Courage For His Faith

 

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. ~John 8:32

I would like to be remembered for having courage for my faith. ~Charlie Kirk

This past week, our nation and the world are rocked to our very core.  Turning Point USA founder, Charlie Kirk, is brutally assassinated at Utah Valley University while engaging students in his signature "Prove Me Wrong" discussions.  In these sessions, Charlie invited anyone to question him and his conservative outlook on life, helping young people to think for themselves in logical, moral and fundamental ways while encouraging healthy, constructive debate.  He fostered civil, respectful and compassionate dialogue, showing that everyone, no matter what their political or religious persuasion deserves to be heard and treated with dignity.

In an eerie parallel to the Butler, Pennsylvania attempt to assassinate now President Trump, this shooter accessed a rooftop on the campus where crowds had gathered to hear Charlie speak and for some, to wait patiently in line to pose their questions to this unique man wise beyond his 31 years.  The perpetrator fires only one shot, but it takes only one to end a life so boldly and unabashedly lived for Jesus, and for the freedoms of speech and religion espoused the our Constitution.

But if the killer thought that his heinous act to silence Charlie would work, he was delusional.  Instead, the exact opposite, and I would add miraculous, effect resurrected beauty from ashes.  On Sunday, as I'm drafting this post, over 36,000 requests for campus chapters of Turning Point USA have poured into their headquarters.  Charlies authenticity and grace-filled love for Jesus, some have posited, has sparked a spiritual revival among Gen-Z-ers who are returning to the church in unprecedented numbers.  And more than ever, young people aren't afraid to question, speak out and speak up with the same authority, conviction and love that Charlie showed to them.

This powerful movement which Charlie began in life will only magnify and multiply in the wake of his untimely death.  And all because he knew his Lord and Savior, spoke the truth in love, and set the minds of millions free from fear and subjugation to a secular culture that is oppressive and intolerant of anyone professing faith in God.

As a physical man, Charlie literally stood head and shoulders higher than most, but his spiritual body will be a towering touchstone for not just this generation, but for countless generations to come.

I will close this post with one of Charlie's quotes about Jesus:  Let's mirror His heart, speaking truth firmly yet tenderly, trusting that only God can open spiritual eyes.

Amen, and again I say, amen!

Harbor of Rest

 

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.  The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"  He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet!  Be still!"  Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.  He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid?  Do you still have no faith?" ~Mark 4:38-40

This past Saturday, I indulge in something I haven't felt the need to do in quite some time: Taking a nap after lunch.  Life has simply been too crazy and demanding as of late, so quiet moments when I have no looming obligations to meet are few and far between.  I'm settled in comfortably on the couch, dozing blissfully, when the unexpected happens.

>BOOM<!!!  Thunder rudely jolts me to unwanted wakefulness.  How has a peaceful, overcast afternoon morphed into a gully washer?  Rain and even pea-sized hail drum against the windows and ping off the skylights.  The wind, too, joins the percussion section, pounding our swept decks with all types of forest debris.  Who (but Jesus) could possibly sleep through this?

I certainly can't, so reluctantly, I rouse myself up, my hopes for a longer nap dashed by nature's sudden show of force.  The storm is short-lived, but the damage is done.

~

All of us will encounter storms at one point or another as we live out our days.  These storms can be literal or metaphorical, but they can feel threatening to our feelings of safety and security all the same.  It is in these times of trouble that I recall our former minister, Pastor Wallace's wise words:  "Sometimes, Jesus tells me He will keep me out of the storm, and at other times, He says, 'This looks like a good one, Wallace.  Let's ride this out together.'"

And that's precisely what Jesus is telling His disciples in Mark 4:38-40, and it's what He's still telling us today.  We need not be afraid of the storms when we walk with Him.  He will see us through them all when we place our faith and trust in His sure and saving grace.

Jesus is our anchor of stability and calm in times of chaos and confusion.  May we all know the protective harbor of rest only our Lord and Savior can give to our weary souls.

Amen!

And the winner of Cheryl Smith's Homespun Devotions - Volume Three is Glynn Young, who blogs at Faith, Fiction, Friends.  Congratulations, Glynn!  Your autographed copy will arrive soon.

Book Launch and Give-Away

 

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" ~Matthew 4:4

When Cheryl Smith, a long-time blogging friend, contacts me and asks if I'll help to promote her latest book, Homespun Devotions - Volume Three, I am thrilled!  I've read and enjoyed her previous devotional books, and I can't recommend them enough to those of your searching for a down-to-earth, home-grown collection of stories that are sure to enhance your daily walk with God.

Cheryl's unpretentious writing style reveals her beautiful heart.  She puts the reader at ease right away with her honesty, transparency and hope in the Lord's love for her and for all of us.  She is an expert at finding the miraculous in the mundane (as my blog's subtitle states) and can turn everyday occasions into unique opportunities to encounter God's presence in entirely new ways.

Here's how Cheryl describes her labor of love:

Homespun Devotions - Volume Three continues a series of books that record the piecing together of many of the stories of my life and the rich spiritual truths that God has imparted along the way.  As you read these homespun narratives of faith, family, love, marriage, motherhood, friendship, and the music that is such a part of my heritage, you will discover glimpses into moments of the soul-searching and intense struggles I have experienced while journeying to a place of complete surrender to the One who bled and died for me.

Beautifully said!

While we all need spiritual nourishment, the Lord knows we also need our daily bread.  Cheryl has included as a bonus in this volume 50 tried and true family recipes that reflect her Southern roots.  They are sure to delight all of you who love to cook.

And here comes the fun part:  Leave a comment below to be automatically entered in a chance to win a free copy of Homespun Devotions - Volume Three.  Your name will be placed in a hat, my husband, Danny, will do the drawing, and the winner will be announced on next Tuesday's blog.  I'd love to include my out-of-country followers in this drawing, but the high cost of shipping overseas is prohibitive.  I know you will graciously understand.

Should you not win, you can order any of Cheryl's devotionals from Amazon.  

May her latest collection of devotions touch your heart as deeply as it has touched mine!

Amen!

About the author:

Cheryl E. Smith is the author of the books "Biblical Minimalism:  Following Jesus from a Life of Abundance to a More Abundant Life," "Homespun Devotions - Volume One," and Homespun Devotions - Volume Two."  She blogs at www.biblicalminimalism.com, where she writes about minimalism from a Biblical perspective, and www.homespundevotions.com, where she writes devotions and conducts "Inner Views."  She loves to spend time with her husband and

son in the mountains, sing, play her guitar, and write.  You can hear her original songs on YouTube@mountainhopeband.

Thank You for Being a Friend

 

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. ~Proverbs 17:17

When I stop and reflect upon all the amazing people I've met in my years of writing this blog, I am both humbled and filled with gratitude.  It has been one of the most rewarding, enlightening journeys I have had the privilege to embark upon and I treasure being able to do so once a week.

Living in Blogland is an incomparable adventure.  We connect with others' hearts and minds, and share hopes and fears honestly and openly.  Most of you who follow my blog have become dear and valued friends, even though we've never met in person, I feel that your words, photos, beliefs, and dreams are woven into my being like kindred spirits who always encourage me to be better, to fully become the person God created me to be.

That being said, my hope and prayer is that I've brought the same authenticity and inspiration to your day in my once-a-week message.  Some of you faithfully leave comments to that effect, giving me the feedback that every blogger needs to keep on keeping on.  While I know some of you don't respond to comments left on your own blog, your continued visits here assure me that you are still vested in me and on the same virtual page.

Any way you might choose to acknowledge another's presence in Blogland should be honored and respected.  Please know that when you do leave a comment here, my practice is to respond to it in a timely and positive manner.  Yes, I've messed up with this from time to time, but it's my goal to stay the course I've set out for Mediations of My Heart.

Afraid you might not get back around to see if I've responded?  I have a solution that most of you have probably figured out (I can be a slow learner when it comes to all things tech).  Before you publish your comment, check the Notify Me box just below to the right.  You will not only receive an email message when I've answered, but also you'll have the benefit of seeing the comments of others who are, more likely than not, blogging buddies we share in common.

I've also adopted the habit of using your name when answering your comments.  That way, you can see immediately the response that matches your input without having to return to the actual blog itself.  Easy peasy!

Each and every one of you holds a special place in my heart, and you always will.  Thanks for the blessings your blogs give to me and so many others.  But most of all, thank you for being a friend. 

 

Amen!

Swords to Plowshares

 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ~Matthew 5:9

My generation, the Baby Boomers, and all the ones who have come behind us, have witnessed seemingly endless conflicts between nations around the world.  Sadly, many of those wars involved our country at one time or another, and the loss of human treasure, those brave men and women who willingly fought to keep us free, is incalculable.

Sometimes, conflicts are unavoidable and necessary to protect our country's sovereignty and freedoms.  Just ask any veteran why he or she served in our military.  They are patriots without equal.  And I, for one, am so thankful to each and every one of them for the lengths they were willing to go so that we can enjoy a prosperous life in the United States.

Danny's son, Giovanni, is a staff sergeant in the Air Force.  We couldn't be prouder of him and his honorable and dedicated service to our country.  But like all parents, we pray that he will never be in harm's way because of a decision to put boots on the ground (or planes in the air) in a foreign land.  Yes, we pray for him and all our children, but now, because of President Trump's peace through strength initiatives, we can afford a sigh of relief.

In the short seven months since the second Trump term began, we've witnessed a whirlwind of monumental achievements by his administration, not the least of which is brokering peace between warring nations.  Here's a rundown of clashes resolved:  India and Pakistan; Thailand and Cambodia, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Armenia and Azerbaijan; Serbia and Kosovo; Egypt and Ethiopia, and a cease fire between Israel and Iran.  As of this week, seven countries have nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

We don't yet know what will come of the Russia-Ukraine war, but with such a track record of success, I'm praying that the aggressions can end before the year is out.  Economic sanctions and tariffs have certainly contributed to foreign countries coming to the table to make a deal with the United States.  I believe that no true leader who loves his or her nation wishes to be remembered as someone who financially bankrupted their people because they refused to compromise in some way.

President Trump is masterful when it comes to the art of the deal, and he's employing the skills he's honed over a lifetime to not only make America great again, but to improve the lives and prospects of millions of people around the world.  He and his administration are proving day after day that strength and peace go hand-in-hand.

And someday, when our Lord returns to reign, the prophetic words of Isaiah will see fruition:

He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples.  They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.  Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. ~Isaiah 2:4

Amen!

All it Takes is a Smile

 

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. ~Proverbs 14:31

Here's a riddle for you.  What costs you nothing to give, yet makes you richer in the giving?  The answer?  Kindness!

In my comings and goings, no matter where I find myself, I try to be aware of the demeanor of the people around me.  What expressions do their faces display?  Do they seem worried, preoccupied, frustrated, detached?  Armed with a smile, I will try to make eye-contact.  It's amazing how quickly an unexpected smile will be flashed in return.

Many times, too, when the situation seems appropriate, I'll actually speak my kindness aloud.  For example, earlier this year, Danny and I are dining out and I spot a young couple with a toddler who has the most stunning eyes and excellent table manners to match.  I approach them and offer my sincere compliments regarding their child's behavior.  Their thank-yous and sweet smiles are the only reward I could ever want or need.

I'm willing to wager that all of you who regularly visit my blog practice random acts of kindness in your daily lives as much as you possibly can.  I can tell not only from the encouragement you give me in your comments, but also from the content of your varied and meaningful blogs.  So many of you highlight kindness in words and in the photos you share.  I hope you know, dear friends, that you are making this world a better place with every post you pen.

In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists kindness as one of the fruits of the Spirit.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.  And we know as believers that the source of these virtues does not have its origin in sinful humanity, but comes from God through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  We are only able to nurture these fruits horizontally if first we seek the vertical:  a living relationship with the Lord.

As Solomon states, when we are kind to the needy (and I would argue that we are ALL needy), we are honoring God.  To do otherwise is to pose the lie that we don't need our heavenly Father every single moment of every single day.

When we intentionally practice kindness toward others, we are doing our part, no matter how small, to bring God's kingdom to fruition here on earth.

And sometimes, all it takes is a smile.

Amen!

Slow and Steady

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ~Hebrews 12:1

Danny's doctors advise him that it's safe to resume exercising once he gets home from the hospital, but to take it slowly at first.  I'm not at all surprised by the take-it-slowly part.  After battling his pneumonia-type illness, Danny has quite a way to go when it comes to getting back ho feeling what he would call normal.

In light of that, we go downstairs to our "gym" so Danny can get some time in on the treadmill while I try out the stationary bike for the first time.  It's one that Danny orders when he is trying to heal up his knee a while back.  It works for him, but most certainly doesn't work for me.  I find the bike to be awkward as it places too much stress on my arms when I attempt to ride it.

The solution?  Right here!

Danny orders this "mini-bike" from Amazon (where else) and when it arrives, he successfully assembles it in about an hour.

The best part about this mini-bike for me is I can easily lift it and set it up wherever I am - either downstairs with Danny or sitting in front of my computer watching a show.  I have no excuse to not use it as much as I possibly can.

The older we get, the more crucial it is for us to stay active.  And it's necessary, considering our limitations, to not let the sin of being sedentary hinder our progress as we persevere in the race God has marked out for us.

The days for running like a hare have been replaced with the slow and steady plodding of the turtle, but even that lowly creature makes progress over time.  And in Aesop's famous fable, it's the turtle who eventually wins the victor's crown.

We know when we faithfully traverse the path that Jesus has laid out for us in this life, we can rest assured that we will be with Him for eternity.  Could there be a more glorious win than that?  I think you know the answer.

Amen!

Bye, Little Laptop!

 

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. ~Matthew 24:3

Pictured here is my hard-wired computer.  It sits atop an antique drafting table which my father secures for me when, then a biology professor at Emory University, he finds out that the department plans to toss them before the building is renovated.  I'm thrilled to have it, but never in my wildest dreams could I have envisioned something from the early 20th century being home for a 21st century tech wonder.

I used to have a tall chair to match the unusual height of the desk, but when I read that it's better to stand at your computer while surfing the web, we ditch it.  That set up works well for a time as Danny gets me a cushy pad to stand on.

Sadly, though, after my bout with pneumonia in early 2022, I find it nearly impossible to stand for long comfortably.  That's when my little Chrome laptop comes to the rescue.

She's been my go-to partner ever since, especially when I need to read a plethora of blogs or muddle through emails.  And even before that, this little gem would travel with us on our holiday trips and frequent visits to my mother's before she passed away.

Last Friday morning, it's business as usual when I notice that the laptop needs some juice.  I place it on tope of our printer where its charging cable is readily accessible and plug it in.  But when I check the indicator light that tells me it's powering up, I'm met with darkness.  Bordering on the definition of what Einstein called insanity, I unplug and plug it up again.  Nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.  It seems this poor overworked baby has finally given up the ghost.

This is not a time to panic.  I remember that Danny has a much newer laptop which he rarely uses, bought for the same reasons a mine is originally.  I know he won't mind if I use it during those times when I'm not in the standing mood.

It takes Danny the better part of the afternoon to set up his laptop so I can reach the sites I normally visit, but he's my computer wizard.  He actually enjoys doing things just like this and boy, am I ever grateful!

This laptop is definitely larger than the little one I was using, and the keyboard feels more natural and responsive when I type on it.  It's a wonderful upgrade from my beloved little gal whom I will miss, but I know I'll enjoy using my new-to-me model.

This experience serves to remind me that nothing in this world lasts forever.  Our very bodies will eventually wear out, just like my dear little laptop.  But the words of Jesus will resonate long after the earth and the heavens have passed away, and He will be with our souls for eternity.

Amen!

Goodness and Mercy

 

Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. ~Psalm 28:6

Since his release from the hospital on July 11th, Danny continues to heal from his illness precipitated by the prolonged use of the drug, Amiodarone.  I'm overjoyed by the progress he's making in such a short period of time, and Danny's optimistic about a full recovery down the road.

The Lord has more than certainly heard our cries for mercy in these recent days, and has poured out His grace in abundant ways.

There is one obstacle, however, that casts a shadow on our elation.  Because the doctors have placed Danny on steroids to assist with the healing, it, ironically, compromises his immune system.  He's advised not to be where there are crowds as he could be adversely affected by contagions others might carry.

I never thought I'd ever say anything good about the effects of the Covid plague, but I will state this:  It trains Danny to use Instacart like a seasoned pro!  Just this week, he orders items from both Costco and Whole Foods and both are successfully delivered.  When we have to make the trek to our local Publix, I go into the store with a list while Danny waits in the car, the a/c cranked, where he can stay cool and isolated from the masses.  I'm mindful when I return to the car to promptly use hand sanitizer.  So far, so good!

What makes us saddest about this whole situation, though, is being isolated from our church family.  If Danny had not fallen ill, this past Sunday would have been one of our scheduled services to lead praise songs.  There are also two important events happening at our church in the next two weeks that we would love to attend, but aren't able to.  We know everyone understands the pickle we're in, but that doesn't change our desire to be there with and for everyone we love.

How long will Danny have to be under quarantine?  His doctor advises until at least the third week in August.  In the meantime, he will continue to wean off of the steroids as the weeks roll on.  That's such a good thing, not only because of the immunity issues, but also because steroids can raise glucose numbers if eating isn't closely monitored.  Yes, Danny does the finger prick several times per day to get his readings.

Considering the condition Danny is in at the time he enters the hospital and the condition he is in now, we can't thank and praise the Lord enough for this miraculous recovery.  Your heartfelt prayers have certainly been heard, and acted upon, by our loving Father in heaven.

May we faithfully praise the Lord's goodness and mercy every day we draw breath.

Amen!

What Are the Odds?

 

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." ~Matthew 19:26

Several weeks back Danny notices that one of our backgammon dice is slightly nicked on a corner.  That might seem like an insignificant issue, but any imperfection can affect how a die rolls on the playing board.  He decides to order new dice sets for us.  Mind you, these aren't just any old run-of-the-mill dice, but the very type used in world-wide backgammon championship tournaments.  Talk about upping our game!

We notice right away that the dice will do things we've never witnessed in our previous sets.  We can roll them as usual but at times, one of the other will actually tip up on a barely perceptible edge of a corner and stay there.  Quite the balancing act!  But the photo in the header takes the cake.

No, I don't stage these dice for photo drama.  These are exactly how they land, one neatly stacked on top of the other.  Amazed, I grab my cell phone to document this phenomenon to testify to the truth of what has impossibly happened.  Neither Danny nor I have ever seen anything to match such a stunt in all the years we've played backgammon.

What are the odds of that?  Just being a millimeter off would have made all the difference.

This past weekend marks the anniversary of the infamous assassination attempt made on President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.  As those moments of uncertainty and dread are relived on the news, the undeniable truth becomes abundantly clear.

Because Donald Trump turns his head slightly, with intentions to focus the crowd on a huge chart depicting the drop in illegal border crossings during his last tenure a shot intended to end his life only grazes his ear.

A split second between life and death.

A millimeter of a difference.

How is it even possible that the shooter fails to hit his target?  He has training, experience, opportunity.  By human logic, he shouldn't have missed.

But God.

During those appallingly anxious moments, my first reaction is shock followed immediately by prayer.  My mind races back to memories of previous, gut-wrenching assassinations in our country's past.  In light of those outcomes, my heart fears the worst, and yet, still beats with hope as tears flow unchecked.

And then, the miracle!!!  President Trump is on his feet, his fist pumping the air, blood streaming down his face.  He's not just alive, he's full of life and fight.  What are the odds of that?

What more and more people, including Trump himself, have come to realize since that horrible day is that the God who makes the impossible possible intervenes at precisely the right place and the right time.  In spite of the many in this nation who disavow Him, the Lord still envisions this country as His shining city on a hill, and continually and lovingly calls us back to Himself.

My prayer, today and every day, is that all people in this nation will confess their sins, repent, and commit themselves, heart, soul, mind, and strength, to the One who always knows the odds.

And if we do, I'd say our odds couldn't be better.

Amen!

Too Blessed to be Stressed

 

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. ~James 5:16

Our Fourth of July weekend is not at all what we expect.  For several days, Danny is dealing with an intermittent cough that simply refuses to go away.  When he spikes a fever last Thursday, we know he has to address this issue pronto.

Son, Nicco, to the rescue!  He promptly drives over and takes Danny to a reliable urgent care just north of us.  The doctor on duty determines that the next step should be a visit to the emergency room.  Danny and Nicco decide that the Piedmont ER in Jasper, GA, probably won't be a madhouse this close to the holiday, and though it's a 40-mile drive, it's much less congested than it would be if they head downtown to the main Piedmont hospital.

Imagine my surprise when, in the wee hours of the morning, I discover that Danny is back home and in bed!  What???  I think that at least the hospital would have kept him overnight for observation, especially when the doctor he sees says his pneumonia-like symptoms are triggered by a medication, Amiodarone, that Danny has been taking ever since the pacemaker incident in January of 2024.

Yes, the doc makes the wrong call.

The very next day, July 4th, sees a lather and repeat.  But this time, Nicco takes Danny downtown where he can see doctors with whom he is familiar, and who know his medical history on a more personal level.  His cardio surgeon's PA takes him off that insidious "A" drug, secures the necessary breathing treatments, and prescribes a more substantive medicine for his cough.  To top it all off, the pulmonologist with whom Danny has a scheduled check up the next week, drops in for his assessment, so that nixes the need for keeping that appointment!

But here's the biggest surprise of all.  Danny's oldest son, Giovanni, shows up unannounced at the hospital!!!  Here are the two guys clowning around.

Having his boys with him does wonders in lifting Danny's spirits and gives him the encouragement he needs to keep on keeping on.

So much so, that Danny sends me a meme on Sunday morning stating the same phrase as is featured in the title and header of this post.  How it makes my heart sing, even though it will be quite some time before we can literally return to singing together at church.

I attend our church solo that day.  Lots of prayers are said and so many folks who know and love Danny are praying for his healing, which we trust will happen in God's time.  Would all of you, dear readers, pray for Danny, too?  I trust that all your sincere prayers to our loving Father on Danny's behalf will all be powerful and effective.

And truth be told, each and every one of us who know and love the Lord are too blessed to be stressed.

Amen!

I write the draft for this post today on Sunday afternoon.  Here is the medical update on Monday from the doctors back on a regular schedule.  Danny will remain in the hospital through next weekend.  When he is discharged, he will most likely have to be on oxygen for a while.  The damage from the Amiodarone is not to be taken lightly.  He's been advised that it could take months for him to truly get over this.  Continued prayers for Danny and our family are so very much appreciated.  And while you're at it, please remember and pray for all the victims in the horrid flash floods in Texas over the weekend.  I can't even imagine the hurt and grief these families are enduring right now, but God does.

You Light Up My Life

 

And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. ~Genesis 1:3

We are definitely in the middle of a typical summer storm pattern here in the South.  The hot days cause a lot of evaporation that encourages the formation of thunder storms, possibly severe, to crop up in the late afternoons or early evenings.  Last Friday night testifies mightily to this seasonal phenomenon.

It's 7 o'clock, and Danny and I have just begun playing our ritual, after-dinner backgammon games.  Being the weather fanatic that he is, he has his phone open to his favorite radar detection app, so we have an accurate prediction of there the current storms are heading and when they might arrive on our doorstep.  As I mentioned in a previous post HERE, we rarely lose our power during storms, even in the worst ones.

But as life teaches us time and again, there are exceptions to every rule.

BOOM!  Our lights vanish in the blink of an eye.  Danny springs into action.  He grabs two flashlights within arms reach of the kitchen table and hands one to me.  Then down the stairs he goes to the laundry room where are emergency lanterns are stored.  He returns in no time and at least, with the extra lights, we can see enough to make do.  But what about our backgammon games?  It's obvious that one of our lanterns will have to be elevated so it can illuminate the board.

Yes, that's an industrial-sized roll of clear wrap we've had on our kitchen island since we purchased it in February of 2022, and it's still going strong!  It seems like a good idea at the moment, but we quickly realize that parts of the board are still in shadow.  Danny selects another type of lantern to sit on the other end of the board to see if that improves things.

It does, but something still doesn't seem quite right.  Yes, pun intended, a lightbulb goes off in Danny's head.  He has recently purchased a battery-powered light for his music stand, and has a strong feeling it just might do the trick.  Voila!

Happily, our games can now continue, even though I lose more than I win.  I wish I could say I'm a graceful loser, but I'm not.  Danny has so much patience for which I'm most appreciative.  After we play round after round, we're ready to switch gears.  Danny finds one of my favorite shows on my phone which we set up on a special tripod bought to make our FaceTime calls with family members hands-free.

The hour-long show concludes, and as it does, our power returns!  Just in time for me to get ready for bed without having to tote a flashlight with me.  And thankfully, too, with the a/c back up and running, we can rest assured of a cool and comfortable night's sleep.

I must confess that I have, at times, teased Danny about his prepper tendencies.  Not anymore.  He literally embodies that old boy scout motto:  Be prepared.  All his gadgets sure come in handy on this dark and stormy night.

So, honey, thank you for being here with me through the good times and the bad.  You always and ever, light up my life!

Amen!

No Matter How Different

 

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone is is the same God at work. ~1 Corinthians 12:4-6

In kindergarten, our oldest grandchild, Virginia, is introduced to the concept of making frames out of colored popsicle sticks.  Her artwork may seem primitive at first glance, but I see promise.  Her Papa and I still cherish it to this day, and it's proudly displayed on a small table beside my computer desk.

I surmise that, as much as she loves to draw and color, Virginia might just have a gift for art, one she can realize more fully as she grows and matures.  The once five-year-old is just about to turn fifteen.  No, I can't believe it, either!  And my hunch about her artistic abilities has come to fruition in those ten short years.

Her mom, Sarah, sends us these photos of her most recent creations.  I'd love to know what you think.

And Virginia's favorite character, Hugh Laurie, from Dr. House.

When we chat this past week on FaceTime, I tell Virginia how marvelous it is to have been given such a talent by God, and that she should continue to develop it for His honor and glory.  She gets it.  This isn't about her prestige, her ability, and perhaps, her future notoriety.  It's all about being thankful to the One who, in His gracious generosity, bestows unique gifts upon all His children.

I hope and pray that Virginia will always place her love for God above every other love in her life, and choose to be a servant leader in any and every endeavor she undertakes, whether it be in the field of art or in an occupation she can't even yet imagine.

And isn't that what we all should aim for in our lives?  Because no matter what our achievements and accolades received in and by this world, they cannot hold a candle to the One who makes it all possible.

For all of us, no matter how different our gifts might be, we can rest assured that it is the same Lord and God at work in us.

Amen!

There, but for the Grace of God

Our house in the winter months

 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. ~Ephesians 2:8

I'm sure that those of you who regularly read my posts already know how enamored I am with living in a forest.  Our home can truly be called The Little House in the Big Woods.  As summer is literally heating up, having this much shade all around moderates the severity of the temperature and cuts down on our air conditioning costs.

I wouldn't be honest, though, if I didn't admit that there are some drawbacks now and then.  Danny is vigilant in keeping his eyes on all our trees to determine whether any limbs are dead or dying, and if the location of such branches poses a threat to our roof, decks or driveway.  When the consensus is a "yes," he will promptly contact a trusted tree removal company to mitigate the chances of damage to the property.  In rare cases, we've had to have entire trees cut down due to disease and even a once-in-a-lifetime (knock on wood) lightning strike that adversely affects two giant pines that were growing close together in the back yard.

Last Tuesday, we experience a particularly drenching rainfall accompanied by thunder and downdrafts to beat the band.  No tornado sirens scream, but since I'm here in the house by myself (Nicco has taken Danny for a pacemaker check in downtown Atlanta), it's all I can do not to head downstairs to our safe room.  Thankfully, the storm is short lived.

But the damage is done.

A dead limb, not previously perceived as an immediate threat, succumbs at last to gravity's pull.  Not during the actual storm, mind you, but two days later, making it that much more dangerous for the unsuspecting.  What shakes me up the most is where it lands - right over one of our two compost piles!

And the place from which it broke.

All I can think of, and thank the good Lord for, is that Danny was not dumping the raw waste from our kitchen into that compost bin at that fateful moment.  The weight of the limb and its impact could have killed an elephant, let alone a human being.  There but by the grace of God, could have been Danny when that ill-fated branch fell.

Ahh!  The grace of God is truly amazing, indeed!

Amen!

God's Peace and Presence

 

For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. ~Isaiah 55:12

I'm so grateful to live where we do.  When I need to be reminded of God's peace and presence, all I have to do is step out on our deck, sit on one of our benches and look up.  The trees, their branches laden with a myriad of summer leaves, tower above me, their soaring heights forming a cathedral ceiling of green.  Their light-seeking faces lifted in prayer and praise to the One upon whom they depend for life and growth.

And in the winter months, when twigs and branches display skeletal features, still they stretch and strive to adown the sky with unique acclaim for the One who created them.

When the weather is inclement and precludes sitting outside, I can always find solace in God's word.  I keep my Bible, devotional and grace journal in what Danny and I unceremoniously call the "Middle Room."  This is originally Nicco's bedroom growing up.  Now it serves as a place of study and reflection for me, and the space where we break forth into singing as we practice the praise songs we sing at our church.  So many positive vibes and thoughts happen here.  It creates a quiet, yet palpable, spirit of peace.

The table itself is a source of joy for me.  Many a happy meal is shared by both my mom and dad when just Danny and I would visit.  Later, after dad's passing, Virginia and I would often go to their home in Oxford, Georgia, to stay with mom for the weekend.

Yes, that is a very little Virginia at age seven!  But she is seated at that very same table where memories continue to be made.

There is a part of me that wishes the both of us felt confident enough, health-wise, to travel like we used to, seeing sites that aren't in our own backyard, but those days aren't in the offing.  All the more reason to thank the Lord for all His past blessings that give us cherished memories, and to embrace the blessings of each new day He sees fit to give us.

And if you're planning a vacation away with your family or friends this summer, may you go out with joy, and be led out with peace in all your adventures.  I would love to hear about your plans in the comments!

As for me, I'll be content to sit on our deck, and hear the birds singing along to the rhythm the rustling trees create as they clap their hands for joy.

Amen!

God Shed His Grace

 

Why are you cast down, O my soul?  And why are you disquieted within me?  Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God. ~Psalm 42:11

When I happen upon this quote by the Reverend Billy Graham, I'm instantly inspired.  My word for the year - GRACE - clamors for my immediate attention.  But it's the way he links grace with mercy and hope that really gets my thoughts whirling.  How is hope even possible for our minds to grasp if our loving Father didn't place it there when He created us?  And how can we even begin to comprehend the depth of God's mercy and grace unless we confess that we are sinful beings in desperate need of a Savior?

It is all interconnected.  Inextricably intertwined.  A trinity without which we neither live, move nor have our being.

Simple, isn't it?  Then why, when we see the chaos and confusion in our world today, are so many people despondent and discouraged?  Their souls, as so aptly expressed by the psalmist, are cast down and despondent.  They crave solutions, release, happiness, freedom, but hopes placed upon anything other than God will never satisfy.

To paraphrase a popular song (or two), they are literally looking for love in all the wrong places, not realizing that they can't get no satisfaction outside of God Himself.

Blessedly, here in the United States, there appears to be a spiritual revival afoot, especially among the younger generations.  This could not happen at a more crucial time in our country's history.  In a Fox News op-ed written by the Reverend Samuel Rodriguez and published on June 1st, he states in part:

This is the age of Aquinas and Augustine, of Kierkegaard and Lewis, of Tolkien, Lennox, Wright, and others.  An age where orthodoxy is not an obstacle but a lifeline.  Young men and women are hungry for truth, tired of relativism, and ready for something real.  This is the pendulum swinging back.  Not toward nostalgia - but toward a rediscovery of eternal absolutes.

He goes on to highlight the cultural shift in perceptions about God and Christ as witnessed in American Idol contestants unapologetically performing worship songs, to the NFL players (and many college players, too) sharing prayer time before and after games.  Rodriguez attests:  The name of Jesus is being lifted - not with fanfare, but with authenticity.

If this trend continues to gather steam and attention, who knows how many lives can and will be saved for eternity?  A nation that places its hope in God will not just survive, it will thrive!

So, thank you, Reverend Graham.  The evangelism to which you committed your long and illustrious life has proved fruitful, indeed.  God's mercy is reigning over this land, so there isn't a reason for any of us to be downcast.  May we freely lift our unified voices to boldly and joyfully sing:  America, America, God shed His grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.

Amen!