Bill's Example

from my journal               November 30

Bill was a family man, a partner in a large law firm and head of the community foundation board. I was on the staff.. For years Bill had been quietly fighting cancer. He was back in the hospital, this time he had his nose removed.“ I’ll have a dressing over the hole,” he said, “but I’m still going to the conference.” On the plane he was as upbeat as ever. Suddenly he sneezed. I blurted, “I didn’t know you could sneeze without a nose.” He said:“Sure, and I have a built in handkerchief.”

 “The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who keeps his way preserves his soul.” (Proverbs 16:17)

Little Yellow Dots

 

November 29

 

While visiting a small Lutheran church in Massachusetts I found a sheaf of yellow dots with sticky backs in the guest register in the pew. A note said to put one of these dots on the face of your watch to remind you to take time to pray. Good idea I thought. I’m always looking at my watch. 

 Every time I look at my watch now I see that yellow dot and pray. I need more yellow dots in my life. How about you?

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

{1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Rhode Island Accent

 

 

 

November 28

 

Native Rhode Islanders have an accent and their own language. I know for I am one.

A cabinet is not made of wood but it is a milk shake with ice cream in it. Some Rhode Islanders have a tendency to pronounce an r that is not there and to leave one off when it is present. To wit; beer becomes bea and Cuba is Cuber.

There really is only one voice we need to hear and heed.

 

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28)

A Day in Washington DC

November 27

 

It had been a beautiful weekend to visit our nation’s capital. We visit the White House with a group but President Johnson remains upstairs. On Sunday we attend the National Cathedral where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is guest preacher. Driving to Connecticut we hear President Johnson say he will concentrate on seeking peace and will not seek reelection. It is a dark time for America. It would get worse. On  Thursday Dr. King, a peacemaker, is assassinated in Memphis.

 

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.”

(Matthew 5:9)

Fear of High Bridges

 

 

 

  November 16

 Time to face my fear of big bridges and trust God. The Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay looms in the distance.I start up the main span. I recite:

 

“The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.”  I’m shaking. “yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me.”  My hands steady on the wheel, “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” I reach the highest point, “You prepare a table in the presence of my enemies, You anoint my head with oil.” The sky brightens. “My cup runs over.” God is faithful.  “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” (From Psalm 23)

My bridge phobia is over.PTL

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Anniversary

 

 

November 15                   

 

It is our 27th wedding anniversary today but this post is from my journal entry about our tenth anniversary.

During breakfast Mr. A calls. He and his wife are arguing, counselors and ministers are away. Mrs. A arrives wanting to talk with Joy. That night we have the couple over for dinner. We listen, first to one and then the other and urge more professional help. We pray together. Hearing their complaints reminds us how blessed we are in our own relationship and keeping God in the center. The fresh realization of what we have is a priceless anniversary present.

“Of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.” (John 1:16)

Love Light

  October 14

 She said she felt sick and could I come right home. I found her in bed with a temperature.

Seeing her eyes, I was struck by how real love can be. I remembered a preacher saying, “Our love is like a light, which instantly dispels the darkness. Sometimes the light is shut out when a door is closed but that isn’t the light’s fault. The moment the door is reopened the light is there.”

 God’s love is like that, I thought. On this night our bedroom was filled with His love light. We left the door wide open.

 “Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:8)

Pathways to God

 

November 9

 

The preacher list different pathways people take to feel close to God:
Here are some.

1.      Relational…with other people

2.      Contemplative- solitude ( Joy’s path)

3.      Serving- feel closest when serving

4.      Creation- feel God through nature

5.      Intellectual-reading/study (mine)

6.      Activist-the action people, leaders,

7.      Worship- feel closest when worshiping

 An appropriate verse for my pathway is:

“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

Giving it Away

November 3     

He has been stuck since his last operation. He is on disability, is ending rehab and is totally depressed. I pray for guidance. At lunch he says, “I’m challenged physically but I’m ok mentally and spiritually.”

“You are not OK!” I retort. “ You are caught up in your pain and fears and it is consuming you.” He stares at me. “What you are saying, he says, "is that I have the grace but I’m keeping it to myself. I need to give it away.” I nod. We stand and hug..

“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses to Me.” (Acts 1:8)

Perfect Gentleman

Perfect Gentleman

November 2

He is a perfect gentleman,” Joy says. “He is gentle, patient and kind. When I make a mistake he doesn’t throw it in my face. He lets me be me. That is a real gentleman.”

 “How can anyone who demands things be done his way be a perfect gentleman?” I ask.

“You don’t understand me but he does.”

 

"I’m feeling totally inadequate now. I try to be a gentleman,” I suggest.

“You are.” she says, “But you are not a perfect gentleman-- “ only God is the  perfect gentleman.”

 “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” (2 Samuel 22:31)

Choices

November 1

 

A lady calls seeking a title for the church bulletin.  I blurt out “Choices.” So that is the topic for my talk on Layman’s Sunday. Later I realize that the message I delivered  was intended for me. I need to make the right choices in my life. I am a pretend Christian, going to church and saying the right things but not walking the walk. I needed to choose God as the priority in my life. I began by heeding the  scripture read at that layman’s service.

 

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be open to you.”
                                                               (Matthew 7:7)