JOY

 

I thought about not decorating for Christmas this year.  It just didn’t seem like the holidays. I wasn’t sure I wanted to drag the boxes down out of the attic and go through all the work and mess required, only to have to pack it all back up in a few short weeks.

But I love the holidays – the memories evoked by the decorations, the twinkling lights, the music…And maybe this year decorating is more important than usual.

The joy we are accustomed to seeing at this season of the year seems to be missing, or at least subdued. The world has changed in ways we could not have foreseen or imagined. People are feeling isolated, cut-off from family and friends, fearful, disappointed, depressed, anxious about the future, grieving what was or what could have been, etc., etc., etc. 

But joyful?  Not so much.

Centuries ago brilliance burst through the darkness and an angel delivered a message of hope to shepherds out on a Bethlehem hillside.  

“Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be for all people…” Luke 2:10

ALL people –

All people then… and NOW.

There is good news of joy –

Not just joy,

But GREAT joy!

We have a Savior.

His name is Jesus.

And at Christmas we celebrate His coming to earth to live among His creation. The Jesus who came to earth on that first Christmas day, is the same Jesus who said,

“These things I have spoken to you that My joy may remain in you,  and that your joy may be full." John 15:11

“Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:24.

When praying to His Father He said, “… and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves.” John 17:13

So, my dear Friends, do not relinquish your JOY.

If Jesus is your Lord and Savior the Holy Spirit of God lives in you. And a life filled with the Spirit can overflow with the fruit of the Spirit which is “…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” Galatians 5:22, 23.

Despite persecution, illness, trials of many kinds, rejection, misunderstanding, multiple assassination attempts and imprisonment Paul wrote, "None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear to myself so that I might finish my course with joy…” Acts 20:24

Paul’s joy did not depend on what happened, but came from His God!

May we say along with the prophet Habakkuk, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:18

Perhaps it is a decision… I will rejoice.

If your joy is waning, ask (John 16:24).

If you have breath, sing (Psalm 104:33).

If you are afraid, trust (Read Psalm 56:3-11).

And this Christmas season, let your joy encourage others.

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

Blessings,

Ruth

Joy to the World,   by Isaac Watts, 1719

“Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow, Far as the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love.”

 

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

The Presidential election in America is just 6 days away. Believers, even Christian leaders who are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, are dividing into both camps – Republican and Democrat. This can become confusing. I have not posted much about politics because so much has already been said. If you read my last blog post you know how I am voting and why. But I feel like one more thing needs to be said.  I challenge you to read ALL the way to the end before you get mad and shut me off. 

Republicans are strong believers in

·         the sanctity of life,

·         protecting our borders,

·         law and order,

·         traditional marriage and family,

·         religious liberty,

·         our Founding Fathers stance on God in government,

·         educational choice,

·         a strong military, patriotism, and support of veterans.

Democrats vote in strong support of

·         choice – abortion, sexual and gender preferences, non-traditional families,

·         women’s rights,

·         environmentalism,

·         ending global warming,

·         open borders,

·         no place for God in government, education or public life,

·         government (taxpayer) funding of choices – abortion (planned parenthood), sexual preferences, gender transitioning, but no funding for private or religious choices that go against the Democratic platform (Advice and Aid, for example),

·         government (taxpayer) mandated medical,

·         government mandated schooling,

·         “free” stuff.

I’ve heard it said by those who take the Democratic position that “there is more at stake than the abortion issue.” But here’s the astonishing truth – It is no good to save the environment, halt global warming, end perceived racism, open the borders, and provide government funding for various causes IF we do not allow children to LIVE and GROW UP to appreciate the very things you vote to support.

The right to LIFE comes before the rights to liberty and the pursuit of happiness in our founding documents for a reason. If you are not ALIVE you cannot enjoy liberty or happiness. You cannot stand for “Choice” or “Rights” while depriving millions of making ANY choices or enjoying ANY rights at all!

Dear Friends, whatever your belief about other issues, I urge you… I beg you…VOTE in favor of LIFE!

Blessings,

Ruth

Many were deceived into believing lies perpetuated about abortion and knowing when life actually begins. Now that technology enables us to see a baby within the womb, many are grieving over past choices made in ignorance. Dear Ones, please know that God loves you no matter what choices you made in the past. There is forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and He longs to free you of the burden of guilt you carry. Reach out to Him in faith and receive His forgiveness. Then walk in freedom and newness of life, obedient to the Scriptures and in step with the Father.

My Vote

I am not voting for any man. I am voting according to my beliefs.

·       I believe in life – ALL life, no matter what stage of development, what age, or what color.  All life has been created by God and has value.

·       I believe in God and the right we have to assemble and worship Him freely in this country. I am voting to keep that freedom alive.  I believe we should not be forced to go against our faith values to support what we believe to be wrong, or to pay for it with our tax dollars.

·       I believe in Law and Order. God established law and He IS a God of order. I am voting to support the enforcement of law and order in America.

·       I believe in Patriotism. My husband, brother-in-law, father-in-law, grandfather and various aunts and uncles served proudly in the United States Military. I vote for the right to defend the Country they fought to protect, and to support those still standing up for freedom. I vote to care for the Veterans who fought heroically so we would have the rights we appreciate today. I believe in saluting the Flag they fought to keep flying over America and I fly the Red, White, and Blue proudly and without apology.

·       I believe family as is ordained by God and I vote in support of the traditional family as foundational to our American values.

·       I believe Parents have the right to make Educational Choices for their children whether private education, homeschooling, public, or charter including teaching them about their Faith.

·       I believe our Country was founded on Biblical principles and that those principles are reflected in our National Motto -“In God We Trust”, in our Pledge - “One Nation Under God”, and in our laws which are based on the Ten Commandments. I am voting to keep the Motto, Pledge, and Laws in place.

·       I believe in Freedom of Speech which includes my right to speak, write, and teach about my faith without fear of reprisal or censorship. This includes the right to pray “in Jesus’ name” privately and publicly and to share God’s Word whenever and wherever I can appropriately do so. I vote to keep that right.

·       I believe we should learn from History, not deny or erase or cancel it- but to acknowledge what went right and what went wrong so we don’t make the same mistakes but continue doing what will make us stronger and better, wiser and more compassionate.

·       I vote in favor of Capitalism and Free Enterprise which says that by working hard we can achieve goals and acquire personal property, goods, and privately own businesses. I am opposed to socialism which by definition takes away private property and goods and allows the government to own, control, and distribute as it wishes to whomever it wishes. I vote against the Radical move to make America a Socialist Country.

·       I am not voting for a perfect candidate. I believe only ONE perfect man ever walked on this earth – the Lord Jesus Christ- and that we will never know real peace on earth until He, the Prince of Peace, is acknowledged and worshipped as God by everyone.  But until that time I am voting my  God-given conscience to the best of my ability. 

I hope you will, too.

 “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good. They must seek peace and pursue it.  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:10-13

“That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10-11

Blessings,

Ruth

Hatred and Rage

 

Actions fueled by hatred and rage are often

Reactionary, Irrational, and Unconscionable,

        (Rather than Measured, Well thought-out, and Reasonable)

Unwise, Illogical, and Incendiary

                                (Rather than Sensible, Prudent, and Peace-loving)

Such actions result in Destructive Devastation

                                (Rather than accomplishing anything of good and lasting value.)

We see this happening all across our Nation –

Hatred that has escalated almost past the point of no return,

Hatred that has totally eclipsed common sense.

Evil is glorified, permitted, applauded, and often rewarded,

         While righteousness is vilified, reviled, and persecuted.

What we see and hear today can almost bring even the most stalwart to despair.

 

BUT I am thankful that God can redeem even the most seemingly irredeemable situation and turn it around to accomplish His purposes. 

We must PRAY.

·        Pray that the refreshing Water of the Word will douse the hot rage inflaming hearts and minds.

·        Pray that repentance drives us to our knees in humble confession of sin.

·        Pray that truth will win over lies and deception.

·        Pray that that blinders will come off disbelieving eyes.

·        Pray that more Clergy will boldly proclaim the Gospel unashamedly – instead of bowing to the pressure of political correctness and intimidation.

·        Pray that faith will triumph over the fear now gripping hearts and minds.

·        Pray that believers across this great Nation will be able to “stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).

·        Pray that those who claim the name “Christian” will stand for Biblical principles and not kowtow to what they know is wrong.

·        Pray that America gives God His rightful place in our hearts, our homes, and our Nation once again!

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves,

and pray, and seek my face,and turn from their wicked ways;

then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin,

                                           and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

 

Take heart, dear friend, God is still on the throne. As we are reminded in this old hymn written by Martin Luther, despite what the Evil one throws at us, God never fails. His truth will triumph and His kingdom is forever.

 

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

A mighty Fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;

Our Helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:

For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;

His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,

On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;

Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:

Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;

Lord Sabaoth His Name, from age to age the same,

And He must win the battle.

 

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:

The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.

 

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;

The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth:

Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;

The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,

His Kingdom is forever.

 Blessings,
 Ruth

Be Strong

 

Throughout the Bible God’s people are challenged to be strong, to be courageous. These are good words for the current time.  I have been reading in the Old Testament and in the little book of Haggai we find both admonition and encouragement.

“Be strong all you people of the land, declares the Lord, and work. For I am with you declares the Lord Almighty.” (Haggai 2:4). In verse 5 God declares, “My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear.”

When Moses was turning over the reins of leadership to Joshua he challenged him, “Be strong and courageous…” (Joshua 1:6)  King David told the next king, Solomon, “Be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be dismayed.” (1 Chronicles 22:13) 

And in the New Testament the the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “Be Strong…" (1 Corinthians 16:13). To the Galatians he said, “Keep standing firm.” (Galatians 5:1) 

Fear is holding a lot of people in its grip these days.

• Fear of THE Virus …
• Fear of schools re-opening (or not reopening)…
• Fear of upcoming election results…
• Fear of the riots and destruction happening in major cities all across America right now…
• Fear of all the recent changes that have been happening…
• Fear of economic collapse…
• Fear of ...

We can take comfort in remembering that God’s Spirit is in our midst even now.  He indwells His people. And He does not forsake His own. (Hebrews 13:5)
Even in fearful times we do not have to be afraid.
In chapter 2 Haggai instructs the people of Judah three times to “take courage.”
HE (God) is with us.

The Prophet Malachi remind us of this about God:
He is the Lord of Hosts (Malachi 1:10)
He is a Great King (Malachi 1:14)
He does not change (Malachi 3:6)
His Name will be great among the nations. (Malachi 1:11)
 
Dr Michael Youssef wrote in his August magazine, My Journal, “This global pandemic is God’s call for His children to look up, not back…Let’s use this time and these trials to deepen our faith,
store up treasure in heaven,

and proclaim His good news until the day He comes again.”

Let’s do that!
And let’s look up, take courage, and do the work.
 
Be Strong,
Ruth

Longing

We’re into the 8^th month of 2020 already and what a year it has been! Just goes to show that we truly do not know what lies around the bend. But thankfully, God does! I’m so glad we have Him and He has us. We may lose faith in those around us, in those “calling the shots”, but we do not have to lose faith in Him! 

He is Trust-worthy.

He is Able.

He is Good.

And He is Real.

What the remaining months of 2020 will look like, only God knows. But we do know that He will be with us – All the Way, and All the Time. He has not forgotten us and will not forsake His own.

The prophet Isaiah wrote these words to Israel: “The Lord longs to be gracious to you…He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him. O people in Zion, inhabitants of Jerusalem, you will weep no longer. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; When He hears it, He will answer you.” Isaiah 30:18-19

Isaiah warns that God’s response to their cry requires

Repentance (verse 15),

Trust in Him (verse 12),

Receiving and Believing His word (verse 12),

and Giving up their idols (verse 22).

Isaiah calls for God’s people to “Return to Him.” (31:6, 44:22, 55:7).

So, let’s do that!

Long for Him,

Cry out to Him,

Return to Him,

Trust in Him,

Believe His Word!

We used to sing this old chorus:

“There’s a longing in my heart for Jesus,

There’s a longing in my heart to see His face.

I am weary, oh so weary of traveling here below,

There’s a longing in my heart for Him.”

While we long for Him and for His return, let’s remember that He also longs to be gracious to us.

Blessings

Ruth

Living in HOPE

I cannot recall a time in my lifetime when America was so unrighteous – when lawmakers support wickedness and defy or ignore God. Because of the criminal actions of a few, others are ambushed and murdered. Families are devastated. Innocent children are caught in the cross-fire. Anarchy reigns unchecked. Thugs make the rules. 

Authority is disrespected. Personal property is destroyed and businesses disrupted. 

Violence is excused. 

History is despised or denied. Statues are toppled. Monuments are defaced.  

These are scary times in our country. 

Logic, reason, common-sense seem absent. 

Masks hide the faces of everyone, giving anonymity to criminals. 

There are no visible smiles. 

People don't speak to each other. (Have you noticed the silence in the stores these days?) 

Alcohol sales and drug use are up.

Depression, suicide, and murders have increased. 

Domestic violence is even more prevalent.

Churches closed while abortion clinics and liquor stores remained open.  

Independence Day gatherings cancelled yet demonstrations and rallies permitted. 

Legislators can’t seem to agree on anything.  

It feels like we are living in a bad movie – one that surely cannot end well. 

It seems hopeless.

It.  Feels.  Hopeless.

The Apostle Paul lived in difficult hopeless times. Yet he knew abundant comfort coming from God.  He wrote of  “affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life … having the sentence of death within ourselves in order that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.” (2 Corinthians 1:8, 9)

Despite perilous times Paul said they “set their hope” on God! (2 Corinthians 1:10) 

In another passage he wrote to Timothy, “We have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.” (2 Timothy 4:10.) 

Paul’s hope was so firmly fixed on God that he expressed this desire for the believers in Rome, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) 

He, the God of peace (Romans 15:33) brings joy, peace and hope to our minds and hearts despite troubling and uncertain times! 

When the future seems uncertain, 

When we hold our breath ‘waiting for the other shoe to drop,'

We need supernatural joy and peace and hope.  

And we can have it if we decide to firmly fix our hope completely on Him, the God of hope!   

He sees, He knows, He cares, He is coming again and He will make things right!

Hymnwriter, Edward Mote (1797-1874) expressed it this way:

“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand,

all other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace;

in ev'ry high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand,

all other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, his covenant, his blood support me in the whelming flood;

when all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand,

all other ground is sinking sand.

When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found,

dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand,

all other ground is sinking sand."

Abounding in hope while standing on the Rock,

Ruth

Opportunists

Riotous rebellion and protests are sweeping across America. Looting, vandalism, shootings, beatings, and out of control mobs disrupt the peace we all long for. It is a time of crisis sparked by a horrible incident of brutality resulting in the senseless death of a young man – truly a genuine tragedy. But the aftermath is increasing tragedy and destruction – more deaths, more brutality, numerous injuries, fires, more grieving families, fear, hostility, unrest. Businesses, just beginning to reopen after forced closures from the pandemic, now destroyed. Police targeted, ambushed and murdered. Even children’s hospitals are not exempt from the violence! No amount of logic or reasoning can make sense out of what is happening. How could further murder and destruction compensate the family grieving the loss of their son, brother, father?

Those participating in these actions are opportunists at their worst! They are ruthlessly exploiting the circumstances to satisfy their own rage, greed, selfish desires, and lust for power. Their evil actions dishonor the family of the one they say they are staging protests for!

If you find these actions disturbing consider the source! This type of behavior has no ethical, moral motive but rather is promoted by the one Jesus called “a murderer from the beginning” and “the father of lies,” the “evil one” and “the enemy.” (John 8:44, Matthew 13:19, 39). 

The Apostle Paul called him “the god of this world,” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 2:2). 

The Apostle John speaks of “the serpent of old…who deceives the whole world.” (Revelation 12:9) The Apostle Peter says he “prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) 

Satan (the devil) is an opportunist!

Actions declare who our father is! 

Actions demonstrate allegiance. 

The Apostle Paul says “do not give the devil an opportunity.” (Ephesians 4:27) We give him opportunity when we are controlled by our own emotions and attitudes rather than being controlled by the Spirit of God. (See Romans 7: 8-11; Matthew 26:16)

Instead of violence, when warning his disciples of coming persecution, Jesus said it would “lead to an opportunity for your testimony.” (Luke 21:13)

Paul told believers to “make the most of every opportunity” by responding with gracious speech. (Colossians 4:5 NASB) He said our freedom was not to be turned into “an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13) He continues, “While we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

So as we continue through these next few weeks and months, consider the challenge of Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV) “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

We have opportunities – 

to speak good, 

to do good, 

to serve well,

to give witness, 

to share hope, 

and to love one another. 

Let’s do that!

Blessings,

Ruth

REMEMBER

Today is Memorial Day, a day of remembrance of those who died in service to our country while fighting for the cause of freedom- A day to appreciate and honor those who put love for country ahead of personal comfort and safety. Flags are flown, cemeteries are visited, speeches are made, songs are sung. This holiday is for one specific purpose – remembering!

Remembering is good and important. We remember with gratitude those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy in this country. We honor them, memorialize them, thank God for them and for their families. Because of them our country has remained free. Never forget!

There is another who sacrificed for our freedom and we are called to remember Him.

During this pandemic, stay-at-home orders kept us from church services where we remember His sacrifice when we partake of Communion. At the very first Communion Jesus gave thanks, broke bread, and gave it to his disciples, instructing them, “do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)

The Apostle Paul later wrote to the church in Corinth,

“…the Lord Jesus on the night in which He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way He took the cup also, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"Paul explains, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

“In remembrance of Me” 

Always remember, not just at Communion, that Jesus died for our freedom.

He is here, and where He is, there is freedom! (2 Corinthians 3:17)

The freedom He gives brings:

·         Freedom from the bondage (captivity, enslavement) of sin - Romans 6:7, 22; Galatians 5:1

·         Forgiveness - Acts 13:38-39

·         Eternal life – Romans 6:22

·         Release from the law of sin and death - Romans 8:2

·         Blessing – James 1:25

·         Desire to serve others – Galatians 5:23

·         Ability to stand firm – Galatians 5:1

·         Power to live and walk as free people – Galatians 5:13-25

And “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” - John 8:36

This freedom came at a great price. The Gospel of John chapters 18-19 give a chilling account of the price Jesus paid for our freedom. Read it and remember!

Whenever we see a cross...

Whenever we take communion...

Whenever we appreciate being forgiven, loved, accepted, chosen by God...

We remember what it cost Him.

Never forget!

because Freedom is NOT free.

Gratefully,

Ruth

Bowing the Knee Beyond the Pandemic

Philippians 2:10-11  "At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow of things in heaven, and things on earth, and things under the earth. And every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Imagine a time when Jesus is acknowledged as Lord by all and everyone!
There is coming a day -
All will bow to Him in worship.

Today we bow to all kinds of things:
wealth
health
beauty
athleticism
entertainment
recreation
selfish ambition
work
pleasure
possessions
self
relationships
service
church
ministry

But He wants us to worship HIM.
Love Him - because He first loved us.
Obey Him ("If you love me you will keep my commandments." John 14:15).

Bowing the knee to Him means so much more than lip service -
so much more than merely saying 'He is Lord.'
Acknowledging Him as Lord is recognizing our position in relation to Him.
No one, nothing holds a higher place than He does.
Nothing stands in the way of doing what He says without hesitation:
Coming to Him when He calls,
Going for Him when He sends,
Resting in Him when weary,
Hiding in Him when frightened,
Drinking from His well of living water,
Washed by the water of His Word,
Standing on His promises,
Forgiving as He forgave,
Loving as He loved,
Filled with His Spirit,
Light and Salt in a dark unpalatable world,
Courageously unashamed,
Unafraid,
Armed with His strength,
Doing nothing without Him,
Doing the impossible with Him.

In the words of hymn writer B.R Hanby (1866),
"At His feet we humbly fall, crown Him, crown Him Lord of all."

Blessings,
Ruth

I Salute You...

I get nostalgic this time of year as Mothers’ Day approaches.  My mind drifts back to other years- other Mothers’ Days – when we celebrated our Moms.  

It’s been 8 years since my own dear Mom went to be with Jesus – 8 years of Mothers’ Days without her – without being able to call her on the phone or fly across the country to be with her.   

This past August my Mother-in-law joined Mom in Heaven. 

And for the first time ever, this Mothers’ Day we have no Moms – 

No Mothers to honor or celebrate on this annual holiday.  

It feels strange – weird to know that now we are the elder generation.

And then I think, first of all how grateful I am to have HAD a Mother who truly loved me – 

Who cared enough to make sure I learned about Jesus – 

Who disciplined me so I learned how to become a responsible adult – 

Who instilled in me principles of integrity, morality, faithfulness, loyalty, love for God, compassion for others, hard work, and dedication to God and His Word. 

Although we lived apart geographically for most of my adult life, 

we remained close. She made sure of that!  

I miss her.

I’m grateful for the Mother of my wonderful husband who I’ve had the joy of living with for these 46 years. I’m thankful for her because without her I would not have him!

Then I think of the other Mothers in my life – Mothers to be honored and celebrated. 

There are the three Mothers of our grandchildren:

Liz, our daughter, and Hailey and Kristen, who married our sons.

They are fine young women who love God, their children, and their spouses. 

They are doing a great work raising their children so they will become responsible adults. 

They are working hard to instill godly principles in their children, 

while showing by example how to love God and love others.

Then there are the Mothers of my children’s spouses:

Cathy Brown, who gave us Kristen, wife of our son, Peter Jr, and mother of two of our grandchildren. 

Nancy Hamilton Brake who gave us Hailey, wife of our son, Tim, and mother of  three of our grandchildren. 

And Aurelia Pall, who raised Markus, our son-in-law, and welcomed our American English-speaking daughter into her Austrian German-speaking family. We gained two more grandchildren as a result of that marriage.

How grateful we are to these three women, our children’s Mothers-in-law – the “other grandmothers” who also love our children and grandchildren.  

We’re thankful that they gave life to their children, 

raised them to be who they are today, 

and lovingly share them with us!

This Mothers’ Day I want to give thanks for the Mothers Pete and I had, 

for the Mother we raised, 

for the Mothers who are raising our grandchildren, 

for their Mothers, and for all those special women who extend their love and influence to others. 

I know that I have been on the receiving end of so much of that! 

This Mothers’ Day I salute you all,

I thank God for you,

I love and honor you today!

Happy Mothers’ Day!

Blessings,

Ruth

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC 2020

“Shelter in place,” they said.

“Stay home,” they said.

“Don’t go out,” they said.

 People are dead.

“No more groups,” they said.

“No more sports,” they said.

“No more school,” they said.

 Count the dead.

“Keep social distancing,” they said.

“No more church,” they said.

“Don’t go to work,” they said.

 You could be dead.

“Watch the news,” they said.

“The enemy’s fierce,” they said.

“No known cure,” they said.

 See how many are dead.

FEAR gripped the heart,

We stayed apart.

“Fear not!" HE said.

“I am with you,” HE said.

“Be not dismayed,” HE said.

“I am your God.” 

“I’ll not leave or forsake you,” HE said.

“I am the Way, Truth, and Life,” HE said.

“I give you MY peace,” HE said.

“Do not be troubled or afraid.”

Turn off the news,

Open the Word,

Talk to the Lord,

Rejoice in HIS love.

HE is alive,

And still on the throne.

HE knows ALL things –

To HIM nothing is unknown.

HE’S doing a work

HE’LL see us through

Encourage each other,

Do what you CAN do.

Reach out to the lonely,

Make phone calls, write letters.

Connecting electronically 

has never been better!

Listen to praise music,

Pray for each other.

Build some new bridges.

Forgive one another.

Wait on the Lord.

Peacefully resting in HIM.

“Be still and know HE is God.” 

Let THAT sink in!

HE IS!

HE.   IS.   GOD!

Praise and worship HIM,

Trusting HIM without fear.

You're never alone

When you know HE is here!

Hallelujah! Amen.

Take courage from the following Bible verses:

Isaiah 41:10; Hebrews 13:5; John 14:6; John 11:25; John 14:1, 27, Psalm 46:10