Happy Easter

 

April 16   from my journal

Easter Sunday I am one of the greeters for our church. The greeting is going well until I hear myself say, "Happy New Year." Where did that come from? "And Happy New Year to you,” the people respond. Then it dawns on me. It is a Happy New Year on the church calendar. The church began with His resurrection. Without Easter there is no Christian church. So “Happy New Year.”

“Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)

Good Friday

 

 

 

April 18

Now that I realize what Jesus did that Friday, good seems an understatement. Why isn't it Great Friday or Sacrifice Friday or Super Friday or God Friday? A friend reminds me this time of the year that,  “you have to go through Good Friday in order to get to Easter." Jesus knew He had to die for us to live.  That first Friday was indeed, God Friday.

Even during those excruciating hours on the cross, Jesus had the compassion to pray, "Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

HUGH

 

April 17 from my journal

He walks down our street twice a day always waving when a car passes. Hugh will keep an eye on the house when you are away and take in any packages. One rainy morning I saw Hugh going driveway to driveway, picking up the newspaper and tossing it closer to the front door so people wouldn’t get wet. This is not a trivial service from someone who is 91. Hugh is a Godly example of what  the Lord wants us all to be.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

A Cross

                      

April 16

St. Anne's Shrine is located on a hillside not far from our lake house in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Joy climbs the steep stairs to the large cross. "Then I saw dozens of hair pretties lying about, left by women who were moved to leave part of themselves there.” Joy says that the Cross is a double invitation." We can take everything we need from it like; hope, love and our salvation, and we are invited to leave at the foot of the cross what we don't need like; worries, fears and our sins."  Not hair pretties.

"Come take up the cross, and follow Me." (Mark 10:21)

            "Don’t Go to Phoenix"

 April 10  from my journal

I am spending a day "with the Lord." I am trying to emulate Psalm 46  “be still and know that I am God.” I hear a voice in my head make a clear demand.

"Take off your hat," I do! "Get to know me through My Word." "Don't go to Phoenix." WHAT!

I heed the voice and cancel my trip to a business conference in Arizona. God knows why, I don’t, I just obey.

"...when you turn to the Lord your God and obey his voice, He will not forsake nor destroy you." (Deuteronomy 4:30-31)

                   

23^rd Psalm

April 9

This Psalm I hear most often at funerals. But most of the words are for us, the living.

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” That is for us-here and now.
“Green pastures and still waters” are for living sheep. “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
 I sense God's presence every day, indeed “my cup overflows" with His love here and now.
"Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.” Present tense.

Psalm 23 ends with "and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Future tense.

Going Fulltime

 

April 5    from my journal     Going Fulltime

 

At breakfast a businessman tells me, “Maybe I need to be full-time in Christian ministry."
I hear myself say, “Maybe it isn't about being in full-time Christian ministry but about being a full-time Christian." I needed to hear that myself. "That statement didn't come from me, it just came out of my mouth."

"Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 6:18)

Jessica's Shot

 

April 4    from my journal

My granddaughter is seven and has come to stay overnight with Grampy and Joy. She has type I Juvenile Diabetes and has to have an insulin injection twice a day.

Her mother had shown me how and I had practiced on an orange. I’m nervous and pray silently. The Lord answers me through the child.  Jessica squeezes some flesh together on her leg and says, "Come on Grampy, we can do this together." We do. Praise The Lord.

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will give Me the glory." 

(Psalm 50:15)

Jury Duty

 

April 3

 

I report for jury duty. I am impressed by the seriousness and thoroughness of the court to insure a fair trial. My faith in the US judicial system is reaffirmed. I contrast this with another judicial system.. At my final trial there will be no jury. Just a judge who will find me guilty as charged.  My defense counsel will approach the bench and will point out He has already paid the price and I will be set free.

 

“ By grace you have been saved through faith and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God and not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Key to daily living

April 2

 There are ten words in the Bible that are  key to living each day free with peace.

 Every sin begins with a thought and if we nip it in the bud and not dwell on it we eliminate  worry, doubt, hate, bitterness, selfishness, stress and much more. We are daily in a battle with our thoughts, every minute of every day. So how do we  change our thoughts? Paul gave the answer to the Corinthians. Try this it works.

“bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)

An Old Mercedes

March 30 from my journal

It is a 1975 Mercedes 230 gas-operated four-door sedan, dark green. I bought this motorcar from the original owner when it was 19 years old. It has now been eight years, a move to Florida, two weddings and 35,000 miles. I know I’m not being a good steward of my God-given resources pouring more money into this sedan. Am I becoming too attached to this car? I sell it and buy a used American-made van.

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21)

March Madness

March 29

Connecticut is facing the Duke Blue Devils, the heavy favorite, for the national college men’s basketball championship. My wife Joy, kneels next to the TV “ Lord we pray for a UConn win. We claim it.”

I think, “what will she think when UConn looses.” Oh you of so little faith.
The game is a thriller. In the last six seconds  Duke turns the ball over twice (explain that) and UConn wins, 74-71.
I only know of one person who had the faith to claim victory before the game.

“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22)

Richard Redfield

 March 28   from my journal

He was 80, a retired trust officer of a major bank, knew tons of people and was volunteering to help the foundation.He was a raconteur. One snowy day, he and one girl showed up at preschool. "That was my afternoon with Katherine Hepburn.”  He was fun, friendly and helped me at the foundation for six years. “God willing” he’d say  often.

'God Willing.' some day, I hope to become a Richard Redfield to someone else.
"The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness."
(Proverbs 16:31)

Army Rifle Range

 

March 27

 “Lieutenant " he said:” it is 0605. and the Captain says get your (bleep) out to the range the best way you can.” I went to the pit area and found the field sergeant had everything under control. Thank God for sergeants. At noon the Captain with arms folded addressed all officers. “The first round was to go off at 0800." Pointing a finger at me he says, "The only one ready at 0800 was our pit officer." 

My life commander tells me to be ready. I don’t want to be sleeping when He comes again. Are you ready?

 

"Be ready, for the son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

(Matthew 24:44)

Qualifty Guy

March 25

When Michael Jordan retired from basketball he came to spring training with the White Sox in Sarasota. Don, an ex-Nike rep and Michael play golf. No press. At one green a small boy with a pad stands with an old man. Michael signs it. "Now you can tell your schoolmates that you saw Michael Jordan," The man says "My grandson is blind."  Michael drops to his knees, and with the boy's hands in his, runs them over his face. "Now you can say you felt my face and it is ugly."

“Therefore whoever humbles himself as (a) little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4)

Bumperstickology

 

March 22

It is right there on the bumper of the vehicle, clever pithy one or two liners to convey a message. These caught my eye.

 If God is your co-pilot, switch seats.

Faith or Fear Take your Choice.
God answers knee mail
Kindness is a language, All can understand

“ I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:14)

A Box of Crayons

March 21

“How did you two meet?” He replied, “Oh it wasn’t a big deal.” He then proceeded to give a factual, albeit dry, account. His wife was crushed but kept silent. She prayed and went shopping and saw her answer. Later she said, “Dear could you add a little color telling how we met? I don’t expect this much,” she said, holding up a large box of crayons, “this much,” handing him a little box. At another dinner his wife beamed as her husband described their meeting using the large crayons.

 

"And now abide faith, hope ,love, these three: but the greatest of these is love"(1Corinthians 13:13)

A Daughters Forgiveness

March 20

“God answered my every prayer,” Joy said excitedly on moving her dad to the Soldiers Home, “He even made a new friend and guess what his name is? Steward Kindness. Imagine that.”

You would never know that her dad had walked out of her life when she was barely a teenager. Now she was a loving daughter and his primary health advocate. As an adult Christian she had asked God to help her forgive him. God heals a willing heart.            

“Ask and you will receive,that your Joy may be full." (Psalm 55:22)

A Daughter's Forgiveness

 

 March 20

“God answered my every prayer,” Joy said excitedly on moving her dad to the Soldiers Home, “He even made a new friend and guess what, his name is?" Steward Kindness. "Imagine that.”

You would never know that her dad had walked out of her life when she was barely a teenager. Now she was a loving daughter and his primary health advocate. As an adult Christian she had asked God to help her forgive him. God heals a willing heart.            

 “Ask and you will receive That your Joy may be full.”(Psalm 55:22)

Four Critical Decisions

March 18

 

“What four decisions, if you made and implemented them, would most profoundly change your life?” I list:

1. Listen and be obedient to God

2. Enter into prayer covenants

3. Give God an hour everyday to pray, read the Bible and write (God’s Way)

4. Keep physically fit by exercising daily

With the Lord’s help I will implement these decisions. What four decisions would most profoundly change your life?

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

In His Time

 March 15 from my journal          

This morning Joy is up and preparing to go to Tampa to fly to Connecticut. She is going on a three-day winter retreat with twelve other women. .

The phone rings. It is the Soldier's Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts. They have a bed for her dad, Walter. He has been on the waiting list for a year.  "God is great, perfect timing,” Joy marvels. She had planned to stay over Tuesday after the retreat and visit her dad. Now she can move him into the Soldiers Home.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above."  (James 1:17)

Fallen Heroes

March 14

 

 How often man falls from lofty heights. Names that jump quickly to mind are: Jimmy Baker, President Clinton, Tonya Harding, Charles Keating, President Nixon, O.J. Simpson, Martha Stewart, Tiger Woods, and Mike Tyson. How about Arthur Anderson, Enron and World Com. It is all so sad.

Such falls can and do happen to all of us. We are just not as visible. We have been warned. When will we learn?

"How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." (Proverbs16:16)

The Elephant is Gone

          

 

March 13    from my journal

Today the doctor calls reporting negative readings from her mammograms. Joy says “the elephant sitting on my chest is gone.”

At one point in my life I had such restriction in one arm that I couldn't get into a coat by myself.  The numbness began happening to my leg and when I stood up I couldn't move for several seconds. X-rays and an exam detected no physical problems.  All these problems, which I experienced first hand, went away when I reduced the stress in my life.

"Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?"  (Matthew 6:27)

Buying a Pre-owned car

 

March 12        from my journal

The prospect of owning a newer car is exciting but I don't look forward to the haggling over the price. It is awkward. It’s embarrassing. It’s stressful. I know that moment is coming. How much do I offer?   The sales person is going to try to out-maneuver me then he has to check with somebody in another office. I wait. When a deal is done why do I wonder if I could have bought it for less? Then I drive home and don't I tell the first person that admires the car, how little I paid.

 "It is good for nothing cries the buyer. But when he had gone his way he boasts."

(Proverbs 20:14)

Air Raid Drill

 

March 11

 

When I was in elementary school we had  air raid drills. We would march by twos down the street to the brick library. One day our principal announced  the possibility of a real air raid, not a drill. We were sent home immediately. Kids ran down the sidewalk screaming. Somebody yelled, "I hear a plane," I hit the ground. 

As a child I had misplaced fears and so did my principal that day. As an adult I have fears but this time I’m placing them in the right hands.

 

 “But whoever listens to Me will dwell safely, and will be secure without fear of evil.” (Proverbs 1:33)

Quotes to Ponder

March 8

 "God Loves every one of us as if there is but one to love." (St. Augustine)

 "God makes Himself known through the hungry, the homeless and the unloved."

(Mother Theresa)

"If you are going through a time of discouragement there is a big personal enlargement ahead." (Oswald Chambers)

"God has a plan for each of us and what we want or ask for may not fit into the plan."(Albert Einstein)

“Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man.(Ecclesiastes 10:13)

Ballard

 

March 7

He was in his mid-forties when he became the rector of the Episcopal Church that I  attended. He was a teddy bear, large, gentle and comforting. He baptized two of my children, buried one and married one. Ministers tend to do that over time. He boarded up my house when a truck plowed through it and urged me to do more with my life when I was comfortable. We cried, laughed, and prayed together. He listened, praised and prodded and when it was time for me to move on he helped me leave. Ballard was one of my God-sent friends.

 "A real friend sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)

Fear of Flying

March 6                     from my journal

Joy shares with our small group her fears about flying. She is seated next to a woman who teaches religion at a college.

Joy asks, “Why is your seat going back and forth? I don’t think playing with your seat is a good idea in this turbulence.”

The lady smiles, “ Maybe if you weren’t gripping my arm rest so tightly and the seat button, I wouldn’t be moving.”

By talking about it and getting on that plane is her action step of faith, Joy is mastering her fear rather than letting fear master her. What fears must we confront?

 

“Give all your worries to God for He cares what happens to you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)

A Saturday in SanFrancisco+

      

 

March 5

 

It is Saturday afternoon in San Francisco. My consulting project is over and I am heading to a restaurant when I come upon a pornography shop with plenty of luring signage. It would have been easy to walk in, nobody will know. But I will know and God will know!

 

I remember what Joseph did when Potiphar’s wife tempted him. He ran.

I do likewise. I recall Joseph’s  words to that lustful woman.

 

 "How can I do this wickedness, and sin against my God." (Genesis 39:9

A Fish Story

                

 

February 28

 

 One year I put together tidbits about hunting and fishing for The Record of Bergen County N.J. That summer I talked my editor into letting me cover the R.I. Tuna Tournament providing I wouldn't charge for my travel. At the time my folks lived in Rhode Island so I could  visit and stay with them. God arranged for a fisherman from Bergen County to catch the largest tuna and my story and a picture made page one.

Now I have a manager Who wants me to make a bigger catch..
"Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Mark 1:17)

RICH

 

February 27 from my journal  Being RICH

It is stewardship Sunday at the Federated Church in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The pastor, Graig Peel, uses an acrostic, RICH, to convey his stewardship message.

"Receive everything from God.

"Invest in others cheerfully

"Let God guide your choices

"Hold onto the one who holds onto us."

 Since I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, I can’t be any richer than that.

 "If you abide in My word, you are My disciple indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:3)

Controlled Church Auction

A Controlled Church Auction

 

The vestry has asked me to write about the amazing events of Monday, October 31,2016 for inclusion in our church history.Father John Mears and the congregation at little St. Peter's church in Forestville, New York, left the apostate Episcopal Diocese to join the Anglican Church of North America many years ago.

The Episcopal Diocese continued to claim ownership of this property, which by New York law they were entitled to do. The national Episcopal church leadership approved a rule that would not allow any congregation leaving the Episcopal church to buy the property it occupied.

Jim Fanning, Chancellor of the Diocese, greatly respected Fr. John and was sympathetic to the work being done at St. Peter's.Eventually, (we think with the Chancellor's encouragement) the Diocese decided to put the property up for public auction, giving us a chance to bid. The date was set for October 31, 2016 and advertised in the local newspapers.

Our vestry and Father White, who had become our pastor after Fr. Mears died, decided to limit the amount we would bid to $15,000,( all the funds we had.)  We were told there was a man from Evans coming to bid and someone was flying up from Florida with plenty of money. His plan was to strip the building of its stained glass windows (valued at $35,000) and remove the ancient timbers and fixtures.

The auction began at 9 a.m. Nearly all the congregation was there. The bidding began and surprisingly there was only one other person bidding against us.The bidding began slowly and when it reached $2700 our Pastor bid $3,000. Suddenly it was quiet. there was no other bid. “Going once, going twice, sold to St. Peter's congregation.”

 Later, the other bidder told a member of our congregation, he was planning on bidding a great deal more and using the building for storage for his business. He said, “every time I bid, the church people turned and stared at me. I decided I wasn't strong enough to fight that kind of 'Karma'.”

While officials were signing all the legal documents two angry men (including the man from Florida) came in furious they had missed the auction. They mistakenly had gone to the Forestville Clerk's office and not to the Hanover Clerk's office where the auction was advertised to be held. These were the men who were prepared to bid much more.

After the bidding was over, the Diocesan treasurer said quietly to Chancellor Jim Fanning, “that was the work of the Holy Spirit.” You can imagine the cheering and tears from our members because it was God, Who arranged the winning bid for us

And God wasn't through blessing our church. Later, after our pastor had shared our story at St. Bartholomew's Church in North Tonawanda, a parishioner came and handed him an envelope containing a check for $3,000. Praise the Lord.

Dorothy Mears, church secretary

Forestville, NY

How a House is Built

 

February 21

Driving back Joy looks at me with loving eyes and says, "Thank you for wanting to buy me a bigger and better home. We really can't afford that house right now and besides the master bedroom, bathroom and hallway need a lot of work." When we arrive at our home it doesn’t seem so small and it feels comfortable. I literally open my Bible and read:

"Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established;

By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches." (Proverbs 24:3-4)

High Five

High Five

 

February 20   from my journal

 

"I rode my bike today without the training wheels, all by myself,” she said happily

"You did?"

"Yep and I rode all the way," (deep breath) "all the way from down the street.

"That's wonderful Kyle. Way to go girl."

 They exchange high five's.

Sometimes I feel I still have the training wheels on my bike of faith.  I know when I finally ride off in complete surrender God will be there to say, "Way to go."

 “I say to you that there will be more joy in heaven for one sinner who repents than over ninety nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)

A Confirmation

 

A Confirmation

 

 Like most empty-nesters, we had two cars:  A luxury sedan for Bill and a sporty SUV for me.  When Bill was diagnosed with brain cancer and had to be driven to chemo treatments, he became the passenger in the sedan…the smooth leather seats made it easy for him to pivot while getting in and out.  The cloth seats in my vehicle didn’t quite do the trick.  He just plain enjoyed being in that car!

 As Bill’s condition worsened, we realized that we no longer needed two cars, so our youngest son was given my little car.  When Bill entered hospice care at home, I drove the sedan on the days I was able to go for all the errands.

 After Bill died, I tried hard to like his car as much as I had my “old” one.  It was a lovely automobile, and as much as I appreciated its features, it just didn’t please me.  Another son with two children needed to replace a troublesome car, so I knew I could pass the sedan along to him and keep it in the family.  And that Bill would be pleased to have some grandchildren riding in it!

 So a trip to the dealer produced a sporty little red sedan that won my heart right away.  No trade, not much paperwork, and the car would be ready for pickup the following day.  That night, of course, doubt came to visit.  Had I been callous to Bill’s memory not to cherish his car?  Was it my duty to keep it spiffy and on the road for as long as it would last?  I decided to claim the new car.

When I saw it sitting on the lot, all shiny and cute and waiting for me, I knew I’d been guided to the purchase and that all was well.  How did I know?  The numbers on MY (not Bill’s) car’s license plate had been 5603.  The brand new plates, supplied by the dealer, ended in 5604.  A most logical progression that my engineer husband would certainly have appreciated.

Rosemarie Seewagon

Hilton, New York

A Special Valentine

 February 14

The Gifts from God Ministry, which feeds the homeless every Sunday announces this Valentine’s afternoon two homeless will be getting married in the park. A pink cardboard sign shaped like a heart proclaims Lee & Lynda. You don't use last names with the homeless. They repent individually before taking their vows. The reception is the normal food line plus a donated wedding cake. All are fed, homeless, volunteers, nonbelievers and believers, alcoholics and non drinkers.

"Don't just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others too, and in what they are doing." (Philippians 2:4)

Wooden Dolphin

 

 

February 13

A handsome hand-carved wooden dolphin sits on my desk at home. I purchased this beauty on a beach on Antigua. The young man selling it asked $15.We haggled. I bought it for $6. I won! I thought. Now I know differently. What was a game to me was his livelihood. That Dolphin reminds me of my arrogance that day. I am so blessed. I continue to seek ways to pay for that Dolphin and I am happy to be making the payments. I need to give more.
“He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.”
(Proverbs 28:27)

Mouser the Cat

 February 12

Mouser, is fifteen and has been around longer than my oldest granddaughter.

My grandchildren pickup that cat and he will just hang limply in their arms. They dress him with a mask or a bonnet and he takes it all in stride. He loves those kids.
I need to exhibit the qualities of unconditional love that Mouser does. Is my love unconditional?

"Love suffers long and is kind, love does not envy; love does not parade itself,

is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked,
thinks no evil." 1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

Memorable Date

                 

 

 February 8 from my journal

My induction into the U.S. Army as a draftee was February 8, 1954. My life was no longer my own. Being totally controlled by an authority helped me better understand this exchange between Jesus and the centurion.  "Lord, say the word and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one 'Go,' and he goes; and to another 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'do this,' and he does it."

"When Jesus heard these things, He was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel." (Luke 7:7-9)

,

Baby Blanket

 

February 7

Joy is a baby blanket person. These are people who grow up dragging baby blankets around for peace and comfort.

When a dear friend died unexpectedly a family took her in for the night. Their seven-year-old son had a tattered blanket called “Bob.” During the night the boy silently lays “Bob” in her arms and goes back to his room. 

"My heart melts. He gave up his baby blanket to comfort me. It was God's way of loving me that night."

"Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)

Slippery When Wet

 

February 6

 

I stepped briskly out the front door—onto glare ice. I slid off the front stoop and came down hard on the cement steps. This is dumb. Why am I in Connecticut in February in freezing rain? As a consultant I can work anywhere. Why not Florida?

Shortly after my fall I receive a call that leads to a six-month contract in the Sunshine State just what I was looking for and the answer to my wife’s prayers.

"Your father knows that you need these things. Seek the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you." (Luke 12:30-31)

Ground Hog Day

February 2

 

Its Ground Hog Day! Tradition says that if  he sees his shadow today there will be six more weeks of winter. I grew up hearing these old sayings. Many are found in the Bible. My Mom said "red at night, sailor’s delight...red at dawn sailor be warned." (Matt 16) My dad , "there is a fly in the ointment."  Ecclesiastes 10:1.

“Pride goes before a fall,” my grandmother chided. (Proverbs 16:18)

 

I grew up hearing these paraphrases of Solomon's wisdom.. Pity I didn't grow up hearing, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me though he may die, he shall live." (John 11:25)

Wrong Plane

Wrong Plane

 

February 1

 

Just before takeoff I notice a friend, Edna, takes a seat up front. Once in the air she comes back to visit. She asks me why I am going to New York? Surprised I said, "I'm not. This plane is going to Baltimore."

Edna is furious. “We said Baltimore when each passenger boarded,” the flight attendant says sternly

 We can get going so fast that we don't hear the directions for our lives. For a long time I was headed for the wrong gate.

 

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go by it. (Matthew 7:13)

Late Night Conversation

Late Night Conversation

January 31

 I ask my wife how her retreat went.

"Remember how you felt when you had a defining moment?" she said. "Just imagine feeling that for an entire weekend.  I didn't want to go home. I didn't know how to leave."

"Were you afraid of leaving God behind?"  "Something like that," she whispers.

 “Well you didn’t," I offer, "God is never far away. We just need to stay in touch."

 "For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21)

A WheelChair Story

January 30

 

A young lady tells me “ I need to tell you my wheelchair story.” After a few weeks in Florida she sits in an emergency room scared and alone. “Praying softly I hear God say, ‘ I’m sending you an angel.”

 She waits. She notices an older man in a wheelchair. They talk and after awhile her name is called to see a doctor. She realizes her fear is gone.. She thanks the man for talking with her and then adds; “I don’t even know your name. I’m Sherry.”

He says, “My name is Angel.”

“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matt (21:22)

One Family's Experiences with Prayer

 

After a year went by, with no television, “Then came God's answer,” Bill said.

 

A board member called reporting that a bank foreclosed on an mansion a year ago and was anxious to unload it.            

 

The Pfeiffers drove over to take a look. A long driveway led uphill to a two-story house. Adjacent to the house was an all weather tennis court and on the other side, a carriage house large enough to serve as a chapel.

 

Inside the sprawling house were four bedrooms and three baths, and a large kitchen, with a commercial size stove, suitable for cooking for small groups.

 

The lower level had an enclosed swimming pool with a small self-propelled robot. One thing the Pfieffers hadn't prayed for was a wet bar off the pool, but in a corner stood a juke box.

 

“Whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22)

 

Bill and Cindy Pfeiffer

Hebron, CT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“One time, we were going shopping , but we couldn't find our car keys. We looked and looked but we still didn't know where they were. I suggested we say a prayer to find the keys. We prayed and soon someone had an idea where we should look and there were the keys.

I am thankful for prayer.” ............................Vivian (age 5)

 

"A few days after I was baptized, our family went camping at Crater Lake. When I woke up, I went running through the trees around our campsite. I realized I was missing the CTR ring Grandma Price had given me at my baptism.
"CTR stands for Choose the Right. Whenever I see the ring, I am reminded to make good choices.
"We looked everywhere for that ring, around the tent, in the tent, on the trails around our campsite and in the rest room.
"We couldn't find it. Then my Grandma Pam suggested we should stop and say a prayer to find the ring. During the prayer, Grandma had an idea in her mind. She said we should check the men's restroom again and specifically look on the windowsill.

"Dad and I went to the men's restroom. I was not tall enough to see the sill but dad could and there was the ring.

"We believe someone found the ring and placed it there where it would be more visible to an adult. Now I know to say prayers when I need help.".......................Caleb (age 8)

Our family was on vacation on Maui at our favorite baby beach, when a woman approached and asked if we had lost anything. She seemed like she didn't want to disclose any details about what she had found. I looked around quickly and I told her I didn't think we had.

Later, back in our condo, we realized our GoPro, underwater camera, was missing. Jordan returned to the beach to look for the camera and the woman who had approached me earlier. The kids and I knelt down and prayed that Jordan would locate the camera, When he returned from the beach he was empty-handed.

We posted the lost camera on Craigslist. That evening we received a call that our camera had been found. The caller was the woman on the beach. The next day we gratefully received the camera and the photos saved on it.

We were most grateful to have these experiences with prayer as a family. Our children still talk about them.

Jordan and Shana Price and children

Portland, OR

All in an Instant

 

January 25

My Nephew is driving alone on Route 20 in Charlton MA. A tractor-trailer drifts over the centerline and hits his van behind the driver's seat pushing the van off the road. The rig crashes head on into the car behind, killing the driver. My Nephew is unhurt. The truck driver is arrested.

In an instant, a life is taken, one spared.

"Watch therefore for you do not know at what hour your Lord will come."  (Matthew 24:42

City Slicker

 

January 24

 

I was a teenager from the city and had never ridden a horse. We walked the horses across a divided roadway onto a trail. After a gentle ride in the woods we turned toward home. My horse took off.  I was hanging on for dear life. She bolted across Route 1A, horns blasted, breaks squealed and I screamed. 

 

 God's angel directed traffic that day and even provided the mud for a soft landing when I fell off in front of the barn.

 

"He shall give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways."

(Psalm 91:11)

God's Birds

 

January 23

Dr. Jerry Kirk, a  preacher from Cincinnati  said, "God's love for us is unlimited but our ability to receive that love is limited because our receiving mechanisms have been damaged by the world around us.” He asked Dora, twice a widow, what made her upbeat. "Every cardinal, I see I hear Jesus say I love you.”

 The notion of damaged receptors speaks to me. The solution shared by Dora and Jerry has changed how I look at all birds.

 "Consider the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap… yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26)

Water Towers

                  Water Towers

 

January 21

Driving the rugged arid parts of Arizona and Colorado, I notice a single pile of rocks up on top of a mesa. I learn that these are called "water towers." These rocks tell travelers below that from this point you can see water.

Those Native Americans and pioneers who erected these water towers were truly being neighborly, pointing the way to survival. The water towers are no longer needed but stand as monuments of brotherly love. I need to be a water tower to my neighbors.

" You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 23:39)

A Toddler and a Stranger

 My husband and I had been attending the Church of the Way in Van Nuys, California for some time.This particular Sunday was baby dedication day but our 15 month old stayed in the nursery because we had had her dedicated earlier. Following the brief ceremony the parents returned their babies to the nursery.

Looking back, we think that was when a door must have been left open and our little Andrea slipped out of the nursery unnoticed. She apparently made her way outside to the sidewalk and walked between two parked cars. She was about to enter busy Van Nuys Boulevard when a man picked her up and brought her into the church foyer.

He presented her to an elder, saying simply, he found this little girl getting ready to cross Van Nuys Boulevard. The elder recognized Andrea and sent someone to get me. When I saw Andrea, she was lying quietly in the arms of the elder. It wasn’t until she saw me that she began to scream.

Together, the three of us went back to the nursery. Everyone there was upset that Andrea had gotten out and relieved that she was safe.

The man who brought her in was gone and the elder said he hadn’t seen him before. The odd thing was Andrea didn’t go to men, not even to her dad. Her tendency would be to run from a man, especially a stranger. But the elder said she looked very peaceful in the man’s arms, and she didn’t fuss when he took her from him and cradled her.

Some may call this luck but after people had calmed down the sentiment at the nursery was that someone was looking out for Andrea and sent an angel to rescue my little girl.

I would not argue otherwise.

 

Barbara Koukl

Van Nuys, CA

Some quotes to Ponder

 

      

 January 19 

 

“Nothing to excess.”(my dad’s favorite line)

 “Lust says get, get, get. Love says give, give, give.” (a retired pastor)

 "If you are going through hell, don't stop there.." (a businessman)

 “God scorns the proud,but gives grace to the humble.”..(Proverbs 3:34)

Locked Out

January 18

 

Normally when my car is unlocked the trunk is unlocked but now the car is unlocked and I can’t get the trunk open even with a key. The garage owner tries several times-no go. “Take it to a locksmith,” he says. This morning I notice a lone key on the rack. I try it. The trunk opens.  For most of my life I was trying the wrong keys to open the meaning of my life. Then I found the one key that stands alone. Who holds the key to your life?

 

“I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  (John 14:6)

We are in Life where we Chose To Be

 

January 17

 

     “He is 18, on drugs, is unemployed and has been arrested for stealing. She is 17, pregnant by him and drinks heavily. Both are school drop outs.”

 

The speaker, a minister, lecturer, and author, is addressing a men’s retreat. He asks, "You are the parish priest and this couple comes before you, wanting get married. What do you tell them?

 

After the laughter fades, he says “That couple was my wife and I twenty three years ago.” His point is  we are in life exactly where we have chosen to be.Life is a result of the choices we make. We can choose to believe or not. It is our choice.

 

“He who believes in Him is not condemned but he who does not believe is condemned already…”

(John 3:1)

In whose Image?

 

January 16

Genesis says God created man in His image. My wife asks, “Do we see God in our image rather than seeing ourselves in His image?"

I'm sure my perspective is seeing God in my image. That means God has feelings, emotions, thoughts and memories. OK so far. However, holding God in my image would also mean God has limits. That's not good. That is not God.

So how do we see ourselves created in His image?  It begins with belief! God created us in His image. 

Isaiah. knew in whose image he was created.

 "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)

Late Night Traffic Ticket

 

January 14

 "Let me see your license please? You didn't stop for the traffic light back there."

"I was going right on red, no one was coming."
"You didn't come to a complete stop," he corrected. I'm going to have to give you a citation."

 When the Trooper returned he explained I could appeal the ticket, pay the fine or eliminate the points by attending driver improvement classes.

Driving home my wife broke the silence. "Are you going to pay the fine or go to driver improvement classes?" The way she said those last words did it.I took a deep breath and said; "Lord take away these ugly feelings." He did! I paid the fine.

"Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like minded toward one another according to Christ Jesus." (Romans 15:5.)

My Sister'sClass

 

My Sister’s Class

 

January 12

 

My sister, fresh from graduate school, began teaching in the high school where I was a senior. I was enrolled in her journalism class. One day she walked into the room just as I was throwing a pear at another student. She took one look at me and said sternly, "Get out!"

 

I reported to the assistant principle. Without looking up he asked, “Why are you here?”

 

  “My sister threw me out of her class.” 

 

He stopped writing. I was given two weeks detention and I was grounded at home. I gained new respect for all my teachers, including family ones and a greater appreciation for learning.

 

"Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her for she is your life.”(Proverbs 4:13

Frog in a Rut

 

January 11

 One night, when I was a boy, my mother told me a simple story. A little frog landed in the middle of a deep tire track in a muddy road. Jump as he might he couldn’t get out. The other frogs headed back to the pond for the night. Splash- little frog was back. . "How did you get out,” the others demanded?

"I just jumped out," said the exuberant little frog, “you see a truck was coming.”
This story stayed with me. Now anytime I'm stuck in a rut, I can jump free.

"For the son of man has come to seek and save that which is lost." (Luke 19:10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dusty Dog

 

January 10 from my journal

One weekend my sister and I took our dog Dusty to a park. Suddenly head down and nose to the ground he followed a trail down an incline. We watched from the top of the hill. A rabbit appeared and hopped up on a large flat rock. Dusty sniffed right by that rock and continued down the hill. When he was a safe distance away, the rabbit darted off.

There have been times, like Dusty, I was too busy with what I was doing to look up and see the prize. I need to stop sniffing out what I seek and pay attention to what God wants for my life.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

Trusting the Pilot

 

January 8 from my journal...…..Trusting the Pilot

A winter storm is howling at BWI Airport in Baltimore. My flight to Tampa is delayed as crews plow the runways. Finally it is our turn to take-off. While I pray the plane roars down that snowy runway and up into the swirling storm clouds. The aircraft shutters and shakes until we climb above the storm. It is a smooth flight to Tampa.

When I entered that plane I had totally given up control and put my life in the hands of that pilot.

So why struggle giving the controls of my life to the Lord? Why can't I trust God to pilot my life’s journey? After all, who has had more experience?

"Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)

ps I have done that and trusting God has made all the difference.

Latch Key Kids

 

               

 

 

January 5

This year my granddaughters became latch key children. Their mother joins their dad in the work force to make ends meet. A grandson is in day care.

The worry side of me goes wild thinking of what could happen during those few hours after school. Movies like "Home Alone" just add fuel to the  what ifs? Their parents say, “The girls are eleven and twelve and they know what to do.”

 Then I , remember when I was ten?  The world was at war and my Mom went to do peace work. After school I returned to an empty house. I WAS A LATCHKEY CHILD.

 "Train up a child in the way he should go,And when he is old he will not depart from it."

(Proverbs 22:6)

Vantage Point

 

 

January 4

 

It is a full moon and a pleasant night to walk around the neighborhood. I muse how the ancients viewed this same moon, fearing it and even worshiping it.

 

 John Glenn, the first American to orbit our planet and have a moon’s-eye- view of earth, takes another trip 36 years later. Now 77, Glenn catches the world’s attention on his "flag lap" around earth. Walter Cronkite is back to report the event and the Australians light up their country for Glenn, as they did in 1962.

 

From space Glenn says, " Looking at the Earth from this vantage point, looking at this kind of creation and to not believe in God, to me, is impossible."

 

Right on.

 

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)

Leaving Home

 

January 3

On a walk around my neighborhood, I notice a small boy pulling a little red wagon with a suitcase in it. He starts down the street. As I near the house a man comes out, looks in the direction of the boy.

"Leaving home are we," I ask? The man nods.
That boy is testing his boundaries but what he really wants to know is that his parents still love him.

 As a child of God, I have walked away from my heavenly Father. I didn’t get far and I desperately wanted to know that God still loves me.

God tells us all the time that He loves us. We just have to pay attention and listen.

 "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His faithful love endures forever."
(Psalm 136:1 NLT)

Airport Delay

 

January 2

My flight from Hartford to Sarasota is canceled. I call Joy and she says "Look around and see who you can help. Go do the Lord's work."As I hang up the phone I spot a man in a wheelchair looking at his ticket. I wheel him to the next gate.

The agent redoes his ticket and turns to me."Oh I'm not on his flight," I tell him, “I ‘m going to Florida but my flight to Charlotte was canceled.""I can get you to Tampa. Will that help?"

Tampa is only an hour away. I arrive home in time for dinner.

" Lord when did I see you a stranger and take you in? Surely I say to you when you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it to Me."  (Matthew 25:38-40)