Faithblooms

Last week I assisted with our church’s mid-week children’s program. There was lots of energy, and the kids were excited to be there!

During the lesson my friend, Nancy, asked the children some questions about communicating with God. It was evident that many of the children knew about God and Jesus and that he is always with them.

During the conversation about God being near, someone said, “He hears us!” Little Henry softly added, “In bilingual!”

It reminded me of the “child-like faith” the Bible talks about — that we should have simple faith like a child, knowing that God always hears and understands us. A simple belief in the faithfulness of God is a treasure!

As you go through each day, remember the simple truth that God is with you all of the time. He hears you!

Even in “bilingual.”

Hey, Siri!

I find myself saying this several times a day when I want to know the answer to something or to text a friend. It’s so convenient. (I recently heard about a little boy who did his math homework with Alexa. He got it done quickly!)

Yesterday I had an interesting experience. While checking on my friend’s cats while she’s on a trip, I had other voices to contend with. She had given me lessons on them before she left.

“Alexa, I’m home!” I’m supposed to say when I want the lights to come on in the living room. And Alexa answers me! And when I’m leaving, I need to tell her that so she will turn off the lights.

But in the bedroom, I have to talk to “Echo.” I can’t remember what I’m supposed to say to her/him.

Yesterday I found myself standing in the middle of the house thinking about who I need to talk to — Siri, Alexa, or Echo. It was confusing! It prompted me to think about how often I “talk” to technological voices every day!

Do you realize how often we hear competing voices in our everyday world? In the “real world,” these voices talk to ME without being prompted! They seem to be competing for my attention. I realize I need to be intentional about which ones I listen to.

For instance, the “voice” saying, “You should try on that blouse. It’s so pretty” is heard when I walk in the mall for exercise. (I know — I could stop walking in the mall, but it’s always the perfect temperature!)

The ones saying, “Eat here!” when I drive down the street on my way to work. They are often tempting, but I’m trying to eat healthier.

Of course, there are more serious voice opportunities in our lives, like when we are driving and people aren’t being very nice. It’s so tempting to reciprocate.

Did you realize the Bible gives us direction on who to listen to?

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)

When I focus on listening to the Holy Spirit, the various “voices” in my day are quieter, or even non-existent. It’s much more peaceful!

So the next time I ask Siri or Alexa for something, I’ll be reminded that the Holy Spirit is waiting for me to tune in to Him, whether asking a question or listening for an answer.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

In Humboldt, Tennessee, every spring there is a festival where thousands of people come to the small town for parades and other events. As part of that, a local family provides a Christian concert for the community. It often sells out, as the bands are well-known. One year the family gave us tickets to attend. It came along with the opportunity to go backstage before the concert to meet the band. Of course, this was very exciting!

Our sons had a good friend, Daniel, who didn’t have a ticket to the concert. It was disappointing to Colin and Christopher, as well as Daniel, when he had to stay home while we went to the concert.

But at the very last minute, there was an extra ticket! The boys called Daniel and told him we could pick him up on the way to the concert. When we arrived at the church, we were led down the aisle of the packed sanctuary to the backstage door. His sister had arrived early and had an aisle seat, since she had planned ahead and bought a ticket. As we passed her, the look on her face as she saw her brother was, “What are you doing here?”

He waved at her.

Not only did he get to go to the concert, he got to meet the band members backstage! The incident reminded me of how we are God’s children and he loves giving us gifts. Sometimes he surprises us with things we cannot even imagine he would do!

Even though we are undeserving of his blessings, God still gives them to us because we are his children and he loves us.

“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly father give good gifts to those who ask him?” (Matthew 7:11, NLT)

Can you think of a time when God has surprised you by giving you something unexpected? We may not deserve them, but God loves us and blesses us any way.

Yesterday, I had an opportunity to give someone grace.

Before you might think how wonderful I was, I need to give some background.

I took my dogs to be groomed at a pet store. It shall remain unnamed. But it was in another state, so that’s pretty anonymous.

I had an appointment the day before for another one of my dogs. I was running 15 minutes late and called the salon. The person who answered said — “That’s o.k. We have a break after each grooming, so even getting here 20 minutes late is fine.”

All went well.

The next day I had an appointment to get my other dog groomed (they didn’t have two available the day before). Again, I was running late but this time only ten minutes! I remembered what the girl yesterday had said — that it didn’t matter — so I walked in, all smiles, and was greeted by someone I hadn’t met the day before. She looked at me sternly and said, “Just to let you know, we have a 15-minute grace period, so if you were five more minutes late, you would have had to reschedule.

My smile disappeared. I felt attacked!

Then she said, “We also need to see your dog’s vaccination record.” Luckily, I had thought ahead on that one and had it on my phone. But the day before I had not been required to show it.

At this point her tone got even worse as she said, “I am the salon manager, and we have to go by these rules.” When I told her they didn’t have to yesterday, she looked concerned.

I understood about them needing to follow the rules, but the tone of her voice and the look on her face were not at all welcoming, so I told her.

“The girl who helped me yesterday was much nicer.” (I have been known to “tell it like it is,” maybe too often.)

When I returned to pick up my dog, an interesting opportunity presented itself. The store manager and the regional guy that visits all the salons in the area to monitor how they are doing were there. I realized who they were after chatting for a minute while the groomer finished my dog.

“So you guys are here to check them out and see how they are doing?” I asked.

“Yes we are,” one of them said.

As the salon manager stood behind the counter, I noticed she looked at me. Could I make or break her job? Lucky for her, I had had time to cool off after our initial encounter. But I still thought to myself — she is wondering (and scared) what I will say to them.

“They do a great job here,” I said enthusiastically. And this was true. My dogs both looked great, and I was pleased.

We chatted a few more minutes as they looked at some records and observed the groomers. I noticed the salon manager relax, but she still glanced at me occasionally.

Grace.

We all need it. We all want it. And God gives it to us every single day.

It was a good reminder for me. And I realized that next time (there are always these opportunities!), I might not have the “cooling off” period. I need to take a breath, count to ten or 100, and be kind in these situations.

I’m reminded of the hymn that begins with these words: “Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt . . .” It’s based on Romans 5:20, which says, “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” (NIV)

What a great reminder. Because next time, it might be me needing grace.

Bill was in his mid-50s when I first met him. I had begun working with hospice, and he was one of my first patients.

Outgoing, positive, and frustrated were the words I would use to describe him at that point. His illness had made him wheelchair-bound, and he was no longer free to do what he wanted without help.

During one of our many conversations, he said something I found very interesting.

“I really miss my job.”

Of course, my next question was, “What did you do?”

“I was a garbage man,” he replied, with a smile

I must admit my first thought was — you miss being a “garbage man?” But as he talked, he lit up, reminiscing about the good times he had enjoyed during the many years he had worked.

“I miss it so much! Being outside every day, riding on the back of the truck, seeing the people . . .”

It occurred to me that one of Bill’s gifts was service to others. It didn’t matter the setting. He enjoyed the work and seeing people in the neighborhoods.

We might not realize what makes another person happy. Or the God-given gifts/talents they have that gives meaning to their lives.

What do you enjoy doing as a job or a hobby? These skills/talents are a gift from God. Enjoy them as you honor and serve God!

Romans 12:6 — “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us . .. .”

I’m sitting in Orlando by the biggest pool I’ve ever seen. The cool, blue water waves invitingly. I’m lounging in the shade, thinking about life and people-watching.

It’s an environment I’m not accustomed to — a sprawling resort with all the amenities you could want. When the young woman making regular “rounds” offering food and drinks asks if I need something, I’m tempted to say, “I can get it,” not wanting her to go to any trouble for me! Then I remember it’s her job and how she makes money.

As I enjoy the cool breeze and people-watching, I realize that in the midst of this place, there is a huge cross high up over the center of the pool! It wasn’t meant to be a cross, I’m sure. It’s part of a mast on a replica of a boat.

But it’s there! And it’s a cross! Whether people see or acknowledge it, it’s still there for all to see!

It’s just like in our everyday life — whether the world acknowledges him or not, he is here, in the midst of everything. Probably most of us reading this are believers who need to be reminded to “see” him in everyday happenings. But he is there for non-believers, too.

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)

Look around. Where do you see him?

Have you been to a quaint town that has horses and buggies so you can ride around and see the town? It brings such peace to my mind when I think of these calm scenes.

Of all the places I have seen horses pulling carriages, what I’ve noticed they have in common is “blinders.” The owner knows that for the horse to remain focused and do what it’s supposed to do, it needs them.

The Dallas Equestrian Center says, “The blinders cover the rear vision of the horse, forcing it to look only in a forward direction and keeping it on track. Blinders are also useful to reduce the chances of the horse being spooked and making a run for it while still attached to the wagon.”

I need spiritual blinders! I want to focus on living for Jesus every day, all day. But there are so many distractions. Besides the fact that I think I have ADD, our world is noisy!

Escaping to a quiet place (probably not at home) is the main way I’ve found to focus. Sitting in my car in a park, by the beach, lake, etc. is where I’m the most successful.

But I don’t always have the time or inclination to leave home to have a study/quiet time. I need parameters, like blinders, so I can focus wherever I am.

One thing that comes to mind is what I read once about Ruth Bell Graham, wife of Billy Graham. When she had young children and so much to do at home, she opened her Bible to a passage she wanted to focus on and placed it on her kitchen counter. All day long she referred to it, and it helped her remember her purpose throughout the day.

That’s what I need as I go about my day! Since I’m often working or running errands during the day, I have discovered that writing a verse on an index card and placing it nearby can be effective to keep me focused.

For example, if I am having a stressful time, reading this verse throughout the day is so helpful and calming:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.” (Isaiah 43:1-2)

Or Isaiah 40:31 — “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”

As I think about these verses and pray them, especially out loud, they are soothing and reassuring and often provide the “blinders” I need.

Take a deep breath, relax, and read these verses.

He will give you strength and peace.

Many years ago our family had the opportunity to visit England. A friend let us stay in his countryside manor for several days at the beginning of our trip.

On Sunday we decided to go to church in the local village. It was an ornate building and was very, very old. We had heard that people had stopped attending church in large numbers in England, so we expected to join a small congregation for worship.

We drove through the small neighborhood and came upon the church. However, there were no cars there. We had looked up the time of the service and wondered if they had changed it. As we circled the church, wondering what to do, we saw a man walking down the street. My husband stopped the car and asked if he knew when the church met for worship. I’ll never forget the look on the man’s face. He was incredulous. He laughed and said, “You believe in God?” Paul said, “Yes, we do.” The man said, “Nobody believes in that anymore!” He walked away shaking his head and chuckling.

We all were so amazed at his cavalier attitude about God. It was so sad to see how people were turning away from God and his church in England.

For many years we have seen it happening here. But the pandemic seems to have increased those numbers, even after quarantining is virtually over. Not only is church attendance waning, but fewer people are saying they have faith in God.

In a nation experiencing so much chaos, God still has a plan. Part of it is for us to meet together and encourage one another. Serving him as a body of Christ is perhaps more needed than ever before.

Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us — “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another . . .”

Today I went to visit someone in a very large mobile home park. In Florida these parks are popular. They are sometimes bought as retirement homes or purchased by “snowbirds” who are only there in the fall/winter months.

It can be a challenge to locate a home in these parks, since each one seems to have its own system. Some streets have names, while others use numbers as streets. When trying to find someone’s house, I often wonder how the people who established it came up with the order of the numbers on the homes, as there sometimes seems to be no logic to it!

Today I found my patient’s house pretty easily, which made me happy. But after the visit, when I was headed home, I couldn’t get out of the mobile home park!

“It can’t be that difficult,” I told myself. I’m one of those people who doesn’t like to ask for directions. So even though I passed people on the street, I didn’t want to ask them the way out because I knew it was around the next corner!

Eventually, when I was on the verge of getting out my GPS, I saw a wonderful thing! It was a small exit sign with an arrow pointing to the way out! Now that I had seen that one, I realized that almost every corner had a little sign to direct me!

Of course the experience made me think of life, since sometimes I feel I’m going in circles, kind of “stuck.” I try to do things my way, forgetting the Creator of the Universe wants to help me. Going round and round and round, not getting anywhere, is no fun.

You may remember that the Bible addresses God’s desire to be with us as we meet frustrations, challenges, and more. He doesn’t expect or want us remain frustrated and stuck because we won’t seek his help.

In fact, this verse indicates how he feels:

“The Lord directs the steps of the Godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)

I write a lot about trusting in God to lead us. I find that it’s a problem for most Christians at one time or another, since we tend to want to do things our own way.

Just remember that he delights in you and holds you by the hand.

As I drove down a six-lane highway in a nearby city, I saw a guy on a bicycle waiting to cross the road. He had all the gear — helmet, biking suit, fancy bike — a serious biker. But there was no crosswalk, which would have made crossing safe.

As he stared at the traffic hurrying by him, looking for a break so he could cross, I noticed something.

Directly above him was a very nice biking/walking “bridge,” complete with a cage around it for safety.

Hmmmm . . . I thought. Here he is, an apparently skilled bicyclist, trying to find his own way across this busy highway when just above him is a safe way to cross.

My next thought was — how often am I guilty of that?

I discipline myself to focus on God consistently by talking to him, reading scripture. But before I know it, I’m going my own way, thinking of what I want to do. It reminds me of a toddler saying to her mom, “I do it myself!”

Do you ever do that? What in your life is comparable to the cyclist fighting traffic on his own when his answer lies just above him?

God wants to lead us. That doesn’t mean we won’t encounter challenges along the way, but he will be with us to guide us if we ask him.

“The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” (Proverbs 20:24)

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)

The Lord reminds us, in these scripture verses, that he will be with us and guide us, but he also gives us the choice — every time — to think about our plan.

Or his.