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  • Suffering for Doing Good

    Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart, Hebrews 12:3.

     

    Yesterday in our small group Bible study class we talked about pain, suffering, revenge, and unjust treatment. We all have stories of woundedness. Whether it be of neglect, financial woes, abuse … all of these characteristics make us who we are today. The good and the bad. I wouldn’t want to change any of my circumstances. Granted, they most certainly were not fun to live through. But I did. And the good news is that God walked with me through them or around them, regardless. Even though at the time I might not have felt loved or cared for, I was. He was there all the time. Watching over me.     image001 (Copy)

    For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment.”   (1 Peter 2:19). God’s ways are not our ways. We can endure through His strength; not on our own can we bear the burden. Power is available in and through our Great God!

    But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.”            (1 Peter 2:20b). Ever go out of your way to please someone, to do good to someone undeserving? When they do not respond in a positive manner or even say thank you, I get really defensive. Makes me wonder if I ever want to do good for them again. That’s where my thinking goes astray. I should not act with the expectation of receiving something in return. On the contrary, my focus should be on doing what I need to do and when I need to do it. Regardless. BECAUSE God is then pleased with me. He is the only one I should be concerned with pleasing. This lends a whole different perspective on giving and doing the right thing.

    How about you? Have you reached out to someone numerous times without receiving praise or maybe not even a thank-you? Picture that person in your mind. Now substitute their face with an image of Christ. Think of what He means to you and what He’s accomplished for you. Can you go back to that person or situation and behave as if you are doing it for God and not a human being? When you operate this way, God is pleased with you, my friend!

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  • And be thankful …

    “Forever is composed of nows,” Emily Dickinson.

    My forever (and yours too) is composed of the nows. Exactly what I’m writing about in my new devotional/meditation book. Living in the present. Enjoying the moment right here and now. Even if it hard to accomplish.

    When I first began writing about living in the now was during a personal health crisis. A neurologist discovered I had an operable tumor growing on the left temporal side of my brain. The tumor needed to be removed surgically and the sooner the better. All other life was pretty much put on hold. Daily details focused on an upcoming hospital stay and subsequent rehabilitation.

    I’m writing this post seven years later. God chose to spare me; for which I’ll be eternally grateful. Life is pretty much back to normal. Except I hope and pray lessons learned never vanish.

    • Life is Good. Regardless of circumstances in my life, I’ve got it pretty darn good. I have a roof over my head, food on the table (I don’t go to bed hungry), modern conveniences such as electric, heat, indoor plumbing, and access to the finest educational opportunities. Not to mention ALL the freedoms I enjoy thanks to my ancestors and those serving now: freedom of worship, speech, etc…,

    Through my health scare times, I realized we are not guaranteed tomorrow (not even tonight). Making the best of my situation right now promotes longer life and joy today. Isn’t that what each of us strive for? Being content and happy in our current situation. We are past Thanksgiving and entering the Christmas season. Many around you will exude happiness; some do not feel like rejoicing for whatever reason. Even those who place a smile upon their face probably face troubles and may be masking their inner feelings. Be aware that many fight tough battles. This time of year amplifies unrest.

    Let’s strive together and rehearse our thankful lists. What’s on your thankful list?

    “Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].”  (Colossians 3:15/AMP)

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  • Be a Simple Sheep

    Be content to be a simple sheep, listening for My voice and following Me (Jesus Calling).

    “I will lead you into restful green pastures and guide you along paths of righteousness,” Psalm 23.

     

  • Joy-filled Birthday

    This year was a big milestone. A really big one, the big 60! Oh my. To say it seems BIG, but to write it. Well, just seems bigger. But, you know, I’m okay with it now. A big birthday bash was thrown in my honor. Not just for reaching 60, but I wanted it to be a celebration of life and living. Living seven years past brain tumor surgery. I want all to know that I am MOST GRATEFUL that God chose to spare me to live more days, more years beyond major surgery.  

    My Family Libs chalk birthday artMy son and family drove from Minnesota just to be with me. A HUGE thank you goes out to family members and dear friends who were present or wished me birthday greetings. I am indeed blessed.

    My grandchildren drew pictures with pink hearts and wrote words on the sidewalk with chalk. I’m feeling loved. And I’m feeling very blessed. I pray this little Light of mine will shine brightly in the days, years to follow.

    Here’s what my granddaughter wrote on the sidewalk:

    Family with me:

    Me (Liberty)
    Mom (Bethany)
    Dad (Andrew)
    Elijah
    Zeek
    Ean
    Nana (Teresa)
    Grandpa (Steve)
    Amanda

    The End

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  • Creative Writing class visit

    Yesterday, I had the privilege to speak to a wonderful high school group of Creative Writers from Hudsonville Public High School. We talked about publishing, critiquing, and blogging. I suspect there will be a few budding authors spring forth from that class. Keep up the great work, Mrs. Sherrington and class!

    Go Eagles!!

    “Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best,” Henry Vandyke.

     

     

  • Black & Yellow Garden Argiope (spider)

    Garden Spider 2
    photo by Steve Lasher

    Just so you know up front: I am NOT (nor ever will be) a spider lover, but when I saw this amazingly colorful spider, I couldn’t help but stare. And marvel at the Creator’s handiwork! The web extends from the top of our hanging planter down to a garden of newly popping golden mums on the ground (about four feet). The male builds his web on the outer part of her web. He fashions a web made of an intricate zig-zag of while silk. Almost looks unreal. They’re called a common orb web spider.

    Garden Spider 3
    photo by Steve Lasher

    Again, did I mention I am NOT a spider fan? Saying that, I’ve walked back and forth numerous times noting her position and movement, taking pictures, and just plain being mesmerized. I discovered (from my Facebook friends) that Black & Yellow Garden Argiope is a good type of spider. They’re harmless to people (that’s comforting to know)  and do a lot of good. Their diet consists of eating large amounts of insect pests like flies, mosquitoes, and aphids. I do not like mosquitoes and flies can be really annoying.

    Garden Spider 4
    photo by Steve Lasher

    To think that our loving God created these intricate creatures. Boggles my mind, doesn’t it yours?

    Makes me want to re-read Charlotte’s Web.[1] Remember that classic children’s literature with a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named, Charlotte? Adults and children alike enjoy this tale. Wilbur’s in danger of being slaughtered and made into bacon by the farmer when Charlotte comes to the rescue. She “hatches a plan to save Wilbur’s life.” And it works.

    When I think of spiders in those terms, I guess this black & yellow spider is okay. We can co-exist, as long as they keep to their boundaries outdoors.

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    [1] By E. B. White, published in 1952

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  • Where do You Find Strength?

    “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

    The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.”

    For the director of music. On my stringed instruments

    Habakkuk 3:17-19

  • Between a Rock and a Hard Spot?

    Hit a bad, rough spot in your life? No matter which way you turn, trouble and heartache seem to haunt you? I feel your pain. I know your drama.

    There is One who knows you best. One who feels your pain on an intimate level. He’s the One who’s mighty to save, to rescue, to quiet your doubts and fears with His unconditional love. Scripture goes further to say that He rejoices in you. When you and I open our hearts to Him in thanksgiving—He draws closer. Our troubles may not disappear, but knowing the Creator still seeks to be involved in my life helps smooth out the rough spots.

    “As a saint of God, my attitude toward sorrow and difficult should not be to ask that they be prevented, but to ask that God protect me so that I may remain what He created me to be, in spite of all my fires of sorrow. Our Lord received Himself, accepting His position and realizing His purpose, in the midst of the fire of sorrow. He was saved not from the hour, but out of the hour,” Oswald Chambers.[1]

    • Do you feel God’s great delight in you? If so, in what way(s)?
    • Name several items to put on your thankful list.

    “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing”—Zephaniah 3:17.

    [1]My Utmost For His Highest, June 25

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  • Small, Small World

     

    She pauses with her white dog
    Be positiveI walk past
    Attempting to clear cobwebs
    Re-fresh and
    Re-generate my brain

    I pause; then stop
    Together we chat
    Discovering we shared the same workplace
    Years ago
    Past memories surface
    Re-live old times
    Good & the not-so-good

    Now we’re neighbors
    Living in a
    Small, small world
    Re-charged and
    Ready to pursue writing my story again

     

     

  • Check your Thankful Spirit

    “Be on the lookout for what I am doing in your life. Worship Me by living close to Me, thanking Me in all circumstances,”—Jesus Calling.

    *extra credit: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

    •  Just how close are you living to God? Or, are you satisfied with a long-distance relationship?
    • How’s your thankful spirit? What things/people in your life are you thankful for? Consider verbalizing that back to God and to that person(s).

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