Where's the GROOM?

The past summer months I have seen many wedding albums posted on face book as friends and children of friends "tie the knot". It is always fun to see friends and acquaintances getting married and I LOVE looking at the pictures to see who I know and observe the beauty of the bride!!

One observation I have made is the fact that there are MANY more photos taken of the bride than there are of the groom!

Every aspect of the day from preparation through the ceremony and on to the reception there is usually photo after photo of the bride. There MIGHT be a shot or two of the groom, although there was, in fact, one set of photos posted which I perused several times and NEVER DID see a photo of the GROOM!!!!

No, the wedding day seems to be made especially for the bride and SHE is in the spotlight!!!!

Thinking along this line brought me to consider another wedding where I am quite sure the GROOM will be the One in the spotlight and that is the marriage of Christ and The Church. To look into the eyes of the One Who has loved us all along, through our bumbling and mistakes, and has seen in us something He desired so much that He suffered terribly and died. To imagine gazing on the face of such a beloved friend and Redeemer, especially in the context of a marriage......I cannot even REMOTELY comprehend such a moment!!

I know the bride will be pure, spotless and without a blemish, but I believe all focus and attention will be on the GROOM!

What a day that will be!!! It will be worth any perceived hardship, battle, or struggle HERE to experience His nearness and loving presence THERE.

Truly Jesus will be what makes it HEAVEN for me.

Take THE NAME

In preparation for leading our district women in worship, I began meditating on the names of God. As I did a little research, I found many more names for God than I ever knew existed! And I found out what I already knew - my God is EVERYTHING I need.

Is my mind embattled with rushing unwanted thoughts over a particular situation or circumstance that I have NO power to change? my God is JEHOVAH SHALOM: the Lord my peace.

Do I need finances to pay this week's bills? my God is JEHOVAH JIRAH: the Lord who provides.

Does my spirit cry out for nourishment and intimacy? my God is EL HANNE'EMAN: the faithful God (to support and nourish) and EL SHADDAI (the all sufficient God). Aletha Hinthorn points out in her article "Hallowed Be Thy Name" and I quote, "The word SHADDAI is derived from the word invariably used in scripture for a woman's breast. As the mother is the all sufficient one to her baby, God is the satisfier of His people. SHADDAI suggests perfect supply and perfect comfort. It suggests exuberance, sufficiency, bountifulness, and perfect satisfaction all combined with irresistible power!!!"

Do I need wisdom to live life today? my God is EL DE'OT: the God of perfect knowledge.

There is nothing I need - physically, mentally, emotionally, financially or spiritually that He cannot supply!!! What a God!!! I challenge you to find any other god capable of meeting your personal needs with such overpowering abundance.

As I was pondering all this, I turned the radio on just in time to hear a hymn from yesteryear. The words seemed especially alive with meaning, "Take the name of Jesus with you, child of sorrow and of woe, It will joy and comfort give you, take it then where'er you go. Precious name, O how sweet, Hope of earth and Joy of Heaven." Jesus- One with and equal to God.

Later that day, as if Someone wanted to be sure I got the message, I heard SAME song AGAIN, "Take the Name of Jesus WITH YOU......". The words were so powerful, "Take the Name....TAKE THE NAME......WITH YOU."

My attitude and outlook are forever changed when I TAKE THE NAME!!!!

P.S. There are just a FEW of the names I discovered........for a faith building study look for yourself!!!

HE Was Here

It seemed to be an ordinary voice lesson. My student, a lovely 77 year old African American lady, had vocalized and we had worked together on "Because of Thy Great Bounty".

She has a way with words and sometimes at the beginning of the lesson inspires me to greater teaching heights by announcing, "I am NOT going to pay out good money for voice lessons if I don't LEARN something!"

So we worked fervantly on pitch, rhythm, tone, breathing, etc. and were just about to finish the 30 minute lesson (which inevitably stretches into an hour.....I want to make sure she gets her money's worth!!!) when I suggested, "Why don't we finish up the lesson with 'My Tribute'." I knew it was one of her favorites. Her rich contralto voice began,

"How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me,
Things, so undeserved, yet You give to prove Your love for me,
The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude,
All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee.
To God be the Glory, to God be the Glory, to God be the Glory,
For the things He has done."

Her voice filled with deep emotion as she continued,
"With His blood He has saved me"

She looked up and raised her hand to heaven
"With His power He has raised me"

I FELT HIS PRESENCE fill the room as she continued.
"To God be the glory for the things He has done."

As she continued, I sensed God spirit settling down on the two of us,
"Lord, let me live my life, let it be pleasing Lord to Thee
And should I gain any praise, let it go to Calvary,
With His blood He has saved me,
With His power He has raised me
To GOD be the glory for the THINGS HE HAS DONE!"

It was one of those holy moments when suddenly the ordinary becomes extraordinary, when the mundane becomes memorable. We both worshipped, praised, and thanked our LIVING GOD for meeting with us in the voice lesson.

As this dear lady was leaving I gave her her weekly grade (she HAS to have a grade each week to show her family how she's doing!!). At the top of the page I wrote the following: A+ "HE was here".

The Book

I wrote this piece awhile back and wanted to post it today as a Mother's Day tribute to my wonderful 81 year old mom, Dorothy Espey Bowen.

Cora Mae....my fingers trace the mysterious flaking letters that many years ago were embossed in bright, yellow gold on the small, worn Bible.

Cora Mae....my mother's birth name! The name represents a part of Mother's past that seems locked away forever. Little is known of her beginnings. There are few photos of the tiny, black-haired girl, her face reflecting a lost loneliness that brings pain to my heart.

Eventually adopted by an older couple so she could "take care of them", her life was filled with drudgery...scrubbing floors on her hands and knees, carrying heavy buckets of coal for the furnace, wall papering rooms with high ceilings, caring for her invalid "step-grandmother", sleeping alone in a cold, dirty, attic.

Cora Mae...I wonder how many times her hands held this Bible as silent tears fell on it's pages.

And now I proudly hold the same Book, wrapped in a beautiful white ribbon and bow, on my wedding day. Mother is beside me for just a few moments before the organ begins the Bridal March, and her eyes are filled with love, the love I have seen all the years of my life.

Love for me, the oldest of her seven children, love for her husband, my father, the minister she stood beside so faithfully for many years, and love for God, the One she came to know through the Book I now hold in my hands.

Mother will forever be my inspiration, and my role model. Possessing little, she has given much. Having few educational opportunities, she has shared her wisdom with many. Lacking eloquence, she speaks the language of kindness and empathy.

Cora Mae...I will treasure the Book and the love of the one who gave it - always.

I slowly got out of my car and began walking toward the front entrance of Thomasville Middle School. It was about 7:30 a.m. and I felt sleepy AND a little grumpy about substitute teaching that day.

I noticed a teacher greeting the students at the front entrance as they were dropped off for school. I didn't know the teacher's name, had never met him but.....Wow! He was REALLY dressed up....a black suit, white shirt, and red tie. The thought passed through my mind that there MUST be a special assembly; I had NEVER seen a teacher at school dressed in a suit.

As I got closer I called out, "Is there something special going on? You look awfully nice in your suit." He responded with a loud, hardy, "WELL, PRAISE GOD!" I was really taken aback and I suppose looked a bit surprised. As I walked toward him, he shouted again, "WELL, PRAISE GOD!" I gave a rather weak "Amen" as he explained. "I have grumbled and complained so much that I just decided that I need to STOP complaining and START praising......so I'm PRAISING GOD today!"

As I walked in the front door my spirits were raised considerably! But I also felt a twinge of guilt.
I reflected on the fact that I, too, have grumbled, complained, worried, and murmured about anything and everything. I began to wonder what my attitude says about my faith and trust in God when I constantly question what He's doing. It surely must make His heart sad when I'm unappreciative and proud, taking for granted His blessings, complaining over every delay, hardship, or trial that come along.

So, I've decided to PRAISE GOD! When things go right or wrong to MY way of thinking I remember that He DOES have a plan, I don't KNOW the plan so I just need to TRUST and PRAISE GOD!!!! You know what? I think God REALLY likes it!!!!!

There is Still PRAYER in PUBLIC SCHOOL!

As a substitute teacher, I walked into the classroom yesterday morning with the familiar sense of trepidation and anticipation. One always HOPES for a good day but middle school students can be a handful....especially on a FRIDAY!!! However, I felt positive and was praising God for the opportunity to interact with 8th graders and earn a living!!

As first block students came in I greeted them with a smile, introduced myself and gave the assignment the teacher had left on the desk. Most students began doing the work quietly. But there were five boys at one table who seemed oblivious to the fact that there was a teacher in the classroom and I quickly lost control as they became disruptive. They talked loudly, began walking about the room, and throwing paper wads.

One boy was extremely rude and argumentative. He went from one table to the next doing NO WORK at all. After about thirty minutes he suddenly became studious and asked me to help him with the pronunciation of words. When he brought his book to me I saw that he was on the WRONG chapter (purposefully) and only wanted me to pronounce the words because they were about body parts that were a little embarrassing to say out loud. I asked him to sit down. He refused and continued to whine, "But I can't read these words. How do you say THIS? How do you pronounce THIS? Ms. Klass, you won't even help me." He kept this up for three or four minutes really trying my patience. He was a problem the entire time.

Another little boy was so defiant that I wrote him up and sent him to the office. A girl offered to escort him but I heard one of the kids whisper to her, "When you get in the hall, tear up the discipline form." So I called the office and told them he was coming alone.

A couple girls came to the desk at least four times and stuck their paper right under my nose in a demanding way saying, "I can't get this question." I think they had sprayed something on the paper because they would rudely push it in right into my face!

When the buzzer rang for dismissal I couldn't believe what happened. As the children RACED out the door I was hit with a barrage of paper wads and balled up paper!!! They had to have planned this final insult!!! I felt like bursting into tears and going home. (Later, when I thought about it, it seemed rather funny but at the time I was devastated.)

Fortunately second block was a planning block so I collected myself and decided I wouldn't let the situation get the best of me. (Actually, I HAVE been in MUCH worse!!!) I called my husband and mom and asked them to pray for me. I had brought some scripture verses in my bag to try to memorize so I got them out and read the following:

"....and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath PUT ALL THINGS UNDER HIS FEET......" (Eph. 1:19-22a)

God prompted me with the thought, "Put the verse into practice!!!" I felt impressed to begin a "prayer walk" around the classroom!!! I walked to each table praying over EVERY CHAIR asking God to give the students a desire to learn. I prayed for a quiet, peaceful, classroom where the students would be respectful and do their work. I quoted the scripture in Ephesians several times as I prayed. God's spirit seemed very close.

When the third block students came I sensed an immediate difference in the atmosphere. They sat quietly, did their work and were respectful. There was minimal talking and even when we went to lunch and recreation time outside, they stayed together and I had NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER with this class and it was STILL the 8th grade and a LARGER class than first block.

The fourth block was about the same.
So, yes, there IS STILL prayer in PUBLIC SCHOOL!!!! He will answer our cry WHEREVER we are!!!

The Problem of the Day

I'm sitting in a Special Ed class. All the children have learning disabilities of one sort or another. An eighth grader brings me a "Curious George" book and I listen as he stumbles through a couple of pages. A Downs Syndrome child smiles, shyly inviting me to help him with a learning puzzle.

The PROBLEM OF THE DAY is on the board. It simply says, "SOLVE. WHAT IS 25% of 448?" The students now pore over their calculators thinking hard. "What is 25% of......????" They hopefully lean over their notebooks writing their answers. To them THIS IS SO DIFFICULT.

If only THIS problem of the day was MY problem of the day because I know the answer to THIS one. I smile because it is SO easy. Without a calculator or pencil and paper I can tell you the answer.

The lead teacher makes an announcement. "I'm going to get a drink. WHEN I COME BACK, THE PROBLEM OF THE DAY IS OVER." She quickly leaves the room.

I think about MY problem of the day. I don't know the answer. To me it is very difficult. I imagine God smiling because to Him it is SO easy. He already knows the answer. Then I remember that He said He's coming back. And when He gets back MY PROBLEM OF THE DAY IS OVER!!

An Evening in Spring

The beauty of Your world cries out to me....
the soft, bare, lacy branches of a tree against a great, white moon,
fragrant crab apple blossoms, lilacs, blooming into the night,
tiny lavender and cream violets almost crushed into the grass,
narcissus' standing tall in their delicately fringed Spring gowns,
newly planted marigolds, staunchly braving the chill evening air,
rows and rows of tulips, spilling color everywhere.

My heart cannot hold it---the beauty of Your world.
Your creativity which brings it into being
Causes praise to rise in me.
Praise that comes from knowing
If You clothe Your world with such amazing care
Your watchful eye, Your constant love, are with me always, everywhere!!
-DBK

Ms. Carmel Is Waiting for Us

Ms. Carmel Gore passed away Friday, February 27, 2009. She was 95 years old and a dear friend of mine. Ms. Carmel was clear minded and lucid up to her last moments. When the ambulance came to her home to take her to the hospital she told Pastor Billy Roy, "I don't know if I'll be coming back here." (to her house) When he asked her if she was ready for heaven, she said, "I'm ready for Him if He's ready for me!!" What a great testimony and so typical of Ms. Carmel's succinct way of putting things!!! She clearly knew her surroundings and was aware of what was going on.

I want to relate an experience Ms. Carmel had just before she died because it speaks to me of the closeness of heaven and those who have gone before us. Let me first explain that Ann was Ms. Carmel's older sister and Ms. Carmel was very close to her. Ann passed away five years ago. Doris Ann Wilder, Ms. Carmel's daughter, related that the last time she took Ms. Carmel to visit Ann, Ann said to Ms. Carmel as they were leaving, "I'm going to be waiting for you at the Pearly Gates and I'll hold your hand!"

Now, five years later, Ms. Carmel, lying in the hospital bed, has not said anything for some time when she tries to speak. Her daughter, Doris Ann, is with her when she finally gets the words out. With a clear tone Ms. Carmel says, "I'm in Gloryland! And Ann is holding my hand! She said she would!"

Doris Ann says, "Mom, do you see your mom and dad?" Ms. Carmel says, "I do!" There is a pause and then Ms. Carmel says, "Tell all my family that I'm going to see them in Gloryland and tell everybody else that I want to see them in Gloryland!!!"

This took place Wednesday morning and those were the last words Ms. Carmel spoke. Friday around 2 a.m. Ms. Carmel was restless and seemed to be struggling for breath. Doris Ann put her arm around her and spoke into her ear, "Mom, you know I love you and my family loves you, but if you want to go on to Gloryland, you go ahead!" In three minutes Ms. Carmel was gone!!!! But we know where she is!! Heaven is much closer than we think!!!

The Traveller

I just rediscovered this poem by Amy Carmichael. Years ago, while going through a terribly difficult time, I came across it. As I read the words for the first time, tears came to my eyes and I felt that Jesus had entered the room. His comforting presence brought healing to my spirit.

The Traveller
Love, travelling in the greatness of His strength,
Found me alone,
Footsore and tired by the journey's length,
Though I had known,
All the long way, many a kindly air,
And flowers had blossomed for me everywhere.

And yet Love found me needing Him. He stayed;
Love stayed by me.
"Let not thy heart be troubled or dismayed,
My child," said He.
Slipped from me then all troubles, all alarms;
For Love had gathered me into His arms.

Come to God then....

I love this selection from George MacDonald's book,
Discovering the Character of God:

"Come to God, then, my brother, my sister, with all your desires and instincts,
all your lofty ideals,
all your longing for purity and unselfishness,
all your yearning to love and be true,
all your aspirations after self-forgetfulness and child-life in the breath of the Father.
Come to Him with all your weaknesses,
all your shames,
all your futilities;
with all your helplessness over your own thoughts;
with all your failures, yes,
the sick sense of having missed the tide of true affairs.
Come to Him with all your doubts, fears,
dishonesties, meanness,
paltriness, misjudgments,
weariness, disappointments, and staleness.
Be sure He will take you with all your miserable brood into the care of His limitless heart!
For He is light, and in Him is no darkness at all."

ONE STEP AWAY!!!

A chill-to-the-bone wind was blowing and we were late. The invite simply said to be there at 4:00 p.m. for rehearsal, so I figured five or ten minutes wouldn't matter. "Everyone will probably be running a few minutes behind and we'll blend in with the crowd," I thought. We had only been to the church ONE time, YEARS ago.....it's the most prestigious, wealthy congregation in our small town. (i.e. They ONLY paid $10,000 for an orchestra to play along with this year's Christmas Cantata.) We didn't know ANYONE who attended this church, we just wanted to enjoy the opportunity to be part of a community choir and sing Christmas music .

When we pulled up to the parking lot it was FULL but there was NO ONE in sight. We were cold. We were irritated with each other for being late. And we felt a great sense of insecurity about the whole situation.

We found an open door leading into a hallway which we assumed led to the sanctuary. We saw NO ONE as we walked through the unfamiliar halls hoping for some direction. Going up a little flight of stairs we opened a door at the top and were immediately ushered into the most amazing scene.

The huge cathedral type sanctuary had spectacular stained glass windows which, just at that moment, were absolutely FLOODED with light from the setting sun. The orchestra (40 talented musicians) filled the front and the choir were all in their places on the platform. Every eye seemed to look our way as we stumbled from the dim, narrow, hallway into the warmth and joy of that moment. We were greeted with smiles, kind words, and handed a book of music.

As the orchestra began to play I felt as though I had been ushered into heaven!!! The sound was breathtakingly beautiful as voices and instruments blended in perfect harmony. It seemed surreal, the contrast was so great from the shivering cold, ill-feelings, and insecurity, to the warmth, beauty, and acceptance suddenly thrust upon us.

It was a MAGNIFICENT MOMENT bringing to mind the reality of the fact that I am ONE STEP AWAY from another MAGNIFICENT MOMENT!!! Some day I will step from the momentary, mortal ills of this life, to a scene of glory and radiance FAR beyond anything I can now comprehend!!

"...when what is decaying is clothed with what cannot decay, and what is dying is clothed with what cannot die, then the written word will be fulfilled: "Death has been swallowed up by victory!"

What a magnificent moment THAT will be!!!

The Lord Will PROVIDE

Many years ago, sitting in the congregation of an outdoor camp meeting in Pennsylvania, I had the opportunity to experience something that has impacted my life in a remarkable and unforgettable way. The preacher was Evangelist McDonald, (I have never seen or heard of him since) a very tall, thin, raw-boned man with brown hair and fair skin. He wore a white dress shirt buttoned to the top without a tie or suit jacket and had, as I remember, a cheerful, rosy cheeked, countenance. His voice seemed to boom into the summer air as we sat on the hard wooden benches enduring the heat.

A delegation of ladies from the Caribbean were sitting near the front punctuating the thick air with an occasional, heartfelt "Amen". They were delightful ladies, their faces shiny and glowing with the love of God.

I cannot remember anything about this particular sermon on this particular afternoon EXCEPT the following: Suddenly, in the middle of his sermon, Evangelist McDonald began to sing. His voice was untrained but strong and he carried the tune well. With confidence he began to sing from memory these words:

Though troubles assail, And dangers affright;
Though friends should all fail, And foes all unite,
Yet one thing secures us, Whatever betide:
The Scripture assures us,"The Lord will provide,
The Lord will provide!"

His voice grew stronger and his face was radiant as he continued:

The birds, without barn Or storehouse, are fed;
From them let us learn To trust for our bread;
His saints what is fitting Shall ne'er be denied,
So long as 'tis written,"The Lord will provide,
The Lord will provide!"

The little Caribbean ladies were amening and lifting their hands as he launched into the third verse:

When Satan appears To stop up our path,
And fills us with fears, We triumph by faith;
He cannot take from us, Though oft he has tried,
The heart-cheering promise,"The Lord will provide,
The Lord will provide!"

As he began verse four something unusual started happening.

He tells us we're weak, Our hope is in vain;
The good that we seek We ne'er shall obtain;
But when such suggestions Our faith oft has tried,
This answers all questions,"The Lord will provide,
The Lord will provide!"

Suddenly Evangelist McDonald, was walking down off the platform still singing, his voice growing louder and triumphant:

No strength of our own, Nor goodness we claim;
Our trust is all thrown On Jesus' dear name.
In this our strong tower For safety we hide;
The Lord is our power,"The Lord will provide,
The Lord will provide!"

The little Caribbean ladies were now in the aisle dancing, hugging one another and praising God. The Evangelist took one lady by her hands and seemed to twirl her around and around as his voice reached a crescendo:

When life sinks apace, And death is in view,
The word of His grace Shall comfort us through;
Not fearing or doubting, With Christ on our side,
We hope to die shouting,"The Lord will provide,
The Lord will provide!"

As the song reached the high notes, it seemed God's Spirit rested on us in an unusual and supernatural way. We seemed to be closed in, away from the world, close to God's heart. It was a scene of rejoicing I will never forget. The truth of the song, the manner in which it was sung, and the consequent breakout of the PRESENCE OF GOD made an indelible impression on me that has brought me through many lean times. Indeed, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!!!!!

The Best Problem

Everyone has some sort of problem......well, everyone except my mom. She's always happy, she's always "FINE", and she always has a good day. But I feel quite sure that she is the exception. Most everyone else I know is NOT always happy, is NOT always fine, and is NOT always having a good day!

Most likely we should not compare problems but when I am engulfed by something difficult for me I try to get a new perspective to help me through it. Mother has a saying that may have led to these mental gymnastics. The saying, no matter what has or is happening to us....."It could be worse."

(For example, the other day while eating dinner together I made the comment, "This meat sure is tough." Mom's response? "It'd be tougher if you didn't have any!")

Since Mark and I have been somewhat short of funds lately, I decided to consider the problems others are presently dealing with and this is my discovery. I HAVE THE BEST PROBLEM!!!!!

Many who have "money to save, money to spend, money to lend a friend", have far, far worse senarios: failing health, the loss of a loved one, the heartbreak of a "prodigal" child, an unhappy marriage, a ghastly disease, or in my opinion the absolutely, most dreadful.......a lack of faith and consequently NO RELATIONSHIP with God!!! This one truly frightens me beyond words. I would be terrified to lose my faith or my walk with the Lord.

THE BEST PROBLEM IS.........financial shortfall. We are relatively healthy, have our family close, enjoy a happy marriage, and best of all are getting to know the truth of His word which cannot fail. He HAS, IS, and WILL supply our needs, and NOTHING can separate us from HIS LOVE!!!! (A "shouting" point indeed!)

This perspective is giving me quite a lot of comfort at the moment. I praise HIM that He is able to do superabundantly, far over and above all that I dare ask or think--infinitely beyond my highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams!! (Eph. 3:20)

God, THANK YOU for giving me the BEST PROBLEM.....well, it doesn't even seem like a problem now. Actually, the possibility presenting itself to me at the moment is the fact that I HAVE NO PROBLEMS AT ALL!!!!!

From Panic to Praise

C. S. Lewis once said, "I'm a panic-y person about money myself (which is a most shameful confession and a thing dead against Our Lord's words) and poverty frightens me more than anything else except large spiders and the tops of cliffs..." It seems a bit odd that we are so prone to discuss many personal problems such as illness, relationships, etc. but seldom, if ever, bring up the subject of finances but I must admit I have been extremely "panic-y" lately and especially TODAY.

This morning I knew we did not have enough money to pay the bills that needed sent out. I was sitting at the computer pondering the situation when I noticed the room getting brighter and brighter. The sun was coming out from behind a cloud. It seemed God spoke to me in my spirit and said loudly, "I'M HERE". I knew He wanted me to TRUST Him and NOT worry.

Mark and I had our devotional time together asking God to supply our needs. We were about $180.00 short. Around 4 p.m. the mail lady came AND YES there was a check in the mail which was about twice the amount we needed!!!!

I was reminded of the disciples when they were in the storm......afraid even though Jesus was WITH THEM. I had been afraid even though I knew God was with me.

This poem came to mind that sums up my point: DON'T PANIC.....GOD IS IN THE BOAT.

The Age-Long Minute
Thou art the Lord who slept upon the pillow,
Thou art the Lord who soothed the furious sea,
What matter beating wind and tossing billow
If only we are in the boat with Thee?

Hold us in quiet through the age-long minute
While Thou art silent, and the wind is shrill:
Can the boat sink while Thou, dear Lord, art in it?
Can the heart faint that waiteth on Thy will?
-Amy Carmichael

Our Devotions on Election Day

If we can manage it, Mark and I enjoy having devotions together in the morning. Our favorite Daily Bible Reading Plan is one we have used for several years now put together by Robert Murray McCheyne. (You can download it here - http://www.pesdirect.com/calendar.pdf ) Each day there are four portions of scripture listed. Two are entitled "family" and two are entitled "secret". (Lately we have been reading all four aloud.) It is wonderful to see how the passages fit together.

These are the scriptures given for Nov. 4 and we read them early that day. II Kings 17, Titus 3, Hosea 10, and Psalms 129, 130, 131. When I began reading II Kings 17 I felt that the words were amazingly relevant to what was weighing on our minds and hearts. OUR NATION.

Take the time to read these scriptures and tell me what you think.

The Greatest Mystery

This past Saturday around noon, Mark and I make a spur-of-the moment decision to drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. We thought we'd stop at some roadside farmer's markets and maybe drive up Pilot Mountain. There were still some beautiful leaves and the day was perfectly lovely.

This is a view of Pilot Mountain from the Parkway.

We had driven the parkway, had a bite to eat in Mt. Airy, and were heading back home about 6 p.m. when we decided to drive to the top of Pilot Mountain. The park closed at 6 but we asked a park ranger if we had time to go to the top and he said, "Sure, go ahead." This is a view from the top.

The sun was setting and the scene was one of breathtaking beauty. To our surprise we were not alone on top of the mountain. There were probably thirty people, kids, and dogs in tow. We noticed one whole section of the parking lot was blocked off and people were setting up huge telescopes. To our amazement, the Forsyth County Astronomy Club was having a gathering!!!!


I wish I could express the beauty of the sky as day faded into dusk and dusk faded into darkness. The moon, Jupiter, and Venus were shining brightly and one star after another began popping out until the sky was full. This picture doesn't get it but gives you a faint idea of how magical it seemed. People walked from telescope to telescope looking at various planets and stars. When I looked through the telescope at the moon it looked like a huge dinner plate. I could see the lighted part, the craters, and even the shadow the sun made on the craters. I could see the four moons of Jupiter. It was awesome!!!!!!

Above us the milky way spilled out and there seemed to be an endless sky far from the city lights. The scripture came to my mind, "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?"

We know the answer, it's just mind boggling to really believe it. How and why would He care for me so intimately? He MADE all this with a spoken word and He LOVES ME?? Wow!!! What an unforgettable experience.

God, help me never to doubt Your amazing power to take care of me in my little world.

A Prayer

I like this little prayer from Elizabeth Elliott's website.

I know when the stress has grown too strong,
Thou wilt be there.
Thou hearest prayer.
I know that in the crash of falling worlds, Thou holdest me.
I know that life and death and all are Thine eternally.
-Janet Erskine Stuart

My Walking Partner

Ever since we moved I have tried to find someone to walk with me. I've driven my husband to distraction (who is NOT a morning person and does NOT like to walk) by begging, cajoling, and pleading, asked friends, hinted to neighbors, but no takers. Walking in the morning sets my mood for the day and I felt I was spiraling into depression and the things that go with it for me: namely overeating, laziness, and self-pity.

Yesterday, as I pondered over my plight for the umpteenth time, I heard Someone say, "I'll be your walking partner." I knew my Friend, He had walked with me many times. I had forgotten that He is ALL I need.

SO.....THIS MORNING we went walking. My very favorite thing to do while walking is meditate and memorize THE WORD. The following is a feeble attempt at describing our walk.

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord..."

WOW!! The PRISONER of the LORD????? Paul didn't say, "Pray that God gets me out of this stinkin' jail. I am so sick and tired of the attitude of the jailers, and the guys in here with me.....You should hear their language!! The food is awful, the stench is terrific and I just gotta get outa here. Satan has put me in here and we need to agree together that God will DO SOMETHING." Paul looked at his situation, the place he was in at the moment as from the Lord. That seems incredibly amazing to me.

What about the place I am in right now? Do I see my situation as from the Lord and allowed and permitted by God? Hummmmmmmmm, serious food for thought.

"beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called"

Paul is BEGGING me to walk worthy. Have I been walking worthy when I entertain doubts, depression, and discouragement? Have I been walking worthy when I overeat at meals and eat snacks all day? Have I been walking worthy when I neglect my secret place with the Lord? I DON'T THINK SO!!

And then the realization that I have been called, by God, to a vocation, to a job. I may have others ways to earn money to pay my bills....that is NOT my purpose in life. My focus has got to be the purpose for which I am in this world.....to be like Jesus.

"with all lowliness and meekness"

I needed that. I'm embarrassed to say it, but pride is a pitfall I am constantly skirting.

"with long suffering, forbearing one another in love"

Ah, yes.......I need a truckload of long suffering again TODAY.

By that time I had my walk in, felt better emotionally and physically, and was focused for the day.

"Thank you, Lord, for walking with me, talking with me, telling me I belong to YOU. The joy we share is like no other."

Roosters, Cats, God Uses Everything

I think of how God used a rooster to get Peter's attention and bring him to repentance; it was a lesson only a rooster could teach. Well, recently God used a cat to teach me a lesson.

Squeeky, (my highly esteemed feline), has NEVER been a lap cat. If I tried to hold him on my lap he would jump down in three seconds. UNTIL..........

He got in his first CAT FIGHT. He came in, left eye half shut, bleeding from his nose and mouth....a very unhappy animal. Squeeky has never had a high tolerance for pain and he seemed devastated by the fight.

He stayed in the garage for two days and wouldn't eat or drink.....just seemed dazed by his injuries, and the recent discovery that he was not the boss of the block.

Well....to make a long story short.....

He has now turned into a LAP cat. He follows me everywhere. Even when I'm going in circles -- he goes in circles too!! As soon as I sit down he is in my lap purring. He curls up and goes to sleep if I sit there long enough.

The lesson God taught me from this is that when I am hurt by life, when I'm bruised and bleeding emotionally, when my enemy has given me a fight and I feel beat up.....

I need to gaze on Him, follow Him more closely, get up in His lap, find my contentment and peace in Him. May every hurt in life draw me to HIM.