Tag Archive for: heaven

How majestic is God’s name!

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Sunset over Lakeshore Yacht Harbor - Muskegon Lake

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens … When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him …” (Psalm 8:1, 3–4).

I marvel at the magnificence and magnitude of God’s creation and the work of his hands. The sight causes me to praise his name. He is too big to comprehend. Too complex to fully appreciate. But I can say, holy, holy, holy — how majestic is your name in all the earth!

God, you are worthy to be praised.

Fond Memories of Mom

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Today would have been my Mom’s birthday. I miss her. All three of her siblings miss her a lot. A celebration would have been planned had she still been here. Instead, 22 years ago there was a celebration: her promotion into Glory where she now resides happily in Heaven. My Mom, the party planner, lived to invite family over for any celebration — large or small. She just loved entertaining with food and gifts. If there was any possible excuse to see her children or grandchildren, she took advantage of the occasion.

Mom was not ashamed to tell others about her faith in God. People gravitated to her kind, gentle and caring spirit. She didn’t hide her light under a bushel, but eagerly told anyone how blessed she was and that God was the center of her life. She felt a special connection to anyone needing emotional or physical help.

She’s a witness and reminder to me of Timothy’s words in 2 Timothy 1, “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God … For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

I need not fear what others may think of me when I confess my belief in God. God gave me that same spirit of power, of love and a sound mind too. So today, I thank God that he blessed me with a Mom who was respected and loved, worked hard, and spoke wisdom to all. I choose to model her godliness to my children, grandchildren, and to those whose lives I touch.

Ask: Is there someone in your life who models similar positive traits … maybe a relative, friend, or mentor who has your best interests in mind? Have you carved time in your busy schedule to walk alongside this individual and learn from them?

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Jesus: the Reason for the Season (part II)

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My preparations for the season (so far) consist of running here and there while wearing myself out. I’ve carved so little free time out to just sit and contemplate the real reason for the season. It is Jesus’ birthday and He is the reason for the season. 

I’m pretty sure the God who sent his Son to die on the cross for our sins is less than pleased when I turn the Christmas season into a chaotic competition. Jesus’ birth in a non-descript stable caused angels to sing and shepherds to follow a star. All of heaven rejoiced at the birth which changed the course of mankind forever.

Dear God, please forgive me for being so occupied with my own agenda that I fail to acknowledge the giver of the most perfect gift of all. I’m sure glad you weren’t too busy to think of me. Thank you for sending your son to die in my place and for those who believe on your name.

How about you? Are you taking time during this hectic month to thank God for the indescribable gift in the form of God’s only Son?

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)

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Jesus: the Reason for the Season (part I)

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“Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” –  Ephesians 4:2–3.  

Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus

Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus

I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time being patient with some people. Maybe it’s the season of the year. Christmas is approaching fast and I don’t have all the gifts purchased yet. The presents I do have are scattered all around my office. The room is a complete disaster. I’m waiting for the neat fairies to descend, wave a magic wand, and all will be categorized, packaged and labeled ready for delivery. I can dream, right?

Family members can’t make up their minds when they’re available so a Christmas time table can be set. My personality thrives on schedules and unity, and when neither happens, I tend to stress to the max. A gentle spirit rapidly gives way to an abrupt, cool personality. Patience melts into exasperation and love has a hard time finding a home in my heart. The results resemble anything BUT peaceful.

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Traditions, part III

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I remember my Mom during the holiday season … when family members walked through her door — we were the CENTER OF ATTENTION. I loved her loving me, my husband, my children and grandchildren. She set the table with her best china and glassware, but more importantly, she gave us her undivided and devoted attention.  

photo by Steve Lasher

 

I can only imagine this is the way God is preparing a place for me and all who are his children. He is readying a banquet table and mansion for my homecoming. When I pass through heaven’s gate, he’ll be waiting with arms outstretched. No other business will be on his agenda. Angels will rejoice accompanied by my Mom, Steve’s Dad, grandparents and loved ones.  

This banquet will equal no other in history. All will be perfect — down to the last cranberry and piece of pie. Nothing lacking. No sorrow or tears. Only singing, laughter, joy and contentment will be heard.

Listening to the words to the song, “I Can Only Imagine,” helps to picture what being in God’s presence may be like.

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Traditions, part II

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Blocks, by Steve Lasher

Blocks, by Steve Lasher

  

I do miss not seeing the faces of those loved ones no longer living here on earth. They are missed incredibly more during holiday seasons and special events. It’s okay to recall those fond memories of days gone by, but not healthy to dwell on them to the exclusiveness of today’s living family members. We’re told in Philippians 4:13–14, “But one thing I do: Forget what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

When I linger too long on holidays past, I miss out on present blessings. I can take solace in the fact that today’s traditions with my own children and grandchildren become tomorrow’s fond memories for them and for me. And that’s the way my Mom and Steve’s Dad would want it to be!

How about you … is there a new tradition you can begin or an old one to continue with your children and grandchildren?

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Erratic like a hummingbird?

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Green Violetear (Wikipedia)

Sitting on our deck after dinner, my husband says, “Don’t move—the hummingbird’s back!” I glance at the reflection in our glass slider and see the feeder and colorful hanging flower. Then I see him hovering, deciding whether to stay or go. He flitters past my right ear and then moves behind my husband’s head, and momentarily back again to the hummingbird feeder and beyond. He makes a tiny rustle in my ear while flexing his wings erratically, and then he’s gone as quickly as he first appeared. Intentional at sipping the sweet nectar, but disrupted by our human presence.

How often do I set out with good intentions to pray, read a chapter or verse in the Bible, then get distracted? More often that I care to admit. I start out strong by reading one or two verses, then quit before I allow God to speak and his words to sink in deep. The disruption may come in the form of a family member or friend needing my attention, household duties, or a work deadline. It could be just plain tiredness or hunger that takes that place of necessary solitude time with God.

Whatever the reason for my lack of follow through, I suffer for being negligent. Knowing the sweetness and peace received from God’s love letter when I do take the time, you’d think I would return on a more consistent, enthusiastic basis. But I falter and fail again and again. All I need is enclosed within the pages of this truth-filled handbook with instructions for living a joyful and successful life. I won’t find undue flattery, but instead unconditional love, mercy, and forgiveness.

Hummingbirds, one of God’s beautiful creatures, are still fascinating to me, but I don’t want to model their erratic behavior. My desire is to spend more time in the Word allowing the message to sink in and change my thinking. When my thinking changes, my actions follow more in line with my Father’s will. This all takes time, energy and commitment to be still and consciously decide to rest and allow God to feed my thirsting soul.

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”

(Philippians 3:13–14).

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Fun Family Times

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Blessing #93: delightful day of tubing, boating and picnicking on the Mississippi River. Family times with son and family.

Blessing #94:  squeals of laughter from our grandchildren as we motor fast in dad’s new speed boat.

I’ve always LOVED to color, so when my grandchildren, Liberty or Elijah, ask me to color, I jump at the chance. Why is it adults feel they need to be coloring with a child? Why can’t I break out the colors any day of the week and just color on my own?  This past weekend while visiting our children in Minnesota, I colored. First with one, then the other grandchild. And I enjoyed every minute of it.

We played dominoes and an old-time favorite, Memory Game. Before we began, I said to Liberty that she’d have to remind me how to play the game. Here’s her explanation:

“Basically, Nana, this is how I play…”

 I cracked up at her choice of the word, basically. Last year, her favorite word was actually. She very patiently went through the rules of how to match the proper Mommy animal to her baby animal. Maybe she’ll be a teacher someday, who knows? I know for a fact that her Grandpa is a patient, methodical teacher who taught me to ride a bike with speed, roller blade, water ski, drive a boat, sail—among other things. 

“He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:2–4).

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I surrender all

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“I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1–2).

Psalm 121 is often called the “Traveler’s Psalm”…another of the Hallel Psalms or a “Psalm of ascent,” sung by the travelers as they ascended to Jerusalem for one of the great feasts. A song recited as an expression of joy along the way.

After reading these verses, I must ask myself, where does my help come from? Granted, I do need help daily, but where do I turn in my times of trouble and distress? Do I go to the phone and call up a close friend or family member? Do I sit and soak in my own misery not communicating with anyone? Yes, I’ve done those things too. But I must confess that I may feel better momentarily after the human exchanges, but am not totally comforted.

It’s only when I give full disclosure over to the Maker of heaven and earth, do I feel truly refreshed and renewed. God understands my tears and anger.

Prayer: All to you I surrender, all to you I freely give…I will ever love and trust you, in your presence daily live. I surrender all.

Ask:  Are you in a dark place right now? Do you feel defeated, worn out and ready to quit? Now might be the time to give it all over to God, lover of your soul.

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Unconditionally loved!

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The moment I stepped over my Aunt and Uncle’s threshold, I knew we made the right decision. My sister, brother, and I were welcomed with open hearts and arms. No pretense, prior expectations even after many years apart…just pure joy, love, and a feeling of being instantly comfortable.  Sleep comes easily even after staying up late into the evenings reminiscing and catching up on current events in each of our personal lives. I feel loved unconditionally and safe. I knew I would not be judged or criticized for the words that freely flowed within the safe walls of their home.

And that’s the way it is when I step into the presence of God as I read his Word or pray. He’s always there, available, with a listening ear. God calls me his friend. I am special because he made me this way.

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else…God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring” (Acts 17:24–25, 27–28).

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