Seek Knowledge

Believe it or not, I still remember the excitement of the first day of school. The sight of the big yellow bus creating a cloud of dust as it came to the end of our lane; the sound of chattering children  gathering in the classroom; the smell of new textbooks with shiny covers and cool, slick pages that have never been turned; and the taste of a jelly sandwich and Quik chocolate milk from my Flintstones lunch box and thermos.

 

I remember the excitement I felt as I looked through the new textbooks, anticipating the chapters we’d study and all that was ahead to learn. At that moment I wanted to learn it all as fast as possible. It was a wonderful feeling!

I still get that feeling when I read the Bible. God makes scripture new every time I read it. A verse I’ve read hundreds of times can jump out at me with new meaning and understanding that opens a whole new perspective on other verses and chapters. It’s amazing.

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance- (Proverbs 1:5 NIV).

 

The mystery of Jesus’ life and death foretold in the Old Testament becomes real evidence and proof of our Savior.

 

The discerning heart seeks knowledge (Proverbs 15:14a NIV).

It’s a great time of year to put on our cap of discernment and dig into the scriptures with the same excitement as the first day of school. Bible study, small group, Sunday school, Sunday morning worship, prayer – we can choose the method but whatever we do – let's seek knowledge that strengthens our faith. If we take advantage of the opportunities provided in our churches and communities we will indeed seek and find knowledge that will change our lives. 

Lord, encourage us today to seek You in our lives. Help us draw closer to You as we enter this season of learning. Thank You for hearing our prayers and providing answers in Your time. Thank You for sending us Your Son to be our mentor and guide. We pray in His Holy Name, Amen.

Where Are The Cicadas?

What happened to the cicadas? Did I miss them? Or did Iowa miss out on the mass of 13-year and 17-year cicadas that were predicted for this year? I was kind of looking forward to hearing their vibrating tymbals. I haven't heard the annual cicadas either. Maybe it is too early. The annual cicadas seem to arrive later in the year as a signal that a frost is coming in a certain number of weeks.

"So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, "This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, so that they may worship me. If you refuse to let them go, I will bring locusts into your country tomorrow. They will cover the face of the ground so that it cannot be seen. They will devour what little you have left after the hail, including every tree that is growing in your fields. They will fill your houses and those of all your officials and all the Egyptians--something neither your fathers nor your forefathers have ever seen from the day they settled in this land till now.'" (Exodus 10:3-6 NIV).

Cicadas have been around a long time. God told Moses He was performing His miraculous signs so Moses could tell his children and grandchildren how He dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how God performed signs so the people would know that He was the Lord. (paraphrased Exodus 10:1-2 NIV).

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending us signs, even today. We are so blessed by Your acts of healing we have experienced and the wonderful blessings that fill our lives. We are thankful for our children and grandchildren. Help us to remember to tell them about the miraculous signs we have experienced in our own lives, so that they can know You better, too. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.

Flourish

Flourish: to grow well or luxuriantly; thrive. To do or fare well; succeed. (American Heritage Dictionary, 2001). I don't feel like a flourish today. I'm tired. My neck hurts and so does my right hand. My mind isn't working; I've spent 40 minutes and all I've written is a paragraph. I'm ready to give up but I pray again that God will lead my thoughts to what someone needs to read.

As I look at my paperback dictionary, well worn, missing the front corner and probably outdated at 23 years old, I consider how much I have used it for my writing and reading. I find it an invaluable tool. I'm not a good speller so I check my words in the dictionary.

"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him," (Psalm 92:12-15 NIV).

After all this time, I don't think I'll ever be a great speller. I could never even compete in a spelling bee. My mother tried and tried to help me. We would sit on or near the long radiator in the 'front' room and she would test me on the week's spelling words when I was in elementary school. 

"They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green," (Psalm 92:14 NIV).

Lord, help me flourish today. Touch me with Your power and love and guide me through this day. Help me be fresh and green in my old age. I love You, Lord. Thank You for being my Rock every day; I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.

A Time For Change

My grandchildren in Arkansas started school last Tuesday. Parents and children in this area have only a few more days until summer vacation is over. Teachers are already in the classrooms preparing for the return of their students.

On Friday there will be no more bikes running up and down our street. The little boys who have been riding their battery-driven jeep up and down the sidewalk won't be there. There won't be the sound of bouncing basketballs or hockey shots against a neighbor's garage wall. It will be a quiet cul-de-sac, except for the rumble of UPS and Amazon delivery trucks.

Workers will still leave at 7:25 a.m., creating a traffic jam at the roundabout on Irvinedale Dr. in Ankeny. Children with new backpacks and bright new shoes line up at the bus stop. The big yellow bus arrives at the appointed time to begin the school year's routine. 

Retirees will still water their flowers and gardens and putter in their garages. Walkers still pass by and wave or share a greeting to those in the lawn. Flags wave in the breeze. Balls sit silently on the grass, waiting for their owners to return.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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 40:29-31 NIV). 

Lord God Almighty, thank You for the teachers who encourage our children and grandchildren to grow and learn. Bless those adults who work with children with patience and kindness. Give them strength and wisdom to help even the toughest child in their room. Surround them with Your love so they can share it with their students as they teach. Help each child soar in learning this year, we pray. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

#1025 gds

What Can I Learn Today?

As a 4-H member, years ago, the Fair seasons were always busy. I remember rehearsing a demonstration with one of my 4-H friends over and over before the county fair. We chose a recipe that included an assortment of vegetables and we stressed the importance of eating nutritious foods. We had so much fun working together and learning together. I remember being so nervous before our presentation but I have no idea what the judge said about our demonstration. The benefit came from the partnership and cooperation we practiced. Not from eating the casserole we made!

Every year I love going to the State Fair and to look at the many projects 4-Hers and FFA members have completed and entered. The items at the State Fair advanced from winning at the county fairs; they are the best of the best. The 4-H Exhibits Building and the FFA Exhibits Building are filled with amazing projects. I always consider the hard work that went into the projects. Members also complete a detailed project log with pictures and explanations of their processes. They also must complete even more details to include in their 4-H Record Books and a similar FFA journal that are judged in the fall.

And then there are the livestock projects that appear at the State Fair. I didn't have quality show animals to exhibit at the fairs so I missed that experience. I have experienced the process through my children and grandchildren. It took us many years to learn the qualities, the nurturing, and the showmanship needed to excel. Our sons missed out on our really good sheep. They came in the last year of our youngest son's showing. That year he and a friend exchanged animals so our son also got to show a pig and his friend got to show a lamb. They both excelled that year.

Life if full of learning opportunities. By the time you reach my age some things are forgotten but I still remember the 4-H pledge: "I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world."

I continue to learn especially through reading, listening, and experiencing. The Bible tells us how important it is to read what was written in the past.

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," (Romans 15:4-6 NIV).

Heavenly Father, fill us with Your endurance and encouragement today. Help our minds be alert to things we can learn and ways we can serve others. Guide us on Your path and let us not stumble. We pray in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Pleasing Jesus

"All you need to remember is that God will never let you down, he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it," (1 Corinthians 10:13 MSG).

What an uplifting scripture to start the day! Especially when we are facing a challenge of any kind. My husband says I'm a procrastinator. I prefer to think of myself as being a very thoughtful person who needs to process things a while before I act on them.

He is probably right. The proof is on my desk and it's been there since Christmas. It is now August. I should have processed on that project long enough by now. I have a picture that I want to have framed. It is still waiting. Perhaps I will take action on it this week.

I do things that need to get done like laundry, watering my house plants, sweeping the floor, making the bed, preparing a meal and cleaning the kitchen; and things I enjoy doing like aqua fitness classes, Bible studies, and reading books.

I admit that I put off doing (yes, procrastinate) dusting and calling the doctor.

Life is busy. But there is always time to stop and worship God and pray. I love the words from Hebrews that follow. They give me a good direction for today. May you be blessed by these words.

"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen," (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). 

Experiencing Life

The air is filled with the fragrance of clean wood chips spread on the show ring floor. Around the Sheep Barn it started quiet with only the sound of buckets banging and water filling them. With every passing minute more and more young people arrive with their parents, ready for a day of showing at the Iowa State Fair. Many kids looked tired and are yawning as they arrive with the sunrise, arms filled with supplies, coolers and a change of clothes. 

The lambs begin to awaken also, eager for their morning feeding. The baaing begins. Those in the breeding classes begin to groom the sheep in the aisles of hundreds of pens that fill the barn. Fans are blowing and clippers begin to buzz. Young people sweep the aisles as each club or group is judged on the cleanliness of their area. Over night the wood chips have spread under the gates of the pens, into the aisles. 

There are few people in the bleachers at first. Most 4-Hers or FFA members show market lambs and are busy walking their lambs to the washing pens. They soap up the lambs, carefully avoiding the faces and brushing the wood chips and dirt away. Then a thorough rinsing and a clean coat or a walk back to the aisle where stands are set up and waiting. The lambs jump up on the heavy stands and their heads are secured with a plastic chain. The raised stands save the groomers' backs from bending over. The lambs are used to the stands (usually) and most stand calmly as the young people begin a final shearing or finish the lambs for show.

As the market show begins the aisles fill with spectators and family members, armed with cameras, coming to watch. By the second show the bleachers are nearly full and many people stand around the area, checking the programs, looking for the classes they are interested in. There is a rumble of conversations around the show ring. The hopeful youth appear in their brilliant white shirts that by the end of the show will be smudged with dirt and possibly chewed on. Many faces are familiar, just a year older and a bit more mature. Inaudible background speakers announce each class and call those lambs to the ring.

The lambs in each class enter the ring and circle their way around the ring while the judge evaluates the lambs, quickly sorting the blues from the purples. The kids are attentive to the judge and work to present their lamb in its best form. The sorting of lambs continues for quite some time and eventually the judge finds his/her choice of top ten lambs or so. The winner of the class is chosen. After each class the volunteers record the lamb's placing on a pink card from the youth's pocket and they receive a ribbon that is quickly tucked in a back pocket while the youth holds on to the lamb. The process is repeated about 50 times during the day for the different classes of lambs.

"You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness," (Ephesians 4:3-4 MSG).

The Sun, The Son

"The sun, the sun, the big round sun." When I was growing up my parents often led games at church events and one of them began this way. Today we are supposed to experience the big round sun again reaching nearly 100 degrees in the heat index. Welcome to August in Iowa. 

All summer I have been avoiding the sun because of my susceptibility to skin cancer. To be honest, I loved getting a tan each summer. I didn't lay out, but would mow for three hours at a time on our acreage. I would go out at the hottest part of the day to garden or mow or walk. I am paying for my foolishness now.

I must slather on the sun screen and wear a broad-rim hat and a long sleeved shirt. I walk around pale as an egg shell, while admiring everyone else's rich, dark tan.

The book of Psalms describes a mighty ruler's characteristics and similarly the coming Savior Jesus Christ in terms of the sun. The sun's power reminds me of the power of Jesus Christ.

"He will endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations. He will be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth. In his days the righteous will flourish; prosperity will abound till the moon is no more," (Psalm 72:5-7 NIV).

Scientists say the hydrogen that fuels the sun will eventually run out...in about five billion years. That seems like eternity to me. I believe the Trinity will exist forever more. "Praise God from whom all blessings flow!"

"Let grain abound throughout the land; on the tops of the hills may it sway. Let its fruit flourish like Lebanon; let it thrive like the grass of the field. May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. All nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed," (Psalm 72:16-17 NIV).

Dearest Lord, thank You for the sun You created. Thank You for its warmth, its light and its long life. Thank You for sending Your Son to shine upon us with Your love. May the sunshine be a reminder of Your constant mercy and grace and love. We pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.

August Adventures

Welcome to August. Wow, the summer is flying by. August makes me think of sweet corn and the Iowa State Fair (It starts in one week!). And of course the 4-H and FFA sheep shows. 

It makes me tired just thinking of the work John and the boys and the grandchildren put into preparation for the fairs. My little part was packing the snack and drink cooler and making sure all the sheep blankets and spandex tubes were clean and ready. I can still smell the washer after the sheep coats were laundered - not a bad smell, just sheepy.

Now that we aren't all in on sheep showing, we are back to enjoying the State Fair as visitors. Our family in Arkansas is coming back for the Fair because they love it so much. There will be time spent in the sheep barn for sure and looking for the bricks in front of the barn - one for each grandchild and Stewart Show Lambs. The bricks have been there so long that we have to clean them off a bit to see them.

We will seek out the giant slide, Ye Old Mill boat ride, cotton candy, mini donuts, cheese curds, lamb burgers, a walk through the Agriculture Building to see the Butter Cow, and visit the Avenue of Breeds. There is anticipation of the taste of fresh lemonade and Paige's favorite - the hot beef sundae. We always take a walk through the Varied Industries Building and find the State Fair Cookies. I love to walk through the photograph exhibit in the Cultural Center. We usually make the walk to Pioneer Hall with a stop for a cold soda fountain drink on the way up the hill. 

It is a day full of adventure and people watching. An Iowa original. A place gushing with memories built during decades of visits from childhood to old age.

 "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves. Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth," (Psalm 127:1-4 NIV).

Lord, thank You for this new month ready to be filled with fun and adventures. Thank You for blessing us with children and grandchildren to share memories with and build new ones. Thank You for giving us the opportunities to share our faith with others by showing kindness, patience, respect and integrity throughout our lives. And thank You for being the foundation for all that we do and say. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.