Through the Presence of a Child

Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Our granddaughter, Savannah Jane, now 10 months old, is plunged into a crowded world of unfamiliar adults at our recent family gathering to celebrate my 60th birthday.  As you can surmise from the photo above, there are plenty of folks to adjust to and get to know.  She spends most of the first hour of introduction intermittently crying on the shoulders of her mom or dad.  She is not a happy camper!

We all pay due respect to this precious child's need to acclimate to an entirely new situation; it is unanimously understood.  We are patient, cautious and kind.  By the time the group photo is taken, Savannah Jane is completely in her comfort zone, neither worried nor concerned by the confusion swirling around her.  Instead, she finds peace and a sense of place.

She has found her stride, and is right where she is supposed to be.

In the midst of all, loved.

In the uncertainty of it all, loved.

In the brevity or longevity of contact, loved.

~

So many times, we cry just like Savannah Jane did when we feel overwhelmed by life's circumstances and fail, in those moments, to feel the presence of the Father in our lives.

But we can discover that treasure once again when focus upon the face of a child, one like Savannah in whose eyes the Kingdom of Heaven still lingers.

We will find our stride.

We will know exactly where we are supposed to be.

In the midst of doubt and uncertainty, we will feel God's presence.

In the brevity or longevity of trial and tribulation, we will know His love.

Heaven has come to earth through the presence of a child.  May each of you find that blessing!

~

Will you remember that you are God's child?  He so loves you and you are precious in His sight.

Prayer:  Father, let us come into Your presence with child-like faith, knowing we are Your beloved children.  Let our trust and faith in You be pure and holy at all times.  May we serve You in loving gratitude each and every day.  In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

My Solitary Place

Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

So many of my Christian blogging friends have shared their daily practice of rising early to greet the day in reading and meditating upon the Word, spending time pondering and reflecting upon scripture, and engaging in meaningful conversations with God.  If you have been following my blog these past two weeks, you are aware of my Lenten discipline to spend time with God every morning before I even turn on my computer and respond to the demands of the day.

Before our recent home renovation, I was using our kitchen table to settle down with materials gathered in order to put this invaluable time into practice.  No longer!  In our modest, but intimately reformed middle bedroom, I've created a lasting space and place for morning worship.  My solitary place.  Surrounded by the reminders of God's love for me, it is the perfect environment to simply be with Him.

Trusting in His presence and promises.

Dwelling with Him as I read His word and gaze out the window at His gracious creation.

Writing out my thoughts which He inspires.

Resting in His everlasting arms.

Prepared to begin my day on the narrow way and to keep it there in faith.

~

Do you have a special place set aside in your home where you daily spend time with God?

Prayer:  Father, may we always realize and treasure the necessity of spending intimate time with You each and every day.  Allow us, by Your Grace, to seek Your wisdom and love so freely offered, and claim it in quiet and solitude, knowing You hear our prayers and are working within us to help us remain on the narrow way.  In Jesus' name, amen.

Renovation!

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:  The old has gone, the new is here!

My husband, Danny, and I have wanted to replace the carpeting in all three bedrooms with wood floors since we got married almost ten years ago (Our kitchen, dining area, living room, and hallway already enjoy this blessing).  But with two cats and a dog, not to mention Danny's boys just entering their teen years, we decide the time is not right.  There are other, more pressing issues with regards to our house.  Wood floors are a luxury.  We can live with the carpet for now.

Fast forward to 2014.  No more dog.  No more cats.  Only one son, now grown and, fortunately for us, a neat freak, we begin discussing this home improvement project in earnest.  The carpet is 23-years-nasty.  No amount of stain removal or cleaning can revive its weary nap.  To top things off, the carpet which was in our downstairs room had to be ripped up and discarded two years ago due to the lingering, tell-tale odor touting a history of our cats' territorial squabbles.  A concrete slab belongs in the garage, not in our home! 

Here are some "before" photos ~

We plan carefully for this huge renovation, doing things step by step, putting money aside every month until Danny feels we can comfortably handle the expense.  We are fortunate to find out about a flooring company managed by the son of one of Danny's co-workers.  As we've already checked with other companies in the business, we know, when we get the quote, that we've landed a true deal.

This is how our living room looked after we emptied all closets in preparation.

When the long-awaited day for installation finally arrives, we are beside ourselves with excitement.  We are so ready for this change, for the old to be gone and the new to be here!  In my mind's eye, I try to imagine the transformation about to take place.  But nothing prepares me for the beauty and elegance which greets me when the job is completed.

Danny and I are completely overwhelmed.  We both feel as though we've moved into a brand new home.  And I can't help but think that's exactly what it feels like the moment we invite Jesus into our lives.  He takes up all the soiled and sinful carpets in us, carries them out the door, and renovates us with resplendent hope and an abundant life through His gifts of love, grace and forgiveness.  Jesus changes us from the inside out so that we may become more and more like Him every day and constantly growing in faith.

Jesus wants to make us new.

Will you, have you, let Him?

Prayer:  Father, it is my prayer today that someone who does not yet know You will read this post and be moved to take one step closer to accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  I pray also for those who have become new creations in Christ, that they would continue to grow in Your love and Your grace.  In the name of Jesus, I pray.  Amen.

Think About Such Things

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is holy, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

The news in the media today, whether you get yours from television, newspapers, or the internet, gives rise to daily distress.  We are bombarded by unspeakable evils:  Incompetent, corrupt and dictatorial governments; random and plotted murders; the ongoing slave trade; the abuse of children and the elderly, the heinous persecution and beheading of persons because of their religious beliefs.

And the list goes on.

Seemingly forever and ever and ever . . .

With no end in sight.

You can, I'm sure, add your own personal angst and anguish to this frightening, mind-boggling aggregate of senseless tragedies.  But may I suggest, in our own sorrow and sadness at the state of the world, that we, as Christians, focus on something different.  Not in terms of forgetting the injustices by any means, but to render them ineffective through the power of prayer and through our own positive actions in this world on behalf of our Lord, Christ Jesus.

As Saint Paul says in the scripture above, we are to contemplate the goodness granted to us from God through Jesus.  We are to think about such things with heart, mind, soul, and strength.  We must remember, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, the truth Jesus speaks:  "I have told you these things, so that you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

No matter what troubles, trials, frights, or fears this world throws at us, we need, more than ever, to rest in Jesus' promise to us.  We need to trust that He has conquered the world, and there is no evil which can separate us from the love of God.  (R0mans 8:35)

With that knowledge in our hearts and minds and souls, let us go forth in hope and faith and strength.  Keeping ourselves focused upon all our Lord has taught us, and praying for those  who suffer at the wicked hand of oppression.

Knowing their stories will not end there.

For our God, our ever-loving and omnipresent Father, is there for them, in this life and in the next.  

~

What pain, what heartaches, are weighing upon your soul today?

Prayer:  Father, we thank You for the precious gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came not only to save us from our sins, but to overcome the sins of the entire world.  In these times of uncertainty and fear, help us to focus upon Your promises, Your unchanging Word, to challenge in Your name, the injustices of this world in which we live and where we have the opportunity to do mighty works in Your name.  In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

Conversations With God

Matthew 6:16-18
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting.  Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.  But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

When I hear the word "fast," I immediately think of going without food for a specific length of time.  Many Christians will choose to fast as part of their Lenten discipline.  While I have no problem giving up certain foods during Lent, when it comes to skipping meals, my body refuses to cooperate.  I become cranky, irritable, and downright ugly if I'm forced to wait an inordinate amount of time to eat when my stomach is screaming, "Now!"  Take my word for it.  You do not want to be around me at those moments!

This past Sunday in her sermon, Conversations with God, our associate minister, Pastor Lindsey, speaks of fasting in an entirely different light, one which I can eagerly embrace.  She calls it "Media Fasting."  This involves limiting time spent with any techno-gadgetry or outside entertainment and using that time, instead, to talk with our Father.  Pastor Lindsey recounts a recent trip to a weekend retreat when she made the conscious decision not to listen to the radio as she drove the distance there and back.  In the silence, she was able to pray and listen for God's answers.  The experience was such a positive one, Lindsey tells us she plans to continue this practice whenever she's in her car.

I can vouch for that.  Years ago, when I was writing devotions daily, I could not afford distractions which interfered with hearing the inspirations which God was trying to give me.  I treasured every quiet moment when I could ponder the scripture chosen for that day and hear Him speaking to my heart.  That's when I, too, kept the radio at bay whenever I had errands to run.  There were even times while driving when more than one devotion would gel in my mind, ready to be penned the moment I reached home!

Of course, as the pressure of daily devotions changed to bi-weekly, I began flipping on that radio again.  So, this Lent, I'm giving it up, determined to use this time to converse with God.  Additionally, I'm switching up my morning routine which, up until now, has been to turn on my computer, hitting e-mails, Facebook, news, etc. before curling up with my Bible and settling into my Father's lap.  I've only been days into this practice, and already the blessings have been better than I could have ever imagined.

With regard to giving up a food for Lent?  Are you sitting down?

BACON!!!

Yep!  My all time if-it's-cooked-and-in-the-fridge-I'll-eat-it favorite!

I know.  Small sacrifice in the bigger scheme of things.

But every time during Lent when I find myself craving it, I'll run to the Lord with shiny hair and a clean face, thanking Him for all He, in His great love, sacrificed for me.

~

Do you fast during Lent?

Prayer:  Father, remind us that the most important conversation we will have all day will be the one we have with You.  You will always listen in love.  You will always answer in Your time.  You will never fail us nor forsake us.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

The Great Teacher

Psalm 46:10
He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

But I am slowing down and savoring quiet time and letting the Lord teach me and guide me through this guided quiet.  Silence is a great teacher. ~Sharon at Something to Think About 

Quiet time.

Silence.

When was the last time you experienced either one of these?  Are they desires you wish fulfilled?  Or situations best avoided?

I know of folks who maintain their televisions 24/7, even when they are not watching the shows.  The sound of voices in conversation and commentary keeps the quiet at bay, reassures them that they are not alone.

I know of folks, ear-plugged into a steady stream of music, who can't abide the silence.  Music sings to them that they are not alone.

Why cannot the same be found in silence?  As Sharon describes it most aptly, and I might add from experience, it is the "great teacher."

But do we believe it?  Do we trust it?

What happens to us when we give way and allow the silence to envelop us?  Embrace us?  Define us?

Will we finally realize that, in the silence, we are not alone?

As we stand on the brink of the Lenten Season, pondering our giving ups and our taking-ons to allow us to grow closer to the Lord, I encourage you, if you have never done so, to make a vow to welcome silence into your heart and mind.  Give yourself the room to simply be still.

To rest without the distractions of the outside world.  To allow God the freedom and opportunity to speak to you in the calm and the hush.

Tune the world down.  Tune God in.

I guarantee, you won't feel alone.

You won't be alone.

~

What disciplines are you planning to practice during Lent?

Prayer:  Father, as we prepare to meet the joy of Your Son resurrected on that blessed first Easter, may our Lenten season be filled with Your presence and guidance.  May we find comfort in the sounds of silence where Your voice is clearly heard, and know with confidence that we are not alone, for You are always with us.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

I Love Lucy

John 15:15
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business.  Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

When our granddaughter, Virginia Rose, visits us for the day, she always brings at least one stuffed animal, if not more, along with her.  I'm usually the one who picks Virginia up and takes her home, and I always remind her, if she doesn't have one at the ready, to fetch one of her beloved animals to bring with us.  Recently, however, my husband, Danny, has a work-related errand he needs to run in the neck of the woods where she lives with her parents and sister, so he volunteers to pick her up that morning.  In her excitement at seeing Papa, Virginia completely forgets to bring a stuffed toy along.

(Virginia, age three, with her favorite kitty)

"You didn't bring Tattie (Kitty) with you?"  I ask, surprised when Virginia comes flying over to hug me with no companion under her arm.

"I forgot, Gammie," she says despondently.  Although Grey is right in view, Virginia doesn't go for him as a substitute pal.  Maybe it's because he's been a constant fixture on our printer as my inspiration to keep working diligently on Adventures in The Glade that she overlooks him as a potential playmate.  To Virginia, poor Grey is just part of the furniture.  I can hear his protests right about now!

Suddenly, Virginia's face brightens.  "Horsey!"  she exclaims.  "Horsey in Papa's closet!  Can you get it for me, Papa?  I need a friend!"

"Yes, I'll get it," Papa says, "but remember, Virginia, it's very old and you must be extremely careful with it.  My great-grandfather made it, so it is special to me."

"Me be careful, Papa, I promise."  (Yes, we are struggling with teaching Virginia the difference between "I" and "me" when she's speaking.  And her Gammie, being a proud member of the grammar police, won't give up that fight!)

Virginia accepts Horsey gratefully, giving it a gentle hug, and wanting me to place it on the table so her new friend can watch as she plays with her Crazy Sand.  As I sit with them, I'm amazed at the conversation, albeit one-sided, that Virginia carries on with Horsey.  Patiently, she explains everything she is doing and why, asks Horsey some questions, and gives the answers, too, as she imagines the inanimate toy speaking for itself.

Then a thought strikes me.  "Virginia," I say, "have you decided on a name for your new friend?  Horsey is okay, but it's not a real name, one that a friend deserves.  Can you think about a name for Papa's horse?"

Virginia is immediately deep in thought in response to my question, half-heartedly diddling with her Crazy Sand as the wheels in her head are whirling round.  I'm thinking this process could take a while, but am pleasantly surprised when she quickly emerges from her reverie and announces, "She's Lucy."

"Lucy?  That's a marvelous name, Virginia," I say, fondly reminded of the beloved character in C. S. Lewis' Narnia Chronicles, stories so dear to my heart.  "So Horsey is a girl, right?"

"Yep!"

I'm curious.  "How did you know that 'Lucy' is a girl's name?"

"Me meet a little girl named Lucy the other day," Virginia informs me.  "Me like that name."

"I like it, too," I tell her.  "I'm sure Lucy is happy to have a child name her after all these years."

Virginia reaches for Lucy and gathers her close.  "I love Lucy, Gammie," she says.  "We'll be best friends."

"No doubt about that, sweetie.  You'll be the best of friends.

~

Isn't it awesome that Christ Jesus knows us by name and has called us not as servants, but as friends who grow closer to Him each and every day?  How has He, as your friend, made the Father's will known to you?

Prayer:  Father, we are infinitely blessed to have You, through Christ Jesus, as our friend.  Because of Your Son, we are not servants, but beloved sons and daughters, the children of Your light.  Through Your Word, we know Your business and Your promise, Your grace and Your love.  We thank You for calling each of us by name.  It is in Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

Looks like Lucy has made another friend!