Time to Leave

 

December 30

“Everything will be fine you’ll see,” his mother said lovingly to the boy.

“But suppose the world does end,” he insisted, “I won’t ever see you again.”

She assured him, “I’ll see you in Heaven. You will go up from here and your Dad and I from the Civic Center.”

“How will I find you in Heaven? It will be more crowded than the Civic Center.”

She hugged him. “Remember Heaven has pearly gates? Wait for me there. Ok?”

“That’s a deal Mom.”

 “Mizpah, because he said, ‘May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from another.” (Genesis 31:49)

Go Figure

 

December 29

Before they left the funeral home the sisters prayed for a sign that their deceased dad was all right.  A few days later Diane was listening to Public Radio while driving her car. Faith Middleton, was interviewing an author who responded to a question by saying, “It all began when I was shipwrecked off the coast of Africa.”

That’s exactly how her dad started every bedtime story when they were girls. She called her sister who had heard the same program. They took this as a sign their dad was ok.

 “Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 136.3)

It is all attitude

It Is All Attitude

 

December 28

 

She was in her 80's and walked a mile everyday to the church office arriving with a smile and a kind word for everybody.

Then there was Leo, “Mr. Fix It,” drawing after his car rolled backwards demolishing a metal shed he had just erected. What are you doing Leo?  “I'm designing a new shed and this time I'm making it out of wood, so if this ever happens again, at least I'll have some kindling left."

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

The Day After

I admit to a day after Christmas let down. I don't want to let go of the spirit of Christmas.
Why can't we continue to smile at each other and wish each other good will as we did
yesterday? Why not continue serving and giving to each other. I want to hold onto the
spirit of Christmas and not go back to "normal."

"Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude praising God and saying: 'Glory to God
in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." (Luke 2:14)

Christmas away from home

 December 25  Christmas Day  from my journal

 

Christmas away from home

 It is my first Christmas away from home courtesy of the U.S. Army. I’m stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. My view of Christmas is snow, sleighs and evergreens.

Here there are palm trees, plastic wreaths and cardboard snowmen. I’m just not in the Christmas spirit. I go to the chapel for a candle light service complete with familiar carols and readings. Leaving, it dawns on me that the first Christmas was in a desert. I get it loud and clar.

“Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

 

Merry Christmas everyone. Peace

The Wise Men

 

December 23 from my journal

 The story is familiar. Magi come from the East, following a bright star. "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary and they bowed down and worshiped him." (Matthew 2:11)

HOUSE! What happened to the stable?
The wise men traveled better than a year to find the new king' When they didn’t return to Jerusalem, paranoid Herod orders all children in Bethlehem two years and younger slain. Wise men obey God and act on faith. I should too.

"And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod they returned to their country by another route." (Matthew 2:12)

"Its a wonderful Life"

 

 

December 22 from my journal   three days to Christmas

 

The video I bought Christmas week  was Frank Capra's classic, "It's a Wonderful Life." I didn’t know the story but I like Jimmy Stewart.The main character George Bailey is a family banker. He is a good man but blames himself when things go wrong. He had misplaced his faith.
The message is an important reminder that when our heart is right and we help others God will bail us out just as George Bailey was delivered in the film. It is a wonderful life when we see God in it.

“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich and He adds no sorrow to it.” (Proverbs 10:22)

The Best Place to be

December 21  four days to Christmas from my journal

 The front page of The Hartford Courant has a picture of toll stations on a bridge. Both have green lights but one is empty while the other has a line of cars. The caption explains the commuters are going out of their way to show their appreciation to a friendly toll taker on his last day at work. That picture shows me I can be God's aroma of love to everyone, no matter what I'm doing or where. Isn’t that the best place to be, in His will?

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

(Colossians 3:23)

Christmaas Presents

December 20

Every year this woman has raised funds and donated gifts to needy families. But this yeat she was feeling depressed over not selling her house and had no energy for anything.

 One weekend her house sold and on Monday her boss informed her that all the sales associates decided not to exchange Christmas presents but buy toys instead and donate them to ‘her project. She told me“It was  God saying; Ok the house is sold here are the toys, now go distribute them.Isn’t our God awesome?”

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, For He is good, For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

Christmas Shopping

 

 

December 18       seven days to Christmas from my journal

 While Christmas shopping Joy saw a young mother struggling with two little girls. She was speaking sharply to them. I said to those girls “aren't you fortunate to have such a nice Mom who brings you shopping with her.” Walking down the aisle I heard the woman address her girls in a pleasant tone of voice.

 “That was God using me to reach that young mother." Joy mused, "God wants to use us to give words of encouragement."I can do that I thought. Who can I serve with encouraging words today.

 "Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.”(Matthew 20:26)

My Radio Debut

            

 

December 12

 It is my big chance to do the midday café show, on campus radio. I am the fill-in disc

jockey and my own engineer. The hour goes well, I think, and I fantasize some pretty coed making her way over to Davis Hall to get a glimpse of the man behind the voice. I end on time and reach for the main power switch. HORRORS. It is already off. My voice has never left the studio. If I am not connected to my power source all I do is for naught.

 

"I am the vine. You are the branches, he who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Remembering Pearl Harbor

                                                

December 7

 While vacationing in Hawaii. I visit the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. 

In the motor launch to the sunken battleship Arizona I notice there are as many Japanese tourists as Americans. Pearl Harbor is as much a part of Japanese history as it is of ours. I am surprised by this but not angry. I'm proud that this nation has followed the policy of reconciliation with its former enemies. It really is the only way to lasting peace. Jesus must be pleased also.

 "I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)

from my journal gofigure america.blogspot

Selling a house by owner

 

December 5

It is a buyer’s market with the average house sale taking six months. We are moving in a month and need to sell fast. I am pounding a for sale sign into the ground when a car stops in front of our house. The driver says she has been looking for a house on this street. A week later she buys our house. Realtors call and can’t believe we sold the house so quickly. They didn’t know that we had asked God to be our real estate agent.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.” (Philippians 3:6)

Every Day is a Gift

 

December 1

Another day to hear the birds sing,

A chance to see another sunrise,

An opportunity to learn something new,

More time to forgive and to forget,

Another day to appreciate all that grows,

Lord thank you for another day to serve,

Another chance to make a difference,

More time to laugh, linger and love,

Everyday is a precious gift.

“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13)

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

gofigure america.blogspot.com

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)

 

Halloween

Halloween

 

October 31

 

“Trick or treat?”  Years ago we didn’t ask for treats, we just did tricks. Now children don masks and costumes and demand treats from grownups, like an entitlement. 

The fact that All Saints Day follows Halloween is an appropriate reminder to put away the craziness for another year. Otherwise life could become a series of Halloweens with people wearing masks all the time. I know God wants me to take off my mask and get real with Him. No tricks or treats Lord, just living everyday humbly obeying You.

 

“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)

Bob Harron

 

October 30

 

He had a knack of seeing the best in people and encouraging them. Bob Harrron. was  the first sports publicist at Columbia University. At Bob’s urging a Columbia baseball game became the first telecast of a team sport. (April 17, 1939) A  reviewer wrote “baseball will never go on television.”

 

When Bob retired he came to Trinity College and became my mentor. He was the consummate encourager' God knows Bob, I am still trying to be everything you thought I was.

 “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19)

Memory

October 28

 

I am struck this day by what a priceless gift memory is. Without memory there would be no knowledge. There would be no Bible. I wouldn't know my own name.

 Memory is a wonderful gift and I shouldn't take it lightly. Thank God for memory.

 Moses warned us about memory long ago.

“You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. If you, by any means, forget the Lord your God, and follow other Gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.” (Deuteronomy 8:18-19)

Birthday Present

 

 

October 26

This is my wife Joy’s birthday. Friends drive us to a surprise. The car slows, then we see.  Gads! It is a glider. The pilot is dressed in jeans and a plaid shirt. “Nothing to worry about,” he smiles, “ the leaves are in full color.” We squeeze into one rear seat and the pilot closes the canopy. “We are in God’s hands now,” I whisper. The noise of the wind is loud. I thought gliding would be quiet. Joy gets her wish for a bird’s view of the countryside. We thoroughly enjoy ourselves. I’m just thankful the surprise wasn’t hang gliding.

 “Give all your worries to God for He cares what happens to you.” (2Peter 5:7 NLT)

From a Housing Project to Success

 October 24 

 His mom raised him, and five siblings in a housing project. At 13 Big Brothers matched him with Bob,19. who   encouraged Dave to finish school and go to college. After college Bob offered Dave a job at the TV station where he worked.

 Today, on his own, Dave is literally helping people around the world become successful in business. One of those people is Bob. Accepting an award Dave thanked God, his Mom, and Bob. "To succeed, work hard and pray,” he says.

 "The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it." (Proverbs 10:22)

Deceiving Myself

 

October 23

 

Our facilitator, Ron says, deception is looking outward at what the world says instead of looking inward at ourselves and what God says.” We list how we have deceived ourselves. I write:

  Judging my success by the world’s standard-praise from men. Thinking that if I work hard all will be right and if I do good I am good.

 “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it? I the Lord, search the heart. I test the mind, even give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

Help from Strangers

 

 

October 23   

Everything seems fine until I distinctly smell gasoline. I pull off the road, open the hood and find gas seeping out of the fuel line. It is a miracle that the engine hasn’t caught fire. Now what do I do? A car pulls in behind me. The driver sees the leak and proceeds to tape the split hose. What a Godsend.

 

Come to think of it, I have had a lifetime of Good Samaritans who have come by and bailed me out of trouble. on the roadways and byways of life. Many of them were strangers but as the parable says, they were my real neighbors.

"He who showed mercy on him."
Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." Luke 10: 36-37)

How Does God Keep Track?

 

October 20-21

 

How can God keep track of everything?

I read,” God is within you.” That's it. I imagine.I’m like a personal computer tied into a master computer. If I'm not plugged in I'm powerless. My screen is dark. Getting plugged in is an act of faith. Once logged on I can get an infinite amount of wisdom from the Master but that doesn't make me a mainframe. I’m still only a personal computer.

 

Jesus put it this way: "The Kingdom of God does not come visibly, nor will people say ‘here it is' or ‘there it is' because the Kingdom of God is within you."  (Luke 17:20-21)

Climbing a Rock Face

 

 

October 18

 

The rock face is straight up. My arms ache as I stretch for the next finger crack. It is out of reach. I stretch and my feet slide out and I fall. Barry Barth, my bailer, is doing his job. He holds the lifeline and I bang against the rock and dangle there. No damage to the bones just to my pride.

God is like that bailer. I can't see Him but I know He is there. He keeps me from falling too far, but allows me to climb my own obstacles. He picks me up when I fall and He renews my strength when I stumble. God can be your bailer too.

 “The Lord is the strength of my life;  of whom shall I be afraid.”(Psalm 27:1)

Flat Tire

October 17

I hear a familiar thump, thump coming from the car so I pull off to the side of the country road into an vacant lot. Yep! A  flat. A young man, Ryan offers assistance.  He is there to meet his boss, who is a carpenter.

" My boss was a carpenter once," I say adding, "I 'm talking about Jesus.”

Ryan looks up at me, then continues what he is doing in silence. The next moment his boss drives up and I tell him what a Godsend Ryan is. I know who sent him.

"The Father knows the things you have need of before you ask him." (Matthew 6:8)

"I'm Waiting on God's Direction."

October 16  

  

I have a friend who has been out of work for more than a year. He lives at least a mile from me on another street but there in my mailbox is a letter for him. God works in strange and wonderful ways. When I hand him the letter I ask how he is doing. He replies, " I am waiting on God to give me direction.”

"Did you ever think maybe God is waiting on you to get ready? How is your heart?  

 Don't answer me, that's between you and God. I was just prompted to ask."

 

"As in water, face reflects face, so a man's heart reveals the man." (Proverbs 27:19)

 

 

 

 

Secret to a Successful Marriage

 

 

October 13 Weekend

 

 Joy stands in the doorway to our little office and leaning on the doorframe she says, "I feel overwhelmed." I rise and take her by the hand saying, "You know where we go when we feel overwhelmed?"  We walk to the adjacent bedroom and kneel by the bed and pray.

Keeping God at the center of our marriage

and keeping Him our focus and making each other a priority has made for a lasting and loving relationship.

“Let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”(Ephesians 5:33)

"I Need Help Here"

 

 

October 12  

 

"Do we have a plan for this faucet?" Joy asks passing the bathroom sink.

I can't get the handle off to see what is wrong. I pray silently, " I need help here."

I open the valve under the sink for hot water to wash my hands. When I'm through, without thinking, I turn the regular faucet to shut the water off. It Works! I stand there staring at the faucet. I Slowly  turn the handle and the water comes out and then I turn it off again. It is working! How did it get fixed? It certainly isn’t anything I did, except pray.

"With men this is impossible but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

   

 

The Last Seinfeld Episode

    The Last Seinfeld Episode

   October 10

 

Although we had stopped watching, the hype lured us to watch the last Seinfeld episode.
It was surprisingly serious. Jerry and his friends are tried and convicted for their antics and not being sensitive to the needs of others. The characters, put in jail, don't get it.

What will the last episode of my life be like? I know I will be found guilty of being judgmental and insensitive to others. But my judge will be fair and forgiving. I’ll bet my life on that.

 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1John 1:9)

                

 

Tree Fort

 

October 6

 It was 8' x 8' with screened windows on three sides and a full size door. The fort could sleep four boys comfortably. No adults or girls allowed except by special invitation. It was a place to trade secrets and make plans. The former occupants of that tree fort are all grown now with homes of their own. The tree fort is gone too, only the supporting trees remain. Whatever was said there is at best a faint memory but it is not a secret.

"For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light." (Luke 8:17)

Worth Remembering

October 5

Received by E-Mail:

 "When the request isn’t right, God says no

When the time isn’t right, God says Slow

When we aren’t right, God says Grow

When everything is right. God says Go.”

 

 

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor 12:9)

Stand-in-the-Gap

 

October 4

A million men gather on the Mall in Washington D.C. on this day (1997) to humble themselves before their God.

We find a place to sit 500 yards from the main stage. It is 6:30 a.m.. The event starts at 1 p.m. It is a moving moment to see so many men from all over this nation arriving to Stand in the Gap. One speaker says, "Most assemblies on this mall demand rights. We are here to confess our wrongs." 

" If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land."

(2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT)

The Ultimate Question

 

 

October 3

 

 There is a powerful conversation between Martha and Jesus that puts it all right on the line. Martha says,  "Lord if you had been here my brother (Lazarus) would not have died. But even now I know whatever You ask of God, God will give you."

Jesus says, "Your brother will rise again."

Martha states: "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection in the last day.”

Jesus- "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me though he may die, he shall live.” Then Jesus asks the question we all eventually have to answer.

“Do you believe this?” (John 11:21-26)

Be Ready

 

 

September 29

 We don't know when a moment might be our last one. September 11th is a stark reminder

for all of us of how suddenly this life could end. I need to treat each moment as special. It

might be the last one. 

 “Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40)

Hospital Visitor

 

 

September 27

 

Before we enter the hospital Joy goes to an art shop. In her mother's hospital room family sit around the bed talking about medications and pain. Joy parts the curtains, tapes color paper to the walls and ties ribbons on the green plants. Within minutes that sterile room is warmed by sunlight and color and even the bedside conversation brightens.

God loves on us with light. You can’t see  the beautiful colors in the dark.

"Then God said, 'let there be light'; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness." (Genesis 1:3-4)

A Guest at Church

 

September 24

 My friend is excited, her neighbor finally attends our church service. She tells me:

“I ‘m glancing sideways during the service to see how she is reacting.  Her face seems non expressive.. During the message she stares at her feet and I’m confused. The service ends and I ask my friend, 'Is there anything you liked?"

Her neighbor smiles, “Oh! I saw God’s love before the service even started when your pastor walked in and kissed that boy in the wheelchair."

“Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” (Matthew 18:5)

Live the Moment

September 20

 Paraphrasing Thomas Merton Joy says "Live in the moment and see all that God has provided...it’s awesome." She asks how my day has been. I pause. Typically, another day has gone by and I have missed those precious moments.

Keeping a daily journal helps as does reading the Bible, taking a hike or listening to a child. Joy listens to chants or other music she enjoys as part of her quiet moments. I think I'll go for a walk and notice what's around me.

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Flat Tire

September 20

 

I hear a familiar thump, thump coming from the car so I pull off to the side of the country road into an vacant lot. Yep! A  flat. A young man, Ryan offers assistance. 

He is there to meet his boss, a carpenter.

" My boss was a carpenter once," I say adding, "I 'm talking about Jesus.”

Ryan looks up at me, then continues what he is doing in silence. The next moment his boss drives up and I tell him what a Godsend Ryan is. I know who sent him.

 

"The Father knows the things you have need of before you ask him."

(Matthew 6:8)

Is that you God?

 

 

September 17   

 

How do I know when a thought or message is from God? When it is not?

How can I be sure? When I ask the Lord for direction how do I know the response is from God and not the great deceiver? These questions remained until I was shown a simple way to test if the Spirit bringing the thought is of God. I have found that this test works quite well.

 

“By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not from God. (1 John 4:2-3)     

Bikers Nightmare

 

We were biking through the mountains of West Virginia when we encountered hair pin curves on wet pavement. We drifted off the road and our bike spun and lunged forward.

 

“What's happening,” I screamed, tightening my grip on Pat.

 

“I'm trying to get us back,” my husband yells.

 

We hit something and became airborne. That's all I remember.

Our friends Randy and Carrie Carr, who were cycling with us since we left Cleveland for Charleston, later told us our Harley had hit a rock and catapulted into the air doing a complete somersault. Both of us lost our grip and fell off.

 

I landed in a ditch and 1,200 pounds of motorcycle landed on top of me. Randy, being a large strong man, lifted that bike off of me and set it aside. He said my eyes had receded back into my head and he thought I was dead.

 

Patrick was cut and immobile. He kept asking, “How's Julie?” They didn't want to upset him further so they replied, “She's going to be ok.”

 

Earlier we had passed a couple on a bike towing a small trailer. It was a God thing that the gal on that bike was a nurse. When I regained consciousness she was cradling my head in her lap. She told me in a soft voice to remain calm and to be still.

 

Two helicopters arrived and landed on the road. They put one of us in each chopper. I remember thinking how odd, I had always wanted to fly in a helicopter but I won't be able to see anything lying flat on my aching back. I passed out again.

Hours later, when I woke up in the hospital, it seems I had been given an MRI of everything except my hurting back. I was sick that night from a concussion.

 

It is a miracle that we both survived. Patrick had a broken T-5, T-7 vertebrae and a broken neck. When we left the hospital days later, we were quite a sight. He was in a full body brace and I was in a neck brace.

 

I was in physical therapy for five months before an MRI was taken of my back. I had broken the same bones as my husband. I should have been in a full body brace like he was.

 

It is frightening to think that since I didn't have a full body brace, I could have easily done something to exert myself that would have left me paralyzed. I couldn't have surgery because the break was too close to my lungs.

 

Today we are both walking miracles, Pat is back riding his Harley, but it is not for me. I still have back pain which I manage daily best I can, “thank you Lord.”

I'm grateful to God and praise him to this day for his mercy and blessings.

 

Julie Clarke

Charleston, WV

Share the Hope You Have

Share the Hope

 

 

Weekend of September 14

 It has been a week since the horrific events of September 11 when America was attacked by terrorists. The country is still trying to pick its sanity out of the ashes.

Our small group shares feelings ranging from depression and fear to outrage.

“What can we be doing as individual Christians?” someone asks. We are quiet.

A woman responds, “We can share why we have hope. I’m calling my neighbors.”

 

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.”

(1 Peter 3:15)

Talking to a Porpoise

September 13

 

I never met a porpoise I didn’t like.

My first personal meeting with a porpoise outside of an aquarium was in waters off Panama. I was out on the bowsprit of a fishing boat and one swam along side and rolled inside our bow wake, looked at me a squealed. I leaned over and said hello. The porpoise squealed a greeting at me.  This went on for several minutes. It was a friendly encounter I still cherish. I wonder what the porpoise was thinking?

"So God created great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:21)

A Parking Ticket

 September 12

 This morning I drive downtown for a meeting. There are two parking spaces on the street near the hotel. I take the one nearest the corner so I can get out quickly.

When I return there is a ticket on my windshield. I had parked in a no parking area and the quarters I had put in the meter were for the parking space in front of me.

A friend says, " Don’t fuss over it, or it will cost you more than the amount on the ticket."  That tip is 2,000 years old.

 "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21)

Soft and Hard Putty

September 8

The preacher came down the aisle holding two cans of putty, one contained putty which, had hardened after exposure to the air and the other was a new can that contained soft pliable putty. "When our hearts are open we are pliable and God can mold us like clay but when our hearts are neglected they become hard.” I need to give up what I think I am and let God mold me into what He intends me to be.

Jeremiah said only with God's help can we be softened.  God says, “When you search for Me you will find Me; if you seek Me with all your heart!” (Jeremiah 29:13.)

A very Special Day

September 7

 

This is a very special day for Joy and me.  Pastor Pat baptizes us in our lake. We both emerge from the water shivering but it is not from the coolness of the water. We praise the Lord while we huddle together at the water’s edge draped in towels. We are all trembling with excitement and for good reason.

 

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved." (Mark 16:16)

"Indeed I baptize you with water unto repentance but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 3:11)

Dealing with Anger

September 6

 

We are in the house, voices raised. Joy yells, "pray."  We both kneel. I reach out to hold her. She pulls back and snaps, "don't touch me, I don't even like you now."  She demands, “Jesus we can't handle this, we need You now!" Her arms come around me. The anger subsides and our voices are now soft. We forgive each other. God answers knee-mail.

 

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another; even as Christ forgave you, so you must do. (Colossians 4:13)

South Shore Community Church

September 5

 Joy and I moved to Florida some 25 years ago where our home church is South Shore in Sarasota Fl. Here the love of God and each other is clear. The young and vivacious pastor ends every service
saying: At South Shore we don't go to church." The congregation enthusiastically responds, "We are the church." The pastor says, "Go be the church."

"This is my command: Love each other." (Jesus) John 15:17)

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First Church

                                                  
September 4

Before Joy and I came to Florida we attended First Church of Wethersfield. It was a church where Believers shine brightly for any doubters to see. God's love abounds. Every Sunday the minister
opened the service quoting Isaiah.

"Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

Keep Praying

 A friend in our church is going in for an operation for breast cancer. I pray briefly right then for the Lord’s mercy and hand in that surgery.

Later that day I learn that her operation went well and the surgeon thought it was a success. I quietly say,” Thank you Lord for a prayer answered.” I’m blown away when I hear that her whole office stopped what they were doing and prayed when she went into surgery and didn’t stop praying until she came out.

 “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28)          

Church Camp

 

August 30

 

The real purpose of church camp was to  teach young boys about Jesus. I recall one moment. The teacher used a beaker full of a red liquid to represent our sinful self. “This is what happens when we ask Jesus into our lives to forgive our sins.” he says pouring something into that beaker. The red disappeared instantly. That was cool to an eleven-year old, yet it would be forty years before I fully understood and accepted what that teacher was illustrating to a bunch of campers that morning.

“Truly I say to you, except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

Fire!

 

August 29                                              FIRE!

The word yells at you. It demands action." Call the fire department! Let's go! "Where are Pat and Steve?"  "At the fire!"  We run up the hill behind the cottage.  It is steep and long." "I smell it."  "I see it.”  Finally the top! There are two blackened faces, one boy holds a charged shirt. A circle of flames 10 feet in diameter is growing. Thank God there isn't a breeze.  Finally firemen, who panted up the same hill with back pumps, douse the flames. 

"But I have trusted in your mercy;My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:5-6)

Epitaph

 

August 27

What would you want written on your tombstone? Gino says; "his passing this way made a difference." I remember this because less than a year later, Gino died of a heart attack.. From the overflow eclectic crowd at his funeral and from the things that were said I knew that his “passing this way had made a difference” in a lot of people's lives including mine.

I know now it doesn't matter what is on my tombstone. Men will write that. What counts is what God says. I pray it will be something like:

"Well done good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)

Hot Day

 

August 24 (weekend)

 "I had no idea why I bought four bottles of water," Joy tells me, "one bottle would have been enough for the trip home. Something just told me to buy four.As I approach the toll station for Sturbridge, I notice a family of four sitting by the side of the road with a dog. They are beat. I stop, all are thirsty, especially the dog."

“Whoever gives to one of these little ones a cup of cold water.... truly I say to you, he shall in no way lose his reward.”(Matt 10:42)

Agape' Communion

August 23

 Joy excitedly tells me that at a women's retreat, she was asked to serve communion. She knew that she wasn’t ready, but God was. “ We had an agape' communion. We were all in tears. Susie served the bread and I offered the wine. We were remembering Jesus and what he did at the Last Supper.”

 

“He took the bread, gave thanks, and broke it and gave it to them saying ‘This is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me. Likewise after supper he took the cup saying, ‘This cup is the new testament in my blood. Which is shed for you.” (Luke 22: 19,20)

Dealing With Stress

 

August 22

 

We are moving and boxes are all over the living room. I fear two things I need are in one of the taped boxes.  “Let’s stop and pray right now,” Joy says.. “Lord we seek your help here. We need to find the work folder and the gift certificate or give us peace about it.”

I feel my stress subside. I thank her for her love. As I rise from my knees I spot an open box under the divan. Inside is my business folder and the gift certificate.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Yelling

August 21

 We received a call that a couple we knew was having a violent argument in front of their children. By the time Joy and I arrive the husband has left the house and the wife was still shaking from anger and fear. The confrontation started when one of the parents yelled uncontrollably at a child who refused to finish her breakfast. The other parent jumped to the defense of the daughter and a yelling match ensued.  How different things could be if they followed the wisdom of the Proverbs.

 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

You can't out give God

August 20

Yesterday I finally broke down and bought a new printer for my computer to print these pages in draft. It cost $183 with tax.

For the next four hours I’m printing draft text or notes for this project. I finish and get online to check the stock market. A stock I purchased the day before is up two points. I sell it. My profit on 100 shares is exactly $183. Is this Divine payback for finally being obedient and buying that printer? I think so! Now I owe God 10%.

 We can't out-give God. Try it.

"Give generously for your gifts will return to you later." (Ecclesiastes 11:1)

Unconditional Love

 

 

August 18

 My teacher told the class my name meant “bald-headed monkey.” Laughter  “Your teacher is mistaken, you tell her your name means bald-headed eagle,” Mom said. My teacher apologized and told the class.

A loving mother and a compassionate teacher had restored a boy’s self-esteem.

I didn’t fully appreciate my mom’s love for me until she was gone. I bet the Apostles felt the same way about Jesus.

God loves us so unconditionally that, “He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  (John 3:16)

100 holes of golf in one day

 

August 17

 

Years ago I played 100 holes of golf to raise funds for Christian charities. Each player had raised pledges by the hole. I leaned on my club when the ground gave way and swallowed my putter. I finished with a borrowed one. The golf pro suspects my old putter fell down the shaft of an old well. Later, I won a drawing for a new handcrafted putter. Now whenever I'm asked about my unusual looking putter, I say, "God gave me this putter. You see I was playing 100 holes of golf.....

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…" (James 1:16)
gofigureamerica.blogspot.com

 

Reeling in Walter

 

August 16

Walter, Joy’s dad, and I are returning from lunch to the Soldier’s Home. We enter the chapel together. I read from "Would you like to Know God Personally?" There is a suggested prayer to receive Christ through faith. I ask if this is his desire? He nods and he repeats the prayer. I call Joy who is still in Florida. I tell her and I hear a gasp.   “I can't believe this. God is wonderful. The last two days I have been picturing my dad standing before Jesus, head bowed, fidgeting and holding his fishing pole.” Praise God.

“Rejoice with me; I have found my sheep which was lost.” (Luke 15:6)

How Do You Handle Criticism

 

August 14

Some people turn criticism into fuel to propel them forward. For me criticism is a brake, which slows me down. I had a boss once who not only listened to me criticize a decision he had made but thanked me for it. I need to take a rebuke  like that, learn from it and move on.

How do you handle criticism? Does it slow you or grow you?

."Rebuke a wise man and he will love you.

Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser;
Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning." (Proverbs 8:31)

Guide Dog Standoff

 

August 11 weekend

 West Hartford CT business center is a small version of a big downtown where Fidelco trainers walk their guide dogs. I am behind a trainer and his dog as they arrive at an intersection. A car arrives at the stop sign. It is a standoff. I watch. Nobody moves. Finally the trainer, acting blind, gives in and waves the driver on. His mouth is moving as he drives by. I can only guess what words he uses to express his feelings. I shouldn't judge the driver who obviously is making a misjudgment of his own.

 "Judge not that you be judged." (Matthew 7:1)

Scar on My Arm

 

August 10

It was a first date. I knew she was impressed as we unloaded the picnic basket and spread things out. The concert started and I got out the bottle of wine and  real wine glasses. I even brought a corkscrew. I was feeling proud of myself.

I knelt and held the bottle with one hand and the corkscrew with the other. As I was cutting through the paper that covers the cork I slipped and the jagged corkscrew sliced up my arm. I bled profusely. We never dated again and I still have the scar. 

“Pride goes before a destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)

High School Reunion

 

 

August 9

Signs pointed the way. I stood in the doorway, staring at old people. I wonder when we leave this world if there will be a reunion of souls that were in the same earthly class? Will the Heavenly reunion be just peers or will it include parents, mentors, teachers, bosses, children, and of course high school classmates?

 Will I be bored? Will I be shocked?  Will I be invited? I'll be happy just to be there.

 "So the last will be first, and the first will be last. For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 20:16)

Missed Opportunity

August 8

The man says, "You certainly model your faith and you don't shove it down somebody's throat. How did you get to where you are?" Its an invitation and I blow it. I had let me get in the way. I had tried to tell him how I got to where I was rather that tell him who brought me to where I am today. I should have quoted Paul's words.

"I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me;

and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
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Bright Light

 

August 7

Ron held the hand of his younger brother while in a coma in a hospital. "All I could do was groom him. and ask God where my brother was. There was a flash of light, so bright I dropped his hand. Then I knew he was with God and a peace came over me."

Don, struggling with tears, said he was beset by pain imagining what his little brother must have gone through just before the impact of the head on crash that killed him. “A bright light, temporarily blinded me and I heard in my head, ‘Don't worry I took him before the impact."

 ”Then your light will break forth like the dawn and your recovery will quickly appear."(Isaiah 58:8) 

Family Reunion

                

 

August 6

There is something special about a family reunion and seeing each other and the children who grow so quickly into little people. Once a year our various busy lives intersect for a day. We share and care, not because we know each other well but because we are family. God wants us all to love each other, simply because we are all family, His family.

 "A new commandment I give to you, love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (John 13:43)

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Barred from Prison

 

 August 3

Our prison services were suppose to start in February. I had April. I asked people to pray for me and they did. We never got into the Prison. The clearances hadn’t come through. We prayed for the men through the barbed wire fence. I was reassigned to December. A call in late November cancelled our group.

God didn't want me in that prison. Why? Wasn't I properly prepared? Wasn't my heart right? A year later I heard God’s reply, "You never asked Me." It wasn’t His will that I go, it was mine.

 “For without Me you can do nothing.” (John 51:5)

 

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