Leap Day

It is Leap Day, February 29. It only comes around every four years. The almanac says the extra day added every four years keeps our calendar and the seasons in sync. This year there are 366 days. The Earth's orbit around the sun takes approximately 365.25 days. Adding a day to the calendar every four years brings the calendar in line with the seasons.

What are you going to do with this extra day? It seems like a regular Thursday, unless you were born on February 29. Then, you have something to celebrate! I know one person who is a leap year baby, the daughter of a friend. Happy birthday Kendall.

Perhaps this is a good day to start fresh with God. If we have any sins in us that need to be turned over to God through confession, this is a good day to do that. Maybe it is a good day to start that Bible reading we have put off. How about doing something kind for our coworker, or a complete stranger? Or calling that friend we have been meaning to get in touch with? I'm sure there are a hundred more ideas to make this a truly worthwhile day.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me," (Psalm 51:10-12 NIV).

Lord God, bless us this special day with Your guidance and the Holy Spirit. Help us make this a good day. Draw us close to You and let us feel Your extreme love. Sustain us, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Trusting in God's Peace

Sometimes the world around us seems filled with turmoil and confusion. Nothing seems to be going right for us. The mind is distraught; the body is broken or in pain; our living situation is in chaos. We wonder what is next. There could be financial concerns or even the lack of food to eat. We see war on the news and there are random shootings every week. What happened to our peace?

All is not lost. There is hope when we trust in the Lord. When we are committed to God, our whole attitude changes. We move forward instead of being stuck in our pit of fear. We can depend on God and his unfailing love and mighty power to help us.

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal," (Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV). 

Whatever we face today, let us trust in the Lord's perfect peace. God is our Rock eternal! We can hold tight to His solid might. He will not waver or shift. He stands before us, unmoving and powerful. He is the same every day. He will not leave us or forsake us. He is the eternal Rock.

Thank you, Lord, for being at our side constantly. You alone are our Rock. You love us through our fears and troubles. We trust You and rest in Your strong arms. Amen.

Seeking Fellowship with God

I always start writing my blog by praying that God will speak a message through my words, that these will be words that touch someone's heart. Today, I'm trusting God to give me the words to write.

A few years ago I was in a Bible study on David. One of the things that really spoke to me about David was how he followed the Lord throughout his life. He had a close relationship with God, always. But, he wasn't perfect. No one was/is perfect except Jesus. I can relate to David because he made mistakes in his life. Some were pretty big sins. Yet, because he walked closely with the Lord God, and asked for forgiveness, God forgave David.

I'm a sinner, too. I am so thankful for the forgiveness that Jesus Christ brought us through his sacrifice on the cross. We are walking through the Lenten season, being reminded of all Jesus' teachings and his ultimate purpose on earth - our salvation.

Like David, we can walk in constant fellowship with our God. He knows we can't be perfect. That's why He sent His Son. He loves us as a Father and provides forgiveness when we ask God to examine us and forgive our sins and offer His mercy to clear our checklist of wrongs. 

"Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth," (Psalm 26:2-3 NIV).

Lord, help us walk with You in faithfulness every day. Forgive our sins and guide us to do the right things in the future. Help us choose to walk continually in Your truth. In Jesus' holy name we pray, Amen.

Our Appraisal

We recently had to get a new appraisal on my wedding ring. The value had increased from when John purchased it as a 40th anniversary gift in 2013. I don't think about the monetary value of my ring when I wear it in the pool everyday, or put my hands in the dirt during planting season, or when I mix up the family's favorite food: noodles. But I do think about the treasure of the gift to me from John and how much it is worth to me as a symbol of our marriage.

My study Bible's commentary suggests that the test of true value is how well something holds up under the wear, tear, and abuse of everyday life. A wedding ring is an example of that. 

Our lives have great value to God. He sent His only Son to die for us on the cross so we could live with Him forever. That is real value. Yes, you and I have great value to God.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows," (Matthew 10:29-31 NIV). 

Because God puts such value on us, we never need to fear physical challenges or difficult trials in our life. God's love remains constant and His Spirit remains within us. If we stand up for Christ in spite of our troubles we have enduring value and will receive eternal life.

Thank you, God, for loving us so much that You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ to save us. As we walk this journey to Christ's crucifixion, burial, and His Resurrection, be present with us so we can be aware of our value to You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Idenity

I haven't always been retired. I wore many hats during my life: daughter, student, bean walker, house cleaner, wife, mother, CNA, receptionist, insurance data entry person, newspaper reporter, writer, college student, intern, graduate, freelance writer, and Supervisor of Media Relations. For many years my job was my identity.

When I was raising my children many of my high school classmates had completed college and were pursuing a career. I felt like a nobody. I wanted an education but I was too afraid to try. I didn't believe that I could succeed. I loved to write and I wanted to study journalism and English. But, I needed confidence that I didn't have. Recently a contemporary Christian song came out that expresses so much of what I felt.

"Somebody to You" performed by Rachael Lampa.

"They say you're only as good as your last success And failure's not an option Maybe that's why I'm exhausted Held so tight to their applause that When it stopped, I thought that Yours would too 'Til you said my heart to You's worth everything"

"Don't gotta be somebody when I'm already somebody to You Got nothing to prove anymore, so there's nothing to lose anymore You're gonna keep on loving me for more than just the things that I do I'll sing it 'til there's no doubt, nobody can count me out 'Cause I'm already somebody to You I'm already somebody to You, ooh"...

"There's so many stars in your sky But I'm never lost in your eyes I'm still the one you see, and you see (I know you see) A promise that can't be broken One you've already chosen As I'm learning to believe, yeah (I'm learning to believe)"...

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever--do not abandon the works of your hands," (Psalm 138:8 NIV).

Thank you, Lord, for being at my side through all the stages of my life. Thank you for using each step to bring me closer to You and Your purpose for me. Thank You that I am and have always been "Somebody to You." Amen.

A Week of Love

Happy Monday! I imagine some of us are waking up a little tired from watching the end of Super Bowl LVIII! What an exciting game! It couldn't have been a closer game, ending in overtime. I love football. Living with my husband and two boys, I either became a grumpy football widow, or I learned to enjoy it. My husband still teaches me little things about football every game. I'm sad to see the season come to an end. 

I was pulling for the San Francisco 49ers because of the Brock Purdy/ISU connection. I've been so impressed with his abilities this year and the whole team's performance. Before Brock Purdy, I was a Kansas City Chiefs fan. I cheer for them both except when they play each other, then I have to choose. Congratulations to both teams.

Do you remember that Valentine's Day is Wednesday? We can't miss the hearts and candy filling the aisles. Everything is pink or red. Do children still exchange Valentines in decorated shoeboxes? 

Wednesday is also the first day of Lent, signifying the coming of Easter in 40 days. Lent is a season of prayer and reading scripture, giving to the needy with love, and fasting to practice self-control. Although Catholics seem to do Lent best, I also like to use this season to renew my faith. I focus on Christ's final days of His ministry, and remember my own baptism and dedication to my new life in Christ.

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth," (1 John 3:18 NIV). 

Lord, focus our hearts and minds on You, and on others this week. Guide our actions with love and truth. Create opportunities for us to share Your love with others. Thank You for the gift of Your Son who is sent to save us. We pray in His holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Appearances

Through the years I have struggled with accepting my appearance. It seems there is always something I wish I could change. I am never happy with the body I've been given.

When I was in junior high my biggest concern was my crooked teeth. I begged and begged my parents for braces to fix them. It was no small request as there wasn't money for such a huge expense in those days. Meanwhile, I smiled with my mouth closed so no one would notice my teeth. My parents finally gave in to my pleading and set up a payment plan with an orthodontist. 

But first, I needed repair of a lot of cavities. Another big expense. I hadn't taken care of my teeth. So I endured weeks of grinding and filling; just what I deserved. Eventually I was ready for the wonderful metal bands on my teeth that I would wear for four years. Another reason to smile with my mouth closed, even in my senior pictures. I got called "tinsel teeth" and "metal mouth" by some of my classmates.

Even my orthodontist contributed to my self consciousness by telling me, "Now, if only we could get rid of that pointed chin of yours." Yet another thing to be ashamed of.

My braces were finally removed just weeks before my high school graduation. I was so happy with my smile. I finally opened my mouth to smile without being self conscious. 

Now, fifty years later, I see that my teeth have gradually shifted a bit, so they aren't as straight as they were. But, I'm okay with that. I have finally accepted my appearance as who I am. I'm far from perfect but I am who I am. At some point in my life I began to believe what was said in 1 Samuel.

"But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart,"" (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV).

I guess being old makes some things less important in life. Oh, I still dislike my pointed chin. I struggle with my weight and now I am marred with scars from skin cancer removals. It is okay; the Lord looks at my heart. I hope He sees beauty there.

Lord, help me accept my appearance as who You have made me to be. Thank You for seeing my heart and not the outward appearance that others see. Your lavish love fills me with confidence and peace. I love You Lord. Amen.

Lambing Season

When we were on the farm, February meant we were knee deep in lambing season. Baby lambs would start coming shortly after the new year began. The earlier they were born, the bigger the lambs would be come weigh-in day in May. State fair judges usually picked the top lamb out of the middle weight division. That seems to be where the lambs look their best. 

John would watch the ewe lambs carefully during lambing season. The ewes were outside with a large shed for shelter. John could tell when the ewes were close to giving birth and would move them from outside to a large pen inside the lambing shed. He would watch them closely and when the ewes were close to delivering, he would move them into an individual pen in the heated lambing room.

Sometimes the lambing pens were full so not every mother-in-waiting would get inside. The lambs could be born in the large area. On occasion we would have several ewes deliver in the same large area while we were at work. There would be challenges matching up lambs with the mothers. John would pick up the lambs and usually the mother would follow him and the babies (usually twins) into the lambing pen.

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

Lambing season was exciting but very labor intensive. There were ear tags to attach that identified the lambs as belonging to a certain ewe. This was recorded on the master list. Sometimes there were medical issues to doctor and nursing adjustments to be made. Not all the lambing process went smoothly. But the shepherd was always watching and giving care.

Our shepherd watches over us in the same way. He loves and cares for us, carrying us close to His heart. What a comforting image! 

Lord, thank you for being our shepherd, caring for us and leaving the 99 to search for us when we are lost. Wrap Your arms around us today and keep us close to Your heart. Amen.

Potholes

Welcome February! In Iowa we are enjoying an unusually mild start to the Leap Year month. Our snow banks are dwindling. We still wake to foggy mornings and some icy patches where the melting snow refroze overnight. But they quickly turn to puddles and then small streams as the day warms. We are thankful for the warmer days and the return of sunshine.

Something else has returned with the month of February: potholes! If you are driving in Iowa beware! When we drove to Arkansas last weekend our travels started out on I35/80 through Des Moines. After the first ten miles we experienced the worst stretch of road we had ever seen. Pothole after pothole with no where to avoid them. We saw car after car along the road with flat or blown tires. Hopefully those have been repaired now. The Iowa DOT and city crews have been out working hard to try and fill the nasty holes.

My husband suggested that the potholes on the roads are a lot like life. How true. As we move through life we experience potholes. There are times of illness or injury, financial struggles, family concerns such as separation or divorce, cancer scares and so much more. Life has plenty of road bumps for us to maneuver.

Thankfully we have a God who is always there for us. He hears us when we cry our hearts out or merely whisper our plea to Him. He always listens and hears. He understands our fears and sorrows and He sent His Son to teach us how to pray. He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and counsel us through our struggles. God is near.

"Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer," (Psalm 4:1 NIV).

No matter what potholes lay in your path today, turn to God in prayer for help and He will hear you. He may not answer you immediately but He will comfort you and give you hope that the rough places will be made plain. God bless you.