Another Reason

Although Thanksgiving 2009 is history and we are rushing toward Christmas , I discovered yet another reason to be thankful . Background: I was born and raised in Yankee Land (I got here as fast as I could!), and was used to spectacular autumns with golden and red leaf displays that lit up the hills and valleys . Every year I get kind of misty during the Fall season. Sometimes we do have a scattering of colorful trees here in Texas, and it was on one such Fall day that I experienced a God-sent reminder of His wonder and love.

“Glum” is the word that best described my mood that day. I didn’t feel good physically, and mentally I was gloomy. Since it was garbage day, I wrapped my old chenille robe around me and proceeded to take out the garbage for collection. I walked down the steps by the side of the house, took the garbage to the curb, and then walked back up the steps and into the house without glancing in any direction. I then went into the den to check my emails. Within a minute or two at the computer I began to notice an unusual golden glow in the room. What in the world was causing such a glow? I went to the double window which faced the steps where I had just taken out the garbage and opened wide the mini-blinds. There, virtually staring at me, was my crepe myrtle tree completely covered with brilliant yellow leaves. They were so bright, in fact, that the reflection from the sunshine had actually caused my den to light up!

Suddenly, my gloom was lifted. It was replaced with amazement and rejoicing at the beauty of the scene. I thanked my Lord for this reminder that His glory is all around me if I will just look for it. I had not even noticed the tree when I took out the garbage. I was too busy looking down at the ground and too focussed on my glum mood to even see the glory that was there within a few feet of where I was walking. How, I thought, could I have walked by that glorious tree twice without even seeing it! This beautiful golden tree was God’s way of reminding me of the need to “look up” at His greater reality rather than looking downward and concentrating on my problems or circumstances. Hurray for God, His glory and His great Kingdom plan.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1

A Trip to the Woodshed

Whew! Nobody likes to go to the woodshed. Recently I felt a little like I have been in God's woodshed. As a kid I lived on a dairy farm with all the animals, etc. We had a woodshed, but I was never taken there for any "correction" purposes. In fact, I was spoiled by my mom as the baby of the family. My older sister (5 years) is quick to point this out to me. She said I lied terribly but mother always sided with me and never believed her. Part of the hindrance to any spankings taking place was that I had a bone disease and was periodically casted around my waist and down the left leg to the knee. Obviously this precluded spankings.

I don't recall being "spoiled" but don't doubt that I was. In later years, after being born again, I understood the consequences that spoiled children must bear. Overbearing self-will and self-centeredness are two such consequences. Parents: please don't spoil your children. Of course there are right and wrong ways to discipline.

The writer of Hebrews stated that, as parents, we tend often to discipline because we are irritated, not necessarily for the child's good. Not so with our Father. It's hard to accept, but He does this because of His love, not to punish or to vent anger. Let's be open to His correction and re-direction. He is far better than a GPS. And far more accurate, as well.

"If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten...For they [human fathers] indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness..." (Hebrews 12:3-13)

The REAL Future for us Seniors

The REAL Future for Us Senior Citizens

What is the best thing about aging, i.e. getting old? Why the Future, of course! I don’t know how people face the future—or the present—without a relationship with our Lord and Savior. Many Christians find the Bible boring or too difficult to understand. However, if they applied the same effort to studying it as they did to getting their college degree, or perhaps learning a vocation or skill, they would discover that what was confusing has been turned into food for their souls, kind of like the miracle of the water into wine that Jesus performed. They would also get glimpses of the wonderful future which awaits them.

At times my body—which in turn affects my thinking—sits and stares and comments about any proposed work project “There ain’t no way!” Actually this isn’t just about “work projects”, but also, occasionally, about any activity whatsoever. Various disease processes interfere with life. Add this to the knowledge (and this is not morbidity at all) that I know that I have only X number of years left on this earth…..

But, what a future I look forward to! I have travelled out of the U.S. a few times, including to Russia on a mission trip, to South Africa to visit my son who was a missionary there. The anticipation of these adventures was very high. What new sites and sounds awaited me. Opportunities to meet new people in totally different cultures and environments. I went to South Africa in November. It was spring there! How beautiful. In Russia we visited orphanages, some in dire need of medical help we hoped to help provide. Then we went to the Kremlin and later picnicked in the Russian woods. Add to that the fellowship with Christians on the other side of the world! Such adventures!

Far greater adventures await me in my Future. The greatest, of course, will be to meet my Savior, Jesus. But, think of the vistas to view, and what a culture! And, fellowship…?! Also, it is my personal belief that there will be many opportunities to share our testimony with others as we help them grow in this new place and they help us to advance, also. Think of the mysteries and knowledge that will be unfolded. Think of the possibilities of participating in other creative projects as well as viewing God’s past projects. I’m quite sure that I will find the library and then a garden to sit in and spend eternity catching up on my reading!

“For the light affliction which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal”. 1 Corinthians 4:18