Rain Walk
On a recent trip I couldn’t resist a bright peach rain jacket – of course, once I got home the skies were not rainy.
It didn’t take long, one day the skies got dark and fat drops began to splatter all around. At first I went about my business working away. Then I happened to spot my new jacket… Putting on comfy tennys and grabbing an umbrella I set out.
I figured the neighbors couldn’t miss me in this bright jacket and probably would think I had lost it. With each step worries faded away and excitement built.
At first all I could hear were the drops hitting the umbrella, then I noticed the wind whooshing the trees. A rain walk is strangely filled with more to notice. The hawk settled under an umbrella of leaves, the kitten huddled by the front door, down by the river the fish jump.
When my mind left behind the noise of all that demands attention I was able to see all that deserves attention. Put here for my enjoyment, my wonder, my instruction.
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20 NIV)
The wonder of all around us leaves us without excuse – no excuse for unbelief, no excuse to be without hope. “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” (Luke 12:27 NIV) (not even my bright peach jacket) “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)
Throughout His Word He reminds us of how creation instructs us “Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise!” (Proverbs 6:6 NLT)
A rain walk washes clean our vision. To see anew the glistening leaves, the ripple of water rings, the wonder always around us – made for us – by a Love so great, so wide, so deep – the love of the Savior!
Surrounded…
A nine hour drive to the hospital. Anxious thoughts surrounded the miles. The sky was already dark pulling into the parking lot even though it was only 5:30. Bitter cold surrounded me as I stepped out.
How does one say goodbye while still showing joy, hope, peace?
Surrounding him were a wife of only two years (even though he was 79), sons who knew they hadn’t made enough efforts over the years, friends who longed for more time.
Yet as we entered fear was dispelled and Comfort and Love showed up – not because of me but because of the One who is Comfort, who is Love. Pulling up a chair hands clasped hard, long eye contact, and murmured words of assurance from both the one dying and the one being left behind now surrounded all in the room.
Over the next couple of days as a heart grew weaker, witness grew stronger. Prayers were shared, the Word of life was read – loudly. Fear was dispelled, soon quiet surrounded – no more monitors, just the hushed waiting.
We all must say goodbye – it never gets easier. Each time carries its own weights, its own memories. But how will we be surrounded?
Surrounded by the Light, the Everlasting – or by fear, by helplessness… “Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him.” (Psalm 32:10 NIV)
Finally a couple last breaths were taken, eyes fluttered briefly open, and then a soul passed on. Only the Lord knows the heart but it would seem this soul found his way. In times of great joy or deep sorrow – how will we be surrounded? It’s not if we will find ourselves in these times, it’s when. Prepared to offer perfect peace, indescribable joy – or at a loss for words, longing for comfort.
“You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7 NIV)
Surrendered and surrounded by a good, good God. Loved and led by the Light of our soul. Our time here is a dash between two dates, but eternity with Him will not be numbered – endless, the way life was truly intended to be. Someday the song of deliverance, ours always…
If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME! So glad you are here!
Sweeping…
For me January is that time I want to clean everything, get rid of ‘stuff’, have a place for everything…sweeping away the cobwebs and dust of what was to prepare for what will be.
Sweeping the driveway is this kind of useless effort that looks good while the broom is moving but when I get back up to the front door and look back, I wonder if I was dreaming for the last fifteen minutes. Some relationships are like that, time can be poured into them and still things don’t change – not that we can perceive.
Sometimes we want to give up, stop investing precious time, move on. But then I’m reminded it took twenty-five years for God to get through to me (and I am still growing and learning). Those were years of seeds being planted, heart being softened, eyes being opened. So it is with the people we invest in. Time poured into another life, is never time lost or wasted. In our fast food, instant messaging world we expect immediate results, but a soul is not on our schedule, it is in His timing.
There’s always that chance that we will not see any fruit from our efforts to help another – whether it’s to help them get on their feet financially, overcome an addiction, relationship problems, or salvation for eternity. Our mistake is when we think it’s up to us. Our part is in the pouring in, the transformation is in better Hands, and it may take a lifetime.
We are called to invest in others – yes, even when we’re busy. Thank goodness over all the years the many people who touched me in one way or another didn’t say ‘she’ll never change’, ‘she’s too stubborn’, ‘it’s a waste of time’. Instead from a vacation Bible school teacher, to classroom teachers, to friends, to family, to strangers I was poured into without even knowing and at just the right time when someone shared the good news, my heart was ready.
This year it’s time to sweep away our excuses and be prepared to speak love, or truth, or comfort, or just sit and hold a hand and listen. This year can truly be prosperous if it’s spent completely on the hearts of those who need to know their value…
If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME! So glad you are here!
Old Is New…
The boots didn’t fit well and it was her special present from me this Christmas. I told her this was a bonus as we could pick a day to return them and find ones that she liked even better and that fit just right – and have lunch out on top of it…
This is when you find out how much your grown daughter is like you. She was watching the price tags and I was watching her expressions as she looked at different boots. She made a choice that was great on my wallet and were cute on her but as we passed by a pair I stopped and asked, “Isn’t this your favorite brand? These are really cute and look like you.” She smiled and said “They’re too much.” I assured her they were only $10 more than the ones I had originally purchased. She tried them, they were perfect.
We lingered over lunch but with a four o’clock interview fast approaching we couldn’t take the time we wanted to. On our way out she saw someone she knew, someone closer to my age. She introduced me as her Mom and her friend said “You did good, Mom, she’s awesome.” Thanking her I smiled knowing her words were so true. She is awesome…
But it wasn’t me who ‘did good’ – the light that makes her eyes shine, the beautiful curve of her smiling lips, that long flowing hair – those are the handiwork of her Maker. The One who loves her more than I do, which as her momma I can’t fathom how that’s possible.
Her Maker, lover of her soul, is mine also. And so with the privilege of being a mother we do get to see glimpses of little bits of us in our children. Our old skin once resembled their youthful glow. Our quirky ways are sometimes their same mannerisms. So our old is their new and so it has been through time.
This is true from the beginning – God breathed life into the first man and woman. The ancient of days, the eternal Father, the One with no beginning and no end created us in His image. When we accept Jesus as Savior we become His image bearers. I think He sometimes smiles when we do little acts that show others His reflection. I think He says ‘Yes, she is awesome…’
Happy New Year…reflect Him…
The Glory…
The glory – of the One and Only – the One from the Father, it shone all around them – those shepherds long ago, the earth is full of it – the Light of the world…
And now it is to us to glorify the One who came to us. Whether you are reading this on Christmas day or some day after, may His glory envelope you like it did those shepherds 2,000 years ago and countless since when in awe a soul says ‘yes’ to God…
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 NIV)
Thank you, dear reader, for inviting me into your reading space, it is a humble grace to share the extraordinary ordinary with you each week. Even more to share the absolutely glorious God who holds you so dear to His heart.
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them…Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests’.” (Luke 2:14 NIV)
Take with you today my sincere prayer for your eyes to be in awe of the Gift, your thoughts to focus on the Giver, and your heart to forever rest in His presence.
His promise has not changed… “When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV)
From before time through infinite eternity He knew you and formed you, He loves you and woos you, and He is for you and none can overcome you. Never ever forget:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6:3 NIV)
M e r r y C h r i s t m a s
Unwrap It…
Yearly I send a box filled with little gifts, some in sparkly bags, some in crinkly paper. Yearly she sends me the same, a box of love.
At our age it is too funny to have the most gifts under the tree, a dozen or so “I know she’ll like this, or she’ll love that” tokens. Tokens of a friendship that has stood the test of time and distance…
I try to act ‘normal’ on Christmas morning. After all I’m an adult, not supposed to be ripping open packages. My husband rolls his eyes as I carefully unwrap the first one and then the next.
I’m thinking Jesus would like us to share His gift – and like us to unwrap His gift – with the same delight. Though I love the gifts my friend sends, they can’t compare to the gift God sent a little over 2,000 years ago. A gift that does not know time, a gift that is timeless.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17 NIV)
The gift is for everyone, but not everyone will accept it. The gift is for everyone, but not everyone will unwrap it. Many will go through this whole month either just celebrating a day off and hoping for what they put on their wish list or totally ignoring the Day altogether. It’s like putting the fanciest bow and the shiniest paper on a box, leaving it for someone to find on their doorstep, but they just keep walking around it…
Jesus being born, God coming in the flesh is not just a story, not just a historical fact, not just a religious ritual. Jesus being born made angels appear to shepherds and sing loudly, made a confused young woman and her betrothed trust, makes all who believe unwrap the mystery of a love so deep.
Unwrapping this gift takes many forms: praying and knowing He hears, reading His Word and knowing it has all the answers to all the questions ever asked, living out the love He modeled knowing that it is the little things that help others see Him.
This year let the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths wrap us up in His in love, then we’ll shine His gift to others… “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2Corinthians 9:15 NIV)
Accept Me…
Gifts are funny things – we like giving them, and we do like getting them, but we have such a hard time accepting them. To exchange gifts is one thing, to have someone give us something without reason or unexpectedly – we’re not sure what to do. We often try to reciprocate, ‘paying them back’ for their kindness.
And so it goes when it comes to the greatest gift, the One we’re celebrating this month. Jesus, who came when the world least expected Him. Wrapped up in a tiny baby was the biggest and best present.
Contained in downy skin, chubby feet and hands, tender curls was the conqueror of our enemy. Bundled in swaddling clothes was forgiveness for anything we had ever done or would do. Rocked by an earthly mother was the One who would offer us eternity.
My friend was recently complemented by a stranger ringing a bell in front of a red kettle. She told my friend that she loved the pin she was wearing and wished she had one like that. After my friend was through shopping she went out and removed the pin and handed it to the bell ringer. Shocked she wasn’t sure she could take it, but it had been given to my friend in love and in love she was willing to share it with a stranger.
All God asks is ‘Accept Me?’ The greatest Gift wraps me up in His love as though I were the gift. And for the rest of my days, and yours, blessing upon blessing is ours. For the storehouse of Love never runs out and the gifts He gives are meant for us to share with another.
“From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.” (John 1:16 NIV)
Two weeks til we open gifts with friends and family, what if for two weeks we shared one blessing after another? Doesn’t have to cost a dime – the gift of time for the lonely, the gift of a shoulder for the grieving, the gift of laughter to lighten a heart… The gift of not letting one more neighbor, relative, friend be in our presence without us asking ‘So do you know this Jesus I know?’ What if that is the blessing we purpose to share?
Hmmm, I know you’re thinking: ‘sounds good, but not practical – most people don’t want to be bothered’. You are right, but what if just one is bothered? Bothered enough to Accept Him – and then they share the Gift….
If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME! So glad you are here!
What is…
December is under way, the hustle and bustle is in full swing. Cookies are being baked, gift lists reviewed, fun events on the calendar.
This year I am letting go of ‘just so’ and ‘perfect’ – and I’m finding happy with what is…
What is – when it’s still 85 degrees in Florida and I notice what most people call a nuisance tree has bloomed amidst a tangle of trees. Seen perfectly from my window is God’s December decoration – a Brazilian pepper tree with red berries galore and greenest green leaves.
What is – the house is clean but I didn’t have it in me to bake up something Christmas-y for those coming over tomorrow. Maybe I can just enjoy their company and not be suzy homemaker this time.
What is – a celebration of a quiet miracle is what all this noise and busyness is about. The world is looking for best deals online, missing the best deal ever – who came as an infant, willingly bearing all our guilt so that we could have the greatest gift ever, ever.
It is time for us not be anxious about what’s next, but to be awed by what is in this moment.
A cinnamon candle, a warm cookie, a Charlie Brown tv special. Even these, when seen as gifts, touch our hearts.
A Christmas song, a child’s play, a heartfelt card – all are gifts, little things of this time.
The darkest grey sky with impending storm, the bright sun of morning, the rush of wind – heaven sent so we see the Creator.
The wonder of what is now beckons. Ears to hear, please. The greatness of the miracle is told again. Eyes to see, please.
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another. “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2:15 NIV) The wonder of what is called to the shepherds a little over two thousand years ago and they were in awe. So much so they spread the word and many were amazed.
Daily we receive gifts all around, they speak of His generous love. The best gift we can give comes not from us but from the One in our hearts. Maybe we should be more like shepherds: hearing, believing, seeing, spreading the word – amazing…
Overflowing…
Today the skies are bluest blue and a cool gentle breeze has finally ushered in autumn. Gently the morning has unfolded the beauty that is all around…
My daughter sent a text saying “Happy Fall, Momma! Can you send me the recipe for pumpkin bars?” The change of what was yesterday dreary and muggy and warm and filled with thoughts of terrorists having their way, has given way to the newness of today and thoughts turned to thank-full-ness to the Giver.
A butterfly nestles in tiny flowers and flits among them, a squirrel perks up his bushy tail listening for whose coming his way, and the neighbors tiny dogs dance around the front yard in the cool air.
Will this peaceful scene last? No, but these are respites sent our way to give relief from the more difficult or unpleasant things we all go through. Yet to get the rest and refreshment they offer, we have to take notice.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2Corinthians 9:8 NIV)
Grace, abound to me and to you. Grace that gives cool morning respites.
As we prepare to give thanks on November 26th let’s notice more than the food on the table and those sitting next to us. Let’s notice the fingerprints of God in all His creation, remember the nail prints in our Savior’s hands for our salvation, and give thanks for what is forever. Our Father makes it possible so that in all things and at all times we have all we need.
There is a reason He does this: When we clearly see the grace abounding and realize we have all we need – we then can abound in every good work. So that neighbors and strangers and even close loved ones don’t miss out on His grace. That they too can find the joy, the peace, the trust, the hope that we are filled with and overflow with…
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)
Overflow, don’t miss the respites, don’t miss the opportunities to do good works, and don’t miss saying Thank You Father, for all Your provision…
So Much…
Florida isn’t having autumn – still muggy, still 80+ degrees. But we have snow on the lawn…
Well, this time of year a profusion of flowers breaks out over every grassy area. One day it just appears, last a couple of weeks and then it’s gone. No shoveling required.
I am reminded we have so much. Whether we live where we are wearing flip-flops in late November or wrapped up in blankets on the couch, all is provided. Even a ‘snowy’ landscape when we’re wishing for that cold front.
Ever think about the delight God had in creating something as simple as flowers covering the grass, knowing that if we would just look, we would smile. So often in our hurry we don’t notice. Reminds me of something I read recently “There’s nothing in this world that’s normal – there’s only growing blind to the glory.” Ann Voskamp
Blind to the glory of every little detail put here for us to enjoy.
This morning I was up at 5:30 taking my husband to get his truck. As I returned dawn was just starting. Behind a dark cloud horizon beamed puffy pink wisps in a still purply sky. Like a canvas saying ‘write your day on me – make it beautiful’.
Our celebration of Thanksgiving is less than a week away. We will drive over three hours to see family not seen in over a year, some even longer. I want to notice on the way the birds coming south for winter, the low fog of cool morning, and the sun splashing everything with brilliance. So much to take in.
“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be over all the earth.” (Psalm 57:5 NIV)
His glory is over all the earth, but we must purpose to see it. There is no ordinary here, Ann Voskamp went on to say “The ordinary becomes the extraordinary when the eyes see the glory here.”
Take my eyes off of traffic tie-ups, fussy people, chores to be done. Quicken me to paint the canvas of my day with eyes that take in all the beauty from Your hands. It is then I can be useful to those who are hurting, tired, blinded. Let my thanks-giving this year be the spreading of the hope found only in You…
parisrenae 