Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Roots, Bridges, and Light

How far down do roots go? 
 What do bridges connect us to?
What benefit does light have? 
These were a few of the questions that swirled in my head recently.  

This past weekend we went and visited our son in southern Indiana.
We spent one day walking and observing some very unique places in nature and another day in darkness .

Roots:
As we walked through a park-like setting, we noticed a tree near a stream. I thought of how determined that tree was to reach the water from it's high bank.  It looked as though the ground had washed out beneath it, but it still held up and the branches had beautiful green leaves growing on them above.
"For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. "(Jeremiah 17:8)

I thought of how we are like this tree, planted by the water. Our water is like the Word of God...

"But his delight is to meditate on the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in season, whose leaf also shall not whither; and whatever he does shall prosper." 
(Psalm 1:3)

Oh, that we would daily desire His Living Water!
Without it, we are dry and withered.  
We have to be determined to drink from the stream every day and be refreshed. We then will bear fruit and our leaves will be many! Hallelujah!!
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.  
(Colossians 2: 7)

Bridges:

The many bridges we crossed and saw also reminded me that Jesus is the only Bridge to God! 
 "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ." (1 Timothy 2:5)

Light:

We also toured a cave that was down deep under the ground. It was dark and eerie, but also interesting. This also reminded me of the darkness of sin. We are intrigued by temptation and darkness, but once God's light is revealed, we see the truth.
 "But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him."
John 11:10
 "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.  If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:5-7
 "The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light."  Romans 13:12

Once we have seen His light, everything is clear and it is easier to find our way...for we then can see our Maker and follow Him.
 "For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ."  2 Corinthians 4:6
 "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so 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 all the Lord’s holy people, 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)

Continuing to count my blessings, one by one at   "Multitude on Mondays".
1,421 - God's beautiful creation, especially the unique sights and places.
1,422 -  A wonderful weekend with our son!
1,423 - Safety in our travels
1,424 - A good night's sleep (It even rained hard through the night and I never heard it!)
1,425 - The light that Jesus shines, so we can see all the blessings He has for us!
1,426 - Jesus - the Bridge that connects us with God!
1,427 - Watching fish pop the top of the water for bugs, on our lake, on a quiet evening, as the moon rises in the sky.
1,428 - A cool evening breeze, after having a hot, muggy week.


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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Even If. . .

 “When life is good, enjoy it.
But when life is hard, remember; God gives good times, and hard times and no one knows what tomorrow will bring.”
Ecclesiastes 7:14

Several weeks ago, I wrote about a book I've been studying for my ladies Bible study group called "Cultivating Contentment" (Here). The most recent chapter we've been studying is on being content, "even if" trials and hardships come into our lives. I think for most of us, that is something we struggle with, no matter how strong our faith is.

To find joy and contentment while in pain and suffering is just not a natural response. Our natural tendency is to be angry, resentful, even depressed.
But, not only does God call us to be content, but He also instructs us to consider it "pure joy" in James 1:2!  
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds,"

Umm, o.k., you may be asking(like I did), "Did I just read that right? Is God really saying we must be joyful in times of trials? Why in the world would He tell us to consider it pure joy? And how are we supposed to do that anyways?"
If you continue to read on to verses 3 and 4, it says:
" . . . because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

 "Nothing any of us experiences is pointless. 
The good, the bad, the ugly, even the things we think will kill us - God uses it all, and He devises our destiny out of the stuff in our trash. He sifts it out, shows us the value, and then uses it to help others because of it."
Luci Swindoll

"I have learned that pain has purpose, which at the peak of excruciating discomfort, brings me little conslolation.
Hindsight, though, has often proven pain's value.
In fact, I have found pain to be one of life's most effective teachers. It gains one's full attention!"
Patsy Clairmont

Because we know that ultimately what's up ahead (if we love and trust God's promises), will be glorious, we CAN find joy, in spite of hardships.

We must also remember that "this too shall pass". Whether it's cancer or problems in a marriage or with our children, knowing that there will be an end to our suffering helps us cope.  

"God's purpose in our temporary discomfort is not to develop calluses that harden our hearts, but to strengthen us and inspire growth."  

In the days ahead, especially on the days when everything seems to be going wrong, bring to mind the Scriptures below. 
  • Ecclesiastes 9:9 and 11:8
  • John 16:33
  • 1 Peter 1:6-7 and 4:12-13
  • Isaiah 41:10 and 54:10
"Face each day with your eyes wide open, looking for what God has for you in each day - especially when those trials come.
Pray that you will be teachable and ready to learn the lessons God wants you to understand. 
Pray you can learn to be content". . .Even If. . .

This song came to my mind right away, as I read and studied about
contentment through difficult times. It's such a great reminder that God IS faithful, EVEN IF the healing doesn't come. . .

Continuing to count my blessings, one by one at   "Multitude on Mondays".
1,411 -  The blooming lilies in my pot on the porch.   
1,412 - A few cooler, but still sunny days.
1,413 - Knowing that even if the clouds return and life is hard, I know God is still faithful and standing(2 Timothy 4:17) beside me through it all.
1,414 - The Lord providing what I needed to fill my bosses shoes, while she is gone on vacation!
1,415 - Thankful for a responsible, hard working husband!
1,416 - The heat and humidity is back, and I am SO thankful for air conditioning!
1,419 - Also, thankful to be living on the lake, where I can cool off on one of my floatation mattresses on the water!
1,418 - Watching a para-sailer on our lake, as I float on the water.

1,419 - Being reminded of the small joys God brings into life...like para-sailing! (Such a creative recreational activity)
1,420 - My hubby joining me in the water, when he got home from work. Spending time just floating and talking.     

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Monday, July 8, 2013

The Blessing(and Heartache) of a Family

 "A family is like an oak tree. A few blows wouldn't bring the tree crashing down. But it would require a lot of healing and love to ensure stability." (Source)

It's interesting how family members respond and react to each other, sometimes even sad or frustrating.

We had our ups and downs throughout her younger years, but I had always hoped that, as the only daughter I'd ever have, she and I would eventually become close.

It didn't happen. With the entering of a half-brother and later the sudden passing of her full-brother, the bonding didn't occur...with either her father, nor her stepmother...myself.

She grew up, married, started a family, and had her own life...a busy life. 

I ached for a close relationship, but the more I strove to bring us closer together, the futher she pushed me away. Every now and then, she reappeared and would spend an hour, maybe even the day, with us. Then, we didn't see her or her beloved family for months, or even years. 

I'm saddened, but I'll take what I can get...a small pocket of time, creating memories that will linger forever in my mind.

The 4th of July weekend was a whirlwind of activity for me and my family! There were lots of fun surprises and special times with family members. Some healing also took place, as long unseen family were re-united. Some family members weren't able to join us, which also made this celebrated holiday bittersweet.

On the 4th, we spent the day at my aunt and uncle's 
lake cottage...yes, we aren't the only lakers in our family!
It is a much smaller lake and also much quieter.
We visited with our Pennsylvania relatives, who came for the week. 
    On the 6th, we participated in a flotilla parade with our pontoon boat.


 Granddaughter 1 and grandson love jet-skiing!


 The grandkids also enjoy tubing.



 They even got me out on a jet-ski!


 Jet-skiing and knee-boarding . . .


 . . .is a family affair.


 Granddaughter 2 and Grandson love roasting marshmallows


 The kids and grandkids

The only person missing was my son, who had to work and could not be home for the holidays.


I could either let the hurt and frustation of the past affect the present or move past it, forgive, and appreciate each moment we do have together. I choose the latter.
 
 "When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude." Gilbert Chesterton,


Continuing to count my blessings, one by one at   "Multitude on Mondays".
1,402 - Spending time with out-of-state relatives, as well as close family.
1,403 - Freedom in Christ ...that does not require a set of rules or good works to be saved.
 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galations 5:1)
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast."(Ephesians 2:8-9)
1,404 - Spending the day with my stepdaughter and her family.
1,405 - The freedom to worship and live for Christ in the USA.
1,406 - The Founding Fathers, who chose to put God in the Pledge of Allegiance and the U.S. Constitution, among other original documents.
1,406 - Pretty and colorful fireworks display.
1,407 - A new song I learned in church
1,408 - A day to rest and prepare for a busy new week ahead.
1,409 - Spending some time talking and reminiscing with our neighbors, a lovely older couple.
1,410 - Working with some awesome, caring people at my job.
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