Words

"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." (John 1:1-3 NIV).

Some people are numbers people. I'm a word person. Don't ask me to figure a tip. John has tried and tried to teach me and I still fail. Although I passed the required math courses in college, I'm useless without a calculator. 

I read somewhere that the average person speaks 16,000 words every day. I don't think I'm average in this category. I'm a better listener than a speaker. My personal library has an entire shelf of books on writing. Writing is my passion. When I started a job as a weekly newspaper reporter I was so excited that I saved clippings of my articles. I have a whole scrapbook of them somewhere in this house. That's one thing I can get rid of. First of all, my writing wasn't very good at that point. But thousands of words later, I got better - with practice and education.

Words have real power. I am touched by the words my friends write or say to me. I am so humbled by the Word of God. Within the pages of Scripture are words of wisdom and guidance. Just look in a Bible Concordance and you will find thousands of words used by the authors of the Word. God Himself is the true writer of the Word.

On my desk is a marble coaster that says, "Words are the voice of the heart," originally said by Confucius. For me, the words I write come from my heart. I write with authenticity, revealing my true emotions and beliefs. 

"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks," (Matthew 12:34b and Luke 6:45 NIV).

Gracious God,I pray that the words I write will touch someone's heart today and lead her/him to You. Thank You for sending Your Son to walk on this earth and show us how to live so we are pleasing to you. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

Mornings

I love the quiet of early mornings. The wind is usually calm and the sun is just thinking about rising. The birds begin to sing so sweetly. I am a morning person. I do my best work before noon. That doesn't mean I am always ready to get out of bed. Or ready to write this blog. 

When I focus my mind on Jesus He lifts me up. He strengthens me. He encourages me. He walks with me every step of the way. I am so thankful for His presence at my side. I can face anything that is before me. Jesus will see me through it.

Consider what Jesus faced on His walk to the cross. Such courage! Our service men and women faced it as they went into battle. Our fire persons, EMT's and police men and women faced it as they went in to rescue persons from the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Our protectors face danger in their jobs, with courage everyday. It takes courage to face each day when we are fighting a dreadful disease or when we are dying. Sometimes we forget what a dangerous and polluted world we live in.

Still, Jesus is with us in every step we take when we invite Him into our hearts. Thank You, Jesus.

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you," (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV).

Amen.

In Loving Memory of Gene McRill

Today is the first day of autumn. I noticed a few trees losing their leaves yesterday as we took a walk after church. It was another beautiful day-without rain. Farmers are busy harvesting already. The corn is brown and dry. I feel sad. Not because summer is coming to an end but because another member of our family is gone. Today is my brother-in-law's funeral - the day after my sister's birthday. She spent her birthday at her husband's visitation.

Gene McRill was such a good man. He made us laugh until we cried. Even in his wheelchair near the end he would sit, looking like he was asleep, listening to us talk. As the conversation continued he would suddenly insert one of his witty comments or a snippet of Scripture that would surprise us and make us laugh. I loved that about Gene and I will miss that the most.

Gene gave the best prayers, even on the spur of the moment he would pray heartfelt prayers to his friend Jesus. He was faith-filled and he loved his church. He was broken-hearted when the Albion Methodist Church closed and was later razed. He taught Sunday school, served on the board, and sang beautifully. He was "the church" to many.

Gene was dating my sister Burneta around the time I was born. I was told more than once that my colicky cries interrupted their courting. However, they married on October 21, 1956, and were married for 68 years! Together they raised four wonderful children, and had four grandsons, and four great-grandchildren. Gene worked on the family farm, at the local grain elevator, then joined his mother in the insurance business. He spent nearly 50 years with Iowa Valley Mutual Insurance. 

Gene served others through his church and Albion's organizations. He treated his insurance customers with respect and compassion. He remained a farmer at heart and one special moment was when his family restored and presented him his favorite red tractor. He loved to golf and spent many hours of his retirement on the South Hardin Golf Course in Union. At 94 Gene was ready, even anxious, to see God.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39 NIV).

Waiting For Flowers

I'm so excited. My chrysanthemum is ready to pop. I can't believe how many blooms it has. We planted the "Hardy Garden Mum" last fall and it made it through the winter (when several other perennials did not). It was about the size of two hands this spring when it came up. Now it is at least two feet wide. Its color is "Autumn Spice Igloo." I can't wait!

Since the season for flowers is coming to an end, I want to share the words of a song I've been listening to recently. The words touched my heart and I hope they will touch yours also. If you get a chance to listen to the recording by Samantha Ebert, that is even better because it is beautiful.

Flowers

Song by Samantha Ebert ‧ 2024

Well, blue skies and hillsides feel so far away

And I wrote in my notebook that I've seen better days

Than the ones as of late

I can't bear the weight

The rain won't stop pouring out my windowpane

And I haven't left my bedroom in 76 days

I wish something would change

'Cause I'm losing faith

So I brought it up in a desperate prayer

Lord, why are you keeping me here?

Then He said to me, "Child, I'm planting seeds

I'm a good God and I have a good plan

So trust that I'm holding a watering can

And someday you'll see that flowers grow in the valley"

So whatever the reason, I'm barely getting by

I'll trust it's a season knowing that you're by my side

Every step of the way

And I'll be okay

'Cause I brought it up in a desperate prayer

Lord, why are you keeping me here?

Then He said to me, "Child, I'm planting seeds

I'm a good God and I have a good plan"

So trust that I'm holding a watering can

And someday you'll see that flowers grow in the valley

Mm, mm

When I'm on the mountain and looking down below

I'll see a valley of flowers that needed time to grow

And I'll thank you for the rain

The hurt and days of pain

And I'll bring it up in a grateful prayer

Thank you, Jesus, for keeping me there

You know just what I need, and you've planted seeds

'Cause you're a good God with a real good plan

And you hold my world in a watering can

So I can have peace 'cause flowers grow in the valley

Heavenly, Great Gardener God, I thank you for the beauty of nature around us that You created. Some of us love working in the soil and shaping our gardens to expound on Your beauty. As the song says, we count on You to hold our watering can, to nurture the seeds that are planted. Thank You for Your wonderful plan for each of us. Keep us on Your path so we can reach the mountain top one day. We love you, Lord. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

Seen on Facebook: The Best View Comes After the Hardest Climb

Mindful Thinking

Good morning.

It's another Monday. Time is slipping away. Half of September is over. I am already dreading an appointment I have next week. Anxiety is creeping into my shoulders. That's not the way to start a new week. It's time for a mind adjustment!

Let's start again. What a beautiful September morning. It is going to be warm and lovely. There are a few leaves beginning to show a change in color. The corn fields are changing from green to brown. Pumpkins are popping up everywhere you look. Apple picking has begun in orchards around the area. Pumpkin-flavored everything is on the shelves and in coffee shops.

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." (Philippians 4:8 NIV) 

Our mindset can make such a difference in our days. As the sun rises above the cityscape or countryside, a new day begins. Lights appear in windows, cars and trucks enter the streets, big yellow buses display their flashing red lights at the corner, children climb aboard with backpacks full and ready for a new week.

The author of Philippians, Paul, reminds us that we need to be cautious of what we put in our minds. I remember when I worked as a nurse aide, back when I was young, I was surrounded by co-workers who used terrible language. After I worked there for some time, I, too, began to use bad words. I knew that was wrong but I was being fed evil words everyday. It really matters what we listen to, watch, or are surrounded by. I had to replace the bad with good. I read God's Word and prayed for evil to be replaced by good.

Paul wrote the book of Philippians to share that, even though he was in prison, he found joy in Jesus Christ, and we could, too!

Gracious God, my heart is filled with thanks for all the good I have in my life. Thank You for teachers, like Paul, who feed me good news. Thank You for reminding me to fill my life with Your Word each day and to focus on what is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. Thank You for the forgiveness that is available through Jesus Christ, my Savior. I pray in the beautiful Name of Jesus, Amen.

#1133 gds

We Will Never Forget

My heart still breaks when I remember September 11, 2001. Like many others, I remember where I was when I first heard the news of what was happening that day. I was at work when someone came into our office and told us. I remember feeling disbelief until I saw the events happening on TV.  The images were surreal and it seemed there was no end to the horror. It went on for hours and hours...days and days.

Nearly three thousand Americans lost their lives that day. Never before had there been such an attack on our country. The pain was inexpressible. Our freedoms were threatened and our safety was no longer assured. So many families suffered losses that day. Lives were forever changed. Stories of heroes began to surface and have been shared again and again. We will never forget.

"Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days' let me know how fleeting is my life, You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath...But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you," (Psalm 39:4-5, 7 NIV).

Today our flags are flown at half-staff in memory of those who died in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center twenty-four years ago. The roles of Fire Fighters, Police Persons, and First Responders have changed forever. The respect and honor they deserve for their dangerous jobs remains high. We thank them for their service.

Oh, God, this day remains so painful for Americans and our friends around the world. It reminds us there are enemies in our world that want to hurt us, and that it is a privilege to live where we have freedoms. Lord, we pray for all those who experienced personal loss twenty-four years ago. Comfort them and call them into Your fold. Help us cherish this land of freedom every day and lift our eyes to the hope only You can provide. We pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.

A Grandmother's Prayer

Yesterday was National Grandparents Day. I didn't know that it indeed is a real holiday established by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day, it was created to honor the importance of families and to strengthen intergenerational bonds. I don't think it has gained much of a following, except by the greeting card companies, but the idea has merit. 

Many people no longer have their grandparents. My grandmothers have been gone since I was a young adult. My grandfather Springer died before I was born and grandfather Hilsabeck died when I was in high school. My memories of them consist of visits but not much interaction. My father was an only child so we spent more time with his mother, Elma Springer. She was a strong woman of faith.

Paul wrote to his beloved "son" Timothy, from prison, to encourage his faith and offer his final instructions as Paul faced death. In Paul's final letter he wrote about Timothy's faithful lineage.

"I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also," (2 Timothy 1:5 NIV).

I love what my Study Bible says about sharing faith with our families. "Don't hide your light at home: our families are fertile fields for planting gospel seeds. Let your parents, children, spouse, brothers, and sisters know of your faith in Jesus, and be sure they see Christ's love, helpfulness, and joy in you." (Life Application Study Bible NIV, footnote for 2 Timothy 1:5).

This reminds me of my role as a grandparent. Every chance I get, I need to share my faith with my grandchildren. I need them to know I pray for them daily. My greatest desire is for all my grandchildren to be believers in Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins. Lord, I often pray Paul's prayer to the Ephesians for my grandchildren. I pray: "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV). I pray this for all our grandchildren, in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

Considering America

Sometimes I wish I was sitting on a beach watching the sunrise or the sunset; or walking through the giant redwoods; or driving through the beautiful red rocks of Sedona. Yet, I am happy to drive through the brilliant green Iowa cornfields and look across the miles of countryside before me. I am amazed at the diversity of our country's landscapes. God didn't use His duplicating machine when He created all that is around us. Who, but God, could think of all the differences across the globe!

In 1832, theological student, Samuel Francis Smith, wrote these words on a scrap of paper in less than 30 minutes, it is told. He was just 24 years old and he was moved to create a national hymn that gave praise to God for the beautiful land we call home, America.

"My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing: Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims' pride, From every mountain side Let freedom ring! My native country, thee, Land of the noble free, Thy name I love: I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills; My heart with rapture thrills Like that above. Let music swell the breeze, And ring from all the trees Sweet freedom's song: Let mortal tongues awake, Let all that breathe partake; Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong. Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing: Long may our land be bright With freedom's holy light' Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King! Amen." ("My Country, 'Tis of Thee" by Samuel F. Smith 1832).

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance," (Psalm 33:12 NIV).

"Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants," by William Penn.

This blog should have been written on an American holiday, but for some reason, God led me in this direction today. Perhaps someone who reads it today will know the reason.

Heavenly Father, we join in praising You, today. Thank You for this beautiful country we live in. Thank You for the freedoms we enjoy and the peaceful land that surrounds us. Do not leave our side. We need You, Lord. Bless this land with Your guidance and love, we pray. Amen.

gds 9/4/25  #1130

The Last Holiday of Summer

It is sad that the last holiday of summer, Labor Day, has arrived. Newsweek shares that, "According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the holiday is “a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.” Labor Day is a “yearly national tribute” to the “contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and wellbeing of our country.”"

The national holiday unfortunately doesn't help those whose jobs are 24/7. Our doctors and nurses, caregivers, cooks and cleaners keep working right through the holiday so others receive the care they need. And our demanding society keeps many stores, hotels and restaurants open on holidays so others have access to their 'wants' for the day. Thank you to all of you who are working today, by choice or by force. Hopefully you will be compensated well for your time and you will receive another day off as a substitution.

God knows we need time to rest. He created Sundays as a day of rest.

"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done," (Genesis 2:2-3 NIV).

God established a day of rest because we all need it. Our minds and bodies need a time of refreshment and calm to restore our strength and revive us for the work we are created to do. Take time today to let go of the pressures of your world. Schedule time for a nap. Sit in a chair and observe nature. Savor the taste of a cold glass of tea or a hot cup of coffee. Allow the sunshine to warm your skin. Talk to God about your concerns, unload them at His feet and walk away, free of the burdens. Watch the clouds move across the sky. If not today, plan another day to pause and rest.

Loving God, I ask you to touch each reader today with Your peace and grace. Fill their day with blessings. Hear their prayers and lighten their heavy load. Thank you for sending your Perfect Son, Jesus, to save us from the punishment we deserve for our sins. Continue to help us be more like Him as we walk with You each day. Amen. 

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