At the Feet of Jesus

John 8:2
At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them.

I am fortunate during my school years to sit in the classrooms of not just good teachers, but great ones.

What separates a great teacher from a good one?

Passion!

For the subject. For learning.

For life!

She goes beyond the call of duty to support and encourage her students. Setting the bar high, yet giving to all the confidence needed to reach above and beyond the goal.

Her words inspire.

No question is a stupid one.

Concepts are patiently repeated.

Lively illustrations and anecdotes are used to help students remember the lessons.

No one is made to feel special. Or, not special.

Students know they are equally loved. Equally respected. Genuinely cared about.

She takes time with them. Makes time for them.

Shares her knowledge with enthusiasm.

A radiant smile on her face. A contagious twinkle in her eyes.

That spark. That flame.

Mirrored in the eyes of her students.

Ablaze!

With passion!
~
When you read scripture, can you envision yourself learning at the feet of the Greatest Teacher?

Will you pray with me?
Open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts, Father, to hear the voice of Jesus in Your Word. Let us sit humbly at His feet and listen to Him. Fill us with a passion and desire to know You, and Your will for us, through Your beloved Son. Amen.

Readings
Psalms 78:1-39 or 78:40-72
Genesis 26:1-6, 12-33
Hebrews 13:17-25
John 7:53-8:11

"For the Times, They Are A-Changin'"

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

Change . . .

Like it or not, it is an inevitable part of our lives.

Sometimes, change is something we choose. A new job. A hobby. Our diet. Different hairstyle. Remodeled kitchen.

But, most of the time, change is foisted upon us. It may be welcome or unwelcome.

We get married. A newborn arrives. Children grow up; move out. Parents age. We age. Loved ones pass away . . .

The list could go on . . . and on . . . and on . . .

Why is it , then, we are often so resistant to change in our lives and routines? Even downright resentful at times?

Because, change charts the unknown. Steers us in directions we never imagined. Stirs up fear and anxiety within us.

Even when change is good. Is needed. Desired.

Will my marriage last? Will I be a good enough parent? How will they do in college? On their own?

And, when it isn't.

My parents are getting older . . . how long before . . .? Is that really me in the mirror? Oh, how I miss my grandparents . . .

But, in the midst of all the changes which mar or muddle or bless our lives, we can rely on one constant.

Jesus.

Yesterday, today, tomorrow. Forever loving. Forever forgiving.

Forever, the same.
~
What are some changes you have experienced recently in your life? How are you coping?

Will you pray with me?
We thank You, Father, for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. We know whatever changes beset us in our lifetimes, we can ever count on Him, on You, on the Holy Spirit, to be forever and always the same, steadfast and true. When changes are overwhelming, may we find rest and peace in the knowledge of Your infinite and never-changing love. Amen.

Readings
Psalms 80 or 77 (79)
Genesis 25:19-34
Hebrews 13:1-16
John 7:37-52

"I Don't Care Too Much for Money; Money Can't Buy Me Love . . ."

Mark 10:21
Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you and and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

In his recent sermon, "Money Matters", Pastor Wallace informs us that the number one argument couples have is about money.

Whether they have a little or a lot makes no difference. To spend or not to spend? To save or not to save? These are the issues where battle lines are drawn.

With the marriage too often being lost in the war.

I'm so glad my husband, Danny, and I don't fall into this category.

Danny maintains our budget religiously. All the bills are paid on time. Expenditures are made prudently.

And, expensive items are discussed and researched completely before any money is spent.

There is no such thing as going into debt. If we can't afford it, we don't get it.

Period!

Having been in relationships where the "get-it-and-spend-it" mentality thrived, this is a welcome relief for both of us.

We realize, too, that we must be good stewards of the resources with which God has blessed us. Everything earned is a by-product of the talents and abilities given to us by His grace.

To spend recklessly or hoard heedlessly opens the treacherous door to idolatry.

It allows our money to control us. Consume us. Take center stage.

When the only one who should be on that stage is God.

That's what Jesus wants the young man to see in today's scripture.

It is his wealth which stands between him and a true and lasting relationship with the Lord.

He cannot trust enough to let go. To let God.

He turns from the eternal riches promised by Jesus.

And, walks away . . .

Grieving. (Mark 10:22)
~
Are you controlling your finances, or are they controlling you?

Will you pray with me?
Help us to see, Father, that all good things come from You. Let us lay all that we have and all that we are at You feet. Remove the stumbling blocks in our lives which prevent us from living truly and abundantly in relationship with You. Amen.

Readings
Psalms 93, 96 or 34
Genesis 24:50-67
2 Timothy 2:14-21
Mark 10:13-22

Keeping Up Appearances

John 7:24
"Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly."

My great-grandmother, Bridget, emigrates from Ireland to America with her husband, John, in the late 1800s. They have three children: John, Jr., Henry (my grandfather), and Alice.

Like most Irish immigrants, they are practicing Catholics.

Bridget is particularly devout. She never misses mass on Sunday.

And, this Sunday is no exception.

She attends the early mass alone. John and the children are recovering from colds. She urges them to stay home and stay warm. Assures them she'll come straight back after service. Fix them a hearty chicken soup for lunch.

Bridget arrives early. Slips into a pew. Kneels to pray before the mass begins.

That's when she notices.

In the first pew. On the left. Unfamiliar heads. Children.

Sitting, oh, so still. Only the backs of their heads faintly visible in the dim, candle-lit sanctuary.

Pigtails. Tousled locks. Curls. A carrot-top?

Maybe. But, until the sun streams through the stained glass, it will be impossible to discern . . .

Mass begins. The mysterious words. The heavenly incense. The hymns and prayers. The genuflecting.

Bridget is drawn, with every passing moment, closer to God.

Closer to an epiphany.

Before celebrating the Holy Eucharist, the priest invites the children sitting in the front pew to take front and center stage.

Orphans. In the care of the Catholic Church. They need a home. Who will open their homes to them? Their hearts?

Bridget can't take her eyes off him.

Bright red hair glowing in the spotlight of the sun's dawning rays. Face riddled with freckles. Eyelashes almost as pale as his meek, green eyes. Ears to rival Dumbo's.

Homely. Oh, so homely!

This lanky, gawky testimony to human flesh. Human need.

Love . . .

Adoption arrangements can be made after mass.

Bridget knows.

She partakes of the Eucharist with deeper prayers in her heart. She slips out of the church hastily and rushes home.

To tell John. Who is reluctant at first. But, finally concedes.

On one condition.

If no one else speaks up for the boy.

Without a moment's delay, Bridget is out the door, racing back to church.

It is the last mass this Sunday morning.

Will he be there? Surely, she thinks, it is God's will that we adopt him . . .

Out of breath, she enters the sanctuary. Scans the first pew.

Where only one head, bowed and dejected, is revealed.

Shock of hair blazing like fire.

And, my great-uncle, Edwin, is never again without a home . . .
~
Can you see past appearances and seek the inner beauty in another?

Will you pray with me?
Just as we can't judge a book by its cover, Father, we must not judge others by the way they look. Help us to see and love Christ in each and every person we meet. We pray today that You would especially bless all parents who have adopted children. Amen.

Readings
Psalms 75, 76 or 23, 27
Genesis 24:28-38, 49-51
Hebrews 12:12-29
John 7:14-36

The Parent Trap

Hebrews 12:7
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

All children need discipline. How much or how little depends a great deal on a child's temperament.

For some, a simple "no" suffices in correcting a wrong behavior. Others may require more stringent measures. A swift pop to the bottom. A rap to the hand. Time-out. Grounding. Removal of privileges.

In raising my children, I am fortunate that both respond well to my "no". It is the rare occasion when anything harsher is called for.

I know. I am one lucky parent.

Because, others are not so blessed.

Or, just don't know how to deal with their child's negative actions.

I witness this first-hand in teaching. It is immediately evident which children have firm, loving, and appropriate discipline at home, and which ones have been "spared the rod".

The latter are the ones I can count on to be disruptive, disrespectful, arrogant.

Spoiled . . .

For life.

Because discipline-deprived youngsters turn into selfish, demanding, tyrannical adults.

Not a pretty picture.

And, most definitely, a far cry from being labeled children of God.

All because a father is lenient. Or, a mother wants to be her child's best friend.

Instead of being what their child needs most.

A disciplined parent.
~
How were you disciplined as a child? How are you or did you discipline your own children?

Will you pray with me?
The hardest job any of us can ever have, Father, is being a parent. We pray that all parents would look to You as the model for disciplining their children. We thank You for being our Abba, our Daddy, who disciplines with love. Amen.

Readings
Psalms 69:1-23 (24-30) 31-36 or 71
Genesis 24:1-27
Hebrews 12:3-11
John 7:1-13

"Goin' to the Chapel and We're Gonna Get Married . . ."

John 6:65
He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them."

"I dare you to do it."

"What do you mean, you dare me?"

"I think you're scared to try."

"Well, what if I am? Just because this on-line dating service has a good rep doesn't mean I'll find Mr. Right."

"No, but if you don't take the risk, you'll never know, will you?"

"Okay, okay! I'll do it. Don't want to, but, I will."

"Good! Martha, you are a wonderful, attractive woman. You deserve to find love. I know you will."

"That makes one of us."

"Hang up the phone. Go for it!"

"Okay. Bye."

How ironic! An old college flame telling me to give it the old college try . . . for someone else.

I take the dare. I keep my promise. I don't have much hope.

Or, do I?

Personal profile completed, I wait. Every day seems like a year.

I wait.

Prospects pop up. So do red flags.

Then . . .

There is the profile. There is the face I now know so well.

Danny.

Who tries this site as the last resort. Has so many more hits than I.

Yet, chooses me . . .

And, I choose him.

Because God has chosen us to be together . . .
~
When in your life have you experienced God's mighty hand guiding you? Leading you?

Will you pray with me?
In creating us in Your image, Father, You have enabled us to have faith; the faith You first give to us. We can trust You, knowing You have the best plan for our lives. We thank you for all the blessings You bestow upon us. May we ever see and appreciate the works of Your mighty hands. Amen.

Readings
Psalms (70), 71 or 74
Genesis 23:1-20
Hebrews 11:32-12:2
John 6:60-71

Footprints in the Sand

Hebrews 11:29
By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.

Several years ago, Danny and I decide to take our blended family plus my niece, Rebecca, to Jekyll Island off the coast of Georgia. We set off for the six hour drive in two cars crammed with kids and luggage.

This makes the third summer in a row for Rebecca (left), Sarah, and I to visit Jekyll. We are eager to return to this enchanting place. Son, Daniel, is thrilled as this is the first family vacation he has been able to go on in years.

When we arrive at the condo Danny has rented, we realize it's a bit cramped for seven, but we don't mind. We plan to spend time indoors as little as possible!

We waste no time unloading and unpacking. It is a surprisingly pleasant June day. The heat of the south Georgia day is tempered by the cool, invigorating ocean breeze.

The condo sits facing the ocean and the beach is in sight. We can't wait to explore it!

Danny grabs his camera and off we go. Naturally, his boys, Giovanni (left) and Nicco (center), race ahead of us, calling to Daniel to hurry up with them.

Being the good sport that he is, Daniel obliges.

It is low tide. My favorite time to walk the beach.

Because, there is always some delightful surprise the receding tide has left there. Driftwood. Shells. Pebbles. Seaweed.

I love walking the damp, smooth sand in my bare feet. Treading with ease where just hours ago, waves of deep and perilous water rolled and crashed.

Where they will roll and crash again, wiping away my footprints, bringing more treasures from the sea to the shore.

Every time I stroll along a low-tide beach, I think of the children of Israel, passing through the Red Sea, on damp, but solid, ground.

Where water once stood and, by God's grace, is vanquished.

Not to return until the last and least makes it safely to the other side.

Then. Only then.

The thunderous roar of the mountainous waves rushing against each other. Drowning any one in their path. Washing away forever those thousands of foot prints.

But, never, the memory . . .
~
Are there places you visit that remind you of stories from the Bible?

Will you pray with me?
We thank you, Father, for oceans and seas and all the abundant life they hold. For beaches and tides and sweet salt breezes. For memories of good times spent with family. For all the blessings You give us every day. Amen.

Readings
Psalms 72 or 119:73-96
Genesis 22:1-18
Hebrews 11:23-31
John 6:52-59