Category Archives: Family, Friends & Fellowship

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July 20, 2016

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Knowing Him, Prayer, Today: Make it Count

NOT JUST FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Can anyone tell the Lord what to do? Who can teach him or give him advice? With whom does God consult in order to know and understand and to learn how things should be done? [Isaiah 40:13-14 (GNT)]

turk's cap lily

Thinking of my friend who wanted to refrain from calling on her friends until she “really needed” them made me think how we tend to set aside nice things for the really important events or special occasions of life. Reserved for some special occasion, we have living rooms that aren’t lived in and dining rooms that aren’t dined in. We women have bath salts, scented soaps and lotions, perfumes and fragrant candles given to us and then we stash them away for a special time of pampering (that never happens). We save the sterling flatware for the elegant dinners that never seem to occur. Yet, unless it is used, sterling silver won’t develop its characteristic patina that only grows more beautiful with time and use. Friends, sterling silver, dining rooms, living rooms, and spa goodies—they’re all meant to be used and appreciated. If we’ve been blessed with supportive friends or beautiful things, we should avail ourselves of them. After all, every day with which we’re blessed is a special occasion.

Saving people and things for that special event or when we’re in desperate straits got me thinking about the way we pray. Do we keep our little concerns to ourselves and reserve our prayers for the big problems, the special occasions, the times we’re at the end of the rope and “really need” Him? Is ours a fallback or special occasion God we approach only when all else fails? Do we keep Him in reserve and only use him when in crisis mode? Nothing is too small or trivial to God. If it’s important to us; it’s important to Him; if it’s troubling us, it’s troubling Him; and, if we’re thankful for it (no matter how small it may be), He wants to hear our thanks and praise. While I can decide whether to use the crystal goblets or Lenox china for my guests, I don’t think I’m the one who is supposed to decide what is God’s business and what is mine—especially since it all is His! Let’s not save God for special occasions like we do the silver or Waterford crystal; let Him be like our stainless flatware and plastic glasses—our “everyday” God!

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!
[“What a Friend We Have in Jesus (Joseph Scriven)]

The Lord said, “I was ready to answer my people’s prayers, but they did not pray. I was ready for them to find me, but they did not even try. The nation did not pray to me, even though I was always ready to answer, ‘Here I am; I will help you.’ [Isaiah 65:1 (GNT)]

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July 12, 2016

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Bible Stories, Challenges & Difficulty, Family, Friends & Fellowship, God's Grace & Love, Peace of God, Sorrow, Grief & Regrets, Today: Make it Count

GRAFFITI

David replied, “I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, ‘Perhaps the Lord will be gracious to me and let the child live.’ But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” [2 Samuel 12:22-23 (TLB)]

 Shari A. will love, love and love Michael, Andy and Steven A. Now, always and forever!! I love you all sooooo much!!! Love always, XO Mom XO
P.S. Always keep love, faith and hope alive in your hearts now and forever … and remember … kindness and forgiveness matter! (2015)

graffiti

Even in state parks, people still want to leave their mark or carve their initials and those of their sweetheart. The message above, however, is a bit of graffiti that causes me pause every time I see it. Written in black marker, it is under a railing, on an upright board, at a remote wildlife viewing platform. I recognize the script because I’ve seen it elsewhere in the park. In the woods, on another trail, is a dead tree marked with a large heart and the words “You are loved!” In a different place, the same woman asks her children to remember a picture they took from that spot.

Perhaps this woman was playing a game with her children and her messages were part of a scavenger hunt. In that case, I can only be annoyed at the way she defaced park property. Her words, however, seem rather melancholy to me so I don’t think they were part of a playful game. Every time I walk out to that viewing platform, I wonder about her heartfelt note. Who is (or was) that woman? Why did she feel the need to write her messages in such out-of-the-way spots? Are there more messages hidden elsewhere in the park? Have her sons ever seen them? Why didn’t she say those words in person? Does she still walk in the park? And, the most disturbing question of all, was that her farewell?

It’s troubling that those words of love to her boys remain on pieces of wood hidden in a park. Parental advice and expressions of love are meant to be said, not written and left in obscure places. I only saw this one when I knelt down to tie my shoe.  Although she tells her children to have faith and hope, I wonder if she has lost them. There seems to be a sense of regret in her messages—regret for things done or left undone, for words spoken or remaining unsaid. Unfortunately, it’s easy to become a prisoner of the past. Nevertheless, the past can’t be changed but the future can! David had plenty to regret when his first child by Bathsheba died; the baby died because of David’s sins. Rather than wallowing in the past, however, after mourning his loss, David chose to embrace his future and move forward with his and Bathsheba’s lives.

When Jesus met the woman at the well, he immediately knew of her troubled history and, when the bleeding woman touched his robe, he knew of her illness. If only it was as easy for us to know what anguish hides in people’s hearts. Have I ever passed by this woman at the park? If so, did I offer a friendly smile and warm “hello” or did I just speed by her? I remember earlier this year when I walked in the bird sanctuary with a troubled woman who needed to talk and then think of the stranger who strolled alongside my husband one day and spilled out the poignant story of his wife’s betrayal. Did they have no one else to hear their stories? Every time I see that woman’s words, I wonder if she had someone with whom to talk. Of course, we know that she had God, but did she know it? When she wrote the words “You are loved!” did she know that God loves her?

Heavenly Father, there are so many troubled souls we pass by daily. Guide us so that we don’t inadvertently add to their sorrow and troubles. Give them hope for the future and help them know they are not alone. Let them experience your love and forgiveness.

And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans. [Romans 8:28 (TL)]

Listen to my pleading, Lord! Be merciful and send the help I need. My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me, O my people.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” [Psalm 27:7-8 (TLB)]

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June 23, 2016

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Challenges & Difficulty, Faith & Hope, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Holy Spirit, Knowing Him, Prayer, Trusting God, Worry

BLESS THE CHILDREN

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. [Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)]

And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. … Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father. [Matthew 18:5-6,10 (NLT)]

awebLike all children, my grands are growing up and new challenges face them every day. The eldest is now driving and old enough to date. Come fall, she’ll be looking at colleges, two others will start junior high school, one enters kindergarten and the youngest is off to nursery school. Where did the time go?

One look back at my childhood (especially my teen years), tells me that I kept my guardian angel working overtime. Not wanting my grands to make the same mistakes I did, I’d love to put a protective bubble around each one of them. It would shield them from evil influences, bad people, poor choices and dangerous situations. Although a protective bubble won’t work, perhaps the armor of God will. While not the typical school uniform, we can clothe our children with the belt of God’s truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the peace of the gospel on their feet, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation. Although weapons aren’t allowed in school, we can arm them with the sword of God’s word and the power of prayer. In the end, however, it will be their battle to fight and not ours.

Blessed Lord, thank you for the children you have given us; please protect them. Shield them from influences that run counter to your teachings. May they come to know both you and your word so they can withstand the challenges of this troubled and confusing world. Movies, magazines, television, music, books, social media and even their peers bombard them with opinions, advice, and examples that challenge their values and faith. Fill their lives with positive influences to inspire, teach and guide them. May they flourish and grow in their relationship with you. Let your light shine brightly in their lives so that all of their attitudes and actions honor your holy name.

If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. Psalm 91:9-12 (NLT)

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. [Psalm 1:1-3 (NLT)]

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June 17, 2016

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Family, Friends & Fellowship, God's Grace & Love, God's Promises, Knowing Him, Thanks & Praise, Trusting God

A PARENT’S LOVE

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. [Psalm 103:8 (NLT)]

swans (mute) - parent's loveweb

Like most parents, there were times my husband and I were exasperated by, disappointed in, displeased with, and ticked off at our children. While we tried to be compassionate and merciful, we weren’t necessarily slow to get angry. In spite of our anger, however, like God, we were always filled with unfailing love. We could be disappointed, distressed, and even hurt by our children yet we persisted in our love for them. Even though they weren’t always loveable—in fact, there were times they were barely likeable—we loved them unconditionally. After all, they were our children—a part of us. Fortunately, they all survived our less than perfect parenting and have grown into wonderful adults and loving parents with children of their own. While we settle into enjoying grandparenthood, they are now experiencing for themselves the challenges of parenting and the tremendous power of parental love.

If mothers and fathers, mere flawed humans, can continue to love their children in spite of wrecked cars, skipped school or broken laws, our perfect God can easily persist in loving His children in spite of their myriad offenses. If mortal parents can still love children that deceive them, treat them with contempt, or disappoint them, think about how much our divine God can continue to love His children regardless of their transgressions. Consider how much more able He is to have unfailing love for His offspring than an ordinary man or woman. I don’t know how He manages it, but He does. He may be angry and disappointed with us, but He continues to love us.

Thank you, Father God, for not losing faith in your children; thank you for your unfailing love and forgiveness.

Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them in the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago. [Micah 7:18-20 (NLT)]

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June 16, 2016

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, Love & Works, Obedience

THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS

Love is patient. Love is kind. Love isn’t jealous. … It isn’t rude. It doesn’t think about itself. [1 Corinthians 13:4a,5a (GW)]

First of all, I encourage you to make petitions, prayers, intercessions, and prayers of thanks for all people. [1 Timothy 2:1 (GW)]

hibiscus While writing yesterday’s meditation, I remembered back to my high school days when I studied theater at an arts academy in northern Michigan. I should have been happy for my friend when she got the lead in a play, but I wasn’t. Instead, I was annoyed because I thought that role should have been mine. While the play was still being rehearsed, my friend returned to Ohio with a medical emergency. Did I pray for her? Of course not; I was a self-involved teenager and my only prayer was one of thanks because the lead role became mine. The emergency, however, wasn’t that serious and she returned to school (and her part in the play) several days later. Did I say a prayer of thanksgiving for her? Of course not; being a self-involved teenager, I pouted and gave her the cold shoulder.

Several years later, I was in the hospital after giving birth to my third child. This was back in the days before all those prenatal tests and when women spent five days in hospital before going home with their little one. My roommate was much younger and had just given birth to her first child. As I listened to the pediatrician explain that her baby had Down’s syndrome, I heaved a great sigh of relief. I was the older woman with three children—statistically, I was the mother more likely to hear that diagnosis. Were my first prayers for her and her child? Regrettably, no; my first prayers were ones of thanks that it wasn’t me getting that troubling news!

When misfortune or adversity hit someone else, I readily admit that my first prayers often are not for the injured, distressed, or troubled. Quite likely, they are prayers of thanksgiving that it wasn’t me or my loved ones that were affected. I doubt that I am alone. We hear the sirens and say a prayer of thanks we know where our kids are, a co-worker is down-sized and we heave a sigh of relief that it wasn’t us, a friend is diagnosed with breast cancer and we say thanks for our negative mammogram, we pass by a car accident and are thankful we weren’t in it. While thanksgiving is always a worthy prayer, something tells me God would prefer hearing our intercessions for others before hearing our thanks for escaping accident, illness or hardship.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that love doesn’t think about itself; it thinks about others. We must think beyond ourselves, just as Jesus did when He hung on the cross. With great compassion, He comforted the thief, forgave the angry crowd, and looked to the needs of His mother. While ever grateful for our blessings, compassion and concern for others should always come first.

Worship and intercession must go together, the one is impossible without the other. Intercession means that we rouse ourselves up to get the mind of Christ about the one for whom we pray. [Oswald Chambers]

Don’t be concerned only about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others. Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. [Philippians 2:4-5 (GW)]

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May 24, 2016

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, God's Plan, Joy, Knowing Him, Obedience, Sorrow, Grief & Regrets, Today: Make it Count

WHO’S ON FIRST?

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [Matthew 6:33 (NLT)]

Who comes first in our lives? Without a doubt, when I was a child, it was me. As far as I was concerned, the world pretty much revolved Playa del Carmenaround me, myself and I: my toys, my games, my friends, my wants, my school, my plans. As I matured, I became a little less self-involved but I have to admit that my priorities still revolved around me: my education, my husband, my children, my family, my projects, my future! All of these are important, but no matter how much I love my husband, children and grandchildren, and no matter how worthwhile my projects or causes, none of these should be my first priority. That should always be God.

I wish I could say that God has always been first and foremost in my life. I wish I could say that the Holy Spirit has guided me in all of my decisions and that I held Jesus’ hand whenever I was troubled or afraid. I wish I could say I was obedient to His word and that His love always led my way. Unfortunately, I can’t. I know that if I had done those things, my life would have been happier; it certainly would have been more peaceful. As wonderful and fulfilling as my days have been, if God had come first, there certainly would have been fewer problems and more joy, fewer tears and more smiles. Nevertheless, I have no intention of wasting time in regrets or shedding tears over what I should have done or what might have been. Instead, I plan on regularly and prayerfully evaluating my priorities from this day forward.

I came across an acronym that not only reminds me of how to set my priorities but also tells me the reward of setting them correctly: JOY. Jesus comes first, Others are second, and You come last! If we follow that order, we’ll have joy in our lives!

Who’s on first in your life?

The measure of life is revealed in the quality of our relationships: with God, our families, our fellow men. [From “A Perfect Day” by Richard Paul Evans]

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. [John 3:30 (NLT)]

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