Who Knew?

Who knew the deepest pain a heart could bear and still hold on?

Who knew the shame of being judged a fraud?

Who knew that love could turn so quickly into hate?

Who knew it better than the very Son of God?

Who knew rejection from those dear ones he so loved?

Who knew the grief of being misunderstood?

Who knew false accusations would be called the truth?

Who knew contempt would follow doing good?

Who knew acts of love would bring disdain from those he served?

Who knew a heart could break and still beat on?

Who knew each deed would lead him closer to his death?

Who felt each hateful word pierce like a thorn?

Who cried out, “If it be your will let this cup pass from me”?

Whose tears of anguish poured out from his soul?
Who with determination faced his hardest test?
And resolutely turned his face toward the goal?

Who opened up his arms and cried, “Thy will be done,
Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do”?

Who bore it all – rejection, lies, pain, grief, disdain?

A broken heart, the thorns, the cross – for me, for you?

Can I not also walk this painful road of sorrow,

Knowing he has gone ahead to light the way?
Truth ultimately triumphs over lies and death.

The Son DID rise to face another day.

Hallelujah!

                                                                    (Ruth E Cowles - 7.15.13)

Hear Him

Mary Magdalene  Scripture:  John 20:1-18

The story of Mary Magdalene at the tomb has always amazed me. So engulfed in grief over her Lord's death, she blocks out the reality of life. It takes a word from Jesus to move her from the past (the crucifixion) into the present (the resurrection) so that she can go forward into the future.

She stands outside the tomb crying. Bending down she sees two angels in white sitting in the crypt where the body of Jesus had been. The angels ask why she weeps.   

“Jesus’ body is gone and I don’t know where they have taken him.”

Hear the despair in her words.

Gripped by sorrow she focuses inward, seemingly unfazed by the angel visitation.

She turns and sees Jesus - but she doesn’t know him. Why doesn’t she know this beloved one?  Could it be because his appearance defied her expectation?

When Jesus asks why she is weeping even his voice did not break through. 

Seeing with her eyes, she did not truly see.

Hearing, she did not truly hear. 

Assuming him to be the Gardner, she pleads,

“If you have taken him away tell me where you put him.”

Intent on finding him dead, she did not know him alive!

Cutting through her shell of despair and agony, Jesus speaks her name.

His voice breaks through.

Her eyes see Him!

Her ears hear Him!

Joy, joy, joy!

Comfort received.

Her heart is at peace.

The news is shared.

Perhaps sometimes we miss the miraculous because of our expectations.

We don’t expect to find him near, so we fail to hear him when he speaks.  

Focused on our disappointment, we fail to see the power of the living Lord at work on our behalf and in our world.  Wrapped in the garments of pain and uncertainty, we refuse the comfort that Jesus offers. We need a word from the Lord to move us from our past into the present so that we can walk victoriously into the future.

He’s given us his Word. Today I choose to hear him.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27.

Time

"Only one life, 'twill soon be past,  
Only what’s done for Christ will last."

                          

These few lines are from a poem written by C.T. Studd, missionary to China, India and Africa. I found them on a plaque in my mother's house after she passed away at almost 91 years of age.   

The recent sudden passing away of my sister-in-law at age 44 made me look at this quote again. 

The reality is, none of us know how long we have. 

Mom had almost 91 years, Deena almost 45. Life is uncertain but death is guaranteed. 

And since it is sure to come, one must give serious consideration as to how time is spent leading up to it and where we will be after it!   

Now that I have retired I am the keeper of my schedule. It is a wonderful freedom but somewhat of a two-edged sword. For now there is no one to tell me when to be where or what to accomplish with my days. No clock to punch. No time sheets to track. No permissions to ask. There is the possibility of frittering away the time with nothing useful or of value to show for it. But I am accountable to my Maker, who has ordained an exact number of days and hours for me! God help me to use them in ways that honor Him and further His kingdom!

C.T. Studd is also quoted as saying:

"Let us not glide through this world 
and then slip quietly into heaven, 
without having blown the trumpet loud 
and long for our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. 
Let us see to it that the devil 
will hold a thanksgiving service in hell, 
when he gets the news 
of our departure from the field of battle."

If you are anywhere in my vicinity I hope you can hear my trumpet blowing.

What do you have?

In my quiet time I’m reading the Gospels, paying close attention to the words of Jesus (the red letters.) I came across the story in Matthew 15:29-38, where Jesus spent 3 days healing and ministering to the crowd. This incident took place sometime after He fed a crowd of over 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish, and after He’d walked on water, stilled the storm, and healed a demon possessed girl. 

Jesus had compassion on the crowd and did not want to send them away hungry. The disciples asked where they would get enough food for such a task and Jesus answered with this question: 

“How many loaves do you have?”

Then He took what they had and provided an abundance of food for everyone, 

with leftovers to spare.

He does not ask us to give what we do not have. 

He asks for what we do have, then multiplies it to make it more than enough.

A small amount of faith – in His hands is enough!

Few worldly goods – in His hands is abundance!

Limited strength – in His hands is sufficient!

He wants me to be willing for Him to use what I already have to bless others. 

It reminded me of the question God asked Moses in Exodus 4:2 when he was going to send him back to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. 

Moses had doubts but God asked him,

“What is that in your hand?” 

 God took an ordinary man (Moses) and used what he already had (a simple staff) to do the miraculous.

He turned the staff into a snake as proof to others that he had appeared to Moses.

He used the staff to bring judgment to the Egyptians,

Deliverance to the Israelites at the Red Sea,

Refreshment to the thirsty in the desert.

When we willingly submit it to him, our mighty God does miraculous things with what He has already given us.

He can use anything – bread, a staff, mud (remember the blind man, John 9:6), even a donkey (Numbers 22) to accomplish His purposes.

So, I was prompted to ask:

What do I have that HE has not given me?

What do I have that I have not given HIM?

What is in my hand?

What is in yours?

My Hope

Recently I heard a sermon by Pastor Steve Scott.  He talked about “Returning to the Purposes of God, Resisting the Press of the World, and Resting in the Promise of Christ.” 

He made this impactful statement, “Culture is designed to move us from faith to doubt, love to insecurity, community to individualism, contributing to consumerism, and rest to exhaustion.”

How true this is! Without Jesus and without resting in His promises there is no hope. 

We have reason to doubt, to be insecure and fearful, to strive toward individualism. 

Just look around at the attitudes and actions of people trying to make a statement, 

trying to be noticed, trying to be different, 

yet really just blending into the sameness of the culture.

What a consumeristic world. We accumulate and consume everything around us. 

Real values are replaced by temporary satisfaction. Reality is exchanged for virtuality. 

Some years ago I read “Pilgrims Progress Today” by Lael Arrington. She describes virtual reality as “an unsatisfying substitute for the epic adventure of real life.”  I’m thinking about reading it again.  

If you want to read and discuss it with me, comment, email, or Facebook me and I’ll contact you. 

It’s not an easy read. It is thought provoking and troubling.

In striving to individualize, to acquire, to achieve, to add one more credential, 

to climb one rung higher – we are exhausted and without peace.  

It is a world at war with each other and at war with itself.

BUT – our hope – as the hymn-writer Edward Mote wrote, “Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness … On Christ the solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.”

Because of Jesus I can say with assurance, “It is well with my soul…. Though Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come, let this blest assurance control. That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed His own blood for my soul.” (H.G. Spafford)

Jesus brings me back 

to Faith,

to Love,

to Rest,

to Peace,

to Joy.

Thank You Jesus.

Spend time reading some of the promises of God. 

You’ll be refreshed.

And you will find rest.

One Moment

It only takes a moment

                An unkind act

                An angry word

                A reckless thought

And everything changes.

In just one moment

                A doctor’s report

                An accident

                A storm

Everything changes.

What once was … Is now gone

                Comfort

                Security

                Relationship

Everything changed.

Darkness.

Despair.

It only takes one name

                “Jesus”

                One moment in time  - The cross, the grave, the empty tomb

                One word - “loved”

Hope rekindled

Light restored

Joy.

“Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling …

Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.” (Augustus M. Toplady, 1740-1778)

Fresh and Clean - Again!

Since I retired I have taken on some home improvement projects at the house. The first project was a minor demo to the bathroom which then turned into a complete room make-over (which I am thrilled with) although in the middle of the renovation my husband canceled our TV cable to prevent me watching any more home improvement shows! (Actually we decided together to save money. Yea! More money for home improvements!)

Recently I decided to do some touch up painting here at the house.  We took the old paint can lid to the store to match the paint color. It looked the same. But when I rolled it onto the wall it dried distinctively lighter, fresher, and cleaner than the original paint.  It looked good!

But it made the rest of the wall look bad – dingy, dark, dirty.  Imperfections that went unnoticed before showed up in stark contrast to the fresh new paint.  What started as minor touch-ups has become a major paint job. Again! More work than I had anticipated.

My husband said that over time the UV light changes paint color – what was on the wall now isn’t the same as what went on years ago. Funny how I hadn’t noticed. The change was slow and subtle, but the color was different.  I hadn’t seen it until fresh paint went on.

I think that happens in people’s lives, too. What was once fresh and bright and good can over time become dull, dingy and routine without us noticing. Sometimes it’s an attitude or a thought. Sometimes it’s an action toward others.  Sometimes it’s a heart for God.

I need to pay closer attention, to stay fresh and clean.   

• In my Attitudes 

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 

• In my Thoughts 

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

•  In my Relationship with God and with Others 

Luke 10:27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

  

Oh – and my painting project? I still have a way to go before it all looks fresh again, 

but I like what I see so far.

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth 

so that you have sincere love for each other, 

love one another deeply, from the heart. 

1 Peter 1:22

  

Dear friends, now we are children of God, 

and what we will be has not yet been made known. 

But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, 

for we shall see him as he is. 

All who have this hope in him purify themselves, 

just as he is pure. 

1 John 3:2-3

  

Goodbyes and Hellos

“…for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Joshua 1:9c (KJV)

On the way to the airport with our kids and grandkids who were returning to Austria, I recalled similar trips from past years.  I thought of my mom and dad and all the goodbyes they had said to their children and grandchildren as we set off for mission work in Africa. I thought of all the miles they traveled between home and airports sending us off and picking us up, saying “good-byes” and “hellos.”

Our first send-off was in 1980 with our 2 and 5 year old sons, and over the course of the next 17 years there would be many departures and another grandchild.  My brother and his family also lived and worked overseas so mom and dad had many partings from them as well. During those years I never really thought about how it must have felt to be the ones left behind.

But now…

As one part of our family started their 18 hour cross-country drive, 

and another part of the family begins their intercontinental flight …

I remember.

I remember smiling faces,

Eyes glistening with tears,

Warm hugs,

And prayers in the airport.

I remember brave good-byes

And joyous reunions.

I remember waiting until the last possible moment to go through the security gate so we could take advantage of every minute to talk, then turning for one more wave goodbye.

I remember arriving back in the States looking for their smiling faces amidst the crowd of people waiting for loved ones at the arrivals gate.

I remember them meeting us at the airport with borrowed coats and boots, hoping something would fit because we were coming from a tropical country and there was snow at the airport on arrival.

I remember the long car-rides to and from the airport, complete with snacks in case the children were hungry.

I remember... 

And I am grateful.

Grateful for their support.

Grateful that they never made it difficult for us to leave 

and always welcomed our return.

Grateful for the lessons they taught me about letting go.

Grateful for their trust in a Sovereign God who watched over each of us wherever we went.

Grateful that the same God watches over each of my own dear ones whether they cross country or cross oceans.

Grateful that He is here with me, too.

“If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

    if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,

    your right hand will hold me fast.”

Psalm139:9-10

Happy New Year

As the current year draws to a close and the New Year approaches I find it helpful to reflect back.

I ask myself these 2 questions:

1. What (if any) significant personal life-changing events happened in 2014?

2. How will these events shape the way I will live in 2015?

Then looking ahead I add this question:

3. What do I hope to accomplish in the New Year?

Some of the answers I can share. Others I will keep to myself. Perhaps you will take some moments for quiet reflection. If so, and you wish to share, feel free to write in the comments section at the bottom of this blog. Sometimes just writing it down is the first step toward getting it done.

"Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant 

brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the
sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will,
and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom
be glory for ever and ever. Amen"
Hebrews 13:20-21

Happy New Year!

A Brief Interlude

Sitting on my daughter's balcony in Spielberg, Austria, I am thankful.
It's beautiful here, surrounded by mountains.
Sounds of rushing water from the stream running past the property on its way into the river,
Snow on the mountaintops in the distance,
Sun radiating through the white wispy clouds...
All make me think of how creative our God is.
A flock of birds pass over the tops of the tall pines.
A train rushes by.
The sun warms my face even as I sit bundled up in coat, vest and fur-lined boots.
The outdoors SHOUT of the glory of God.
How majestic and awesome He is!
Mama nurses the baby, grandson is at kindergarten and Papa is at work.
All is peaceful.
And in these few quiet moments I reflect on the goodness of our God.
Birds caw, a dog barks, a plane flys overhead... and I give thanks.

"I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart,

I will tell of all Thy wonders.

I will be glad and exult in Thee,

I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High." 

Psalm 9:1-2

Retirement Isn’t for Wimps

What have I been up to since I retired in June?  Well, since you asked … So far it has been a mix of old and new experiences.

Here are some highlights.

In July we flew to Florida to meet up with our Pennsylvania kids and grandkids - Pete, Kristen, Taylor and Sydney.                                                                                            

We played, swam, learned new games, raced through Disney World, and spent time on the beach.  And yes, not to be outdone by a 10 and 11 year old, I braved the roller coasters!

Thanks to Pete and Kristen, we also began the celebration of our 40^th wedding anniversary with cake and family fun. 

During the summer we spent a couple weekends exploring some of the beautiful Kansas lake campgrounds in our pop-up camper.  Pete got me to get on a bicycle for the first time in years!  

                          

Then in September we hit the road for South Carolina to visit Pete’s Mom.

October 5^th was our actual anniversary date and we drove to Galveston, Texas. The beach is beautiful this time of year. We happened to be there during the Harvest Moon Regatta and the sailboats were beautiful as they passed by our beach. 

                                                         

In between trips I was privileged to teach 4 classes to a wonderful group of Bible study ladies (You know who you are!) Such a joy to prepare and teach twice on each topic, “Who is Jesus” and “The Resurrection – Truth or Hoax.” It was a delight to see good friends again and to open the Word together.    

I also spoke to a MOPS group about “Courage to Step Out and Follow God” and a MOMS group about “Leaving a Legacy.” Those who know me know how much I love to share God’s Word with others.

On a whim I started doing demo on our bathroom and the project grew a life of its own. We are now into full bath remodel mode. That is another story for another time. But it has been a huge learning curve for me – and FUN!  I may have found a new career!  Pete says he will hire me out!

Next week I leave for Austria to meet my newest grandchild, Annika Sophie, leaving Pete here to fend for himself. 

Then 2 weeks later Liz, Stefan, Annika and I will fly back to the USA leaving Markus to keep the home fires burning in Austria until he can join us at Christmas. Liz, Stefan and Annika will be with us for 6 year old Stefan’s first Thanksgiving in America and we look forward to spending these holidays together.  

Christmas we anticipate a full house so I am busy making preparations to have the gang all here to celebrate THE Best Gift ever given, “the Savior of the world.” (1 John 4:14)  

As you gather around your table this Thanksgiving, may you find your heart overflowing with gratitude to the ONE who blesses us continually from the goodness of  His heart.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,

Praise Him all creatures here below

Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Amen. 

Journey or Destination?

I caught just a snippet of a broadcast on my car radio. Admittedly, I did not hear the entire segment so perhaps the speaker gave some credible explanation, or perhaps I misunderstood. But what I heard was, “It’s about the journey not the destination.” 

Unfortunately, I am afraid, many people place far too little importance on the destination. Of course the journey is important. But even the most incredible journey ends in disappointment if you don’t arrive at your expected destination!  

Ultimately the destination is certain. To the one who believes in Him, Jesus said,

“In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you; 

I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there you may be also.” (John 14:2,3).

The Christian’s destination is Heaven (Mark 16:19, Acts 1:11).  

And Jesus is THE only way to get there. (John 14:6).

The journey may look different for each of us.

Along the way there are great joys and great sorrows,

Disappointments and delights,

Sickness and health,

Accomplishments and failures.

We can face the journey with faith or with doubt,

Courage or fear,

And at various times … degrees of each.

So while it is important that we journey in obedience and faith, loving God and each other,

The main thing is that we know where we are going,

How to get there,

And that we arrive at the intended destination!

Let's not get so caught up by the distractions along the way that we lose sight of what awaits us around the bend! We have a glorious hope and a future promised by the Creator of the universe Himself.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God 

 so that you may know that you have eternal life.  1 John 5:13 

Do you know?