Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17, NKJV)
Through the front door window for several minutes this morning I watched a spring bunny eating clover in our front yard. Since the door remained closed the little furry creature was content to nibble on though a skeptical eye darted my direction every second or two. Once he stretched his legs taller then I thought any bunny could stand on all fours. A childish giggle threatened to slip out, but I held it back with guarded lips.
God puts numerous blessings right in front of us every day. We are just too busy to notice. Bundles of fur, golden sunsets and budding roses are lovingly placed in plain view tempting our hearts to praise God.
Heavenly Father: Open my eyes. Slow my steps so I don’t miss Your otherwise unnoticed gifts.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
The Long Journey Home
A sobbing daughter on the other end of the telephone puts any mother on edge.
Sunday afternoon our daughter flew into Columbus, Ohio from a geology trip out west. But the 2 hour drive from Columbus to Cincinnati took her 7 hours.
First she veered off Interstate 71 South onto Interstate 70 East by mistake. An hour later I received the first tear filled call. “Mom, I’m lost!”
The dinning room table became our control center. With a map of the state of Ohio spread out in front of me and the telephone glued to my hear we got her turned around though 3 hours from home and a little shaken.
The second tear filled call came about 5 minutes later and held a hint of hysteria with the sobs. “Mom, I have a flat tire!!”
What is a mother to do?
I prayed and stayed by the phone and God answered my prayers.
First an Ohio State Trooper changed her tire. Second three managers at a Wal-Mart a few minutes further down the road changed the spare to a road worthy tire for the 100 plus miles between her and home. The auto repair department closed less than an hour before she got there.
Sunday evening before I closed my eyes I thanked God for the individuals He sent to get our “little girl” home.
Sunday afternoon our daughter flew into Columbus, Ohio from a geology trip out west. But the 2 hour drive from Columbus to Cincinnati took her 7 hours.
First she veered off Interstate 71 South onto Interstate 70 East by mistake. An hour later I received the first tear filled call. “Mom, I’m lost!”
The dinning room table became our control center. With a map of the state of Ohio spread out in front of me and the telephone glued to my hear we got her turned around though 3 hours from home and a little shaken.
The second tear filled call came about 5 minutes later and held a hint of hysteria with the sobs. “Mom, I have a flat tire!!”
What is a mother to do?
I prayed and stayed by the phone and God answered my prayers.
First an Ohio State Trooper changed her tire. Second three managers at a Wal-Mart a few minutes further down the road changed the spare to a road worthy tire for the 100 plus miles between her and home. The auto repair department closed less than an hour before she got there.
Sunday evening before I closed my eyes I thanked God for the individuals He sent to get our “little girl” home.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
A Father's Love
Sunday was Father’s Day. If the calendar didn’t reminded you I’m sure the aroma of BBQ from a neighbor’s grill caught your attention before the sun surrendered to the starry night.
I don’t have a father to celebrate with, but I have a husband who is father to our two daughters and a father-in-law. We made BBQ wings for my husband in the afternoon. Actually I let the crock pot do most of the work while we were at church for morning services.
In the evening we had dinner with my husband’s parents. I found a thick biography on Dwight D. Eisenhower for Papa’s gift. My father-in-law is a serious reader. I also baked Papa a peanut butter chocolate cake to share with the rest of us for dessert.
Father’s Day always comes with a bitter/sweet tug at my heart. Tom and his father are precious to me, but I have a longing deep inside their affections are unable to fill. My father was abusive and couldn't handle family responsibilities.
My earthly father left me down, but we we have a Heavenly Father who never disappoints or abuses his children. He desires to draw us close into His outstretched arms. He thrills to listen to our voices and wipe away our tears.
Trust the strength of God’s unfailing love. Embrace the privilege of calling Him your Father. Delight in being His adopted child.
I don’t have a father to celebrate with, but I have a husband who is father to our two daughters and a father-in-law. We made BBQ wings for my husband in the afternoon. Actually I let the crock pot do most of the work while we were at church for morning services.
In the evening we had dinner with my husband’s parents. I found a thick biography on Dwight D. Eisenhower for Papa’s gift. My father-in-law is a serious reader. I also baked Papa a peanut butter chocolate cake to share with the rest of us for dessert.
Father’s Day always comes with a bitter/sweet tug at my heart. Tom and his father are precious to me, but I have a longing deep inside their affections are unable to fill. My father was abusive and couldn't handle family responsibilities.
My earthly father left me down, but we we have a Heavenly Father who never disappoints or abuses his children. He desires to draw us close into His outstretched arms. He thrills to listen to our voices and wipe away our tears.
Trust the strength of God’s unfailing love. Embrace the privilege of calling Him your Father. Delight in being His adopted child.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Too Busy to Pray
. . . we do not trust God enough with the business. If we did, we might spend less time in them and more time in seeking Him. (John Preston, a puritan pastor born in 1587)
Ouch!
Have you ever read something that hit you smack between the eyes?
It’s easy to blame business for our lack of prayer when the root of our problem is a lack of faith. If we trusted God the way we should we would not be too busy to pray.
When situations are out of my hands I feel uncomfortable and helpless. John Preston’s words make me realize how much my need to be in control affects the way I pray.
Too often I’m like the neighbor boy who sat on the door step when his mother tried to help him tie his shoe. “I do it my salt!”
Heavenly Father: Teach me how to surrender my need for control. You are a much more capable manager. Weed out the business that hinders me from spending adequate time in prayer.
Ouch!
Have you ever read something that hit you smack between the eyes?
It’s easy to blame business for our lack of prayer when the root of our problem is a lack of faith. If we trusted God the way we should we would not be too busy to pray.
When situations are out of my hands I feel uncomfortable and helpless. John Preston’s words make me realize how much my need to be in control affects the way I pray.
Too often I’m like the neighbor boy who sat on the door step when his mother tried to help him tie his shoe. “I do it my salt!”
Heavenly Father: Teach me how to surrender my need for control. You are a much more capable manager. Weed out the business that hinders me from spending adequate time in prayer.
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