Focus

In Psalm forty David wrote:
"I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay;
and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
And He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
many will see and fear, and will trust in the LORD."

I could have written it myself.  Maybe not as eloquently, but the words would be similar.
When I reflect on Who He is and what He has done in my life, I have a hard time containing myself!
You would think that during the Christmas season it would be easier to stay focused on these wonderful truths.  Not so easy at all.  Too much vies for my attention.

However, when the focus is Jesus, then the season will be joyful.  So I am determined to take time to remember and refocus.

Reading through Psalm ninety-eight this morning my heart was stirred.  I strongly encourage all who read this to crack open their Bible and see what this psalm has to say!
Such joy!  He has done great things!! 
Jesus birth changes everything!

I continue to work my way through Revelation, alongside readings that reflect this Christmas season.  Here are some of the thoughts that filled my mind and heart today.
Jesus may have come as a meek and mild baby, but truly He came to ignite a fire that cannot be quenched.
A fire in hearts desiring to know and follow Him.
A purifying fire that cleanses and makes new.
A consuming fire that gives purpose and direction; that removes all dross!

As was said of Aslan in the "Chronicles of Narnia,"  He is good, but He is not safe!  His ways are not our ways, but they are glorious and worth the risk!

We cannot stop at the Babe lying in the manger.  We need the rest of the Good News. 
God came down to redeem us. 
The Baby grew into a man.
That man died on a Cross to save us.
Our Savior then rose from the dead, which demonstrated His victory over death and His power to, indeed, redeem us!

What love!  God left the glories of Heaven, laying aside His robe, "whose train fills the temple", to be tired, hungry, rejected and ridiculed.  All for us! 
So, do not stop at the Christmas story, follow it through to the Easter story!

Focus on the One who loves you with a all consuming love!

HOME

Sunday morning my honey joined me at church.  The whole congregation applauded!

I had returned to the morning service a while ago.  It is amazing how you don't realize how much you miss something until it is, once more, in your life!
Being with a loving church family gives a person the sense of being home.
The place palpitates with love.  Just like Papa's heart!

This is definitely the season not to miss attending church.  The music is joyful and there's more of it, as people cannot help but share their talents; it seems everything is over the top!
Jesus' birth put a song in many hearts!  As one reads the story of His birth in Luke, you find song after song, as people and angels cannot contain themselves!
A comment I read this morning by David Jeremiah caused me to write this in my journal: "With Jesus birth music was given fresh joyful life!"

The GOOD News of Great Joy, which is for all the people, generates more joy.  Joy oftens bursts into song!  We have a home waiting for us!

Each year I like to take a look at the birth of Jesus from a different perspective.  The Christmas Edition of 'Our Daily Bread" has helped me to do just that.
Yesterday's reading examined the innkeeper and his full inn.  The innkeeper is always depicted as a mean man who sneers as he tells Mary and Joseph that there was no room in his inn.  The writer, David McCasland, shared a story of Grace Ditmanson Adams.  An experience she had as a child gave her a fresh view of the innkeeper.
Grace's parents were missionaries to China and they made frequent trips through inland China.  One trip brought them to a crowded, noisy village inn.  There was no room for them, except in a small storage room.  The room afforded them some privacy and quiet.  They were very grateful.  A home away from home.
Grace wondered if the innkeeper wasn't demonstrating kindness in directing this expectant couple to the stable.

I have heard or read the Christmas story for most of my life.  I love it when I get to see some aspect of it through fresh eyes!

A fresh perspective or reminder helps put things into perspective, as we traverse through the challenges of this life. 
This week has had its challenges to be certain.  There has been the need for more phone calls, emails and that never-ending paperwork.
Something that Mindy is known to say kept coming to mind, "I am going to get cranky!"

This is Christmas week and I do not want to do anything but enjoy my Savior; with no interruptions!!  I wanted time to enjoy the last minute details of Christmas, not feel rushed.
Papa wants me to enjoy Him, as I go through all the different details. 
My focus was slipping...

I had just composed and sent out a Christmas greeting via email, when I received a response.  A very dear couple shared a song with me that they use to listen to on LPs.  I have copied it below.

    My heart can sing, when I pause to remember,

    A heartache here is but a stepping stone,

    Along a path that's winding ever upwards;

    This weary world is not my final home.

        Refrain:

        But until then, my heart will keep on singing,

        Until then, with joy I'll carry on;

        Until the day my eyes behold the City,

        Until the day God calls me Home.

    The things of earth will dim and lose their value,

    When we recall they're borrowed for a while,

    The things of earth that cause the heart to tremble,

    Remembered there, will only bring a smile.

    This weary world, with all its toil and struggle,

    May take its toll of misery and lies:

    The soul of man is like a waiting falcon;

    When it's released, it's destined for the skies.

                Stuart Hamblen  1958

Yes, until I arrive at my real Home, I will sing!  I believe that when I listen to and respond to the song in my heart it is simply a joining with Him in song.

And on occasion a graceful dance is thrown in!

Choices

C. S. Lewis is one of my favorite authors.  I am looking forward to sitting down with him one day.  That day will be in glory because that is where he is now.
When I became aware that there was an adaption of his book "Screwtape Letters" being offered as an off-Broadway play, I was eager to see it.  I did not think that was going to be possible and honestly thought it had finished in New York by now.  Not so and as I was going to the City to meet two of my sisters for lunch and see the decorations, I seized the opportunity and bought myself a ticket.
Yesterday was the day and it was so worthwhile!!

Lewis' writing is thought provoking.  The play stayed true to the book and coupled with excellent acting it was as challenging to the audience as the book itself.
Often we are so involved in everyday life that our focus can become a bit diffused.
The decisions we make each day are serious stuff.  They reflect the path we have chosen.  Those of us whose hearts have responded to the call of Papa's Heart must be aware that the distractions of this world can still steal our heart little by little. 
The good news is that, as Papa's child, we are not in this battle by ourselves.  He is our guide and guard!
"Screwtape" reminds us that there are those who do wage war against us and though we cannot lose the gift of eternal life, we can be cheated out of the abundant life.

I jotted down a quote from Reflections for Ragamuffins yesterday.  Manning to something that the late Rabbi Abraham Herschel said,  "Jesus Christ is of no importance unless He is of supreme importance."
I say He is of supreme importance, yet how often do I fail to live up to that which I believe?  Too often.  Over and over I throw myself upon His mercy and in His grace He picks me up and dusts me off.  How wonderful is He??!!!

According to God, King David "had a heart after God."  Yet David fell deeply into sin.  At that point denial sidled in and blinded him. 
This was someone who loved God? 
Yes.  The proof comes in his repentance upon confrontation.  Though he was deceived for a time, he was too tenderhearted toward God to resist conviction.
Papa saw his heart.   He sees my heart.

Life will bring all kinds of choices our way.  The choices come in all sizes and shapes.  They arrive wrapped in joy or pain.
This year my family has faced many choices.  Some of those choices involve who we will trust, who we will look to in the midst of it all. 
There has been loss and with it pain.  We each have had to choose how we would deal with it.  What a comfort for me and most of my immediate family to be confident that we could look to Papa for strength and comfort and help.

There are some near and dear to me that do not have the comfort nor confidence of such an intimate relationship with the Living God.  It is heartbreaking to see them struggling.  There is a hollowness that leaves them so fragile, so easily shattered. 
The only way to be full, to be comforted, to have hope and peace is by allowing your heart to respond to His.
It is my prayer that each heart, everywhere, would fly to Him!  To resist is to cheat ourselves and our God, Whose Heart longs for ours!

What is the Point?

Every year as the month of December approaches I formulate a plan.  The plan is comprised of a list of all that needs to be done and a schedule of when I intend to do each item. 
It always looks good on paper; manageable, doable.  My goal is to have time to reflect on and with my LORD.  I do not want to get so occupied with "stuff" that I miss the meaning behind it all.
Yes very doable, until reality kicks in.

Year after year one reality that I cannot ignore is my energy level.  I simply am not able to accomplish what I use to and honestly have little interest in doing so!
Another reality that is new for this year is that I have more responsibilities, which cannot be ignored.
Then there is the fact that our family keeps growing and that growth means more people to consider in all the planning and doing!
This year both our Jonathan and Timothy are in serious relationships, young women who we definitely want to include!  Then there is our great-granddaughter, Ariana Rose, not quite a month old!
Interesting...the list keeps growing as the energy dwindles...

Papa knows all about it and made provisions for me. 
Mindy is here and lends a willing hand every day.  Today we baked cookies together.  Daughters are wonderful to have around!!
For many years I have been volunteering at a drug/alcohol rehab.  Many of the residents are not in a position to give their loved ones gifts and often do not receive anything themselves.  Many of my friends help me to fill a stocking for each one of them and supply items for them to give as gifts.
Usually I receive mostly money and then purchase things for them to give.  This year many were moved to donate items; many items!  This meant less shopping for me.  Thank you Papa for dear ones who listened to your prompting!

The list is much shorter.  All that is left to do is to send greetings to those who I do not usually see.  I am waiting on Papa for the words.  If none come, greetings will not be going out.

No matter what I am doing I do not want to forget my God, not for a minute.  There is nothing in my life, not one detail, that He does not want to be a part.  Everything and every moment is an opportunity to look to Him, to enjoy Him, to reflect Him.

It seems to me the Christmas season should be a time for a heightened awareness; a time to rest in Him, reflect on the gift of God come down and Rejoice!!
Oh, I like that! 
Rest.  In Him I am safe and secure.
Reflect.  What does this Wonderful Gift mean?  Salvation!  Life!  Worth!  Hope!  Purpose!  Joy!!
Rejoice.    It is immense joy to know that I am His and He is mine!

What is the point of the lists and schedules if it is not with Him in mind?  What is the point of sharing one's life with others if it is not with Him in mind?

Nearly two weeks ago Tim brought a new friend home to join us for dinner.  This was not unusual for our son to do.  He is involved in helping a few people who struggle with addiction and frequently they are found sharing a meal with the family.
Our family meals are not subdued affairs.  We all enjoy each other and have a grand time together.  I asked our guest whether he realized that he was going to receive entertainment with his meal.  He gave me a big smile.
It is my prayer that he was more than entertained.  I do hope that he was touched by the love and the Source of that love.  That is my fervent hope.  You see, he died this past Monday.

I hate it!  Yet, that is life.  Unpredictable.  None of us knows what a day will hold.  None of us knows who will cross our path, but with each crossing there is some effect.
This loss serves to underscore for me the need to live life on purpose and to not let the "stuff" distract from what matters.  Lives matter.  Relationships matter.

How does anyone make a difference?  Jesus said that "apart from Him we can do nothing."  Sure we can go through the motions, we can put our all into something, but only He can make a lasting impact; one that lasts for eternity.
Eternity that is what it is all about.  This life is fleeting. 
Next month I will turn sixty years old.  Where did it go?  I have lived more than half my life, for sure. 
If this were all that there is how could anyone make sense out of it?  How could you have peace?  How about hope?

Mister Toad's Wild Ride continues, but that is okay, because I do know that the ride will end and when it does the Real Adventure will unfold.  And it will be glorious!!

That is the Point!!

The Essence of Prayer

The subject of prayer keeps showing itself and calling me to attend to it.
There are many aspects to prayer; many parts that make up the whole.
Years ago I was taught an anagram to use when I prayed. 

A for adoration
C for confession
T for thanksgiving
S for supplication

It is good to keep this in mind when we are learning to communicate with the Living God.  Yet, beware of using it as a list to check off.  If we do that we will limit what prayer can be.

Yes, God is worthy of and should be adored.  All praise to Him!
Confession is important and I find it best to do so as the LORD brings something to my attention.  If I do business with Him right on the spot I am not weighed down.
There is so much to thank Him for...For the very air we breath is a good place to start!
Of course, there is no end to needs and concerns that we can and often need to bring before Him.

So what is missing?  Each and every moment of every day.  I love to share all of it with Him.  Often we have a good laugh together and we have shed quite a few tears too.
That's how it works when it is a relationship and not a religion.

Jesus teaches that we should pray according to God's will.  Once a speaker that I heard said he pictures God listening to our prayers and helping us to continue to  re-work them until they are just right.
I came across a comment yesterday by Soren Kierkegaard regarding prayer. 
"The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays."

As we pray, as we spend time conscious of His Presence; enjoying Him and the relationship we have with Him we become more like Him.  Our thinking lines up more and more with His.

We find out how He thinks by reading the Bible.  I often us the Words I find there to pray for someone or a situation.  Many times what I read resonants in my heart.  Often His Words stir me deeply.

When we learn to think more like Him and as we get to know Papa better, the challenges that come our way will not shake us.

Today Ray had a extensive exam by a neurological opthamologist.  The news was not good.  There is nothing that can be done for his vision.  Disappointing.
I asked the doctor whether his impairment would affect his ability to drive.  He said that my honey could drive on clear days with caution, but to avoid rain, etc., along with dusk and dark.  Of course, driving is not an option until he regains the use of his left arm.

Had we and many others prayed for my husband's vision?  Yes.
Does this mean God did not answer?  No, just not in the way we had hoped.
However, more than hoping for healing, our hope is in Him.  Our God is good.  He is trustworthy and He is seeing the whole picture.  No matter how difficult life can be I choose to keep in mind that this is a very temporary place.  A life awaits us beyond our imagination. 
With that in mind everything else is seen in a different light.

I find it amazing that I can bring everything to Him.  In the third chapter of Ephesians we read that "we have boldness and confident access throught faith in Him" (Jesus).  I can come with assurance that He will not only receive me into His Presence, but give attention to my words.  Then He answers in wisdom and grace!

Oh what a glorious life it is!

"May my prayer be counted as incense before You!
The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering!"

Joys and Sorrows

On Saturday we had the joy of hosting our annual Christmas party.  How grateful we are to Papa that we were in a position do it!  It is our Christmas present to our friends.
For years we would put out an open invitation to all far and wide, however, last year's party made it obvious that we had to stop that practice!  Either that or get a bigger house!

As fifty people gathered at our home the fun began!  One of the games we played was most hilarious - two "Santas" gathered eight, not necessarily tiny, reindeer.   The santas handed each "reindeer" a pair of pantyhose.  Then the team, along with extra helpers, blew up many balloons.  The idea was to stuff the legs of the pantyhose with the balloons and have each reindeer don their "antlers".  The first team that got that done had to sing "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.  Definitely hilarious!!

Days before the actual party, preparations had to be made.  How glad I was to have Mindy's help.  She is a daughter (in-law) extraordinaire!!
We saved the tree decorating for Saturday afternoon.  It was to be a family affair, however, the three men were not enthralled with the idea, so the decorating crew was reduced to Mindy, Becca (Tim's precious girlfriend) and yours truly. 
The party was to begin at six o'clock, we finished the tree at quarter after five!  How is it that lights that work before they are placed on the tree decide not to co-operate once in place??!

The evening was lively, loud and long.  I loved it.  Ray loved it.  He stayed through the whole event!  Then around ten o'clock I started to fade.  I had not stopped once since arising that morning.  Ray didn't look too worn, though the minute his head hit the pillow he was gone and proceeded to sleep for eleven hours!

Things felt strange after most of our guests had gone home.   I couldn't define it until I saw my honey sitting nearby, as I began to clean up.
We always made a great team when it came to throwing a party, especially when it came to getting everything straightened out afterward. 
No teamwork last night.   It wasn't out of lack of desire, but lack of ability to be of help.  I decided to leave everything that I could until the morning.  This went against my grain, but I did not want to prolong the discomfort for either one of us.
Today Mindy and Matt took care of most of the cleanup.  Those two make a great team!  (It must run in the family!)

I did fail to mention that we have house guests; a Russian pastor and his gracious wife.  Each year they come to the States and for the fourth year in a row were able to stay with us.  What a joy!
Though I wouldn't have skipped either their visit or our party, I am just a little tired.  More tired than I realized and definitely more upset than I knew....

This day was another full one and I decided that I would rest for a little bit after getting dinner going.  As I walked into our living room I was just in time to witness the crash of our pretty Christmas tree.  Besides the sound of the tree itself hitting the floor, there was the tinkling of the ornaments as they were sandwiched between the tree and the floor.
I overreacted.   No doubt about it.
I cried out OH No!! a few times and burst into tears.  Everyone came running.  They expected to see a body, not a tree on the floor.

On a good day I would not have been pleased by the crash, but would not have felt distraught.  I felt like an idiot.  It was embarassing.  After all it was only the tree.  Sure a few ornaments broke, included one favorite glass angel, but things are not important.  Yet, there I was sobbing.

After a bit of reflection (I do alot of this don't I?) I knew what my problem was. 
That was not the first Reynolds' tree to fall or the only ornament ever to break.  However, it was the first time that the Ray and Debbie team couldn't tackle it together and after the team's evident absence the night before, it was the proverbial "last straw."
This is getting very old.

This past week, when it was very cold, I needed to get gas and sooner rather than later or risk running out.  I became teary as I was figuring out where the nearest station was and deciding to only get enough to cover the immediate need, because of the weather.  Why?  Because until this winter I rarely had to fill my own tank on such a cold day.  My man took care of it for me.  I was a princess.

I have to remember that I am still a princess, Papa's princess.  As His princess I can be certain that every detail of my life is something He intends to work out for good.  He has designs on me and plans for me; He is making me into the best girl, who will reflect her Papa.
So as I have these emotional ups and downs I will, hopefully, always remember to climb into His lap and pour out my heart to Him.  He will answer every time and assure me that He will never leave me nor forsake me and that the best is yet to come.
It just hit me - Papa and I make not only a great team, but the best!

Indescribable!

The ninth chapter of second Corinthians ends with these words:
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"

I love reading Paul's writings.  There are times where he cannot contain himself and bursts out with praise for God.
He is right to say that the gift of God is indescribable.  Certainly we can find some words to describe, in part, Who this gift is, but only in part.

The book of Revelation is the focus of study and meditation for me at the moment and there are quite a few descriptions of our God and Savior.
The fourth chapter blew me away the other day.  Then I re-read it out of The Message and was floored!

I am tempted to copy the whole chapter right here, but feel constrained.  Pick the Bible up and read it for yourself!

John is in the midst of a vision from God.  He finds himself before the very Throne of God.  The beauty and glory are overwhelming.  Around the Throne are four living creatures who praise God non-stop.
The emphasis of their praise is God's Holiness and how worthy He is, as the Creator, to receive glory, honor and power.

Some might not understand how words in a book can thrill one's heart and soul so deeply and if they were simply that, they couldn't and wouldn't.  What makes the difference is that they are from God and that means they carry His power. 
What is so thrilling?  Well, I know Papa loves me.  Couple that with Who He is and I am amazed afresh!

The One Who loves me, just as I am, is the Holy One, the Creator God.  This One has made a way for me to live forever with Him.  One day I will see Him face-to-face!

I do not have the market cornered on His Love. 
The other day I was speaking with a dear friend, who was sharing how she thought God loved some more than others.  In particular she thought that He could love some others more than He loved her.
Not true!!  Every single one of us is His personal favorite!  The difference between any of us is whether we know it or not and how well!

I continued on into the fifth chapter of Revelation today and found myself before the Throne.  The focus was on the Lamb of God.  The spotless Lamb of God paid the price for our redemption and is worthy of praise!  He alone is worthy to sit on the Throne.

Many praise Him there in the heavenlies.  John heard them say, "To Him who sits on the Throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."
With that they fell down and worshiped.
Shall we join them?

Psalm sixteen, verse eleven says,
"In Your Presence is fulness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever."

Yes, let's join in praising Him for in His Presence our joy will overflow!