Category Archives: Today: Make it Count

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June 22, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Holidays & Holy Days, Money & Wealth, Today: Make it Count, Wisdom & Guidance

GRANDPAS -Father’s Day 2015

If God doesn’t build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn’t guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? [Psalm 127:1-2 (MSG)]

6-22-150402cropOld friends were in town and several couples had gotten together for dinner. The men (now all retired and grandpas) got to talking. Instead of talking about work, which is what they used to do, or sports, which they still do, they started talking about their various grandchildren. I loved hearing them go on about teething, toys, Disney movies and the various cute sayings and fantastic achievements of their beloved grands. In short, they sounded just like my women friends and I did some forty plus years ago when we spoke about our children. These men clearly loved the grandpa gig and they chatted about it with the same enthusiasm they used to save for their golf games and the play-offs.

This group of men is from a generation of fathers that weren’t very “hands-on” in the way of baby and child care when their children were young. Parental roles were more defined then: our husbands were the breadwinners and we women were the homemakers, in charge of the house and children. Don’t get me wrong! None of them were neglectful; they are men of faith and all were attentive and loving fathers. They were, however, extremely busy in furthering their careers and attaining financial security for their families. Good fathers all, they just weren’t as involved in the diapers, doctor’s appointments, feeding, classroom parties, lessons and homework as many of today’s dads are. Their own children had done all of the same things their grandchildren were doing, but this was the first time these olds guys were taking part in it. I’m glad they all have grandchildren so they can now experience some of the joy they missed the first time around. Grandchildren are, indeed, God’s reward for growing older (and for not killing one’s teenagers, but that’s another meditation!)

Everything turned out well for these men’s families; it didn’t for many. These men have been blessed with a second chance; not all will be. We need to make sure none of us get so busy building our houses that we neglect building a home for those in it. Unless God is part of the building and guarding of our home and family, we will have nothing. It’s fine to be ambitious, but not to the extent that our spirit, body or family is neglected. Financial security is meaningless if the home life suffers. What good are accomplishments, honors, wealth or fame if we lose our souls, physical health, or families? If we don’t trust our lives to God, we will be anxious and have no rest. If we trust him, he will surely provide and give us the rest and peace we so desire.

Children are, indeed, a gift from God. And grandchildren are the frosting on His cake!

Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends, and integrity. And you’re keeping them all in the air. But one day you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls – family, health, friends, integrity – are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered. And once you truly understand the lesson of the five balls, you will have the beginnings of balance in your life. [From “Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas” by James Patterson]

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you; you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep. [Psalm 127:3-5 (MSG)]

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June 6, 2015

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

AWESOME DEFENSE

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I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands. [Daniel 9:4 (NLT)]

Today I did something healthy and never had to leave the comfort of my La-Z-Boy chair! No, not chair aerobics or isometrics—I spent time in Bible study, worship and prayer. As usual, after spending quiet time with God, I had an incredible sense of awe. According to the University of California, Berkeley, that sense of awe can lower my levels of cytokines, some sort of “pro-inflammatory” proteins that raise my risk of depression, heart disease, type-2 diabetes, arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. Apparently, other research has found that feelings of awe can also enhance creative thinking, keep me from feeling pressured and rushed, and “inspire profound personal transformation” (which I think is pyschospeak for improve my attitude.) It seems clear that a sense of awe leads to positive emotions and positive emotions go hand-in hand with good physical and mental health.

The cytokine study mentioned losing oneself in magnificent music, beholding amazing vistas, enjoying artistic masterpieces, or meditation as awe-inspiring activities. But, we don’t have to listen to Handel’s “Messiah,” visit the Grand Canyon, go to an art museum, or practice TM or yoga for a sense of awe. Worshiping God is just about the most awe-inspiring activity there is! For added health benefits, whenever you participate in any of the other suggested activities, be sure to remember they are only possible because of our awesome God and say a prayer of praise and thanksgiving!

God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! [Psalm 68:35 9NLT)]

Who is like you among the gods, O Lord— glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders? [Exodus 15:11 (NLT)]

The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God. He is far more awesome than all who surround his throne. O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O Lord? [Psalm 89:7-8a (NLT)]

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May 30, 2015

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God's Plan, Knowing Him, Nature, Today: Make it Count, Trusting God

WHO AM I TO ARGUE WITH HIM?

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Will you play with [the crocodile] as with a bird? Or will you put him on a leash for your maidens? … Lay your hand upon him! Remember your battle with him; you will not do [such an ill-advised thing] again! … No one is so fierce [and foolhardy] that he dares to stir up [the crocodile]; who then is he who can stand before Me [the beast’s Creator, or dares to contend with Me]? [Job 41:5,8,10 (AMP)]

Monday was not a good day for two animals in the swamp. A fledgling owlet became dinner for an alligator as did a large turtle. I thought mention of their fate would be a perfect illustration of what happens when one ventures too close to temptation and Satan sneaks up when we’re not looking. Out of curiosity, I searched for the words “crocodile” and “alligator” in various Bible translations. While pharaoh and Egypt were likened to crocodiles and all lizards, including crocodiles, were considered unclean food, I found no comparison to Satan. Imagine my surprise, however, when I found a comparison to God himself!

In Job 41, God points out that it is foolish for people to think they can stand up against God when they are afraid to confront even a crocodile. Indeed, God is much more powerful than a crocodile or alligator. We’ve probably all used the phrase, “Well, you can’t fight City Hall!” when battling bureaucracy. God is pointing out that red tape in City Hall and crocodiles (“Leviathan” in many translations) are nothing when compared to fighting Him. We are guaranteed a loss before even starting! “If you lay a hand on it, you will certainly remember the battle that follows. You won’t try that again!” [Job 41:8 (NLT)] Moreover, you probably won’t have a hand with which to try!

Many of Monday’s tourists were visibly upset by seeing the alligators’ successful hunts. What they observed, however, was simply nature taking its course. The alligators were only doing what alligators do: eat. The fact that owlets and turtles are far cuter has nothing to do with it! I’ve seen frogs, fish and snakes eaten by the wading birds and, while less endearing than baby birds and turtles, their fate was no less tragic for them. Who are we to argue with Mother Nature? God’s point exactly! Only His is: “Who are we to argue with or question God?” Calamity, suffering and even death come to us all, cute and not so cute, good and bad alike. A panther, python, person or loss of habitat may be the end of the alligators; the herons, owls and turtles have already taken a few gator babies for dinner themselves. As ugly as it is sometimes, that’s life.

What did I learn from Monday’s episode? Well, obviously we should be on the lookout for danger. More important, I was reminded that sometimes life seems terribly bewildering, unfair, unpleasant, undeserved, unreasonable, messy, accidental, calamitous, or catastrophic. But, who am I to argue with God?

Upon earth there is not [the crocodile’s] equal, a creature made without fear and he behaves fearlessly. He looks all mighty [beasts of prey] in the face [without terror]; he is monarch over all the sons of pride. [And now, Job, who are you who dares not arouse the unmastered crocodile, yet who dares resist Me, the beast’s Creator, to My face? Everything under the heavens is Mine; therefore, who can have a claim against God?] [Job 41:33-34 (AMP)]

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May 21, 2015

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Challenges & Difficulty, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Love & Works, Today: Make it Count

TRAIL MAGIC

You yourself have done this plenty of times, spoken words that clarify, encouraged those who were about to quit. Your words have put stumbling people on their feet, put fresh hope in people about to collapse. [Job 4:3-4 (MSG)]

5-15-15-hiking to RosenlauiawebWhile reading about one man’s trek along the Appalachian Trail, I came upon a new term: “trail magic.” A tradition along the Appalachian Trail and other long distance trails, trail magic is an unexpected act of kindness and can take many forms: snacks handed out at a trail crossing, cold drinks left in a stream, rides to or from nearby towns, a night’s stay at a home, a cook-out at a shelter, packages of ibuprofen or even an impromptu concert along the trail. Trail magic seems to serendipitously occur when a hiker needs it most: when his spirits are lowest, his legs weariest, or his supplies nearly depleted! There is also another kind of trail magic of which many hikers are unaware. Trail magic occurs when volunteers clear fallen trees and branches from the trail, paint blazes on trees, repair shelters or cut back poison ivy. Those who offer trail magic usually have hiked the trail themselves and know how strenuous it can be; they are known as “trail angels.”

I don’t live near any long distance trails and, while I love to hike, long distance hiking is not on my bucket list. Nevertheless, I can be a trail angel and so can you. A through hike on the Appalachian Trail is about 2,200 miles; it is grueling, challenging and lasts several months. Our walk through life can also be grueling, challenging and can last several decades. We have opportunities every day to be trail angels to those we encounter on our journey.

A friend, another church photographer, recently shared a “trail angel” moment and she didn’t even know she’d been an angel until it was over. We both love zooming in on the face of one of our church singers. She is absolutely beautiful, not only because of her features (although she is lovely), but because of the joy she radiates as she sings her praises to the Lord. We both try to capture her radiance but it seems to elude our cameras; that radiance, however, enhances the worship experience of all who see her. Recently, after church, my friend approached this woman to tell her how much she appreciates her singing and the way she shares her love of the Lord with us all. To my friend’s surprise, this beautiful woman got misty and shed a tear. It had been a difficult week for her. She’d been running on empty and needed encouragement and kind words. My friend’s message gave her a spiritual recharge just when she required it most! Those few words were trail magic for her spirit and fortified her for the challenging days ahead.

What little kindnesses can we leave along the trail of life for God’s children? Are there ways we can make that trek easier for our fellow travelers; are there obstacles we can clear or ways we can help them find their way? How can we lift their spirits or brighten their day’s walk? We don’t need to be hikers or find a long distance trail to be trail angels; we have that opportunity every day right where we are. What gift can we leave for those who might pass our way?

Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love. [St. Therese de Lisieux]

Gracious speech is like clover honey—good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body. [Proverbs 16:24 (MSG)]

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May 18, 2015

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Joy, Knowing Him, Nature, Thanks & Praise, Today: Make it Count

“AHA!” MOMENTS

aha2webPraise the Lord from the earth, you creatures of the ocean depths, fire and hail, snow and clouds, wind and weather that obey him, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all livestock, small scurrying animals and birds, kings of the earth and all people, rulers and judges of the earth, young men and young women, old men and children. Let them all praise the name of the Lord. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven! [Psalm 148:7-13 (NLT)]

We had a plane to catch but, before spending hours sitting on an airplane, I wanted to take a quick walk. Knowing my tendency to lose track of time whenever I have camera in hand, I deliberately left it at home. A blue jay was perched on a low branch and never moved as I walked past. Also apparently oblivious to my presence, a great blue heron stood quietly while river otters played at the edge of the pond. Unmindful of me, a red-bellied woodpecker started hammering on a nearby tree, a baby bunny stopped in the grass beside me, and then an enormous bright green Cuban knight anole slowly crossed my path. Peeved at missing these great photo ops, I complained: “God, how can you torment me this way? I’ve been trying to get shots like these for ages; now you give them to me when I have no camera!” At first, it seemed like God had a wicked sense of humor and was messing with me. That, however, wasn’t the case. He was telling me something important and it wasn’t, “Always take your camera!” I was being told that appreciating God’s splendid handiwork is far more important than taking pictures of it. A good photograph is not the purpose of God’s “Aha!” moments; those occurrences are to remind us of the magnificence of his creation and His overwhelming presence in our lives. Although I took no pictures that morning, my breath was taken away in awe, wonder, praise and thanks; I felt God’s powerful presence and returned home filled with joy.

Later that day, while reading 1 Romans, I came across the following verse: “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” [Romans 1:20 (NLT)] Those words helped me recognize the truth of what I thought God was telling me through that morning’s circumstances. Since that day, I’ve managed to get most of the shots I missed that day. The anole, however, while spotted by neighbors several times in front of our house, has eluded me. I hope God doesn’t have another lesson planned when it decides to reappear, unless, of course, it’s has to do with patience: “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.” [Psalm 40:1 (NLT)]

Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary. O nations of the world, recognize the Lord; recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! [Psalm 96:6-8a (NLT)]

P.S. The day I finished writing this devotion, I felt the urge to walk outside and check out the tree in front of our house. The anole was there and I even had my camera ready. Not satisfied with the shot, however, I stepped closer and he quickly scampered up the tree and out of sight. Perhaps God was telling me that there are some “Aha!” moments that are simply meant to be kept in our memories and not in pixels on the computer! You can’t tell me He doesn’t have a sense of humor!

 

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May 14, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Joy, Thanks & Praise, Today: Make it Count

GONE FOREVER

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. [Psalm 90:12 (NIV)]

Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin. [Mother Teresa]

5-14-15giant swallowtail - Wis0992-cropwebWhen my mother-in-law sold her Florida condo, my husband and I spent two weeks cleaning, sorting, packing, shipping, tossing and donating the possessions that remained after she moved north. Since we both had surgeries scheduled this month, we worked hard and fast to get everything done while we were still able to lift and tote. Once done, we congratulated ourselves that twelve boxes had been shipped and everything cleaned, disposed of or donated in record time. Then, we got a call from my mother-in-law! In spite of already having several sets of dominoes, she wanted the ones she’d left in Florida. They’d been made by a friend and had numbers instead of dots. Alas, we’d saved the nice new deluxe box of dominoes but not those. My husband returned to St. Matthew’s House, the recipient of said dominoes and searched for them at their three stores to no avail. They were gone for good; there was no buying them back.

The dominoes we can’t reclaim reminded me of something far more important that can’t ever be gotten back: time. Rich and poor alike, we all have a certain amount of time allotted to us and, like that hand-made set of dominoes, it is irreplaceable. Time, once spent, is gone and gone for good; no amount of money can buy or create more of it.

Today, a friend noted that it seems like a day doesn’t pass without a friend or relative receiving a serious diagnosis. Thinking of my prayer list, I had to agree. That list seems to get longer every day; names are added at a far faster pace than they’re crossed off it. While I love deleting a name when it means recovery, far too many times those names are taken off because of death rather than healing.

My husband had his surgery today so this day has been one of prayer and introspection; hospitals have a way of doing that to you. Praise God, it looks like his name will be one of the ones I can happily cross off my list because of healing. We are incredibly thankful and feel blessed by the time God has given us. Nevertheless, we both know there are far fewer years ahead of us than behind us and time seems to pass at warp speed. We don’t want to thoughtlessly dispose of any of those precious days the way we did a bag of dominoes. They can never be regained.

She just looked up at me and said, “Oh Earth, you’re too beautiful for anyone to realize.” I think we can all stand to learn that. To know that in our bones. And when she told me, “Honey, … Always take time with people in their 80s because for more than a decade, they’ve been looking right across the street at death and they know what’s really important in life.” I don’t know about you, but I can stand to hear that message. [Scott Simon, when speaking about his mother on NPR]

Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. [Psalm 39:4-5 (NIV)]