“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:6
My novel, “Until Our Dying Day,” is still in the editing process and may not ever be published until my dying day, but one of the female protagonists uses the woods as her prayer closet. When things become overwhelming for her, she ventures out the back door and into the forest to talk with God. As time progresses, her husband has a stroke and requires her constant care, so she moves her prayer sanctuary to a closet in an upstairs bedroom. We may all need a quiet place just to be with God for a while – a place where we can express our frustration, our fears, our sadness, our depression, our anger to the only One who understands what we are going through. Putting yourself alone with the Creator of the universe can give you such a sense of peace, knowing that He is truly listening to you in that moment.
I don’t have a woods to run to . I do have a large closet which could be converted into a prayer room, but right now it’s full of clutter – much like I am. Even though my husband and I are the only ones who inhabit our house, there are times when I want to scream a prayer or let God know I’m angry. I need a woods, a closet, a space dedicated to those moments – outside the earshot of anyone else. Of course our prayers can be said within any room or any place, but the fact that we have access to God at the drop of a hat is really astounding to me. I tend to talk to Him a lot throughout the day. The tiny conversations we have are usually one sided and concern my needs. We’re invited by God Himself to reach out to Him and He will hear our prayers. We shouldn’t feel as though we’re taking advantage or giving up by going to Him. He loves hearing from us, no matter where we are.
The beauty of a prayer closet is that you are in a quiet place, thinking only about your talk with Him. You don’t have anyone else to answer to. Your focus is tuned into His Words back to you and His Word spoken to you through the Bible.
When Jesus came to earth in the flesh of a man, we had God physically with us for a time. He is coming back again and we can look forward to meeting Him face to face. He faced the temptations thrown at Him in the wilderness and used scripture to support Himself. We have those words today, to get us through – to overcome the devil and all his wickedness. When we pray, it should be a time dedicated to God alone, whether it’s with fellow Christians in church, or in that quiet place we’ve designated for that purpose.
I grew up in a day and age when vaccinations were commonplace. Before we entered school we were already immunized against small pox, DPT and later Polio, Measles and Mumps. For a while there, I was a pin cushion. When my husband entered the Air Force he was again stabbed with an assortment of live bacteria to protect his immune system against diseases he might, but probably wouldn’t encounter. So for us, getting a shot isn’t anything new. However, there has been a lot of confusion over this newest of vaccines against COVID19. By the time everyone is vaccinated, the vaccine itself will probably be obsolete. Since I’m not a scientist, but often feel like a sheep being led to the slaughter, it’s really not up to me to make any evaluation. However, last Friday, my husband and I spent our date night doing our part for America and we got our COVID shots.
That night I had a series of dreams which included a herd of buffalo stampeding by the thousands and falling off a cliff. I dreamt of growing additional body parts, becoming encrypted with a chip which would decipher all my thoughts, words and deeds. I felt remorse over getting the shot, but felt a bit patriotic for doing so. The next day, I was exhausted. I thought it might be a side effect from the shot, but now believe it was because of all the dreams and sleeplessness of the night before. I don’t have any additional appendages. I’m still upright and alive. I didn’t fall off a cliff, although I still wonder if herd immunity is nothing more than a herd of the blind following the leader who also happens to be blind.
This pandemic has put my creative juices into overdrive and my imagination has always been a little over the edge anyway, so nothing new is really going on. Since I grew up being punctured with various vaccines, I don’t feel this is any different than what I grew up with. I’ll let you know further when the rash clears up and I stop coughing.
The Mark Twain story of how Tom Sawyer got his friends to do his work for him, is that of an entrepreneurial young man. He made the job so appealing that his friends were even willing to give him something in exchange for a shot at that worn out fence.
Some would call Tom a con artist. Maybe he was. I think he was simply using common sense. When something looks like fun, chances of wanting to participate are much greater than if it looks like work.
Do you suppose if we made homework look more like a video game, kids would be more willing to do it? Or how about chores around the house? If mopping the floor or dusting the furniture was completely choreographed with show tunes and flashy dances, would we be more willing to do those things? What about team work? Could we use these same tactics to build communication skills and problem solving?
Get out those paintbrushes and mend the fence. If we start working together and sharing the responsibility, maybe we can get through some of the messes of today. It’s worth a shot.
“In America, we hurry–which is well; but when the day’s work is done, we go on thinking of losses and gains, we plan for the morrow, we even carry our business cares to bed with us…we burn up our energies with these excitements, and either die early or drop into a lean and mean old age at a time of life which they call a man’s prime in Europe…What a robust people, what a nation of thinkers we might be, if we would only lay ourselves on the shelf occasionally and renew our edges!” – The Innocents Abroad, Mark Twain
When my now 25 year old grandson was about three, he created his first book. He loved listening to his grandpa talk about nature and would often search under rocks to observe the insects. Because he started learning about the value of life, even at that young age, when I actually stepped on an ant he was devastated. I had killed a living thing. This young man is now teaching English in South Korea. We’re very proud of him and his journey as we are with all of our grandkids, but this ant adventure got me thinking about how we really do need to enjoy all of God’s creation, even the tiniest of them.
I love digging in the dirt. I think it started when I was a little girl making mud pies. I’d form the dirt into little cakes, place them on a china plate and cover them with sprinkles. The dog enjoyed the topping, but it stopped there. As my years went by, I took a vacation from making mud pies, but when our children grew I took to the dirt again. I terraced an entire hill over the course of 24 years and planted an assortment of perennials so the grass would never have to be cut again from that steep incline. I often became one with the dirt as I traversed across the expanse. My neighbors watched, hoping I might tumble down and provide some entertainment. I unwillingly obliged a few times.
As I was pulling some nasty little weeds, I happened to observe a tiny ant trying to move a leaf almost three times its size. It amazes me how God provides strength and determination to the very smallest of His creation. The ant struggled and finally picked up speed until he came to an obstacle, which was a tough one for him to overcome. He pushed and came at the road block with fervor but lack of strength. In the meantime, another ant saw an opportunity and sped over to steal the leaf. The two appeared to take each other on, but the conflict lasted only a couple seconds. Suddenly the two of them were behind the leaf, side by side, pushing it over the bump and on to its destination.
I wondered what they said to one another and how quickly they resolved their problem. I learned some valuable lessons from those little creatures. They not only communicate with each other, but they know how to solve problems without killing each other. They instead chose to work together for the good of both of them. Their work ethic is also amazing. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could be more like those little insects?
My grandson no longer considers me a murderer, but he did have a good point. Everything under heaven has been created by God for a purpose. Even the tough obstacles we face each day. If God takes care of the smallest of His creatures, how much more can he do through us? When we help others or they are of help to us, we’ve got the perfect partnership, especially when God is the CEO.
“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” Proverbs 6:6-11
Thinking of warm summer days, I pulled these paintings out of the archives for your enjoyment. Another look at life on the river.
Like ships in the night, we pass through this life, We’re tossed and oft crushed by the waves, We sometimes sail peacefully then there comes strife, It seems not a single one saves.
We enter a harbor protected and safe, It cradles and calms all our fears, A sweet sanctuary, a place to call home, Unbound by sheer terror or tears,
Still waters there greet us, He’s waiting to meet us, The Savior and King of the world, No more shall we struggle our path is made clear, His cloak of salvation unfurled.
Psalm 46:6 – “Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; – Bible Gateway. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall, he lifts his voice, the earth melts.“
What a picture! All around us there are wars and rumors of wars. People continue to fight over borders and greed turns men into vultures, but all God has to do is open His mouth and everything will be gone. This is power no man can comprehend. So they try to figure things out on their own.. They rely on their reason and intellect to solve the problems of this world. Wouldn’t it be easier to let the Lord of the Universe and all creation, take the reins? With Him as our champion, we have nothing to fear. Help us to come to you,
Heavenly Father, for all our earthly needs. Help us also to be comforted by the fact that you ARE in control and this world is only our temporary home. AMEN!
When you reach the winter of life, every day is a gift. Even in times of crisis, in days of distress, mourning, loss, anger, there is good in each of them. Being in the season of Lent, we are to look inward. We should become aware of our sinful nature and hearts that have grown cold over time. We should ask God for forgiveness and to give us a fresh start. It is a time of repentance, humility, sacrifice, and realizing how much we need a Savior. Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness before beginning His ministry and this can serve as an example for us for observing this season if we’re doing it for the right reasons.
Matthew 6:16-18 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
As followers of Christ, we should try to live as He did when He walked the earth. Because we are by nature sinners, this is next to impossible but through His unconditional love, we have the knowledge that He has done it all for us. Still we should observe this season with reverence to our God and out of obedience to Him.
We are now in a time when we need to hear the Gospel message more than ever. We feel like lost sheep in search of green pastures. We long for face to face contact – touch – fellowship – friendship – family. We are a hurting people in need of something far greater than any vaccination – a balm for healing our hearts, our sadness, our longing, our feelings of hopelessness. If we’re going through the motions of giving up, fasting, worshipping publicly, in order to look good in the eyes of our fellow man, we’re mistaking the true meaning of repentance. In fact, the act of church attendance is not what’s going to save us, nor is our sincerity, our pride, our knowledge, or our acts of contrition. Only the sacrifice made by Jesus/God Himself will bring about our salvation.
Yes we should look inward. We can study God’s Word for the truth. We can share the love that God has shown us with others. We can be grateful for each morning we’re given. Our time on this planet spans a very short period of time. What we do with those moments are important, but they aren’t going to buy a place in eternity. Only Jesus can make every day a great day, because He has given us eternal life.
Why do bad things happen to good people? It’s a hard question to answer in a world that’s full of ugliness, hunger, pain, inhumanity, brutal death or hardship. It’s especially hard to answer for a Christian, because it may be assumed that we go through life without any of that, or that we are oblivious to it.
I wonder why some people have it all and others just scrape by. I hurt inside when I think of all the blood shed in countries living under cruel oppression. My heart aches when I hear of acts of a deranged mind taking the lives of others. Tears fall when a young person dies. When undeserved pressures plague those who trust in God, I wonder where God is in all of this.
God is in control of everything that happens in our universe. He placed the stars in the heavens and created all life that exists here. He planted each seed to grow and nourish His children. He provides for our daily bread – even when it’s just a crumb. On the other side of the coin – from the beginning of time, we’ve been disobedient to God. What we deserve is punishment, but God loves us and doesn’t want us to suffer. He provides a way for us. That WAY is Jesus. The ransom required was paid in full by Him. Our sin no longer holds us in chains. He’s given us the victory.
This world isn’t our permanent home. What’s waiting for us on the other side of eternity is where life begins. We’ve been given this time to grow our relationship with God. It’s a time for us to share our love for Him with others – to serve Him, by serving others – to face difficulties with Him as our counselor – to look forward to freedom from all the troubles of this world.
God is faithful and His love endures forever – even in times of trouble. That’s truth we can count on!
In our busy lives, time can become so full of things to do and plans to be made, that we often forget time for our Savior. What if He hadn’t left the comfort of heaven, the power of His throne, the majesty of His domain to die for us? Be sure to find time for Him. He has so much to offer.
Fears, depression, loss of hope, destitute, paralyzed,
Lost, lonesome, anxious, set aside, deterred,
Uncertain, worried, in the wilderness,
Yet, even then, we are surrounded by the love of God,
I have to admit, Paul and I go way back. Maybe not this far, but our time together has been filled with ups and downs and wonderful memories like most marriages that occurred in the fifties and sixties. Marriage is looked upon in a different way today, but for us old fogies, we knew what was ahead, in spite of of innocence and foolishness. We muddled through the good and the bad, because it meant something to us – something that would last a lifetime. Reality has shown me that had we known what we would’ve endured in all our time together, we might have had second thoughts about ever entering into marriage, but aren’t the really important things in life worth fighting for?
Paul claims to be an 1800s man living inside of twentieth century body. He loves the primitive things in life like camping, hiking, trips of retreat into the woods, whittling on a stick and watching the clouds go by. He loves making things out of nothing. His inventive spirit led him through a life in the advertising business where his ideas were put to good use, but his heart would be much happier on the back of a horse riding through the mountains. I’m a city girl. Having moved several times during my young life, I longed for a home that would be in the same location with all the amenities. I preferred a vacation at the Holiday Inn to sleeping under the stars. I liked the idea of civilization and consistency.
Somehow the two of us managed to find common ground. The good old days, however, were not always so good. There were bills to pay, babies to care for, a mortgage, a few job changes, staying at home as a mom, finding the way through some very dark times. Yet our commitment to each other was always there.
This post isn’t about marriage really. What I hoped to convey is that the good old days are going to be days of today for our children and grandchildren. Every generation thinks theirs is the best. Each generation knows that isn’t true. There are always going to be flaws in the image. Our memories of what life was, soon get glossed over and we forget about the crud that occurred some 40, 50 or 60 years ago and we move on. When we walk with Jesus, every day is good even in times of trouble.
What do you see in this photograph from the 1950s? To me, it’s a memory of Saturdays in my childhood. Each of those days would find me and every other kid in the neighborhood using our hard earned allowance to purchase a ticket to an all day matinee filled with fun – watching the same movie at least twice – newsreels – cartoons and previews of coming attractions. The theatre was packed with kids and we always met new friends by the time the curtain closed. There was almost as much interaction going on in the theatre seats as there was on the screen.
Movie theatres in those days were masterpieces. They were decorated with gilded cherubs and frightening gargoyles. The velvet curtain was red and spanned the entire width of the theatre. There was only one room which held a thousand screaming kids, tossing popcorn and consuming lots of sugar – a perfect prescription for chaos. By the time we were finished with our Saturday adventure, we undoubtedly left the building much slower than we entered. The soles of our shoes were coated with spilled soda pop and JuJuBees as popcorn stuck in our hair. What a day of fun.
It was the perfect, cheapest way to entertain your children on a Saturday. You didn’t have to worry about them being abducted. Just give them a dollar and they’d have the time of their life while their parents attended to shopping, house cleaning, fixer upping or just spending some quiet time alone.
I learned some valuable lessons in the seats of that old theatre. I watched episodic adventures that beckoned us to return the next week to see what would happen next. I enjoyed the technicolor movies the best and when Cinemascope came along it was like being right inside the screen. Great story plots unfolded, some not so great. Musicals took us to a different world where people burst into song and dance for no particular reason. The elaborate epics led to productions that continued to outdo each other. The noir mysteries were enticing too. I learned phrases like, “you dirty rat – I wouldn’t give you the skin off a grape – Well, you’re about as romantic as a pair of handcuffs – With my brains and your looks, we could go places.” I wasn’t sure what any of those phrases meant, but they taught me how to do a good Brooklyn accent. The beginning of my actor training. Watching all those stars like, Bogart, Bacall, Cary Grant, Hedy Lamar, John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, made me long to be a star myself one day.
When we got home from the movies, we’d spend the evening listening to the radio. I guess we were bound to entertainment as much as the kids are today. It’s just a slightly different media. Although I have to admit, I’ve returned to those old movies in this time of isolation. They give me a feeling of belonging I guess. Kind of like a security blanket. What goes around come around. I think I heard that in a movie.
In the book of Job, chapter 26 the suffering man Job speaks about the way God appears in nature and the power He controls, summing it all up in verse 14,“Behold, these are but the outskirts of His ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand?”
The tears of God come rushing down to moisturize the earth, The water fills the hardened ground with life and brings new birth. The seeds that we have planted, lie dormant in the ground, Until His precious water quenches souls without a sound, He breathes His life into them and they flourish more each day, Without God’s intervention, they’d perish or give way, To each and every evil weed that strangles and destroys, To temptation and those crafty lies that Satan oft deploys, God’s garden is protected by His own beloved Son, Who came to give back paradise, the victory He has won.
As I reach the end of my years, I find I have a lot of good information stored up in this old decrepit mind of mine. If I don't write it all down, it may vanish and no one will have the advantage of my thoughts. This is why this blog exists. I love the Lord, Jesus with all my heart and soul. I know I'm undeserving of all He's done for me, but I also know that His love is beyond my comprehension.
I've always wanted to write. I never kept diaries, but tucked my thoughts in my head for future reference. I use them now in creating stories, plays, poetry and my blog.
I continue to learn every day. I believe the compilation of our time spent with God will have huge affect on the way we live. I know I'm a sinner and I need a Savior. I have One through Jesus, Christ.
My book, "Stages - a memoir," is about the seven stages of life from the perspective of a woman. It addresses all the things girls and women go through in life as they travel it with Jesus, and it is available on Amazon.com.
Life is a patchwork of moments — laughter, solitude, everyday joys, and quiet aches. Through scribbled stories, I explore travels both far and inward, from sunrise over unfamiliar streets to the comfort of home. This is life as I see it, captured in ink and memory. Stick around; let's wander together.
God's amazing grace removes walls and replaces those barriers with Jesus, freedom from sin's consequences, freedom to forgive, and freedom to love unconditionally.
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