Home is Where the Family Is

It was the day of Christmas Eve and the family, including our two young grandsons, were coming to visit.

I prepared the home as well as I could, cleaning and decorating. I shopped for favorite foods to prepare. Presents were arranged on a table around two huge poinsetta plants. We eagerly waited for the family to arrive.

What a gift it was to have the whole family together to celebrate. I treasured every moment. As they were getting ready to leave, the seven-year-old said to his parents, "I want to stay here." Oh, joy!

On Christmas Day I went to Mass. The church was decorated most beautifully. As I sat in the pew, I realized how much at home I feel here.

I recalled Midnight Christmas Eve Masses years ago when the church was packed and there was standing room only. Sadly, not today. As I looked around, I saw some empty pews. 

In a way, this church is Jesus' home on earth. He has a very special and real presence here. I was thinking that Jesus may be looking out at the empty pews, as I was, and longing for all his family to be here.

I thank the Lord for the family He has given me, and for my much larger family of faith where I feel so very much at home. Indeed, "I want to stay here."

Falling Down and Getting Up Again

Our grandson was learning to ice skate. He kept falling on the ice. He was very, very discouraged. Then our daughter signed him up for ice hockey with 6, 7, and 8 year-olds.

"What? Ice hockey?? He can barely stand up on skates! How is he going to be able to play?" I was doubtful.

Our daughter tells me that one of the first things the coach taught them was about falling. Falling and getting up again. So our grandson looked around and he saw that everyone was falling on the ice. And they were getting up. It was an "eye-opener" for him. To fall isn't such a bad thing after all. In fact, to fall and get up again is good. That was a turning point for him. And he continued to improve.

So over the weekend I had the opportunity for the first time to see him play. Yes, he fell, but he got up and continued playing. AND, he scored his very first goal. To see his joy and the smile on his face really touched my heart.

I came home from that game feeling newly energized and motivated. Our grandson showed me perseverance, even through his discouragement. And he showed me that much can be achieved when we don't give up, even when we fall. And we can do more than we think we can.

So yesterday I went for a walk. A slow walk, but a long one. I hoped to go for at least 4 miles. I kept thinking of our grandson and his perseverance and his joy. And I kept going. I walked for over 5 miles! Yes, we can do more than we think we can.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Phillipians 4:13.

In the Moment

I signed up for the 50 miles in 50 days challenge. The challenge for me is not so much in walking 50 miles, but to walk at least that one mile each day.

It was a brisk late afternoon when I did my mile yesterday. Actually, I walked more than 3 miles. I was walking really fast when I looked around me. I literally stopped. The views were breathtaking. My walk was along a very scenic road in our neighborhood.

We are now in peak foliage season where I live. The leaves are changing colors from green to brilliant reds, golds, and yellows, along with browns and greens. While warm summer days seem to linger, autumn days go by so fast. I stopped to savor the moment.

Just, "wow." Beauty is all around me. I feel grateful. And I think of our Creator God who designed all of this.

I am reminded to pause frequently during the day - to be in the moment - and in the presence of our God who is ever-present, and just say, "Thank you, God. Thank you for the beauty of your creation."

To our Loving God be the praise and honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.

What's the Difference?

One of my favorite TV programs on The CatholicTV Network is Poco a Poco, four Franciscan friars sharing views on spirituality and practical applications in everyday life.

On the episode I watched a few nights ago, one of them suggested to take time to look at a crucifix, perhaps one on a wall that we walk by so often during the day, or to gaze upon Jesus in Adoration, and ask oneself, "What difference does this make in my life?"

Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash

What is the difference (or what could it be)? Renew a personal commitment to live out that difference. 

And I, when lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself.

                                                                               John 12:32

"Heads or Tails"

My Dad often carried coins in his pocket. He had a nervous habit of putting his hand in his pocket and jingling the coins. My Mom would become annoyed with him when she knew people would hear the jingling coins. However, my Dad had grown up poor, and this may have been a way of reassuring himself that, as long as he had coins in his pocket, he no longer lived in poverty.

We don't carry coins in our pockets as often anymore, especially since we rely on credit cards for many of our purchases. But coins are indispensible in sporting events. There's the coin toss to determine who starts with the ball. The call is, "Heads or tails." 

When I was a kid I'd like to call, "Heads I win, tails you lose." (Clever, if anyone would fall for that.)

Today I was thinking that, in a way, my life is like a coin. On one side there is joy, peace,and an optimistic sense of well-being. On the opposite side are the trials and sorrows and everything that tries to bring me down. I like to think that - whichever way "the coin" lands each day - it is "Heads I win, tails you lose," you being anything that tries to separate me from the Lord. The truth is that whatever situation I am in, He is always with me - good times and in not-so-good times. That's a win-win situation.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 38-39.

Thank you, Father, for your eternal love for each of us. May we be totally confident in your love in good times and in difficult times. May we trust in you and in your unfailing love in every situation, with Jesus, and in the Holy Spirit of Love. Amen.

Photo by Chris Briggs on Unsplash

Set Free!

I had a simple, yet profound, experience of freedom.

Since a cancer diagnosis (twice!), and successful treatments, I am being closely monitored by my doctors. A few days ago I had CT scans again. I receive the results online, even before seeing the doctor. Each time I nervously look at the report, reading it one line at a time.

And so when the recent report came to me, I again looked at it line-by-line. It all looked great, until I read, "Bowel blockage or inflammation." What?! I wasn't panicked, but I did feel disappointed. I went to my doctor's appointment wondering whether there would be more tests and treatments.

When I met the doctor, he read the report and looked at the scans while I was with him. "It looks good," he says. 

"What about the 'bowel blockage or inflammation?'" I asked.

He looked directly at me. "That's a typo," he said. "It should read NO bowel blockage or inflammation."

What?? A typo? Everything is okay?? He reassured me. It's a typo. No blockage.

I felt relief. AND he said he did not want to see me again for 8 months! (It's usually 3-4 months.)

Praise God for that.

I've been thinking about this experience. This morning during prayer time, I realized I have a new sense of peace and - I would say - freedom. I'm taking time to let that permeate. How am I really feeling about this? I feel gratitude. And peace. 

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galations 5:1.

I think the Lord may have allowed this experience for me to sense, even in a simple way, the meaning of being set free. It's like a burden is lifted. It is relief. It is joy. It is being in the Lord's presence. 

I want to relish this feeling of being free. I want it to be an integral part of me that I can return to often. I want to live in this space of peace and freedom. It is a way to enter into the Lord's presence. I know I can trust him - ALWAYS. 

Free image from National Cancer Institute

Encountering a Friend

The other day my husband and I had lunch with another couple who are our good friends. We met several years ago. We keep in touch mostly through emails. Every once in a while I see or hear something that reminds me of them. I am very grateful for our friendship. 

When we and our friends get together in person, however, it's a whole different experience. We have the joy of seeing one another. We share what is happening in our lives and with our families. We may make plans about getting together again. We come to know one another in a deeper way. Our friendship grows. 

I was reminded of this when I read a quote from Pope Francis: "I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus."

Christians are those who have met Jesus. We know Him. We are his followers, His friends. We may think of Him often and even do good works that are pleasing to Him, but that is different from a personal encounter. Just like I think about my friends and occasionally connect with them at a distance, this is not the same as sitting down with them at the same table, in their presence, and enjoying one another's company face-to-face.

To encounter Jesus, I need to go where I can find Him, whether it is in a church, out in the beauty of nature, or in a quiet corner of my room. I put other activities and distractions aside to meet Him one-on-One. 

Here I am, Lord. Thank you for being present here and now. Here's what's been happening in my life... What is it You would like me to know? What can we do together? Where else would You like us to meet? ...  

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in First Grade

I remember a lot about first grade. How some kids cried on the first day, not wanting to be separated from their parents. The little cartons of milk we drank each morning. The pink and green paper letters of the alphabet that we put together to make words. And I remember a blue catechism book with stories and questions with answers to memorize.

    "Why did God make you?"
    "God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him,
    and to be happy with Him forever in heaven."

That response which I learned in first grade pretty much sums up the whole purpose of life. So very many years later I continue to strive to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him. Happiness with Him begins here and now.

In Him I live, and move, and have my being. Acts 17:28.

I Still Need My Savior

There was a story I heard once about a saint who was dying and who was criticized by someone close to her for briefly complaining about her suffering. Her response was, "Thank God, I still need my Savior."

I don't know how true that story is, but when I think of it, it gives me hope. I am always in need of my Savior.

I am continuing to read Casey Cole's book on the Beatitudes. Yesterday I was reflecting on the chapter "Blessed are the Meek," and considering situations that lead me to losing my control. When do people get a rise out of me? When do I tend to lose my temper?... And I resolved to be patient, kind, and keep my composure.

That same day I experienced someone criticizing me.  I felt so misunderstood. My immediate response was to to raise my voice in anger to defend myself. Words were no sooner out of my mouth when I just knew that this was NOT the right response. I was far from being meek. 

Why did I respond in that way? As I think about it, what the person said had some truth to it. Pride kept me from accepting it. I could've said, "You know, you are right about that. I could've done it differently." Words spoken in anger cannot be taken back. Sometimes it's hard to say, "I'm sorry," because it is hard to admit to being wrong.

I still need my Savior.

New Socks

I am super impressed with a book I've been reading, The Way of Beatitude, Living Radical Hope in a World of Division and Despair. It's by Casey Cole, OFM and recently published in 2022.

In it, the author speaks about his own experiences with each of the nine beatitudes in the Bible, gives a little theological background, then presents questions for reflection AND suggestions on how to live out each beatitude. I'm on the first one, blessed are the poor in spirit. He writes about the spirit of poverty as an experience of being dependent and needing to rely on others, ultimately upon God.

One practical example the author suggests to develop a spirit of poverty is to begin a project for which you have no skills. (That takes trust!) Experience the stress and frustration of trying to do it on your own, and then the humility it takes to reach out to someone for help.

Another example is to give away something - not an item which you no longer use and "no longer gives you joy," but something you really like. Better still, give away something you need. This is a way of feeling poverty and identifying with those who are truly poor.

Well, I have a brand new pair of Darn Tough socks. I got them for free and I really, really like them. So I've been sensing the Lord saying to me that I need to give these away to my daughter. What a very small sacrifice. Very, very small. Just to think about giving them away, however, makes me feel a sense of loss. Over a pair of socks. But I will do it. She may not even like them, but that's not the point. I need to give them away.

I am thinking about re-claiming Friday for myself as a day of penance. Perhaps Friday is a day I can focus on living a spirit of poverty, a spirit of generosity and of healthy reliance on others. (More on that another time.)

For now I need to go and wrap up those socks. 😊

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3.

Will I Follow Him?

Today is Sunday. One of the readings at Mass today was from Luke's Gospel, chapter 9, verses 51-62.

Jesus is on a journey to Jerusalem. It says he was "resolutely determined" to get there. On the way, at least 3 people expressed desire to follow Him. He did not immediately say, "Yes, come with me," without making known what this would mean for each one. He did let them know that to follow Him would be a serious challenge.

I'll admit, I used to think that Jesus may have been a bit harsh to these would-be followers. He did clearly make known, however, that following Him needs to be a priority, above all else.

To the first one He said that He "the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head." I am thinking that the first person was used to his comforts, and that is something he would have to give up.

To the second when Jesus said, "Follow me," the man replied, "let me go first and bury my father." To me this does not seem like an unreasonable request. However now I am thinking - this is just my imagination - that the person's father may have still been living, and the person wanted to be with him until he died.This may have been days, months, or even years away. The immediate call of Jesus would have been long gone by then. (Okay, this may be a stretch, but the man was more concerned about his father's affairs than becoming a follower.) Jesus simply said, "Let the dead bury the dead." He - Jesus - is all about life. 

The third person simply wanted to tell his family "good-bye," that he would be leaving to become a disciple of Jesus. Again, this does not seem unreasonable. In fact, it seems like the kind thing to do. However, if that person would return to his family - again, in my imagination - I am thinking that the family would persuade him otherwise. "What are you thinking?" "Why would you do that?" "You don't even really know this Jesus!" And the person would be more influenced by his family than the call of Jesus. (I would even suggest that if the person did immediately answer the call to follow Jesus, the family who cares for him would wonder where he had gone and go out looking. They would find him with Jesus, and perhaps they would all become followers!)

A main point of this reading from Luke is that once you hear the call to follow Jesus - that's it! - Drop everything. Don't hesitate. Nothing is more important than becoming a follower of Jesus. Comforts are not lasting, the dead will be buried, families will carry on... But the follower of Jesus will be forever changed. She or he becomes like the One who is followed.

Just as Jesus would not wait and would not let anyone deter Him from his mission, we also should not wait nor let anyone deter us from following Him.

When Jesus makes a difference in our life, we can make a difference in the life around us with the power of Love that only He can give. Hope abounds. Faith becomes real. His love is personal, freeing and healing. We come to know God as an infinitely loving Father and we share in a common life with our brothers and sisters. He meets all our needs and more. He cannot be outdone in generosity.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20.

Yes, Jesus, I choose to follow you.

In the Garden With Jesus

People do not run through gardens. There is something so very peaceful about being in a garden that one walks slowly, sometimes pausing to take in the beauty.
 
In response to a comment on the post Walking and Talking With a Friend, I saw this video on youtube (with a share option), and so I share it here. It is an old traditional hymn about a very personal friendship with God that is found in the peace of a garden in the early morning. The hymn speaks to me of taking time in our hectic lives just to be at peace with the Lord and talk with him as with our very best friend. 

Thank you, L. for your comments, and for sharing "In the Garden."

My prayer is that each of us reading this may come to know Jesus as  Friend and Savior, that we grow in this friendship and experience the peace and the joy that only He can give.

Walking and Talking With a Friend

A friend and I have been emailing back and forth, and finally we found a time when we could get together in person. We met at a nearby recreation path. We walked on the path and we talked for almost an hour. The time flew by.

Yesterday, another friend wanted to go out for lunch. "Let's get together and go for a walk first," she said. So we drove to a recreation path in the next town. We walked and talked together before heading to the restaurant.

I came away from both of those meetings feeling uplifted and very much at peace. We had shared about what was going on in our lives, a few memories, and our plans. We shared what was new and even what we had not known about one another before. Trust grew. Friendship deepened. AND we got some exercise!

I am reminded of the Scripture reading, "Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God." Romans 15:7. Another translation reads, "Befriend one another..." I like that. Friendship is a precious gift.

In Scripture, we read that Jesus walked a lot. He walked from town to town in the company of his friends. He did a lot on walks. He worked miracles, he taught, he met new people along the way.

I want to make "walking and talking" with friends a regular part of my life. And I want to invite Jesus, who is The Best Friend, to always be with us.

"Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20. 

How to Hear From God

God wants to communicate with us. In fact, Jesus is the Living Word spoken into our lives by the Father. We can go through life, however, not hearing His word because we do not listen for Him. We don't know how, we were not taught to actually hear from God, or we are just too busy. Most serious of all, we don't care.

Where to begin?

God loves it when we ask Him questions. He loves it because this is when we are expecting to hear from Him, He does not disappoint.

Ask Him anything and see what happens. He may answer immediately through thoughts - even by one word! - ("Whoa, I never thought about that before."). Or He may answer through someone who comes into your life ("Wow, that is an answer to my question."). Or a response may come through circumstances ("I never looked at it that way before!). He may answer through something you read ("Wait, I have to read that again.").

Or He may answer in other countless ways. 

“Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” Mark 4:9.

I am thinking that if the response we hear brings us closer to Him, to know Him and to love Him even more, that response may well be from God.

Two days ago I asked, "Father, what do you want me to know about your goodness?" A one word answer came to me, almost immediately. "Constant."

God is constant. Everything around me may be changing, but God is unchanging. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8. 

The word "constant" is derived from the Latin: "con stare," translated "to stand with." God is always standing with me, no matter what I am going through.

So today, to my surprise, the opening hymn in the Magnificat prayer book is: "There is no friend like Jesus, so constant and so kind..." Wow - there's that word again. And I marvel at God's friendship, kindness, and His never changing love for us.

Asking God questions and receiving His responses to those questions is one way to grow in a personal - one-on-One relationship with Him.

So ask Him anything, and see what happens.

Are There Rocks in the Garden?

Again this morning I asked the Lord, "What do you want me to discover today?" And I immediately pictured a rock. The words came to my mind, "My love is hidden under the rocks of your life."

Rocks are hard and of different sizes. I can stumble over them, complain about them, or remove them. The smaller rocks I can remove on my own; with the big rocks, I may need help.

Editted free image by Joeri Römer on Unsplash

If a farmer owns a large rocky field, he could plant crops between the rocks, but crops would not thrive. Those rocks have got to go!

The rocks in my life are anything that hides God's ever present love. His love is hidden by hurtful actions and harmful attitudes. I am stumbling over them all the time. When I am ill and am tempted to doubt God's love..., when someone needs to talk and I am reluctant to give up my time..., when I feel blamed and respond with angry words..., when I am faced with challenging tasks and I let discouragement take hold..., etc., etc.  All these rocky occasions prevent me from seeing God's love.

The Scripture reading that was especially meaningful to me this morning was, "her deserts He shall make like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord." Isaiah 51:3. What a hope-filled verse!

And so I imagine my life becoming a beautiful garden filled with prayer and good works and the amazing love of God. Just as the farmer has to remove those rocks to have a productive field, I need to remove whatever is hiding God's love. May the wastelands of my life become "like the garden of the Lord."

All glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

What Do You Want Me to Discover Today?

There's a priest I know of who each morning asks the Lord, "What do you want me to discover today?" The ideas that come to him guide him throughout that day.

I've picked up on this, and now I also frequently ask the Lord, "What is it You want me to discover today?"

This morning what came to mind was the account of Jesus' final moments when He was dying on the cross. His mother Mary and his disciple John were standing close by, together with Him. Jesus said to John, "Behold your mother," and "from that time the disciple took her into his home." John 19:27.

John was a disciple of Jesus from the earliest days of His ministry. And John lived a very long life, according to Biblical scholars. How very much he accomplished during his lifetime as a Christian. It was at the time of Jesus' death, however, when the first thing he did was especially profound. He provided for the mother of Jesus so she would not need to be alone. He loved her as his own mother. He offered her caring, loving hospitality. How much this must have meant to Jesus.

As I thought about this, I think what the Father would have me discover today is the immeasurable value of truly loving those who are closest to me, to do whatever I can to show loving care. It means doing those routine chores for the family, like preparing meals and doing laundry, etc., not just as chores to get done, but as ways to honor those in my life. It's a way God provides for His love flowing in me and through me to grace the lives of others. There is immense value, even in my routine houseold responsibilities. To God be the glory.

The Water Jesus Gives

Jesus says, "Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water, welling up to eternal life." cf. John 4: 13 - 14.

The footnote in my Bible says that "welling up" is an expression with a vigorous meaning like "leaping up." Jesus was speaking about a vigorous abundant life.

When we call on the name "Jesus," we enter into his presence. What a beautiful name it is!

Jesus, Our parched lives are in need of your living water. Please be a fountain of life welling up within us and may your precious life and love overflow into the parched lives of people around us. Come, Lord Jesus, come. 

Speak, Lord

People who read the Bible regularly, or perhaps even occasionally, have favorite verses - words that have a special personal meaning. I have one very special verse. That one verse confirmed for me a life-changing decision.

Well, actually, there are two verses. The first one is Luke 11:12: "If you... know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Thinking about that verse I was able to open my heart to receive God's love for me - his Holy Spirit - in a profound way.

The second verse is Psalm 37:4: "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." I still remember where I was, the room and the chair where I was sitting, when I stopped to consider those words. What were the desires of my heart?

Even though life seemed to be going well, the desire of my heart was not to be living where I was. This confirmed for me a decision that changed the direction of my life. I decided to move back to my hometown. I changed my job which led to a new career. And this decision eventually led to an amazing marriage.

Today when I pick up the Bible, I like to read the passages slowly. There are times when certain words "jump out at me" and I pause. I wonder, what is it the Lord is speaking to me through these words? And this leads to prayer.

What are you saying to me, Lord?
How can I respond to what you are saying?
What are you asking of me?
How and when do you want me to do this?
What do these words tell me about who you are?
About who I am with you?

And then I often take notes about the ideas that come to me.

I've been keeping a small notebook with short Scripture verses that I see as helpful to me in my daily life. Sometimes I will read them aloud and let the Holy Spirit inspire me through the written word. 

Free photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

God loves to reveal himself to us, and through the Bible is one powerful way we can come to know him.

Our Lord of the Dance

Not long ago, I was thinking about how much the Lord loves a party. There are quite a few Scripture readings about feasting and banquets. Even the first miracle of Jesus was at a wedding feast. 

There is feasting at weddings, and there are even occasions where people come together to feast after a funeral to celebrate life and good memories.

Where there is dancing there is celebration. I thought of the song "Lord of the Dance." I found a video on youtube.

During our life the steps and rhythm may change, but the dance goes on.

Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of life. Thank you for joy and thank you for all the moments of our lives that we share. Through it all, you are Lord of our dance. May we always follow your lead and may we continue the dance with you and one another forever in our Father's Kingdom. 

Opening the Door

About a week ago when I was praying, an image came to mind of a heavy wooden closed door. I wondered what that could mean.

Today I read, "Faith is important to God because it is our surrender and this opens the door for Him to work." Dr. Mary Healy.

Wow. I began to think about surrendering and about opening closed doors. 

 Free image by Karson on Unsplash

To surrender means to give up completely to another. A faith surrender is giving up to God. Wherever I may find myself, in whatever circumstances, His love has me surrounded.

What is it I am trying to battle on my own? Is it a relationship that is not working? Is it illness? An addiction? Guilt? Procrastination? Loneliness? Is it __________? What are the real struggles in my life? Have I been shutting God out of my difficulties? 

"I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand. It is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I will help you." Isaiah 41:13.

"When you call me, when you pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, your will find me with you, says the Lord, and I will change your lot..." Jeremiah 29: 12-14.

Lord, You know what it is that I struggle with behind closed doors. I've struggled a long time. I've been trying to make things better on my own.
You are a helper in times of need, and all you ask is that I open the door to let you in, to let you take over so that your Holy Spirit can work according to your amazing plans for my welfare. I surrender myself and all of my concerns to You.

Jesus, I trust in You. 

Steady or Shaky? How's Your Balance?

A sense of balance is a much needed ability. When I lose my balance, it's easy to fall over. Falling puts me at risk for injury, like bruises, broken bones, or even a concussion.

One of the after effects of chemotherapy that is still with me is some loss of balance. One night I got out of bed in the dark and I fell over, hitting my side against the sharp edge of a table. Oh, the pain! I had thought I was moving straight ahead, but helplessly I began falling sideways. It took at least a month for the soreness to leave me. 

Balance is something I no longer take for granted.

So I am doing balance exercises . I am practicing walking heel-to-toe. I bought a spongy floor mat to stand on, one foot at a time, for as long as I can without grabbing that chair next to me for support. My balance is improving.

To keep my balance, it helps to focus on something directly in front of me. When I turn my head to the left or to the right, it's easy to lose it. If I try walking in the dark, it is also much easier to lose balance. 

I realized that there's a spiritual lesson here about following the Lord. When I keep my focus on Him, my steps are steady. Once I start looking at distractions that pull me away from Him, I put myself at risk for falling. And when I am distracted, I cannot see my destination, much less get there.

Walking in the darkness of sin is when I am really out of balance. Jesus says that He is the Light of the world, and those who follow Him do not walk in darkness. How true! The more closely I follow Him, the more light - goodness, peace, joy, love, generosity, etc. - there is in my life. 

And so I look to Jesus and I follow Him, one step in front of the other. I walk in His light. When I am distracted and begin to lose my balance, my brothers and sisters of my faith community are there to give me support, His support that I need. If I fall over, they are there to help pick me up and to help me heal.

Just as I am improving in physical balance, hopefully I am developing spiritual balance. I want to stand firmly and to walk forward - not with hesitation, but with confidence. I want not only to walk, but to run to my destination. Jesus is the destination, and He is the Way to get there.

Jesus, keep my focus on You. Keep my steps steady. Keep me from falling. As I move ahead by following you, increase my faith and my confidence. Let your holy light shine upon me that I may walk not in darkness, but in your light of life. 

Our world is in need of your light. Especially when we experience darkness, confusion, and doubts, and when we have lost our way, may your bright light shine upon all of us.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.

What a Difference a Day Makes!

This is the Easter season.

On Saturday I had prepared for the family to visit. Since we are not able to get together as often as we'd like, we sometimes celebrate holidays, birthdays, and good news all on the same day. So on Saturday I cleaned, I decorated, and I baked, even trying out some new recipes with great success.

Easter Sunday - what an amazing day! Our church was filled with so many people and the songs were uplifting and joyful. Afterwards the family arrived at our home for an early afternoon dinner. We had a fun time and, for a grandmother, there is nothing sweeter to treasure than hugs from the grandchildren.

Easter Monday turned out to be a sunny day. I looked out at the backyard to see green grass, a blue sky, and yellow daffodils beginning to bloom. This is Spring! I spent time gratefully working in the garden for the first time this season.

Today is Tuesday. I awoke and looked outdoors to see heavy, wet, sloppy snow covering everthing! Even the electricity went out, probably because of power lines downed by the snow. What a difference a day makes.

I noticed that even my mood has changed. From the joy of a day or two ago, it seems that concerns, problems, and worries want to creep into my thinking. What a difference a day makes.

How appropriate that I read this morning, "Why are you downcast, my soul? Why groan within me? Hope in God. I will again praise Him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:11.

My mood may change and my circumstances are always changing, but our God is unchanging. He is forever kind, loving, and merciful. And He has chosen to be a Savior for me. Times of discouragement, worry, pain, and even my inadequacies and sinfulness - all remind me that I do need a Savior. Our God is a Savior who is always available.

And so I come into the presence of Jesus who has experienced the depths of despair and pain and brutal death on a cross. His lifeless body was carried into a tomb for burial. His executioners and even his friends thought that it was the end. Their hopes were dashed. Those who had been closest to Him were confused and so very sad. However, it was not the end. It was a new beginning, for on that first Easter Jesus rose to a brand new life, conquering every evil, even death itself. He offers this life to me, to every person who ever lives.

Once again I turn away from and I renounce my sins, I release my worries and concerns to Him, and I gratefully receive the grace of the new and transforming life He shares with me. This lets me embrace the present moment with hope and look to the future with confidence. This is my joy, that He truly is my Savior. 

From Holy Saturday and death in the tomb to Easter Sunday and the experience of new and glorious life. What a difference a day makes!

Alleluia!

A Time for Waiting

 I had another Doctor's appointment. I made sure I'd be there on time. Not long after I arrived, I was called in to a small room to wait for the Doctor. And I waited...

And I waited..., and I waited and waited. Where was he? No doubt he was with a patient who was in more need of attention than me. I looked at the clock. Fifteen minutes have gone by..., twenty minutes, twenty-one minutes, one half hour... And I am waiting.

Much of life is taken up with waiting.

We wait for pain to end.
We wait for test results.
We wait in lines at the grocery store.
We wait for green lights.
We wait for food to be served.
We wait in darkness for sleep to come.
We wait for the cake to bake.
We wait for answers to prayer.
We wait for the Doctor to come.
We wait...

As I was sitting in that small exam room, impatience and anxiety was building within me. I tried focusing on my surroundings and listening for the sounds outside the closed door. Mostly I was listening for the footsteps of the Doctor.

Finally he came in to see me and he came with his apologies. Yes, there were two very sick people ahead of me, one who needed to be admitted to the hospital.

What about all that waiting time? Each and every moment is precious to the Lord. Our waiting may be His way of asking us to slow down, to "hit the pause button." To become aware of His Presence. 

I did take time to pray while I waited, even in my anxiety. I know that the Lord was with me as I waited. Jesus may well be the one who was waiting for me, waiting for me to give Him my attention. 

Waiting time is not wasted time. It's a time to reflect, to grow in patience, to pray. It's a time to listen for the Lord's "footsteps," coming to meet us. It's a time to become deeply aware that He is the One who meets all of our needs. He is the One so worth waiting for, waiting with. Come, Lord Jesus, come.

In the Boat with Jesus

I was reading an account in Mark 6 where Jesus said to his hardworking apostles, "Come away with me. Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while." (Verse 6) They all got into a boat and headed toward another shore.

What would it be like to be in a boat with Jesus? So I used my imagination, thinking of a sunny day, light breeze, and a clear, calm lake - a really relaxing place to be.

It would be so very quiet, with just the sound of water lapping up against the boat. I'd look up and see a flock of birds flying overhead. In the middle of the lake the boat would be gently rocking with the motion of the waves and freely drifting along. Sunlight would be brightly glistening off the water. I breathe in the fresh lake air and I feel very much at peace.

Then I look and - in my imagination - I see Jesus in the boat, and he is smiling. It's as if he is happy to be here, and happy to show off the beauty of his Father's creation. 

Then he takes up the oars and starts rowing toward shore. In no time, we are there. In my mind's eye, I see crowds of people, each moving in his or her own direction, not really looking at one another. One is carrying a lot of heavy packages, another is limping in pain, one has fallen. Another is looking around as if lost. All of them are just walking by one another. And I think of the words of Heidi Baker: "Stop for the one." 

I know what I am to do. 

There are people I encounter every day who are in pain or some suffering. Others have heavy burdens. Some are on the verge of giving up because life, for them, has become hard to bear. With mostly all people, I have no idea what they are going through. I cannot walk by. Although I cannot help everyone in need, I can "stop for the one."

The One has stopped for me. And this has made all the difference in my life. Others have supported me over the years when I have been in need. And I am grateful.

In Mark 6, the boat with Jesus does make it to the other shore. When they arrive, there are crowds of people who are there ahead of them. Jesus looked upon them and had compassion on them. They were people in need. He stopped for them, he taught them, and he gave them food to eat. That must have been a day they remembered for the rest of their lives.

And so I am reminded to come away and rest for a while, to be at peace, renewed, and energized. Then I shall be ready to "stop for the one."

Keep On Going!

Yesterday I walked out of the doctor's office feeling like a new person. I had been nervous about this appointment. After the exam, the doctor said, "Everything looks great."

Whew! Relief. Joy. And much gratitude! 

Good news makes me feel energized. I wanted to celebrate. When I returned home, I decided to go for a run.

It was about 46 degrees, cloudy and very windy. "I'll just do one mile," I said to my husband as I was headed out the door.

(If you read the previous post Cool Running, you know I'm not as fit as I'd like to be.)

It was not an easy run. Before completing that one mile, I wanted to stop and walk and catch my breath, but the desire to reach my goal was stronger than that desire to quit. I was determined, one step at a time.

For me to run is a celebration. I do it simply because I can, and out of gratitude for good health. And I will persevere for as long as I am able.

"Alive and Breathing" is a song I love. It's another Matt Maher song, but his lyrics really speak to me and I am pleased to share it. Happy to be alive and breathing!

Jesus is the Way and He is the Destination. To follow Him is challenging - not always easy - but the joy of journeying with Him, wherever He takes us, is truly awesome, beyond description.

It's Almost Spring

On my walk the other day, I stopped by a nearby brook. It was flowing powerfully after the snow melt.

Today I thought about that brook as I read, "Grace is flowing in my direction, and I yield myself to its powerful current that's taking me places beyond my wildest imaginations." Brian Orme

Today "grace is flowing in my direction."
Grace is God's love coming after me.
His love is coming after me in whatever circumstances I find myself.
His love is coming after each and every detail of my life.
He never gives up seeking me - longing for a real personal

relationship with me.
He doesn't want us just to be acquaintances, but the closest of friends, of family.

I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. John 15:15.

God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9.

Today I take the time to be still before Him and let His love

flow in my direction. As in a strong current, I'll let myself be swept off my feet and be carried along in His grace "taking me to places beyond my wildest imaginations."

It's almost Spring.
Come, Holy Spirit of God's love, come!

Lesson from the Fig Tree

I never liked figs. Fig Newtons - ugh! A few months
ago, I mistakenly bought a big bag of dried figs,
thinking they were dates. I didn't read the label.

Fig trees were very common in Biblical times.They
lined the roads leading to Jerusalem. Even today,
figs are abundant in the Middle East.

There's an account in the Bible about Jesus actually 
cursing a fig tree. It happened in the Spring of the
year as he was heading to Jerusalem with his disciples. 
Jesus was hungry and he saw a fig tree in the distance.
There were leaves on the tree, but it was not yet
the season for ripe fruit. He went up to it looking
for figs. There were none. He must've been very
disappointed. He said to the tree, "May no one eat
fruit from you again." Matthew 11:14. The fig tree
withered.

The lesson I take away from this is that the Lord
expects "good fruit" from me at all times. It may
be the kindness I extend to others, generosity,
helpfulness to those in need, prayers, etc. I sometimes
say, "This isn't the right time." Or, "the circumstances
aren't quite right." Or, "I'll do this at a more convenient
time." I often want to wait for the "perfect time" to 
get things done.

Scripture also says, "preach the word; be prepared in
season and out of season..." 2 Timothy 4:2. So when
I am inspired to share an encouraging word or make
the effort to do something good for others, even
though the time doesn't seem quite right - and I
question myself - I need to just do it. Otherwise it
may never get done. 

About that bag of figs, I ate them even though I 
didn't like them. By the time I got to the last of the
figs, I discovered I actually developed a taste for
them. I no longer dislike them.

Maybe that's something else I now have in common
with Jesus. We both like figs. 😊

Let the Children Come

We had a great visit with the grandkids. They are healthy, happy, energetic, loving, and so much fun. After coming home, I missed the excitement of being with them.

Then I turn on the TV and see images of Ukrainian children who are like our grandkids, who are walking long distances and some being carried, many crowded into busses - all leaving behind the security they have known. Leaving behind toys and friends and routines, their homes, and even their Dads. Children and babies clutched by anxious mothers who are fleeing terror into an unknown future. Then there are the orphans who have no relatives to care for them. They are all refugees. As I am writing this I see video of a maternity and children's hospital that's been bombed by a massive explosive. 

What is happening to Ukraine is evil. More than a million children are displaced from their homes and millions more may follow. Even millions more will be left behind, unable to get out of a country under military attack. Many will die.

Last night I listened to this seven minute Meditation on Ukraine of a personal account of how children are being received in Poland. It ends with a way we can respond in a spiritual way to support the children. I am taking up the challenge and also doing what I can, even in a small way, to financially support humanitarian efforts.

Jesus said, let the children come to me, and do not prevent them. Matthew 19:14. I can imagine Jesus gathering the children to himself, smiling and laughing with them, placing his hands on them to bless them.

I am grateful for all the children in my life and I thank the Lord for each one. May Our Lord bless the Ukranian children and make a way for them that they may have a future full of hope and peace.