Face to Face

On Christmas day, 2017, a former co-worker met her Savior face to face.
It had to have been a joyous moment –
seeing the One who died for her so her sins could be forgiven,
the One who had gone to prepare a place for her.
She is experiencing what we someday hope to experience -
leaving behind her fears and failings, her disappointments, her work, her sickness and pain.
For her there is no more political instability, economic uncertainty, or threat of religious persecution. There is joy, peace, rest and delightful reunions with loved ones who passed on before her.
She worships at the throne of the One whose love never fails.

But for those who remain behind the place will not be same.
Every absence of a loved one leaves a void, a gap we can return to time and time again to remember, to mourn, to laugh, to reflect, to love.
Did we sometimes have different opinions about projects and procedures? Absolutely!
Did we sometimes disagree? You betcha!
But those times are forgotten and insignificant in light of the loss of a friend, a beloved peer.

So, entering into 2018 I take these thoughts with me:

1. Be present in the moment. We don’t know how many moments there will be.
2. Love those around me while overlooking petty differences.
3. Be a blessing to those whose lives intersect with mine.
4. Spend time with each other.
5. Do the important things.
6. Finish well.

Teena, you were loved and you will be missed, until we, too, see Him face to face.
We were blessed to know you.

The hymnwriter, Carrie E. Breck, expressed her thoughts this way:
in the hymn entitled, Face to Face, (1898).

Face to face with Christ, my Savior,
Face to face—what will it be,
When with rapture I behold Him,
Jesus Christ who died for me?
    
Refrain:
Face to face I shall behold Him,
Far beyond the starry sky;
Face to face in all His glory,
I shall see Him by and by!

What rejoicing in His presence,
When are banished grief and pain;
Death is swallowed up in vict’ry,
And the dark things shall be plain.

Face to face—oh, blissful moment!
Face to face—to see and know;
Face to face with my Redeemer,
Jesus Christ who loves me so.

Good News to ALL the People

The Good News is for everyone.
not for an exclusive few,
or those who feel superior 
or deserving
or hold prominent positions
or have particular conditions,
not for a certain strata of society 
or ethnicity
or nationality.
The good news is for the down-trodden and destitute,
for the uplifted and ambitious,
the rich
and the poor,
the young
and the old,
and the in-between.
The angel said, "Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord!" Luke 2:10, 11.
Good News!
A Savior!
The Apostle Paul further explained the Good News:"Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
"And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago." Ephesians 1:13
A Savior! 
Good News! The GREATEST News!
We need not struggle to save ourselves.
Long before we were born, Jesus, The Son of God, came "to seek and to save the lost."  Luke 19:10
And THAT Good News is for everyone!

GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY!

The Angel brought it.

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.” Luke 1:30-31 

Mary accepted it.

“And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’” Luke 1:38

Joseph believed it.

“' Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.'
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:  And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.” Matthew 1:20-25

Shepherds confirmed it.

And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, 'Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.' And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-15

Fear not!

We need to hear  these same words today. As crisis looms, tragedies abound, war threatens, nations are divided and relationships fractured…

“Fear not!” 

To quote Simeon, a wise elderly man from the temple in Jerusalem, “Lord…mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

Fear not! Salvation has come! His name is Jesus!

Am I bored yet?

So what HAVE I been doing in retirement?
It's hard to believe that I started on this new journey over 3 years ago,
But I did.
And it has been good -
And enlightening.
Have I been bored you asked?
God has given me ongoing opportunities to teach Bible classes (which I love),
To enjoy time with friends and family (which I also love!)
And to work on projects such as these:

Several other writing projects are in the works. My typing fingers are itching to get to them!

We have had the privilege of caring for Pete's mother who will be celebrate her 90th birthday in January. Since moving her here in February we have been helping her adjust to her new life in Kansas.

So... No,
I'm not bored yet and don't plan to be anytime in the near future.
What I AM is a child of God,
Grateful to belong to Him,
and rejoicing in the strength He gives!

Love,
Ruth

ThanksLiving

For many the word “Thanksgiving” means gathering with family and friends,

Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pumpkin pie,

A football game,

The parade on television,

And “Black Friday” shopping.

Good stuff – traditions – memories of years past.

Now the leftovers are in the fridge.

Visitors have returned home.

School vacation is over.

And life is back to normal.

And Thanksgiving...?

We’ll welcome it back next year.

But true thanksgiving – giving thanks – is not a once a year thing,

Nor is it optional for the Christian.

Thanksgiving flows from a grateful heart.

Grateful for blessings received from the hand of a loving God,

For grace given,

And mercies extended.

Thanksgiving should inhabit our prayers, our songs, our daily discussions, our thoughts.

For what do we have that we did not receive?

Let’s ask God to help us make gratitude our lifestyle, and giving thanks our mantra.

And let’s start right now!

When I started typing the sky was aflame with the beauty of a sunrise.

As I finished, two Blue Jays visited my deck,

a Red-headed Woodpecker tapped on the tree outside the window, 

and a Cardinal raised its voice in song.

Thank You, God, for these wonderful gifts to start my day today!

                

Have a thankful day,

Ruth

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness.” 

Colossians 2:6-7

“I will praise God’s name in song, and glorify Him with thanksgiving.”

Psalm 69:30

Nothing lasts forever . . .

Nothing lasts long these days. Toys brought home from the store are barely out of the box before they are broken. Electronics - the newest and the best - soon become outdated and replaced.  Shoes and clothes are outgrown and worn out. Food is consumed. Money dwindles. Heroes fall out of favor. Fads come and go. Leadership changes.
Nothing lasts!
Nothing?
But God...
From everlasting to everlasting - He is God - Psalm 90:2.
He is The Eternal One! - Dueteronomy 33:27.
His Word is eternal - Psalm 119:89.
His righteous laws are eternal - Psalm 119:160.
His kingdom is eternal - Daniel 4:3, 34; 2 Peter 1:11.
His ways are eternal - Habakkuk 3:6.
His power is eternal - Romans 1:20.
His purpose is eternal - Ephesians 3:10, 11.
His gospel is eternal - Revelation 14:6.
He gives to us:
Eternal life - John 3:16.
Eternal salvation - Hebrews 5:9.
Eternal redemption - Hebrews 9:12.
Eternal encouragement - 2 Thessalonians 2:16
An eternal inheritance - Hebrews 9:15.
Hallelujah!
Money can't buy it.
Hard labor can't earn it.
But God gives freely and generously to all who believe and receive His Son
because He is The Eternal God!
Thank you Jesus!

"The eternal God is your refuge

and underneath are the everlasting arms."

Deuteronomy 33:27

Company on the Journey

 “...The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you.

He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

He goes ahead to prepare the way,

to clear out obstacles, to lay a path, to overcome enemies.

He knows the way because He's been there before.

He goes ahead. He is a guide and protector.

Yet He is also with me – a traveling companion, a comforter, an encourager –

bringing joy and peace on the journey –

giving direction and hope for each step of the way.

Because He “goes ahead” and He “is with” me I do not have to fear (be anxious, alarmed, apprehensive, dread or panic)

or be dismayed (distressed, unsettled, disconcerted, disturbed, upset, rattled, fazed, unnerved, troubled, worried, disappointed, or disquieted.)

Wow!

The next time I feel any of those emotions I must remember –

He goes ahead, so He already knows what's coming,

AND He is with me – my constant companion on the journey.

How long will He be with me?

Always (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5)

Hallelujah!

Father,

In these troubling times of unrest, turmoil, and animosity,

As hostility toward Biblical truth increases,

And right living is replaced by political correctness while bowing to unrighteous demands,

As racial and political tensions are stirred by agitators bent on destruction,

And thuggery has replaced common decency

Help me remember that You are my constant companion.

Thank you, Jesus!

Amen

“No, never alone; No, never alone;

He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone."

(Refrain from the hymn Never Alone, published 1892, author unknown)

Reunion

 

It was much anticipated, and when the time came it was wonderful and wacky, chaotic and loud! Laughter and games and pool time, talking and eating – lots of eating!  The house of these two long-time empty nesters hadn’t seen so much activity in long time.  For the first time in years we were all together – at the same time and in the same place - eight adults and seven children from Pennsylvania and Austria and Kansas. 

And then it was over – all too quickly. First to leave were Pete, Kristen and the girls from Pennsylvania. And now, today, Markus flies back to Austria, leaving the rest of his family to follow in a couple weeks. And with each parting is the hope and anticipation of the next family reunion. If not here, then up there and what a day that will be! No more goodbyes, no more partings, no more longings for just a little more time. 

Hymnist Jim Hill expressed it this way in his song, “What a Day That Will Be.”

There is coming a day,
When no heartaches shall come,
No more clouds in the sky,
No more tears to dim the eye,
All is peace forever more,
On that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There'll be no sorrow there,
No more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain,
No more parting over there;
And forever I will be,
With the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be. 

And it gives this Mama joy to know that the final reunion is a sure thing!

3 John 1:4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Taking for granted

The little things –

Clear running water,
Clean air,
Fresh rain,
Warm sunshine,
Unclogged pipes,
Electric lights,
Laundry facilities,
Warm showers,
Food to eat …
Singing birds - and ears to hear them,
Familiar faces - and eyes to see them,
Fragrant flowers - and the sense to smell them,
Legs that work,
Pain-free days,
Laughter and tears,
Kind words,
Friendly smiles,
Helpful friends,
One more conversation,
One more chance to right a wrong,
One more hug around the neck,
One more kiss on wrinkled cheeks,
One more prayer together,
One more meal to prepare …
Maybe they aren’t so little after all.

The rambling thoughts are indicative of much that has happened around here lately. But with each thought comes the realization of how truly blessed we are.

God, help me to be grateful for each of these gifts. For these, and so much more, are daily touches from your gracious hand. I receive them with gratitude and thanksgiving. Help me not to waste the opportunities you give each day to pass on the blessings. Amen.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17

Honor Your Mother

In our younger years we think of the words ‘respect’ and ‘obedience’ when it comes to honoring our parents, but what about in the later years when we are adults and our parents are aging? With age comes failing health and limitations that may change our roles.  Here are just a few ways we can honor our mothers in their later years.

H - Help her remain independent as long as possible in her living situation, activities and self-care, respecting and maintaining her dignity. Keep in mind that for many years she made an incredible contribution to society with her talents, skills and abilities. Appreciate how difficult it is to lose mobility and the ability to remain active in a society that does not respect aging.

O - Offer assistance in whatever ways she will accept, such as providing transportation, navigating the mountains of paperwork that get more complicated each year, picking up groceries or running errands, making and keeping track of appointments. Be available.

N - Need her. Value her input into your life to the degree that she is able and desires to give it.  Ask her advice. Talk to her. Spend time with her. Listen to her stories, as many times as she wants to tell them! And if she doesn’t tell them, ask!

O - Overcome obstacles with her and for her. Find resources to help make her life easier. Overlook irritations and forget past hurts. Treat her with the love, compassion and respect you want from your children in your later vulnerable years.

R - Remember where she came from and what she lived through. If she grew up in the depression, of course she saves everything, doesn’t like wasting food, lives frugally and looks forward to getting mail in her mailbox! Understand this and don’t get frustrated by it. Remember how hard she worked and the personal sacrifices she made for the family. Remember that she gave you life and she let you live! Be thankful!  And if you were blessed (as I was) to have a mother who knew the Lord, she prayed for you and taught you about Him. Be grateful! Remember that humor goes a long way in keeping things good between you. Find things to laugh about. It’s good medicine.  

Do the best you can and when she is no longer with you you’ll have no regrets.

Not just on “Mothers’ Day” but every day, let’s honor our mothers.

So, Mom, I honor you today and thank God for giving me you. I miss you but I know that one day I will see you again in Glory! Absent from the body, present with the Lord.

Travel Plans?

I was thinking about my daughter and her plans to travel home this summer. It reminded me of our many trips across the ocean over the years. When we want to get somewhere we jump through all the necessary hoops to make arrangements.

Researching transportation options,

Making (and paying for) reservations,

Getting required paperwork in order (tickets, visas, passports, photo id, shots, etc….)

Following the rules - Of our country, the transportation company, and the host country…

Packing only permissible quantities of non-restricted items, within allotted weight limit,

Arriving at the departure point hours prior to departure,
Waiting in lines,
Dealing with delays and schedule changes (more waiting),
Going through security checks – pat downs and scanners,
Sitting in cramped, uncomfortable quarters for long periods of time with restricted movement and no fresh air, unable to change our mind or our course once onboard, then totally committed to someone else (strangers, even) to get us safely where we want to go.
Over and over, year after year, we do whatever is necessary so that we can arrive at the destinations we long for. 

Yet for many, when it comes to the destination called “Heaven” suddenly the Way becomes burdensome.
We want to go, but on our own terms, in our own time, by our own means.
We think it unfair that there is a required route to get to the Father’s House. 
We think there are many ways to get to God – just pick which way you like.
We think that whatever we decide, whenever we decide it, however we want to get there should be acceptable enough. 
We think the road should be easy and comfortable.
We think the Bible way is too restrictive and too narrow.
We try to make our own rules.
We refuse to commit to THE ONE who can safely get us to the destination, THE ONE who is the Way.

Funny how we take such pains in the physical realm but live in denial when it comes to spiritual matters.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14: 6) “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 in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)

Paul writes, “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:4-6) “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

There will be lots of traveling this summer.

And as you pack for vacation, think about that final destination.

Happy Travels.

Much love,

Ruth

Here’s a song to bless your day. It’s called “Goin’ Home”  https://youtu.be/oC17gMFnw7s

Go Tell

It’s Taylor’s 14^th birthday today!

I well remember the day she was born.

I became a grandmother that day, 

and the news from PA came while I was in a KS WalMart parking lot.

I was SO excited that I could not wait to tell somebody. I rushed into the store and looked around to find someone that I knew! A lady from our church was in the checkout line, and I rushed to tell her! I felt such joy I thought I might burst if I didn’t tell someone right away. 

Since that day, six more grandchildren joined our family-

Each one bringing incredible joy into our lives.

As believers in Jesus Christ we also experience new life.

  Best

  News

  Ever!

He fills us with joy – so much joy that we might just burst if we don’t tell somebody.

As Jesus was leaving His disciples He commissioned them with the message –

Go, preach the Gospel. (see Mark 16:15)

The Gospel –

Christ died for our sins…He was buried and He was raised to life. (see 1 Corinthians 15:3,4)

If you have joy today who will you tell?