I experienced a miracle this week. I don't believe I'm overstating this, but you can decide. Satan has been tempting me not to share my experience with anyone. But, I was reminded one of our 'next step' activities from Sunday's worship was to write down a list of all the times/ways God has brought me through trials in my life. This blog will address only a few of the ways God was my protector in this one situation.
I am so unworthy of God's grace and I can't explain why I received His protection when others do not. I know that I believe and that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know He loves me. I know He cares.
"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds," (Psalm 77:11-12 NIV).
After church Sunday we had lunch and finished up a few tasks before John and I went to the Iowa State Fair to watch our granddaughters compete in the 4-H Sheep Showmanship contest. It was a beautiful hot summer day to spend at the Fair. We made a quick swing through some of our favorite spots, the Varied Industries Building and the main concourse. Then we settled in for a few hours of watching showmanship. It was a great time. No worries or concerns. All was in God's hands.
As soon as I opened the door to the house I remembered. I had put six eggs on to boil at Noon. It was now after 6:30 p.m. My heart sank. I ran into the kitchen to find a mess, but not a kitchen fire. Not egg plastered from ceiling to floor. Nothing that 15 minutes of clean-up wouldn't take care of. I saw the gas burner still on. The small pan was tipped on its side, nearly off the flame. The lid had popped off and was resting on the countertop and egg shells and parts were scattered all over the floor, counter and stove. The hot eggs must have exploded but in the mildest of manner and the only damage was to the pan and the eggs. A miracle.
We could have come home to a house fire. A home gone. Instead I swept up the floor and wiped up the countertop, put the hot pan in the sink to cool and wiped down a few cabinets that had speckles of yolk decoration. I spent a while cleaning up the stove when it got cool. And spraying air freshener throughout the house to get rid of the burnt egg smell which was nasty.
Besides saving the house or kitchen from damage, God didn't allow me to remember the eggs while we were watching the girls. We were able to enjoy the afternoon. Had I remembered, it would have been a terrible afternoon of rushing home, missing the showmanship, and being angry about what I had done. I am embarrassed and ashamed of myself. I've turned into my grandmother who did the same thing when she was in her late 80's.
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of yesterday, of Sunday, of long ago. I will meditate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds. (Psalm 77:11-12 NIV paraphrased).
God does miracles even today. Thank you, God. I will remember You always and praise You with thanksgiving in my heart.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Monday, August 13, 2018
The Greatest Showman
It has been a busy start to Iowa State Fair week and already the grandchildren are making a name for themselves. Maybe it is only in my eyes that my precious ones shine, but that is okay. I'm proud of the hard work and the culmination of years of experience and learning that has brought the grandchildren to this point in time.
Calvin has been showing sheep since he was five years old. He was barely as big as his first show lambs and he wasn't totally convinced that showing sheep was an activity for him. He had watched his sister show for a couple of years and wanted to do what Paige did, but standing next to the lambs when they didn't always cooperate was almost more than he wanted. I only remember one time that there were tears. He was one tough little boy.
When I watched him show last Thursday and Friday in the FFA Sheep Show, I remembered one summer when he just didn't seem to 'get' showing a sheep. His movements didn't seem to work with the sheep and he wasn't getting the results either. There may have been more behind the troubles with showing than what I was aware of. Still, watching the sheer perfection in showing that he exhibited last week, I was in awe of how far he had come. In that 18-year-old head and body was gathered the knowledge and experience to excel. Calvin can create a masterpiece out of a lamb. He knows how to make a lamb do what will make it look its best for the judge. He's developed the patience to wait for the lamb to cooperate, using every skill he has learned over the years. Calvin received the highest in FFA sheep showmanship awards.
I think this sets the stage for his next chapter in life: college. He can apply the skills of repetitive practice on whatever he studies in the future. The foundation he has already created in the sciences through high school and ISU courses will give him good steady footing for what is ahead. Although I will miss watching his cool attitude in the show ring (very much), I know there will be future bright shining stars for Calvin. He is going to excel at whatever he chooses. He has endured the hardships and he will find his way on the high road.
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus," (Philippians 4:19 NIV).
I put my trust in God for Calvin's future and for all my grandchildren's futures. Already, Payton is blazing her own trail of sheep showmanship. She won the 4-H Intermediate Showmanship competition at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday evening. She has worked very hard to achieve this recognition by showing in countless lamb shows and showmanship contests for many years and her sister Bailey is close on her heels.
God knows the future of my precious grandchildren and I must trust God everyday to be faithful in hearing my prayers and answering them within His will. I'm thankful every day for the gift of grandchildren. I'm so very blessed to know personally the Greatest Showman, indeed.
Calvin has been showing sheep since he was five years old. He was barely as big as his first show lambs and he wasn't totally convinced that showing sheep was an activity for him. He had watched his sister show for a couple of years and wanted to do what Paige did, but standing next to the lambs when they didn't always cooperate was almost more than he wanted. I only remember one time that there were tears. He was one tough little boy.
When I watched him show last Thursday and Friday in the FFA Sheep Show, I remembered one summer when he just didn't seem to 'get' showing a sheep. His movements didn't seem to work with the sheep and he wasn't getting the results either. There may have been more behind the troubles with showing than what I was aware of. Still, watching the sheer perfection in showing that he exhibited last week, I was in awe of how far he had come. In that 18-year-old head and body was gathered the knowledge and experience to excel. Calvin can create a masterpiece out of a lamb. He knows how to make a lamb do what will make it look its best for the judge. He's developed the patience to wait for the lamb to cooperate, using every skill he has learned over the years. Calvin received the highest in FFA sheep showmanship awards.
I think this sets the stage for his next chapter in life: college. He can apply the skills of repetitive practice on whatever he studies in the future. The foundation he has already created in the sciences through high school and ISU courses will give him good steady footing for what is ahead. Although I will miss watching his cool attitude in the show ring (very much), I know there will be future bright shining stars for Calvin. He is going to excel at whatever he chooses. He has endured the hardships and he will find his way on the high road.
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus," (Philippians 4:19 NIV).
I put my trust in God for Calvin's future and for all my grandchildren's futures. Already, Payton is blazing her own trail of sheep showmanship. She won the 4-H Intermediate Showmanship competition at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday evening. She has worked very hard to achieve this recognition by showing in countless lamb shows and showmanship contests for many years and her sister Bailey is close on her heels.
God knows the future of my precious grandchildren and I must trust God everyday to be faithful in hearing my prayers and answering them within His will. I'm thankful every day for the gift of grandchildren. I'm so very blessed to know personally the Greatest Showman, indeed.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Our Wide Open Expanse
Monday night I sat on the deck watching a storm cloud to our northeast. For probably half an hour I watched the thundercloud at sunset. The highest clouds caught the golden-orange sunlight, while others were shades of pink and gray. I observed the power of the storm brewing as the clouds bubbled up like foamy root beer, getting larger and rounder as they grew. Occasionally, there was a rumble from deep inside and strikes of lightning stretched to the ground. It was an awesome sight. I hoped for rain but the clouds moved steadily to the south, away from us.
I was reminded of the thrill of flying through the clouds and first seeing the clouds up close from an airplane window. I'm still overwhelmed by the beauty of clouds when we fly. I don't think it will ever get old for me.
I think of the stomach-dropping feeling as the plane flies into a cloud and experiences a bit of turbulance. There is power in the clouds.
"Dear, dear Corinthians, I can't tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn't fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way. I'm speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!" (2 Corinthians 6:11-13 MSG).
This scripture captured me yesterday morning from The Message New Testament and it seemed to speak of the cloud images I had absorbed the night before. I can't think of anything more expansive and open than a sky of clouds. I remember noticing how the fronts weather people speak of were so visible from the airplane. There would be a line of clouds, then the clearing would move in and take over the sky. The clouds disappeared until hundreds of miles later a different grouping would move into existence.
God grants us such beauty and greatness. Everywhere we look, we can see His power and might, His creation talent, and His love for us. The world is ours to enjoy and care for. Let us take the time to enjoy all the wonder that exists. As Paul says in Corinthians, he wants us to experience the life God has intended for us. Paul shared his true love for the church in Corinth and begged them to open their hearts.
Next time you see clouds in the sky, whatever shape or color they might be, may you be reminded of God and live life openly and expansively for Him and Him Alone!
I was reminded of the thrill of flying through the clouds and first seeing the clouds up close from an airplane window. I'm still overwhelmed by the beauty of clouds when we fly. I don't think it will ever get old for me.
I think of the stomach-dropping feeling as the plane flies into a cloud and experiences a bit of turbulance. There is power in the clouds.
"Dear, dear Corinthians, I can't tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn't fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way. I'm speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!" (2 Corinthians 6:11-13 MSG).
This scripture captured me yesterday morning from The Message New Testament and it seemed to speak of the cloud images I had absorbed the night before. I can't think of anything more expansive and open than a sky of clouds. I remember noticing how the fronts weather people speak of were so visible from the airplane. There would be a line of clouds, then the clearing would move in and take over the sky. The clouds disappeared until hundreds of miles later a different grouping would move into existence.
God grants us such beauty and greatness. Everywhere we look, we can see His power and might, His creation talent, and His love for us. The world is ours to enjoy and care for. Let us take the time to enjoy all the wonder that exists. As Paul says in Corinthians, he wants us to experience the life God has intended for us. Paul shared his true love for the church in Corinth and begged them to open their hearts.
Next time you see clouds in the sky, whatever shape or color they might be, may you be reminded of God and live life openly and expansively for Him and Him Alone!
Monday, August 6, 2018
Practice Makes Better
Yesterday was the All-Iowa Showdown, a competition of the elite champion livestock showmen from each county who also won a regional showdown. They came to the Oskaloosa Fair Grounds Pavilion to show their stuff. The entire fairgrounds was filled with truck and show trailers from all over Iowa. There were nine regional showdowns, each with eight species representing that area: breeding doe, ewe, gilt and heifer; and market beef, goat, hog and lamb. There were 72 possible showmen however several had won with more than one species. We were honored to be there for two grandchildren from two different counties and Calvin was one who showed two animals: breeding ewe and market lamb. Bailey showed a market lamb as well.
There were four judges who were known for their species and each one mentioned how impressive it was to drive onto the fairgrounds and see the sheer number of families involved, plus the extensive amount of tack and equipment brought to represent Iowa. The judges were all in awe of this unique competition and praised the organizers of the event. Truly, it has taken several years of groundwork to make the Showdown happen and it was well done, honoring the kids who worked so hard to get there, as well as recognizing the parents, families, 4-H and FFA leaders who were in the background of each Ag student.
Just as with any organized event be it gymnastics, softball, soccer, dance, or church, people learn from others they gather with. Information is shared: the secrets of success, methods of best practices, or personal mistakes that led to a change. We all learn from a mentors or teachers; we look up to those who exemplify our goal.
As Christians, we learn through individual Bible study, group teaching and sharing, and formal worship sessions. Experience plays a big part in our growth of faith. Continued repetition of good practices helps build our skill and knowledge, whether it is sheep coiffure for show or Bible study. We must be consistent and practice, practice, practice. Our continual connection to God is mandatory for success.
"God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see--how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness," (Psalm 34:7-10 MSG).
 |
| Bailey and Calvin competed in the Market Lamb division of the All-Iowa Showdown in Oskaloosa yesterday. |
There were four judges who were known for their species and each one mentioned how impressive it was to drive onto the fairgrounds and see the sheer number of families involved, plus the extensive amount of tack and equipment brought to represent Iowa. The judges were all in awe of this unique competition and praised the organizers of the event. Truly, it has taken several years of groundwork to make the Showdown happen and it was well done, honoring the kids who worked so hard to get there, as well as recognizing the parents, families, 4-H and FFA leaders who were in the background of each Ag student.
Just as with any organized event be it gymnastics, softball, soccer, dance, or church, people learn from others they gather with. Information is shared: the secrets of success, methods of best practices, or personal mistakes that led to a change. We all learn from a mentors or teachers; we look up to those who exemplify our goal.
As Christians, we learn through individual Bible study, group teaching and sharing, and formal worship sessions. Experience plays a big part in our growth of faith. Continued repetition of good practices helps build our skill and knowledge, whether it is sheep coiffure for show or Bible study. We must be consistent and practice, practice, practice. Our continual connection to God is mandatory for success.
"God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see--how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness," (Psalm 34:7-10 MSG).
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Thirsting For God
I've experienced a very dry mouth for several years now due to the combination of medications I'm on. I've forgotten what a normal mouth is like, creating its own juices, lubricating the tongue and teeth and throat.
I keep bottles of water in my car and I've stocked up on sugar free lozenges in my purse, my camera bag, even in the pocket of my Bible. I have a bottle of mouth rinse created to aid dry mouth and a spray that does the same. I carry a glass of water wherever I go in the house or on the deck. I guess I am like our lawns, waiting for a drenching rain to come revive it. (We did get a brief shower last night along with thunder and lightening - but it wasn't measurable).
My mouth gets so dry, especially overnight because I'm a mouth breather. I awaken with such a desert in my mouth that I can't talk or swallow until I get a drink. During the day, my mouth dries up and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth until I get some moisture in there. If I do much talking the moisture just evaporates and I'm left with a crisp parched mouth. It's just a problem I deal with. Hopefully, most people don't notice my issue. (I'm sure they will now!)
"God--you're my God! I can't get enough of you! I've worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory," (Psalm 63:1-2 MSG).
Oftentimes I have even a greater thirst for God, than in my mouth. I'm so desperate to feel God near me and know His presence with every fiber of my being, that I, too, call out to Him like the psalmist. Whether I'm searching for an answer to prayer, pleading for wisdom or guidance, or rejoicing in the beauty of God's Creation, I want God. I need God. Sometimes I must tell Him my deepest longing, or shout to Him thanksgiving for answered prayer.
I'm so grateful that I can always quench my thirst for God by turning to Him, anywhere, anytime, anyplace. I can open His Holy Word and be blessed by His thoughts and His wisdom. God is my cool, refreshing drink of water that always satisfies.
Thank You, Lord. Thank You!
I keep bottles of water in my car and I've stocked up on sugar free lozenges in my purse, my camera bag, even in the pocket of my Bible. I have a bottle of mouth rinse created to aid dry mouth and a spray that does the same. I carry a glass of water wherever I go in the house or on the deck. I guess I am like our lawns, waiting for a drenching rain to come revive it. (We did get a brief shower last night along with thunder and lightening - but it wasn't measurable).
My mouth gets so dry, especially overnight because I'm a mouth breather. I awaken with such a desert in my mouth that I can't talk or swallow until I get a drink. During the day, my mouth dries up and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth until I get some moisture in there. If I do much talking the moisture just evaporates and I'm left with a crisp parched mouth. It's just a problem I deal with. Hopefully, most people don't notice my issue. (I'm sure they will now!)
"God--you're my God! I can't get enough of you! I've worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory," (Psalm 63:1-2 MSG).
Oftentimes I have even a greater thirst for God, than in my mouth. I'm so desperate to feel God near me and know His presence with every fiber of my being, that I, too, call out to Him like the psalmist. Whether I'm searching for an answer to prayer, pleading for wisdom or guidance, or rejoicing in the beauty of God's Creation, I want God. I need God. Sometimes I must tell Him my deepest longing, or shout to Him thanksgiving for answered prayer.
I'm so grateful that I can always quench my thirst for God by turning to Him, anywhere, anytime, anyplace. I can open His Holy Word and be blessed by His thoughts and His wisdom. God is my cool, refreshing drink of water that always satisfies.
Thank You, Lord. Thank You!
Monday, July 30, 2018
The Wonder of God's Creation
Watching the hummingbirds enjoy the feeder on our deck has been a delight this summer. I wondered how they would ever find our feeder. And ever since they started coming I still wonder if it is their excellent sense of smell or what draws them to the feeder. I thought it was the bright red liquid, but our neighbor puts out clear juice and they come to hers, too.
The tiny birds dart across our lawn, pause at the flowers, and then perch themselves on the feeder or sometimes on the tomato cage nearby. They take short drinks with their long needle-like beaks and slowly, gently lower the level of the nectar. Last week they were so busy that they drained the full feeder.
I wonder about their nests, where they hide at night, how many flowers they visit each day. I wonder if they lay eggs - how small are they! How tiny the babies must be! Do they take nectar back to the nest to feed the tiny babies? How do they survive the storms? Only God knows.
"I know every bird in the mountains," (Psalm 50:11 NIV).
Do I see the same birds every time they visit, or are there multiple hummingbird families that live in the woods? How many babies are in their family? What do they use for their nests?
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:26 NIV).
How beautiful is the hummingbird's iridescent coat of feathers and its carefully crafted bill. Even more wonderful is the fact that hummingbirds migrate to tropical climates in the winter and return to areas as far north as Alaska and Maine. Their tiny wings beat 80 times per second and their tongues (yes, they have tongues - according to science) lick 13 times per second.
God's Creation is truly amazing. The hummingbirds are just one of His precious creatures. Each has its own mystery and wonder. Consider the mind of God that designed each amazing creation. Truly, He is the most amazing of all.
Thank you, Lord, for making so many different creatures in our world to appreciate. They give us a tiny peek at Your Greatness. What an Awesome God You are!
The tiny birds dart across our lawn, pause at the flowers, and then perch themselves on the feeder or sometimes on the tomato cage nearby. They take short drinks with their long needle-like beaks and slowly, gently lower the level of the nectar. Last week they were so busy that they drained the full feeder.
I wonder about their nests, where they hide at night, how many flowers they visit each day. I wonder if they lay eggs - how small are they! How tiny the babies must be! Do they take nectar back to the nest to feed the tiny babies? How do they survive the storms? Only God knows.
Do I see the same birds every time they visit, or are there multiple hummingbird families that live in the woods? How many babies are in their family? What do they use for their nests?
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:26 NIV).
How beautiful is the hummingbird's iridescent coat of feathers and its carefully crafted bill. Even more wonderful is the fact that hummingbirds migrate to tropical climates in the winter and return to areas as far north as Alaska and Maine. Their tiny wings beat 80 times per second and their tongues (yes, they have tongues - according to science) lick 13 times per second.
God's Creation is truly amazing. The hummingbirds are just one of His precious creatures. Each has its own mystery and wonder. Consider the mind of God that designed each amazing creation. Truly, He is the most amazing of all.
Thank you, Lord, for making so many different creatures in our world to appreciate. They give us a tiny peek at Your Greatness. What an Awesome God You are!
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Essential Living
One of my morning devotionals had a scripture that spoke to me and I want to share it with you. It seems so relevant.
"Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day--but we'll hardly notice. We'll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness," (2 Peter 3:11-13 MSG).
I love it when a scripture jumps off the page and into my reality. It reminds me that God is always beside us, loving us, protecting us, encouraging us, believing in us - the 'us' God created us to be. Sometimes The Message interprets scripture in a way that really connects.
I can't help but keep praying for those who are dealing with the aftermath of last Thursday's tornados in Iowa, or the flooding in the East or the fires burning in the West. So many people are struggling with daily tasks they don't want to do. Some are getting so tired from working day after day cleaning up a mess they didn't create. Maybe it is you.
It doesn't have to be flood cleanup or sweeping through ashes or even chopping up downed trees. Perhaps what you are facing is emotional tragedy: the loss of someone you love, a diagnosis of cancer, or the loss of a job and financial stability. Life holds many trials that test our faith and
challenge our courage and physical strength. Through it all we must cling to God. He alone can lift us from the pits of discouragement and show us the hope He has for us tomorrow.
Last night John pointed out the beautiful moon. It was nearly full and it seemed so close, that we could nearly reach out and touch it. There was a bank of clouds to the north threatening to hide the brilliance behind them, yet the moon shone brightly into the night.
Keep looking for God's promises - that will be 'landscaped with righteousness'. It may be around the next corner or eons away.
Thank you, God, for giving us hope in the darkest of days. For revealing the sun, new every morning. Help us to keep our eyes peeled for the new heavens and the new earth that is coming.
"Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day--but we'll hardly notice. We'll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness," (2 Peter 3:11-13 MSG).
I love it when a scripture jumps off the page and into my reality. It reminds me that God is always beside us, loving us, protecting us, encouraging us, believing in us - the 'us' God created us to be. Sometimes The Message interprets scripture in a way that really connects.
I can't help but keep praying for those who are dealing with the aftermath of last Thursday's tornados in Iowa, or the flooding in the East or the fires burning in the West. So many people are struggling with daily tasks they don't want to do. Some are getting so tired from working day after day cleaning up a mess they didn't create. Maybe it is you.
It doesn't have to be flood cleanup or sweeping through ashes or even chopping up downed trees. Perhaps what you are facing is emotional tragedy: the loss of someone you love, a diagnosis of cancer, or the loss of a job and financial stability. Life holds many trials that test our faith and
challenge our courage and physical strength. Through it all we must cling to God. He alone can lift us from the pits of discouragement and show us the hope He has for us tomorrow.
Last night John pointed out the beautiful moon. It was nearly full and it seemed so close, that we could nearly reach out and touch it. There was a bank of clouds to the north threatening to hide the brilliance behind them, yet the moon shone brightly into the night.
Keep looking for God's promises - that will be 'landscaped with righteousness'. It may be around the next corner or eons away.
Thank you, God, for giving us hope in the darkest of days. For revealing the sun, new every morning. Help us to keep our eyes peeled for the new heavens and the new earth that is coming.
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