A Gift Opens the Way

Proverbs 18:16 "A man's gift maketh room for him..."

One interpretation is: " a gift opens the way...."

I'm not much a person to give meaningless gifts. I like to give something meaningful or needed. And I'm not much into giving a lot of gifts. One gift that will be cherished or used seems to mean more than an abundance of "stuff".

But I love to give gifts. I believe that if they are given from the heart, they truly make room for the beginning of relationships and bonding and memory making.

Meaningful gifts have a lot of thought and love put into them. I have some handmade items from my mother that are priceless. She put hours into making them. I cherish hand painted aprons and handkerchiefs my children gave me when they were very young. I have some gifts between my husband and I through the years that are irreplaceable.

My children are life's most precious gifts to me. And their children just as valuable. 

I would not exchange or give away any of them for any amount of money. I love them all equally and they are priceless.

Their well being is of utmost importance to me. There have been circumstances in each of their lives when they were hurting; the pain I experienced because they were suffering will always be with me.

This year, I am thinking about how God must have felt to give His one son up to suffering and death and how horrible that must have been. My children know I love them when they are experiencing pain; God turned his back on His Son at the darkest moment of His life. 

But that gift opened The Way. Where would I be if that gift had not been given?

When I think about the reason God chose to give; to send down Jesus as a baby, I am overwhelmed!! I know what love feels like; to give it and receive it. That God loved me that much. He gave the most important thing He could give because of that! That gift has provided ways to survive, to be at peace with life, to experience blessing, and to give out.

I am feeling loved and cherished this Holiday Season. I had cherished time with my family and many friends. But I am overwhelmed this morning at how much God loved me and at His gift to me so many years ago.

How selfish of me to just phase through Christmas and feel relieved  that all the busyness is over and I can move on. 

I was reminded this morning of the song "And the Gift Goes On". The

most priceless and meaningful gift of all time has been given to me. I am asking to be reminded often that it wasn't wrapped up in pretty ribbons and bows. He was born in a lowly manger in a smelly barn with common people and animals surrounding Him. 

As I pursue life, I want to be reminded that the most important things in life seem small and unimportant. But God has made a Way that everything becomes meaningful when viewed in the Light of God and that Gift given to all of us so many years ago. That gift surely opened the Way to everything meaningful and important to me in my life!!!
 

It's a Wonderful Life

 Isaiah 9:6 "....and his name shall be called Wonderful...."

Today I have had the word "wonderful" on my mind. We just returned from what I would call a "wonderful" weekend with our family.  Wonderful defined as "better than good".  After many prayers, all 20 of us arrived in Tennessee for our annual Christmas celebration.  Three days of soaking up togetherness in a log cabin with lots of hugs, laughs, games and good food.

At this time of the year, we hear so much about the classic story, "It's a Wonderful Life". I think we all love it because we identify with the times we have felt discouraged with life and in our desperation, felt alone and near hopeless.  It took a miracle for the the story's hero to get turned around and refocused on what was really important.

A reconnection with family, friends and faith.

I have had some of those times.  But, what  I have come to realize is that when I  turn my thoughts inward and quit trying to connect with the important things in life, I begin to feel unhappy and depressed.

Christmas has to be more about thankfulness, giving and connecting or it will be anything but "the most wonderful time of the year."

Yes, it appears that some have it better than others.  Life seems handed to them in a silver platter. But, we have to realize and enjoy what is available to us individually to feel rewarded and blessed.

Just because life didn't work out like we planned it to doesn't mean we withdraw into ourselves, disconnect from those we should hold close, and lose faith in the baby who grew into the most "wonderful "gift to mankind. 

I see a world who is doing just that. And their motto they wear is " It's a Miserable Life".  I hear some of the rich and the healthy with lots of family around them saying this.  And then I hear folks who have health issues, brokenness and pain saying, " It's a Wonderful life"

I am blessed. Life is a mixture of both pain and pleasure. But I have that Wonderful presence always near, keeping me from despair when I am perplexed and sad but not forsaken.

We had some frustrating times over our wonderful weekend. You don't put 20 people together and everyone be happy 24/7.

 One of our young men could have been very unhappy because he just left his girl behind. But I saw him smile and give some humor to the weekend.

We had a set of parents keeping up with two toddlers and a  6 week old baby.  Frustrated? Yes, but determined to make memories.

Had some with car trouble.... a little sickness..... and thanks to every one of them for holding their tongue when I beg for lots of color coordinated combinations of family pictures!

 

Truly wonderful is the willingness of all the grandkids to keep doing our Live Nativity, even the 17 and 18 year olds.. Talk about Memories!!

 

Truly wonderful was the simple things: like holding baby Caroline. She was badly spoiled after she got home because she was in someone's arms literally most all weekend, male and female alike!! She was toooo loveable!

The innocence of small children is so comforting.....they enjoy the simple things....

The wonder of the still strong connection of cousins and the fun they have together....

 

For those who are struggling with hurting in whatever way, I am so sorry.  Sometimes circumstances drain the Wonder from you. I've been there. My sweet mother in law was on her deathbed one Christmas. Our wonder was that she wanted to spend one last Christmas with her family. She died 3 days later. I've had a few Christmases when I was away from a traditional Christmas with my family in Missouri when I was in the snowy confines of the mountains. But I was blessed amidst the tears to have a husband and family of my own to make new traditions with. I've had Holidays with my family holding me up emotionally and physically.  I've had some better than good ones and some not so good ones.  All in all it's a Wonderful Life!

This year was a wonderful one. God has walked me through the tough times and allowed me the good times.  I am ever grateful for the Wonder of that.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Christmas Gladness

"The hope of the righteous shall be gladness."

This week I've found gladness in just absorbing the good things about this time of the year. 
 

I left my larger Nativity sets in Missouri, but I have a few smaller ones displayed. One portrays the loving look of Joseph as he looks down on Mary and Baby Jesus. I am reminded of the peaceful look this version displays and then remember Joseph's terrible struggle to grasp the meaning of who this baby would really be. His humanity was overwhelmed and it took some divine intervention to cause him to believe. I recall some divine witness in my life this past year to help me in my struggles with doubting and unbelief.  I am filled with gladness when I remember what God has done for me and my fragile emotions when I wasn't able to believe on my own!!!

Always a reminder that Christmas is only because God designed it to be about He and His Son.

And because He gave, we give. I have created what I call a Beverage table in my home. I love it because the sharing of the cup has always been an extension of friendship. Jesus shared the "cup" with his dearest friends. He instructed us to give a drink of cold water to those in need. It is a beautiful example of answering a basic cry for love that we all have within. We thirst for acceptance and love and fellowship. I love to offer a literal cup of hot drink or a simple cup of cold water to  my visitors. I feel gladness in that part of extending friendship to all who enter my door  It truly is a connection.
 

 And with that, I am so very glad to share my table with friends and family. It is one of the joys of my life to hold hands with my husband while we offer thanks and share a simple meal. Those times are some of the most peaceful times of our day. We cherish them. Last week, we were privileged twice to have guests at our little white table that was in the back room of the Pearl of Grace Ranch. It was on its way to the dumpster when I rescued it. Fellowship has been so special over that little table this December. What bonding is done at the kitchen table. I am so glad to have the privilege of sharing homemade soup and bread and a smidgen of sweet stuff with special people across the table.

The beauty of candles in my home at any time make me feel warm and cozy. They somehow feel especially comforting on cold winter nights. I have a special affinity to candlelit lanterns during the Christmas Season. I guess it's because of the nativity pictures that I love have Joseph carrying a lantern to light the stable. It's a  picture I have on my kitchen countertop.  That photo gives me the warmest feeling of gladness every time I look at it. In fact it is such a picture that I have had a really hard time blending it in with any decor. It seems it needs its own space to really show the glory of the Stable family lit by that Lantern.  I had a very large Nativity that had a lantern in Joseph's hand. Every year in storage, the lantern would get broken off. Every year, I would glue it back on. That holy Lantern was, to me, a very important part of the Nativity. I am known as the "lady of the lamps". I don't do glaring light very well. I prefer soft, warm, adjustable lighting. It reminds me of The Light of the World. He came quietly; small and soft. He brings us to awareness of our insufficiencies in a very gentle way. He speaks in a still small voice. I am so glad for that tiny light that was born so many years that has illuminated our dark world!!!!

 We have a Christmas tradition of reading Christmas Stories during December. I had a very special Christmas story collection that I have read from for probably 25 years or more. There's just something about stories of the Christmases of the past that resonates in our hearts. My husband and I are reading some amazing Christmas miracle stories this year. It's our little evening bonding time. And my heart will ever thrill at the true Christmas story which has been read most every Christmas Celebration of my life. I can still hear my daddy's voice reciting it. I married into a family who also practiced it. And our children and grandchildren are still privileged to hear my husband read this very important Bible passage every year!!

Truly Christmas is still full of gladness... all made possible by those "glad tidings" delivered by the angel so many years ago!!

To all my friends and family:   Hope your Christmas Season is full of reasons to be Glad!!
 

 

A Bountiful Eye

 
 Proverbs 22:9a. " He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed."

I am blessed beyond measure...so many good things going my way. My life harvest is bountiful....my baskets overflowing.

But that's not because life is perfect or that all things in my life feel good or are necessarily of my choosing. It's just that I am trying to live by the Word. I know the dangers of living selfishly so I try to keep my eyes focused on blessing. From that comes my blessing and reward. " Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down and running over." I want my baskets to be full!

This past year has been a different kind of year for us. It's been a year of prayer and reconsecration. Some time ago, we were invited to come on board with a team that had interest and burden for helping hurting girls.  At 64 years, we were cautious and yet challenged to be a part of this dream. So we prayed and prayed some more. He gently led us to the awareness that He wanted us to take one step at a time into this Project. That has been so comforting because giant leaps seem a little beyond what we are capable of right now...

This month has brought about a move to a tiny town where we knew no one. A move from my birth state of the rolling hills of Missouri to the red clay, scrub brush, flatlands and open skies of Oklahoma. Their sunsets are beautiful, by the way. Oklahoma does have its own charm, but it is certainly different than the Ozarks!

We are now doing project management for The Pearl of Grace Ranch, the  future home of hurting girls, God willing.  We are living on site; 11 acres of a lot of hard work. It is the past home of a school that consolidated many years ago. We are charting plans to hopefully house 32 girls in 4 units with mentors who will create a home atmosphere for these young ladies, ages 14-18. 

We have been graciously provided with quarters in a renovated cafeteria. We are comfortable and blessed.

I confess that I am a good bit overwhelmed at the job ahead of us. We still maintain a home in Missouri and there are days I just want to go back to familiarity. But, I am challenged when God's voice speaks. He has attended us every day in this mission to proceed with a bountiful spirit and give so that we can receive from Him.

Experiencing all the feelings that accompany this kind of undertaking, I could crumble and cry or decide to look around and absorb the possibilities that are here awaiting. 

So with my newly baked pumpkin bread, I set out to acquaint myself with this little town. I researched the history. I learned that the now closed bank had the excitement of 7 robberies in its history. It was a booming oil town at one time. I have walked the halls of the empty school and imagined the stories that live in the hearts of those who climbed off the yellow school bus every morning to learn there. I met Ms. Betty, 80 plus years, living 2 houses down who graced those halls in her high school years. What a special little lady she is!  I visited a sewing circle who had graciously donated a beautiful quilt for our recent fund raiser.  They warmly invited me to join them every Tuesday for lunch. I met with them today and loved meeting a group of about 10 ladies who took the time to listen and pray about the future of Pearl of Grace Ranch.I met a town clerk who satisfied my inquisitive nature about several things regarding my new home. I visited the Post Office and met the postal clerk, who kindly answered my summons on her lunch hour.  The Post  Office is only one of about 5 businesses here. A tire shop, a small gas/convenience store, the City Hall, Post Office and a  tiny library where I was introduced to Ms. Wanda, who I hear is the town historian. And oh yes, the Fire and Police station. I love the 15 mph speed limit in city streets and warning not to use" jake brakes". It is a quaint little town, populated with 400 or so residents. 

Toney was excited to meet an Indian neighbor and to find out they still do gatherings in tepees!!  He is soliciting an invitation if possible!! We are living on Reservation land of the Iowa Indians. We look forward to learning about their culture!!

So I am reaching out, letting my eyes and heart embrace the changes. Life is what we choose to make it!  It is a daunting picture of how to convert this 11 acres into a dream of Hope and Beauty..... but we are comforted knowing that God blesses the Bountiful Eye! I believe that He will let it happen.... please pray with us and for us as we make this journey with our team!

 

 
 

 
 

 

The Miracle of Birth

Proverbs17:6 "Children's children are a crown"...

 

Witnessing the birth of a newborn, no matter how often I experience it, is beautiful!  I was blessed to do this a couple of days ago; the birthing of our 11th grandchild....I am still marveling at God's creativity when he put the birthing process in motion at the beginning of time. It is so awesome.

I am with my youngest daughter as she and her household transition into adding another tiny being to their little family circle. I loved the tears and joy on the faces of the parents at the birth of their second little girl. I was observing it as the tears surfaced for me as well.  And then, the wonder on the faces of the two little people who later opened their hearts to the new baby sister!! I couldn't capture it on camera.... it just wasn't possible!!

When this process is referred to as "The Miracle of Birth", it is aptly named.  It is truly nothing short of a miracle!!  It is beautiful.....a wonderful masterpiece of God.

I am holding tiny hands and feet, stroking gorgeous, abundant, black hair, and feeling sweet, little breaths of new life on my cheek. I am feeling God's presence in the presence of this precious bundle of wonder!

Apparently, the people who can destroy life before it has a chance to start, have never experienced this miracle in the way God planned it to be! 

 New life comforts in a world of sorrow.  I am having a hard time releasing myself from this enchanted little circle. My husband and other family members are in another part of the country feeling stressed at deadlines and unplanned hindrances in life. I am at peace with stroking a small cheek and smelling baby lotion!!!

Thank you Lord for the beauty of the present. Soon enough, I'll join the world where we move to a different beat. It's not that there aren't momentous and good times there as well, but nothing compares to this Miracle I have been so blessed to be a part of in this last week.

I love that I am starting memories with this new little person and I pray God to grant me many years of loving her!!  And my crown is sparkling with another jewel!

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Expectations

Proverbs 23:17,18

....but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long......and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

I think I'm a fairly optimistic person, but I find myself slipping into the wrong kind of fear mode from time to time.  Especially with change in my near future. 

I am trying to understand the definition of expectations. I have learned that the wrong kind of expectations can breed disappointment and bitterness.  I have been known to set very high expectations in evolving circumstances and because of that, the reality of what is the truth blind sides me and I am very disillusioned. 

I remember early in my marriage (as most young brides do) soon realizing that as happy as I was, my new husband could not fill my every emotional need. I was confused by this because I fully expected this to happen.  I really had to sort through some of my preconceived  expectations and turn them  around.  The reality was that I needed God to fill my deepest needs. My husband was filling the needs he was designed to fulfil. I found that turning expectations into gratitude and appreciation was the answer.

So when I find myself irritable and questioning because I am frequently feeling frustrated at the outcome of circumstances, I begin to try to find the good in it and I will turn the turmoil into gratitude.

I love to have a plan. For literally everything in my life. I wake up trying to organize my day... if I haven't already done it the night before! Which makes me tend to keep coming up short in my trusting God to help me do adjustments and changes.

I am reminded that the Word isn't full of explanation for life.  It is full of promises that God will walk us through all the chaos, the struggles and the disappointments. He rescues . He carries. He holds up. He comforts. He forgives. He gives new life. He offers hope.

So I have to daily remind myself to let go of my "blueprint" philosophy and just walk with Him. Reality tells me that my journey is full of bypasses, sudden turns and even dark tunnels. 

My expectation must be that there is always hope. Not that things turn out the way I want or plan.  Hope that covers me when I don't see the path.. confidence that He is ahead of me leading...that's what brings contentment and peace.  That is something I seek every morning. I can't survive without it.

My husband and I were discussing late last night how much we had to do in the next few weeks.  My mind started churning....I started to feel anxious. But as we bowed in prayer, I felt comforted in knowing that my expectations would not be cut off as long as they were tempered by the Big Plan.

So in my endless list making for the winter ahead, I am trying to let go and trust in the One who has sufficiency for all things. I'm daily reminding myself of His promises!
 

 

 

Gatherings

 "The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing." Prov. 20:4

As I drive through country roads this autumn season, I am observing the squirrels scampering here and there. They are so busy; so focused on stashing their winter food supply,  they are even reckless as they dash across the road in front of my tires. I like to watch them so intent on their fall gatherings. 

This time in October and November, was in earlier times, just referred to as "Autumn" which means "to gather".  After the busy months of summer, we lose the beauty of the blooming flowers, but gather the overflowing baskets of fruit and grain. It is the law of life and one of the most fulfilling feelings ever experienced in life. We reap what we sow.

But we only reap if we sow. I am reminded today of how we should be living life experiencing the planting and the reaping daily. That's what living is all about.

I am in the Autumn of my life. I have to push a little harder to get out and sow. But I know if I don't , in the gathering season, the basket will be empty!  

I know my family will grow so much that these days of connecting may be fewer and far between. But right now I'm just tucking the precious memories into every basket I can find.

Time with family and friends is worth all the hard work you put into grounding relationships. If you take the time to sow the seeds, you feel so good to keep gathering year after year.

We threw our baskets in the car and headed out to Kentucky and West Virginia to gather.  We came back exhausted with them overflowing with the harvest!!

I soak up the loving camaraderie of our Kentucky son and his family. They are very openly affectionate with us and with each other. They laugh and they hug a lot.  They can still enjoy a campfire and haven't outgrown Pawpaw's funny songs he always sings to them while sitting around the fire cooking great chunks of steak on a stick!  We listened to lots of band music and enjoyed a Fallfest where we drank chocolate milk out of unique glass milk bottles. We rode the hay wagon and shot vegetables out of a veggie sling!! The kids love Monopoly and we made up our own rules and laughed bunches!! My grandma hands and heart gets almost greedy with the gathering!!

 

In West Virginia, we savoured our daughter's home cooked meals, did donuts in the truck with the grandson, and took photos on the often visited old Cass bridge. I donned my grandaughter's cowboy boots and rode with her out to "salt" the cows and snapped some classic "little pig" shots with the farmer. We girls had to drive 30 minutes of curvy road to sit a spell at a cafe called The Dirt Bean. Only in West Virginia!! The guys explored an old barn, hauled cattle, and we all relaxed around the open fire as we always do. We loaded our baskets with crisp fall evenings under wide open skies and even liked the strong farm smells!!!  It's all a wonderful part of the West Virginia gatherings!!

 

 
 

After the last campfire, we drove late into the night to connect with a big brother and sister in law. We gathered some more by catching up at midnight while munching on chocolate candy. Dashing off to Cracker Barrel the next morning, we indulged and took photos on the classic front porch. Just a few hours but so rewarding!! 

 

Having lived in both states in years gone by, we always take a little time to look up old friends, give some quick hugs, and chat awhile. It's a shame to let old friendships rust out!! So we keep trying to sow a little so we can reap a little. 

 
 

I keep my basket setting close. I often have opportunity to gather. Like having company tonight. I'm going to enjoy supper with them and do dinner next door, compliments of the daughter and the grand girls. I'm grabbing my basket and extending my hands to gather!

 
 

Our Louisiana family toss things into the basket almost daily via texting and FaceTime!!  It keeps us smiling at the antics of the two little ones! 

 

I love it that Harvest isn't limited to two or three months!  We can sow daily by the giving out. And we can gather daily as it is returned. " Give and it shall be given....... Pressed down and running over!!

So get out and sow.  Or you will be very lonely sitting with your empty baskets!!!