God is Faithful

As 2023 comes to a close, we can take time to reflect on all the ways God has been faithful to us. God is always there for us when we seek His presence in prayer. His Holy Spirit is within us, giving us strength when we need it most. God is our constant companion when we converse with Him throughout the day and night. When we are lonely and our hearts are breaking, God is faithful to come to us and comfort us through our loss or grief. God is faithful.

God has been faithful to me in so many ways this year. Most consistently, I call upon God for guidance when I begin each blog. Usually I don't have a topic in mind to write about until God gives me one. I am always amazed that He puts in my mind a subject and a scripture twice a week. (I shouldn't be amazed. This is God we are talking about after all!) God is faithful.

God has heard my prayers for protection for my children and grandchildren. I cannot know how many times God has intervened on their behalf but I am so grateful. I have prayed for my friends and He has touched their lives with healing, comfort, grace, guidance, compassion and strength. God is faithful.

"God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful," (1 Corinthians 1:9 NIV).

Thank you, God, for knowing our hearts, and for blessing us with Your faithfulness, over and over again. You are great, Father, and we are so grateful for all the ways You have been faithful to us this year. Amen.

"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, Lord, unto me!" (Thomas O. Chisholm, 1923; William M. Runyan, 1923).

Christmas is Love

"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.

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 shone 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 2:1-20 NIV).

Baby Jesus is love. God loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to be our Savior. From a tiny baby born in a stable, Jesus grew to be a man of glory and honor, of example and teaching. So on this Christmas Day let us all remember what baby Jesus represents: God's Love for us. Rejoice and celebrate with your families, if you can, for Love is with us today. Merry Christmas.

The Nativity

At our house the nativity gets the best and most spacious surface to fill. I have several nativity sets that I display together. They all have sheep and shepherds (of course). I know some people wait and put baby Jesus in the nativity on Christmas Day. I think that is a neat tradition. But, I put Jesus in the stable right away because He is a reminder to me of what Christmas is really all about.

I love the scripture in Isaiah that prophecies the coming of Christ nearly 700 years before His birth.

"For to 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. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end," (Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV).

This scripture is filled with hope. We all need hope, especially during these days of wars and unrest in the world. Jesus Christ is still our hope, even 2000 years later.

Lord, touch our hearts with the love You sent to earth that first Christmas Day. As we finish our preparations to celebrate Your Son's birth, fill us with Your Spirit to make our faith strong and courageous. Help us to keep Jesus the center of our celebration. Amen.

Christmas Gifts

"'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;" (by Clement Clarke Moore).

How many times has this story been read to children before bed on Christmas Eve? There is such an excitement in children as they anticipate opening gifts on Christmas Day. The packages are wrapped and under the tree, reflecting the lights and looking beautiful with bows and ribbons. What fun it is to watch the children open their gifts with oohs and ahhhs and screeches of joy.

But, far greater than any package under the tree is the gift of Jesus, Our Savior, being born in Bethlehem. "The Messiah is the fulfillment of God's promise that a descendant of David would rule forever." Each year we celebrate the birth of Immanuel, "God with us". Unlike a new Christmas toy, the birth of Christ never gets old or broken or tossed aside. This Gift is always new and joy-filled.

"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord--and he will delight in the fear of the Lord," (Isaiah 11:1-3a NIV).

Lord, Help us remember the real reason for Christmas as we hustle forward during this last week before Christmas. It isn't what is under the tree or in the stockings, it is the baby Jesus, born in a stable in Bethlehem because there was no room in the inn. Help us make room for Jesus in our hearts this Christmas season. Amen.

Christmas Carols

There is one Christmas carol that was the first one most of us learned as a child. What song would you name? I think it would be "Away in a Manger." Am I right? When I taught Sunday school or led the Christmas program the song we taught the youngest children was "Away in a Manger." There were actions that went with the song but only a few would remember them up on the stage. Rarely could you hear the small group of children singing during the program.

When I was a child our church set aside a day to go caroling to neighbors and shut-ins of the church. We would take along a plate full of homemade goodies to leave with them. What I remember most is the faces of those we caroled to. They would survey the crowd of singers, looking for familiar faces and smiling back. For years, my father led the singing by starting a song and others joining in. It was never quite the same for me after my parents became ones to be caroled to. But, they enjoyed it so much.

"In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High," (Luke 1:26-32a NIV).

The Savior of the world is coming soon! Prepare for the day of His birth by singing carols! Rejoice! 

Lord, the day of our Savior's birth is coming. Help us prepare our hearts for this day of celebration. Keep Christ Jesus in our minds and hearts this season. Jesus is the reason we rejoice! Fill our hearts with joy, even when our minds are filled with sorrow. Christ is coming! What a blessing of salvation You are sending. Amen.

Christmas Trees

Poinsettia Tree at Mayo 2023

Perhaps the most common symbol of Christmas is the Christmas tree. It can come in many shapes and sizes, live or artificial, and any color under the sun. There were shiny aluminum trees that reflected colorful lights that were popular when I was growing up. 

We always had a real tree that had been cut down when I was growing up. Dad would pick one out at the grocery store or he would trudge out through our pastures to find a tree that was the right size. They were usually cedar trees that popped up randomly along the fence line. Sometimes Mom would spray it green or white but usually it was in its natural state and only a couple of weeks before Christmas so it didn't dry out too much. It seemed like it was always a struggle getting the tree stand to fit the tree. After lights and bulbs, the final touch on our tree was silver tinsel.

"The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire," (Matthew 3:10 NIV).

John the Baptist said these words to remind the people to live productive lives for God; not just say they are a believer, but actively live obediently for God.

Lord God, guide us through this Christmas season and use Christmas trees to remind us of Your Son's birth and lying in a lowly manger, to His sacrifice on the wooden cross, to His resurrection three days later. Thank you, God, for sending Your Son to save us. Amen.

Christmas Lights

One of the early signs of Christmas is light. It seems like this year there are more outdoor lights than ever before. Our neighborhood is privy to Carl and Penny Moyer's magnificent Christmas light display on NW 26th St in Ankeny. If you haven't seen it, it is worth driving by. It is on all night long.

We have a simple display every year: a shepherd and sheep and the light of a star. It is our way of telling part of the Christmas story.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven," (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV).

I love having the Christmas tree lights on. The lights make me happy. I hope you find the light of Jesus in your Christmas. It can make you happy, too.

Christmas Cards

Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the celebration of the coming of Christ. Many churches light candles for each Sunday in December plus a final candle for Christmas. 

Years ago I prepared for Christmas by making my own Christmas cards. I researched scriptures on sheep and found dozens of them. I love the images of the lamb and sheep used to reference Jesus Christ. I used scriptures about sheep and added rugged sketches of sheep to cards that I had printed. I'm not an artist so the resulting cards were less than beautiful but the scriptures were meaningful to me.

As I look back on the cards I made I am rather embarrassed and very glad that I started buying cards that had sheep on them instead. Every year I look for sheep cards and sometimes the choices are very limited. It seems there are getting to be fewer people who send out Christmas cards. It has gotten expensive with the price of stamps these days but it is one way to stay in touch with the special people in our lives.

"But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel," (Matthew 2:6 NIV).

May you watch for the Lamb's presence during this Advent season and may it remind you of the coming of Christ Jesus as a baby born in Bethlehem.

Are You Ready?

November is coming to a close and December is waiting in the shadows. The month passed in a flurry of mostly nice weather and just one light coating of snow here. Not many are complaining about that. The eve of Advent is upon us and there is much still to be thankful for. The Greatest Gift of All Time will be celebrated all month in many different ways. What Christmas traditions do you have?

From my preteen years to middle age, the annual presentation of Handel's Messiah in Marshalltown, Iowa, was our family's official start to the Christmas season, on the first Sunday in December. For decades my father participated in the community chorus presentation of the story of Christ in song. Even if you aren't familiar with the Messiah in full, most people recognize the "Hallelujah Chorus" when it is played.

The music of the Messiah fills my heart with the true meaning of the season. This year Marshalltown is holding the concert on Sunday, December 3, at 3 p.m. in the First Methodist Church on Main Street. What a wonderful tradition to begin or to continue. The program is free with only a free-will donation to help keep the tradition going in the future.

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you," (Isaiah 12:4-6 NIV).

With hearts full of thanksgiving, let us begin the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! Amen.

So Thankful

I am still filled with thanksgiving following a wonderful weekend with family. There were so many moments of joy! Ending with the excitement of our youngest granddaughter running through the yard playing in the snow at 7 am before they headed back to Arkansas. She braved the cold just to spend time in the snow. She hadn't seen much snow since they left Iowa several years ago.

There was a lot of laughter and fun. Grandpa taught the grandchildren how to play a card game called Wizard. Then there were games of Trivial Pursuit and Scattergories, as well as the second annual Stewart Thanksgiving Race down the road in front of our house. Payton was the winner by a hair in front of Mark and then Graham. There was a creative afternoon when four of the grands made gingerbread houses. On Thanksgiving day six Stewarts went to fill bags for Meals from the Heartland. 

So much to be thankful for! So many blessings! Having the whole family together for Friday was wonderful. There was plenty of good food and great conversation. A time of gathering and reconnecting was a joy.

The house seems a little too quiet now, but my mind is swirling with new memories. and I'm so very thankful.

"Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live," (Psalm 146:1-2 NIV).

We Gather Together

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Thanksgiving is such a special holiday. There aren't presents to distract. The complete focus is on being together with family and friends. I am so fortunate that all our immediate family will be here on Friday. There will be 16 of us sharing conversation and a buffet of good food. It is always fun to hear the cousins reconnect and to listen to the laughter over stories that are shared.

A favorite Thanksgiving hymn that we often sang in church when I was young is "We Gather Together". It is a Netherlands folk hymn originally written in 1626 and translated by Theodore Baker in 1917. The words copyright by G. Schirmer, Inc. The words are a complete prayer worthy to be said or sung every Thanksgiving.

"We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing; He chastens and hastens His will to make known; The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing, Sing praises to His name: He forgets not His own.  Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining, Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine; So from the beginning the fight we were winning: Thou, Lord, wast at our side, all glory be Thine!  We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant, And pray that Thou still our Defender wilt be. Let Thy congregation escape tribulation: Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free! Amen."

"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:31b-32 NIV).

May your day be filled with a grateful heart as you remember all the blessings God has given you to enjoy. 

Count Your Blessings

When we sit down for a cup of coffee while our pies are baking today, let us pause for a moment and write down a list of the things we are thankful for. Putting things in writing makes them real. We can reread the list over and over and thank God each time. Our hearts will be full and our minds will be happy. 

One of my favorite songs of the season is "Count Your Blessings", by Johnson Oatman, Jr. and Edwin O. Excell in 1897. The words remind us that even in our darkest days, there is still something to be thankful for.

"When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings--name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.  Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings--every doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by.  When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings--money cannot buy Your reward in heaven not your home on high.  So amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged--God is over all; Count your many blessings--angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey's end."

Refrain: "Count your blessings--name them one by one; Count your blessings see what God has done; Count your blessings--name them one by one; Count your many blessings--see what God has done."

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ," (Ephesians 1:3 NIV).

I hope you start the day by singing and that your blessings' list keeps you smiling all day long. May God fill you with a heart of gratitude all week long.

Changing Seasons

Iowa has been enjoying some beautiful November weather. The last two days have been in the upper 60s. But we all know that weather will change. That is coming tomorrow: highs in the 40s. There are Christmas lights doting the landscape already. But I want to pause and give thanks to God before we get to Christmas.

Fall is such a beautiful time of year. The leaves rustle all around as we walk through them. The leaves drift down like snowflakes forming piles along the fences and along the perimeter of the houses. The sky has been a stunning blue with rarely a cloud to be seen. 

"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 3:16-17 NIV). 

Thank you, God, for the changing seasons we experience in Iowa. Be with us as we prepare for a day of thanksgiving with our families. Fill our minds with psalms and hymns that bring honor and glory to You. We pray, in Jesus' name, Amen.

"Come, ye thankful people, come, Raise the song of harvest-home: All is safely gathered in, Ere the winter storms begin; God, our Maker, doth provide For our wants to be supplied: Come to God's own temple, come, Raise the song of harvest-home." (Come, Ye Thankful People, Come.  Henry Alford, 1844, George J. Elvey, 1858)

What's On Your Calendar?

What does your calendar look like? I'm feeling the pressure of our family's Thanksgiving dinner looming in the distance. I don't want to wait too long to move the turkey from the freezer to the refrigerator. The menu needs to be finalized and the final grocery list made. I like to see blank spaces on my calendar but there aren't many coming up.

In reality most of the things on my calendar won't take that much time out of my days as long as I get organized and use my time well. I can do two things at once: I can make a salad while I watch my soap opera. (No, that's not on my calendar.) I can plan my day's agenda while I do aqua fitness.

"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 4:6-7 NIV).

Thank you, God, for hearing my prayers, even when I am having my own little pity-party. Give me the energy I need and help me use my time efficiently. I will start my days by spending time with You, then the rest of the day will go better. Thank you for Your peace and Your love. I pray in Jesus' holy name. Amen.

Blue Eyes

While I recently went through my annual eye exam I noticed a promotion for contacts that change the color of your eyes. It caught my attention because I've often wished my eyes were as bright blue as my grandchildren's eyes. Mine are a dull gray-blue color.

God creates each of us from scratch. There is no one else like you. He formed us in our mother's womb with a complete plan for our lives. Instead of wishing I looked like someone else or had her hair or eyes or flat stomach, I need to embrace my own characteristics and thank God for them because I am uniquely made.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be," (Psalm 139:13-16 NIV).

I'm sure I will continue to admire others' characteristics that I don't have. But I know that God created me to be as I am, so in His eyes I am better than okay. I'm His. 

Lord God, Thank you for making us all individuals, with uniquenesses. Only You can be so creative. Help us accept ourselves and love ourselves every day. We are in awe of You, Lord, and we lift our hands in worship and praise to You. Amen.

A New Day

It is a new Monday of a new month and the sunrise comes at a new hour for the second day. Thank you, Lord, for Your blessings of today.

The time change in the fall doesn't seem as difficult to adapt to as in the spring when we lose an hour of sleep. What affects me most is the darkness that creeps in an hour earlier in the evening. When I was still working, it meant that I left the building and drove home in the dark. I didn't like that. I was ready to go to bed as soon as I got home.

I have never really understood the benefit of Daylight Savings Time, even though I grew up on a farm. Now that Daylight Savings Time has ended I wonder what it would be like if we used it year round. There is a bill, the Sunshine Protection Act, that passed the US Senate unanimously in March of 2022 and went to the House of Representatives for consideration. The bill would make Daylight Savings Time permanent in all states except Hawaii and most of Arizona.

Daylight Savings Time or not, some days are just more difficult than others. We may feel sad or down and not really feel like rejoicing. But the Psalmist who penned Psalm 118 was honest with God and told Him how he felt. We should do the same. Whether we are feeling lonely or sad or worthless, we can give thanks to God and be glad in today.

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it," (Psalm 118:24 NIV).

November Arrives

Shocks of corn by the lamp post; squirrels gathering acorns and nuts; freezing temperatures; piles of leaves under the maple trees; a hint of the 'S' word (snow) in the air; it is November. I love seeing the beautiful harvest displays. Our home church always had a beautiful arrangement of colorful gourds and pumpkins, various squash, ears of field corn, pails of apples, and rows of canned goods ready for winter.

By this time each year, the farmers are finishing up the harvest of corn and beans and many have put their garden to bed. The hard work is done and there is a volume of produce to show for it. Bins are full. Barns have been stacked full of hay and straw for the winter. Vegetables fill the freezer and pantry.

There is a comfort in knowing a supply is prepared for winter use. There is gratefulness for all that the Lord has supplied. Our hearts are overflowing, just as our tomatoes over produced this year. The plants still had fifty or more green tomatoes on them when John put them down. Thank you, Lord.

"You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder," (Isaiah 9:3 NIV).

Lord, help us to recognize all the blessings in our lives, and give thanks during this season of harvest. Amen.

God is a Mighty Fortress

Tomorrow is indeed a most important day in Protestant history. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 complaints with the teachings and practices of the Roman Church. The Protestant Reformation began. I find it interesting that it was done on halloween.

Halloween is not my favorite holiday. In fact, the only decoration I put out this year was a jack o' lantern. It just doesn't feel right to me, to celebrate all things ghostly. It makes me uncomfortable. However, I will put out the candy for tonight's trick or treating and I enjoy the creative costumes of the season.

Martin Luther wrote the hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God". It is a classic hymn I remember from childhood to young adult age. One verse seems appropriate for the day of halloween.

Verse 3. "And though this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us: The Prince of Darkness grim, We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, For lo, his doom is sure; One little word shall fell him."

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging," (Psalm 46:1-3 NIV).

Happy Anniversary, John

Fifty years ago today was a sunny cool day, a perfect October day for a wedding. It was a Friday and the wedding was in the evening. I spent much of the day packing and loading up the car with candles, ribbons,  napkins, mints, nuts and my dress, veil, shoes and John's ring.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails," (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a NIV). 

The wedding was a traditional service and included a solo, "One Hand, One Heart" by my father. I couldn't look at him while he was singing because I knew I would cry. Our pastor sang "The Lord's Prayer" with his bellowing voice, while standing about a foot from John and me.

The wedding was followed by a simple reception in the church basement with cake and punch and homemade mints. And as was the tradition in the 70's, the helpers unwrapped our gifts and put them on display, (something I'm still not happy about).

John and I made an escape in a friend's car because ours was hidden in a nearby town so no one could decorate the newly painted car. We got stopped by the town cop for "speeding" through town. Once he saw our clothes, he let us go and kept the followers from tracking us for a while. Rushing to get in John's car, I caught my veil in the door.

We changed clothes in our new mobile home then drove to Iowa City where we spent our first night in a motel. On Saturday morning we drove to St. Louis for a brief stay, visiting the Zoo and taking a ride up in the Arch. John had to be back at work on Tuesday.

Fifty years is a long time. We feel very blessed to have reached this milestone together. There have been some hard times but we are thankful that our family has been well and is flourishing with grandchildren to enjoy.

Thank you, John, for fifty years. I love you more each day. Happy Anniversary.

Be Encouraged

Today is blog number 940. I started writing this blog regularly in 2014. Mondays and Thursdays are my scheduled days to write, but since I set the schedule I am also flexible. I used to take my lap top with me so I could keep writing the blogs even when we were away. But, now I just pass on the days we are traveling. And I've been thinking about going to once a week. Some days I really struggle for a topic but I always pray for God's guidance and He always answers.

I remember interviewing for my job and being asked something like, "If money wasn't an issue, what would your dream job be?" I answered something to the effect of, "I would like to write devotionals to encourage others." Well, this blog is my attempt at that.

"I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong-- that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith," (Romans 1:11-12 NIV).

Paul wrote these words to the Christians in Rome as an introduction to them before he made a trip to meet them. He hoped also to receive fellowship and be encouraged by their faith. We need each other in this life of struggles, grief, disappointments and loneliness. I hope you find encouragement through these blogs.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being near us through all things in life. Thank You for giving us Your Word to guide us in our walk of life. I pray that these words can encourage someone today and give them hope in You. Be our help, our strength, and our guide every day. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.

Time to Harvest

Harvest season always excites me. I grew up on a farm. All around me were fields of crops: corn, beans or hay. I loved watching the crops grow, from individual plants to the mass of green, then to a field of gold. Whenever the harvest machinery came rolling up the lane, I was delighted. I'd move from window to window to watch the pickers begin to gather the harvest. Soon there was a cloud of dust that formed around the machine as it processed the rich, ripe crop.

Then as our boys grew, they developed a love for farming, too. Our living room was often lined by toy farm equipment as they processed the stages of farming on the shag carpet. Living in the country was a wonderful blessing. Growing up near their grandparents was an added bonus. As we drove through the countryside we would watch for combines in the fields and delight whenever we would see them.  

"Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."" (Matthew 9:37-38 NIV).

Lord God, may You watch over the harvest workers as they finish bringing in their crops; grant them safety in all that they do. Help me to be a worker in the harvest of souls. May something I do or say today touch another's life and bring them closer to You. Thank you for the bountiful harvests around me. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Another Monday

It's another Monday. It seems to come around this time every week. When I was working it seemed like the weekend flew by and sure enough, Monday arrived right on time. Now that I'm retired you wouldn't think it would make much difference what day of the week it was. But, Monday always follows Sunday.

Sunday and church feed my soul. The act of worshiping together with other believers is a time of refueling and reconnecting. I come seeking God and His hope. The music helps me worship God and refill this empty vessel. The message helps me center in on the Word of God and apply it to my life. Worship helps me focus my thanks to God for everything in my life.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans  to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart..."" (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV).

Heavenly Father, it's another Monday to thank You for. Fill us with Your Spirit as we begin another week. Guide us in the plans You have for us. Help us to be receptive to Your will and to seek You with all our hearts. Amen.

Sun Spots

This was the first summer that I avoided the sunshine and did not get a tan. For most of my life I have sought out the sun and lived in it, soaking it in to lift my spirits. But I have reached an age where all the damage I've done to my skin in the past is coming back to haunt me. Dermatologists and I are on a first name basis.

On Monday I again made a visit to my friends with the freezing spray. This time my main concern was a spot inside my ear that kept bleeding. But she found more spots on my face and hands that also needed attention. All were "precancerous" spots and that's a good thing. No biopsy needed.

My nose is always front and center, bearing the brunt of exposure, so it received lots of freezing spray. Because it always looks worse before it gets better, I'm expecting to look like Rudolph any day now. All because of the blonde hair, blue eyes and fair complexion I was born with and the years of mowing for hours at a time on the farm are catching up with me.

"Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure, and will not fear," (Job 11:15 RSV).

Lord God, just as the dermatologist removes the spots of sun damage, we thank You for removing our signs of sin by the blood of Your Son. We thank You and praise You for the blessings You give and for the great gift of Your Son who saves us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Leave Your Life of Sin

 ""Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."" (John 8:4-7 NIV)

One by one, those who had gathered, turned and walked away because all are sinners. Jesus asked the woman who was left to condemn her and she answered, no one. Jesus said he did not condemn her either, "Go now and leave your life of sin," (John 8:11b NIV).

How many times have we judged another person? Even just in our minds, but not saying anything out loud. Sometimes we are quick to condemn another person by the way they look, not knowing anything about them. Jesus is telling us to stop judging others and to have compassion and forgiveness instead.

Jesus gave this woman a new life. Jesus offers us the same gift of new life if only we believe in Him and follow Him.

Lord, help me to show compassion and forgiveness to others today. Let me be a light of love to those who are suffering in guilt or sin. Thank You for offering me a new way to live when I trust in You. Amen.

The Harvest Moon

The full moon will appear tomorrow night. Last night it was big and bright and high in the sky. I love seeing the moon in its different stages, but especially when it is full. It brings me closer to God, the Creator of all things. I'm always amazed at how much light the full moon has. When we lived on our acreage there would be times I needed to be outside to take the garbage can down to the end of the lane, or to mail a letter. I didn't need a flashlight when the moon was full. I could easily make my way with the moonlight.

"And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so. God made two great lights--the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night," (Genesis 1:14-16 NIV). 

The full moon closest to the fall equinox is often called the Harvest Moon. The big moon provides extra light for farmers harvesting their crops. For three nights in a row the big moon rises at about the same time  in the evening, near dusk, so the farmers can continue their work.

Thank you, Lord, for the light You provide. Thank you for the beauty of the moon in the night sky. May we pause and think of You as we see the beautiful moon You created. Amen.

Our Strong Tower

Last week on the local news there was a story about the problems that Stuart, Iowa, was having with their new water tower. First, the painters left a letter out of the name Stuart on the new tower. Then, as they began to use the new water tower they found that it was built too tall. Because they wanted to use both the old and the new towers the water level had to be the same in both towers. The new tower was too high so its capacity was reduced. Evidently there was a clerical error in the tower blueprints.

The town of Stuart was still trying to figure out the solution to their dilemma, last I heard.

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe," (Proverbs 18:10 NIV).

When I imagine the Lord's name as a strong tower I first think of a safe place, like a tornado shelter. Here in the Central US we must have a secure place to go to in the event of a derecho or a tornado. It is usually underground where we are protected from strong winds destroying the property around us.

But, God's name, as a strong tower, stands tall and powerful against any danger. All the righteous must do is call out the Lord's name, run to Him and be safe. How wonderful! How marvelous!

Lord, thank You for being our strong tower, the One we can run to and be safe. Help us always to seek You in our troubles and in our fears. In You alone we find our confidence and security. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Families

Today is a special day. Four sisters are getting together. It has been many months since we last gathered. Two of my sisters have birthdays this week and one of the birthdays is today! It is always a time of laughter and care. We share many of the same memories and care about many of the same people. There is an unspoken understanding between us that creates a beautiful bond. Today we will celebrate our sisterly love.

There are 20 years and 10 months between the first and the last daughter born to Corwin and Clara Springer. Their only son, Gerald, died suddenly of an unknown cause when he was 19 years old. It was perhaps an aneurism or an undetected heart issue; no one seems to know for sure. His loss is a sorrow we sisters all carry with us. We also share the pain of a sister who is now a widow. Our hearts all ache for the loss of our brother-in-law and the ongoing loss our sister feels.

Not all that the sisters share is painful. We also share joys! The marriages in the family have been celebrations; first our children and next our grandchildren, and the births of grandchildren and great grandchildren. There have been graduations and career successes and retirements. Life has been busy and is now slowing down for the sisters.

"Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds--his name is the Lord--and rejoice before him. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families," (Psalm 68:4-6a NIV).

May your hearts be lifted up to the Lord and receive joy. Through God there is hope for everyone, in every situation in life. Join David, who wrote the Psalm above, in loving and praising God and you will receive hope. Amen.

The Rhythm of Nature

The changes of fall are beginning. Leaves are starting to turn colors. Some birds are migrating. We've been watching the hummingbirds at our feeder and they were still here on Saturday. I didn't see them yesterday so I'll need to pay attention today to see if they are still here. As we drove by Saylorville Lake yesterday, the pelicans have gathered for their semiannual visit.

It amazes me how the creations of God Almighty have inner clocks that help them prepare for the changes of seasons and weather. They know intrinsically when to migrate. How marvelous and amazing!

The rhythm of the seasons pulses through nature gathering all things to draw them in sync.

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

Lord, thank You for Your wisdom in all creation. We are in awe of Your design for all things. Remind us today of how fortunate we are to live in Your presence and to watch with wonder the way the earth follows Your guide. Amen.

Change

Looking back through my life, I have seen a lot of things change. Just last week gas prices jumped up 40 cents! But that is a weekly change that we have almost gotten used to. Just typing this blog on a computer reminds me of the days before computers. How did we ever get along without texting on our phones or using email? There were phones; big heavy telephones that sat on a desk or hung on the kitchen wall.

Do you remember the days when the gas station experience was completely different? You would pull up to the pump and a fellow would come running out and ask what you needed and proceed to pump your gas and clean off your windshield and maybe even check your oil. In the early 70s gas was in the range of 40 cents a gallon to 65 cents a gallon.

The grocery store was different, too. There was personal service at the checkout line. Bread was 25 cents a loaf! Milk was $1.50 a gallon. Groceries were bagged for you and carried to you car. Thank you, Fareway for maintaining those services! There were no self serve checkout lines.

"I the Lord do not change," (Malachi 3:6a NIV).

Thank you, God, for being the same for us. You see us and know us and all our sins, yet, You still love us as we are. Thank You for sending Your Son to live with us and to die for us and be raised again in three days. Thank you for the forgiveness Jesus gives us. Amen.

Football Season

I love football season. College football has to come first, but I follow some pro football teams as well. John has always enjoyed watching football so since we first got married and got a television we have watched it together. Recently he has started quizzing me about football. Sometimes I know the correct answer but usually I don't. He tries to teach me something new every game day.

I wish I had someone to teach me something new about the Bible everyday. Actually I have several resources to use that help me learn something new about Jesus. First, my big study Bible is always open on my desk, making it easy to look up anything I'm in need of. I love to turn to a random page and read what I have highlighted or underlined. I am always blessed by the verses I read. 

Second, I have a daily devotional to read every morning. The one-page writings by women offer "daily encouragement for your soul". I really enjoy these devotionals, especially as a start to my day. They uplift me and give me encouragement and positivity. I also have several brief messages that come to my phone every day, offering a scripture or a brief devotional. All these things help me get through my personal "game day".

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done," (Philippians 4:6 NLT).

Thank you, God, for all the ways You teach us and help us each day. Amen.

The Money Trap

These days, walking into a grocery store is expensive! My parents would have a fit if they saw the prices of grocery items these days. It is oppressive. I feel for all those on a fixed income - oh, that's us! Times have certainly changed in fifty years. 

When we first got married we could get a bag of groceries for $25. That was very expensive for us back then. We were being paid so little that we had to scrimp on everything in order to stay within our budget. When the last week of the month came along we were lucky to have a few dollars left.

We did what many couples did, we got a credit card. Before long we had a very large amount due and we were paying high interest on all we didn't pay off. We learned our lesson and made it a top priority to pay off the credit card balance. It took us a long time to finally pay it off. From there on we only used the credit card when we could pay it off every month. That was the best thing we ever did.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs," (1 Timothy 6:6-10 NIV).  

Timothy gives us much to consider regarding our finances. I pray that each of you can feel good about your financial situation. It isn't a conversation topic but it can be a topic of prayer. May God bless you with enough for each day. Amen.

Considering Work

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light," (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV). 

These verses are so comforting to me. They speak to me in so many ways and so many times in my life. I like them for Labor Day because they can be applied to days of work so well.

When I was working, even though I loved my job, I always looked forward to a day off. I think it was because we lived on an acreage and there was so much I wanted/needed to do there. I loved that I was always busy at work. I loved interviewing students and graduates or professors to tell their stories of how education changed their lives. Especially because it was so true in my own life.

Writing at the college was my dream job. I worked at a weekly newspaper for five years, writing feature stories and news reports. Then I wanted to get my college education at age 40. I attended Marshalltown Community College for two years and then went to Iowa State to get my bachelors degree in journalism and media relations. I was lucky enough to be hired by the same community college district that I had attended. My dream job.

I wish everyone who works could have their dream job. Work is hard but it can be rewarding. Labor can be exhausting, too. But the verses above always gave me hope; hope for rest. Retirement has given me that. Life holds many chapters for us. I hope you can enjoy your working days or look back at them with peace.

May your yoke be easy and your burden be light. God will give us rest.

Tiny Reminders

The hummingbirds have been very busy at our feeder lately. In fact, I need to fill the clear glass feeder again today. I could sit or stand and watch the tiny birds all day. They like to perch on the very top of the feeder or they even sit on the metal string hanger as they survey the landscape they have chosen to live in. 

One of the hummingbirds stakes its claim on the feeder and battles any other hummingbird that tries to draw a sip of the sweet syrupy juice. They fly off together doing 'battle' and pretty soon one of the birds returns to the feeder triumphant.

We know approximately where one nest is because the bird or birds frequently fly back to an evergreen tree over the fence from our back yard. It is well hidden and well protected from predators. I remember finding a hummingbird nest once and was in awe of the delicate hanging shelter.

"Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head,"" (Matthew 8:20 NIV).

Jesus was warning potential disciples that the way of following Him would not be easy. It isn't always easy for us either. Every decision we make involves examination of the issue to be sure the right choice is made. If we hurry or make a snap decision we may find ourselves in a sinful situation. Then we must confess our sin and ask for God's forgiveness.

Most of us, like the hummingbirds, have homes where we lay our heads at night.

Thank you, Jesus, for showing us how to follow You. Help us make good decisions, as evidence of our dedication to Your Way. Thank you for our homes and please be with those who have recently lost their homes to fires.
Amen.

School Days

The big yellow buses are rolling again, even in this heat. Children are lined up at their designated point, waiting for their ride to school. Everyone with a backpack loaded with new pencils and crayons. They went through the checklist provided by their teacher. There is an air of excitement; today is a new day in a new grade with a new teacher. 

In my school days the big yellow buses rumbled down the gravel roads, stirring up clouds of dust that hung in the air for miles. Somehow I ended up near the beginning of the bus route nearly every year. That meant riding the bus for a long time as the driver stopped to pick up a load of children along miles of gravel roads and some highway locations.

I remember having butterflies in my stomach on the first day of each year. I had to find a new room, meet a new teacher, start a new way of doing things in a new schedule. But all was better as my friends boarded the bus. It seems like there were teachers and administrators waiting at the school to welcome us off the bus and give us directions. It wasn't so bad after all.

I don't remember being released early because of the heat, though it might have happened. I just remember windows in classrooms being wide open and teachers bringing in fans from home. So long ago, so much has changed.

I say a special prayer for teachers today and thank them for accepting the challenge of helping the youngsters learn and grow. What a big job they have. 

Thank you, Lord, for teachers and the important job they have. Bless them today with strength and patience and blanket our schools with Your protection. Amen.

The Great Iowa State Fair

The great Iowa State Fair was our family vacation every year. Growing up on a farm meant there were chores to do morning and night so that kept us from being gone more than a day. The State Fair was the day of vacation.

As a kid I remember when parking was allowed almost everywhere on the fair grounds. I remember parking on the steep hills near Pioneer Hall. Another year we were as far north as you can get in the parking lot, between the evergreen trees that were there at the time. They provided shade. We took a picnic lunch and met back at the car at noon to eat, somewhere in the shade.

As I recall, we usually split up. Mama liked to watch the judging of foods in the Women's and Children's building or sit and watch the talent search acts. Daddy loved the horse shows, roaming the animal buildings and checking out the new machinery exhibits. We always made a visit through the Varied Industries building.

We never set foot in the Midway but a ride on the Old Mill was a possibility. The State Fair became a ritual every summer and after Daddy retired he would often make more than one visit, often taking one of his grandchildren along. Those were days that gave them precious memories.

"I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live," (Ecclesiastes 3:12 NIV), 

Mama's Garden

Every summer one of our chores was helping in the garden. My mother's garden was enormous. Dad would till it up for her in the early spring - as soon as the soil was ready. Then as mother directed, he would make rows for her with an antique single plowshare. Together they would sow the seeds, row by row, marking the ends with a stick. The seed packet was then slipped over the stick to show what was planted.

The garden was then ready for gentle rains. The rich black soil soaked in the sunshine and soon the seeds would germinate and the plants would begin to pop through the soil. One job that was important all summer long was hoeing. The weeds also grew and would take over the garden if not kept in control. It wasn't bad early in the year but the ground seemed to get harder as the summer went along.

I didn't mind picking raspberries or strawberries because there was sampling along the way. Mom knew it was dangerous to allow me to pod the peas because I loved eating the fresh green peas raw. Green beans were one of the most time-consuming to pick. There were always several long rows of these to pick, stem, and freeze and be there to last till next year. Everything in the garden got preserved in some manner and was ready to be pulled out in the cold days of February.

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior," (Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV).

The garden is a joyful place. I can commune with God in the garden so easily. His presence is known in all that is growing. From radishes to potatoes or strawberries to grapes, every plant is touched by God.

Amazing Sights

We are home, following a wonderful trip to celebrate our 50th anniversary that is in October. We took our first cruise beginning in Vancouver, Canada. We boarded the Grand Princess, completed the safety essentials review and toured some of the ship while we waited for our luggage to be delivered to our room.

We cruised for a day and a half to Ketchikan, Alaska, our first port to visit. We walked around town known for its totem poles, even though there was steady rain. We walked Creek Street, formally the red district during gold panning days.

The next day we arrived in Juneau, Alaska, where we boarded a boat for an outing to whale watch. We spent four hours watching and saw at least 12 whales surface, blow, and shake their tales at us. Again, it was raining.

Next stop was Skagway where we boarded a train that took us along mountains, with views of glaciers, waterfalls, and trees. It was a beautiful sunny day. We walked through the town and admired the beautiful views.

The next day we cruised through Glacier Bay National Park. The views were amazing and we spent most of the day on our balcony watching the sights. The next day was scenic cruising of College Fjord through Prince William Sound. We saw 16 tidewater glaciers, some 300 feet high. The views were breathtaking. The largest glaciers were Hubbard and Yale Glaciers.

The next day we moved to our land tour beginning at Whittier. We traveled by train to the Denali Wilderness Lodge. We were fortunate enough to see the top of Denali mountain several times when the clouds broke away. It is rare to get a sighting of Denali because it is so often covered by clouds. We arrived in McKinley for the night then the following day we took a school bus for a Natural History Tour about the building of the road to Denali Park.

Finally we took a motor coach from McKinley to Anchorage where we spent the night in Hotel Captain Cook before an early flight back to Des Moines by way of Dallas. There will be photos to follow.

"In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level; the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it," (Isaiah 40:3-5 NIV).

The Land

I grew up on a farm in rural Marshall County Iowa. The farm was around 150 acres tillable and probably 40 acres of pasture ground (I’m just guessing here). My dad grew up on a farm, learning by working with his father and maternal grandfather. 

The farm was purchased in the 60’s, which meant I switched schools in March of my kindergarten year. It was worse for my sister who was in high school. When the weather warmed up I was excited about exploring the new farm with my dad. Ours was a true farm; it had a few of every farm animal.

 

The land was what I really loved. The soil was rich and black with a good share of rocks. Every spring dad and my sister and I would pick up rocks that popped up when the soil was turned. Most of the rocks were unloaded to an existing pile at the corner of the field. Pretty ones always found their way to a flowerbed or around the house. Sometimes we would find just the tip of a really large rock that would require lots of tractor or truck power to pull it out. Those gems became ornaments on the lawn.

 

As I grew older I was allowed to explore the whole farm on my own. I spent many hours walking the pastures and timber, and wading in the creek. I fell in love with nature and the land.

 

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires,” (2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV).

Summer Fear

Summer was a time for swimming lessons when I was growing up. There weren't many indoor pools when I was a kid. And just as few outdoor pools. Most larger towns had a community swimming pool so small towns bussed their children to the bigger town for swimming lessons. Mine were held early in the morning so they didn't interfere with the open swimming times.

Beginning the week after school was out, I got on a bus early in the morning in State Center and rode for 30 minutes to the Marshalltown pool that was located in Riverside park. It was very cool out and I remember shivering most of the lesson time in the cold water. It was the first time I'd ever been in a pool.

I was fearful of the deep water and of jumping in. I was a slow learner because of my fear. I never had the chance to go swimming. We lived in the country so swimming lessons were my only contact with water until I was old enough to go to church camp. Sometimes the camp was near a lake or had a pool. 

"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).

Eventually, the new high school, built in State Center around 1970, had an indoor pool. Lessons were offered there as part of PE class in the high school during the school year and during the summer for younger kids.

Opportunities to Grow

Summer is time for Vacation Bible School (VBS) and summer camps. When I was a young person I attended both VBS and church camps. 

I loved VBS because I knew the volunteers and it was in my church. I loved the activities that focused on the day's scripture and lesson. There was always something to take home and show my parents. There was outside play time with structured games and snack time. VBS was always looked forward to and enjoyed.

As an adult I helped with several VBS's over the years. My home church struggled to get children to come because it was located in the country. There weren't kids in the neighborhood. So eventually they gave it up. Instead we urged our church children to attend a VBS in a nearby town. I volunteered to teach one of the classes. It was a lot of preparation time, study, and prayer before it even started. We always had older kids as helpers and they were wonderful.

When I was a preteen I attended church camp for a week every summer. This was hard for me because I was shy and knew almost no one there. Even so, I made good friends; often becoming pen pals when the camp ended. There weren't personal or hand-held phones back in those days! We used "snail mail" instead.

"God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out to him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring,'" (Acts 17:27-28 NIV).

Summer offers many learning opportunities, new experiences, and fun. May you enjoy the summer and be blessed.

Summer Vacations

Summer is here. It is time for vacations. When the boys were young we couldn't afford big vacations so we did several Iowa vacations or day trips. It was good family time and we made memories. But the one big family vacation we took was to Washington D.C.

We flew into D.C. where we saw all the beautiful monuments, toured several of the Smithsonian museums and were amazed at the size and beauty of the Capitol building. It was amazing but so much as been added since we were there that we should go back. 

From D.C. we drove to New York state where we visited my aunt before driving north to Buffalo where my Jordanian brother and his family lived. They took us to see Niagara Falls which was an amazing day. The main reason we took the trip, according to our boys, was to attend a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game! They were Brent's favorite team. We went one evening and watched something like 16 innings into the wee hours of the morning. Then flew home the next day. It was a wonderful trip spanning 10 days.

"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).  

May you be blessed by a summer vacation and the memories you made or will make, or by a stay-cation at home.

Fried Green Tomatoes

I grew up eating some strange things. We lived on a farm so most of our sustenance came from what we raised. The basement shelves were lined with vegetables and assorted pickles. And our super-sized freezer was filled with green beans and corn plus a variety of homemade goodies. However, I didn't taste pizza until I was a teenager.

On the farm we used every part of the animals we butchered. We raised chickens, pigs, milk cows and sheep. I remember Daddy butchering a pig and Mama took care of the chickens. I don't remember anything larger than a pig. We did it at home because there was no butcher's fee to pay.

Our meals were all from scratch. We had macaroni in a number of dishes, but no spaghetti that I recall.  We ate liver, brains, gizzards and tongue when available. Quite the delicacies! We also ate okra and a range of normal vegetables. But one of our favorites was fried green tomatoes. This is the perfect time for making sandwiches of the fried green tomatoes. I still make them whenever we have a surplus of tomatoes.

"Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything," (Genesis 9:3 NIV).

God told Noah that everything could be food so eat up everyone! May God bless your table with bounty.

Reflections

Our family reunion was Saturday. It was perfect weather and the four sisters were together again. One of the best parts was the children who attended. My nephew had all three of his children together and they all have little ones. There were red-headed girl twins from one family; a two-year-old from another family; and a three-year-old girl and a six-month-old boy from another. The baby boy was the heart charmer as he is named after our father: Corwin. Such a precious gift.

The time together was wonderful. We caught up on others' lives, shared laughter and some tears as we hugged to make up for lost time apart. The potluck was massive but the pies seemed to be the hit. The kittens were a big draw, too. 

Watching cousins reconnect, sharing common concerns over aging parents and decisions to be made. Health concerns were shared. The oldest there, my 92-year-old brother-in-law, Gene, said an eloquent prayer as we joined hands in a circle.

Memories were made that will last a life-time, but we will all wait anxiously for the next get-together of family.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever," (Psalm 73:26 NIV).

Family Reunions

Summertime is great for gathering families together. After my parents were both gone, my family tried to hold a Springer gathering each year. When they were alive we all gathered at their home on the farm. That farm was sold so the problem was where to gather. For many years we gathered at a golf course clubhouse. Then one of my nieces and her husband welcomed us to their acreage. It is a beautiful setting and everyone loves to come there.

When I was growing up my mother's family, the Hilsabecks, gathered every summer, most often at my Uncle Ralph and Aunt Mabel's home. They had a wonderful large screened-in porch. I loved seeing my cousins. We would play in an awesome playhouse or in their big back yard. Once in a while sleepovers happened because of the reunion. Cousins became good friends and sometimes pen pals.

Today our reunions involve the four Springer daughters and their families. A potluck is the main focus but the real joy is being together again. Conversations fill the area and hugs abound. Good food is shared and lives are rejoined. All in a tribute to our parents.

"Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.  For the Lord is the great  God, the great King above all gods," (Psalm 95:2-3 NIV).

The Fourth of July

Tomorrow is Independence Day. The day we commemorate the Declaration of Independence being adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The day the United States of America was established. It is celebrated most often with fireworks but also with family gatherings, barbecues, picnics and baseball games. It is a day off for many but not all.

Sparklers were our usual excitement when I was a kid and also when we were raising our boys. We didn't usually go to where there were fireworks. There was too much to do on the farm.

One year when we lived on our acreage, the neighbor set off fireworks. Our dog Bella was frightened and ran away. Bella was an Anatolian mix, bred to guard sheep. That's all she did. She wasn't tame to people except when we had a treat for her. Then she would cautiously approach the treat, take it and run.

We searched the neighborhood for miles looking for her. After several days I posted on Facebook that our dog was missing and described her, big and white, loves sheep not people. And sure enough a friend of a friend had a white dog show up in their sheep flock a few days before, about 10 miles away. It was Bella. We had quite a time getting her into our sheep trailer, using a lamb as bait, and herding the neighbor's sheep into a smaller feeding pen. We did get her into the trailer and shut the door!

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anoints my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever," (Psalm 23 RSV).

May you have a safe and happy Fourth of July.
 

Goodbye June

Two more days of June. It doesn't seem possible. The months seem to fly past when you are old. I know the days aren't really going faster but the closer I get to the end of my life, the faster the days seem to go by. June is the traditional month for weddings but I think society has gotten away from that. Now any month you choose is perfect.

June feels more like a spring month, yet this year it has been warmer than usual. I hear the sweet corn is almost ready. That makes my mouth water. The field corn will be knee high and flowers are blooming prolifically. We are headed into another summer needing rain. Goodbye June.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior," (Isaiah 43:2-3a NIV).

June is nearly past and life moves on. May you be encouraged by the knowledge of God's protection through whatever lies ahead. God bless you.

One Step

I always begin writing my blog by praying for God to give me an idea to write about. Because sometimes  my mind seems totally empty. I ask God to tell me what someone needs to hear today. The best thing for me to do is to start typing and hope something comes to mind. More often than not when I've written something I don't think is very inspiring, someone will comment that the blog was just what they needed to hear today.

God is good like that.

"You will forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor," (Job 11:16-19 NIV). 

Job got this advice from Zophar the Naamathite. Although not all the suggestions Job received from wise persons of his day were helpful, this scripture shares hope for all of us. No matter what struggles we face in life, hope encourages us to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Eventually we will step out of the darkness and into God's light.

God is good like that.

May God give you light to guide you through every situation you face today. Amen.

Celebrating 50 Years

Last weekend the Class of '73 at West Marshall High School in State Center, Iowa, celebrated its 50th. How can that possibly be? Time slipped by so quickly. Here we are no longer able to fit into our class rings or band uniforms. Some of my classmates looked just like they did in high school. Others have changed considerably. There were about forty classmates who attended out of

seventy-some graduates.

There were conversations throughout the room, lots of reminiscing and catching up. There was bountiful laughter and remembering. But we also honored the 13 classmates who have passed away. 

"Remember how fleeting is my life," (Psalm 89:47 NIV).

Many of us have said goodbye to our parents and lived through the challenge of raising children. Others have faced illness and cancer as part of their past. We pray for one of our classmates who is in the fight of her life now with cancer.

It is hard to believe 50 years have passed by. We don't feel that old (most of the time anyway). Getting together was a good time. Seeing friends again provided priceless moments of sharing memories.

Thank you, God for a lifetime of memories.

Our Fathers

Fathers' Day is past for this year but it is still on my mind. John and I have lost both of our parents so in our family the attention goes to my husband John and to our two sons. None of us were together this year so it became a non-holiday. But still we remembered our fathers with love. 

My father, Corwin Springer, was a farmer first and a job worker second. He lived on farms his whole life. He also worked for the ASCS office helping farmers establish soil conservation practices. He worked for the Iowa highway commission as a surveyor on new roads being built. He was a singer and sang for many weddings, funerals, and church events, far too many to count. Most important, he was a Christian in all that he did. 

John's father, Frederick Stewart, was a hard worker. He worked at the Clemons Quarry for several years running heavy equipment. He eventually got hired by Fisher Controls where he made a career and a living for his family. He used evenings and weekends to make improvements to his houses, lawns and garages. He was always willing to help out his children with their projects, too. He was a good man and a caring father.

"The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one," (John 10:25-30 NIV).

Just Ask

Sometimes I find it hard to pray. Especially when I try to pray for a need I have personally. Throughout the Bible, we are shown that we need to humble ourselves and ask God for what we need. And He will answer us.

 "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth," (Psalm 145:18 NIV).

My heart is calmed in knowing He is near to me when I call on Him. There is peace when we kneel to the Lord in need.

"Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I," (Isaiah 58:9 NIV).

I visualize lifting my arms in prayer as He says, "Here am I". What a blessed moment of peace and comfort.

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

When I was growing up there was a picture hanging on the wall of the sanctuary that I often studied. The painting was of Jesus standing at a door, knocking. "Christ at Heart's Door" by Warner Sallman is an image I'll retain whenever I read this verse. Though it shows the opposite, it reminds me to open my heart and let Jesus in.

"This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it--the Lord is his name: 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know,'" (Jeremiah 33:2-3 NIV).

God tells us to call on Him and He will respond and tell us, "great and unsearchable things"! How exciting and encouraging to pray. If we pray sincerely, we can be assured that God will hear us and answer our prayer. 

Thank you, God, for being our loving Father, who is there for us whenever we call. Amen.

Friendship

 Friends. Heartwarming. Kind. Shared memories. Smiles and hugs.

I have friends on my mind this week. Old friends and new friends. My 50th year high school class reunion is this weekend and I'm looking forward to getting reacquainted with some friends I haven't seen in many years. I'm hoping to recognize everyone; thank goodness for name tags. How do you catch up on 50 years of life with 60-some classmates?

When we moved to Ankeny to be close to our grandchildren (who then moved to the east coast) we didn't know a soul in town. We met our neighbors over time, as additional houses were built along the cul-de-sac. For the first year we kept ties with our home church, an hour away. It became rather tiresome spending two hours on the road each Sunday, so we eventually looked for a church in the Ankeny area. We made friends there through small groups and Bible studies. We joined a local gym that has a walking track and a pool and offered water aerobics. I made good friends there. I joined WW and made more friends there. Wow, I realize now how blessed I am with new friends.

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends," (John 15:12-13 NIV).

I'm kind of excited about this weekend reunion time and a little nervous, too. I was pretty shy back in my high school days but I had a nice group of friends that I hung out with. Many of my friends were fellow band members. We took two band trips together and made many memories on the bus rides to Rapid City, S.D. (freshman year) and to Winnepeg, Canada (senior year).

Friends are so valuable in my life. I'm thankful for everyone, whether it has been 50 years or one. God has been so good in leading wonderful people into my life. I thank God for each one of you, friends.

Sharing Our Burdens

Today was my parents' anniversary. They were married 66 years when my mother died. I wonder if they are able to celebrate in heaven; it would be 90 years. I hope they are together again.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light," (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV). 

Sometimes I feel burdened by life and very weary. This scripture says that Jesus will help us by giving us purpose for our work. We can't just sit back and watch the world go by. We are to learn from Jesus and follow His ways, then we will find rest.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint," (Isaiah 40:31 NIV).

When the day seems too long and we have come to the end of our ropes, remember that the Lord promises to renew our strength.

Thank you, Lord, for being our strength when we are weary. Thank you for sharing our burdens if only we will trust in you. Amen.

The Mystery of the Shoes

One day a pair of old beat-up, dirty men's shoes showed up in our closet, sitting there along with John's other shoes. I thought it was strange but went about doing other tasks and forgot about them. A day or two went by before we both were in the closet at the same time and the conversation of the shoes came up. We each thought the other had put them there, but neither of us had. The mystery of the shoes began.

We were living on our farm at the time, which was about a mile from the Marshall County Jail. Occasionally inmates would be released without a ride back to Marshalltown (10 miles away). They were told not to stop at any house along the way so most walked past on the road. We called the Sheriff's office and told them about the shoes. 

A deputy came and looked at the shoes. John noted that another pair of his shoes was missing. Nothing else in our house was disturbed or missing. We often left the house unlocked while we both were at work. The deputy filed a report but he didn't expect we would find the person who traded shoes. And we never did.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also," (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV).

So the mystery of the shoes remains. Whoever came in, needed the shoes worse than John did. However, we did start locking our door.

June Beginnings

Welcome to June; it's the beginning of summer! School is out. Iris and peonies are blooming. Baby birds are testing their wings. The sun is bright and warm. Seeds have sprouted into plants, growing by leaps and bounds and so are the weeds. It is time to sit on the deck and enjoy the singing birds in the trees.

June is a month of weddings and celebrations, reunions and picnics. It is time to open up the pool and jump into the cold water and splash around. There will be swimming lessons and Vacation Bible Schools. Time for family vacations and ice cream cones. Fields change from rows to a mass of solid green.

"In that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the creatures that move along the ground. Bow and sword and battle I will abolish from the land, so that all may lie down in safety. I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord," (Hosea 2:18-20 NIV). 

In the scripture above, Hosea shares God's plan to restore the relationship with the Israelites, similar to our marriage relationships. God asks the Israelites to turn from their worship of idols and sinning and come to Him.

God still calls us to a relationship with Jesus Christ. He forgives our sins when we come to Him. Rejoice in the beauty of the month of June and celebrate the life you can live with Him today.

Remembrance

On Thursday we traveled to Liscomb and Marshalltown to place flowers on the graves of our parents, grandparents, and my brother. It is always a sad day, yet we know that they are in a better place and all of their suffering is gone. Life changed for us after each death, never to be the same again.

Today, I also think of all the military servicepersons who have committed their lives to protecting and defending our country and its freedoms. So many men and women have given their lives in battle or in training. For them I give thanks and remember. I'm thankful for all who are serving now also and ask God to protect them and keep them safe.

As the flag flies all over the country today on this Memorial Day, let us remember.

"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes," (Revelation 7:17 NIV).