It Ain't So Bad!

Today is my birthday.  It's a big one.  6-0!  I've known it was coming for quite some time now, and must admit the fun involved has been well worth the change to a new decade!  Several ladies from my church joined me for lunch at the Columbus Café, about a 30 minute drive to the east.  Another lady who attends our fellowship recently took over running the business, and we enjoyed our time together and some great food.

We arrived back in Crosby just in time for me to pick up my mother-in-law for our weekly "Music Makers" outing to the nursing home.  Although two of our regulars were unable to be there, the rest of us did our best to entertain the local residents.  Here's a sampling of our music!






Next on the agenda was a drive to Williston, which is about an hour south of us.  We met our daughter and her family at one of the Mexican restaurants and proceeded to wait for a large table to open.  It seemed to take forever, but it gave us some quality time with the grandkids who didn't complain about the wait.  (It was good thinking on their mother's part to give them a few snacks beforehand!)

 

Turns out it  was well worth the long wait.  Our granddaughter exclaimed, "This is really good food!  It's like a feast!!"  But the best part was the birthday cake which came later on, made and decorated by my daughter.  She remembered my favorite. . .white cake, with lemon filling and 7 minute frosting.  She found recipes on the Internet, not knowing I usually just open a can of lemon pie filling and make the frosting from a mix!  "You did good, Rebekah!"

 

 

 

Opening presents was filled with excitement. . .with a good percentage of it coming from the grandkids!  Grandpa had ordered a kit to make a bank for our Lego community, and they were sure we should start assembling it tonight. 

On the ride home, I thought back on the day and had to admit I was blessed.  And now the day ends with a prayer of thanksgiving to the One who has provided each and every one of the blessings.  Yes, being 60 is going to be just fine! 

 

Something's Missing!

Today is Mother's Day, the day when most everyone posts a picture of themselves with their mother on FaceBook.  Sadly, as I look through the many photo albums in our home, there are very few pictures of my mother and I together.  I have come to the conclusion this is what happens when the "family photographer" passes the trait on to her child.  In the photo albums of me growing up, my mother was always the one taking the pictures, and as time progressed I gradually took over as the one behind the camera.  Consequently, opportunities to be in pictures together were very rare.

Thankfully, although there are no actually pictures, there are many memories which float through my brain, especially on days such as today.  There were many times of "helping" in the kitchen, with my favorite being the baking.  If vanilla was involved we always had to smell the wonderful aroma.  Birthdays meant getting to page through a little book of decorated cakes and choosing our favorite for the year, knowing a party with family was always part of the plan.

As I sing the alto line of the hymns at church, I think back to sitting by my mother in church and hearing her do the same.  Perhaps it is the reason singing harmonies comes so easy.  Although I don't remember her often playing the piano, I do remember her teaching me a catchy little duet.  She would play the chords on the bottom and I would play a variety of tunes to fill in on the upper notes.  Not long ago I found myself teaching my grandchildren some of the same tunes, only this time I was the one playing the bottom chords.

During this season of planting flowers, my mind often drifts back to helping her fill the front planters with petunias and geraniums and the back planter with moss roses.  Work the dirt, dig the holes, fill them with a drink of water first, then add the starter plants.  Gardens were also a part of the summer routine, although my favorite part came when the peas were ready to eat straight from the shell!

Looking back on our wedding, I now realize how much my mother contributed, especially since the date was only three days after Christmas.  She always made the holidays extra special,  and I can now see and appreciate the extra effort she put into throwing a wedding into the mix.  Of course, at the time, I was more interested in my future husband than tending to details, so it's a good thing she was there to help pull it off.

When our daughter arrived and I needed to go back to work after four months off, she was there to volunteer her services as a babysitter.  They lived five miles out in the country, and she offered to drive in every morning so I wouldn't have to wake the baby if she was still sleeping.  It was another example of the "above and beyond" she invested in everything she did.

It was tragic to lose her at such a young age.  She suffered a brain aneurysm at the age of 68, leaving a huge hole in our lives.  Yes, something is missing, and it is much more than pictures.  But the good news is we have the hope and assurance in God's Word there will come a time we will once again be together.  Although I must confess Mother's Day seldom comes and goes without a few tears shed, it is comforting to know God's love and faithfulness never come up missing, giving me reason to simply smile and whisper heavenward, "Happy Mother's Day, Mom!  See you again in God's perfect timing!!" 

 

The Unexpected Gift

Have you ever received an unexpected gift?  Each spring as blossoms appear on a small bush located at the corner of our house, I'm reminded of the fact we sometimes receive things we weren't expecting.  Triggering the memory is a small bush we first noticed two years ago, and each year we find it growing a bit larger.

Because it was not planted by us, we are not even sure what type of bush, or even perhaps tree, it is.  Since it is located just under a downspout, we are guessing it was gifted to us by the wind, or a bird and the added moisture in the area caused it to spout and grow.  If you recognize the blossoms as a particular variety, be sure to let us know!

 

Last year there was evidence of a few "fruits" starting to grow, but unfortunately the birds had them for a treat before we could figure out what they were!

 

How often in life do we receive unexpected gifts. . .or pass them on to someone else, for that matter.  Each spring, I am reminded of the importance of being grateful for these blessings, as well as initiating a few in the lives of those God has placed in my path.  It may be a loved one, or even someone yet a stranger.  Keep your "God eyes" open and look for opportunities to pass on the gifts God has so generously placed in your life.  They may be unexpected in the life of the recipient, but exactly what they need!

 

 Open my eyes that I may see
   wonderful things in Your law. . .

-Psalm 119:18 (NIV)



Standing Corrected!

After sitting under the preaching of Dan Johnson today, I came to the realization there was error in what I had written last night.  In reference to the writers of the Gospel accounts, my indication was all four men were friends of Jesus.  As a part of Dan's message today, he included mentioning the fact Luke did not personally know Jesus.  Isn't it interesting how God works?

Doing some further research tonight, I found tradition credits Matthew and John, disciples of Jesus, with penning the books which bear their names.  On the other hand, Luke was a friend and companion of Paul, and a doctor also credited with being a great historian.  His knowledge of Jesus and pathway to salvation came through the witness of Paul.

Mark also had a "second hand" view of the Gospel, one which he received from his friend, Peter, who was one of the original disciples of Jesus.  Some suggest Mark was recruited to preserve Peter's memories during the time Peter was being held in prison.  The important thing to note about both Luke and Mark is their willingness to hear and pass on the "good news" they received about Jesus Christ.

As I stand corrected, there are a couple of lessons which stand out.  First off, there are times I work too hard to find a deeper meaning to record as a "seeking lesson".  Perhaps I need to bear in mind there are some things to share which don't necessarily have to include a spiritual application.

Secondly, although I have basically been a follower of Christ for as long as I can remember, there is still much I have to learn!  The key is remaining open to instruction and maintaining a willingness to stand corrected when necessary.

As if God knew all this would transpire, the devotional I read tonight was about removing from my mind all thoughts of failure.  Instead, what appears to be "failure" should be considered as one step further toward the goal of a high calling in Jesus.

Tonight I am thankful for men like Dan Johnson who carry with them a lifetime of Biblical knowledge and a willingness to share.  I'm thankful for a God who listens to my ramblings and then patiently works a way to bring out truth when error slips into the equation.  Mostly I am thankful for the preservation of the Gospel accounts over the years.

A passage of Scripture comes to mind:

But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him?

And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him?

And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?

And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?

That is why the Scriptures say,

"How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring Good News!"

 

It seems there is a long line of "messengers" between those who first listened to Jesus and those of us who now call on His name to save us.  What a blessing to know God cared enough to keep the narrative going.  And don't forget to do your part to pass the message on. . .there are many who have not yet heard!

Down Memory Road

It was a beautiful evening, one which prompted me to include a short walk on my agenda.  Although I often follow the new sidewalk designed especially for walkers, tonight found me taking a bit of a detour down a favorite street of mine.  Dating back to high school days, this particular street always seemed to be included in our "cruising" times. 

The street layout of Crosby, ND is fairly basic.  Most intersections of streets and avenues cross at a basic 90 degree angle, although the north half of town lines up with the railroad tracks and the south half with the highway going through town, making somewhat of a "kink" in the middle.

This evening I found myself on the one unique street which follows a curve.  Just why this street ended up with a curve is beyond my scope of knowledge, but perhaps it has something to do with the railroad right of way which banks one side of the street.

As I started down the street, I snapped a picture and sent to my best friend from high school days.  She remains just as close (if not closer!) during this stage of life.  With the picture was a short message saying I was thinking of her and our drives down the street in days gone by.

 

Her reply was not what I expected.  The memory she had was driving in her dad's new car, and looking to avoid two particular young gentlemen.  On the other hand, my memory had me driving (not sure which car!) and continuing on to a street just north of the fairgrounds which had an interesting dip at the intersection.  You wanted to hit it fast enough to get a little thrill bump, but not too fast or the bottom of the car would get a scrape.

Later this evening I found myself once again reminiscing and wondered if somewhere in all of this there was a "God Lesson".  After all, it was Saturday and I was feeling like doing some seeking.  Asking God where the lesson might be, the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John came to mind.  All four men were friends of Jesus.  After the death, resurrection and ascension of their dear friend, each of them took a trip down memory road and, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, recorded what we now refer to as "the Gospels".  Many of the same stories exist in all four of the memoirs, and yet each had their own unique perspective and some included incidents not documented by the others.

In conclusion, I found myself thankful for memories.  As wonderful as they are, it is also a good thing to have friends who can fill in the memories we may have forgotten.  I so appreciate the four unique perspectives of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John which have been preserved over the years to continually inspire us with accounts of the "life and times of our Lord Jesus Christ".  Have you read them lately?  Their stories never grow old!

Blown Away!

The wind has blown all day, something which happens quite often here in North Dakota.  It seemed to be a good reason to get out of town, along with the fact our grandchildren's art was being displayed at an art gallery in downtown Minot, ND.  The drive was two hours for us, and coming from another direction was a vehicle holding the grandchildren, their parents (our daughter and son-in-law) and our son-in-law's parents.  Other than to celebrate birthdays, it isn't often we all get together and it ended up being a fun-filled day.

The display included pictures submitted by students in grades K-12 from many communities in the area, and was quite impressive.  At one time the building had been a bank, but now was wide open areas with lots of wall space to feature the artwork.

 

 

It was amazing to see the wide variety of talented art pieces, but of course our favorites were the ones submitted by our grandchildren!

 Flower and Butterfly, by Faith, Age 6

 

 Desert Creatures, by Benjamin, Age 8

Faith and Benjamin's picture were right next to each other!

 

 Journey into Space by Jeremiah, Age 10

 

Jeremiah was surprised to see they had hung his upside down, but was still happy to have it there!

 

 

Daniel, who is almost 4, wasn't old enough to display an art piece, but he was proud to be there in support of his brothers and sister.  The entire family was wearing matching shirts featuring a drawing of Faith's which had been entered in a contest for the "Week of the Young Child".  As the winner, her artwork was featured on the T-shirts which were sold during the "Kids Day Out" event in Williston.

 

 

The remainder of the day was spent checking out a wonderful store called, "Main Street Books", having a snack at the mall and then enjoying a meal together at "Pizza Ranch".  Before parting ways we decided it would be a good idea to take this kind of "family outing" again. . .maybe next time it won't be so windy and we can check out the Minot Zoo!

 
 
 
 
 

Contest Winning Entry

This is the article I submitted in the contest:

TIME TO GROW, originally written 5/29/10

Springtime is all about planting. Farmers in our area have been busy seeding their fields and stopped only because the wet weather has prevented them from continuing. On a smaller scale, the two greenhouses in town have been selling bedding plants which find their homes in planters, pots and creative containers around town. As I observed all the plants available, there were dreams of flower gardens in my side and backyard, nicely arranged and planned to provide beauty and bursts of color throughout the summer months. Then reality hit and I wondered when the rain would stop long enough to get the few plants I had chosen in the dirt.

Maintaining plants requires a bit of discipline, with special attention paid to whether or not they are in need of water. Having allowed myself one hanging planter, there was now a daily routine of checking to see if watering was required. It was looking quite beautiful with lots of pink and burgundy blossoms. Then came the busy week. A flurry of activities had us coming and going and suddenly I realized I had missed my watering duty for a day. . .or was it two? As I looked out the front door, I saw drooping flowers and curled up leaves. The plant was desperately in need of hydration. . .but was it too late? Quickly I drenched the plant and hoped it would come back to life while I was away for the evening. Thankfully, the plant revived and I've been more careful in the days since.

Tomorrow the ladies of our congregation will be in charge of the church service. The materials we received to put the service together centered around the theme of “Thirsty?”, with the theme verse coming from Psalm 42:2 where David said, “I thirst for God, the living God”. Studying the lessons, I realized, much like the hanging plant, my soul needed regular watering to insure beauty would be reflected to those around me. As I reviewed the story of the woman at the well in John 4, it was a blessing to realize the living water offered by Jesus is still available to those who thirst today.

God touched my life with one more “plant lesson” this week. It came from the petunias awaiting their new home in the tiered planters by our front steps. They have been moved back and forth, in and out of our garage according to the weather of the day. They are obviously at two different stages of growth, with the smaller plants looking a healthier green. You could see the larger plants were becoming root bound in the plastic containers and thus losing their color.

As I contemplated their need to grow, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart about our growth as Christians. Could there be a need to “spread our roots” beyond the barriers of the church walls? It's one thing to maintain our spiritual existence within the comforts of church life. It's another to think about what could happen if we allowed our “roots” to work their way through the “dirt” of our world. With my plants, spreading roots means bigger and more beautiful plants, eventually producing flowers to brighten the world. Could the same hold true if we, as Christians, would break past the barriers of tradition?

As I write, the sun is breaking through the clouds and I'm thinking I could even do some planting tonight. I'm thankful for the people who planted the seeds and nurtured the young plants to this point. From here on, they will be dependent on my care. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul talks about planting, watering and growth. Though one person plants the seed and another waters it, only God can make it grow. The same holds true in the spiritual realm. Each of us has a task to do. Are you a seed planter? Plant God's Word in the heart of those around you and sow seeds of kindness. Are you one who waters? Find those who are thirsty and offer them the living water of Jesus. Finally, trust God will allow the growth to happen in His perfect way and timing.