And, Don't You Remember?

Mark 8:18
Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?  And don't you remember?

Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder. ~E. B. White

My granddaughter, Virginia Rose, is delight in action.  I never cease to learn something new from her each time she visits.  At age three, she is markedly more aware of the world around her, but she largely remains in her own small one.  That finite world which defines her as the center of the universe.

What do I mean by that?  Let me offer an example.  We are in the same room.  I'm watching her tossing a tennis ball with her Papa, aka, Danny.  She makes a great catch.

"Look, Gammie!  See?  Ginya caught the tenna ball!"

"I see," I assure her, wondering how she was unaware that I was watching the entire exchange.

Then, it hits me.  Whether or not we are standing right there, intently observing, without Virginia's perception being explained outside her immediate involvement, nothing has transpired!  Her affirmation of the action which just took place is the only thing which enables others to share in her experience.

And, it hits me again.  Hard!  How many times had God said, "Look, Martha!  See?  What a marvel I've made of this moment!"  Have I assured Him with an, "I see, Lord," or have I missed it because I'm too caught up in the cares and worries, the fears which Satan would have me fall prey to?

Have I missed this one-of-a-kind opportunity?  Have I ceased to wonder?  Did eyes and ears fail to see and hear?

Did I forget how much He loves me?  How He is present and close and available to me every second of the day?

Did I dare take for granted His mighty power and majesty shining through even the smallest of details?

"Look, Gammie!  See!  Hear!"

Let me see, Lord, let me see and hear . . .

So, that in everything, in every place, in every time, I stand in the presence of Your wonders.

~

Are you standing in the presence of God's wonders today?

Will you pray with me?

Loving Father, may Your will be done in all things.  Let us remember, even when we don't feel Your presence, that You are there with us.  Open our eyes and ears to the glories You have in store, that we might praise You and bring Your Kingdom that much closer to fruition in this world.  Amen.

Well Done!

Matthew 25:21
His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come, and share your master's happiness!"

Recently, my family attends the dedication ceremony of three resident halls on the Emory - Oxford College campus in the small, historic town of Oxford, Georgia.  We are guests of honor as one of those halls is named after my father, William H. (Bill) Murdy.

Dad's career began at Emory University in Atlanta, or "Big Emory" as the Oxford College folks refer to it.  He taught biology for over 30 years, serving multiple times as chairman of the department.  Time and again, Dad found himself in situations which called for true servant leadership (you can read a detailed description of what it means to be a servant-leader at my friend, Andy Wood's, blog Lifevesting).  His talents were noticed.  Really noticed.

My brother, Bill, affectionately recounts the day when the president of Emory tapped our father to be the new dean of the then struggling Oxford College.

"Can you give me a few weeks to think about it?"  Dad asked as this would mean a huge life-shift for him.

"I'll give you all the time you need," the president assured him, "as long as your answer is 'yes.'"

And, as they say, the rest is history.  Dad served as dean of Oxford College from 1987 until he retired in 1999.  In those 12 years, the college saw a massive transformation for the better.

Why?  Because Dad let with vision, confidence, and respect for all who worked with him.  He valued their input.  He listened attentively.  Everyone had a role to play.  Everyone was an important part of the Oxford team.

Dad never asked anyone to do anything he wasn't willing to do himself.  He was never too busy to lend a helping hand or give requested advice.  He practiced the art of civil discourse, and compromise when necessary.

But, as the speaker noted when recalling Dad's qualities:  "Dean Murdy never compromised on his values."

Nor, should we.

As Christians, we are called to carry Christ's message of love into the world, but not be of the world.  We are called to be good and faithful servants, in tasks both large and small.  If we are following our Lord, we are loving Him with our whole hearts and loving others as ourselves.

Dad's life and work reflected this Golden Rule.  The beautiful residence hall may bear his name, but his legacy of love, leadership, and service are written on countless hearts of Oxford graduates, faculty, and staff.

And, on the heart of God . . .

Well done, Dad!  Well done!

~

At this point in my posts, I usually leave a question for you.  Today, I leave you with photographs from this day's events taken by my husband, Danny.  Enjoy!

It was a windy day, and these coverings of photos and plaques kept trying to blow away.

My brother, Bill, and mom, Nancy, talking with Oxford folks.

Waiting for the ceremony to start.

Dean Stephen Bowen is the first speaker.

Joe Moon, Dean of Campus Life, was hired by my Dad and is still faithfully serving the college.

Michele Sheets, Director of Residential Education & Services

Bill and I holding etched glass tributes to our father's legacy.  Very emotional . . .

Virginia Rose was so well behaved during the ceremony.

Three generations enjoying the beautiful day.

The residence hall

Love this photo of my dad . . .

Will you pray with me?

Dear Father, create in us the heart of a servant, that we may love and serve You with our whole hearts and love others as ourselves.  We thank You for the lives and legacies of other Christians who have inspired us in our faith walk.  May we one day hear You say of our earthly lives, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"  Amen.

Postscript:  After seeing the photos, some of you may be wondering why my father is not at the ceremony.  Unfortunately, or, perhaps, fittingly, as Dad always hated being "fussed over," his Alzheimer's has progressed to the point where he can no longer leave the house.

We Walk by Faith

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

As I write this devotion, it is day one of the government shutdown.  By the time you read this, the government could be back up and limping running again.

Maybe . . .

The last time this happened, the shutdown lasted for three weeks.  All the while, my husband, Danny, who works for the Environmental Protection Agency, had no job.  No income.

It's the same scenario all over again.

Did we see this coming?  Did we prepare?  Yes, as best we could.  And, now, with the uncertainty of the length of unemployment, and the question of whether or not federal workers will be given back pay for these missed days, we walk by faith.

Danny and I discuss this month's budget and examine any areas in which we can cut expenses.  With his being our sole source of income, it's especially important to lay all the cards on the table.  To separate needs from wants.  Not that either of us are ones to splurge on anything, but being mindful never hurts.

Lucky for us, Danny keeps a monthly budget on Excel and makes sure it balances to the penny.  This makes it easier for us to see where corners can be cut and modifications made.

While October will see a tightening of our financial belts, the one thing we won't skimp on is what we give to our church.  I'd rather eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every day of the week than deny my God His due.  After all, it is He who will see us through these tenuous times.  Give us hope and comfort in the day of trouble.

So, we will pray.

We will hope.

We will be confident.

We will trust.

And, always, walk by faith with our God.

~

Are you facing financial uncertainties today?

Will you pray with me?

We pray today, Father, for all those persons adversely affected by the loss of a job.  In the midst of their troubles, give them hope and confidence.  Lead and guide them in Your will and Your ways, and give them the faith to trust that You are working all things for good.  Amen.

Fingerprints of God

1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord does not look at the things people look at.  People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

My mother has a favorite saying, one I heard repeatedly growing up:  Don't judge a book by its cover.  Sage advice, but easier said than done.  Especially in a culture which celebrates outward beauty and youthful looks.

We need seek no further than the "People" type of magazines confronting us each time we stand in the grocery store check out line.  Their glossy, come-hither covers feature entertainers and celebrities with flawless looks and perfect figures.  Those who are deemed by the media to be stunningly gorgeous or handsome.  It's enough to make us loathe looking at our own reflection in the mirror.

Then, there are what I like to call the "rag-mags," the weekly trash bins touting  in lurid photos which movie stars are now overweight, or who look hideous without make-up, or are dressing in an unflattering or scandalous manner.  When we see how "ugly" they are in appearance, don't most of us feel, unfairly, might I add, just a wee bit better about our own looks?  I wouldn't be caught dead in a bathing suit that skimpy!  I thought I was fat - just look at her!  She's just a Plain Jane without her make-up after all.

And, on and on and on we can go.  It is human nature to be drawn to the outward beauty of a person even though we may experience episodes of jealousy, or be repulsed, and selfishly gratified, by another's physical detriments.

It is sinful human nature.

In this year I've named "Love," God has opened my eyes in surprising, delightful, and even alarming ways.  When I catch myself on the verge of judging that person-book by his/her looks, either exquisite or lacking, He gently nudges me, reminds me of His great love for all people no matter how they may appear on the outside.  He takes my hand to walk that second mile of understanding and compassion.  Asks me to love them.  To see His fingerprints all over them.

To know, unequivocally, that His fingerprints are on me, too.  That I am His beloved child, loved and cherished just the way I am.

No matter what the mirror says.

Loved . . .

~

You are God's unique creation.  His fingerprints are all over you!  Will you live that way? 

Will you pray with me?

Thank You, Father, for showing us that beauty is only skin deep.  Give us the eyes to see as You see and the the hearts to love as You love, knowing Your fingerprints are on every precious person You have created.  Amen.

Content and at Peace

Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.

As many of you already know, I've declared Sundays to be my day of rest from all things internet.  Everything, so far, has gone better than expected as you can read here.

However, this past Sunday is different.  The day before, we have to put our beloved cat, Allie, down due to cancer.  Danny is scheduled to travel to Nashville for a conference on Sunday afternoon.  My stepson, Giovanni, is home for dinner, but goes to his girlfriend's house for an evening visit.

I am, suddenly, all by myself.

Alone.

Oh, how I want to get on that internet!  To just connect!  Cruise through Facebook!  Check my e-mail!  Respond to blog comments!

This house is just too big, too empty, too quiet.  I so miss my loved ones.  I miss my friends.  I miss the chatter, the play, the conversations.

I want that internet!!!

And, then, His still, small voice comes to me . . . You are not alone, for I am always with you . . .

His comfort washes over me.  I am calmed.

I do some cleaning.  I bake cookies.  I write up blogs.  I indulge in a television program.  I listen to our CD from today's worship service.  I pray for others.  I reflect upon the day and give thanks to my Father that Danny arrived safely at his destination.  I pray for travel mercies on his return trip Tuesday.

And, I'm content and at peace.

I'm not alone.  I never will be.

For God's promise is true.  It is everlasting.

I am with you always to the very end of the age . . .

I don't need the internet.

I need the Lord.

~

When you are feeling alone, to whom do you turn?

Will you pray with me?

Father, we are so grateful that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to save us and assure us that we are never alone.  Through the Holy Spirit, He and You are with us every moment.  We need never feel lonely if we turn to You each and every day.  Amen.

CHAOS!

Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

We all go through times of confusion and upheaval in our lives.  While these experiences are inevitable, certainly, they are not ones we enjoy.

Maybe, it's a loss of a job or too much on your plate at work which sends you into a tailspin.  Perhaps, you're having issues with your spouse, significant other, or your child.  Or, you've lost a loved one, and the demands of life as you grieve are just too much.

Everything around you is CHAOS - Can't Handle Any Overwhelming Stress!

And, sometimes, our stresses can affect us not just mentally, but physically, too.  These physical manifestations can take any number of forms.  Can imitate serious health problems even when there are none.

In his book, Crazy Love, Christian author and pastor, Francis Chan, describes such an ordeal:

I had never experienced heart problems until a couple of years ago when I began to have heart palpitations.  Over time they became more frequent, and this worried me.

I finally told my wife.  In case something happened to me, I didn't want it to come as a complete shock.  She suggested I go to the doctor, but I resisted because I'm stubborn and that's what I do.

You see, when I was honest I knew what the problem was.  I was immersed in and overcome by stress.  It was the Christmas season, and I had to take care of and think about a lot of things.

But, on Christmas Eve the issue intensified so much that I told my wife I would go to the emergency room after the church service.  During the service, however, I surrendered all of my worries and stress to God.  My symptoms slowly went away, and I never went to the doctor.

Now, I'm not suggesting to you, nor do I think Pastor Chan is, that you ignore serious health issues if you are suffering from them.  By all means, see a doctor!  But, before you do, place all your worries and stress in the hands of the Great Physician.

Pastor Emily recently shared with me how she now defines CHAOS when everything seems to be in crisis and out of control.  Wow!  Did this ever speak to my heart!

CHAOS - Christ Has An Obvious Solution

Yes.  He.  Does.

I think we would all do well to remember that . . . 

~

How do you handle stress in your life?

Will you pray with me?

We are so thankful, Father, than when we are weary and burdened, or just plain stressed out, that we can know Your peace, Your comfort, Your rest.  May we always seek You first in times of trouble, knowing You will carry us through.  Amen.

You can order Francis' book, Crazy Love, here.

The Greatest Story Ever Told

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

When I was a child, I had several books which I read multiple times.  Why?  Because the stories and the characters were genuine, compelling, and they touched me deeply and indescribably.  What were those novels?  Charlotte's Web, The Hobbit, and The Chronicles of Narnia.  In my childhood, they were, to me, the greatest stories ever told.

And, if you've read The Glade Series, I'm sure you can detect the influence these beloved books and authors had on me.  What with the talking animals, the mystery, the adventure, and the underlying Christian themes, their inspiration becomes clear, though my writing voice is, indeed, my own.

When my first novel in the series, A Trip, a Tryst, and a Terror was released, I recall hoping with all my heart that it would become a favorite story in the hearts of others.  One which they wished to return to and reread countless times over.  That was my hope.

That was my prayer . . .

So, imagine my utter delight when I recently receive the following comment from my friend, Mary, on my Facebook page, The Glade Series.

After months of savoring it, I finally finished "The Moment of Truth"!  It was spectacular!!  You truly are a gifted writer!  The characters became my friends and, at the end, I was sad to close the book and see them all go!!!  To me, that's a sign of an amazing book!!  Please, please keep writing, sweetie!!

Could any writer anywhere not be overjoyed and overwhelmed by such a vote of confidence?  I know I am beside myself at Mary's generous, heartfelt praise.  Will she reread the series to hook back up with her new friends?  I do hope so!

And, what is it one is truly seeking when drawn to reread anything, be it fiction or non-fiction?  Do we identify with a particular character?  Are we in need of a good laugh, or a cry?  Or, are we so moved by the story's content that we simply must embark upon that journey one more time?

That's how I feel every time I read the Bible.  I can come across the same passages, the familiar words, the engaging stories, the hard lessons, the evidence of God's love, again and again and again, and never grow weary of them.  In fact, each time I reread, it seems God reveals something deeper and more meaningful than ever I could envision.

God, the consummate Story Teller, meets me where I am and carries me forward.  His stories renew me.  Lead me.  Heal me.

Make me whole . . .

I'll continue to read and reread for my lifetime the Greatest Story ever told.

~

How about you?  Will you continue to let God's stories speak to you, time and time again?

Will you pray with me?

Father in Heaven, we thank You today for the Scriptures You have given us, equipping us for every good work in Your name.  My we immerse ourselves daily in Your Word, and grow in righteousness because of Your lessons and love.  Amen.