22

22 YEARS!

Another anniversary to celebrate.

A few years ago, I read a book that talked about how your home decorations should be more than pretty.

They should inspire discussion.

They should say something about you.

And I thought of how I might do that in our home.

This year hubby got me a decoration that fit the bill.

It tells our anniversary.

It uses Scripture.

It shows the places we have lived - independently and as a couple.

You can't see, but there are three colors - Hubby (silver), Me (rose gold), and Couple (gold)

When I look at the scattered pins,

it reminds me of all the miracles that had to occur to bring us together

and all the miracles and provisions that have occured as we added more pins together.

Happy Anniversary to my dear hubby!

And may our prayer always be ...

"...cause me to know the way wherein I should walk."

 

Winter Memory Verse

 Once each month,

I get to help in the bus kids' class during the morning worship service.

Typically, I teach the memory verse.

This week was no exception.

Since we were expecting some kind of winter weather,

I decided to build the verse review around snow, specifically snowman building.

Here is the verse:

I love my pocket chart.  It is great for memory work!

We recited the verse and then removed words of the verse.

This is nothing new.

But ... on the back of each piece is the name of a "part" of a snowman.

The boys and girls competed to build their snowmen.

They could earn an eye, a stick arm, a hat ...

If the boys were working harder,

they got to remove a word and get a snowman piece.

If the girls were more attentive,

they got to remove a word and get a snowman piece.

I could even let both teams go on the same turn - if they were working hard enough.

The idea worked great with full participation and good spirits.

The girls won, but not by too much.

Life is Short

I just got out my cards, stamps, stickers, ...

I do this weekly.

There is such joy in the action.

Who can I encourage this week?

Which card will arrive "just at the right time?"

But today, it is a little bittersweet.

I began sending weekly cards in early 2020.

It began when a friend in our church started cancer treatments.

I had no idea what to say, I didn't know her well at the time, 

so I sent her a card containing a verse each week.

Sometimes I commented on the verse, 

but often times it was just a verse.

She became a good friend as I helped her navigate a small part of what was going on.

We became friends as we cleaned her house, traveled to appointments, and navigated city streets.

We became friends as we enjoyed piano duets when she felt well.

Soon I added more people to my verse card list -

the sick, the shut-in, and those facing trials.

The list grows, and the list shrinks.

People get well,

and people reach the end of a trial.

For 3 and 1/2 years,

her card has been in the weekly stack.

This week has been a reminder that we are not promised a tomorrow.

I have one less card to write today.

My dear friend is whole,

is not in pain,

is not balancing appointments,

she is "home."

Just a reminder that life is short -

a reminder that God left us in His Word.

James 4:14

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

ZZZZ

On this Thankful Thursday,

I am thankful for rest.

I am thankful for sleep.

Aren't you glad that God made the lesser lights at night?

Aren't you glad that God gave a day of rest?

Aren't you glad for a body that recharges on rest?

I think that the shorter days and

the changing seasons

have made me feel a little more tired.

It takes awhile to get used to the early setting sun.

And I am glad that there is time to take physical rest.

Sometimes, we have to listen to what our body needs.

Maybe the alarm can go off 30 minutes later in the morning.

Maybe the workouts can be a little simpler, and less demanding this week.

Maybe "lights out" can be a little earlier.

And that's all ok.

In fact, many times, God wants us to just rest.

He gives physical rest and also wants us to rest in His strength.

He wants us to rest in His Word, to rest in prayer, to rest in meditation.

There are problems and concerns all around us,

but our strength comes in resting in Him.

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; 

In returning and rest shall ye be saved; 

in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: ...

Isaiah 30:15

Faithful

 2 Kings 22:7

Howbeit there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.

A few weeks back, I was reading this passage.

This verse really stuck out to me.

No explanation was needed, no books were shown, no audit was made,

because the people receiving the money were faithful.

My testimony really means something.

Do I long to be trusted?

How am I exhibiting that I should be trusted?

Do I want to get a promotion / more responsibility / different responsibility?

How am I using the job and position I have now?

Is my testimony one of just foolishness?

Am I seen and known as a hard worker?

Do I stick to a task and a job until it is finished 

or just seek the next "shiny" thing when things get hard.

What does your testimony say of you today?

What would you hear if someone was speaking of your character?

I would like to hear ...

"...because she dealt faithfully."

Safety

 How often do we take our health and safety for granted ...

at least until they are threatened.

About 3 weeks ago, B.G. was in the path of a tornado.

I was home alone that day and watched the skies get darker and darker,

watched the wind get stronger and stronger,

and heard the alarms on my phone,

and even spent some time in the closet because it really was getting "wild" out there.

The skies were so ominous, that our nephew spending the summer just south of us texted to see if we were alright :)

We came through unscathed

and very thankful for God's hand of protection,

not just in the storm, but every day.

We currently have 4 friends on our prayer list that are battling very serious health issues.

As we continue to hold them up in prayer,

we are reminded that our health is in God's hand.

We are not guaranteed perfect health and strength despite our human efforts.

Acts 17:25

...seeing he giveth to all life, 

and breath, and all things;...

It is easy to expect God's blessing

without asking for it or thanking Him for it after it is given.

Hubby often remembers to pray for our home and for our vehicle

and I am rebuked for having a somewhat "entitled" mentality.

God doesn't owe me anything,

but He has blessed me beyond measure.

Will There Be an Asterisk?

 I Kings 11:1

"But king Solomon loved many strange women, ..."

I read this verse in my devotions last week.

I wondered ... "What would someone add to the description of my life?"

"What draws me away from the Lord?"

"But Sandra was distracted by her home."

"But Sandra shortened her Bible time regularly."

"But Sandra was lifted up in pride."

"But Sandra ..."

Solomon started well.

Remember his request for wisdom instead of wealth and fame?

Unfortunately, it ended with a "But king Solomon ..."

Unfortunately, we often have to add asterisks to Christian ministries or ministers these days.

I went to this college (*before this date or event).

This music source is good (*if you get the music before this date).

I went to this church (*before it loosened its standards).

I don't want a "But Sandra ..."

I don't want an asterisk.

I want to stay the course.

I want to be faithful.

New Life

 With bare root plants and trees, 

there is always a waiting and a wondering.

Will they survive the transplant?

Will they come out of dormancy?

Will they bear fruit?

I have been watching all of my little plants looking for life,

but especially the fruit trees and bushes.

What a joy when the first leaves appeared!

What a joy to see the new life!

The columnar apple tree even has the start of an apple blossom!

And then I thought,

about the desire for proof of life in my Christian walk.

Do others look at me and wonder if I will bare fruit?

Do they wonder if there will be a sign of life?

I hope not.

But just as I eagerly look for signs of life on my little plants,

I should be seeking to bring forth fruit.

The right soil is there if I am abiding in Christ.

The right food is there if I am reading His Word.

Those that be planted in the house of the Lord 

shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Psalm 92:13

Thanksgiving, Stewardship, and the Goodwill Dilemma

II Samuel 24:24  

And the king said unto Araunah, 

"Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: 

neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. 

So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

There is not a day that goes by that I do not look around and thank God for my home.

This is not really a new concept - I have always seen our homes as a gift.

God has always provided the right place at the right time in miraculous ways.

I have always been thankful for a place to practice homemaking ...

places to practice new skills...

places to adapt and change ...

from the one-bedroom apartment of a newlywed,

to a two-bedroom apartment on the Pacific Coast,

to a single-wide trailer for college families,

to another single-wide trailer right next door,

to a two-bedroom duplex in a town near enough to care for family,

to my own home ...

But ...

I have noticed as I clean and tidy and organize

that the "new" home inspires a greater desire to do a good job.

Again, it wasn't that I never cleaned my home or put my all into it,

but it seems that because this home cost more than a "pretty penny,"

I value it more.

We tend to value that which has a greater cost to us.

Have you noticed this as prices rise?

Do you think before you just hop in the car?

Do you contemplate before sticking the "non-essential" in the grocery cart?

Is it worth it?

David recognized this when it came time to offer sacrifices.

He wanted his sacrifice to have weight and value.

As I cleaned one morning,

I was ashamed that I don't see all of God's gifts as items of great value.

All His gifts deserve proper stewardship and care.

Thus the Goodwill Dilemma ...

... and a challenge to me and a word to the wise.

I love Goodwill when I have the time to search for great finds.

(Of course, some stores are nicer than others.)

It is fun to find the styles of yesterday on sale today.

It is fun to find "deals" on skirts, dresses, shirts, home decor, and housewares.

And yet, I have also observed the lack of care and stewardship that sometimes comes with the bargain purchase.

I have noticed families that purchase "bargains" so that there is no hardship when the children make a mess or when the children are rough with the purchase.

While I agree with that idea in theory, and there are definitely seasons where this makes sense, and it does help to provide training times for children with less stress,

in practice, the "bargain" also often causes the parent to fail to teach the value of clothing, toys, or furniture.

Because it costs next to nothing, the children can throw it, rip it, jump on it, or leave it in the yard.

And why is this a problem?

Because the children (or I for that matter) may not learn good principles of stewardship.

We do not learn how to care for what God has provided.

We may not see the difference between the "bargain" item and the item at another person's house that might have cost quite a bit more.

Good stewardship of the funds God provides may involve shopping at Goodwill or yard sales,

but it also involves taking care of the bargains that God sends our way through these means.

How Things Change

 It has been a year and 2 weeks since we helped hubby's mom get to Oregon from her last trip to Montana.

At this time last year, I was running back and forth as we met with nurses and set up hospice care.

I was learning new aspects of caregiving and wondering what the year would hold.

One year later, we have once again crossed the country.

We have once again started over.

We once again wonder what the year will hold - 

though with a little less concern.

Change is inevitable.

Health, location, economy, friends, ...

Psalms 115:3 

But our God is in the heavens: 

he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

And She Was Silent

 One of the stressors of buying a home right now is watching interest rates climb.

When we began the process, rates were great ... slightly ticking up, but still historically low.

We had to have a closing date in order to finalize a rate.

Yesterday, the lender called with the rate of the day now that we have a closing date.

It was quite the change from when we began the process,

but then again, the Federal Reserve had already met 2 times to raise rates..

I took the information knowing that rates would change by tomorrow,

but I had to talk things over with hubby.

Did we want to cut our losses (relatively minor) and run?

After a long day, the rate given was an additional blow to hubby.

He agreed that we needed to bite the bullet and lock it in, but it was a little discouraging.

So I called the lender back today ready for another increase.

But the lender was dumbfounded.

The rate had dropped a half of a percent.

She said she hadn't seen that in this season of inflation.

I was astonished too,

but only to marvel again at God's great provision.

We serve a mighty God.

He cares about truck rentals.

He cares about mortgage rates.

He cares about it all.

Just like the verse that most 4-year-olds learn in Sunday School.

"...He careth for you."

Give Up Control

Who is in control?

My flesh always wants to take the reins.

I want to orchestrate things.

I don't like to trust.

I don't like to rely on others.

There are so many uncertainties in life.

I can try to plan,

I can chart, graph, spreadsheet until there is nothing left to document,

but I cannot control everything.

And I don't need to.

I have a God who fights for me.

I am His.

I am His child.

I am His sheep.

I am in His hands.

The child doesn't worry because mom and dad are there.

The sheep trusts the shepherd.

When God is in control,

I need to hold my peace and watch Him work.

Sure there is wisdom to be used.

Sure I am not to face the day blindly.

Sure I am not to be lazy.

But worry should not be a part of my day/

Just give it up, Sandra!

It does you no good.

 

Assurance

As a church pianist, I have been to many funerals.

Some were as a church friend who wanted to help the family with music.

Some were as a pianist helping the pastor minister to a family in the community.

Some were for the extended family of friends.

There is such joy when the pastor and family know that the deceased was assured of his salvation in eternity.

There is such an awkwardness when that assurance is not there

and there is a sadness knowing that the separation may be eternal.

Until August, I had never been at the bedside of death.

Today, I once again held the hand of a woman about to see Jesus.

On this Thankful Thursday, I am thankful that I could talk about heaven,

I could talk about seeing Jesus,

I could talk about being together again one day.

I am thankful that I could sing songs of trust and faith and peace.

I knew that my friend would leave her pain behind and instantly see our Savior very soon.

I am thankful that there is assurance in the true gospel.

There is no "might," there is no "if I'm good enough,"

there is no "maybe."

There is only ASSURANCE.

Romans 10:9-10

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

I am also thankful that this world with all its struggles is not all we have.

I am thankful for a home in heaven that will far exceed anything that I could possess on earth.

I am thankful for friends who can become family in situations where family is absent.

God is good all the time.

All the time, God is good.

Success

 Proverbs 31:27

She looketh well to the ways of her household, 

and eateth not the bread of idleness.

It is a goal to live out this verse in my home.

I desire to serve my household well.

Today felt like a success in meeting this goal.

Unfortunately, it is not always the case.

The past two months have been full of distractions - 

some good, and some that should have been ignored.

Distractions are not always great in accomplishing goals.

With Thanksgiving and Christmas services behind us,

with gifts and cards sent out,

with a few weeks when fatigue just hit strong in the rearview mirror,

I feel like I can focus again.

Of course, there will still be distractions - 

but I rejoice in the victorious days.

Today, another room got steam-cleaned carpets.

Today, the garage was tidied after digging out Christmas decorations and decorating both at home and church.

Today, shipping boxes got broken down and put in the recycle bin.

Today, I closet got cleaned and straightened.

Today, the workout was finished in time to clean up before hubby arrived home.

It is easy to get discouraged.

You may not always reach your goals,

but rejoice in the little things -

rejoice in the successes.

I know I am today.

We have another "snow day" from church tonight.

So thankful for the archives of other churches that will provide spiritual food tonight.

Names Have Meaning

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: 

and the government shall be upon his shoulder: 

and his name shall be called 

Wonderful, 

Counsellor, 

The mighty God, 

The everlasting Father, 

The Prince of Peace. 

The children will be singing the words of this verse in the Christmas Eve Service tonight.

I have thought much as I taught the song of how the different names of Christ are a blessing at different times in my life.

This year, I have seen all of the names and traits so clearly.

Wonderful - a mystery inspiring awe - God worked to have us in Oregon at just the right time.

Counsellor - Only God can direct and give the best guidance as we navigate another move

and has given direction in helping mom finish her race here on earth.

Mighty God - Wow - the number of miracles that we have seen this year -

often in the timing of events and circumstances

but also in using us in others lives or using others in our life.

Everlasting Father - this year we are far from ALL family, but God is still there (and always will be)

The Prince of Peace - This "Type A - Planner" wants the future all neatly wrapped in a bow,

but where is the faith in that - 

and in the "wait" - He gives peace

You may be enjoying a loud, full Christmas season,

or you may be having a quiet season,

but regardless the same Christ is the reason for the celebrations.

As you celebrate, remember His life, His sacrifice, and His gifts.

And once again, if you are awake at 7 pm PST,

you are welcome to try to join us via live stream.

It didn't work last year, but if you are up and about,

it just might be worth a try,

The Gentle Rebuke

 This morning, I mentioned that yesterday had been a tough day.

We were flying high - very high - over the weekend.

We had planned a survey trip for hubby to our possible new location.

All systems go!

The church seems good (dare I say great), 

4 possible job locations within an hour of the church,

and the thoughts of finally purchasing a home.

This might even be our final move.

And then ...

I started researching moving truck prices!

Yes, that was the stinger - the derailer.

$10,000 to rent a truck between OR and TN?

Yet only $3,000 to take one from TN to OR?

Do you see the difficulty?

I actually went to a few sites thinking that the first one had a glitch in the online calculator.

It seems that we are not the only ones wanting to leave the liberal west coast.😀

The flesh immediately wanted to get mad,

to cry,

to ask why.

I am going through the Minor Prophets with my Sunday School Class.

I felt like the prophets.

Why was I being punished for moving to OR to do right?

I moved 3 years ago on Biblical principle

and truly believe that we are moving again in God's plan.

So why the hurdles?

(Should have just thought on Amos in which God promises not to forget works of any type - good or bad)

And then God, as He does, brought the gentle rebuke ... in the funniest ways.

We had bought 2 books that came recommended to us.

Neither one turned out to be what we expected, 

but we opened the book that we were reading together last night ...

This is the chapter title that greeted us ...

Trust God to Deliver in His Own Unique Way

And as we finished that chapter, the next chapter title screamed ...

View Your Current Crisis as a Faith Builder for the Future

And then, in the devotional book that I was reading,

I awoke this morning to this Proverb ...

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

Proverbs 24:10

Yes, God, I get it.

Another reminder that Sandra is not in control.

Another reminder that I don't have to understand.

Another reminder to just rest.

Another reminder that His ways are not our ways.

And as I stand back,

I can see that maybe God wants me to hire a moving company for less than it would cost me to DIY

and thus give me a more comfortable drive across the country.

I can see that maybe God will keep asking me to trust and drop prices in the final hour.

I can see that He doesn't need my money or my wisdom.

I can see that I still have a long way to go in the area of trust and faith.

And one more gentle rebuke ...

Sandra, you are helping to plan a Praise Service for TONIGHT!

You are presenting Psalm 103 in song.

Bless the LORD, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

He has always been faithful and will continue to be!

I don't know what may try to steal your joy today,

but listen to your gentle rebukes.

And if you can't hear yours ...

at least listen to the ones that God sent me.

The Eyes of Man

 "Hell and destruction are never full; 

so the eyes of man are never satisfied."

Proverbs 27:20

As a teacher, I often see this truth lived out in my students.

When the birthday bag comes out, so does the "green monster."

Instantly, many children are planning what they will pick for their birthday.

I hear often, "I wish I had."

"You could get me that for Christmas."

But while I may mask my discontent and desire for more,

I see it in my own life as well.

With a pending move in the new year comes thoughts of a new home,

a new town,

a new neighborhood.,

and dreams ... lots of dreams.

And sometimes the dreams get out of control.

This morning I read a little devotional that began with Proverbs 17:1

"Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith,

than a house full of sacrifices with strife."

And I felt the gentle reminder that while it was ok to look and plan,

while it is definitely good to pray specifically,

while it is good to know the needs,

...

but it is also good to recognize discontent and greed.

And I remember that God has always provided over and above.

Encourage

 Proverbs 31:26

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; 

and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

I am thinking again about the month of November.

- a month focused on giving thanks - 

- a month of recognizing blessings around us - 

Shouldn't this focus overflow into our relationships?

Shouldn't we verbalize our thankfulness to both God and others?

The Proverbs 31 woman knows how to speak.

She uses Godly wisdom to speak kindness and encouragement to others.

It is so easy to tear others down.

It is easy to let pride stop me from building up others.

It is easy to want to wait until I can merely reciprocate after receiving praise from others.

It is easy to just hold my tongue.

But why not be the first?

Use your mouth to encourage someone.

It is in acknowledging the good in others that we will change our attitudes.

It is in acknowledging the good in others that we will fill up the tank of others.

It is in acknowledging the good in others that you may just recognize the difficulties that they are facing today.

And while you are at it, speak kindly to yourself.

Remember that you are God's creation!

He Knows

Psalm 139:4-6

For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

This year has been full of twists, turns, surprises.

Some events have been pleasant.

Some events have been unwelcome.

There are years that string together in difficulty.

There are other years of great ease and enjoyment.

Our service in Oregon began as an unknown.

How long?

How would it end?

What would be required?

That chapter is coming to a close.

The Author of that chapter knew how long.

He knew the end.

He knew what would be required.

He knew what I needed to learn in the past 3 years.

He knew of skills I needed to practice.

He knew relationships that could be healed.

He knew of people I could help.
He knew the people that would change me.

He knew my reactions, both good and bad.

The move to Oregon came with excitement and questions,

but it was all known to our loving God.

And now we face another "Adventure."

Our primary "mission" was completed in August.

In every move in the past, our destination was dictated ...

by job to Washington,

by pursuit of education to North Carolina,

by family duty to Oregon.

But now ...

a wide-open country.
Where is the next place of service

There is now the innate desire to fret, to worry, to doubt

when God wants me to trust, to have faith, to walk by faith.

He knows.

He knows the timing.

He knows the desires of my heart.

He knows the needs of my life.

Perhaps there are pressures and unknowns around you today.

Remember that He knows.

He is before you.

He knows your concerns.

Leave the cares with Him today!

Filled to Overflowing

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:16

 What is filling you?

In so asking, I also ask ... what is flowing out of you?

This week, we have heard much about politics.

It has been an unusual week.

But the question is: Are you filled and overflowing with Scripture?
I was challenged to look at a thanksgiving passage each day this month.
The first verse on the list included this verse.

And I thought, what is filling me?
A life saturated with the Word will spill over into the lives of others.
What is spilling?
Is it profitable?
Nothing is more profitable than God's Word!

As I thought about this, I prepared for church with a specific verse on my tongue.

Habakkuk 2:20
But the LORD is in his holy temple:
let all the earth keep silence before him.  

I want my words to be God's Words and to overflow with life for others.

Are you ready for church tomorrow or for work this week?
Are you saturated with the news?
a book?
a movie?
or with the life-giving Word?

The choice I want is obvious,
but it will take discipline and focus.
But oh, it is worth it!