Category Archives: Joy

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November 6, 2015

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Bible Stories, Faith & Hope, Joy, Miracles, Peace of God, Thanks & Praise, Trusting God

CHARM BRACELETS

Joshua erected a monument at The Gilgal, using the twelve stones that they had taken from the Jordan. And then he told the People of Israel, “In the days to come, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What are these stones doing here?’ tell your children this: ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry ground.’” [Joshua 4:20-22 (MSG)]

Zion 041webIn a television ad for a popular brand of charm bracelet, two couples meet and then go their separate ways. One wife proceeds to tell her spouse all about the other couple: the number and sexes of their children, where they’ve vacationed, and their interests. When her husband asks how she got that much info from a brief greeting, she smugly replies that the bracelet told it all. My granddaughter has one of those bracelets and, when gift-giving occasions occur, I enjoy looking at the charms and trying to decide if there are any that commemorate a special event or accomplishment of that year. I wonder if, many years in the future, she will look at the bracelet and fondly recall her riding lessons, theater classes, trip to China or the grandparents who gave her the charms.

Jacob placed a stone pillar to mark the place where God spoke to him, Joshua erected a monument of stones so the Israelites would remember that the river stopped flowing so the Ark could pass through it, and Samuel used a boulder to mark the spot where God gave victory over the Philistines. I’m not sure placing stones and monuments is that easy or practical today; perhaps all we need are some charms. They wouldn’t be made of silver and semi-precious stones nor would they be worn on our wrists or around our necks. They would be made of memories and kept in our hearts. The charms would remind us of those special moments when God revealed His divine presence in our lives. Yes, I know he’s always been there and always will be, but we’ve all had extraordinary times when we truly felt God’s special touch. The charms would commemorate the times we experienced miracles, the moments we had tangible evidence of God’s help or provision, and the supposedly chance conversations that put us on the right path. The charms would bring to mind the times we received His guidance, wisdom, or strength and those instances we knew without a doubt that God was there with us, holding us in His loving arms. Every time we doubted, every time we felt lost or alone, every time we were afraid or felt unworthy, incapable, abandoned, or lost, we could take out a few charms to remind us of God’s loving provision. Looking at them and remembering those times, we would again have confidence and our faith would be renewed.

What occasions would be commemorated on your bracelet?

Samuel took a single rock and set it upright between Mizpah and Shen. He named it “Ebenezer” (Rock of Help), saying, “This marks the place where God helped us.” [1 Samuel 7:12 (MSG)]

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September 21, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, God's Grace & Love, Joy, Miracles, Money & Wealth

SATISFACTION

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. … For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. [1 Timothy 6:6-7,10 (ESV)]

This itch to have things over again, as if life were a film that could be unrolled twice or even made to work backwards…was it possibly the root of all evil? No: of course the love of money was called that. But money itself—perhaps one valued it chiefly as a defense against chance, a security for being able to have things over again, a means of arresting the unrolling of the film. … Money, in fact, would provide the means of saying encore in a voice that could not be disobeyed. [From “Perelandra,” by C.S. Lewis]

A pleasure is full grown only when it is remembered. You are speaking, Hmán, as if pleasure were one thing and the memory another. It is all one thing. [From “Out of the Silent Planet,” by C.S. Lewis]
black swallowtail -chrysalis- web

“Encore!” we shout so we can hear more at the symphony and “Encore!” I silently shout when God blesses me with “Aha!” moments or even miracles. Once is never enough. While gathering parsley and basil for last night’s dinner, I carefully examined the greens before cutting them. I’m not that particular about my herbs—I’m just looking for a caterpillar, chrysalis or butterfly. Two years ago, in the same herb container, I found a freshly hatched black swallowtail drying its wings, its empty chrysalis nearby. Do I search so I won’t disturb nature’s course? Not really—my search is about wanting to experience that “Aha!” moment again. It’s not enough for me to remember that day or even look at the photos I shot. Greedily, I want another magic moment; once was not enough.

C.S. Lewis’ words from Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra got me thinking about contentment and our foolish efforts to have more of what we’ve already been given. We become gluttons—not just of food—but of experiences. Unsatisfied, we always seem to want more of what we’ve just had and, as Lewis points out, we love money because we think it enables us to do so. We want life to be an “all you can eat” buffet. Instead of relishing that initial bite and being satisfied with our first plate, we’re already thinking about returning for seconds and thirds.

No matter how much money we have, there will be no encore in our lives. One pass through life’s buffet line will have to be enough. The Rolling Stones sang, “I can’t get no satisfaction!” We will continue to sing that song if, rather than savoring and then remembering the gifts of today, however big or little they may be, we search for or try to recreate the gifts of yesterday. And we surely won’t be satisfied if, while enjoying the gifts of today, we’re already thinking about having more of the same tomorrow.

You say, “If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.” You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled. [Charles Spurgeon]

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” [John 4:13-14 (ESV)]

For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. [Psalm 107:9 (ESV)]

 

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September 18, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Fruit of the Spirit, God's Grace & Love, Joy, Nature, Today: Make it Count, Trusting God

TOMORROW

bearing fruit -horz web

False Solomon’s Seal, Solomon’s Seal, Bittersweet Nightshade, Elderberry

I have carried you since you were born; I have taken care of you from your birth. Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you. I will carry you and save you. [Isaiah 46:3b-4 (NCV)]

Last night, at my mother-in-law’s retirement home, I was nearly run over by a parade of residents in wheelchairs along with several more ambulatory seniors shuffling along on their walkers as they moved toward the patio to enjoy the last rays of the day’s sun. Last night, I caught a glimpse of tomorrow and I’m not anxious to go there. It’s not the white hair and wrinkles—it’s not even the stooped posture and frailty—it’s the lack of independence that frightens me the most.

I’m at a point in life where, when I look at my children, I see what I was like yesterday—or what feels like just yesterday. Then, when I look at my mother-in-law, I see what life will be like tomorrow or the day after. At my age, time passes way too quickly. It seems only a few years ago that we had teenagers and now our teenagers have teens of their own. Wasn’t it just last month when I held the first grand in my arms? I turned around for just a second and now she has her driver’s permit. I’m sure it was yesterday when I stood on the bus so a senior could have my seat—now people offer their seats to me!

As I walk through the park, I’m reminded of the season. Instead of the gaudy colors of summer, I see the yellows, oranges and browns that come with autumn. The asters are just bits of fluff and the black-eyed Susans look naked without their golden petals. Yet, I see another kind of beauty—the beauty that comes with the changing season. In fact, the maples and oaks are more spectacular with their brightly colored leaves. Moreover, it is only when the flowers have faded that they start bearing their beautiful fruit. Old age, like the autumn prairie and woodlands, can be beautiful when accepted gracefully.

Our years are a gift from God. Having outlived all but one of my family members, these years are a gift I appreciate. Yet, I confess to apprehension when I walk into a room and can’t remember why I’m there, forget someone’s name, can’t open a jar, or need ibuprofen for my aching joints. I’m not so sure I’m going to enjoy everything about this next season of life. I don’t relish the thought of eventually giving up my driver’s license, being unable to handle my finances, using a cane or walker, or possibly needing a caregiver. I would much prefer to have the health and vitality of middle age to the frailty of the elderly and so I exercise and watch my diet. Nevertheless, no matter what I do, the years will eventually take their toll on my mind and body.

I’m sure God didn’t ask the flowers how they felt about getting old, withering and eventually dying, and I don’t think He’s going to ask me. I have no choice but to accept this season of life and joyfully prepare to move on to the next. Like the flowers and the people I saw last night, I will turn to face the sun and make the most of the days with which I have been blessed. And, like them, I will gracefully accept the passage of time and bear as much fruit as possible. While I may change and fade with the years, I know that God never will. As old as He is, He’ll never be infirm, He’ll never be too weak to hold me upright and He’ll never become so absent-minded that He forgets my name.

I have no one in heaven but you; I want nothing on earth besides you. My body and my mind may become weak, but God is my strength. He is mine forever. [Psalm 73:25-26 (NCV)]

People ought to enjoy every day of their lives, no matter how long they live. [Ecclesiastes 11:8a (NCV)]

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September 16, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Joy, Love & Works, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith, Thanks & Praise, Today: Make it Count

LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you! [Psalm 145:10 (ESV)]

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. [Isaiah 60:1 (ESV)]

“I Sing a Song of the Saints of God” [Lesbia Scott]
I sing a song of the saints of God, patient and brave and true,
Who toiled and fought and lived and died for the Lord they loved and knew.
And one was a doctor, and one was a queen, and one was a shepherdess on the green;
They were all of them saints of God, and I mean, God helping, to be one too.
They loved their Lord so dear, so dear, and his love made them strong;
And they followed the right for Jesus’ sake the whole of their good lives long.
And one was a soldier, and one was a priest, and one was slain by a fierce wild beast;
And there’s not any reason, no, not the least, why I shouldn’t be one too.
They lived not only in ages past; there are hundreds of thousands still.
The world is bright with the joyous saints who love to do Jesus’ will.
You can meet them in school, on the street, in the store,
In church, by the sea, in the house next door;
They are saints of God, whether rich or poor, and I mean to be one too.

cathedral of st francis - Santa Fe8546webAs a girl, one of my favorite hymns was, “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God.” I joyfully sang of the doctor (Luke), queen (Margaret of Scotland), shepherdess (Joan of Arc), soldier (Martin of Tours), priest (John Donne), and the one slain by a beast (Ignatius of Antioch). Although I wasn’t anxious to be devoured by lions, the thought of being in company of such a stellar cast of Christians gave me great joy. The fact that I, simply by knowing Jesus and by loving to do His will, could be one, too, was even more exciting.

Although it’s been years since last singing it, I thought of that hymn when touring the Cathedral Church of St. Francis in Santa Fe recently. Several saints had been beautifully depicted in the stain glass windows. It was a sunny day and the light shone magnificently through the colored glass. I was reminded that the saints of the New Testament weren’t dead; they were living individuals who had dedicated themselves to the worship and service of the one true God as revealed through Jesus Christ. In fact, all Christians are called to be saints of God—to live their lives in a way that reflects their faith in Christ. We all can be saints of God if we allow the Son’s light to shine through us as brilliantly as the sun did in those windows.

Saint: one separated from the world and consecrated to God; one holy by profession and by covenant; a believer in Christ. [Easton’s Bible Dictionary]

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. [Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)]

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September 7, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, God's Grace & Love, Joy, Prayer, Thanks & Praise, Today: Make it Count

LIST THE BLESSINGS

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! [1 Chronicles 29:11-13 (NLT)]

deer- does-webAfter returning home from nearly three weeks on the road, we hit the ground running and occupied ourselves with unpacking, laundry, sorting through piles of mail, paying bills, returning calls, watering plants, and restocking the pantry before leaving three days later to go out of town again. Busy with household tasks, editing photos, answering emails, writing devotions and updating the website, and knowing we’d soon be leaving again, I hadn’t even bothered to unpack my book bag. This morning, in a quiet moment, I reached in the bag to read some C.S. Lewis and found my gratitude journal. Sadly, no entries had been made for five days. Was there nothing for which I was grateful? On the contrary, there was plenty. Granted, the journal was buried under a pile of books but that was no excuse. I had simply been too busy and involved in doing things that I’d neglected the most important thing: pausing and being with God. Oh, I’d spent time in prayer every morning but, admittedly, those prayers had been rather rushed and the thanks had been pretty generic. Writing in the gratitude journal, however, makes me pause and truly consider the specific gifts with which God has blessed me each day.

As I reviewed the last several days, there was much for which I’d not offered thanks: over 3,000 miles driven without incident, accident or ticket; the littlest grand started preschool with a smile and another grand is adjusting well to her new school; the flowers survived our absence and neglect; neighbors had taken in the mail we’d forgotten to put on hold; my 98-year old mother-in-law continues to do well; five devotions got written; my shoulder is no longer sore and my foot has finally healed; a friend is recovering well from surgery; another friend is healing from the pain of losing his wife; my children sent pictures of the grands; I got caught up on my paper work; hurricane Erika petered out; my husband cooked one of my favorite meals; and I saw a buck and two does walk through our yard this morning. The list goes on and on. None of it is earth-shattering, none of it is deep, but all of it is worthy of thanks to God. Since He never seems too busy to grant His blessings, why is it so easy to become too busy to thank Him?

Heavenly Father, forgive us when we take your blessings for granted or neglect to acknowledge them. Daily, you bestow upon us gifts of every shape and size. May we always recognize the source of our blessings and never take them for granted or forget to express our gratitude to the Giver of all gifts.

For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, For love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends.
[Ralph Waldo Emerson]

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. [Psalm 100:4-5 (NLT)]

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August 20, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Joy, Peace of God, Thanks & Praise, Today: Make it Count

MAKE THE MOST OF IT

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After looking at the way things are on this earth, here’s what I’ve decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that’s about it. That’s the human lot. Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. It’s useless to brood over how long we might live. [Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (MSG)]

Lord, where did the years go? It seems like it was just last month that I complained about the fingerprints on the windows and mud on the floor; now I can go weeks without washing the windows or mopping the entry. I protested to my children about the noise and now our house is silent. I was just complaining img109webabout my teen-agers and now they’re adults with teens and pre-teens of their own! It feels like just yesterday that we were grousing about work and now we’re complaining about how busy we are in retirement.

Lord, thank you for this day. Don’t let us waste a single moment of it in complaint. While some seasons of life may be more challenging than others, show us how to appreciate each and every one of them.

It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth – and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up – that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had. [Elizabeth Kübler Ross]

Oh, how sweet the light of day, And how wonderful to live in the sunshine! Even if you live a long time, don’t take a single day for granted. Take delight in each light-filled hour, remembering that there will also be many dark days And that most of what comes your way is smoke. [Ecclesiastes 11:7-8 (MSG)]