Leaf Me Alone

Seems like my neighbor's tree turned colors overnight. As we all know, leaves change color when the flow of chemicals into the leaves changes with the shortening of days. Wouldn't it be interesting if we all changed colors according to the spiritual nourishment we're enjoying?

God's Word actually compares us to trees in many passages. In Psalm 1:1-3, it states: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."

Would I be a vibrant green if I were drawing daily from God's word? Would my haphazard habits keep me red and orange? Would I be brown or void of foliage?

Woolly Wonderer

While driving through the mountains, I kept noticing all the woolly worms (caterpillar larva of the Isabella Tiger Moth) crossing the road. Of course, I couldn't see them well enough to know whether their black and brown sections indicated a rough winter, but I kept thinking about how I've never seen a woolly worm crossing at any angle other than perpendicular to the road. From their lowly vantage point, how do they do that? I mean, they aren't tall enough to see that it's the shortest distance to the next green patch of grass. And besides, scientists tell us they're practically blind!

And black bears. When they're relocated hundreds of miles from their home, how do they find their way back to it so easily?

Isn't it neat that God equips them both with what they need to go where they need to go?

How do we humans find the right route in our lives? Psalm 119:105 says: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." It's interesting that God's Word is compared to a lamp or lantern, which only shows enough light for us to take a few steps. It doesn't illuminate the whole journey before us. How kind of God to not show us everything that lies ahead!

When God's people were worrying about the direction for their lives in Deuteronomy 30:11-14, He told them they didn't have to send someone across the sea or send someone to heaven (or have a billboard!) for direction. He said the answer was in their hearts!

When trying to know God's will for direction in the next step, we should search our hearts. If we keep ourselves in his word and will, we'll know. Just as innately as woolly worms and black bears.

Autumn Awe

I was walking outside the other day when I heard an unusual squawking, which was getting louder and louder. I recognized it as the sound of a gaggle of geese, so I stopped and waited for them to appear as they flew over, headed south for the winter. The experience was well worth the wait, considering it was the largest V formation I’ve ever seen! A very majestic uncommon sight.

God’s word tells us in many places to consider His handiwork of nature, whether looking at how the ants work, how the lilies and birds don’t worry, how you can identify a tree by its fruit, etc. As I contemplated the huge V formation of Canada geese, I thought about how even geese are smart enough to take a rest. They take turns being the point of the V and taking the exhausting headwind for the group, then return to rest in the draft of easier flying in a leg of the V. Together as a group, they fly more efficiently for a longer distance.

I was reminded by a passage from Mark 6:30-32: “The apostles gathered around Jesus. They told him all they had done and taught. But many people were coming and going. So they did not even have a chance to eat. Then Jesus said to his apostles, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place. You need to get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a quiet place.”

Spring Cleaning

Spring is here, and with it comes a little spring cleaning. We put away the winter sweaters, the boots, the sleds and the heavy blankets; we bring out the shorts, the sandals, the lawn chairs, and the lawn mower. Perhaps we clean the windows, clean out a few closets and let the house air out a little after all the months of being sealed up warm and tight. As we do these things we come across items that we forgot we had and must decide whether they should be thrown away or maybe put to new use.

Spiritual revival is a lot like spring cleaning. Uf we open up our hearts to God and allow Him to clean out the corners and closets of our lives, we're amazed at all He finds there. Perhaps we have old bad habits that have become so familiar to us that we don't even see them any more. At one time we might have been concerned about them, but we've become accustomed to them and they no longer bother us. It's possible that He'll also find talents there that we haven't used in years and have forgotten. He might ask us to bring them out of the closet and put them to use again. Maybe it's just that we need to clean and polish up the capabilities that we use only occasionally now. Whatever the case, God can make a difference in our lives as we see them today. We may be a little dusty in places and a little cluttered in others, but no heart or life is beyond the miracles of God.

"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts." James 4:8

May 1, 1984

Bearing Fruit

Spring. This is a special time of year. Not just because of the warmer weather, the budding of the trees, the blooming of the flowers, or the nearness of the last day of school, but also because it's time for gardening. Now, the turning and tilling of fresh earth might not bring joyful tears to everybody's eyes but it does for some. And surely everyone does look forward to the first fresh green onion or homegrown tomatoes!

So what is a garden, really? Is it the broken warm earth, plowed with neatly spaced straight furrows? The seeds that nestle among grains of soil? The plants or sprouts that spring up and then wax and wane according to the sun, wind, rain, weeds, bugs, and fertilizer? Are we satisfied with the full grown stalks, vines, and plants? No, we're looking for something more. Something of value. We're looking for the fruit. For what is a garden that bears no fruit?

God's Word has a lot to say about fruit in our lives, and it's usually not talking about what we eat, but rather what we produce. As we look again and again at the parables Jesus told, we find how individuals were judged because their condition was reflected in the actions of their lives. In Matthew 24 and 25, the evil slave, the five foolish virgins, the unfaithful slave, and the "goats" were not judged by where they were, what they were called, what they planned to do, or what they thought or believed to be true. They were judged according to their condition which was evident in the fruit of their lives. Yet each was SURPRISED by the verdict!

In Matthew 7, Jesus said, 1) few enter the narrow gate to Heaven; 2) they can be known by the fruit of their lives, and 3) many who call Him "Lord" do not really know Him. One of Satan's greatest weapons is the satisfaction we can find in a false sense of security. Are we being deceived by what we "hope," "think," "feel," or "would like to believe" is true in our lives and in the lives of those we love? God's Word ways the truth can be seen in the fruit we bear.

What should we look for? I John 5:13 says, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order tht you may KNOW that you have eternal life." Some of the things John writes about are:

• Fellowship (1:7)
• Obedience (2:3)]
• Christ-likeness (2:6)
• Righteousness (2:29)
• Ministry & service (3:17)
• Sharing of faith (4:15)
• Love for others (5:1)

We are not saved by the works we do, but God's children bear fruit that is characteristic of the change that has taken place in their hearts. Who is a child of God?

"I am the vine, you are the branches, he who abides in me and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing... By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples." John 15:5 & 8)

From May 8, 1990

Christian Friends

Having a close Christian friend is a very special blessing, and being a close Christian friend brings many blessings as well. Close friends are very important in each of our lives, and each of us has had a very special friend at one time or another. Although each friend is loved as an individual for his or her unique personality, certain qualities are desirable in any special friend. What does the Bible say about friends and friendship?

Proverbs 17:17 tells us that "a friend loveth at all times." That's almost too good to be true, because none of us are lovable all the time! However, a true friend does love us in spite of ourselves and somehow sees past all our faults to what lies in our hearts.

Sometimes we don't see our own faults, and we need a friend to give us a little constructive criticism. Or perhaps we "can't see the forest for the trees," and we need a friend to talk out our thoughts and feelings and give us an objective opinion. Proverbs 17:9 says, "Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by his counsel."

A good Christian friend is someone to cherish, because sometimes one is not easy to find. We should each be thankful for the friends we have and should always make our appreciation know. A person is very fortunate to have a friend to share in her joys and help carry her concerns.

Have I counted my blessings of friendship lately?

From January 31, 1984

Economics and Eternity

"Economics, inflation, recession, and depression" are familiar words to all of us. I've heard that the situation is a "recession" when our neighbor gets the lay-off, but it becomes a "depression" when the lay-off hits home, and I once saw how quickly attitudes toward the future can change. The usually comfortable atmosphere I worked in suddenly became tense and full of worry when management started talking about laying off employees in each department. The "future" that everyone took for granted was suddenly one of great concern.

I wonder how many people take eternity for granted. Perhaps may do not give it any thought because they never hear the subject mentioned. Just as workers are comfortable until the security of their jobs is questioned, some people may go throughout life without considering eternity unless someone asks where they're going to spend it. Don't we discuss the future of the people we're close to? Well, what about the hereafter, when all these other things have passed away? Do we care enough to talk about it?

"But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?" I John 3:17

This verse tells us that if we have riches to share with a brother in need, God expects us to do so. If we have the love of God in our hearts, we should want to do so. The greatest treasure is salvation. Share it with someone!

From October 5, 1982

Spring Insights

Through the eyes of a little boy first discovering the wonder of flowers, I enjoyed my tulips one petal at a time this year. I have a renewed appreciation for many little things now because I see them in a new light, slowing down and examining them with a child seeing them for the first time.

Studying God's Word is often like that. The verses we've heard so many times and have come to take for granted can suddenly have new meaning when we go back and examine them as though we were seeing them for the first time. God has a way of revealing new insights to us as we are ready for them and need them in our lives. The Bible is timeless in its instruction and inspiration, and reading it once from cover to cover does not even begin to touch on the wealth found within its pages. We must return again and again to each verse and watch it unfold as we grow in faith and spiritual maturity.

Hebrews 5:11-14 speaks of spiritual maturity and the process of advancing from the milk to the solid food of the truth in God's Word. As new Christians we are able to comprehend only the basic truths, but through the experience and application of strengthened faith, we progress in our understanding.

Are our daily Bible studies more RITUAL than SPIRITUAL? Let's take a fresh look at each verse, and ask God to show us the beauty there. Let's not take those familiar words at face value, but from the milk to the meat.

From April 8, 1986

Bible Health

Once when I was choosing a quilted Bible cover as a gift, a salesman told me that leather bound Bibles should not be covered. He said the oil from our hands keeps the leather "healthy" and without the oil, the leather becomes dry, parched, and stiff. I immediately thought of the Bible from my childhood that I used to keep in my car for "emergencies" and do not use very often. Indeed, its cover is stiff and cracking, and I had thought it was only old!

I wonder how much of our spiritual "health" is reflected by the health of our Bibles. If using our Bibles keeps them in good shape, how much more does it do for US? Just as a Bible that is not used becomes stiff and parched, so does a Christian who does not use his or her Bible! If the oil of our hands is applied to our Bibles every day, and the oil of God's Word is applied to our lives, both receive the benefit. For me, it gives a whole new meaning to the anointing in Psalm 23 if I think of it as a result of God's hand on me.

"Thou annointeth my head with oil. My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." -Psalm 23:5b-6a

From December 30, 1985

Awakening

I had my first whiff of freshly mowed grass today;
I almost licked the air.
The scent of hyacinths served upon a dollop of candy tuft,
and I am full like a cat on a sunny rock,
contented and happily fat with spring.

Prayers

below Ramsey Cascades

I ran into a situation that required a little coping;
I determined my approach and proceeded with it, hoping.
Hoping that I was right in what I attempted to do,
Hoping that I would have the patience needed to see it through.
Well, the situation was testy, and I experienced a little frustration,
but I started the very next day with even more determination.
Again, I felt defeated but couldn't see where I had gone wrong,
so the next morning my prayers included a request for God to make me strong.
I felt better for having asked the Lord to strengthen my endurance,
and I started that day with confidence and more calm assurance.
But once more as the day wore on, I felt my efforts were failing--
It seemed that no matter how hard I tried, aggravation was prevailing.
I sat back and looked things over and wondered why I'd had no success;
it seemed that all my efforts had just made a bigger mess.
So I asked the Lord what had happened and just what He expected me to do,
and then He answered my question and suddenly I knew!
I realized that I should have asked for His direction in the beginning,
instead of taking it upon myself and ending up chagrining.
I had never asked the Lord whether my approach was right--
I had simply asked for strength while I struggled with all my might.
Well, I prayed about the situation and put my worries on the shelf,
and soon I saw that the problem was taking care of itself!

Our Lord is always with us and sees the problems we encounter, and He is anxious for us to let Him guide us through each situation. Whether the problem is a situation at work or a personal decision that needs to be made, God has all the answers. Nothing is too small for God to handle! Often, the small decisions in life make a big difference, and our Lord wants us to make the right ones!

"And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat by bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." Isaiah 58:11

From November 8, 1983

A Mother's Spring

My kitchen windowsill radiates
with the first evidence of spring--
short-stemmed tufts of dandelions
my resident explorer brings.
Tell-tale footprints across the floor,
fingerprints 'round the sink
left by an adventurer
who stopped to get a drink.
Sticks and burrs and pine cones
stashed like jewels in a box,
a treasure bag of dried grass,
buds, blooms, and rocks--
I find them in the dirty clothes,
under the bed, or in a drawer,
forgotten spoils of yesterday's
skirmish of Discovery War.
Time spent peering from a tree
or sprinting across the lawn,
chasing the dog, escaping the dog
(friendships are not easily won).
I thank God for the traces of springtime
scattered throughout our home.
I thank God for the world to conquer,
the freedom in which to roam.
I thank God for bits of nature captured--
the dirt, the bugs, the splinters.
I thank God for discovery of new life
as spring emerges from winter.

"For behold the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers have already appeared in the land." -Song of Solomon 2:11 & 12a

From March 13, 1990

Springing up

Wake Robin Trillium, pastel 2004

March is here and spring is just around the corner. If we pay close attention to the world around us, we can already see evidence of spring's approach. The tulips and daffodils are well above the ground. The robins are talking about their new homes, and the air itself bears the scent of fresh life growing.

I'm always amazed when I see the first green tips of tulips poke up out of the earth, for often they do so when snow still blankets the yard. The birds usually surprise me each year also, because those who are returning from their winter vacations seem to do so when I'm still shivering from the cold. I usually am concerned about the dogwoods and other budding trees and bushes, because they sometimes seem to jump the gun on spring. I always wonder how they can be so brave when snow is still falling and the temperature is below freezing. They obviously are relying on a greater source of information.

That's faith. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1) It's pushing our heads up through the frozen ground in preparation for a warmer day that we know is coming. It's searching for a nesting place when the wind is still bitter cold. Faith is putting forth the bud while the snow is still falling. Nature is an example for us in springtime.

"See! The winter is past. The rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come. The cooing of the doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance...." Song of Solomon 2:11-13

From March 4, 1986

Snow

Bud Ogle Cabin (Junglebrook)

Underneath God's frozen blanket

of snowflakes white and pure,
lies my world of imperfection,
striving to endure.
A snowfall covers the earth's harsh angles
and softens each rough-cut line,
creating a new and perfect vision
from this imperfect world of mine.
The snow is cleansing and unifying,
encompassing everything;
it enhances all assets, erases all blemishes
as to each object it clings.
I love the snow in all its grandeur,
for what it reminds me of--
it is like the cleansing, covering qualities
of God's forgiving love.
For God takes our faults and failings
and blankets them in grace,
softens our sharp edges
and erases every trace.
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow"
and from whom each snowflake falls!
His love, like snow's white blanket,
recreates and covers all!

From February 5, 1985

Recycle Christmas... Pray!

Call me a miser, but I'm dismayed at all the beauty we throw away each Christmas. The wrappings, ribbons, and bows that get trashed seem like such a waste. Needless to say, I'd like to congratulate the person or persons who have made the beautiful, reusable gift bags so popular throughout the year.

Call me a pack-rat, but I tend to save many of the greeting cards I receive on various occasions. I keep them for sentimental reasons or because I hope to use the artwork as references for craft illustrations. I'm a die-hard saver of Christmas cards, too! Someone once showed me how to fold a Christmas card to make a tiny gift box decoration or ornament. The designs can sometimes be cut and used the following year as gift tags. However, the neatest use for Christmas cards concerns prayer!

At meal times during the holidays we can share Christmas cards we've received. We can pray for those folks and then display the card until after Christmas. Once the cards are taken down after the holidays, they can be put in a box and kept at hand. Throughout the year at mealtimes, we can pull out a single card and pray for the person or persons who sent it.

The Christmas card prayer tradition often is very timely in the way that a person's name is remembered on a day when prayer is needed. Consider it a holiday suggestion. Recycle Christmas... and pray!

"I thank my God in all my rememberances of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all." Philippians 1:3-4

From December 21, 1992

The Love at Christmas

I saw the love at Christmas time --
it was wrapped so pretty and neat,
or it was spoken in words in Christmas cards
that sounded so nice and sweet.
Why does it come on just one day,
and why must it be bought?
Remember, it's not the gift you buy,
but it's the love that's in the thought.
Still, why only on the 25th,
and only the month of December,
or only on someone's birthday
if we happen to remember?
What about the other days of the year?
Why can't love be spoken then?
Why are feelings kept silent and never shown
until Christmas comes again?
Sure, Christmas celebrates the birthday of Christ
and only comes once a year,
but shouldn't we show the love every day?
Isn't that the reason Christ came here?

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son...." -John 3:16

From January 12, 1982

The Holidays

A time of year called "The Holidays" is something we enjoy;
it's something especially looked forward to by every girl and boy.
We begin our celebrations late in the month of November,
and we hustle and we bustle right up to the last day of December.
We anticipate Thanksgiving Day with anxious appetites,
and we plan, prepare, and partake of a multitude of delights.
We donate food and money to furnish baskets for the needy,
and we suppose this act of generosity keeps us from being greedy.
We thank the Lord for all our blessings and the food upon the table,
for our health, our home, family, and friends and the fact that we are able.
Then we make our Christmas shopping lists and begin an earnest search,
and we look forward to activities with family, friends, and church.
We sing and speak of the Christ child whose birth we celebrate.
We give canned goods, toys, and clothing for those less fortunate.
We attend our banquets and our parties, exchange gifts and distribute cards.
We decorate our homes, our packages, and our yards.
We scurry to and fro and speak of little elves.
We give to Lottie Moon and satisfy ourselves.
But if we slowed down long enough, would we see more than lights and glitter?
Would we see a fatherless child who needs a fatherly baby-sitter?
Would we see the darkened home whose rooms are drafty and chilled?
Would we see the ailing widow whose wood box is not filled?
Would we see the hollow-eyed child who needs more than a second-hand toy?
Would we notice the eager, able hands of someone unemployed?
Would we spot the lonely, older couple with hearts of resignation,
whose only need is company, laughter, and a little conversation?
Would we see a home-bound neighbor who would appreciate a ride
to see the beautiful sights of winter and Christmas time outside?
Would we remember the elderly person who no longer lives at home,
or the person on the street, who is forced to roam?
We thank the Lord at Thanksgiving and praise Him on Christmas Day,
but do we understand the meaning of following in His way?
Do we exchange gifts with friends and family and receive some satisfaction
of donating cans and toys without any true sacrificial action?
As we spend money, time, and effort putting nativity scenes on our shelves,
do we live as Jesus lived -- do we give of ourselves?
Especially at this time, but throughout the whole year, too,
I'd like to ask the question, "What would Jesus do?"

And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, "What do you want me to do for you?" They said to Him, "Lord, we want our eyes to be opened." And moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him. - Matthew 20:32-34.

From November 11, 1986

The Shepherd's Story

Have you ever wondered what happened after the shepherds left the manger? Well, just maybe...

The stars were shining brightly
upon the shepherd lad;
he looked up from his resting place
among the sheep he had.
The sky grew even brighter,
and then the glow took form,
and an angel spoke unto the men
and promised them no harm.
The angel told of the Christ child's birth
below in Bethlehem,
where and how he could be found
by every one of them.
Then suddenly the skies burst forth
in songs of praise and joy,
something overpowering
for a young shepherd boy.
When the angels disappeared
and the shepherds found their strength,
they left the sheep for Bethlehem,
running the entire length.
Once inside the crowded city,
they began searching for a manger
among the tired travelers,
the beasts, the buildings, the strangers.
Faintly, from the noisy mass
a baby's cry was heard,
and the shepherds made their way
to a stable where animals stirred.
The young shepherd gazed upon the Child,
found just as the angel had said,
wrapped in strips of cloth
with hay beneath his head.
The lad worshiped there in awe
and left praising God to men,
returning to the hillside
to take care of sheep again.
Many nights he lay awake,
wondering if the angels would return,
but no more was said from Heaven;
no more could the shepherds learn.
He had toddling nephews who were slaughtered
He knew years of quiet waiting,
and he spent a lifetime remembering angels,
listening... anticipating.
He heard rumors of a prophet.
He heard stories of miracles done.
A man, the Messiah,
Jesus, God's own Son.
The grown shepherd traveled to Jerusalem
and arrived in time to see an empty tomb.
Jesus' followers told the story
of events in an upper room.
The shepherd visited the believers
who claimed Jesus fulfilled God's Word,
and tears filled his eyes as he listened
and joy filled his heart as he heard.
For he remembered how upon that hillside
the angel had foretold that day
and how the babe was found in a manger,
resting upon the hay.

From December 18, 1990

My Brother's Keeper

They arrived at the inn, but all rooms were full.
Am I my brother's keeper?
Jerusalem wept for her sons' death toll.
Am I my brother's keeper?
The hungry are starving.
The oppressed cry out.
The wicked prevail;
They will not die out
As Cain asked in the garden, in fear for his soul,
"Am I my brother's keeper?"

They come -- the lame, the sick, and the blind
Am I my brother's keeper?
They took Him away; Peter followed behind.
Am I my brother's keeper?
From manger to cross.
From hay to thorns,
disbelief, indifference,hatred and scorn
HE came to save and to serve all mankind.
Am I my brother's keeper?

Sometimes midst all that goes on in the world, we feel helpless to make a difference. Can we change the condition of those around us? Are we responsible for anyone other than ourselves? Jesus came from glory in order that we might know something other than our own miserable human condition and its consequences. We are to follow His example of selfless love.

"Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond servant, and being made in the likeness of men, and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Phil. 2:4-8

Christ's Birth

Hear the animals as they lie restless in their stables;
hear the shuffle of hoof and paw against the eart.
Experience the sights and sounds of the first Christmas;
pause and quickly reflect upon Christ's birth
Feel the coolness of the night air;
feel the darkness 'round about
Smell the sweet aroma of warm hay and grain.
Know the stillness of the world without

See the mother resting peacefully--
think what her thoughts just might have been.
See the babe asleep, contentedly.
What somber thoughts was Joseph lost within?
Know the joy; feel the awe--
experience the love
Then turn your eyes upward to the heavens
and see the great star shining up above.

Look beyond and watch the angels;
hear them as they sing.
Feel the rumble of the trumpets;
listen to the night air ring.
Do you feel a tremble?
Do you sense the glory of this early Christmas morn?
Praise God! Proclaim His greatness!
Jesus Christ is born!

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger...." Luke 2:7

From December 25, 1983