Leaving a Legacy

 

Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past.  Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you. ~Deuteronomy 32:7

Family photos are priceless heirlooms we can pass on to our children and grandchildren one day.  They will recognize our pictures, of course, but what about their great-grandparents?  Aunts, uncles or cousins whom they've never met?  If meaning and context aren't attached to their ancestors, why would they even hold on to a past when they feel no connection with it?

While I do have some photos and albums stored here at the house, the amount Danny has is overwhelmingly vast.  The reason?  When my brother and I clean out our mother's home after her passing, I take the letters between family members to sort through and he takes the photos in order to do the same.  Sadly, neither one of us has made a lot of progress to date.  Danny's recent project to tackle and sort through all his bins (yes, bins!) of photo albums inspires me to get a move on!

It all begins when he finds these made-in-America plastic containers created especially for photo storage.

As you can see, he has labeled each collections of related photos.  He is so fortunate that pictures of his grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles have been passed down to him over the years.  He also knows that if these photos remain in those adhesive-backed albums, they will not last as long as he would want them to.

I love watching the painstaking process unfold while learning more about Danny's family at the same time.

When Danny had hair!

Danny and baby brother Dominic.

This is but a miniscule example of what Danny has accomplished thus far, but you get the picture (yes, pun intended).  Not only has clutter been reduced and unwanted photos tossed, but the streamlined look of these plastic cases can be conveniently stored unlike those cumbersome bins in which they once resided.

Now there is an easy, accessible way for us to remember the days of old and consider past generations, while leaving a legacy for the generations who will follow us.

Amen!

Are you creating photo memories for your children and grandchildren?  Let me know in the comments.

And don't forget to visit The Christian Lounge during Holy Week!

Miracles of the Forest

 

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. ~James 5:7

On our many spring time visits to the Great Smoky Mountains, we notice the abundance of trilliums in the loam-rich, leaf-covered forest floor.  But the header photo isn't taken in those beloved hills, they are right here in our very own backyard!  Their purple blossoms reflect the season of Lent in which they bloom before Easter arrives with all its splendor and glory.

We first notice them sprouting through the leaf mulch a few years ago.  Danny has lived in this home for 35 years and, until that time, he had never seen a single one.  Now, I'm curious.  How did the seeds get here?  Is there a story behind them that we never knew?

Danny decides to have an AI conversation to determine the source of these beautiful wild flowers.  Personally, I'm a bit leery of the AI world, but the facts it can consolidate in moments from a plethora of information is astounding!  In other words, I can't cite exact sources for the details I'm including in this post, but if you ask the right questions of AI, you will discover the same information that Danny does.  Words in italics indicate the AI narrative.

To say that the life cycle of the trillium is complex is the understatement of the century.  There are so many components that have to be present before they can even appear.

• Long Maturity Cycle:  Trilliums typically take 7 to 10 years to grow from a seed into a blooming plant.  During the first several years, they may only produce a single, small leaf before they finally develop their signature three-leaf structure and flower.  If trilliums had grown in Ireland, do you think St. Patrick could have used them to teach the Irish about the Holy Trinity?
• Seed Dispersal by Ants:  Trilliums rely on ants (a process called myrmecochory) to spread their seeds.  Ants carry seeds to their underground nests to eat a fatty attachment called an elaiosome, then "plant" the seeds in their nutrient rich waste piles.  Who said that ants are only pests?  I take it back!
• Environmental Triggers:  Trilliums are spring ephemerals that go dormant and "disappear" by midsummer.  They may have remained in a dormant state for several seasons until conditions - such as a break in the canopy or better moisture - allowed them to reemerge.  This phenomenon for me reflects the endurance of the Church, even and especially in those places where Christians are persecuted, maligned and martyred for their beliefs.  It may seem that the Church is defeated when, in truth, it is growing in surprising and enduring ways.  That is illustrated by:
• Clump Formation:  Once a single plant is established, it can slowly spread via underground rhizomes to form a "clump."  What started as one lone plant years ago has likely been quietly branching out underground, finally sending up multiple stems at once.  Are you acting as a vessel to carry and spread the Good News of Jesus' salvation and love?
• Double Dormancy:  Trillium seeds have a "double dormancy," meaning they require two full winters just to germinate.  The plants you see today are the result of seeds that fell or were moved by ants at least a decade ago.  We can accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior in an instant, but developing a mature relationship with Him takes time, dedication and faith.

Just a few more facts we learn about our particular trillium species:  It's commonly known as "Little Sweet Betsy," and is the most vigorous trillium species in the Georgia Piedmont and mountain regions, and moss (which we have in abundance) is a natural nursery bed for trillium seeds, providing moisture and insulation.

The more I learn about these "miracles of the forest," the more I see the hand of God in all His mighty works.  During this Lenten season, may the trillium teach us the value of patience as we await the coming of our Lord this Easter and His coming again when His day and hour arrive.

Amen!

No Matter How Old

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. ~Isaiah 46:4

When our children first begin to crawl, we take every precaution to provide a safe environment for them to explore.  We place protective plugs in electrical outlets, move breakable items to unreachable shelves and keep floors immaculate, free of any debris that could entice a curious hand-to-mouth encounter.

The crawling stage is rapidly followed by what I call the "pulling-up" stage, the precursor to actually attempting to walk.  I vividly recall keeping coffee and end tables clear of anything that a child would find tempting to touch other than a toy that belongs to her.  When Virginia, Savannah and Alexandra, our three granddaughters, visit with us during these particular stages of development, Danny and I spread a large down comforter over the stone hearth of our fireplace so the girls won't run the risk of falling and hitting their heads.

Yes, when our children are young, we do everything possible to child-proof our homes.  But as Danny and I move up in years, we've realized we now need to take conscious measures to senior-proof our home.  What do I mean by that?

In a previous post, What Truly Matters, I write about the checklist we recite before leaving the house in order for Danny to avoid going out in his "hobo" shoes.  There is now one more item to add to our litany - make sure the stove is off!

The other day, we blithely leave the house to go to the grocery store.  Danny fixes some scrambled eggs just before we depart.  When we return and ascend the stairs from the garage to the main floor, something doesn't smell right.  Danny instinctively heads for the kitchen.  Lo and behold!  He has left the burner on (albeit very low) under the cast iron skillet where his eggs were cooked!  Thankfully, with only butter in the pan, and very little of it at that, we are spared what could have been an epic catastrophe.

To ensure that this never happens again, Danny grabs his trusty labeling tool to mark the dials as you can see in the header photo.  When the green tape is facing up, we can rest assured that the stove dials are in the off position and we are good to go.

It certainly seems that our loving Father is sustaining us in these days and rescuing us from so many precarious situations.  Like a watchful parent, He doesn't wish harm upon any of His precious children, no matter how old we are or how much older we become.

Knowing that makes every day ahead promising, reassuring and filled with the hope we can only find in Him.

Amen!

Not Just a Prediction

 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ~Hebrews 13:8

When it comes to weather, the month of March here in northwest Georgia is, in a word, unpredictable.  We might enjoy several days of balmy temperatures and sunshine, lulling us into thinking that spring has arrived, only to be rudely awakened a day or two later to discover that winter refuses to surrender.

Here's the perfect illustration of this phenomenon.  The forecast for this Wednesday promises a high of 80 degrees.  Sounds delightful, right?  By Thursday, the tables turn abruptly.  Our high will only reach 56 degrees with an overnight low of 40.  Spring may be the season we long for, yet Old Man Winter will portray her as a flirtatious and fickle lover as long as he can.

This seasonal clash, while making sure we keep our coats and sweaters at the ready, too often results in severe weather as warm and cold fronts collide, battling it out for supremacy.  We already see evidence of this in the recent outbreak of deadly tornadoes that strike both Oklahoma and Michigan last Friday.

I'm ever so grateful that our county has severe storm sirens to warn us of any impending dangers.  Weather apps on our phones don't hurt, either!

March is a roller coaster ride - highs, lows, twists, turns - continuous uncertainty and white-knuckled moments.  It gives fresh credence to this saying attributed to Mark Twain:  If you don't like today's weather, just wait five minutes.

We may be at the mercy of this month's tumultuous vagaries, but in the midst of it all, we can rest assured that Jesus is constant and immutable.  He is the same yesterday and today and forever.  And we can completely trust Him to be here with us at all times and in all places no matter the weather, foul or fair.

And that, my friends, is not just a prediction; it's the guaranteed Good News forever!

Amen!

Happy Birthday!

 

Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you!  I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and deliver you. ~Isaiah 46:4

This past Sunday, March 1st, marks my 71st birthday!  This simply doesn't seem possible.  Memories of past celebrations come flooding back like a rain-swollen creek, inundating my mind with events of yesteryear that feel disarmingly present as a breath in the moment.  How did all that water of my life flow under the bridge without my realization of how swiftly it would flow?

I seriously doubt I'm the only one from the Baby Boomer era who feels the same way.  It reminds me of the scene in It's a Wonderful Life when an older gentleman sitting on his porch witnesses George and Mary conversing in a teasingly romantic way.  He becomes indignant at the banter and boldly advises George to go ahead and kiss her already!  George takes umbrage, telling the man to stick around if he wants to see some real kissing.  The old man waves him off in frustration with this classic rejoinder:  Youth is wasted on the wrong people!

Honestly, If I knew at age 25 what I know now, there are so many things I would have done differently.  But that's not God's plan.  He wants us to grow in His grace and wisdom over time.  He is infinitely patient with His beloved children.  As Pastor Jared so aptly states in his latest sermon, "God doesn't simply want us to know about Him, He wants us to know Him through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

When I reflect upon where I am now compared to that lost, lonely soul I once was, I can see how my life's journey has been abundantly and richly blessed.  I'll take this new year on with dignified expectation, confident that my Father who has brought me through the past will guide me in whatever years the future holds for me.  I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that is is He who will carry and deliver me.

And He will do the same for you.

Amen!

I will close by sharing some special birthday moments with you.  Enjoy!

Danny and I enjoy lunch at Appalachian Grill.  I order shrimp and he chooses haddock.

I wonder what's in the bag?

Of course!  The two books I asked Danny for.  Thanks, honey!

And then, there are this gorgeous bouquet of flowers sent by my daughter, son-in-law and the grands.

And for my birthday dinner Sunday night?  Here's the photo for the plate made just for me. 

 Do any of you want to venture a guess as to what the "mystery" meat is?  Danny isn't a fan, but he loves me enough to cook them up on my special day.  Leave your guesses in the comments below.

Thanks so very much, dear friends, for visiting here with me today and celebrating together!

Every Word of God

 

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. ~Proverbs 30:5

I've always been a word lover.  Those of you who have followed my blog for any length of time know that I'm hooked on Jumble puzzle books and, more recently, 5 Across, a free game on Fox News that is much like Wordle.  I engage in these activities not only because they're entertaining, but also because I need to exercise my mind, especially in light of my family's history with Alzheimer's.

So naturally, when My Word Club makes its unsolicited appearance in my inbox one day, my interest is peaked.  I have to give it a try!

Just as the screen above displays, each session provides the player with three words, in this case, providential, nonchalance and botheration.  It offers a definition, too, which I must admit, I have to check from time to time unless I'm absolutely sure what the word means.

The next step is to use the word in the correct context.

What would your choice be?

Now it's time for the similes.  I only choose two for the purpose of taking a photo; once the third simile is chosen, the screen immediately changes.  I'm sure you can tell what word should be third.

The next part of the game asks you once again to use the word correctly in a phrase.

Is it A or B?

The last challenge for each word is to use the first letter provided to spell out a simile that fits the word.  This is sometimes the point where I have to use the hint button if the correct word doesn't come quickly to mind.  I don't need a hint on this particular one.  Can you guess what the word is?

The game continues in the same manner using the two remaining words.  If you don't miss a single one or opt for the hint button, your total score is 24.  You lose points, of course, each time you make an incorrect choice or request help.

What's even more fun is that My Word Club will invite you to engage with another challenge should you so choose.  I often take them up on it if I don't have a lot on my to-do list that particular day.

Yes, words have always played an integral part in my life.  But there is nothing more important than immersing myself daily in God's Word.  The Bible is my spiritual nourishment, the daily bread for my soul.  I've made reading it a priority, and no matter how many times I do, even the verses and stories I think I know by heart take on fresh meaning and insights I never thought of before.

Is the same true for you?

Amen!

Forty Days, Forty Nights

 

Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to a desert.  There he was tempted by the devil.  Jesus went without food for forty days and forty nights. ~Matthew 4:12

Tomorrow, we begin the holy journey of Lent as we travel the contemplative road to Easter.  This church season is known as a time for penitence, prayer and reflection.  A time to pause and take honest stock of where we are on our spiritual walk with the Lord.

Many Christians choose to abstain from a favorite food or pastime during Lent.  Others may adopt a new discipline or practice.  But whatever route you decide to take, it should be one that brings you alongside Jesus in a more meaningful and intimate way.

For this Lenten season, I am once again employing a marvelous book by friend and fellow blogger, Jean Wise, entitled 40 Voices - A Lenten Devotional.  Here is a perfect description of this book found at Amazon:

If you knew you were dying soon, would you see the people around you differently?  Jesus knew in his last week before the resurrection that the end of his human life neared.  He knew exactly how events would unfold.  He knew what the voices of the people and places around him would say.  40 Voices - A Lenten Devotional captures the words and settings surrounding Jesus that final week, so we hear them with new insights.  Their stories and experiences hold wisdom for us today, and show us the transformational power of the cross.  Jesus' presence in their story predicts his proximity within our story.  Lent offers us a time to deepen our relationship with Jesus and to hear God in new ways . . . Listen to the voices on the way to Calvary and draw closer to Christ.

If you have yet to decide upon a discipline for this Lenten season, I highly recommend Jean' book as your illuminating guide.  I guarantee here thoughts and prayers will enhance and enrich your journey.

Amen!

About the author:

Jean Wise is a writer, speaker and spiritual director.  She serves her local parish as a Deacon, facilitating worship and adult spiritual formation.  Her passion is to help others deepen their walk with Christ.  Jean is also the author of several books in addition to 40 Voices including Spiritual Retreats, Sacred Surroundings, Christmas Crossroads, and Whispers - Being with God in Breath Prayer.  These titles are all available on Amazon.