The Old and the New

Walmart was a mad-house yesterday! We had gone in to buy a few non-Christmas items, and the place was packed! Finally we made our way to the front of the store only to see long lines at each register. A smiling young woman standing in the aisle told us we could avoid the wait by letting her check us out right there! She had a small device in her hand, and after we agreed to a speedy checkout, she entered the info, bagged our goods and placed them in our cart.

Wondering how we could just walk out with them, I asked,"Where is our receipt?" to which she answered, "On your phone!" I looked and there it was. Technology is changing every day!

It's a new world we live in. Sadly, technology is not all that is changing. Children used to be sent to school by their parents with perfect confidence of their safety and well-being. Now, not so much. An incident at our granddaughter's house bears this out.

Bethany was at home with her children, when out the window she noticed a man on her porch. He knocked, and she stepped out to see what he wanted. It turned out to be an innocuous inquiry about their house, which they had toyed with the idea of selling. She turned to go in, and realized the door was locked. Panicky for a moment, she found a key in the depths of her jeans pocket and went in to the children.

A little voice cried out, "Is the lock-down over?" Her six-year-old son had grabbed his two-year-old brother, ran into the bedroom, locked the door and both hid in the closet! Obviously, they had been doing the drill in his kindergarten class at school! They were taught to hide at a moment's notice for their safety!

What a burden for a little child to bear. Especially for a sensitive little boy like our Jaxon, whose imagination is active enough already! We may be living in a new world of technology, values and morality, but thankfully we can teach the young the same good news of Jesus that has always been, which never grows old!

Eyes on the Prize!

Last night at church we enjoyed a pre-Christmas service and sang Christmas carols instead of the regular songs and hymns. All along, I wondered what the bumpy mound was that lay covered the length of a long table in front of the platform. Then Pastor's wife went up, took off the coverings to reveal all sorts of packaged items!

Turns out we were asked to guess the answers to Bible trivia, names of holiday songs, and other questions and riddles pertaining to Christmas. Each right answer earned a prize from the stack of goodies up front. I surprised myself by getting at least 5 guesses right! My prizes were a scented candle, a bag of Russell Stover caramels, a pack of three storage containers for the fridge, a set of screw drivers (I gave to hubby), and an oven mitt with the words, "It's So Good to Be Home," scrolled on it!

Somehow I was reminded of the rewards that will be handed out at the Judgement Seat of Christ (Bema). I Corinthians 3:10-15 talks about building on the foundation laid by Paul. "But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

"Now if anyone builds on this foundation with with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."

When our children were in high school, every year they would have an Awards Day. Excitement ran high as students waited to hear their name called if they had earned an award. How proud we as parents were if our child was an Award recipient! How wonderful it will be when we receive our eternal reward, and like the words on my oven mitt, we can say, "It's so good to be home!

Food for Thought

Looking out the kitchen window this morning, my eyes fell on three dark, vulture-like creatures, shoulders hunched, perched on the rail fence of the barnyard. The cloudy, gloomy weather only accented their dreariness. Just then one turned around, and I caught a glimpse of turquoise beauty! Our peacocks!

They come and go at will, but when my husband scatters corn for the chickens, they often find their way back for a visit, which is always a delight. Iridescent feathers displayed proudly, fan-like, over the back of the reigning male are a thing of exquisite elegance!

It came to me that often we judge people by first appearance, like I did of the drab creatures on our fence. Someone may seem dull, uninteresting, or unattractive, but when their true personality comes forth, we are often astounded at glimpses of wisdom, insight, or unseen talents!
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Jesus tells us in John 7:24, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."

We are told in Leviticus 19:15, "...You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness shall you judge your neighbor."

Isaiah 53:2 gives a prophecy and description of Jesus: "For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness, And when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him."

Look what we had and have in Jesus! Thought just an ordinary person, he was full of all knowledge and wisdom! Every person is a creation of God and deserves respect!

Heirloom

Several years ago, snow globes were all the rage at Christmas time. Not the little hand-held ones that send flurries of snow when held upside down, but big, foot high globes that played music and swirled snow when plugged in. I think there was a Frosty the Snowman that twirled in the center.

Anyway, I decided it would be a nice gift for each of our children's families, since their kids were all still pretty young. We bought six of the big, boxed gifts and mailed those that we couldn't deliver personally. They were a big hit!

This morning, my daughter in Georgia called and said, "Remember that Christmas that you bought everyone snow globes?" Of course, I remembered. "Well," she said, "We got ours out of the attic yesterday, and Kaden went crazy over it!" Our little 10-month old great-grandson!

I had just been thinking of the snow globes and wondered if anybody still had one! Maybe some were broken, or lost, or the children just outgrew them, but I was pleased that this one survived and pleased another generation!

One thing I am certain of that remains from generation to generation is our family's inheritance of faith in God and serving Him! Nothing is more rewarding to me than to know they are faithful and active in church and
have raised their families the same way. Not that everyone and everything is perfect, but they all know their way to God!

David said in Psalms 71:17, "O God, thou has taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. (18) Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come."

Amen!

Words

"You have a beautiful family," I said as we passed by those in a neighboring booth as we left a restaurant. Not having eaten all day, we had stopped at the first place we could find after getting off the plane. I had been noticing the attractive family next to us with two little tow-heads and the back of a little blonde head in front of us bouncing with be-ribboned dog ears.

Then I noticed three other children, a little older, in a booth by themselves, obviously a part of that family. They were pleasant-looking and well behaved.

"Thank you so much!" the mother replied, while the dad smiled appreciatively. Six kids! I could relate to that!

I'm not in the habit of interacting with strangers, but I couldn't help noticing and admiring a stewardess earlier as she readied to board the plane with the crew. A stylish black woman, her hair was cut as close as possible, but very flattering, especially on the most perfect head I'd ever seen!

Later, as she was serving us coffee at our seats, I said, "I like your hair style, and you have a perfect head!" She laughed, and I ventured, "I'm sure you've been told that before." She murmured, "Many times."

It felt good to give a compliment, and I was always grateful and complimentary to the pilot for a safe landing. On our arrival earlier, my shoes were about to be removed at security when the attendant asked my age, for if one is over 65, shoes don't have to be removed. When I told him, he said, "You look young for your age; I wouldn't have guessed!" At any rate, I was glad to keep my shoes on!

































































"You have a beautiful family," I remarked to the people in the next booth as we passed. We had not eaten all day after getting off the plane, so we stopped at the first place we found. I had noticed two little tow-heads sitting with their parents, and the back of a little blonde head with a pair of bouncing, be-ribboned dog ears in front of us. They were pleasant and well-behaved kids. I could see three more children, a little older, sitting in an adjacent booth, obviously part of the family.

"Thank you so much!" the mother exclaimed, as the father smiled appreciatively. If they had six kids, I could relate!

I don't ordinarily interact with strangers much beyond a smile, but I found myself doing so today! A stewardess on the plane caught my eye as I saw her often busily active even before we boarded. The tall, black woman was striking with her hair cut closely all over. The cut was very flattering, especially on a perfect head! I told her that as she was serving us coffee in our seats.
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"I like your haircut," I said, then, "You have a perfect head!" She laughed and I went on, "I imagine you've been told that before," to which she replied, "Oh, yes!"

Airborne!

"I have something I want to give you," my husband said to the attendant who was pushing his wheelchair through the corridors of the airport on our trip this week. He handed her a scripture card, one of the many he likes to give out as a ministry tool. She read the card, smiled and showed it to her friend who was pushing my wheelchair.

"You will have an extra star in your crown in heaven for treating me so nicely," he went on. Actually, these ladies with scarves wound tightly around their heads looked to be Muslim. His attendant turned to the other one and said something in a different language.

"I was telling her what you told me!" she said as she turned and gave him a hug and a pat on the back.

On our return trip from seeing our daughter and family in Georgia, Howard gave a card to the stewardess as we settled in our seats. She looked at it, and said, "Do you have any more? I want to give them to the rest of the crew." The words on it were from Psalm 34:7, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about all those who fear Him, and delivereth them." Comforting, especially in the air!

And so it went throughout our trip. When we were being rushed through the crowds hurrying toward us as they deplaned and headed for their next flight, I said laughingly to the young man pushing me at warp speed, "You are like Moses dividing the Red Sea," watching the flight passengers split and give way to our wheelchairs.

"What did you say?" he questioned, to which I replied, "The Red Sea! In the Bible!"

"Oh, I know all about the Red Sea," he said. "I was born in Israel."

"Are you a Christian?" Howard asked, and he replied, "Yes."

As we got off the plane at our destination, a smiling young man seated me in a wheelchair and said, "I remember you!" referring to our flight the previous week. "I saw you on the plane," he went on, obviously meaning when I was commending the pilot in the door of the airplane a few minutes before.

When he wheeled me past an airport restaurant a few minutes later, the observant fellow pointed out, "That's where you ate the other day!" Sure enough, it was where they had pushed us when we had time to eat between flights on our way to Atlanta! How pleasant it was to meet so many friendly people we didn't even know!

The Chair

The news of the passing of former president George H.W. Bush and the many remembrances and accolades honoring him made me recall a memory of my own. We were living 50 miles from New Orleans at the time, although Howard drove a company truck to work there every day. He was in the TV and furniture rental business, and one day he had an unusual request for me.

At the time, George Bush, or 41 as he is known, was scheduled to come to New Orleans. He and his entourage were to stay at a certain hotel, New Orleans finest. Arrangements were made, and Howard got a call from the Hotel. They needed to rent a living room set, end tables, etc.,to accommodate these important guests.

They sent someone to select the furniture, and Howard showed them an attractive sofa that was chosen. I had an identical set at home. The only problem was that he didn't have the matching chair. My resourceful husband assured them he would have it delivered the next day. Believe it or not, he took the chair from my living room, assuring me he would get it back in a few days!

Sure enough, he brought it home and placed it in the living room in a corner in front of our bookcase wall where one of the children could usually be found curled up in its depth under a reading lamp. We got to calling it the President's chair. "Go ahead and sit in it," I teased, "You may grow up to be President!"

Well, that hasn't happened (yet), although the one who loved the chair most, who usually sat with his leg flung over the chair's arm, does work for the government! Seriously, though, I am so grateful that they do serve the King of Kings, as do their children, who are teaching their little ones the Way, an honor higher than any earthly role!

Prairie Prayers

Many years ago, my dad and Charlie, his long-time friend, set out to sell Bibles. They were very nice Bibles from the Hertel Bible Company of Wichita, Kansas. They had a lot of success as they traveled around the state, for people were usually pleased to purchase such a valued treasure, especially from such polite and earnest gentlemen.

Fast forward some 30 years to when our oldest son, Mark, was pastor of a church in a small Kansas town. One Sunday he happened to mention that his grandfather used to spread the Word by distributing Bibles across northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas. After the service, a church member approached him with an interesting observation.

"I think I met your grandfather," he said to Mark. He recalled that one time he, a farmer, had come in from the field for a bite of lunch. His wife, who was expecting a baby, was working at a school cafeteria, so he was on his own. He told about two men in a big Buick who drove up and knocked at the door.

He described them and said he invited them in to hear their presentation. (I must admit that Daddy, with his soft voice and persuasive way with words, and the older gentleman who looked like Burl Ives, would be a hard pair to resist!)

"I bought the Bible," the man said, "And after they left, I got to reading it. I found I couldn't put it down, and didn't go back to the field. It touched me so that I got down on my knees at the sofa and gave my heart to the Lord."

He went on to say that he wasn't established at that time, but as the years passed he became very prosperous. The two sons that were born into the Christian family grew up to be very successful. They started a magazine, a copy of which I saw at Mark's house once.

My husband was reminiscing about this a few days ago and gave Mark a call. Mark filled in a lot of details we didn't know. A son of Mark's church member amassed a fortune, becoming a billionaire (he even said trillionaire) and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

In later years, Howard was on staff at a Kansas church and was making hospital calls one day, when he visited a patient that turned out to be the man who had bought the Bible from my dad. He reiterated the story of the salesmen calling on him and the blessings that followed. The Word goes on forever!

The Wait

"Did Anne-Marie get the birthday present yet?" I asked her dad on the phone recently. I had hurriedly mailed the package that was scheduled to get there in two days, the eve of our granddaughter's birthday. She was turning 12, and I had been mystified as to what she would like.

"I can't get her a toy," I mused as I spoke with my daughter on the phone a few days before. She agreed, as the birthday girl was growing up and probably leaned toward teenage interests. We settled on something from a bath and body store, and I was gratified to find a gift of lotions, creams and fragrances. The sparkly cellophane dotted with glitter and hearts gathered with a ribbon made for a festive bouquet of the shimmering tubes of warm vanilla balm.

Next came the mailing. I found a box that would fit, inserted the present and wrapped the box in brown paper, taping carefully to make it secure. My husband, who has a wonderful script penmanship and prints all our labels, addressed the package for mailing. He was a little off his game though, (I might have wakened him from a nap) and the result was a little messy, but legible.

Almost daily, I inquired about the package. "Not yet," was always the answer. Poor baby. I felt so bad that her present hadn't arrived on time. Finally, I gave it up as lost. Or maybe crushed and discarded. Everything went through my mind. Hubby Howard had asked the postal employee if he should re-do the label, but she said, "Oh, I can read it. It's okay!"

I stopped inquiring. I apologized to Anne-Marie about it when I saw her at Thanksgiving. Then yesterday I got a call from my son. "Anne-Marie's present came," he announced calmly, to my happy surprise! It had been nine days! I almost felt like Daniel when his prayer wasn't answered for 21 days!

Daniel 10:12 relates the angel's explanation to Daniel for the wait: Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. (13) But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia."

Well, my predicament was nothing compared to Daniel's, (although I did pray about it) but things can happen that do seem like the enemy's doing. Dreams and plans are lost. Hopes and aspirations are crushed. Our intentions may not be clear and are misread. But God is still on the throne, and your answer may come any day, like my package!

In Due Season

I just saw a lady bug on the window sill! A lady bug in this cold weather, and out of season? It cheered me to see the little creature, as I have always loved lady bugs.

I was reminded of the scripture in 2 Timothy 4:2, "Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine."

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:8 that he was born "out of due time," presumably referring to seeing Jesus in a vision, although not personally, as the 12 disciples had. He also referred to himself as "last of all," perhaps meaning he was chosen as an apostle after the others.

Sometimes it may seem that we were born "30 years too late" or "30 years too soon," as the old saying goes. But actually, we were born at the right time that God had in mind for us.

Acts 17:26 tells us, "And hath made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on the face of the earth and hath determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation."

It seems amazing that God would know and care for all the creatures of the earth, even the lowly lady bug!

My Dog Jack

Well, I call him that even though it's Howard's dog, but I think he likes me better. When it comes to a choice of hitching a ride on the riding mower with Howard (which he loves to do) or staying beside me, I can see he is torn until I tell him to go on.

Jack is still a puppy, really, but he is growing by leaps and bounds. He used to fit easily through the doggy door, reserved for the inside pet, Pebbles, but now it is a tight squeeze. Jack is content to stay outside, especially since he is no longer tethered to the doggy run that confined him until recently.

It's funny, but I am not usually a dog person. I don't like them in the house, and I've never been as crazy about them as is my spouse. He is a dog person, big time. But Jack stays outside. He is friendly, affectionate, smart and obedient! And he likes me! Especially when I pet him or massage his back! He has a beautiful, shiny brindled coat that ripples in satisfaction during a rub down. He is a bulldog.

When I was a child, we had a family pet for years, our dog Tige (for the tiger stripes he wore). He was especially loved by my big brothers. We played in the Oklahoma blackjack woods and rocky hills and often encountered snakes! Tige was an expert at killing snakes. He would shake them mercilessly between his bulldog teeth until they were dead. I remember crying unconsolably when the snakes' poison finally got him. My sobs and tears were as the rain that sluiced down our window where I witnessed his last moments.

One other time I felt affection for a dog. We rented to a young couple living in a mother-in-law apartment attached to our house in Mississippi. One night they asked me to keep their puppy while they went out. The puppy wriggling against my chest as I held him, his little heart beating fast, melted my heart. I hated to give him back when our neighbors got home.

Our friend who gave us Jack told Howard that the dog's mother had been very good-natured. I see the same traits in her offspring. I think he is a keeper!

Ups and Downs

What a surprise to wake up to a winter wonderland! Snow coated everything this morning! I couldn't wait to don boots and wraps and tramp around getting a few shots on my phone. Relishing the warmth in the den, we stayed cozy inside until time for lunch. Howard suggested going for a burger, but I had perfectly good stew to warm up from yesterday. We could even have peach cobbler, leftover too.

I got the stew warmed up and set out bowls, but my spouse was interested in TV and was a little slow in responding. Oh well, it could wait a few minutes, I thought. The stew was getting cold, so I turned on the burner again, rewarmed it and filled our bowls. I noticed that it didn't seem that hot, though.

Just as we were sitting down, everything exploded! Pellets of glass and peach cobbler were shooting all over the stove and table! What happened? Then I realized why the stew was not warm. I had turned on the wrong burner, which was under the glass baking dish holding the cobbler!

Everything was ruined and I was traumatized, to say the least. After we got everything cleaned up, we went to town to eat! On the way back, we stopped and bought some gloves and a few other items, then got in the car. Suddenly an employee collecting carts came to our window with the news that we had a flat tire! She even took a phone pic and showed us! Thankfully, it was not far to a service station, so we made it home safely.

God has a way of turning an upside down day into a pleasant ending. I was making cabbage rolls for supper when the phone rang with a delightful call from my brother Johnny. Between our hilarious reminiscing of days gone by (he called to remind me of a blizzard on November 12 many years ago) and the warm memories we shared, I was cheered and thankful to sit down to a comforting supper raved over by a hungry husband!

No Charge

Returning from an errand in town, Howard wanted to stop at Macdonald's for a Dr. Pepper. He spoke his order into the drive-thru, then pulled up to the pay window to pay. "Can't take your money," the attendant said. What? My husband was so taken aback, he gave him a scripture card he passes out.

Then we drove to the pick-up area and was handed not only the drink, but a bag with a burger, fries, yogurt, and a toy! "No charge!" the smiling girl in the window said, "No charge!" waving us on! What a nice surprise! We didn't know what was going on, but we enjoyed it!

No charge. I was reminded of a song popular some years ago called, No Charge. A little boy asked his mother to pay him for miscellaneous small chores he did around the house. He tallied up what he thought the chores were worth, then his mother responded with the song: No Charge.

She reminded the child of her care of him throughout his life, his knowledge he'd gained and the cost of his college, and many other things, but there was no charge. When she looked at the list he gave her again, she read Paid in Full.

When we think about how good the Lord is to us, we are overwhelmed by his kindness to us ward. His protection, His provision, and His plans for our future are unlimited. He even gave His life for us, that we might live forever with Him. All this at no charge to us, for He has paid the debt in full!

Love in a Box

We had finally filled the shoe box, adding to those to be sent with the others from our church and community for Franklin Graham's "Operation Christmas Child" ministry. We had visited the headquarters in Boone, North Carolina several years ago and found it fascinating. We got there after hours for the tour, but a friendly employee gave us a private tour of the entire operation.

I thought about the restrictions in the box she outlined when packing our own box: No chocolate, nothing perishable and no military toys, to name a few. (I didn't realize the little paratrooper to be tossed in the air to float down in a parachute was a military toy until I saw the word, Army, on the packaging after I had bought it, so I removed it.)

Dropping off our shoe box at the church office, we enjoyed visiting with the receptionist, who was a volunteer that day. Our conversation drifted to where she grew up, which was in a small town known as Shidler. "Shidler!" my husband remarked, then reminisced that his brother, 10 years his senior, used to call on a store there when he had a sales job for a Cracker and Cookie company.

I had heard the story many times of how Howard's older brother would bring home samples of the products he sold. My future husband, 9 or 10 at the time, was treated to the excess merchandise. He remembers lying on his back in the yard and slowly relishing every bite of the unlimited supply of cookies.

While there are no edibles in the shoe boxes mailed to underprivileged children over seas, I can imagine their joy at opening the boxes, exclaiming over and treasuring the contents, even as a young Howard did with the cookies.

Also included in the boxes before they are shipped from the facility in North Carolina are booklets and material with the story of Jesus and the plan of salvation, clearly explained and illustrated on an age-appropriate level for the recipient.

Our gracious guide that day told us many stories that had come back to them as a result of the shoe boxes. In one of them, the sender had included her name and address to a little girl who would receive her box, telling her that she had no children of her own. The child wrote back to her that she had no mother. As more letters and arrangements transpired, the American woman was able to adopt the child and bring her to the United States. A happy ending from a cardboard box carrying a dream come true!

The Evangelist

We voted yesterday, and Howard finished filling out his ballot before I did. I was scrutinizing the back of my ballot, trying to digest it, when from my booth I heard my gregarious husband chatting with the vote workers at their table nearby. The snippets of conversation seemed to be his testimony of surviving an armed hold-up in New Orleans and his decision to enter the ministry. They were obviously hanging on every word.

As we were leaving, I heard one of them ask if he had any more cards. Then I knew he had given out some of the scripture cards he carries with him. "Do you have any more?" one of the workers asked. Another said she needed some, too.

Later that afternoon, we stopped at the farm supply store where a worker called out, "I still have that card! I read it every night!" He had given her one with the scripture, "O taste and see that the Lord is good." (The one at the voting precinct read, "Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them; for the Lord thy God, He it is that does go with you. He will not fail thee nor forsake thee.") Deuteronony 31:6.

We were hungry by then, so we stopped at a diner famous for their delicious burgers. Filling my glass with tea from the dispenser, I heard a conversation at our booth between Howard and the friendly restaurant owner. As the proprietor listened intently, my wonderful spouse related how he had heard God's voice as he waited to be connected to the Armed Robbery Division of the New Orleans Police Department. The Voice spoken into his ear said, "I've kept you through two of these things, and I'll never keep you through another. Now go do what I've told you to do."

Howard says he knew from an early age that he was meant to preach the gospel, but life rushed in and he neglected the call. He went on to preach and pastor for the next 23 years. He is still spreading the Word.

Duty

I voted! It gave me a feeling of exhilaration to think that my little, insignificant vote could have an effect on our nation's election! It made me feel like I was part of this big, wonderful family that is our country! All together, our votes culminate to put a leader or leaders in power to direct our nation.

In a way, it makes me think of prayer. We may think that our simple, unsophisticated prayer that we may pray for someone or ourselves is not powerful enough to get results. We don't have the right words, or we're not spiritual enough. But Jesus said in Matthew 6:7, "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."

He goes on to say in the next verse, "Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him."

We know that we are to pray for our leaders, for the Bible tells us that. I Timothy 2:1-2 reminds us, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."

Many countries do not have the privilege of having a say in their government, as we do. There are dictatorships and authoritarianism governments where the people live under oppression. They may have to hide to have secret meetings to worship God.

Our government may not be perfect, but thankfully with Christian and/or upstanding leaders elected, we can live in the "land of the free, and the home of the brave." Thus we vote!

Time Change

Daylight Saving! (Or rather, the reversal of!) I was staggeringly sleepy last night, but the clock showed it was only 8:00 p.m.! How could I stay awake any longer? It had been a busy day, me waking up at the usual time of 6:00 o'clock to get things ready for church and Sunday dinner.(Not to mention we had attended the Carman concert at our church Saturday night!) Then I looked at my phone in the darkness and saw it was only five a.m.! I tried to go back to sleep, to no avail. No wonder it was such a long day!

Truly, I like going back to regular time, it will just take a while to get used to it. I wish the powers that be would leave time alone! In the book of Daniel, Daniel says in verses 2:20-21, "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding."

We live in a world of speed, hurrying, and instant results--in food mixes, communication, microwaves and much more. I find myself tired from going and doing, though nothing like those who are younger and busier.

Tomorrow is election day for the mid-terms. The news is frantically reporting on the equally frantic scenarios of politicians, speeches, and loyal supporters. We will vote tomorrow. If I could, I would vote for normal time all year round!

Egg-zactly!

I'm so excited! I finally learned how to cook the perfect egg! I've always had trouble getting an egg "over easy" (the way my husband likes them) without breaking the yolk and making a mess. Well, I saw a hack on FB that fixed my problem.

All I have to do is drop the egg into a hot skillet, add a couple tablespoons of water, and put a lid on! After a few minutes on low heat the egg has a film over it, the white is firm, and it slides right out of the skillet! How beautiful all three eggs (I cooked one for me, too) looked on our plates!

Many years ago, I was helping out at a restaurant my parents had, when a man came in and asked for a "basted" egg. I had no idea what that was, but now I can make them effortlessly! In my later experience, I found that to baste an egg requires plenty of oil or bacon grease in the pan, sloshing it over the egg, and getting a burn if it splashes on one's hand.

Eggs are healthy, in spite of the past notion that they were bad for you due to cholesterol. (We have farm eggs, so no worry.) Jesus implied the value of an egg in an illustration on the Holy Spirit in Luke 11:11-13:

"If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? of if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"

I wonder how Jesus liked his eggs?

Noontide

"Oh, look!" I said to Howard today, "This coupon in the paper is good for 50% off lunch for age 65 and over!" It was a fun Italian place where we loved their Fettuccine Alfredo.

"Let's eat there today!" I suggested, to which my agreeable husband consented. I carefully cut out the coupon and laid it down to use a little later when we went to town.

Ordering our food, I checked with the waitress that it was half-price. "With the coupon," she reminded me. Then realized I had left the coupon at home! I told the waitress that I had cut it out, but forgot to bring it, confident that it didn't matter, since the last time we were there, I had the coupon and it wasn't even used!

The kind waitress checked with the cashier and came back saying they were to staple the coupon onto the ticket! Well, we ate anyway, sharing the generous meal between us, as we usually did. It was still a bargain, and delicious.

Later a thought popped into my head. What if we had to have a ticket to get into Heaven and we didn't have one? What if we had carelessly disregarded our ticket and lost out? Kind of like the 5 foolish virgins in Matthew 25 who let their lamps go out and couldn't go to the wedding feast. Of course, Jesus has secured a place in Heaven for all who have believed on Him and lived for Him.

I was with Howard yesterday when a farm supply employee was helping him load animal feed into our van. He handed her one of the scripture cards he carries and I wondered what her reaction would be. She took the card and read it, then clasped it to her chest and said, "I'm going to keep this forever!" It read, "O taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8. A taste that no restaurant meal could ever equal!

Trees

Leaves are fluttering in the wind as they are blown from the trees on this acreage. It is a beautiful sight when colors of yellow, red, and orange seem to blanket the sky in their swirl to the ground. Like children, we revel in the crunch of leaves that cover the ground like a golden carpet.

Though the trees offer up their colorful cloaks, all is not lost. They stand stoically, with only a little bending to the wind. Gradually apparent are the tree's bones, hidden these past months. Now they stand in all their strength, gracefulness, and beauty, something not revealed in the fruitfulness of summer.

It is reminiscent of our elderly. Their beauty and attire are gradually being dismantled from their youthful, sturdy frames. Little by little, they are diminished. Suddenly their children are grown and no longer with them. The retirement they looked forward to is lonelier than they thought. No use to don office or work attire, hanging in the closet unused.

But like the trees, they exhibit strength and perseverance. They are beautiful in their age and grace to face the winter. Full of wisdom, they have seen many seasons, shading and protecting, bearing the brunt of storms, bending, but not breaking.

Isaiah 61:3 describes God's faithful: "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."

The Power Cord

"Your battery is very low." These ominous, electronic words greeted me when I turned on my computer. I quickly plugged in the power cord, and I was up and running again!

"Your battery is very low." So I didn't have to be told to realize that! My battery often runs low when I am tired, out of sorts, or in my spiritual life. I can rest or eat something for the first two, but I have to take up my Bible and read, or be more prayerful to feel better spiritually.

Other times that my battery runs low are when a service or two at church is missed, or when I don't go to Sunday morning breakfast at church or to a Wednesday evening meal with the fellowship of friends.

Apparently, breaking bread together, or eating together, is very important! Of the early church, scripture says, "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers," Acts 2:42.

In another place we find, "On the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to leave the next day, preached to them and continued his message until midnight," Acts 20:7.

Batteries need to be recharged at times. Nothing is worse than to get into a car and find that the battery is dead. We can recharge our spiritual batteries if we follow the admonition of I Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and edify one another, just as you are doing."

David encouraged himself in the Lord by singing in Psalm 13:6, but I find the best way to encourage myself is to plug in my spiritual power cord!

Happy Memories

Seeing the pictures of our granddaughter Corrin's engagement has made me reflect on memories of when she was a baby and as a little girl. When the time of her birth drew near, we moved from Wichita, Kansas, where Howard had a position in a large church, back to Mississippi to be near them. Our daughter, Amy, an RN, planned to go back to work soon after the baby was born. I was only too happy to care for Corrin!

I loved giving her a tiny, 2 ounce bottle, then burping her and giving her another one. Fun as it was, I had no problem relinquishing the cuddly bundle to her parents after work! She grew and delighted us, idolizing her big brother, Reid, who was three. She copied and learned from him, putting up with being the brunt of his boisterous play which she adored.

By the time little sister, Rachel was on the scene, we had become pastors of a church some 40 miles away on the Gulf Coast, but I still managed to take care of the kids. Since they weren't in school yet, they often spent the night with us at our house near Gulfport.

The little girls wouldn't sleep in the guest room unless I lay down with them, one on each side. I remember removing them from my outstretched arms and creeping back to my own bed, unless they caught me and demanded my return!

It was the same way on trips back and forth from their house. Nothing would do, but I sat in the back seat between them while they napped, Rachel's head on my lap on one side and Corrin's on the other! Oh, the days!

One day when they were a little bigger, I heard Rachel, 4, ask Corrin, only 17 months older, "Corrin, do you know everything?" to which Corrin responded, "No, no one knows everything, but God and PaPa!"

They loved following him around as he puttered away taking care of rabbits, cows, and a goat. Sometimes Howard would meet their daddy half-way to get the kids, and when they drove in the driveway, Corrin wouldn't stop at the house, but would grab a bucket and head for the barn to feed the animals.

My heart almost stopped one day when Reid and Corrin had disappeared from the yard, and after much calling and searching we ran down to the pond, some distance from the house. There they sat in our boat in the middle of the pond, with no life-jackets on! Reid was 8 and Corrin was five.

Now they live in Georgia and we in Oklahoma, but they always live in our hearts. We are grateful that our granddaughter has found the love of her life, and her heart is full!

The Threefold Cord

Getting ready to go to a ladies' fellowship breakfast this morning, I reached for a necklace that would go perfectly with my blouse. It had two long strands of tiny, red beads and one long strand of shiny little black beads. I had bought it a few years back when my daughter-in-love took me to a fun accessory store called "Charming Charlie's" in picturesque Georgetown, Texas.

As soon as I put the string of beads around my neck, I heard a pecking, staccato sound at my feet. I looked down to see a peppering of red beads on the floor! Oh, no! I tried in vain to catch them as the beads continued to rain down!

What to do? Well, I still had a black strand and one red one, so I grabbed some scissors and clipped off the offending cord. I wore the abbreviated necklace and no one was the wiser!

Somehow the phrase, "A three-fold cord is not easily broken," popped into my head. It is from a scripture in Ecclesiastes 4:12, which reads, "And if someone might overpower another by himself, two together can withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken."

This can apply to marriage. A couple may have a strong union as their lives are intertwined, but if Jesus is added to become a third person in their relationship, it is a union that is not easily broken! Unlike my beads that fell hopelessly to the floor, Jesus is a like a strong tower of support to strengthen or mend the marriage!

I had scurried all over the floor to pick up the scattered beads that could easily cause a fall. If we trust and call on our Savior, He is there to pick up the pieces of broken hearts and put them back together as one again! Something I could never do with a string of beads!

Right Angle

A fork was stuck sideways in the utensil rack of the dishwasher. Try as I might, I couldn't get it out! I gave up and just didn't notice it anymore. Then the other day I was removing silverware from the basket I had put on the counter. Picking it up, I tilted the basket, and presto! the fork fell out effortlessly!

That's all it took! Just moving it to a different angle! How many times can we solve a problem by looking at it from a different angle? I get in the habit of doing things the same way, then when I make a change, it is refreshing! Sometimes I get the urge to rearrange furniture, which can give me a whole new outlook!

When our youngest child, Benjamin, was little, he would get bored and often come to me and say, "Let's re-range!" It seemed to be his favorite thing to do, with his older siblings away at school or with friends.

When we get set in our ways, or in our way of thinking, it is often hard to see another's viewpoint. Or in solving that problem that seems to have no solution, it often helps to look at the situation from a different angle!

Jesus seemed to like original thinking. When the Canaanite woman needed her daughter to be healed, Jesus at first answered that it was not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to dogs. But she parried with, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." Matthew 15:27. She looked at it from a different angle!

In Luke 7:7, Jesus was willing to go to the centurion's house to heal his servant, but the centurion had another thought--that Jesus could just speak the word and his servant would be healed, which he was!

These examples show great faith, which is always the right angle!

Autumn Reveries

I love seeing the changing colors of trees in the fall! Our newspaper showed a picture today of the Fall colors beginning. According to the National Weather Service, Cold overnight temperatures (such as we have been having lately) combined with sunny warm days help to set deeper red and yellow fall colors.

God has made each season with its own beauty: Flowers in Spring, Harvest in Summer, the splendor of Autumn, and the sparkle of Winter! In our Creator's plan, trees stop producing chlorophyll (the leaves' food) as the days get shorter. The trees rest. In the absence of chlorophyll, green color goes away and the colors of red and yellow show up.

What a fascinating world we live in! We never have to be bored if we only recognize the hand of God in His creation! It is amazing that about the time we tire of a season, the next one comes along to give us exciting things to anticipate!

I once read of a gifted artist who was on his death bed. Sorrowfully, he knew he would never paint again. An attentive friend standing by his bed asked, "How would you like to direct a sunset?" referring to the unimaginable joys in Heaven.

Sometimes we experience the coming of winter in our lives. We don't like the cold, but perhaps it is setting deeper colors of love and appreciation in us, just as the warm, sunny days instill fond memories in our hearts.

It Is!

Last night in Pastor's message he quoted from Matthew 11:30, where Jesus says, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light." The religious people Jesus had been trying to reach had countless commandments and rules that they endeavored to keep. Their load was heavy, and Jesus was bringing a new way for them and for us all.

In verses 28-30, Jesus invites: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy and my burden is light."

"Yoke" is commonly referred to as the heavy, wooden neck piece placed on oxen as they labored for their masters. Jesus was not referring to putting that kind of yoke on people. He knew that the old way was impossible to keep.

The word, yoga, comes from the word, yoke. Yoga was a religious discipline. Jesus wanted to give them a new discipline that was easy. The only requirement was to learn of Him, and to believe Him when He said, "I am the Life, the Truth and the Way,"John 4:16.

The religious leaders of that day had 613 commandments, but when Jesus was asked which one of His was the greatest, he replied, "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength; this is the first commandment.

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:29-31. Amen!

A Friend in Need...

Listening intently to the radio news while Howard went in to Walmart for a few things, I heard a commotion and turned to see a stranger yanking at the locked door of the van! Must've mistaken it for their vehicle, I thought, and went back to the radio.

Then suddenly the door was open and people were putting bags in the back seat! I heard Howard being jovial and thanking them and sounding as if they were old friends.

"No thanks necessary," I heard a male voice say, "Your kind words were enough."

"What was that all about?" I questioned when my husband got in the van. He said he had asked the cashier whether he could take the handicap cart to the car with the groceries. The answer was no, due to several carts having been stolen lately. A family nearby heard the conversation and asked if he needed help. Nothing would do but they assisted him with the bags and loaded them in the van.

The Bible says that for a man to have friends, he must show himself friendly. Proverbs 18:24. Well, Howard is that, both to people he knows and those he doesn't know.

Philippians 2:4 advises, "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." I think that's what the other shoppers were doing when they noticed their neighbor's predicament!

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New Week

Monday! I love Monday! The bustle of the week-end is gone, and now I find myself enjoying getting caught up on laundry, picking up and straightening the house, unloading clean dishes and reflecting on church services yesterday.

Our Sunday school class was inspiring, taught by a college president, and our pastor preached a riveting, thought-provoking and challenging message woven and interspersed with entertaining applications of his adventurous boyhood in Mississippi. The sobering climax ended with time at the altar for everyone!

There is a song, popular several years ago, called "Rainy Days and Mondays," sung in the haunting, beautiful voice of Karen Carpenter. The lyrics begin, "Hanging around, nothing to do but frown, rainy days and Mondays always get me down."

Well, rainy days, of which we've had many lately, might get me down, but Mondays, the beginning of a new week, do not. The Bible says in Psalm 118:24, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

I have read that this was the hymn that Jesus and the disciples sang at the last supper.It is from the Hallel, one of six psalms, and is a Jewish prayer. Matthew 26:30, "And when they had sung an hymn they went out into the mount of Olives."

If Jesus could sing that, knowing what He would face, we all should rejoice and be glad for whatever the day holds, especially on Monday!

My Cup Runneth Over

Getting up early for church this morning, I went into the kitchen to make coffee, although we planned to eat breakfast at church. I noticed Howard's coffee cup had already been used, probably because he gets up pre-dawn and brews a cup, has a snack
then goes back to bed.

I got a cup for me from the cupboard, and started to rinse out his cup. Then I thought I'd just fill it the way it was. An incident of long ago surfaced in my mind.

Our son, Trevor, had a job as a teenager at a local filling station where several locals hung around to visit, drink coffee, and solve all the world's problems. One morning as Trevor tidied up the station, his eyes fell on the row of coffee mugs lined up on a high shelf. He could see the stains around the edges and drips down the side of the cups, so he thought he would do the guys a favor by washing their cups.

Big mistake! When the loafers dropped in one by one, they noticed something different. "Who washed my cup?" the irate, good old boys demanded. Since Trevor didn't drink coffee at the time, he didn't realize how important an unwashed cup was! Apparently, they thought it made the coffee taste better. Thankfully, since the individuals recognized and used their own cups, it was their own germs on them and would not make them sick!

Jesus talks about dirty cups in a couple of places in the Bible. In Matthew 23:25, He tells the scribes and Pharisees, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess."

And again in Luke 11:39, And the Lord said unto them, "Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness."

While washing a coffee cup or not may be a personal preference, for Christians, looking good on the outside is not as important as what we are inside! Fill my cup, Lord!

Communication

"Has anyone seen my phone?" I asked worriedly when we were at our son Jamie's house last week. I had already searched my purse, looked in every room I had been in, checked the car and every where else I could think of.

After Jamie thoroughly went through the car again to no avail, a dread thought surfaced. Did I leave it in some store? We had just returned from town, and Houston is pretty big!

I said ominously to Jamie, "Do you think I could have left it at Barnes and Noble (the last place we had visited)?"

"There's one way to find out," he said as he picked up the phone. Soon I was answering questions he relayed to me.

"What kind of phone is it?" to which I answered, "Android."

"Describe it." Black was all I could think of. "Sparkles?" Affirmative. "Hearts?" Yes, little hearts floating around in the cover.

"They have it." he said to my great relief!

But Barnes and Noble was many miles away! However, it turns out it's on the route they take to church, so we picked it up that evening.

But to lose my phone! My means of communication! Not to mention entertainment and source of information, let alone cost of replacement! However, there is One source of communication I can always rely on. Prayer!

Psalm 34:15 tells us, "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry." And James 5:16 assures us that "The fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

That is the communication I used that day!

Baubles, Bangles, and Bright Shiny Beads!

I picked up my favorite accessory, and I was reminded once again that it was broken. The little hook that held one of the ornaments in place had been stretched and the necklace would fall off every time I put it on. I had had the piece for many years, having bought it at Macy's in Houston one Thanksgiving trip. Since my husband wasn't always available to fix it, I would just put it back in the jewelry box.

But this day, I thought, I will fix it myself! I found a pair of Howard's pliers, carefully placed it over the hook, shut my eyes and hoped for the best as I squeezed the handle. It worked! I couldn't believe I had fixed it, and now it doesn't come apart!

I happily put on the multi-colored long necklace that goes with almost everything I wear. Thank you, Lord! The scripture came to mind that says, "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me," Philippians 4:13.

Actually, being creative and innovative is nothing new to me (or any other housewife, I suspect). We substitute in recipes, conceal sewing mistakes, and make something out of nothing in the kitchen! I remember the old adage that was said to be popular in depression days: "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without!"

But better than a repaired necklace is to have "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." I Peter 3:4.
Amen!

Aisle 4

"Do you have Kleenex?" I asked a cashier standing near her register at Aldi's. I was about ready to check out, but I remembered I had to have some tissues for my allergies, and all I saw were paper towels, paper plates and other paper goods.

She reached for a paper towel, ripped it in half and brought it to me. At first, I didn't know what she was doing, then I realized she thought I said, "Do you have a Kleenex?"

I laughed and said, "No, I want a box of Kleenex!" Then the helpful employee pointed out the boxes I had over looked. I took one, and as she went back to her register, I smiled and said, "Thanks anyway, for giving me a'Kleenex'."

The young woman's instant response in handing me a piece of paper towel made me realize she had a compassionate spirit. Most women, especially those with kids, re-act quickly to an emergency situation! A child may be snatched from danger, or a falling cup caught.

It is easy to recognize those, both men and women, who have what we call a servant's heart. They are quick to respond to needs, even before someone else can act. When we were pastors in Mississippi, several people in particular lovingly took care of the church custodial duties on their own without being asked.

I could see a servant's heart in one of my granddaughters as she grew up. She was always ready to jump up and get something that someone might mention they wanted. Others of my granddaughters have the same trait.

Psalm 123:2, "Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress, so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us."

Isaiah 40:31 assures us, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings of eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint."

If we wait (as lingering in God's presence) upon the Lord, it will be easy to wait on (as in serving) others!

A Cry in the Night

"Have you seen Pebbles?" my husband asked worriedly about the family dog as he came in from outside. It was getting dark, and Howard's "porch time" was getting a little chilly. I told him I hadn't seen her for a good while.

"I heard a faint barking," he said, "I think it was coming from the chicken house. I'd better go down there and check." The little dog loves to accompany him while he feeds the chickens and has been known to be accidentally locked up with them at night.

"She's not down there," Howard announced when he came back, alarm in his voice,"but I still hear barking!" He alerted our grandson, Adam, who treasures this little pet. Adam dashed out into the night, and soon burst in the door with Pebbles.

"She was in the storage shed!" he exclaimed breathlessly.

What? That building was outside the fence and down the hill in the pasture! We had been in there that afternoon looking for some stored autumn decor I wanted, but the dog wasn't with us! Apparently she was, unknown to us! That had been hours ago, and to think she had been in there barking non-stop all this time!

Thankfully, Howard had heard her, though I don't know how, considering his hearing. Surely God made him aware of the cry in the night air!

I was reminded of an incident several weeks ago when our newborn baby goat disappeared, only to be found at nightfall when her plaintive bleats were heard. She had been imprisoned in a depression she had fallen into under a pile of boards!

I was experiencing deja vu from that time when our son, Greg, rescued the little goat and carried her triumphantly to safety. Now his son, Adam, was the savior of his beloved pet!

Jesus gave the story of the lost sheep, and how the shepherd left the 99 to search after the one. As much as our animals are loved, He loves us even more, and reaches out to the lost among us.

As it says in John 6:39, "And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day."

I Peter 2:25 reminds us, "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."

The Root of It All

I decided to salvage a little leafy stem left from the goats eating my flowers. It had a tiny red bloom in its center and I thought it might brighten a kitchen window before it wilted. Placing it in a cup of water, I didn't pay much attention to it, although the leaves looked fresh and the bloom was getting a tiny bit bigger. Clearing the window ledge a couple of days ago, I took the stem out to throw it in the trash. Then I noticed something. Tiny roots! Growing from the end of the stem!

I was so surprised! I had saved it! Replaced in the soil of the porch tub and gently watered, hopefully it will survive!

As couples, we usually "put down roots" as we raise our families. We lived in one place for twenty years as our children were growing up. That is where their roots of faith were established, both from church attendance and a secure, loving home life.

Paul writes of his desires to the church in Ephesians 3:17, "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love." Children cannot grow and develop without love, as proven from babies who lie unattended except for necessities in cribs of orphanages or children's homes.

Again, he speaks to the Colossian church to be: "Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving," Colossians 2:7.

Isaiah prophecies of Jesus, "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground." Before whom? God. God had his eye on his Son, even in the times of suffering for our sake.

With proper watering from the Word and the sunshine of God's love exhibited through us, our well-rooted "plants" can bloom and grow stalwart and strong for Him!

Ripe Harvest

"I think I'll see if there are any more ripe tomatoes on the vines," I said to my husband. We had picked about 20 a few days before, so I didn't expect many more yet. Scouring the over-grown tomato plants, I caught a glimpse of bright red near the ground.

Sure enough, it was a ripe tomato! I brushed off the bit of dirt and leaves on the underside and took it inside. A little rinsing under the faucet yielded a shiny, delicious-looking treat. I added it to the diminishing supply waiting in a colander.

Carefully foraging in the tomato patch among some broken vines, I thought of the scripture in Isaiah 42:3, "A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench." This means that if there is just a spark in smoldering ashes, as in a soul needing God, it can be nurtured back to a flame. The first part of the verse indicates that if someone is down, discouraged or dismayed, we are to follow the prophetic pattern of Jesus to lift them up and be an encouragement.

I think of the tender vines that are children. They can be very spiritual, seeing as how they have so recently come from heaven. Their innocence and ready belief MUST make us nurture them in following Jesus.

I have a passel of great-grandchildren; the oldest two are 7. Recently one of them was with his mother as she paid a utility bill when she heard him telling people about Jesus! His two-year-old cousin loves the family devotions and Bible stories, and often leads in prayer, reminding the family to "put your heads down." Then he softly prays. His 6-year-old brother is so knowledgeable and unashamedly devout we think he will be a preacher!

Jesus tells us in John 4:35 that the harvest is ripe, when he says, "Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, for they are white already to harvest." The harvest is ripening, and not just the tomatoes.

Soul Food

"What is that stuff!" I exclaimed after taking a portion of a dish at a potluck recently, as stringy, weed-like green things clung to my fork. I had thought I was getting green bean casserole! When I got to the table, I realized it must be spinach casserole, though I had never seen any before.

To my surprise, it was delicious! I couldn't wait to get home and look up the recipe so I could make some myself! "This is so good!" I had to admit.

(I remember a time as a teenager when I was blessed at the altar during a time of worship and exclaimed, "It's so good! It's so good!")

Psalm 34:8 says, says: "O taste and see that that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."

We have a "recipe" for salvation. It's in the Bible. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13.

Who can forget the promise of John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

The recipes I found for Spinach Casserole had a few unusual ingredients, such as nutmeg, cottage cheese, croutons, garlic and other aromatic additions.

II Corinthians 2:15 reads, "For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish." The best fragrance of all!

The Vine Dresser

Oh, look what the goats have done," I exclaimed, so angry I could cry! We had bought a large planter with a decorative, lush tree for the porch, with several flowers growing in soil at the foot of it. I didn't know the names of them, petite little flowers with pinked edges plus a bigger one with red flowers. I finally realized it was salvia, flowers that we had had in Mississippi. And now the goats had gotten out and devoured them, leaving nothing but a few stems.

This happened a month or so ago, and the little flowers have thankfully grown back, along with a leafy plant I didn't recognize, although it looked like an aggressive weed I had seen growing around fences here. Daily I looked at the plant, wondering if it were a flower or a weed. All it would do was grow pretty leaves. A while ago, I decided to yank it out. As I plucked out the last vestige of it, my heart sank! A bright red bud of a flower peeked out from the center of the leaves! Now I was heartsick again!

Somehow this made me think of a parable Jesus spoke in Luke 12:6-9. "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then he said unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?"

"And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it and dung (fertilize) it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if it not, then after that thou shalt cut it down."

This speaks to me of having grace for those we see who may be half-heartedly serving God, or are immature in the faith. One might be tempted to give up on a new convert, or one for whom one has prayed for years to no avail.

Like the vine dresser in the parable who was willing to be patient and try a little longer, all the while strengthening the fig tree by turning and enriching the soil, may we be supportive and encouraging to a weak Christian. One may very well see their efforts bear fruit!

The Run

We went to the 125th anniversary commemorating the 1893 Land Run yesterday in our home town of Blackwell, Oklahoma. Howard was especially interested, since his paternal grandfather ran in the Cherokee Strip and homesteaded near the young town of Hennessy where he raised nine children. My husband's dad was the youngest, whose mother died when he was nine years old.

A delicious spread of potluck fare was relished during visiting and conversation by the mostly senior crowd in attendance. Howard had been asked to give the invocation for lunch and the meeting. Later, when people were invited to share stories of ancestors' adventures, trials, and hardships of the run, he related like memories handed down to him from his father and grandfather.

Afterward, when I reflected on the gathering and the fellowship and the camaraderie of the group, it reminded me of how it will be in heaven. People knowing each other from their time on earth, the joy of fellowship and the feast at The Marriage Supper of the Lamb. All vestiges of time will drop away.

We were invited to the event by a long-ago friend from High School, a church pal we had known and worshiped with in the tender age of our youth. Separation by distance and decades didn't factor into a warm hug and friendly greeting by our friend. "I know these kids!" she announced.

A soloist was the "entertainment," and we sang along with several old hymns she featured. I especially enjoyed it, because she sang in the same style as my late sister. She even reminded me of her in her looks. Afterwards, I was able to meet the singer and tell her so.

At the close of the ceremony. prizes were awarded to those who had the right number on tickets received as we came in. Our grandson, Adam, called out the numbers, and Howard's was the first called! (The $5 reward bought us ice cream for the ride home!)

"Grandpa," Adam announced on the way home, "You were the only one there with black hair!"

I had to smile, but I knew that believers in today's sea of white hair will be restored to youth and beauty in heaven, a great reward, in my opinion!

A Good Read!

Last night Howard and I were watching old editions of the 700 Club, and the story of Don Piper, author of the book, 90 Minutes in Heaven, came on. If I had seen it before, I didn't remember it and found it fascinating, although of course I had heard about his testimony.

"I've never read the book," I said to Howard after we had turned off the TV. "I wonder if we have it in one of our bookcases?"I mused, to which he said, "No. We don't have it. I've never seen it."

"I'm going to go look," I said, heading into his darkened "office," where we keep a lot of books (although we had dispensed of many in our recent move). Grabbing my glasses and bending down to look, my hand first touched the binding of a slim book which looked new. I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the title, 90 Minutes in Heaven, by Don Piper!

God must have wanted me to read it! I concluded, and read the first page. It was so interesting I read the first three chapters aloud to my husband! They were amazing accounts of his seeing loved ones and friends who greeted him in heaven, the celestial music, and the overwhelming love and acceptance he felt.

One thing he mentioned was that everyone looked better in heaven! They were recognizable, but any scar, disfiguring, wrinkles or anything of the sort was not there. One relative he remembered as slumped and crooked stood straight and tall. And no one appeared over-weight or too thin. All were perfect!

Paul writes in I Corinthians 13:12, " For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am also known."

Also he writes in Philippians 20-21, "For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."

I can't wait to read the rest of the book about Piper's recovery, but it was surely miraculous!

Rise and Shine!

"I wish you would make a cake," Howard said wistfully last night after a light supper. I thought about it for minute, reflecting that there was no cake mix in the cupboard.

"Okay," I agreed, thinking I could make half a chocolate sheet cake, the easiest cake ever. Confident that I could make it from memory, I assembled the ingredients, mixed the batter with flour, cocoa, eggs, etc. and put it in the oven. Turning my attention to making the frosting, I glanced at the counter and saw the box of baking soda still sitting there. Then it hit me! I hadn't put the soda in with the buttermilk, and the batter was already baking! Now the cake wouldn't rise!

My tolerant husband liked it anyway, and the frosting was delicious. But the cake was flat, firm, and more like eating a piece of fudge than sheet cake!

The non-rising batter made me think of scriptures in the Bible that refer to leaven, or yeast. Galatians 5:9 records Jesus saying, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump," which seems to be used in a somewhat negative context here, referring to unfavorable influence. As the yeast grows within the dough, the rest of the dough is affected.

In Matthew 13:33, Jesus says,"The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." This indicates a good context, and makes me think of how the gospel is spreading around the world! This is accomplished not only by missionaries these days, but the wonderful communication systems we have today! Christians are the vital ingredient!

Small Appliances

A few months ago, we were browsing at an estate sale, more out of curiosity than anything else. We didn't need a thing, but my eye was caught by a handsome, stainless steel Sunbeam toaster. Ours had seen better days, so I beckoned Howard to take a look. The sales clerk was happy to show it to us, demonstrating an unusual feature it had. The bread lowered itself into the toaster automatically!

We brought it home, and it looked majestic on the counter, its rounded corners so smooth and elegant. But we couldn't make it toast! My determined husband fiddled with it, finally turning it upside down. Strangely, the bread toasted after it was set upright. I lost patience with it, but he did the routine every morning making it work, sparing my frustration.

Then yesterday a funny thing happened. "I figured out how to use the toaster," my patient spouse announced proudly. "You have to put the bread in on the right side first!" Sure enough, it worked! I tried it and watched the bread slowly go down before it just as slowly raised two perfect slices of toast! We must not have noticed that when it was shown to us!

It kind of reminded me of people. They have different ways of doing things. I do things differently than my honey does. He is maddeningly slow and meticulous with details, such as making sure every paper is stacked perfectly, or writing notes and letters with his careful penmanship, while I dash off near-unintelligible handwriting or hurried housework. (A friend used to say lightly of her husband, "He is on half time and I am on double time!")

People may react differently in ways of worship or prayer. Some are jubilant and expressive, while others are quietly meditative or praying silently.

Some are left-handed, some are ambidextrous and some are right-handed (like our toaster)! Some like toast and others prefer biscuits for breakfast. The important thing is that we have the Bread of Life, or we are toast!

A Little Child Shall Lead Them...

The night before our grandson Isaac, 4, was to start Pre-K, his father sent out a request for prayer. Isaac was throwing a fit and not wanting to go. Imagine my surprise the next morning to see a smiling boy decked out in school uniform in a 1st Day of School photo! Turns out he has loved it from the first day!

This past week-end, the family drove 1 1/2 hours to meet his other grandparents for dinner half-way to their home in Waco. Isaac insisted on wearing his school uniform and shoes! I'm sure he regaled them with his enthusiasm about school, as he did me on the phone.

I had heard about an open house they had at the school where his mom, dad and sisters were treated to a guided tour of the building by Isaac, who took charge of pointing out points of interest.

Last night the talkative little boy proudly explained the lay-out to me on the phone, naming cafeteria, playground, P.E. room, gymnasium, music room, and library!

It is a French school, where his father also works, teaching French and English--English to the French students and French to the English students. Isaac is learning basic French words in his class. It is so cute to hear him say "Basure" for Bonjour and other pronunciations. (His daddy says the main attraction for Isaac is the state-of-the art playground!)

I couldn't help thinking, Wouldn't it be wonderful if people were that enthusiastic about church? Or spreading the gospel? Being happy to wear the "uniform" of a Christian? The shirt of Isaac's uniform has the emblem of his school on it. An emblem represents an organization, a philosophy or a person. As Christians, our emblem is Jesus! May we wear it with a true representation of Him!

New (Out) Look!

"Oh, that looks nice there," I said to the cleaning lady when I came in. After dusting, she had made an artful arrangement atop a display case from a basket of decorative grapes. I am often surprised at how she puts things in back in place slightly differently from what I had done, but it is usually an improvement.

"You have an eye for that," I told her one day when I saw magazines stacked with a little swirl on an end table.

"Oh, I used to stage new homes for a realtor!" she announced proudly. No wonder, then!

Once I complained that our bed took up too much room in our small bedroom. "Turn it the other way," she advised, to which I replied that it wouldn't help. Then a few days ago I did change it, and it looks much better and roomier, too! She was happily surprised that I took her advice.

My helper's changes are nothing major, just setting something at a different angle, or the way books are stacked, or the novel placement of a set of ceramic storage jars in the bathroom. Nothing major, but they are always refreshing.

Reflecting on this made me think of songs we sing at church. For years we have revered and sung the old hymns, with Howard especially favoring them over anything new. But lately we have learned to love the new songs, as well! The meaningful messages, the bold exclamations of faith, and the jubilant joy of them!

One day I even heard my husband tell the pastor, "You're about to get me converted." Pastor looked puzzled, and Howard said, "To the new songs!"

Psalm 98:1 admonishes, "O sing unto the Lord a new song for He hath done marvelous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory."

I John 4:18

B-ringg! I saw it was our son on the phone and greeted him warmly. His response was, "Is Dad there?" I handed over the phone, figuring man-talk.

But when I followed the conversation, I heard the name of our granddaughter who had just started middle-school. Obviously Howard was talking to her, in a subdued and compassionate tone. When he hung up, he told me the story.

It had been a stormy day with lightning and thunder, resulting in a malfunction of the school's security system. Alarms went off indicating an armed intruder in the building. The frightened students were herded to specified areas of protection where they hid. Police from the station across the street received the alarm, and stormed the building immediately. Thankfully, it was a false alarm.

But our sixth-grader had something to tell Pa-Pa. She said when she was so scared during the ordeal, a scripture came to mind, "Perfect love casts out fear." She concentrated on that and it calmed her.

Then she said, "Dad said you claimed that scripture when your store was robbed one time!"

Yes, my husband has told that story many times, when he and his office staff were marched up the stairs at gun-point by
desperate men. Hands up as they marched, Howard glimpsed a TV screen with a preacher pointing specifically at him, it seemed, saying, "Perfect love casts out fear!" He said if he ever needed that, it was then!

So that's why she wanted to talk to Pa-Pa! The thread of a common experience connected them. She was awed that those words were dropped into her heart, giving her comfort and reassurance, dropped in by her heavenly Father, now shared by her earthly grandfather!

Bazillions!

"I have to go over to my mom's house tonight; she has a bazillion students over," my grandson told me one day, to which I said, "A bazillion! That's a lot of kids!" He said something inaudible and walked off.

The next day, I asked him how the visit went and how many students were there. "Just one," he replied nonchalantly.

"Just one?" I exclaimed in surprise. "When you said a bazillion, I thought there would be a lot!"

"I didn't say "bazillion," he replied, "I said a Brazilian! She's from Brazil!"

The exchange student came out yesterday with my granddaughter. They went to the pond to go fishing, then they had fun watching the antics of the baby goats. The teenager told us she speaks English and Portuguese, their native language. She was pleasant and enjoying high-school here, but a little homesick.

We didn't get to talk about her faith, but I'm sure that as she goes to church here she will learn a lot. There's more than one way to be a missionary!

Jesus tells us to go into all the world and preach the gospel. In these times, it seems as if all the world comes to us. Not only to us, but to other nations as well, with the message of salvation. With the internet alone, millions are reached with the good news of Christ. Not just millions, but bazillions!

The Real Thing!

For  months, even years, I have admired a patriotic scene visible from the road as we drove into the country. The panoramic display was only intermittent, though, and I was always fascinated when I spotted it--a beautiful horse standing quietly in front of a trailer with an American flag floating in the breeze atop a tall flag pole. I reasoned that it was often taken away for a horse show or something.

I puzzled over it when it  was gone, and recently I said to our son,  "Look! The horse is back! I wonder why they take it away sometimes?"

"What horse?" he asked cluelessly.  Then, "You mean the statue?"

"What? That is a statue?" I exclaimed in disbelief. Come to think of it, I realized the "horse" looked a little less resplendent today, even a little shabby and shop-worn! And to think I had revered it all this time!

Sometimes we envy or admire people who may be beautiful on the outside and seem to have it all together.  But sadly, when we get to know them, they may be shallow and not all that perfect at all! Even what we may think is a devoted Christian may turn out to be counterfeit. Just a statue of a Christian!

Jesus tells about this kind of people in several scriptures: The Pharisee who was proud of fasting twice a week, and not like the publican, who actually asked God to be merciful to him, a sinner, Lk 18:12-13.

In Mark 7:6, He speaks of those who honor Him with their lips, but whose heart is far from Him. Jesus tells us to judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgement. Jn 7:6.

He mentions "whited sepulchres" to describe hypocrites, Matt. 23:27.  That term makes me think of the pilllar of salt, the  fate of Lot's wife for looking back. Let's always look ahead, keeping our eyes on the prize and recognizing the statues in our life for what they are!

Wake Up!

Visiting with our daughter, Amy, on the phone today, I told  her about going to a get-together for ladies from church the other evening. "Howard was supposed to pick me up at 8:00 o'clock, " I said, "I kept looking for him, as most of the people were going home, so I called him. He sounded a bit groggy, so it was obvious he had fallen asleep!"

"I told Julie (my other daughter) about this when I  phoned her earlier," I said to Amy. "Then she had to tell what happened to her!"

 It seems Julie was visiting at a daughter's house a few days ago, and Steve (her husband)  was to come for her at a certain time. Time went by as she waited expectantly as the day wore on. Finally her son-in-law got home from work, and still no husband to take her home.  Turns out he fell asleep!

Then Amy laughed and said, "Corrin (her daughter) and David (Corrin's intended) came down from college yesterday, and David was to ask her daddy if he could marry Corrin." Amy told me the women of the house left to go shopping, leaving the guys at home.

"When we got back, Corrin asked David if he got to ask the question," Amy went on.

 "David answered, 'No, your dad dozed off and slept the whole time you were gone, and I didn't get to ask him!'" 

Needless to say, there were three disgruntled females in the family lately, thanks to these heavy-eyed, slumberous men!

Several incidents of sleeping are referred to in the Bible: Jesus sleeping during a storm, the disciples falling asleep in the garden, a little boy going to sleep and falling out a window during a long sermon, and the ten sleeping virgins, to name a few.

Natural sleep is  necessary, but  being spiritually awake is even more so. Paul writes of the importance of this: "Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light," Ephesians 5:14.

Banner Year

Sitting on the front porch with Howard this morning reading our Bibles, I raised my eyes to see an American flag waving across the prairie from a house that wasn't visible over the hill. It cheered my heart to see this symbol of liberty for "The land of the free and the home of the brave."
Sadly, many people today don't respect our flag.

In the Bible, a flag is called a banner. "He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love," Solomon 2:4. Sometimes it is called a standard, a symbol of strength and protection. A familiar example of that is Isaiah 59:19, "So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him."

When my husband was in the Army, their battalion leader carried a banner with their company name on it when they paraded or marched. It identified them and was an emblem of pride to their group. Howard was regularly chosen to carry our country's flag for parades. He recalls the command, "Eyes, right!" when the flag was lowered sharply to a 90 degree angle to hang smartly in front of the General.

I have read the story of Francis Scott Key, who wrote the lines to what would later be known as "The Star-Spangled Banner". A lawyer and a poet, he found himself on a ship which gave him the view of the battle on shore. As he watched the fire-storm and the bursting bombs lighting up the night sky, he was able to see Old Glory still flying. He jotted down verses that would become the beloved anthem.

Although our country was founded as a Christian nation, there are many non-believers and scoffers today. We must remember that Christ is our standard bearer. I think of the words of a song we used to sing that goes, "Love is a flag flown high o'er the castle of my heart, for the King is in residence there." It used to be the custom that when the king or ruler was at home, their flag would be flown above the castle. May the words be true for all!

Barnyard Observations

Howard invited a friend out to see one of our new baby goats the other day. Their common interest is goats, one in which this guy is very knowledgeable. He gave my husband several helpful tips about them, and when he saw one of the goats licking Howard's arm, he said, "That means they need salt."

Well, we knew that cows liked to lick salt, but we hadn't thought about it for goats. The next day found us in the farm supply store looking for blocks of salt. We were also advised to get mineral salt too. Who knew?

In the store, we were directed where to find them, and we were surprised that they weighed 50 pounds apiece! Since Howard's heart surgery, we try to be a little more careful with lifting, so a strong, young employee loaded them, and we got help unloading them at home.

Sure enough, the goats loved them, and it was reassuring to know they were getting the minerals they needed as well.

I was reminded of a verse in the Bible in which Jesus says, "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savour, werewith shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under the foot of men," Matthew 5:13.

We know that salt is essential to our bodies: it maintains fluid levels, affects our vital organs and prevents low blood pressure, among other benefits. I read that animals will eat dirt, chew on rocks or drink urine if they are deprived of salt.

By maintaining our Christian "saltiness," we may affect the lost who eat the dirty filthiness of the world, futilely feeding on "rocks," or drinking alcohol and using drugs. But if we have lost our savour, our effectiveness, Jesus said that then we are useless and discarded, trodden down by men. It reminded me of the salt that is put on roads during bad weather. Soon it is slush and mud.

"Please pass the salt," is a request at many tables. It adds flavor to the food. May we sprinkle savour from the way we live our lives for Him!

Lost!

We were so excited about the baby goat! It was a few days old by now and was venturing out of hiding. I called Howard to the window at breakfast to see it frolicking in the pasture by its mother. We watched laughing and marveling at the little creature's cute antics, until finally I left the window to begin the day.

Shortly, Howard called with alarm in his voice. "The little goat is gone!" he announced ominously.

"But you were watching it!" I exclaimed, although by this time he was at the sink washing the breakfast dishes.

"I just left for a minute, and when I looked again, there was no sign of her!" he said grimly. That was strange, for Mama goat was grazing unconcernedly nearby.

"We have to go look for her!" I decided. We got in the car, drove through the pasture gate and looked in sheds and out-buildings. She was nowhere to be found! We even looked down by the pond, to no avail.

All day we worried in frustration at the little goat's disappearance. Since there was a stand of thick, tall grass directly behind their grazing area, we concluded that a wild animal or a soaring eagle must have grabbed her. We went about our day with heavy hearts.

Later that day as the sun was about to set, we heard a commotion outside. Our son Greg was yelling something, and we heard bleating from the goat's mother as she dashed around frantically in the pasture.

"I heard the little goat!" Greg shouted, heading for that tall grass in the pasture. We rushed out just in time to see our hero son, striding along with open shirt and the young goat in his arms! He looked like Hercules just then!

He told us he heard bleating under a pile of boards from a dismantled barn in the over-growth. He reached in and pulled the baby out! Evidently she had fallen through and had been there all day! What a happy reunion for mama and baby!

I couldn't help but think of the story in the Bible that Jesus told of the lost sheep. The shepherd would not give up until he found him, as the parable goes.(Matthew 18:12-13, Luke 15:4-6). The song had been going through my head all day, and I found myself singing it as I prayed and thought about the missing goat.

May we be just as diligent for a lost soul! Jesus said in Luke 18:14, "Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish."

When You Least Expect It...

"Have you ever had a blessing from an unexpected source?" I was teaching a Sunday School class recently, and this question was posed by the lesson. Immediately my husband's hand went up.

"I have!" he exclaimed. "I was making a purchase at a store, and they were having trouble with their card machine. Over and over, I inserted my card, finally giving up, as the line behind me grew longer."

"I don't have any cash," I said, ready to put back the merchandise I really needed. "Just then the man behind me thrust bills into my hand to cover the tab!"

Actually, I had gone into the store first and experienced the malfunction, returning to the car with nothing but an explanation and sending Howard into the store. "Did the machine work?" I asked, and he told me the story!

Other people in the class told of their unexpected blessings, and I reminded Howard, "What about the cane?"

"Oh yes," he said. "We were on a trip to Texas, and I had forgotten my cane. Going into a Cracker Barrel, I asked a friendly hostess if they sold canes. She shook her head and said they didn't carry them. Then after lunch, she brought me a nice cane!"

"Oh, you found one!" I exclaimed, "How much is it?"

"It's yours!" she replied. Maybe a traveler had left it there, but it was a blessing that I have enjoyed ever since!"

The original question was related to the blessing the Jews received following their Babylonian captivity from those such as King Cyrus, Zerubbabel and others who helped them return to the land of Israel.

Watch for your unexpected blessings!

"Have you ever had a blessing from an unexpected source?" was the question to be posed to the Sunday School class I was teaching recently. The lesson referred to the unlikely help of those who contributed to the Jews' return to the Promised Land.

Immediately my husband's hand went up. "Yesterday I was buying a small item from a neighboring store, but they were having trouble with credit card machine. After several tries, I s

What is so Rare as a Day in June?

Here we are in the month of June! No blogs in May, unusual for me, although it was a very eventful month! Has anyone ever been sick from a tick bite? Let me tell you, it was no fun! Body aches, fatigue and general malaise. I finally went to the doctor, who gave me meds that REALLY made me sick. Couldn't eat or drink, became dehydrated and was sent to hospital for IV fluids. Lost 11 pounds in a week!

All is well now, although I was feeling sorry for myself when Mother's Day came and I missed my kids. Still under the weather that day, moping around, I didn't feel like going to church. The phone rang, and our son, Trevor, asked me if Jamie was here yet. What? From Houston? It was true! Not only did he cheer my Mother's Day, but he took us home with him for a week!

What fun to get to see our grandchildren at their gymnastic practice! We also got to go to church with them, eat out a lot and generally enjoy ourselves. How would we get home? Jamie would have to work! Well, he had planned everything out. We would meet son Mark halfway to his house in Austin. He would drive us to Waco where son Trevor would take us home to Oklahoma! What great kids we have!

There was a little layover in Waco waiting for Trev, so Mark drove us around the Magnolia Silos and gardens of Chip and Joanna Gaines. When Trevor arrived, we all had a delightful lunch at beautiful Collins Street Bakery, home of the famous pecan pies. The white, colonial-style structure with walls of windows was built a few years ago closer to the beaten path than the original bakery location.

What a treat to have Trevor here overnight when we got home. He hadn't seen our new environs since we moved to the country, and he thoroughly enjoyed himself, and we him! Reminiscing, seeing our chickens and goats, eating mom's cooking, and laughing over family videos all added up to precious moments.

Our next big adventure is a planned reunion with all our children and as many grands and great-grands who can come for our 60th wedding anniversary later this month! Can't wait!

Here we are in the month of June! I didn't write anything in May, due to lack of inspiration

Open Door

"Arf! Arf!" I heard as I lay on the sofa for a rest. "Arf! Arf!" repeated every few minutes. I knew it was the family dog, Pebbles, probably demanding a treat from my husband who was having a late lunch in the kitchen.

"Arf! Arf!" The staccato bark was steady, finally responded to by her master, our grandson Adam, coming down from upstairs.

"I don't know what she's barking at," I offered as he opened the front door. Oh, she was outside and the sofa was near the door. No wonder I heard her so clearly! In a few minutes they were back, Adam cradling her and stroking her soothingly.

"She couldn't get in the house," he explained, setting her gently on the floor. What? Couldn't get in? Doesn't she have a doggy door? I thought.

"She couldn't figure out the ramp," Adam said. O-oh, Howard had just had a ramp installed at the back door. "She was going under the ramp," he laughed, as he carefully set the aging dog down. "I had to show her to her doggy door at the top," he said fondly.Well, I guess it's true, you can't teach an old dog new tricks, as the old saying goes.

I was reminded of a song the children used to sing in church. "We're building up the temple... we're building up the temple...we're building up the temple of the Lord...it's so high you can't get over it, so low you can't get under it...so wide you can't get around it, you must come in at the door."

Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep." (John 10:7). And again in John 10:9, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."

I have heard that the shepherds often built sheep enclosures on the hills, but an opening was left for them to enter. It is said that the shepherd lay across the opening, he himself was the door.

Jesus also said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." I think of an illustration I heard about a guide leading a safari. The group became alarmed when the path was no more discernible. "Where is the path?" they cried out. The guide stated, "I am the path."

May we always find the Door that is open to us!