Seeking the Prize

I love to watch the Olympics. I have zero, zilch, nil, naught, absolutely no athletic ability so I watch out of admiration for the athletes. I can't even imagine the hours of dedication, physical training, and practice, practice, practice, plus memorization of routines, as well as mental preparation the athletes put into their sport. 

The team support shown between individuals is great to see. The embraces following competition and during the games show the shared desires for success and understanding. When disappointment comes teammates are there for each other to offer support and encouragement, even when they compete between themselves.

I cheer on more than the United States athletes. I was excited for Leon Marchand, the 22-year-old France swimmer who won his first medal - gold - in front of his home crowd. I will cheer on the Ukraine athletes as they compete while burdened by the war at home. I enjoy seeing the flags of patriotism waved by spectators from around the world.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize," (1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NIV).

There are many more days of the Olympics to enjoy. I know there will be surprises and touching stories to hear and hopefully great successes for the United States athletes. There are 10,714 athletes competing in 329 events in 32 sports in Paris. What a representation of the world.

Lord God, I pray for peace over our lands. May these Olympic Games remind the world that we can live and work and play in peace. Open our hearts to share our faith with others. Help us stay in the race for eternal life with You and show us the prize that is before us. Thank You for sending Your Son to be our Savior, as we pray in His Holy Name, Amen.

Words, Words, Words...

Sometimes I stare at this empty page and have no idea what to write about. Today is one of those mornings. I don't have to write a blog every Thursday, I think to myself. But somewhere in the beginning of this blog I made a decision to write twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays. 

I love to write, I remind myself. But there is this thing called writer's block that can happen. I always trust God to respond to my prayer for guidance in writing and He has never let me down. The thing about writing is that it is so personal. It comes out of my mind and ends up on this page. It is intimidating. 

I have folders filled with my past writings. I have several years' worth of worship leader messages that were shared during church services. There are several years of monthly columns written for a church newsletter. There are files of miscellaneous articles I wrote for college classes or as submissions to magazines when I did some freelance work. I hope that God has guided the words I have written so that they have touched someone along the way.

 Words, words, words.

None of what I have written compares to the power of God's Word. We have a complete book of God's Word that we can turn to, trust in, live by and have hope in.  Psalm 119 is filled with reference to God's Word. Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible. It meditates on the beauty of God's Word and how His Word helps us follow God's laws and grow in our faith.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path," (Psalm 119:105 NIV). 

"The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple," (Psalm 119:130 NIV).

Lord, guide the words we use today, that they may be a blessing to others. Thank You for giving us Your Word as a manual to life. Thank You for sending Your Son to save us and teach us with His words. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Walking Life's Journey

"These were his instructions: Take nothing for the journey except a staff--no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic," (Mark 6:8-9 NIV). 

Jesus' instructions for His disciples were clear and concise. Take nothing with you. They were to be the tool that was used and nothing else would be needed. Their trust had to be in God alone. God would provide their needs.

I need to remember this, as one of Jesus' followers. God made me as a tool He can use no matter where the journey leads. Sometimes I wonder about my life journey. As I look back I see where my walk has taken me and what I have experienced. How has God used me? Was I a useful tool?

I can't imagine taking a trip without packing any luggage or even carrying a purse! How could I possibly get along without my billfold, my lipstick, a pack of tissues, my toothbrush, acetaminophen, a pen and paper, or my PHONE! Could I possibly put all my trust in God to provide?

My life journey has been laden with challenges and low times, yet God has seen me through them all. I ultimately had what I needed most. I had God. 

Who knows what the rest of life's walk will look like. It may be uneventful and calm, or it may be complicated and challenging. Either way I'm glad I can be a tool for God to use along the way. I want to be a willing participant in whatever He has planned.

Heavenly Father, thank You for this new day and the journey You have planned for me today. Make me Your instrument. Use me to touch others with Your love and kindness. Show me how to place all my trust in You. Lead me along life's journey; fulfill Your purpose for my life. I place my trust in You. This I pray in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

The Wonder of Creation

 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men," (John 1:1-4 NIV).

I have been delighting in the lives of two of my grandchildren this week. If I had forgotten, I now remember what 11 and 13 year-olds are like. These two are a wonderful expression of life. Since one is a boy and one is a girl, there is also that variety of character. I love watching the brother and sister argue, then defend one another fiercely. 

God created each of us as individuals. He gave us each the gifts we have only because of His plans for our lives. God created us with purpose. With God we are priceless and unique. 

I wonder what God has in store for these two young people. What career will they choose in the future? What will their lives look like when they become adults? God already knows the answers to all the questions we might ask. That gives me comfort. Their parents have chosen to place them in Christian schools where ever they have lived. I'm so thankful they have this strong background to guide them with the wisdom they have learned. 

Thank You, God, for the lives You have created in us. Thank You for being the Word and for creating all things. Thank You for sending Jesus to be our Light. Thank You for the blessing of grandchildren and the wonder of watching them grow up. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Birth Days

When I was growing up one of the most unusual stories my parents shared was of their birth days. Today, July 15, was my Mama's birthday and yesterday, July 14, was my Dad's birthday. My parents lived on farms in rural Marshall County, Iowa. Daddy's parents lived outside of Albion and Mama's parents lived in rural Liscomb. Their families attended the same country church, Bethel Grove Church in rural Liscomb.

On July 14, 1913, my Grandmother Springer gave birth to a son on their farmstead with the assistance of the local doctor. Elma and Loyd named their son Corwin Arney Springer. The doctor was then called to the home of Effie and Marion Hilsabeck, who lived about 10-15 miles away. A daughter, Clara Burneta Hilsabeck was born.

""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,"" (Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIV).

My parents attended church together throughout their life and experienced many events in common, including being baptized in the Iowa River at the same time. They attended different schools but were friends until well after high school graduation. Eventually they dated, fell in love, and married on June 8, 1933.

Happy birthday in heaven to my Dad and Mom. I miss you.

Dear Lord, Thank You for planning a life for my parents. Thank You for giving them hope and a future life together. I love that You have plans for our lives and that You lead us through life on Your path that You have created for us to follow. We pray to You and listen to You all life long. We praise You, Oh God, and thank You for sending Your Son to save us. In His Name we pray, Amen.

Disasters

It seems like Iowa has been hit by more than it's share of natural disasters this year. Greenfield experienced a terrible tornado. Then Spencer and Northwest Iowa were hit by heavy rain followed by severe flooding. I pray that there are no more events like that in Iowa. Yet, I see these disasters happening all across the United States and around the world.

Sometimes I get so overwhelmed by prayer needs. I feel like my prayers are too small to do any good. Then I remember how big our God is! He is there with all those individuals who are experiencing tragedy. God hears the hurting, the broken, the crushed, and the grieving. I pray that God will bring good in some form out of each of these situations. Yet, I wonder.

How would I feel if my home was blown away by a twister or filled with dirty flood waters? Praise God, I have never been through such devastation. I wonder why not me? Why have I been so fortunate? I don't think there is an answer for this. Though, my husband might say we avoided a flood by always living on a hillside or high spot in town. I don't know why some people are devastated and others are not. Except that it is just part of life?

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers," (Galatians 6:9-10 NIV).

We are called to "do good" especially to those who have been through or are going through life-changing struggles. Though we can not change their situations, God can. He will get them through the awful times and lift them up to righteousness, if they trust in Him.

That's all we need to do: trust in God. He will lead us through the muck and the mess and bring us out on the other side. 

Lord God, I ask that You be present in the lives of those who are experiencing the lowest of lows. Lift them up by others who are there to help and inspire. Comfort them and encourage them with Your love. Give us direction on how we can help and pray. Thank You God for Your protection and for salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. I pray in His Holy Name. Amen.

Reminders

Sheep have always been a reminder to me of my Shepherd who leads me through life. If you have ever been in my house you know that I have many reminders. When we were on the farm I had plenty of live reminders walking around the pastures but when we moved to town I was left with all the sheep statues I have collected over the years. John and the grandkids have counted over 300. 

Strangely enough I still imagine sheep in the pasture when I look over the neighbor's back yard. He has a beautifully landscaped park-like lawn. When I quickly look out the window, the cream colored rocks look like sheep lying on the grass.

"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).

I love the image this scripture invokes. Perhaps there is a shepherd's staff in His hand as He kneels to gather up some young lambs. They are drawn to Him, just as I am. I am one of those lambs, tenderly cushioned in the Savior's arms, close to His heart. The mothers flock in to be near their lambs and the Savior. 

"Savior, like a shepherd lead us, Much we need Thy tender care; In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, For our use Thy folds prepare: Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Thou hast bought us, Thine we are; Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.  We are Thine, do Thou befriend us, Be the guardian of our way; Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, Seek us when we go astray: Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Hear, O hear us when we pray; Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Hear, O hear us when we pray."  

The hymn, "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us," was attributed to Dorothy A. Thrupp in 1836, and William B. Bradbury, 1859. May the image of our Shepherd be real to us today as He guides us in our life, His way.

Independence Day 2024

As I ponder the significance of this day, I am so thankful to live in America. It is hard for me to comprehend the enormity of our freedoms. How often do I pause and give thanks for the rights our forefathers established? We have privileges that some people in the world only dream of.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The Declaration of Independence, 1776.

I am thankful for the freedom of religion that allows me to believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior, who freed me from my sins, by sacrificing His life on a cross. I can believe without being placed in chains or locked in a cold, dark cell infested with rats and bugs.

"But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness," (Romans 6:17-18 NIV).

"May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right."  Peter Marshall.

"Find a moment, just a simple moment, to close your eyes and think of the men and women who protect the freedoms you enjoy. It's a privilege, not a right."  Matthew Lillard.

On this Independence Day, I thank God for the rights that were established by the first courageous leaders of this land. All around us, we can realize the Creation that exists by God's Hand alone. 

Thank You, Father, for the sacrifices that have been made for our freedoms. We thank You for being with all of those who died to give us this life as we know it. We praise You for sending Your Son to save us from the bondage of our sin. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

Celebrate With Ice Cream

My Dad loved ice cream. Whenever we were out for a drive during the summer, our special treat was a stop at an ice cream shop. I blame my Dad for my addiction to that luscious, creamy, cold, melt-in-your-mouth recipe, that is brain-freezing, tasty, bowl-scraping, cone-filling, melty, icy product of milk/cream, eggs and sugar.

Our family would often gather at Mom and Dad's farm on July 4 and make homemade ice cream. Outside the back porch, on the sidewalk, Dad would set up the crank freezer along with a stool. The first question was always whether we had enough ice and salt. Then who was going to crank it? Then "Mom, is it ready?" Mom would respond with a canister filled with the creamy mixture she had prepared. 

The guys would fill the bucket, alternating ice and salt around the metal canister. Then they would take turns cranking, adding ice and salt as needed, until it became too hard to turn. That was a sign the ice cream was probably frozen. Once, my husband, was put in charge of cranking. He cranked and cranked and it became hard to turn. He told my Dad that it was ready, to which my Dad said, "No, it can't be ready yet. Keep churning." So he did. Until the crank broke off. He asked my Dad if it was ready now? Soon after that, Mom and Dad got an electric freezer to replace the broken one. 

The real exciting time came when the canister was brought into the kitchen and the lid was removed. Out came the wood and metal dasher along with some of the soft frozen ice cream. There would be a cake pan to put the paddle in. Dad and some lucky youngster were given spoons and they had the joy of getting the first taste. Meanwhile Mom would wrap the canister in ice until it was time to serve. 

"Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength," (Nehemiah 8:10 NIV). 

Gracious God, thank You for allowing us the pleasure of food, especially ice cream! We praise You for knowing us inside and out. Thank You for reminding us that we need to share what we have with our friends and the needy. Lord, bless our food to our nourishment and pleasure. We praise You with all our hearts. Amen.