Coming Attractions

As a Young Child

As a young child, I held onto my father’s hand
Crossing the busy thoroughfare.
Now I reach out, and put my life in Your hands,
Trusting that You will lead me home.

I am reminded of all the babies in the "Coming Attractions" mode. A niece is expecting her second child in October. A grand-niece is expecting her second boy in mid-April. Another grand-niece is expecting her first child in May. These little ones aren't yet holding onto Father's hand. But I know their earthly fathers already love them. I know their Heavenly Father is currently telling each, "I am knitting you together in your mother's womb."

How precious are the children!! Thank You, Lord.

The Waters

Where are you on the Water scene? Are you on the rickety dock, slowly inching down to be washed clean? Are you in a boat, waiting for the Savior to calm the waters of your life? Are you in the slimy section, being covered with the growth of past sins? Or are you on the grass, satisfied with your life, and content to just look out at the rest of the world. 

Come on, jump right in! The water's fine!  Jesus is the Lifeguard, and He is waiting to teach you how to swim. His arms will hold you up so you can breathe the cool, fresh air.

Trust Him. He won't let you down.

What a Wonder

Isn't it amazing? There's nothing like a whale-watch excursion to give one the feeling of "WOW!" These creatures of God's are huge, graceful, and playful. On our whale-watch, the captain stopped the boat for a full thirty minutes, as three or four whales played with us. They swam under, and around, the boat, often breaching so closely they moistened us with their spray. What wonderful creatures!

We, too, are creatures of God. We also have our times to be playful. We find joy in our environment, and in company with one another. What wonderful friends we have!

God's grace washes over us each time we confess and repent. God's Living Water refreshes us as we meet Him in the Word. He speaks with us when we go to Him in prayer. What a wonderful God!

God's Miracles

Some years ago a deer bounded into my car. God’s miracle that morning was that I emerged unscathed. The only problem was shattered glass in my hair, in my clothing, and all the way to the back seat of the car. Elevated blood pressure calmed by the second time the EMT applied the cuff.

      Last Sunday I was reminded of God’s more recent miracles. The day before Thanksgiving, a friend fell in the shower. This showed God’s blessing, since in checking him out, the doctors discovered a cancerous brain tumor. After two surgeries, he is in a “wait and see” pattern, possibly not even needing any further treatment. God’s Miracle indeed! Last Sunday, we were treated by hearing this man’s beautiful voice once again vibrantly singing a hymn of praise.

      Another Miracle: a friend lay in a coma. Her daughter made arrangements to visit, not knowing if she’d be in time to say goodbye before a funeral. However, God’s miracle woke my friend, had her sit up, get up, leave the hospital. Sunday she attended church, in time to hear the previously mentioned hymn of praise. This woman’s face glowed with her praise of her Lord.

      A third Miracle: In October, a dear friend had serious back surgery. From the moment she woke after surgery, she has experience no pain. Yes, muscles tire easily, but that is being treated with therapy. She can stand, walk, enjoy life once again.

      God’s miracles abound. We just need to notice them, and praise Him.

Before They Call

(Isaiah 55:24)

　

I had not yet called out to You --

But I felt Your Presence

Calling out to me.

My mind was forming the question

As the Spirit whispered

What was in my heart.

I spoke the words of fear,

Of worries, hope, despair --

With overflowing tears.

Still praying, I was calmed.

Praise Him IN All Circumstances!

Is God looking foggy to you right now? Does He seem lost to you? Might it be your own perspective that is foggy?

Sometimes I think God hides in plain sight. However, His Living Water continually laps against the beaches of our soul, wearing away the grit of our sin.

Step back, and look at the the bridge God has built between us and His mainland. With outstretched arms, Jesus is waiting to help each traveler across. Though we see but dimly now, the Son IS shining behind those clouds of circumstance.

Thank You, Lord, for providing the cleansing waters. Than You for providing our Bridge.



I wish to have a well-lived life, as did my mother. This picture, one month prior to her death, shows her alertness, her a huge smile, and her twinkling eyes. She was small in stature, but mighty in influence. She was instrumental in leading me to God. Her faith was unshakable, through thick or thin. She was never "things oriented," but God & His people-oriented, and she taught me to be likewise. 

     Mother modeled to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to live a life of joy. Sping cleaning has a meaning of its own for me. Cupboards, walls, all nooks and crannies, and even the basement floor, received her attention. Summertime, every visitor drank the treat of chocolate malts in the special wavy-green glasses. In autumn, the Packers never had a more fervent supporter, and her yells of "Go, Baby, Go!!!" on a good run became legendary within the family. Wintertime, she would bundle up and join her family making snowmen. In all seasons, the smells of fresh cookies or of bread baking still evoke fond memories of Mother!

     A well-lived life, full of joy. At peace with God until the end. Who could ever ask for more?