treasured” this month. Not only did I receive lovely cards and notes, I also was given some fun gifts. Truth be told, I don’t need a thing. That being said, I really enjoyed opening bags and boxes containing just the “perfect gift”! I’d hinted to my mom (ok, I sent her the link) about this cute Dove Planter filled with little succulents. It didn’t matter that the delivery date for it was past my birthday, I don’t know about you, but I’m happy to spread the celebration out as long as I can!

Well, a few days before my birthday I received a small box in the mail from mom. Imagine my surprise when upon opening said box, a very strong fragrance escaped! I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what she’d sent and why! Was I ever tickled when under the tissue paper I found this ummmm…aromatic…bar of “Dove” soap with a message on it. Oh, how I giggled at her creativity and how happy I was to receive my hoped for Dove Planter a few days later! Blessings come in all sizes AND smells!

Something Ahead

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 (NLT)

As I’ve told you before, I’m a calendar girl and those empty pages in the midst of the pandemic served to remind me just how much we were missing out on. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to now be able to make plans and write them in those little boxes! We’re still living day by day as we know anything unexpected can happen, but it’s fun to look ahead at the possibilities!

If I’ve learned one thing this past year, it’s to not take our blessings, large or small, for granted. Going to church was one I never thought much about, until I couldn’t go anymore. Last year at this time, churches were closed and Easter felt lonely. As we journey to the cross this week on our way to rejoicing in the resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning, I’m looking forward this year, to celebrating together with my church family in our sanctuary, and most importantly remembering from Whom all blessings come!

I always enjoy looking back at my month and picking out things to share with you. I’d love to know YOUR “Four Somethings”! Share them with me in the comments so that I can celebrate them with you. I hope you know that when I count my blessings, you are among them.  I so appreciate the time you offer me by coming here to share in my ponderings! 

 

Redeeming Promises~Five Minute Friday

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“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You; and my soul, which You have redeemed.” Psalm 71:23 (NASB)

Redeeming Promises

Carefully placed between the pages of my Bible, are “heart treasures”: cards, notes, prayers, photos, letters, and such, that I’ve saved over the years. Things so precious, I want to keep them close to refresh my memory of the rich love they hold. One such gem is this “Christmas Coupon Book” given to me years ago by my young daughter. Each coupon page written in her little girl handwriting, was a gift I could redeem whenever I chose to.

As you can see, I was presented with a wide variety of promises. (My favorite is “kill flies”! We lived in an old house at the time, where in the fall, the flies thought they lived there too. It was a job not taken lightly! ) The thing is, by tucking her words away, I failed to benefit from the opportunities so generously offered out of love, to make my life better.

How often do we do the same thing with our actual Bible? God’s Word is a treasure meant to be held close. We know it’s a gift, full of precious words and rich with love for each of us, yet, we frequently tuck it away for going through later, failing to gain from the life it offers.

As a reminder, imagine with me for a moment, a “Christ Coupon Book”, to us, from God, each page written with the palms of Jesus’s hands:

Page 1- “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 (NLT)

Page 2- “They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. The will kill him, and after three days he will rise.’ ” Mark 9:31 (NIV)

Page 3- “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’ ”
John 8:12 (NLT)

Page 4- “But-When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”
Titus 3:5 (NLT)

Page 5- “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”
Luke 12:24 (NIV)

Page 6- “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you.”
John 15:4-5a (NIV)

The Bible presents us with promises after promises, so generously given, not just to make our lives better, but to offer us eternal life!  The question is, will we chose to benefit from His gift?

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.”
Ephesians 2:8 (NLT)

In this time of Lent as we prepare to make our way to the foot of the cross and the empty tomb,  what if we also seek out the treasure of God’s Word once again, along the way. Let’s challenge ourselves to pull our Bibles off shelves, out of drawers, from under the stack and day by day, refresh our memories of all the “treasures of The Heart” we have received!

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” Psalm 107:2a (NASV)

Writing today along with my friends at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to the prompt, “Redeem”. You can click over to read more thoughts and even join in with us yourself! I want you to remember that I do not take for granted the time you offer me when you stop in. I count it as a gift for sure! 

 

True Colors

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“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’ ” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)

True Colors

A year ago, I sat in this very chair at my hair dresser’s. It was the last “normal” thing I did before our worlds shrunk to the size of our homes. For the next months the real color of my hair slowly became more and more evident. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror resulted in a double take and stopping for a closer look, left me asking, “Who is that gray-haired lady staring back at me?” The longer it went on, the more the pandemic revealed the “real” me.

“As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.” Proverbs 27:19 (NLT)

I’ve heard it said, maybe you have too, that it’s usually during the worst of times a person’s true colors show. We’ve certainly been going through that kind of time, haven’t we?  All the changes, restrictions, disappointments, and unknowns certainly could expose someone we don’t recognize. When catching my own reflection, there’ve been times I was blue as sadness crept into my days. Shades of envy green grabbed my attention when others were gathered with family and I couldn’t be. It wasn’t hard to see that I also attempted to keep a white-knuckled grip of control on normal life as it seemed to quickly slip through my fingers. Maybe you’ve felt like an emotional chameleon, too.  True colors of my heart? Probably so, but thankfully not permanent ones because like the Psalmist, we can cry out:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 (NLT)

As you might have guessed, I’m not ready for others to see the natural color of my hair quite yet. Thankfully, my friend and hair stylist can now cover it up for me! So, what do we do about those true colors that creep into our hearts that we don’t want to show the world, either? Thankfully, Jesus’s red blood covers and transforms those!

“And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:21-22 (NLT)

Much has changed between my visits to cover up the gray. Things we never imagined could happen have now become part of our everyday; but, I was reminded as I sat in my hair stylist’s chair, that there IS something we can count on to always remain the same: Jesus and His work in us. (Hebrews 13:8)  Even when our (my) hearts become tinted by the circumstances around us, what a comfort to know that, in His hands, they become a palete of True Colors He uses to create a masterpiece in each us. And this one? We WANT to display to the world!

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

I did a lot of reflection as I sat in that chair this week, knowing all that had happened in a year! I love when God sends me a lesson that I need right at the moment I need it! I pray that it will encourage you, too.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support of being here reading my random thoughts. It means more than you know! C~

 

 

 

Share Four Somethings ~ February 2021

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As hard as it is to believe, February has been here and is gone! Time has felt so strange! Thankfully though, slowly but surely, time is shifting a little more toward “normal” here.  Schools are back in session full time, we’ve been having in-person church, businesses are able to host more customers, and my calendar actually has writing on it in the coming weeks and months of which I am VERY thankful. Speaking of gratitude, it’s time to look back over the past month with http://www.heathergerwing.com and think about what I’ve “Loved, Read or Heard Said, Treasured, and to What’s Ahead”. Being February, it’s all about love this month! So, here we go….

February Share Four Somethings

“My loved ones, let us devote ourselves to loving one another. Love comes straight from God, and everyone who loves is born of God and truly knows God.” 1 John 4:7 (The Voice)

Something Loved

Showing love, is the something I loved in February! It’s often easy to take Valentine’s Day for granted after spending 39 of them together. Not wanting that to happen, I decided to celebrate with my husband all week leading up to the 14th. What a great time I had picking out little favorite treats I know he enjoys and then coming up with silly sayings to go along with them. It brought me joy to remind him that he’s still the ONE for me! Showing someone they’re loved is always the best gift and we don’t have to (and shouldn’t) wait until Valentine’s Day to give it!

“With every sun’s rising, surprise us with Your love, satisfy us with Your kindness. Then we will sing with joy and celebrate every day we are alive.” Psalm 90:14 (The Voice)

Something Read/Said

In a Voxer message, a friend recently read me some words that truly made my “heart sing”! When I messaged back asking where she’d found them, she shared this wonderful book with me. Sally Lloyd-Jones knows how to speak words of God’s love to the soul. A devotional, “Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing” is that special combination of being written for children and yet, within the pages and illustrations are messages everyone longs to hear, no matter their age! I’m looking forward to sharing this beautiful little book with my grandsons and reading it for myself when I need to, as the Author’s Note says, “listen to whatever God wants to say to me” about “how He loves me and how I can love him”.

“I (God) appeared to them from far away and said: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love-out of faithfulness I have drawn you close.’ ” Jeremiah 31:3 (The Voice)

Something Treasured

Love in real time across the miles: That’s what I treasured in February! My sisters and I spent our early childhood in California while our grandparents lived in Michigan.  The only way for them to share in our lives was through rare, expensive long distance phone calls or after the fact in letters sent across the country. The same was also true for my Mom after we girls went our own ways. While we too are separated by miles, how grateful I am to be able to share in my kids’ and grandsons’ day to day lives right as things are happening! How fun to see the boys play in the first snow of the winter, watch our youngest grand beginning to crawl, and view our son’s craftsmanship displayed at his first show! There’s no doubt that for this Mom and MiMi, loving in person is best; but, being included in long distance, real time love is something I’ll always treasure, too!

“But now faith, hope, and love remain; these three virtues must characterize our lives. The greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (The Voice)

Something Ahead

They began in December at the Prayer Tree: my prayers for the Covid vaccine.  Since then, I’ve been hoping and praying for the call that I received this morning. It’s my turn! I’ve waited and watched as the 80+ crowd received their shots, then the 70+ crew, and now….the 60+ gang that I’m part of are up! I’m not just looking ahead to March 4th though, I’m also looking ahead to what March 4th and the vaccine mean. Soon I will, without fear of unknowingly making someone sick, finally be able to spend time with family. My calendar can once again become a place of plans to gather with friends, birthday celebrations, and holiday traditions! While “normal” of 2019 and “normal” of 2021 will most certainly look different as we move ahead, these remain: faith that God is working all things for good, hope in what’s to come, and most of all, love that never ends!

I “love” this practice of looking back before we look ahead. I’d love to hear your reflections on February! Just share them in the comments if you’d like. I continue to be grateful for your presence here with me and my pondering. You are a blessing to me! Happy March!