Glorious Day

Yesterday was a cloudy, gloomy, blustery, cold and oppressive sort of day.

Seems like there have been a lot of them lately.

I miss the SUN. 

But today! What a difference!

It’s a clear, bright day without a cloud in the sky.

Sunlight is streaming through the windows.

The air is crisp, still, peaceful, calm.

Even the colors seem more vivid.

I feel my spirits lifting even as I type these words.

I got to thinking about what a difference a day makes.

And I thought of Heaven.

This world we are living in is like living in a fog -

oppressive, gloomy and gray, blurry and indistinct.

But one day!

Oh! On that day,

When we see Jesus,

the difference will be astonishing,

everything will become clear -

colors brighter, distinct, glorious

and shining with the radiance of the SON!  

“For now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face. Now we know in part, but then we shall know even as we are known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12 

 "What A Day That Will Be"  - by Jim Hill.

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 forevermore 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!

When that day comes, I know where I’ll be.

And up there, friends, the SON is always shining!

Blessings,

Ruth 🎔

LIFE

 Signs of LIFE greet us as trees bud and Spring flowers lift their heads skyward.                          

This time of year is always welcome after the cold stark winter weather.

LIFE

A beautiful word! 

Living
Invigorating
Fulfilling
Energizing
LIFE

It feels good to get out into the garden and clear away the dead remnants of the winter, to prepare the soil for the emergence of new growth, to plant and water and watch.

But so many people are walking around with dead barrenness of the soul, when they could be experiencing LIFE!

This is the message of Easter! Jesus died and rose again so that we could have LIFE, and have it more abundantly! (John 10:10) He came to make us ALIVE when we were dead in trespasses and sins. (Ephesians 2:1) At the tomb of Lazarus Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the LIFE. He who believes in Me, though he may die, yet shall he LIVE.” (John 11:25) And in the words of the most well-known of all Scriptures John writes, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting LIFE.” (John 3:15). “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 3:23) From His death on the cross, and the power of the resurrection comes the hope of eternal LIFE. And it’s all because of Jesus!

It’s a choice. This Easter choose LIFE!

Pass it On

“… and there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord, nor yet the work which He had done for Israel.” (Judges 2:10) 

Joshua, leader of Israel, and all his generation died. And the next generation did not know the Lord or even what He had done for them!  

Astonishing, isn’t it?  Why didn’t they know? 

They degenerated into a nation where everyone “did what was right in his own eyes.” They forsook God, bowed down to the gods around them, and so angered the Lord that He turned His hand against them “so that they could no longer stand against their enemies.” (Judges 2:11-15) 

Joshua had told them to pass the stories down. He established memorials as reminders so that when the children would ask questions the parents would tell them about the Lord. (Joshua 4:4-7; 20-24).The people said they would serve the Lord and live in obedience to Him, and Joshua set up another memorial as a visual reminder of their commitment. (Joshua 24:14-24) 

So why didn’t their children know? 

Had they not passed down the stories of their ancestors’ miraculous delivery from Egypt, the Red Sea crossing, the manna and water by which God nourished the travelers, His protection along the journey? Had the younger generation not heard how the walls of Jericho fell or that the Jordan River stopped flowing long enough for their fathers to cross over? 

Who dropped the ball? Who stopped telling? 

And now, today, we see what is happening around us and we wonder why God is not revered and worshiped - why there is such a humanistic, self-reliant, godless philosophy pervading every aspect of society – why Christianity and Biblical principles are foreign, even offensive, to the next generation. 

When did we stop telling our children what God did in our own lives? Why did we allow the memorials to be taken down, the Bible to be thrown out, and God removed from our institutions of government and higher learning? When did we become so busy living that we stopped teaching the true life lessons? 

Another generation has arisen who “does not know the Lord nor yet the work which He had done” and perhaps that fault lay with us. Is it too late?

Pass on the stories of God’s deliverance. Give hope to the despairing. Comfort the sorrowing. Point them to Jesus and never ever stop telling the next generation the wonderful works of the Lord. 

 “Things we have heard and known things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” Psalm 78:3-4

Thanks, Mom.

This morning as I drove to meet friends for a birthday breakfast I found myself thinking about my mom. On birthdays we should remember and celebrate the mother who carried us, then brought us into the world at great pains to herself.

And we should be thankful.  

I thought about the sacrifices mom made, the love she gave, and the lessons she taught. Some of those lessons I didn’t fully appreciate until many birthdays had passed.

I remembered how strange it was the last couple years that she didn’t even know when my birthday was! And how I felt those last months when it was my turn to care for her right up until the moment she took her last breath and met her Savior face to face.

I would do it all over again.

Today I miss her.  

And I thank God for her.

I wish I could tell her.

But somehow I think she knows.  

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.”