Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me

Ephesians 4:26-27
"In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

I write a post for Meditations of My Heart, originally to be shared today.  As I reread it, I know what I'm espousing is true.  There is nothing wrong with the intention and the meaning of the message.

But something is amiss.  I feel uneasy.

I pray about it.  I confide in a fellow blogging friend on the phone about my hesitancy to follow through with the post, even though I have passionate feelings about this topic.  She listens empathetically and promises to pray for discernment from God to make the right decision regarding bringing these words to light.

I reread my post once again, recalling the conversation with my dear friend.

And again, I ask God for help.

It's then I hear, "You wrote this while angry.  You've given the devil his foothold."

What, Lord?  Paying homage to the enemy when all I do is denounce him and his horrid influence upon this world in my words?

Silence.

Convicting silence.

Forgive me, Father, for I have let the sin of anger enter my heart, control my words, and color my perception.

I take a deep breath.  Let it out slowly.  And I feel God's reassurance flow over, around, above, and through me.

In my imagination, I crawl up into HIs lap and lay my head on His chest.  His heart beats with mine.  I am comforted beyond description, beyond reason, and promised that what concerns me now, even in righteous anger, He has already addressed.

It's taken care of.

It is not my worry.

I need not be angry.

I need only to be faithful to the One who freely offers eternal life and forgiveness of sins.

And I need never to let the devil gain a foothold.

With God's help, I will.

~

Have you struggled with feelings of anger about particular situations?  How have you handled those feelings?

Prayer:  Father, there are so many unrighteous and horrendous deeds inspired by the enemy in this world.  It is difficult for Your children to not become angry and want to "do something about it."  Help us to remember that this entire world is ultimately in Your hands, and that we must trust in Your will and Your timing.  When we tempted to become angry, let us pray instead for those who prompt that rage within us, and turn to You for solace, strength and wisdom.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

Man of God in the Making

Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came up to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?  Up to seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

There comes a loud knock on our front door.  It is about 7:45 in the evening, and we are expecting no one.  Startled, my husband, Danny, hustles for the door and peers through the peep hole.

It's Frankie.  We haven't seen him in over a year.  And with good reason.

Frankie has been a loyal and close friend to Danny's sons, Giovanni and Nicco; so close, in fact, that he is included on one of our family's vacations to the mountains.  We have wonderful memories of including Frankie on this trip as he is nothing but kind, polite and gracious.  And since that time, we invite him to enjoy many a meal with us, and rejoice that he is holding down a steady and productive job.  He seems to be growing up in a way that would make any parent proud.

But something happens.  Something none of us could ever had imagined.

Frankie finds heroin.

And he is charmed.  Claimed.  Maimed.

Stealing for his habit.  Losing his job.  His girlfriend.  Forfeiting the trust friends once placed in him.

Danny and I are included on that loss-of-trust list.

We pray for Frankie, but warn Giovanni not to allow him back into our house unless he's found help.  Because we all know the devilish havoc drug addiction can play in the minds of otherwise reasonable and caring people.

Danny, upon seeing Frankie's earnest expression and clear gaze through the peep hole, decides to open the door and welcome him in.

He makes the right call.

Once the three of us are together, Frankie begins, "I know I've let y'all down.  I'm here to tell you my story and to ask you for forgiveness for the mistakes I've made in my life.  Spending time in jail and in rehab have been the best things that could ever have happened for me.  I've been clean for six months, and man, have I matured!  I have a good job, a place to live, and I'm trying to reconnect with the people I know cared about me.  You always welcomed me in, and that vacation you took me on?  One of my favorite memories!  I just hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me and give me a second chance."

Without a moment's hesitation, Danny and I embrace Frankie and assure him we are on his side, supporting him completely in this next phase of his improved and improving life.

And we forgive him.

Frankie is visibly relieved.  He then ventures to share that he is searching spiritually, not sure about God, but not willing to dismiss the concept.  We don't judge.  We both remember those days in our own lives, and simply offer to be there for any questions or doubts he might incur.  Frankie hugs us again.

He makes us a promise to call when those questions and doubts arise.

And I think we have a man of God in the making.

~

When has giving/receiving forgiveness made all the difference in your life?

Prayer:  Father, there are so many doubters who want to be believers, so many fallen who wish to be made whole.  Please help us to love them into Your everlasting kingdom.  Let us accept and offer forgiveness gracefully, that all may be healed in Your name.  It is in Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

Savannah Jane Turns Two!

Psalm 90:12
Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

We recently celebrate granddaughter, Savannah Jane's, second birthday.  It's difficult to wrap our heads around the fact this little imp (yes, she is the mischievous one) is two!  Of course, big sister, Virginia Rose, gives me my marching orders when it comes to the theme of our celebration.  "Savannah wants a 'Frozen' party, Gammie," she informs me, "and a chocolate cake with orange frosting."

The 'Frozen' decor I have no trouble finding.

But the cake is an entirely different issue.  My week is so jammed-packed, I can't see my way clear to bake one.  "Don't worry about it," my husband, Danny, tells me.  "I'll just pick up a small, decorated cake at the store."

"But that's not what Virginia asked for," I protest.

Danny grins and asks, as if I don't know, "And whose birthday is this?

"You're right," I concede with a sigh.  "I'm sure both girls will like any cake you choose."

Isn't this elegant?  I fall in love with the delicate rose on top.  It's all so dainty and more than fit for a princess!

After a kid-friendly dinner of Danny-made pizza, it's time to open gifts.  We decide to do so before bringing out the cake for two reasons - we need time to digest our food, and the sugar-high guaranteed by ingesting the rich cake is sure to send the girls into an energy overload.

Savannah opens her gifts, not without Virginia's assistance.  Her favorite ones are a box of chubby crayons and a coloring book.  Children her age are so easy to please, aren't they?

At long last, it's birthday cake time!  Daddy and Virginia come to Savannah's aide.  Look at her glowing expression.  It's as luminous as the candles!

Here are the girls enjoying their slices of cake.  Virginia asks for, and gets, the fancy rose in honor of her middle name.

And littlest sister, Alexandra Nancy?  She is simply content to take it all in.

While birthdays are wonderful events to celebrate, especially for the little ones, let us remember that each and every day is cause for rejoicing when our faith and trust are in the Lord.

~

Do you have a favorite birthday memory?

Prayer:  Father, we thank You for this life You have given to each of us.  Help us to treasure every day, to number them carefully, and to pray for hearts filled with Your wisdom.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

On a Shoestring

Galatians 5:7
You were running a good race.  Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?

Recently, I purchase a new pair of athletic shoes as my old ones are wearing out.  When I try them on, I realize immediately the comfort and support I'd been missing in all my steps on the treadmill!  Soft, lightweight, and just plain cute, I'm enamored with them.

But there is one problem . . .

The laces are prone to untie themselves.  I kid you not!  It's only slightly aggravating when it happens as I'm tending to chores around the house or shopping for groceries.  But when it happens on the treadmill?  Now that's just downright exasperating!

After all, I'm running walking the good race.  The last thing I want to do is lose my momentum because of a wayward shoestring.  But stop, I must.  Just the thought of tripping is enough of a motivator for me.

And as I repair the damage and get back to my workout, I have a thought.  My errant shoelaces force me to literally stop in my tracks.  They are distractions, for sure.  But what other distractions am I allowing into my day that steer me away from a closer walk with God?  The ones that cut in on me and cause me to veer away from the truth?

Needless to say, I have much to ponder as I cover another mile on the treadmill.

And though I could double-knot the laces to keep them from becoming unraveled, I decide not to.  Why?  Because when I pause to address this issue, I am reminded to assess where I am in that moment.  How has my day's race been so far?  What is God calling me to do?  Am I still on the right path, or have I strayed from His will in what I'm thinking, feeling, and yes, even praying?

So go right ahead, delinquent shoestrings.  Untie yourselves any time you see fit.

Especially, when I need to reevaluate my direction in this good race God wills me to run.

~

How do you handle distractions in your life?

Prayer:  Father, when we become distracted by the things of this world, help us to refocus on You and Your will for us.  Let us obey Your truth, and faithfully run the good race You have set before us.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

Give Attention to Reading!

1 Timothy 4:13
Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

As far back as I can remember, I've been an avid reader.  One of my earliest memories is snuggling with my mother as she reads aloud to me, asking her to point to a particular word she has just pronounced.  In this particular recollection, the word is a seemingly most insignificant "the."  Yet as tiny and throw-away as this article of the English language is, that's precisely where the magic begins for me; by the time I enter first grade, I'm reading on a fourth grade level.

My love for reading leads to my passion for writing.  Words become my most intimate friends as I compose my novels in The Glade Series and Adventures in The Glade.  And those of you who regularly follow this blog know that God's word and my words are still tantamount for me.

All that being said, I'm doing something different today at Meditations of My Heart - introducing you to fellow Christian bloggers, also published writers, whose books have left a lasting impression on me.  While I'm not describing detailed content, the authors' names are linked to Amazon so you can discover there if a particular book is a match for your reading tastes.

FICTION:

The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee - Talya Tate Boener 

The Tourist Killer - F. C. Etier 

Dancing Priest, and its sequel, A Light Shining - Glynn Young 

NON-FICTION:

Spiritual Misfit; 50 Women All Christians Should Know - Michelle DeRusha 

Battered Hope - Carol Graham 

Twelve Inches - Bridging the Gap Between What You Know About God and How You Feel - Patricia Holbrook 

Love Idol - Jennifer Dukes Lee 

Poetry at Work - Glynn Young

And no, these are not books I've read over the last year or so.  These are simply the ones that stood out over a four-year span.  When I was so caught up in writing my novels, it was an absolute luxury to sit back and enjoy someone else's writing for inspiration, solace, and sheer joy.

The joy recalled when Mom read me stories long ago.

~

Do you have some favorite books to share?  Please do!

Prayer:  Father, we give thanks today for the incredible gift of Your Word, the Bible, a never-ending source of hope, inspiration and joy.  May those to whom the gift of words is given be ever faithful to You and thankful for the gift of writing.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

Bubble-licious!

John 10:10
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.

One of the activities we have enjoyed doing with our granddaughter, Virginia Rose, over the ears has been blowing bubbles.  My husband, Danny, finds a recipe for homemade bubbles, and we sit out on our deck with the "magic" wand and take turns blowing bubbles for Virginia to chase, catch and pop.

When Danny is on Facebook recently, he notes a post from a fellow photographer, who is avidly promoting the fun and entertainment of a bubble-making machine for children and adults alike.  (Yes, Danny and I are both old enough to have memories of the Lawrence Welk Show, which we both watched with our grandparents . . .A one, and a two, and a . . .)  Danny is convinced that this is something he has to order for Virginia, knowing the other granddaughters will like it, too, as they get older.

But I'm surprised when he informs me of his decision as he never spends money frivolously.

"Isn't this a little over the top?"  I query.  "I mean, it's not Virginia's birthday yet; she's only just coming next Friday to spend the night."

"What better way to have fun with her," Danny responds.  "She loves bubbles, and we can use the machine for Savannah's upcoming birthday party, too, and all the birthdays after that!"

Seriously, how can I argue with such seamless reasoning?

Virginia is beside herself with excitement when her Papa tells her about the bubble machine.  He sets it up on a chair in our back yard, and it's celebration time!

After a while, Danny decides to place the bubble machine on our deck instead to the bubbles can cascade through the air like an enchanted waterfall.  Virginia's delights continue!

And as I watch my granddaughter eagerly embrace the endless streams of bubbles pouring over her, I can't help but think how passe and one-dimensional the old-fashioned way of blowing bubbles seems in light of this scintillating show.  Yes!  This is life lived large!

And that's how it is when we ask Jesus into our hearts.

Instead of slogging through our days, blowing slow bubble after slow bubble, the Lord showers innumerable blessings upon us.  Blessings that set us free.  Blessings as abundant as countless orbs generated by the bubble maker.

Because Jesus invites us to not just live, but to live abundantly in His grace, His truth and His love.

And have a bubble-licious time doing so!

~

Are you counting your blessings today and giving thanks to God?

Prayer:  Father, we thank You for this abundant life You have given us through Your Son, Christ Jesus.  May we recognize and give thanks for all the blessings we receive from You each day, and may our lives be a blessing to others.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

My Lamp, My Light

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Okay.  I confess.

I've never read the Bible in its entirety.  Do I hear a startled gasp escaping your lips?  What???  Martha writes all these devotions, but she hasn't tackled every scripture and verse?

That's right.  But times, they are a'changing!

Since the first Sunday in Advent, 2015, I have employed the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan created by Michael Coley.  The plan does not go straight through the Bible from cover to cover.  Rather, it weaves through chapters in both Old and New Testaments during each week, giving the reader variety and the opportunity to see how all books of the Bible work together to form one love story from God to His people.

The manageable chapters to be read and studied each day also provide ample time for contemplation, journaling and/or prayer over a particular verse.  This is an exercise in which even the busiest of moms or CEOs can participate, no matter how hectic their schedules may appear to be.

Getting back to reading the entire Bible:  Before Coley's plan, I failed.  Twice.  Now I'm on Week 22 and haven't skipped a beat.

Wow!

On top of this, I read and reflect upon the wise words and scriptures shared by the many talented Christian bloggers I follow.  Oh, how the two combined can transform my day and inspire my heart!

Why did I begin this Bible-reading challenge on the first Sunday in Advent?  Pastor Wallace encouraged us to do so as the new church year began, to recommit ourselves to delving into God's eternal Word.  And it didn't hurt that he provided printouts for the daily readings!

But you don't have to wait until the next Advent rolls around to begin your pilgrimage.  Set any Sunday to start your Day One, and keep on reading.

For 52 weeks.

Just one year.

You can do it!

And you know what I plan to do when the first Sunday in Advent rolls around this year and the complete Bible is under my belt?  Start all over!

Because God's Word, no matter how much we read it, always offers fresh insights into the human experience of loving Him.  Insights that change as needs arise, but truths that are never failing.

I want God's truth for my life.

Do you?

~

Are you willing to start the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan, or do you have a different plan that works for you?  Please share!

Prayer:  Father, we need to be immersed in Your Word, especially in these times of travail and tribulation.  In the scriptures, You have given us lamps for our feet and a light upon our paths; the hope, the strength, and the confidence we need to live our lives to Your honor and glory.  May we read faithfully, discern with Your wisdom, and take the lessons learned to heart.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.