Memorial Day

Flags are flying today in remembrance of United States military personnel who died while serving in our Armed Forces. On Memorial Day I think of special services held at military cemeteries across the nation and graves decorated with American flags. 

I think of the tradition of playing "Taps" at exactly 3 p.m. on Memorial Day. I would love to step outside at 3 o'clock and hear someone in my neighborhood playing "Taps" along with thousands of others across the nation on the National Moment of Remembrance.

We placed flowers on our family graves last week when we were in Marshall County, continuing a tradition of our parents. I have to wonder if we will be the last generation to do this.

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves," (Romans 12:10 NIV).

Lord God, I pray for those who are grieving or sorrowful this Memorial Day. You are the One who can comfort them, and I thank You. Here in America, this "Land of the Free,"  I remember those who have fought and died while protecting the freedoms I enjoy. Lord, I know that Jesus is the One who died for my true freedom, the freedom from my sins. Thank You, my God, for sending Your Son to save us. I pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

To God Be the Glory!

Escape Into Youth

Right in the midst of a week of dedicated focus on planning and preparation, we had a wonderful day with two of our college-age granddaughters. It was a delightful escape into their world. Lately I've been stuck in the old-age pity pot. Life with youngsters is so much more fun. Their futures are full of hope and expectation and delight.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen," (Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV).

We talked about studies and experiences. We laughed about memories we share. We discussed situations and possible solutions.We shared hugs and more hugs, mostly for this grandmother's heart.

Lord God, thank You for grandchildren - a new generation that carries imagination and success in its pockets. Protect them from evil and fill them with the Holy Spirit to guide their ways. Work within their young minds and bodies to bring glory to Your Holy Name. Praying in Jesus' name, Amen.

To God be the glory! 

Chased by Goodness

Sometimes days come and go in a blur. Time seems to go so fast when we get old. Remember how slowly the days passed when we were children waiting for a birthday or Christmas or summer vacation? It is breathtaking.

"Surly goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life," (Psalm 23:6 NIV).

Storms in Iowa are a reality in summertime or spring as it is this year. Winds can destroy a life's dream in an instant. We are in for more tonight. So how do we explain God's protection after a tornado? 

"Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life," (Psalm 23:6 NLT).

Clinging to the Word of God in every situation is all we can do. He has given us promises that we, believers, will be with Him in eternity. 

"Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life," (Psalm 23:6 MSG).

As we begin a new day or a new week we pray for God's protection and mercy as is promises in the 23rd Psalm. We don't always look at just one verse of this beloved Psalm, but verse six is guiding me today into God's love and goodness.

"My goodness and mercy will chase after you all the days of your life," (Psalm 23:6)

Lord, stretch Your arms around us this day. Help us cherish every moment that You give us. Open our eyes  with awareness of the goodness and mercy and love You provide. We thank You, Lord God, with all our being. We pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

#1200 gds

Familiar Paths

Are you like me? I drive the same roads nearly every day. When I head to the gym, to the grocery stores, to the doctor, to church, and usually to Dairy Queen. If you live in Ankeny you know that there is always road construction that can redirect your path. I know English teachers don't like me using 'always' but...1st Street, Ankeny Blvd, Delaware, 18th... I rest my case.

Anyway, back to the blog. On every repetitive street I take there are things I look for. Deer, always, everywhere in Iowa. But there are trees I take note of. Those that bloom, then grow their leaves, or turn fall colors. There is a collie that lies in front of a house, and two black dogs that live at the house with a swimming pool. I watch for the wild turkeys that cross the road or dance in a yard I drive. I watch for the postal truck and drivers who don't use their turning signals.

On our street, a cul-de-sac, I watch for children and other cars backing out at the same time I am. Now I have to watch extra carefully for kids on skateboards or electric bikes or those things like a skateboard with handles (what are they called?). They move so fast and appear out of no where, it seems.

"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them," (Isaiah 42:16 NIV).

Thank You, God, for all that You do. I'm so glad that You gave us Your Holy Word so long ago that we can still trust in You. I am so thankful for Your guidance and Your wisdom. Lord, I know that You watch over us wherever the roads take us. You alone are powerful and amazing in Your good works. I lift my voice, and my hands in praise for all of Your goodness. Amen. 

Because of Your Love and Faithfulness

Wow! God outdid Himself yesterday for the mothers. What a beautiful day! And by the singing birds outside my window, I think today will be the same. God is so good. Not just on beautiful days but even on stormy days, grief-filled days, and days of pain or illness. God is right where you are: loving and faithful.

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness,"   (Psalm 115:1 NIV). 

Sometimes when we pray the prayer above, we ask it selfishly. I am guilty. Sometimes I pray that this blog  touches someone's heart when she/he reads it. But sometimes I want to take the credit for it. Then I remind myself that God always answers my prayers through a topic, a scripture, a memory or a thought. 

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness,"   (Psalm 115:1 NIV). 

My Life Application Bible says it is okay to want to make a good impression. It is when I do something that clouds God's reputation that I need to be cautious of. Who gets the credit if God answers my prayer?

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness,"   (Psalm 115:1 NIV). 

God is so good. What will He help me do today? What did I do today that I couldn't have done without God's help? Where did that idea come from? Was it the Holy Spirit that nudged me to do something? 

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness,"   (Psalm 115:1 NIV). 

Remember today that God is right where you are: always loving and faithful.

O Mighty God, fill me with Your presence today. Make me loving and faithful, like You. Guide me in showing Your love and faithfulness to others today. May everything I do today bring glory to You, my God. I pray these things in Jesus' Name. Amen.

I Want To Run

Last night we were reminiscing about watching our grandchildren run. This week we watched one of our grandsons run the 400, and anchor the 4 x 400 (while enduring a bitter north wind. How do those young men and women run in skimpy shorts and tank tops when it is so cold? But, I digress.). 

Years ago, another grandson was a runner. He ran cross country and track and was relentless about pursuing first place. We also watched a granddaughter run cross country for her four years of high school. I am still amazed at their individual abilities to run. It is a skill I have never possessed. Maybe that's why I love the Scripture that follows.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God," (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV).

I can imagine standing at the start line, dropping all the things that would slow me down: my guilt, my anger, my envy, my weariness..., and grasping perseverance and power from the Holy Spirit. All the while, I fix my eyes on Jesus, and run freely the race God has placed before me. (My hip ache, neck pain, and my sore arthritic thumb are all gone.)  Hallelujah to the Son of God!

Oh, Gracious Heavenly Father,  keep me on the right track as I struggle to follow You. I am so unworthy of Your love and forgiveness, but I am so thankful for the guideposts You have placed in my life to teach and mentor me. Thank You, Jesus!.Holy Spirit, fill me with Your wisdom and power, that I, too, can join You in the eternal home You have made. I pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Go With Me, My God

It is a new month, a new week, a new day. What do you have to look forward to? What do you have on your calendar that you are not excited about? I tend to look at my calendar and review what I have to do in the week ahead. That is as far as I can handle these days.

It is hard to believe how much I had in one day when I was working. How did I do it? My days were filled with appointments, meetings, and writing time. Then after work I visited my parents, providing a few extra groceries and doing a few chores, but mostly listening. Then heading home to prepare dinner for the two of us.

I almost feel ashamed when someone asks what I am doing later in the day - "nothing". I could say studying my Bible, reading a book, feeding the birds, washing a load of clothes, not exactly exciting stuff. Yet, I love being retired. But I don't love getting older in a body that is worn out.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go," (Joshua 1:9 NIV)

Sometimes getting older requires being strong and courageous. Some days I feel discouraged or even terrified of what is ahead. That is when I need this message from Joshua, a strong spiritual leader who followed and obeyed God, and led his people into the promised land.

O, God, I want to obey You in all I do. Look into my heart and destroy anything that is evil or selfish. Guide my steps on Your path for my life. Show me the plan You have laid out, and the purpose You have for me. I love You Lord and I fear You with honor and reverence. Thank You for sending Jesus to wipe away my sins. I bow before You, Lord God. I praise You for being with me wherever I go. Amen.