Letters from "home"

 

For the word of God is alive and active … (Hebrews 4:12)

I cried. I was sorting through some books and stuff and came across a group bible study book that my mom had used when she first joined church. And in it was her handwriting. In it were her thoughts about faith, love of family, hope and her beliefs as she answered each chapter’s questions. I would recognize that handwriting anywhere. It is engraved on my heart. What a flood of emotion to see “her” once again in the vision of her own personal handwriting.

I had lunch with my daughter-in-law one day a while back. My son was off doing his weekend army reservist thing. We were talking about things having a way of piling up around the house. She started describing some of the things my son was hanging on to – like Legos! And then she said … he has a box of letters that you wrote him when he was in Iraq … ! In this generation of texting, emailing, face to face time on every kind of electronic devise - my thoughts and sentiments could have easily been deleted and never seen or experienced again. But like my own mom's, the image of my personal handwriting is being saved, and held as honorable, and my words of love and support can be experienced again. And with a flood of emotion, he can “see” me again.

God’s Word is a written word from His heart to us as well. Full of stories and accounts and poetry and lots of love. May you also feel a flood of emotion when you read it.  May it become engraved on your heart. And “see” Him again.

All scripture is God – breathed … (2 Timothy 3:16)

See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hand … (Isaiah 49:16)

(Be inspired to send a handwritten note to someone you know. Small blank notecards in a variety of styles are available on this website. Click the Notecards button at the top right of this page for details.)

Wheat and Weeds Living

 … while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. (Matthew 13:29-30)

I admire people who can get out there and weed their garden every day, making way for the good plants to flourish. Flowers or vegetables. Our vegetable garden tends to succumb to a life of heartfelt trying in the beginning to, well, surrender that both will just have to cohabitate. I know very little about tending a garden, so unless something changes color and size, I’m not sure what’s out there that needs to be pulled. But by God’s grace, we still reap some harvestable elements despite the weeds. I’m happy to see what God had done, behold the benefits and receive and enjoy the goodness of tomatoes, peppers, and more. I saw the plants grow tall. I witnessed the buds turn to shapes, grow larger and larger, then change color. Despite those nasty weeds. I saw goodness growing and blooming, bringing certain hope of something delicious!

Life can be, is, like that. Right alongside some of the good things in life are things (like bad news, life challenges, anger, fear, worry …) that want to choke those good things from our view, our memory, our relishing. But with the mighty hand of God, beauty and fruitfulness can still be had and your ability to enjoy the blessings from God won’t be destroyed – unless you let it - by turning all your time and energies to the “weeds”.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

I gave the moon ten seconds

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your hands, the moon and stars, which You have set in place ... (Psalm 8:3)

I was enjoying a good piece of fiction this morning, set in a long ago era. Circa early 1940s I believe. This young couple was out on their first date, on their way home from the dance. They stop, get out of the car, and just stand at this old broken down wooden fence and look up and out and all around. I know this because the author took the time to go into great detail. Describing the moonlight and how it reflects on the grass of the field, the leaves on the trees and yet leaving mysterious shadows as well - and stars upon stars! The only sounds the whispering wind, an awakened little bird, and the scents of the flourishing earth.

I, too, was outside last night, walking to the car after the ballgame. I, too, looked up - and gave the moon a ten second glance. And missed so much more that there was to see ...

May we be as the writer, fully immersing ourselves in the moment with every one of our senses, and be drawn in to the beauty before us. Take the time and consider the works of His hands.

The weight of the world

Jesus had compassion ... (Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 15:32, 20:34; Mark 1:41, 6:34, 3:12; Luke 15:20)

Whether real or imagined, I guess we need to believe that all people would be good and kind if they could, but something in this world caused them to live differently, more hurtfully. If the pain and misery was gone, they would be good and kind and more thoughtful. How to change their situation, their outlook on life? Maybe a little kindness (compassion) and understanding would go a long way. Even if you have to make up a scenario - there must be some story. Do you really need to know the detailed truth in order to extend a kindness? Can't you just be a balm, a relief to that person's day and for once not have to retaliate with a return of harsh words, demeaning actions? The most difficult person you meet today could really use - some compassion and understanding and grace.

Ease up on people. Believe they could be nice and more cooperative if they didn't have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Think about that, because its true of you as well. There are times when you are burdened and not your best.

One example: I have to confess I thought up this meditation early this morning. And it was brought to mind and tested later on. I was in the checkout lane at the grocery store, and this lady ahead of me is going on and on with the gal at the register. And I mean on and on! Clueless that there was a line behind her. Chatting casually along and taking her time with the bags. I wanted to stage whisper, "Come on!" But instead, I told myself she was a lonely woman, only gets out once a week, people who do come to see her are always in a rush to get back to their own lives. This is her moment. Her one moment.

And I decided to have compassion and wait patiently.

Give 'em a break. Take it easy. They're really needing a kind word, something to go right.

Be it.

Can you see me now?

It is true! The Lord has risen ... Then the two told what had happened - and how Jesus was recognized by them when He broke the bread. (Luke 24:34-35)

You think you know all there is to know about the Gospels. Then something comes along to open your eyes to a brand new angle of discovery.

The road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13). A pair of men walking along discussing the death and disappearance of Jesus' body. Jesus Himself joins them but they do not recognize His face nor His voice. (v.16) It is only when He breaks the bread and gives thanks that their eyes are opened (v.31). It's His behavior that caused them to remember Him.

Maybe you're getting older, grayer, rounder ... wrinklier. Maybe your voice is softer or raspier. But your actions speak volumes. What you do, how you make people feel is making a lasting impression. Your character is what they will see and remember.

So make it a good one ...

Can you hear me now?

Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy, they will sing before the Lord, for He comes ... (Psalm 96:12-13)

I recently visited the southwest portion of our country and toured a couple Native American cultural centers. In addition to the many and varied displays of ancient artifacts - from pottery, baskets, artwork and explanations of historical events,  there were wisdom sayings on the walls. Most were related to the sense of community - no, more than that, everyone was to be treated as treasured family. And not only people but the whole created world was to be honored and respected.

One piece of wisdom I took home was about listening to a tree. And all that you can learn from taking the time to listen - to a tree. Weather, seasons, even about the Great Spirit - if you would but listen.

It made me think about listening to God. How many of us truly believe God speaks to us? Is it possible? Or does it seem as foreign as the notion of a tree somehow speaking to us?

Is there talking happening even as we turn our backs and walk away?

Would you like to know, are you willing to take time to hear; to be taught?

Take time to listen. And expect to hear.