The Wise Men

"After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were over-joyed. On coming to the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route," (Matthew 2:9-12 NIV),

As we come to the end of a year it is often wise to ponder the past months and evaluate changes we may wish to make in the New Year. New Year's resolutions have a bad name but the idea is still wise. It is okay to make resolutions that sometimes get broken. However, it is better to create a plan that may help you be successful at making a change. Small steps are better than leaping into a huge transformation, cold turkey fashion. 

Trying to improve our habits, challenges us to focus on a goal, and focusing on a goal gives us direction. Just like the Magi who followed a star, we can set a goal and move forward, following the path we desire. Goals need to be small and specific. They should be attainable. One goal I've set for myself is reading through the Bible in a year. There are many plans available to follow and I know the goal is attainable. 

This year I plan to journal several times a week. I have a new journal that will make it fun to write in. Though, I may do better with reading the Bible than journaling if my right hand is incapacitated part of the year. 

May you find time to consider what plans you have for the New Year and how you will accomplish those plans. Mark your calendar in March to review your goal and access how you are doing. Then give yourself grace if the goal has faded or congratulate yourself if you have done well. Be over-joyed with your success.

May you have a blessed New Year! 

The Shepherds

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shine around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."  

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,"Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told,"(Luke 2:8-20 NIV).

What a blessed story. May it bless you this morning as we continue in the joy of Christmas.

The Christmas Story

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:1-7 NIV).

The story never gets old. It brings my mind into focus on the birth of the baby Jesus.That's what Christmas is all about. A baby, a holy child, born in a stable with the cattle and sheep all around. Jesus. The promises of a King have been fulfilled. He is here! Joy to the World! A Star, a Star glowing in the night, alerted everyone of His coming. Jesus came to change the world. He came to take away the sins of the world. He bore our stripes so we wouldn't have to. And He is just a baby now.

My study Bible lists eighteen Messianic Prophecies and Fulfillments that Jesus was the answer to. He was born in Bethlehem. He was born of a virgin. These first two happened in the stable, just as predicted. Jesus is born! Hallelujah!

May your Christmas be centered on the baby Jesus. And may your hearts be filled with hope eternal.

Christmas Memories

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation," (Isaiah 12:2 NIV). 

When my family gathered for Christmas my parents' huge farm house was full. I have three sisters and all their children who were able to come made a great house full. We gathered in the kitchen, women helping prepare the Christmas feast, men peeking their noses in for a snack or to pester. As each family group arrived there was a great welcome from everyone. Mother was in charge but each person was responsible for what they brought. The food was set out buffet style on the counter and added tables as needed. One table was reserved for desserts: homemade pies, pistachio dessert, and Christmas cookies by the dozens.

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his hearth gently leads those that have young," (Isaiah 40:11 NIV).

The dinner table was full and often another table was set up in the living room to accommodate everyone. Sometimes there was a table in the kitchen for the younger kids. Daddy would offer his prayer before we went out to fill our plates. The best part of the day was the stories that were told around the dinner table. There was laughter, non stop. Sometimes all it took was a look across the table at another sister and the giggling would begin. The men would egg the sisters on and tease us. It became a table of delightful laughter.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand," (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).

After the dishes were done and the food put away, we would gather in the living room making a circle around the room with the Christmas tree in the corner. The kids would hand out presents from beneath the tree and we would take turns opening the gifts. Then the fun began with one of the pianists taking the piano and playing Christmas carols. All would sing. Since Mom and Dad have been gone we haven't had a Springer Christmas together. Their big house is gone, too.

Memories are precious keepsakes of the heart.

The Sounds of Christmas

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the rams horn--shout for joy before the Lord, the King," (Psalm 98:4-6 NIV).

Christmas music makes the season. I love Christmas music. You'll find my radio blaring as I bake or cook or clean. Life 107.1 is playing Christmas music full-time now until Christmas and is my go-to station at all times. I have stacks of Christmas CDs that I haven't even played yet. They include all my favorites. Nearly every Christmas song is my favorite. I can't think of one I don't like.

I love the old Christmas carols. They are like comfort food for my soul. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear," "What Child Is This, Who, Laid to Rest," "The First Noel, the Angel Did Say," "Angels from the Realms of Glory," "Away in a Manger," "Angels We Have Heard on High," "As with Gladness Men of Old," "Go Tell It On the Mountain," "Good Christian Men, Rejoice," "Silent Night, Holy Night," "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks," "Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come," and "O Little Town of Bethlehem." 

Christmas is a time to enjoy the sounds of Christmas bells and music. It prepares my heart for Christmas Day. The wonderful day Jesus was born.

Join me in listening to Christmas music this week and next. Rejoice and shout for joy. Sing jubilant song or play the harp or instruments. The King is coming. Hallelujah!

Christmas Traditions

 My mother spent the weeks before Christmas, baking cookies and making candy to use on trays she would give away. The week of Christmas she would pull everything out of her freezer or the back porch "cooler" and begin to prepare plates of goodies. Once she had them ready she would have Daddy deliver them to neighbors, the pastor, Sunday school teachers, Daddy's coworkers or his fellow volunteers or pianists who accompanied him at the Veterans Home where he led worship and songs. These gifts of Mama's hands were always appreciated. It was a tradition at my parents' home when I was growing up and beyond.

Another Christmas tradition for my family was "The Messiah" by G.F. Handel. My father had a wonderful voice and participated in the community singing of this masterpiece for many years. It was a tradition to attend the performance, after several weeks of practice, on a Sunday evening. The music still thrills me when I hear it. It always meant the beginning of the Christmas season.

When I was still at home our tradition was for Daddy to cut down a Christmas tree from the farm. Usually this meant it was a cedar tree. I was always impatient about getting a tree but in his own time Daddy would find a tree and present it to us. Mother would occasionally spruce it up a bit with a can of flocking or green paint. But, it was always acceptable once decorated. 

I always think of our home church and their annual Christmas caroling day. A group would gather and caravan with cars to shut-in neighbors or church members would could no longer attend. Eventually my parents became one of the places where the group would visit and carol. It meant so much to them. It brings tears to my eyes as I remember those days.

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel," (Isaiah 7:14 NIV).

What are your signs or traditions that mean Christmas is coming?

Sights of Christmas

 "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go."

First, there were aisles of Christmas goods. Toys, candy, trinkets, wrapping paper, bows, and gifts line the shelves. A sea of sparkling red and green, silver and gold. A haven for children's temptations and adult shoppers, too. 

Next came the outdoor lights. Houses with rooftops lined in lights. Lights on porches, strung over bushes, hung on the door posts with wreaths and blown-up snowmen, Santas, even a Scrooge or two. Evening drives are delightful as I look at all the lights and decorations. 

Then came the indoor decorations and Christmas tree. We put up our tree on the day after Thanksgiving with the help of our teenage granddaughters. Payton helped me put the tree together. Unfortunately they had to leave before the decorations got put on so John and I covered our tall, narrow tree with my collection of sheep ornaments.

Christmas is a time of beautiful colors and sparkling lights. Enjoy them while they are here.

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace," (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).

The Announcement

 "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins," (Matthew 1:18-21 NIV).

Lives change in this paragraph of scripture. Matthew focuses on Joseph's story, sharing with us an insight to Joseph's personality. He was thoughtful and caring of Mary as he considered what to do about the baby he did not father. Matthew only shares the story of how Joseph learned the real story of the coming baby. He doesn't share with us the reaction Joseph has to the dream. 

The angel announces God's plan to Mary in the book of Luke. Two young people are suddenly given the greatest roles of bringing Jesus, the Messiah to earth. As expectant parents their lives immediately become centered around planning for the future.

Our hearts are in planning mode also as we prepare for Christmas. It's coming fast and our tasks are short on time. Let us not forget to focus on the stories that lead to Jesus' birth. He is the reason for the season of Advent. Let us have joy in our hearts as we prepare for the anniversary of His coming.

Lord, fill us with joy this season as we reflect on the stories that bring Jesus into our lives. Thank you for sending Your Son to save us from our sins. Amen.

Written on Human Hearts

"You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts," (2 Corinthians 3:2-3 NIV). 

I don't know about you, but I want to be that letter, written on my heart, that can be read by everybody. I want people to see Jesus Christ in me, by the way I act, speak, react, and the actions I take. I want people

to experience the Spirit of the living God when they talk to me. I want others to see Jesus living in my heart. 

But that's a big order for me, a sinner who makes mistakes, who doesn't always feel like I have Jesus Christ in me. What happens then? I think the Spirit of God works in me to change my heart so I can be the loving, caring person that I want to be.

God turns my "I don't want to" into "I will gladly". He turns my grumble into a smile. Like the Grinch who has second thoughts about taking Christmas away, and suddenly returns all of Christmas to the Whovilles.

Christmas is coming, folks, and I want to be recognized as someone who has the Spirit of God inside her heart. I want my human heart to have writing all over it by the Spirit of the living God. 

Lord fill us with Your Word. Show us Your kindness and mercy so we can show them to others during this season of Advent. Fill our hearts with a giving spirit and let us be Your people with a letter from Christ on our hearts. Amen.

And Let There Be Peace

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him," (Colossians 3:15-17 NIV). 

This scripture is filled with wisdom for believers and it seemed so appropriate for this time of the year. We come off of Thanksgiving where our focus was on being grateful. These verses say to be thankful and to sing with gratitude in our hearts, and to give thanks to God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ.

This scripture prepares us for the Advent season by calling the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts, reminding us that as members of one body we are called to peace.

This scripture speaks of our duties as members of one body that include admonishing one another with wisdom, and worship with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in our hearts to God.

Whatever we do, whether in word or deed we are to do it in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Let us focus on the wisdom of these verses as we enter the Advent season. Let us be encouragers to others and lift them up with thanksgiving for the things they do well. Let us fill our hearts with gladness as we sing songs with thankfulness in our hearts. Let us sing the Christmas carols we love with joy in our hearts. And let there be peace this season in our hearts. Amen.

Thankful For Family

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus," (1Thessalonians 5:18 NIV).

Our plates were full on Thanksgiving Day. We gave thanks to God that twelve of us were able to feast together on a cold but sunny Thanksgiving Day. We had an evening meal that filled our bellies with plenty and more. 

God has richly blessed us with a wonderful family and a family that is growing. It's a nice problem to need an extra table and chairs to help seat everyone. We'll squeeze a little closer when Christmas comes and the whole family will be together. 

We had lots of laughter and fun exchanges. And that's the way it is supposed to be with family. There was also a lot of getting-to-know-you-chatter that benefited us all.

God created family as the best way to care for each other and wasn't He wise! Family works so well, even when pieces come apart and others join in. Family works like a puzzle, when the pieces come together they always fit. And that's a good feeling. To know you belong. God is indeed very wise. Thank you God, for family.

Thankful for Friends

"Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song," (Psalm 95:2 NIV). 

When I moved to Ankeny I didn't know anyone here. We moved to be closer to our youngest grandchildren in Grimes. Then, with John's encouragement, I started going to aqua fitness at a local fitness center. There I have made many friends. I'm so thankful for friends. It is nice to see a friendly face when I arrive and nice to have friends who share my desire to exercise in warm water. Unfortunately the water isn't always warm so together we complain briefly, then get to work.

When we found a church to attend we were blessed by new friends. Attending a Bible study helped me make new friends who share the love of Jesus. Just as I've found many of my aqua fitness ladies also share.This is what makes a tighter bond between friends, I've found. I'm so thankful for new friends.

I miss my old friends from the Marshalltown area. There are many I stay in touch with. I'm thankful for those I still see occasionally from my Bible study group and from my former place of work. Life changes and so do our friends. I especially miss those special church friends we left.

It is important to have friends I can share things with and who care about me, as I care about them. Thank you, friends.

"A friend loves at all times," (Proverbs 17:17 NIV).

Thankful for His Love

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations," (Psalm 100 NIV).

This psalm fills my heart with love. It is about joy, gladness, singing, knowing whose we are, thanksgiving, praise and love. God's faithfulness endures forever through all generations. (Praise God!)

This is the time of year to gather all our thoughts and give thanks for the many blessings we have in our lives. Gratitude fills every inch of my heart as I consider how gracious God has been to me in the past year. I hope your heart is as full as mine. God is so good. He loves me more than anyone else ever could. I'm so grateful for His love. God created me to be who I am and He loves me that way. I hope you know He loves you so much that He gave His Son to die on the cross for you. That is a great love!

If your heart is aching, due to COVID or something else, consider how much God loves you and thank Him for all He has done for you. A grateful heart sings praises and worships God. Life isn't always easy but if you walk hand in hand with God it is bearable. May God give you comfort for whatever is hurting in you. God's love surpasses all understanding and it endures forever. 

Glory to God in the highest!

The Spirit of Power

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner," (2 Timothy 1: 7-8a NIV).

Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to Timothy, offering encouragement and directions on how to be a good Christian leader. Paul gives good advice to us, as well. He says not to be timid but use the power of the Holy Spirit to fill us with love and self-discipline. Then we will be the leadership God wants to find in our churches.

These verses speak to me, Miss Timidity. I've always been shy and timid when meeting new people though I've gotten better as I grow older. I'd still say I am shy. The scripture says God has not given us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power. With God I can do all things! 

I am not ashamed to testify about our Lord. That's what I do in every one of these blogs. I hope to bring God alive and closer to each reader. My purpose in writing this blog is to encourage each believer.

Paul also encourages Timothy not to be afraid of being arrested for his faith. Paul wants him to be brave and use the spirit of power God has given him.

Be brave today, all Christians, use the strength God gives us and proclaim that God is alive within us, making us powerful and filled with love and self-discipline. Amen!

Stumbling Blocks

We just returned from a week with our grandchildren in Virginia. We learned some of the roads they frequently travel to school and to soccer practice and games as we took our grandchildren there. The roads in Virginia are lined by trees so it was hard to find markers to help find our way. Eventually, some locations became familiar but the trees seemed to make it difficult. I love the trees. It is so different from Iowa where you can look for miles over fields. 

We depended on GPS to get us where we were going but our grandson Graham was even better at steering us in the right direction. He knows his way around any where we wanted to go. (He turns 11 today on 11/11/21.) The same way his dad knew his way around Iowa when he was a boy. 

As Christians we often find ourselves facing stumbling blocks on our path of life. The stumbling blocks can be sins, temptations, greed, or an evil tongue. They get in our way of achieving perfection. That's why we need Jesus. Jesus brought us forgiveness.

"We all stumble in many ways," (James 3:2 NIV). 

May all your stumbling blocks be small and insignificant as you walk through your day. God bless you.

Immeasurably!

What a wonderful word. Immeasurably. Think about that word in relationship to God and you. What a wonderful word it is. Without measure. Without bounds or edges. Unable to measure, it is so massive. That's what God can do! Beyond what we can ever imagine! And His power is available to us, in us, and through us. God works immeasurably. I love that word.

It is expansive, majestic, wonderful, exciting, hope-filled, and marvelous. Like the sand on the shore and the water in the sea, and the stars in the sky! God gives us His all!

The poetic scripture from the Bible that follows, tells us of His ability.

"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).

And because God is so giving and withholds nothing from us-when it is in His will, we will praise Him with our whole heart. We will give Him glory for all of the "immeasurably more" that He can do. Let us give God the glory for ever and ever more. Amen.

November Arrives

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus," (Philippians 4:4-7 NIV).

What a wonderful welcome to November! Our oak tree leaves sparkled like gold in the sunshine yesterday. The leaves of all the trees have finally gotten their fall color and are truly beautiful.

This is a month of thanksgiving and the scripture reminds us that we can turn to God with all our petitions in prayer, with thanksgiving. It is a good month to pause and give thanks for all that is good in our lives. And that's a lot. Rejoice!

Scripture tells us to be gentle, and not to be anxious about anything. That is a good reminder for this time of year. With the busy holidays ahead.

Let's take time during this month of November to rejoice in the Lord always, to be gentle with others, and to pray. Then the Lord, our God of peace, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. What a precious gift to have during November and always.

May God bless you and keep you with His peace that passes all understanding.

#750 

Our Rudder

Last weekend my sister and brother-in-law celebrated their 65th Anniversary. As we were looking through the photo album my sister Burneta shared a story of leaving the church for the honeymoon. They were driven by a friend to the place where they had hidden their car so no shenanigans could be done to it.

I was amazed at how similar our stories were. We also had arranged for a friend to drive us to a hidden location where our car was. We left the church with a friend and several folks tried to follow us. Our driver drove around trying to lose them but they were insistent until we finally got stopped by the town cop in Albion. Once he heard our story and saw how we were still dressed in wedding attire, he said he'd take care of the rest and promptly let us go and stopped the rest of the group behind us. That gave us time to get away and into our own car before they caught up with us.

"When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go," (James 3:3-4 NIV).

Sometimes we try to direct our own way without waiting on God's plan for us, and it doesn't always go so well. But if we follow God's plan as we feel in our heart that it is the right way, things usually go better for us. God is our rudder for life.

 May God guide you safely today so you can get where you want to go. Blessings.

God's Grace is Sufficient

My Dad loved horses. Horses were his passion. He had 15 at the most, usually just one or two to ride. His main riding horse during my lifetime was Chip. A sorrel and white spotted horse with an attitude.

Dad rode Chip to herd cattle on the farm and he loved to ride him in local parades. He would spend an hour or two getting Chip ready, then haul him to the nearest parade, usually State Center's annual Rose Parade. He'd make it just in time to follow in where the horses rode at the back of the parade. Then he rode proudly through the parade route. Sometimes he'd have a grandchild ride along with him.

Chip was Daddy's horse. Chip knew who his owner was and would do anything he asked of him. He was well trained. But if someone else wanted to ride when Daddy was away, things went a little differently. Mainly if I wanted to ride Chip. It wasn't for a lack of trying. I made many attempts. All were fails. 

My nephew Randy and I tried to ride Chip around the farm yard and got bucked off in the field north of the house. Chip went running back to the barn. Another time I decided I was going to ride Chip two miles to the neighbors farm. They rode their horses down to our place and I followed them home. Chip was okay following the other horses, not good but okay. Once I headed home by myself it was a different story.

First he didn't want to leave the other horses, then he started to get anxious to get home. I rode down the gravel road for about half a mile then Chip decided to take a short cut, through our corn field that led back to our farm yard. He didn't walk along the edge of the field. He took me down between rows of tall corn. I couldn't control Chip, he was flying as fast as he could while the corn stalks and leaves slapped my bare legs. I held on with all I had. Chip raced all the way back to the barn. I think that was the last time I tried to ride Chip.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong," (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV).

God's grace is sufficient for us all. May you be blessed by His loving grace today.

I Need Thee Every Hour

"Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. Have mercy on me, m O Lord, for I call to you all day long," (Psalm 86:1-3 NIV). 

As the sun rises on a new day, it is a good time to pause and thank God for His presence with us all day long. I love that I can turn to God whenever I need Him. I don't have to make an appointment, call up Zoom, or go to a certain place. God is always with me and I know I can count on Him to hear my every prayer. 

Annie S. Hawks, 1835-1918, was a busy housewife who suddenly felt the presence of God. She said later, "I began to wonder how anyone could ever live without Him, either in joy or pain. Then the words were ushered into my mind and these thoughts took full possession of me."

Annie S. Hawks wrote the words to "I Need Thee Every Hour" which became a popular hymn. The refrain was added by Robert Lowry. The words go:

"I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord. No tender voice like Thine can peace afford. I need Thee every hour; stay Thou near by. Temptations lose their pow'r when Thou art nigh. I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain. Come quickly, and abide, or life is vain. I need thee every hour; teach me Thy will, and Thy rich promises in me fulfill. I need Thee every hour Most Holy One; O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son. (Refrain) I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; O bless me now my Savior, I come to Thee!"

May you feel the presence of God every hour of this day and be blessed by His love and nearness.

My Sins Were Nailed to the Cross

I grew up in the church. My parents were involved in the music of the church, teaching Sunday school and in its leadership. I was there every Sunday. I absorbed the teachings I received as the truth. I had special teachers like George Smith and Dick Sommerlot who made the Bible understandable and real. Many pastors helped me grow in my faith and definitely my Bible study groups made a huge difference in my life by helping me learn what was in the Bible.

Who helped you find your faith path? How did they change your life? Can you find a way to thank them today?  

"God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away nailing it to the cross," (Colossians 2:13b-14 NIV).

It is another beautiful morning, knowing that my sins are forgiven. I am so thankful for Jesus. I'm so thankful for those who helped me find my faith pathway. I'm so thankful my sins are nailed to the cross.

My Rock

 When I was in junior high our church group took a visit to a man who polished rocks. He had a whole room full of rocks. Some were shiny, some were raw. I was in awe because I loved rocks. I had a collection of pretty rocks I'd found on the farm. I added to a collection of bigger rocks outside. I was able to purchase a small box that displayed different kinds of stones and gave the name of them. I cherished the box and studied them often.

The farm I grew up on had lots of rocks. Every spring we would go out to a field and walk behind the wagon or skid and pick up rocks. We had a really big rock pile near a stream where we dumped the rocks we found. Sometimes we found the top of a very large rock and the tractor would have to help pull it out of the ground. It would be positioned in a place of honor on the barnyard or lawn.

When John and I first got married we lived in a mobile home in the country and one of my first landscaping acts was to find rocks and encircle a flower bed area all along the length of the mobile home. Now that we live in Ankeny we have no rocks in our lawn, except for ones we had to buy from a landscaping place. 

The Bible has no lack of mention of rocks and stones. There are many scriptures that reference God as our rock. Maybe that's why I've always loved the imagery that rocks represent.

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation," (2 Samuel 22:2-3b NIV).

When I was in the depths of depression this verse blessed me with hope. "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand," (Psalm 40:2 NIV).

"Praise be to the Lord my Rock," (Psalm 144:1 NIV).

God's Tender Care

Garden grasses are beautiful this time of year. They grow all year then by fall they add their beautiful plumage. I always loved seeing pampas grass in ditches where it grew tall and lovely so it could sway in the wind. There are many grasses available to gardeners these days. We have four different kinds in our yard. They add height and texture to landscaping.The picture shows tall flame grass (lower) and rose fountain grass at the top, both as seen from our deck.

"God clothes the grass for the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" (Matthew 6:30 NIV).

The picture also shows part of John's pampered lawn. It is beautiful and lush even though it needs rain. Grass is often overlooked. Not John's lawn. It is like a carpet of green.

Grass is under appreciated and sometimes ignored until it needs to be mown. I like grass even if it is common; it is a reminder of God's tender care for us, as the scripture says. Have faith, child.

"There Was Jesus"

Music speaks to me. I love to listen to contemporary Christian music on the radio. I have the station set in my car so it is always on. The music and scriptures lift my spirits and help me worship God. It is a reminder of God's presence around me and that I need to show God to others by my acts of kindness. 

Recently there has been one song that I love to hear. It speaks of Jesus' presence all around us, all the time. There Was Jesus by Dolly Parton and Zach Williams is one of those songs that keeps running through my mind.

There Was Jesus

Song by Dolly Parton and Zach Williams

"Every time I tried to make it on my own
Every time I tried to stand and start to fall
And all those lonely roads that I have travelled on
There was Jesus

When the life I built came crashing to the ground
When the friends I had were nowhere to be found
I couldn't see it then but I can see it now
There was Jesus

In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
(Refrain: Every minute, every moment
Where I've been and where I'm going
Even when I didn't know it or couldn't see it
There was Jesus)

For this man who needs amazing kind of grace (Mmm)
For forgiveness at a price I couldn't pay (Mmm)
I'm not perfect so I thank God every day
There was Jesus (There was Jesus)

(Refrain)

On the mountain, in the valleys (There was Jesus)
In the shadows of the alleys (There was Jesus)
In the fire, in the flood (There was Jesus)
Always is and always was
No I never walk alone (Never walk alone)
You are always there

In the waiting, in the searching
In the healing and the hurting
Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces
Every minute (Every minute), every moment (Every moment)
Where I've been and where I'm going
Even when I didn't know it or couldn't see it
There was Jesus

There was Jesus
There was Jesus
There was Jesus."

I hope you can listen to the song sometime and enjoy the words to music. I hope the words speak to you as they did to me.

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God," (Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV).

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in honor of my friend Ann who passed away two years ago, this column is dedicated to her. Schedule your mammogram today. Get it on your calendar and keep your appointment.

The first-degree relative (a sister, mother or daughter) who has had cancer diagnosis is key to getting checked every year. If you have two or more first or second-degree relatives (aunt, grandmother) your risk is higher. I have a sister who is a breast cancer survivor. I'm so thankful she got through her surgeries and treatments and is now cancer free.

Another risk factor is age. It begins at 40 years old and increases every year. That's why it is important to begin mammograms at age 40. Another factor of risk is dense breasts which is detected when you have a mammogram. Often doctors order ultrasound or the new 3-D mammograms to better examine your breasts.

You can lower your risk by avoiding obesity, exercising often, limit alcohol, and doing regular self exams. My friend Ann always encouraged the annual mammogram.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer," (Romans 12:12 NIV).

Better Homes and Gardens October 2021 has a  good article on page 102. Look for other publications to offer information this month, also.

A Month's End

September is at its final doorway and it is going out with some stormy weather, A much needed rain is predicted though untimely for farmers who are harvesting crops. The month of bounty is ending as the gardens slow in their produce yet pumpkins and apples are ready for harvest. What a delightful time of year. 

As we look over the month we see a schedule of our events, all that we have done this month and we give thanks to God for letting us see those days and experience all that we have done. September's 30 days are nearly over. There is lightning and thunder out doors, that lends to the hope for badly needed rain. Nature's chorus awakens the world with its music.

The sound of heavy rain excites me as it has been so long coming. Finally, rain. It makes me want to open the doors and smell the freshness that saturates the ground. Oh, beautiful rain. Thank you, God for the rains that dampen the soil and water the thirsty plants and trees.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal," (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV).

Goodbye, September. Thank you for the memories made and the beauty of nature you have provided. 

May God bless you today beyond measure.

Changing Seasons

We changed seasons last week and there are signs all around us that confirm the switch to Autumn. We noticed as we drove to Fort Dodge that leaves are beginning to turn colors. The corn is drying and beans are brown. Many combines and corn pickers were busy in the fields. Grain semis are busy on the roads and in fields. Grasshoppers are active in certain areas where we walk, hopping all around us as we pass.

Cool mornings waken us with the scent of fall, pungent and bold. Crisp morning air greets us saying, "Welcome to Autumn." Some trees are beginning to lose their leaves. What a wonder it is that trees know when to do that each year. Nature is amazing, all touched by God's hand. 

The birds are beginning to migrate. Even the geese that stay in Ankeny all year seem to be looking for the perfect spot to settle. The geese are flying overhead more often now and the spring babies are nearly full size.

The crunch of fallen leaves can be heard as we walk now. The fragrance of fall is bold, especially in the country as harvest begins. Apple harvest begins and pumpkins begin to appear on everyone's doorstep. Awe, fall. How wonderful you are.

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning," (Daniel 2:20-21 NIV).

Wireless Connection

Nearly everyone owns a cell phone these days. You see them everywhere: on restaurant tables, in church, in cars, at ball games, walking down the street, even in the bathroom. To be honest our phones go with us everywhere except maybe the pool.

I'm not as connected to my phone as many. Mine sits on my desk most days. I take it with me if I leave home, that is, if I remember it. I use the camera on my phone almost as often as I use my Canon. The photo quality is just as good and my phone is easier to carry. 

I remember my husband's first portable phone was big and cumbersome but it was a real benefit to him when he was working as an on the road as a sales engineer of tooling. Without it he had to find a phone booth or car side phone to makes calls into the office or to answer phone calls when he was out on the road. I'm not sure you can even find a car side phone or a booth anywhere anymore.

I like a saying that is found on T-shirts: "Prayer is the original wireless connection." How true. God is always there, no matter how many bars you have or what kind of connection there is. We can go to Him any moment, and even safely in the car. God is always accessible, near, easily reached, without a busy signal and never a broken signal.

"Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer," (Psalm 6:8, 9 NIV).

Whenever you need God, He will hear your prayer. What a comfort! So let's put away our phones for a moment and talk to God. We will be blessed by our time in prayer. 

Sisters' Day

On Friday my three sisters and I and our husbands gathered for a sisters' day. Several of the host sister's boys popped in and one other cousin was a driver so we had a delightful day together. We had a nice meal and looked through old pictures and old dishes of our mother's. It means a lot when we four dan be together. Sisters share a lot of memories and losses. The loss of our parents weighs heavy on all of us, even after many years. 

There was plenty of laughter and a few tears as we remembered times from the past and shared concerns of the present. We are all getting older and we wonder who will carry on the history of the family in the future. 

Another thing we share is our faith in God. The way we worship may be different for each of us but we all share the faith of our father and mother.

"For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother," (Matthew 12:50 NIV).

Family is such a precious institution. Sometimes we get separated by distances or time and busyness but when we get back together we celebrate the oneness we hold dear. It is worth taking a minute to write, text or phone that special sister or brother when days seem long and lonely. They may be feeling the same way.

Take time to reach out to someone in your family you haven't talked to for awhile and reconnect with that love you share. Then celebrate the blessing of family.

The Search

Yesterday we spent some time searching for something we don't use very often so I was unsure of its location. I knew where it should be, in the safe, but I didn't remember seeing it there recently. Sure enough after a thorough search I found the abstract in the safe. 

My husband wanted to know the exact boundary line as he plans to extend the flower bed by about three feet. He didn't find the information in a quick look through of the big document but after checking with our neighbor they agreed he wouldn't be turning over ground on the property line. 

Searching for something lost can be done in panic mode, especially if it is something valuable or important. I can't tell you how many times we've gone looking for John's phone. Thank goodness for being able to call the phone and have it ring. 

Jesus tells the Parable of the Lost Coin: "Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents," (Luke 15:8-10 NIV).

What a blessing that God loves us so much that He celebrates over each one of us who is saved. We have such a Good Father. 

May you rejoice when you find each lost thing you are searching for.

Don't be Scammed

Once again this week we received a scam phone call. The caller said we had charged $1,000 for earbuds on an Amazon order that would be arriving tomorrow. I'm not sure where the caller was going with his message because we didn't wait to find out. We've had calls from "social security" and from a deputy who warns to have a warrant for your arrest unless we pay...

I even had a scammer who convinced me there was something wrong with my computer that he needed to fix and I allowed him to connect to my computer before I realized that was wrong and disconnected him. Fortunately we haven't fallen for these scammers and trusted them enough to lose money to them.

The devil tries to scam us, too. He tries to convince us that it won't matter if we do this just this once...or tell this one lie...or cheat this one time...or so on. Oh yes, it does matter and the guilt we feel will tell us it was wrong. Fortunately, Jesus is bigger than any evil we face.

God sees us through all the evil if we repent and ask forgiveness with a convicted heart. Jesus took the fall for all of us. We just need to ask forgiveness and truly repent of our wrongs.

Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. but take heart! I have overcome the world,"(John 16:33 NIV).

Friendships

Last week we had dinner with a friend from our high school days. We hadn't been together for several years, yet, it was just like we had never been apart. Our conversations were easy and comfortable and laughter came frequently. 

In our younger years we enjoyed couples weekends away together in Kansas City and Minneapolis. 

We have supported each other through rough times - the loss of his wife to cancer many years ago. We remember her so fondly and try to ease his pain.

Remembering is a precious gift from God. When we remember others it honors then. I have several gifts from her that always remind me of our friend. We were blessed by her friendship and by our friend's that continues. And by the many other friends who are so precious to us, old and new.

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts... Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced," (1 Chronicles 16:8,9,12 NIV).

We also remember Jesus, our friend, and all He has done for us. I thank God for friendships and for God's Son Jesus Christ.

The Blessing of Work

It is Labor Day and many of you workers have a delightful day off. I'm retired so my only real work is writing this blog. But, no, I don't get paid to write this. Ha. Ha. 

I remember how great it was to have a three-day weekend. There was finally time to relax after catching up on all the work around the house and yard. It felt good to go back to work with things accomplished for once. Life just gets too busy for workers sometimes. 

But, back to the topic of work. I hope each one of you love your job. That makes all the difference in the world if you have a job that you feel good about doing and enjoy. Life is too short to work at something you hate doing. 

I loved my job at the college writing news releases and feature stories about the success students had. There was much more to my work than that, but being able to tell the area folks about how much good was happening on the campus was delightful. I was passionate about telling good stories. 

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving," (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV).

God created each of us with a purpose for life. I'm thankful that writing was fulfilling to me, even now. I hope you get to do what God created you to do, also. May God bless you in your work.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

I Was Hacked!

This week I was hacked. Someone sent out messages to almost everyone I am friends with on Facebook. I feel violated and I feel so bad that whoever did this betrayed my friendships. The message bothered all these people. Fortunately most knew the message wasn't something I would send. It makes me want to avoid Facebook completely.

I changed my password and hope for the best. Unfortunately there are some readers who won't realize my message is false and may try to open the link that was sent and be hacked themselves. I wish there was a way to prevent this from happening but changing my password to a secure one is the only way I know. 

Life is like this situation. Something happens that changes a relationship and there is anger between two people, maybe even distrust. Someone has to make the first move to correct and restore the relationship. The other person needs to be able to forgive and forget. In a good relationship, this happens rather quickly. In a poor relationship it may take time and even be difficult to resolve the problem.

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus," (Philippians 3:13b-14 NIV).

All I can do to correct the hacking incident is move forward after changing my password. I hope my Facebook friends will forgive the false messages. I will keep straining toward the glorious prize that awaits me in heaven.

May you have a blessed day without sign of a hacker!

Appreciating What We Have

Last week we escaped the routine and traveled to South Dakota. We saw all the traditional tourist sites including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the Badlands, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Deadwood and several museums. The weather was beautiful and there were ice cream shops on nearly every corner.

We saw buffalo, mountain goats, big horn sheep and wild donkeys and the beauty of nature in the Black Hills and the Badlands. We also noticed the difference between South Dakota and Iowa. The land is poor for more than raising cattle in South Dakota but Iowa's rich soil produces beautiful green corn and beans.

There were some fields of weak looking corn, sunflowers, and sorghum. They did have trees, so many beautiful evergreens that covered the hillsides of the Black Hills. On the prairies they mowed every available grass and made bales of the ground cover. Not like the hay we raise here in Iowa. We are a privileged people who live in Iowa. 

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do," (Psalm 33:12-15 NIV).

No matter where we live or what we see, America is blessed with beauty of all kinds. We are fortunate to live in such a diverse land that offers so many different options in nature.Each day we should thank God for the beauty of His creation and the unique characteristics of our land.

Thank you, God, for the beauty of the United States of America. Thank you for the freedoms we have here and the rights we have been given. Thank you, God, for loving us and watching over us in all that we do. Amen.

Dog Days

We live on a cul-de-sac and dog walkers love to take a walk down our street. It seems like every person in Ankeny owns a dog except us. It is probably 50/50, at least on our street. We see all sizes and shapes of dogs go by with their owners.

There is a pretty sandy brown and white dog at the end of the street who runs circles in their yard playing by himself. When they walk by John claims the dog as his and tells the real owner that they must take care of it for him. 

Next door to the brown and white dog is a pretty yellow lab who gets walked occasionally by his owners. We don't see him very often but he is well-cared for. Two doors away live two dogs. The really big brown and white dog who got shaved for the summer but soon he will have his heavy coat back. He is partnered with a small blonde puppy who is well behaved and fun to watch. The big dog doesn't get excited about much while the puppy watches and patrols everything on the street.

Back down our street the other direction lives a pair of small yippy dogs that runs circles around their owner when they take them out for walks. They are just wild things that leave their owner flustered and exhausted until they go back in the house.

I don't know the breeds of dogs but we see all kinds and all kinds of owners. They all love their pets and the pets love being walked. The black and white herding sheep dog brings his owners by every so often at a pace that looks uncomfortably fast. It is fun to watch them all go by.

"This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment , that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it," (2 John 6 NKJV).

Do you have a dog or did you love one in the past? God didn't document dogs being on the ark but they must have been there somewhere. Dog are special to our hearts.

I Need Thee Every Hour

A favorite hymn of mine is, "I Need Thee Every Hour" written as a poem by Annie S. Hawks. Mrs. Hawks wrote the words in response to a feeling of nearness to the Lord. She was a young mother at the time and was overcome by the Spirit. Years later when her husband passed away she was reminded of that time of sweet peace and serenity when she read the words again. 

Robert Lowry added the music and refrain later in 1872. The hymn became well known and commonly used by churches everywhere. The message speaks to all of us who share a dependence on God.

"I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord; No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford. I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou near by; Temptations lose their pow'r When Thou art nigh. I need thee every hour In joy or pain; Come quickly and abide or life is vain. I need Thee every hour, Most Holy one; O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son!"

Refrain: "I need thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; O bless me now my Savior, I come to Thee!"

"Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long," (Psalm 86:1-3 NIV).

Lord, be near us this day. Help us depend on you in every hour. Fill us with the Holy Spirit so we may experience the sweet peace and serenity of Your presence. Amen.

The Green, Green Grass of Home

After we moved from the farm, John was busy with work, driving from Ankeny to Cedar Rapids and beyond for the next year until his retirement.  Our house was a model home for a builder that was about a year old so the lawn was sodded then neglected. It looked like a winter lawn when we bought the house but by March we realized it was in sad shape.

John didn’t have time to worry about it until he retired. Then all his energies were directed at making the lawn look like a lawn. There were bare patches and weed patches and crab grass patches and Fescue all over. It was very, very sad.

 

A sad lawn doesn’t correct itself and it doesn’t improve overnight. John literally had to kill all the bad, replant blue grass, then meticulously use tweezers to pull out the Fescue, plus water the new lawn, after it survived the 10 inch rain we received one spring.

 

“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:30 NIV). 

 

We had faith in God, though, not so much in the soil we were given for our lawn. So over four years John has nurtured and cared for the grass as lovingly as for a child. Today it is rich and lush like carpet. Beautiful to the barefooted and the shoe-footed alike, the grass is perfect, except for the drought conditions that require a high water bill, when watering is allowed.

 

“Let grain abound throughout the land; on the tops of the hills may it sway. Let its fruit flourish like Lebanon; let it thrive like the grass of the field,” (Psalm 72:16-17 NIV).

May you be blessed by a green lawn and rejoice in the wonder of God.

Enjoy Life

Today is the first day of the Iowa State Fair. I grew up with a trip to the State Fair being our family vacation. Living on a farm, there just wasn't time or money for travels. The State Fair was looked forward to with excitement. We would pack a picnic lunch but there was usually money for a glass of root beer or lemonade or an ice cream cone - my dad's favorites at the fair.

We wandered the fair grounds checking out the farm animals, the biggest and best. We checked out the horse shows and whatever was open that day we usually spent some time in the Pavilion. If I went with my mom we watched the food judging and observed the homemade items displayed and browsed through the 4-H building watching some of the demonstrations. 

At noon we would head back to the car and have lunch. This was when there was a lot more parking on the grounds. One year we were parked near a row of pine trees along the north edge of the Fair so we sat in the shade of those trees to eat our lunch out of a wooden picnic basket. Mom would take an empty milk jug and freeze it half full of water, then add water or tea to the ice.

After I got married John and I made it a habit to continue going to the Fair each year. We even took 5-year-old Brent and infant Brady to the Fair when he was less than two months old. There were stroller days which were awful at the Fair, fighting the crowds, and the Midway cords and hoses. We enjoyed the Varied Industries (Commercial) Building and the animal barns and the Horticulture Building. I love walking through the Art Building looking at all the photographs and handmade items on display.

For about 10 years we had sheep shown by grandchildren in FFA and 4-H shows. Those were hard working years and yet so rewarding. The kids became expert showmen and won awards for their ability to show sheep well. There were so many memories made during those years, we can't help but smile as they come to mind.

"I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God," (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 NIV).

If you chose to attend the Fair this year, may your days be blessed and happy. 

Have Hope

Sometimes we need a little hope. With faith in God we have hope; our hope is in Jesus. Whatever we are facing we can trust God to be there with us. He hears our prayers and He loves us. There is nothing He can't do. He is the source of miracles. Have hope.

"We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul. firm and secure," (Hebrews 6:18b-19 NIV).

It seems every week I hear of another cancer attack upon someone. My heart is filled with prayers for those suffering with cancer or the treatment of cancer. There are those who suffer from other physical ailments also. There are many who need prayer. God hears and He cares.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see," (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).

An old hymn speaks to this hope we must hold on to, "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less" by Edward Mote in 1834. William Bradbury added the music in 1863.

"My hope is build on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust and sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name.  When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.  His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way He then is all my hope and stay. When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found; Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne. 

On Christ the solid rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand."

May you have hope in Jesus in all that you face today. Amen.

Fears

I have a fear of heights. I couldn't get too close to the edge of the Grand Canyon. I felt like it was drawing me in and I feared I would fall into the canyon. I've felt the same experience at other high places. I don't do ladders if they are too high. I couldn't look down when I stained our house on the farm. There were two high peaks that needed to be stained. The only way I could finish was to hold close to the ladder and shimmy up very slowly then not look down or lean back.Yikes. Even thinking of it makes me shake.

Driving close to the edge of a mountain or cliff is something I leave to John. Even riding makes me cling to the handles of the car and cringe. When there is a commercial on television that shows rock climbers from a view overhead, looking down, my heart drops into my stomach. There seem to be more and more of those views used. It freaks me out watching the high divers in the Olympics. Heights just aren't my thing.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand," (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).

This topic reminds me that God is always close to me: walking along the canyons, climbing the ladder, standing near a cliff. It reminds me of the chorus of a song whose source is unknown, "I Am Weak, but Thou Art Strong".

"Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea, Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord let it be. I am weak, but Thou art strong; Jesus keep me from all wrong; I'll be satisfied as long As I walk, let me walk close to Thee. Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea, Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord let it be. Thro' this world of toil and snares, If I falter, Lord, who cares? Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee. Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea, Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord let it be."

May you walk close to our Lord everyday, where ever you may go, especially if you are up high!

Numbers

There are a lot of objects that we just can't count. The stars in the sky, the grains of sand on a beach, the corn stalks in a field, soybeans in a wagon, grains of salt in a shaker, crystals of sugar in a bowl, or flowers in a garden. 

Life is full of numbers. There are many things we can count and do. The money in our bank account. We count our children and grandchildren; we count the years we work; we count our fingers and toes; we number our to do list; we teach numbers to preschoolers; and the list goes on. 

Our addresses have a number; we have a phone number; we have a social security number; we have credit card numbers; numbers on our health insurance; numbers on our accounts, and in our accounts. 

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom," (Psalm 90:12 NIV).

We number so many things in life. Each day has a number. We are starting a new month. May your day be blessed beyond number! 

Blog # 725

Striving for Perfection

I've been watching the Olympics. I love the Olympics. I am amazed by the preparation of the athletes. How many hours of practice and competition have they endured to reach the Olympics? The commitment and dedication the athletes have to their sport is overwhelming. What drive! What desire they have to be the best! 

Perfection. That's what they all strive for. A perfect score from the judge is their goal. To do their very best and perform perfectly. What a heavy burden they carry! And what happens if they come up short to their visualization and imaging? One athlete has revealed to the world that striving for perfection can be too much to carry. All the expectations of the world rested heavy on Simone Biles' shoulders.

Many of us strive for perfection in our own lives. Everything must be perfect. The meal. The car. The decorating. The garage. The work we do. Even the playing must be perfect. But what does the Bible say about being perfect?

"We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check," (James 3:2 NIV).

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows," (James 1:17 NIV).

Only God is perfect. We can achieve perfection on tasks or even one single competition but rarely can we perform to the level of total perfection. Never does man act with perfection throughout his life because we are human. Humans make mistakes. That's why God sent His Son - to wipe away our sins and carry them to the cross. Jesus was perfect. Not me. I'm a sinner who was saved by God's grace. Thank you, Jesus.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness," (Lamentations 3:21-23 NIV).

Good Morning. I love this scripture because I'm reminded of God's faithfulness to you and to me. His faithfulness is new every morning. That means today I wake up to a fresh, unencumbered day. If I could sing I would sing, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness".

"Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changes not, Thy compassions they fail not, As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided - Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided - Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided - Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!"

Thomas O. Chisholm wrote these words in 1923 with William M. Runyan writing the music. What a magical way to start the morning - singing this song of God's faithfulness to us. I hope you are familiar with this song and can let it run through your mind all day. May everywhere you look, you see God's great beauty. Blessings to each of you.

Special Pieces

We recently researched the care of old quilts and found out we were storing ours all wrong. I had our mid-1800's wool quilt in our cedar chest. Wrong, they say. It is best to spread an old quilt out on a guest bed when not in use. That way the weight is distributed evenly.

So, now we have it on display in a guest bedroom. It's kind of fun seeing it again. The quilt is made of wool, the most unusual thing about the quilt, I think. It is a hand-pieced and tied quilt made by one of the early Arney women and was brought to Iowa in a covered wagon. The Arney's settled near the Iowa River in Marshall County. This was my father's mother's family.

We acquired the quilt at my parent's farm auction. Bidding against us was an antique dealer from the East Coast. But, John was determined to get the quilt for me and he did. It isn't perfect; there are several holes probably from use and age. After all it is at least 171 years old.

"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse,"(Matthew 9:16 NIV).

I can't repair the holes in the quilt because I don't have any old wool. So we will enjoy it as it is, knowing my ancestors used it on the long cold nights in Iowa and on their way to Iowa. God allowed them to make the trip. I hope they would be happy to know the quilt is still admired by family.

Enjoying God's Creation

 Yesterday we went for a walk along the Neil Smith Trail near Saylorville Lake. We enjoyed the natural surroundings more than the neighborhood surroundings we usually walk in. It was a nice change. There was plenty of sunshine and some shade to enjoy. 

We appreciated the colorful wildflowers along the way and the dense forestry. I should have taken my phone for some pictures. The trail was busy with bikers and one dog walker. But what I enjoyed most was nature. To walk through the forest area was such a privilege. The grasshoppers bounced across the path and we saw an egret along the lake. The birds flew across the path a few times but they were mostly silent on the warm afternoon. 

Although the area of Saylorville is mostly man-made I'm glad they included natural elements like the wildflowers planted along the way. There were many boaters enjoying the water. 

We also drove near Big Creek and the beach was full of people as were all the shelter houses and play areas. People were out and about yesterday. The parking lot at Big Creek was packed. We saw a doe and her tiny baby cross the road between our car and another one. Glad they made it safely.

We are fortunate that we have areas where we can enjoy the outdoors, even though we live in town.

"Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made," (John 1:3 NIV).

Whether you enjoy your back yard nature or have to travel to a park, God's nature is all around us. We are so blessed to be able to experience the beauty of a field of tasseled corn or one of beans, also, just a short drive from anywhere in Iowa. What a blessing!

Collections

Somehow I have ended up with too many collections. I started out liking some things and all of a sudden I had an abundance of things. I've received some lovely things as gifts. I purchased many of the things as souvenirs from travels or as memorabilia. So here I am getting quite old and I have all this stuff that I love but I don't need. Now what do I do?

I have collections of cookbooks, crosses, cobalt blue glassware items, teapots, pitchers, crosses, and of course: sheep. They take up lots of space which I happen to have room for in this house but what do I do if we downsize again. I'm hoping the grandchildren will speak up and say they would like some of my things when I'm gone.

Isaiah warns: "When you cry out for help, let your collection of idols, save you! The wind will carry all of them off, a mere breath will blow them away," (Isaiah 57:13 NIV).

"To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind," (Ecclesiastes 2:26 NIV).

Both scriptures seem to convict me of gathering items and although I no longer feel possessive of the items I've collected, I was wrong to collect them all. They are things. Things I no longer need. Things that have become idols? I don't think they are idols to me but if collecting them makes them idols, then I am guilty. 

Lord, forgive me for choosing idols. Let me worship only You, God, and may these collections be only things of no richness or heavenly value. Help me to separate myself from these things. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Summertime

Good morning. The sun is peeking through, bringing hope for another wonderful summer day. The birds are quiet this morning as dawn breaks forth. The fields of corn and soybeans are growing tall, lush and green, appreciative of the rain we have received. "Summertime and the living is easy..." I'm not sure that is true of farming communities. There is hay to make, gardens to tend to, lawns to mow, weeds to spray, beans to walk and corn to detassel.

After experiencing our grandchildren's summer briefly, I think many of today's children are as busy as working parents with swimming lessons, play dates, camps, chores, golf and tennis lessons and walking dogs. They are learning a lot of life skills. I am amazed at how our daughter-in-law keeps up with the schedule and running non-stop through out her day. 

Summertime was different for me on the farm when I was growing up. I lived in the country without neighbors to play with. My sister was older so she helped my mother or had a job. I spent my days playing outside in the shed or barn, or out along the creek where I invented rock houses and play areas. I spent hours exploring our farm acres, having a wonderful time.

I had swimming lessons and church camp and 4-H projects to complete in time for the fair. It made running for my mother that I know she didn't like. Because she had so much gardening and canning to do. She spent hours out there weeding and picking and I was expected to help. I'd be given a bowl and sent to pick wild black raspberries located around the barnyard. Then there were tomatoes to pick and beans and peas, potatoes to dig and flowers to pick and enjoy. Each day was a new adventure.

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease," (Genesis 8:22 NIV).

Patience in Affliction

The Lord is teaching me about patience this summer. Thank you, Lord. On April 7, I got the first splint on my right hand to correct a ruptured tendon in my little finger. After six weeks I had a month of only a buddy strap around my little finger and the next finger. Then in early June I got the second splint called a Dynamic MCP Extension. That's where I am now. I'm thankful I can take the splint off at night and for aqua fitness class. 

Everyone thinks my hand splint looks painful, but it isn't. The apparatus is made to put pressure on the fingers, realigning them to where they belong. The rubber bands create the tension and the finger loops are connected through each of the disks. Everything is then connected to the molded red plastic base.

My fingers are free enough that I can use them to type and eat and most things I need to do. My hand in the splint doesn't fit in small spaces so that creates some difficulty, especially when I forget I have it on my hand.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer," (Romans 12:12 NIV).

This verse is most appropriate in my situation. I am joyful in the hope that the splint is doing good work on my hand. I am patient in my affliction and I am faithful and persist in prayer for others. I'm not good about praying for myself. God is good and the verses above are good to follow in all our trials. 

Thank you, God, for hearing our prayers. Let us always try to be joyful in our hope and patient in our afflictions. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Independence Day

We often take Des Moines' Second Avenue to the interstate from Ankeny and recently the Boy Scouts placed a huge flag that welcomes us to the city. It is perfect to celebrate July 4th, Independence Day in all its glory. We are called to celebrate our freedoms yesterday and today. How are you celebrating? What freedom are you most thankful for?

Jesus set us free from our sins when He went to the cross for us.
That's the freedom I'm most thankful for on this Independence Day. We are fortunate to have the freedom to practice our faith in America. I can't imagine living in a country where you can't be a Christian in public. So, I'm thankful for our American rights.

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free,"" (John 8:31-32 NIV).

We have the Word of God readily available to us in the Bible and we are free to read it. Let us cling to the truth that sets us free!

What's Real and True?

On Mother's Day 2020, my son Brent gave me a beautiful potted plant that included several small house plants and some pretty white artificial flowers. It grew well for a year and I realized the eight-inch pot wasn't going to work for the larger plants. So one sunny day I took the pot outside and found two other pots so I could transplant them into their own containers.  

I enjoyed getting my hands dirty as I divided the plants and repotted them. After I got them separated I brought them back in the house and found places for the three pots. Now, several weeks later I got to looking the plants over, looking for signs of distress but the only plant that showed any was the peace lily.
So, I got to wondering if some of the other plants were actually plastic because they showed no sign of shock. 

I can't tell if they are growing yet, either. So do you suppose I replanted plastic plants? I wonder. Surely I would have noticed if they didn't have any roots, don't you think? But then what would hold the plastic plants in the soil? Plastic roots?

Well, I guess only time will tell if my plants are real or not. The one pictured has two plants and I can't tell if they are real or plastic.

"We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true--even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life," (1 John 5:20 NIV).

At least I know that God is real and true, even if I can't tell if my plants are real.

The Empty Page

 Here I am again facing an empty page. Twice a week I try to come up with something that will inspire or touch a heart. I've written 715 blogs since I started. God always helps me come up with something. I pray for His guidance and He never fails me. When a blog speaks to you, it is from God. Different blogs speak to different people. I'm so thankful when a reader connects with something in a blog.

The Lord says, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it," (Isaiah 55:9-11 NIV). 

God's Word is waiting for us to read and study it. I love the verses above because it tells how God's Word works in us. It does not return empty but it does something in us that is what God desired. Whenever we read scriptures and a verse jumps out at us, it is because God is speaking to us. How wonderful is that!

The Bible comes alive for us as we read it, when we know that God has purpose for each Word. The Scriptures are our nourishment. The Word feeds us just as God planned for it to fill us. 

Thank you, God, for speaking to us through Your Word. Amen.