Goodbye August

Another August is ready to pass. Goodbye days of lazy summer, sun tea from the porch, the fragrance of freshly mowed grass, the bang of the screen door, sailboats on the lake, and playtime on the beach.
The days of scorching hot baseball games have been replaced by cool football nights. Sweet corn stands will soon be pumpkin wagons.

Old Faithful

The end of August reminds me of all the month's activities and memories made. What a blessing it is to look back on good times, new experiences, and love that was shared.

Solomon reflected on his life in the book of Ecclesiastes. He wrote about his personal experiences and those he observed. He wrote about searching for happiness, the emptiness of wealth and success, the rewards of work, the certainty of death, and where to find true wisdom. He considers all that he saw and heard and learned and he shares this revelation.

"I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all," (Ecclesiastes 9:11 NIV)

Life isn't perfect. No one's is. There are stumbling spots and rotten apples, confusing turmoils and great kite-flying days. There are losses and surpluses, highlights and hindsights, routines and shambles. Saturday morning starts a new month, a clean slate (is it isn't already filled in), a new period of your life. Take time to plan for the month and consider your goals, God's purpose for you, and His direction for your life. With God. Whatever your goals, include God. Solomon discovered how important God's presence was in his life. We can, too.

Joyful Praises To God

Good Morning, Jesus! My mind is swimming in all of the beauty of nature that we experienced in Wyoming last week. And I'm just beginning to sort through more than 400 photos. We especially cherish the sightings of bison, antelope, and moose because they are so unusual to us. I'm sure Wyoming natives get frustrated with the vacationers who line the road or slow down to observe what is rare to us.

The Grand Teton

That is kind of the same with Christians. Coming to know Jesus can be such an exciting time. New Christians are full of joy and delight and can't wait to share what they have learned with others! But what about us native Christians? Shouldn't we also feel that exhilaration of knowing that Jesus Christ is our Savior! Yes, we should. I'm speaking to myself here. I fail to show that joy and thrill of knowing Jesus, I'm sure.  The depression that still weighs me down seems to temper my joy.

That's what I love about vacations in nature. I love the stimulation I receive from God's beauty. I feel so close to God when I see and feel His amazing Creation! The grandeur of mountains, the uniqueness of areas, the tree-lined roads, the wildlife, the waterfalls, the power of rushing streams over rounded rocks resulting in cascades of white water. It seems so clear to me that God created volcanos and earthquakes and exploding power of geysers and melting pots of mud that have turned the Wyoming landscape into treasured areas of tourism.

So for today, I'm sharing Psalm 67, so we can all lift our hearts and voices up to God in praise and joy, each day.

"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. Then the land will yield its harvest, and God , our God, will bless us. God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him," (Psalm 67 NIV).
Amen.

My Father's World

One song that we often sang in youth group when I was a teen and also in church was, "This Is My Father's World". The words are etched in my brain's archives, even though it has been many years since I sang it last. We just returned from enjoying more of the beauty of my Father's world - thus the late publish of this blog.

John and I have been very blessed to be able to travel around this great country, mostly since we have been empty nesters. Sorry sons. We love the National Parks, especially. So this year we are traveling to Wyoming to see Yellowstone and The Grand Teton. Of course, my camera is in tow so I can fill more picture albums. Though the family doesn't seem to enjoy the pictures very much, John and I love looking back through them and trying to remember the experiences we enjoyed.

Taken 7-19-18 looking east from Grimes at Bondurant tornado.

Sing along, if you remember: "This is my Father's world, And to my listening ears All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres. This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas--His hand the wonders wrought. This is my Father's world, The birds their carols raise, The morning light, the lily white, Declare their Maker's praise. This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair; In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere. This is my Father's world, O let me ne'er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet. This is my Father's world: Why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King: let the heavens ring! God reigns: let earth be glad! A-men." Written by Maltbie D. Babcock in 1901 and Franklin L. Sheppard, 1915, I imagine they felt just as John and I do when we view the wonderful glory of the Lord in God's Nature.

You don't have to travel to experience the beauty of God's World of nature. I watched the above cloud formation all the way from Boone to Grimes that afternoon and wanted to catch it with the field corn in front. Our son's acreage provided the perfect setting as I took the photo above. Only after I arrived home did I hear about the tornado warnings and this cloud seemed to be in the right place at the right time to be the Bondurant tornado. We later watched the news with horror as other tornados ravaged Marshalltown, Pella, and rural areas in Iowa. Beauty sometimes holds even greater power than when it touches our hearts.

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "You God reigns!" (Isaiah 52:7 NIV).

Frustration With Myself

Have you ever made a note to yourself and then weeks or months later found the note and realized that you didn't follow-through with whatever you had written down. I just did. Post-it notes are really helpful if you read them. I don't know how many times I've cleared off my computer screen notes because I wasn't even noticing them anymore.

I'm ashamed to say that on June 22, shortly after attending the Cedar Falls Christian Writers Workshop, I made a note to myself to submit one freelance article a month. Then I listed the months and here it is the end of August and I haven't written one solitary article. So much for holding myself accountable.

When I read the devotional from Jesus Calling for August 20 I realized that I didn't back up my list with prayer. How foolish! The author, Sarah Young, says, "there is more--much more--available to those who ask." She is talking about asking God for what we want.

"You do not have, because you do not ask God," (James 4:2c NIV).

Had I asked, God would have helped me make time to write and would have given me the topic and even the place to send the article. But, I didn't take time to stop and pray about it.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened," (Matthew 7:7-8 NIV).

Forgive me, Lord, for thinking I could do anything without You. Nothing I do on my own will be a success. Thank you for reminding me that, "I need Thee every hour...I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee!" ("I Need Thee Every Hour" by Annie S. Hawks and Robert Lowry, in 1872.

Remember God's Grace

I experienced a miracle this week. I don't believe I'm overstating this, but you can decide. Satan has been tempting me not to share my experience with anyone. But, I was reminded one of our 'next step' activities from Sunday's worship was to write down a list of all the times/ways God has brought me through trials in my life. This blog will address only a few of the ways God was my protector in this one situation.

I am so unworthy of God's grace and I can't explain why I received His protection when others do not. I know that I believe and that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know He loves me. I know He cares.

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds," (Psalm 77:11-12 NIV).

After church Sunday we had lunch and finished up a few tasks before John and I went to the Iowa State Fair to watch our granddaughters compete in the 4-H Sheep Showmanship contest. It was a beautiful hot summer day to spend at the Fair. We made a quick swing through some of our favorite spots, the Varied Industries Building and the main concourse. Then we settled in for a few hours of watching showmanship. It was a great time. No worries or concerns. All was in God's hands.

As soon as I opened the door to the house I remembered. I had put six eggs on to boil at Noon. It was now after 6:30 p.m. My heart sank. I ran into the kitchen to find a mess, but not a kitchen fire. Not egg plastered from ceiling to floor. Nothing that 15 minutes of clean-up wouldn't take care of. I saw the gas burner still on. The small pan was tipped on its side, nearly off the flame. The lid had popped off and was resting on the countertop and egg shells and parts were scattered all over the floor, counter and stove. The  hot eggs must have exploded but in the mildest of manner and the only damage was to the pan and the eggs. A miracle.

We could have come home to a house fire. A home gone. Instead I swept up the floor and wiped up the countertop, put the hot pan in the sink to cool and wiped down a few cabinets that had speckles of yolk decoration. I spent a while cleaning up the stove when it got cool. And spraying air freshener throughout the house to get rid of the burnt egg smell which was nasty.

Besides saving the house or kitchen from damage, God didn't allow me to remember the eggs while we were watching the girls. We were able to enjoy the afternoon. Had I remembered, it would have been a terrible afternoon of rushing home, missing the showmanship, and being angry about what I had done. I am embarrassed and ashamed of myself. I've turned into my grandmother who did the same thing when she was in her late 80's.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of yesterday, of Sunday, of long ago. I will meditate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds. (Psalm 77:11-12 NIV paraphrased).

God does miracles even today. Thank you, God. I will remember You always and praise You with thanksgiving in my heart.

The Greatest Showman

It has been a busy start to Iowa State Fair week and already the grandchildren are making a name for themselves. Maybe it is only in my eyes that my precious ones shine, but that is okay. I'm proud of the hard work and the culmination of years of experience and learning that has brought the grandchildren to this point in time.

Calvin has been showing sheep since he was five years old. He was barely as big as his first show lambs and he wasn't totally convinced that showing sheep was an activity for him. He had watched his sister show for a couple of years and wanted to do what Paige did, but standing next to the lambs when they didn't always cooperate was almost more than he wanted. I only remember one time that there were tears. He was one tough little boy.

When I watched him show last Thursday and Friday in the FFA Sheep Show, I remembered one summer when he just didn't seem to 'get' showing a sheep. His movements didn't seem to work with the sheep and he wasn't getting the results either. There may have been more behind the troubles with showing than what I was aware of. Still, watching the sheer perfection in showing that he exhibited last week, I was in awe of how far he had come. In that 18-year-old head and body was gathered the knowledge and experience to excel. Calvin can create a masterpiece out of a lamb. He knows how to make a lamb do what will make it look its best for the judge. He's developed the patience to wait for the lamb to cooperate, using every skill he has learned over the years.  Calvin received the highest in FFA sheep showmanship awards.

I think this sets the stage for his next chapter in life: college. He can apply the skills of repetitive practice on whatever he studies in the future. The foundation he has already created in the sciences through high school and ISU courses will give him good steady footing for what is ahead. Although I will miss watching his cool attitude in the show ring (very much), I know there will be future bright shining stars for Calvin. He is going to excel at whatever he chooses. He has endured the hardships and he will find his way on the high road.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus," (Philippians 4:19 NIV).

I put my trust in God for Calvin's future and for all my grandchildren's futures. Already, Payton is blazing her own trail of sheep showmanship. She won the 4-H Intermediate Showmanship competition at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday evening. She has worked very hard to achieve this recognition by showing in countless lamb shows and showmanship contests for many years and her sister Bailey is close on her heels.

God knows the future of my precious grandchildren and I must trust God everyday to be faithful in hearing my prayers and answering them within His will. I'm thankful every day for the gift of grandchildren. I'm so very blessed to know personally the Greatest Showman, indeed.

Our Wide Open Expanse

Monday night I sat on the deck watching a storm cloud to our northeast. For probably half an hour I watched the thundercloud at sunset. The highest clouds caught the golden-orange sunlight, while others were shades of pink and gray. I observed the power of the storm brewing as the clouds bubbled up like foamy root beer, getting larger and rounder as they grew. Occasionally, there was a rumble from deep inside and strikes of lightning stretched to the ground. It was an awesome sight. I hoped for rain but the clouds moved steadily to the south, away from us.

I was reminded of the thrill of flying through the clouds and first seeing the clouds up close from an airplane window. I'm still overwhelmed by the beauty of clouds when we fly. I don't think it will ever get old for me.

I think of the stomach-dropping feeling as the plane flies into a cloud and experiences a bit of turbulance. There is power in the clouds.

"Dear, dear Corinthians, I can't tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn't fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way. I'm speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!" (2 Corinthians 6:11-13 MSG).

This scripture captured me yesterday morning from The Message New Testament and it seemed to speak of the cloud images I had absorbed the night before. I can't think of anything more expansive and open than a sky of clouds. I remember noticing how the fronts weather people speak of were so visible from the airplane. There would be a line of clouds, then the clearing would move in and take over the sky. The clouds disappeared until hundreds of miles later a different grouping would move into existence.

God grants us such beauty and greatness. Everywhere we look, we can see His power and might, His creation talent, and His love for us. The world is ours to enjoy and care for. Let us take the time to enjoy all the wonder that exists. As Paul says in Corinthians, he wants us to experience the life God has intended for us. Paul shared his true love for the church in Corinth and begged them to open their hearts.

Next time you see clouds in the sky, whatever shape or color they might be, may you be reminded of God and live life openly and expansively for Him and Him Alone!

Practice Makes Better

Yesterday was the All-Iowa Showdown, a competition of the elite champion livestock showmen from each county who also won a regional showdown. They came to the Oskaloosa Fair Grounds Pavilion to show their stuff. The entire fairgrounds was filled with truck and show trailers from all over Iowa. There were nine regional showdowns, each with eight species representing that area: breeding doe, ewe, gilt and heifer; and market beef, goat, hog and lamb. There were 72 possible showmen however several had won with more than one species. We were honored to be there for two grandchildren from two different counties and Calvin was one who showed two animals: breeding ewe and market lamb. Bailey showed a market lamb as well.

Bailey and Calvin competed in the Market Lamb division of the All-Iowa Showdown in Oskaloosa yesterday.

There were four judges who were known for their species and each one mentioned how impressive it was to drive onto the fairgrounds and see the sheer number of families involved, plus the extensive amount of tack and equipment brought to represent Iowa. The judges were all in awe of this unique competition and praised the organizers of the event. Truly, it has taken several years of groundwork to make the Showdown happen and it was well done, honoring the kids who worked so hard to get there, as well as recognizing the parents, families, 4-H and FFA leaders who were in the background of each Ag student.

Just as with any organized event be it gymnastics, softball, soccer, dance, or church, people learn from others they gather with. Information is shared: the secrets of success, methods of best practices, or personal mistakes that led to a change. We all learn from a mentors or teachers; we look up to those who exemplify our goal.

As Christians, we learn through individual Bible study, group teaching and sharing, and formal worship sessions. Experience plays a big part in our growth of faith. Continued repetition of good practices helps build our skill and knowledge, whether it is sheep coiffure for show or Bible study. We must be consistent and practice, practice, practice. Our continual connection to God is mandatory for success.

"God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see--how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness," (Psalm 34:7-10 MSG).

Thirsting For God

I've experienced a very dry mouth for several years now due to the combination of medications I'm on. I've forgotten what a normal mouth is like, creating its own juices, lubricating the tongue and teeth and throat.

I keep bottles of water in my car and I've stocked up on sugar free lozenges in my purse, my camera bag, even in the pocket of my Bible. I have a bottle of mouth rinse created to aid dry mouth and a spray that does the same. I carry a glass of water wherever I go in the house or on the deck. I guess I am like our lawns, waiting for a drenching rain to come revive it. (We did get a brief shower last night along with thunder and lightening - but it wasn't measurable).

My mouth gets so dry, especially overnight because I'm a mouth breather. I awaken with such a desert in my mouth that I can't talk or swallow until I get a drink. During the day, my mouth dries up and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth until I get some moisture in there. If I do much talking the moisture just evaporates and I'm left with a crisp parched mouth. It's just a problem I deal with. Hopefully, most people don't notice my issue. (I'm sure they will now!)

"God--you're my God! I can't get enough of you! I've worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory," (Psalm 63:1-2 MSG).

Oftentimes I have even a greater thirst for God, than in my mouth. I'm so desperate to feel God near me and know His presence with every fiber of my being, that I, too, call out to Him like the psalmist. Whether I'm searching for an answer to prayer, pleading for wisdom or guidance, or rejoicing in the beauty of God's Creation, I want God. I need God. Sometimes I must tell Him my deepest longing, or shout to Him thanksgiving for answered prayer.

I'm so grateful that I can always quench my thirst for God by turning to Him, anywhere, anytime, anyplace. I can open His Holy Word and be blessed by His thoughts and His wisdom. God is my cool, refreshing drink of water that always satisfies.

Thank You, Lord. Thank You!