Thanksgiving—Not Just One Day

I want to wish all my friends and family Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy all the good food and company of family and friends but don't forget to thank God who has blessed us so much throughout the year. Let's make every day a day of Thanksgiving because God continues His blessings throughout the year--not just one day. Some of you I will never meet but that doesn't mean I don't think of you often and whisper a prayer for you.

A Mother’s Holiday

Up before dawn

Sweeping and mopping

Too much to do

No time for stopping.

The family is nestled

all snug in their beds,

While visions of a turkey dinner

dance in their heads.

There’s cooking to be done

and laundry to do.

gotta scrub the floors

and clean the windows too.

The TV comes on

the family is awake`--

How much more

do you think I can take

The relatives pour in with

shouts of good cheer.

Why did I offer to have

the family dinner here?

Now that the meal is done

the relatives leave amid

shouts of good wishes.

While hubby and the kids watch TV

Guess who gets stuck with the dishes!

Where Is That Empty Nest?

Every little girl has a dream.  She dreams of falling in love, getting married, and having a family. I was no different.  I wanted to find my Mr.. Right, marry him and have two perfect children:  a boy that would hunt, fish, play baseball and do all the manly things with his dad; and a little girl that would let me teach her how to do all the feminine little things that girls like to do.  Well, I had a little boy and a little girl and my life was perfect. 

When the kids grew up, a new dream began to unfold.  I was looking forward to be a grandmother.  I would be the type that would spoil the grandkids because they would only be visiting.  Well, I did enjoy the kids and did spoil them BUT I was given custody of them and now I am responsible for their daily needs and all their wants.  This can’t be too bad, I thought.  I will just be raising kids all over again.  In fact, it was fun having the grandkids around all day everyday.  I did not stop to think that they would grow up and I would grow older.  That is the life cycle isn’t it.  Kids grow up and grandparents grow older.  Although, I am not as young as I used to be, I still manage to provide for these precious little ones.  I have four active kids that are now in school and I get to attend all their functions.  I have been able to attend all of the social events of the seasons from ballet recitals to championship baseball games.  In fact, I am on a first name basis with the superstars and coaches.  What could be better than this?  I do admit I get tired but when I look at the bright expectant faces I gain a new sense of strength and love every minute of sharing life with these gifts from God.

When I hear people talking of the empty nest syndrome and how lonely they are, I realize that I still have the sound of kids’ laughter and fighting in my house.  My house doesn’t always stay clean and I do get frustrated trying to keep up with the housework.  When I feel overwhelmed by the lack of time to get all the housework done, I realize there are more important things than a shiny house.  My house does stay clean enough for health but has that comfortable lived in look and feel.  In fact, my house is well lived in.  I do keep my floors clean enough you can eat off them.  Yeah, over here is some bread, there is a french fry or two and if you look closely you might even be able to find a cookie or two for dessert.

I always thought that when my kids were grown and had kids of their own, my husband and I would be able to retire, spend time getting to know each other again and travel whenever and wherever we wanted to.  I guess that will have have to wait because God has given me a task that is more important than any other I can think of.  Sure, I could be working and obtaining new possessions but what could would material possessions give me when I have the love of my grandkids.  Of course, they don’t get everything they want but God is good and lets me provide everything they need.

No matter how tired and discouraged I get I realize the blessings God has given me when He put these kids in my life.  I always ask Him for strength and grace to make it through the day and He is always faithful to provide what I need.  I do not get paid for caring for these children in earthly ways but my reward is much more valuable because I am paid in pure love.

I hope I leave these kids with a legacy of love.  I want them to know that I loved them but, even more importantly, I want them to know God loves them.  I want to teach them about Him and His love.  They should be taught that with Him by their side and holding their hands, they will be able to accomplish anything and do whatever He asks of them.  I can provide the material things they need but I want them to know that God can provide for them even more than I can. 

While other people are suffering from the empty nest syndrome, I consider myself fortunate that I still have children in my life.  I just ask God to give me the wisdom and strength to bring them up in the way He wants me to.  I know He will because He said He would and my God keeps all of His promises.

If I Only Had a Brain!

I think my all time favorite movie when I was a kid had to be “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”.   I would watch Dorothy, Toto, and their friends travel the Yellow Brick
Road in search of Emerald City and the Great Wizard.  I remember tuning out the world and feel as though I were with them and experiencing all their adventures as they did.  For weeks afterward I would walk around the house singing (or at least trying to) sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.  Believe me my family were glad when I quit singing.

Anyway, you can imagine my excitement when I had a chance to watch this movie with my grandchildren.  I wanted them to have the opportunity to see a wonderful movie and hoped they would like it as much as I do. We decided to make it a movie night with popcorn, sleeping bags, and all the junk food we could eat.  As the opening music began we settled down with our bowls of popcorn for a wonder filled night.

Soon, however , I began to hear that still small voice begin to speak to me.  I knew the voice was my Heavenly Father but I was totally unprepared for what He had to say to me.

“Do you see that the adventures Dorothy and her friends have are like the doubts and fears that can rob you of your peace and joy?  Fears and doubts sneak in when you least expect them and take control of your life.” 

When I heard this, I began to see that I was letting these fears and doubts haunt me every day.  When I am thinking that all is well and my life could not be any better, the old doubts and insecurities begin to creep into my mind and fears sneak in to send my world spinning out of control.

Like Dorothy I long for love and security.  Too often I have looked for these in wrong places and with wrong people.  I have even counted on filling the hole in my heart through obtaining more and more material possessions.  Instead of giving me a sense of security, I found I had created more stress and problems by having more financial difficulties.  These difficulties in turn created more stress and offers no security.

The Lion was looking for courage which he already possessed and proved during their travels to Oz.  Although I have shown courage when faced with some situations, I find myself cowering in fear all too often.  When my life overwhelms me and seems to spin out of control, I am frozen in fear and try to hide from life.

The Tin Man wants a heart in order to show emotion.  Sometimes I feel as though my heart is missing when my problems seem to take over my life.  I find myself focusing on me and my problems instead of looking around me and seeing the pain of other people.  When I do focus on others, I often find their problems are much bigger and more serious than mine.  I then remember that I am put on this earth to help and encourage others.  I am commanded to come alongside others and help them in their times of troubles.  When I do this I find my heart is there and beating strong.

Yes, I even find a part of me when I see the Scarecrow.  Remember,. he was looking for a brain.  When I want to take my life back into my own hands and do not trust God, I find my brain does not want to work.  Instead of telling me to listen to God, it is telling me not to listen to God.  It is telling me, “You don’t need help.  You are in control of your life and can handle it on your own terms.

Too often I have trusted the “Great Oz”.  He offers a false sense of security.  He tells me he can get me home where I can find the love and security I seek.  He leads me to believe he can give me courage to face my trials, a heart to show compassion, and a brain that will solve all my problems.  But what he is telling me are lies….lies that are meant to take my eyes off my Father who can offer me these things.

I have learned through many hard lessons that only with God can I live a life of peace and joy.  God is the life giver and sustainer of life and security.  I will have doubts and fears and suffer from insecurity but He will always be by my side to see me through the troublers I face.  I will not have smooth sailing every day but He will never let me down.  Sometimes He will calm the storm, but often He will calm me so I can make it through the storm.  Although I will feel insecure and unloved, lack courage, lose my heart for compassion, or my brain is sending me wrong signals, I know He is there giving me His messages of love and peace.  I know that even when I feel like Dorothy looking for security and a way home, I know He loves me and He gives me the greatest security that I will ever know.

After the movie ended, I looked over at the kids.  They were all sound asleep but I knew I would never look at this movie the same way again.  A childhood favorite has now become a daily reminder that God’s love can be seen in day to day life.  I might let God down but He will never let me down.  How encouraging is that?

Where My Loyalties Lie

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.  Psalm 118:8

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.  James 1:12

 

I am not a Democrat.

I am not a Republican.

I am a human born in America.

Above all else I am a Christian.  God is my Father and my leader.  Everything I am or do is because of His love for me and my love for Him.   I have rights and responsibilities that are given to me by God which cannot be taken from me by anybody, including the government.

I have the responsibility to be a missionary for Him.  All Christians are given this mandate and should not take it lightly.  I may not be called to serve in a foreign field, but I am called to be a missionary to my family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.  This is a rich field for broadcasting the news of the Gospel.  I have a responsibility to teach my children about Him.  If I don’t teach them about Him, the world is waiting to detour them to worldly ways.  I try to live a life that shows His mighty love and grace.  I want to radiate His love because I may be the only Bible that many people will read.  I am called to stand up for Him and His Kingdom.  This is very difficult at times but I do know that what God calls me to do He will equip me to accomplish the task set before me.  I do know that He will give me the strength and courage to do what He wants me to do.  In fact, He is doing just that right now as I type this.  I know some people will be offended by my message but Jesus said, “If you deny me in front of men, I will deny you in front of my Father.”

God has also given many gifts and blessings.  One of these is a freedom of choice—free will.  No earthly government can take that from me.    This country, no, this world, is in a cycle of destruction.  It seems that decency and morals have totally been put in reverse.  What God calls good and just is now against the law.  Christians have been called terrorists and racist if we stand up for what is right and just.  Evil is rewarded and godly living is condemned.  What were once freedoms in America is now being usurped by the government.  Our freedom of choice is being eroded with the persecutions of Christians and the “law” that one insurance plan be used.

I am using my free will God gave me and live up to my moral standards and live my life to please God and not men.  It is true that my life can be taken away, my soul cannot be taken because my heavenly Father sent His son, Jesus, to pay the price for my soul.  I accepted His free gift and now my soul belongs to Him.

I’m Growing Down

I’m Growing Down

Recently my granddaughter completed kindergarten. Although she should have been happy and excited about entering first grade in the fall, she went around the house with a very sad look on her face. Instead of celebrating the end of the school with her friends she proclaimed, “I want to stay in kindergarten!” Needless to say this took me by surprise but Tori refused to explain to me what she meant by that statement.

One night after reading a story together and saying our prayers I again brought up the subject of her going into first grade. Aren’t you excited about going into first grade in the fall?” “No, nanny, I’m not. I want to stay in kindergarten for the rest of my life.” Now this was not exactly what I expected to hear. My son and daughter were glad to be “one of the big kids” so they could be one of the “old” timers at school—the envy of the little kids in kindergarten.

After recovering from the shock of Tori’s remarks I attempted to explain to her that we all “graduate” from one stage in life to another. I went to tell her how each stage is built upon the last stage to help us grow. Imagine my shock when she looked at me with tears running down her face and said, “Nanny, I know that but growing up is so scary.” I hugged her to me and brushed the tears from her eyes and sighed. She was right—growing up is scary—and I was at a total loss for words of comfort until I had an idea (a brilliant idea for me, I thought).

“Listen, Honey,” I gently began. “I know growing up is hard but I am growing older too and it is scary for me. Wow! This is brilliant, I thought to myself. So I continued, “You know growing up can be fun. Just think, Sweetheart, you are going to learn how to do so many new things, meet new friends and have so much fun. But I’m growing older and won’t be able to do as many things as I once did. That is what makes growing older scary for me.”

After I had finished explaining this to her, I congratulated myself on my wonderful wisdom. I sat back, kissed her cheek gently, and asked her if she understood what I was saying. With solemn eyes she replied, “Yeah, I think so.” Then her eyes widened with understanding and a smile crossed her face. “I understand now Nanny,” she exclaimed with a leap into my arms. “I’m growing up and you’re growing down. Wow! Out of the mouth of babes! I had not thought of it quite that way but she was absolutely right. I used to be able to mow my yard, clean my house completely and still p0ractice baseball with the kids. Now if I can make sure the house is clean enough not to condemned by the health officials I congratulate myself on making it through another week.

This sobering conversation with Tori caused me to reflect on my life. I was reminded of the challenges I have faced in my life. Some of these challenges left me feeling overwhelmed and confused about the meaning of my life. I never doubted God’s love for me but I did have doubts about my ability. I realized that these challenges made me stronger and wiser. I would not be the person I am today without these experiences. I realized that God has not let me down but instead had held me up during these trying times.

I might be “growing down” in the physical realm, but I know that God is “growing me up” with His love and grace. He is always with me each day to give me the wisdom and strength I need to fulfill His purpose in my life.

As I thought back on my life span, I began to realize that we should not just grow “down” in age but we should always strive to grow up also. To grow up in the Lord is something we should all do whether we are young or old. I hope that I am able to help Tori grow in her relationship with God and always look to Him for her strength.

Yes, Tori, growing up can be scary but with God holding our hands, there is nothing we cannot do. I want you remember that God will grow us to be the people He intends for us to be if we only believe that everything is possible with Him and He promises us a life that is eternal and abundant.

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

Then we will no longer be infants tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect, the mature body of Him who is the that is Christ.

Ephesians 4:15, 16

But grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:18

Today’s Whisper: Journal about ways you can mature in the Lord.  What does maturing in the Lord mean to you:? Does maturing in the Lord automatically come with age or does it take effort on our part:?

Today's Prayer: Father, help me to grow in wisdom and knowledge of you. Hold my hands and help me as I go through each day. I depend on you and your word. I know that you love me and are always there for me. Help Tori as she grows up to always follow you so she can always know you are there for her in the stages of growing—both physically and spiritually.

*Since writing this, the little girl in the story is now entering college and I have seen three others children through kindergarten.  Through it all they continue to grow up and I continue to grow down.  But I do know that God will help them to grow up and me to grow up in Him.

Bloom Where You Are Planted

For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
The other day I was feeling stressed and overwhelmed. I had recently lost my job. We should have been able to make it and able to live comfortably on one income. However, we had recently been granted custody of three grandchildren, in addition to, one we have had for most of her life. I do love these children and will do anything to make sure they receive the love and care they need. I must admit that these extra mouths to feed and clothe did create some stress. To add to this stress, our “grown children” are always asking for financial assistance. I lost my job when I received custody of these children. Please don’t get me wrong, I have no regrets about this switching of roles in my life but I did feel upset because of the shortage of money to provide the little extras every child wants.
Now my cupboard is bare. I have a mountain of laundry and the sink is full of dirty dishes. I admit I started feeling sorry for myself and started complaining about my life situation. “Lord, show me what I can do to provide what these children need. I love them and want only the best for them. But am I what they need?”
Suddenly a peace came over me and I heard a whisper in my heart. “Go for a walk.” I did not think I had heard right but I heard the voice again. “Go for a walk.” “But God, I have too much to do: I have dishes to wash, floors to sweep and mop and laundry to do. Besides, the kids will be home in a few hours tired and hungry.” “Go for a walk.” “Ok, Lord,” I said as I began putting on my walking shoes.
Wondering what I was supposed to learn, I started walking along a route I had taken before. Suddenly about halfway through my walk, I saw it. It was a beautiful flower growing through a crack in the sidewalk. It was the most beautiful flower I had ever seen. The petals were a beautiful yellow color and reminded me of a ray of sunshine. I looked around but did not see another flower like this anywhere. It was then that God began to teach me the lesson He wanted me to learn. “This is what I wanted you to see. That flower is growing in a hard place but it is growing where the seed fell. It has overcome obstacles like the hot sun beating down on it and people stepping on it. Yet it is still here because I have taken care of it. If I can take care of this flower, don’t you know that I will take care of you? I know you feel overwhelmed at tines and feel as though you are all alone. You are where I want you be at this point in your life. Those kids need you. You are the person I picked that will teach them about me. You are to be an example of my love and let them see me through your life. Don’t worry. Just put your trust in me. Whatever I ask of you, I will equip you. Remember, I do not call the qualified. I qualify the called.” Suddenly, a peace came over me and I knew I was fulfilling His plan for my life. I know that He will be with me and give me the wisdom and strength to accomplish what He wants me to do.
I went back home with reassurance that the dishes, the laundry, the cooking and the cleaning are important because I am doing God’s will by bringing up these children to know God and His love. Just like that flower in the sidewalk, God will watch over me and give me the strength to make it through each day. I know I am important in the lives of these children and they are learning about God through my love and care for them. I still get overwhelmed at times with everything that must be done but I know the work I am doing is the most important work that I can do. I can rest assured that what I am doing today will be passed on through these children and they will know God as their Father.
Today’s Whisper:
Do you get discouraged with your life’s work. Do you ever wonder why you are doing what you are doing? Write about how your life seems to be getting out of control and how a visit with God can set your life on the right track. Just like the flower, we must bloom where we are planted—whether it is as a stay at home mom or out in the work world.
Today’s Prayer:
Father, help me to remember that you are in control of my life and have placed me in the special life you want me to have. Don’t let me forget that you can take care of that flower growing in that hard place and you will always be there to take care of me. I love you and trust you with my life and know that you will bless me while I am doing your work. I know you have plans for my peace and happiness and I claim that promise.
Amen

My Lord and I

One day I felt so overwhelmed with work and worry, I could not quiet my mind and relax.  I began to call out to God for help.  This is the prayer prayed.

Lord, when my life seems to be spinning out of control help me to stop and smell the roses.  Help me to savor each moment and not rush through the moments on my way to some other time and place.   Help me to take the time to see—really see—all your blessing and to truly feel your love in my heart.  Help me to be still and hear your small still voice.

When I paused and asked Him for help, here is what He said to me.

“My child, I love you and want to enjoy your company.  Just come and sit with me and tell me about your day.  I am here for you.  All you need to do is slow down and enjoy being with me.  There is nothing you do that does not interest me.  Remember you are my child and I am your father.  I love you.  Come to me and rest.”

I then turned off my computer, went into the living room and just sat there.  I felt the peace of His love as He encircled me in His loving arms.  My worries left and we just sat there with our arms around each other—my Lord and I.

Kids Today

Our children today can read of evolution

And are taught we come from apes.

They can learn of hate and prejudice

And are encouraged to murder and rape.

Family life is becoming obsolete

In this great country today.

Why it’s just ‘not cool’

To kneel with your family and pray.

Alcohol, drugs, and sex

Are the ‘in things’ to do.

The only thing that really matters

Is what feels good to you.

Our children today are taught that sexual perversion

Is nothing but an alternate lifestyle,

Homosexuality is not a sin--

Why I can almost see Satan smile.

Our children are exposed

To so many of Satan’s snares.

Yet in school they are not allowed to

Bow their heads in prayer.

The Ten Commandments have been taken

Out of our schools by law,

Because the government tries to tell us

They are not meant for all.

The results of this perversion is

Becoming clearer each day--

Kids can kill each other

But it’s wrong for them to pray.

 

I wrote this years ago, but it is becoming more true today.  We all need to turn to God and let Him take His rightful place in our hearts, our homes and our country.

School Shopping Blues

This time of year is bittersweet for me.  Watching frazzled mothers taking their children school shopping brings back many memories of shopping for my own two children.

The excitement of buying new clothes and attempting to negotiate with the children to get items that are within budget but will still pass the peer inspection can cause major meltdowns for parents and children.

I remember the scenes with my two children—especially my daughter.  When she reached her teen years, shopping became a nightmare for both of us.  “But Mom, you just don’t understand.  Nobody wears this style anymore!”  These words echo through my mind when I see moms and kids going through what must be the universal conflict parents and children have every year at this time.

The other day at a local department store I observed a very interesting exchange between a pre-teen girl and her mother.  The girl was trying to convince her mother to buy a very expensive pair of shoes.  I heard the young girl; exclaim to her mother, “Burt Mom, nobody wears that brand anymore.  If I wear these to school my life will be ruined.   I will be so embarrassed.”  I could see the conflict in the mother’s mind.  Should she buy the shoes so her daughter will be happy or convince her darling daughter to buy a less expensive pair of shoes?  Just when I thought she was going to give in to her daughter’s pleadings, the daughter’s attention was diverted to a more sensible and less expensive.  A smile crossed both their faces and peace was restored.  As they paid for their purchases and walked out the door arm in arm, I smiled and thought of the many times I had gone through the same scenario with my own daughter.

]My mind was suddenly jolted back to the present when I hard a familiar voice saying, “Nanny, why can’t I have these shoes?  I turned my attention back to my twelve year old granddaughter and the only shoes in the entire store that would make her totally happy with her life and with me.  After much discussion and a few tears, we found another pair that would help her retain her social status and restore my role as hero in her eyes.

You see, although my children are  grown, I now have  four grandchildren to take care of and all of them will be in school this year.  Although the years have passed since  my children were in school, shopping for the rite of passage known as ‘the first day of a new school year has changed little over time.

No matter how many tempers flare and disagreements arise , all is forgiven on that all important first day of school when the most beautiful and intelligent children in the world wave ‘goodbye’ as they step on the bus to embark on a fresh new adventure.

*Since I wrote this , the twelve year old will be going to college this fall.  The adventure continues however.   I now have a sixth grader, a fourth grader and a third grader.  It looks like this rite of passage will continue in my life for a few  more years.

It Will Not Be Long

From Charles Spurgeon's "Faith's Checkbook" It Will Not Be Long June 26 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:8) The last word in the Canticle of love is, "Make haste, my beloved," and among the last words of the Apocalypse we read, "The Spirit and the Bride say, Come"; to which the heavenly Bridegroom answers, "Surely I come quickly." Love longs for the glorious appearing of the Lord and enjoys this sweet promise - "The coming of the Lord draweth nigh." This stays our minds as to the future. We look out with hope through this window. This sacred "window of agate" lets in a flood of light upon the present and puts us into fine condition for immediate work or suffering. Are we tired? Then the nearness of our joy whispers patience. Are we growing weary because we do not see the harvest of our seed-sowing? Again this glorious truth cries to us, "Be patient." Do our multiplied temptations cause us in the least to waver? Then the assurance that before long the Lord will be here preaches to us from this text, "Stablish your hearts." Be firm, be stable, be constant, "stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." Soon will you hear the silver trumpet which announces the coming of your King. Be not in the least afraid. Hold the fort, for He is coming; yea, He may appear this very day. From the Faith's Checkbook Mobile Devotional Android app - http://www.LookingUpwardApps.com/fcb

Lessons From a Bumblebee

Scientists have told us

Bumblebees cannot fly.

Their bodies are not designed for it.

There’s no need for them to try.

 

If you’ve seen a bumblebee  flitting

From here to there.

They don’t know they cannot fly

Nor do they really care.

 

The God that made the bumblebee

Is the one that made me and you,

So hold on tight to Jesus’s hand

And there’s nothing you can’t do.

 

We can learn a valuable lesson

From the bumblebee so small.

If we keep our eyes on Jesus

He’ll catch us when we fall.

 

Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength

From Charles Spurgeon's "Faith's Checkbook" A Sound Heart June 19 Let my heart be sound in thy statues: that I be not ashamed. (Psalm 119:80) We may regard this inspired prayer as containing within itself the assurance that those who keep close to the Word of God shall never have cause to be ashamed of doing so. See, the prayer is for soundness of heart. A sound creed is good, a sound judgment concerning it is better, but a sound heart toward the truth is best of all. We must love the truth, feel the truth, and obey the truth, otherwise we are not truly sound in God's statutes. Are there many in these evil days who are sound? Oh, that the writer and the reader may be two of this sort! Many will be ashamed in the last great day, when all disputes will be decided. Then they will see the folly of their inventions and be filled with remorse because of their proud infidelity and willful defiance of the Lord; but he who believed what the Lord taught and did what the Lord commanded will stand forth justified in what he did. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun. Men much slandered and abused shall find their shame turned into glory in that day. Let us pray the prayer of our text, and we may be sure that its promise will be fulfilled to us. If the Lord makes us sound, He will keep us safe. From the Faith's Checkbook Mobile Devotional Android app - http://www.LookingUpwardApps.com/fcb

Changing the World

Let there peace on earth and let it begin with me.

Unknown Monk 1100 AD

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.

We all have said at one time or another, “If only the world were different....If only this country got back to the basics of life.... I wish the city government would.....” Admit it you have said that and so have I. Well, we cannot change the world, the country or the town. Believe me, if we could we would not please everyone. We cannot even change our family. But there is one thing we can change—ourselves. If we put more time into improving ourselves and less time worrying about others, we would slowly notice the change in other people. If we spent time with God everyday our families would notice the peace that time alone with the Father brings. If we start exercising on a regular basis, we would notice out health improve and so will our families.

A woman was praying to God one day to change her husband. He was not as attentive to her as he once was. The answer was not what she expected to hear. “You cannot change him, only change yourself. Be more attentive to him and expect his behavior to change.” She decided to give it a try. She started meeting him at the door after work and even wore clothes other than her sweat pants she had been cleaning the house in. She would ask him about his day and actually listen to him. She served his favorite dinners and showed him she loved him. To her surprise, he did become more attentive to her and began taking her out more. When their friends noticed the change in their relationship, the wife explained what she had learned. This made a difference in her friends' relationships, as well. She found out that by changing herself, she did manage to change her little corner of the world.

So my friends if you want to see change, it must begin within. Once we have made that change in ourselves, we will notice the change in other people.

A Letter To My Son

Dear Jason,

I didn’t think I would make it to this day.  It has been a year since God came down from Heaven and called you home.  It has been a tough year, I think about you every single day.  I still see your smile and feel your arms around me.  Someone once said that “the love of a mother and son is a bond that can never be broken.”  Well, son it is true—not even death can break that bond.  I have dreamed of you so many times and it is in those times that I know you are still here watching over me.  I know you have gotten to know your brother or sister.  Tell him I love him even though I didn’t get a chance to hold and cuddle him. 

Everyone here is doing fine—we all still miss you and talk about often.  The kids are out of school for the summer and are enjoying the break from school.  Kim said to tell you hello and she loves her big brother.

Tell everyone there I love them and I know I will see you all one day and we will spend eternity together.

I love you son, and that will never change.

Love,

Your Mom

Mired Up In Life

With all the rains we have had in recent weeks, water covered all the streets in my neighborhood. Our yard looked like a lake or, according to the kids, a giant swimming pool. Naturally, they wanted to go outside and play in the water and mud and were not too happy when I wouldn’t let them. So with three angry kids I went back to complete my long grocery list. Our pantry was becoming bare because of the storms that had blown through. I understood how Noah’s wife must have felt being locked in the ark with her family and all the animals to feed and care for. I just had four kids and one little dog and felt totally overwhelmed.

After giving the three little ones their instructions and making sure their older sister knew I was leaving and she was in charge, I left for my adventure. I had my coupons, list, and money and felt excited because I could have some alone time. This is a sad but true testament to my life—the only alone time is when I am running errands or grocery shopping. I’m sure you mothers out there can understand this.

Although the streets were still wet and, in some cases, a little water was still in the roads, I prayed before I left home and trusted my trip to God. Since I put everything in God’s hand, I felt confident that all would be well. The confidence I had when I started out began to fade turn into anxiety, as I began to encounter more water in the streets. I again prayed as I continued on and began to feel better.

Although the supermarket was only ten miles away I felt as though I had been driving for hours. Suddenly to my relief I was out of the water. Thankfully, I began to praise God for bringing me through the rough spots. The main road was still covered with water but I saw a side street that appeared to be clear. I could see a few “rough” spots ahead but I was full of confidence that I could make it through. “I handled the rough spots so far how much trouble could this small street be?”

Well, I soon found out. The first rough spot was not so bad. My confidence began to build as maneuvered my car around and made it though the second one. Hey, this is not so bad I thought as I attempted to drive around the third spot. But, then it happened! My front wheel dropped off the side of the road and got stuck in the mud. No matter how hard I tried to free my care, nothing worked. All I could do was sit in my car and cry and pray.

Eventually, a man came along in a 4-wheel drive truck and offered to help me. After several attempts and a good mud bath for me my car was free from the muddy grave. I was so happy, I began to jump up and down. I’m sure the poor Samaritan thought I had lost my mind. Before I could ask him how much I owed him, he jumped in his truck and took off.

Fortunately, neither my car nor I was permanently damaged (except my ego, of course) and I was pretty sure that would heal in time. I decided I could not go into the grocery store looking like I did so I carefully turned around and headed back home. When I got home looking like the “thing from the black lagoon,” the kids thought it was hilarious that I was covered in mud from head to foot. After if calmed their hysteria down by threatening to ground them for life, I went inside to clean myself up a bit. I am sure that after a good hot bath for me and a good hot run through the carwash I will feel more like grocery shopping tomorrow. Since I did not buy groceries, I found some popcorn and that is what I fixed for supper. The kids did not mind that at all.

While I was bathing the yucky sticky mud off my worn and tired body, I began to realize that I had asked God to keep me safe. However, when I thought I was in the clear, I took the problem back again to fix my way. I had taken control back from God and tried to do it my way. God did not force His protection on me—He let me go on my own strength. He was there by me the whole time waiting for me to ask Him for help. Yes, God was there but I ignored Him when I thought I could handle the situation.

God will take us through the rough spots in life if we put our complete trust in Him. It’s only when we try to navigate these roads ourselves that we find we are stuck in the mud of life.

Today’s Whisper:

Journal about a tine when you took control back from God and what happened. Did you find life went smoother when you gave him control again?

Today’s Prayer

Father, when the storms of life pound at our door and the water covers our roads of life, help me to remember to leave everything in your capable hands. I cannot navigate the rough roads on my own. It is only with your power that I can make it through. Thank you for never leaving me and always being there to help.

Amen

Vacation

Vacation

Another year has reached its end

And school is out once more.

No children’s voices in the hall

No footsteps on the floor.

No more bells to start a class

Or call the wanderers in.

No more harried teacher’s voice

To be heard above the din.

But we’re all ready for a rest,

As we call “good-bye” to all.

One last sound echoes through the door—

“I’ll see you in the fall.”

Prayer for Tornado Victims

Heavenly Father, wrap your loving arms around the grieving families in Oklahoma. I know whatever happens happens for a reason. I know you loved these children and they are now in you loving arms. Please protect their families from further grief brought by hate groups that falsely call themselves yours. You are a loving and merciful God but also a just God. I ask your protection on all that are hurting today and let your presence be known. Send your angels to stand guard against the enemies of you and yours

New Wings by Donna Stanley

“When we pray for the supernatural, why are we surprised when it actually shows up?”

Olivia Stanton always knew the spiritual realm exists.  She goes to church and has read about guardian angels.  However, when she prays for God to show her her guardian angel.  She does not recognize him when he does make his presence known.  However, as things begin to happen to her friends she becomes a powerful prayer warrior.  I was surprised to see this book handled many sensitive issues teens experience with grace and integrity.  Among a few of these issues are cutting, date rape, car accidents, and teenage pregnancy.  Ms. Stanley covered this issues with tact and with enough knowledge and tact. 

As things continue to occur, Olivia becomes a very powerful prayer warrior for God and calls upon  God to send His angels for protection.  Although this book deals with both sides of spiritual warfare—angels and demons—it does so with credibility and without sensationalism.  This is a YA novel but it changed my prayer life and has led me to think about my own guardian angel.  If anyone likes novels about spiritual warfare, this is the book for them.

I am giving this book a 5 star rating because it is well-written and a refreshing change from the Vampire novels that are written for young people today.  I am passing this book on the family and friends and hope it changes their lives as it did mine.  The only downside of this book for me is once I started reading it, I could not put it down and read farther into the night than I intended.  In other words, I got up the next morning still sleepy.

I received this book from Glass Roads without monetary remuneration for a honest review.  I was not required to publish a positive review, only one that reflected my opinion.  The opinion in this review is solely mine and under no influence by anyone connected with the author or publisher.

Too Busy

Too busy to read the Bible

Too busy to wait and pray!

Too busy to speak out kindly

To someone by the way!

Too busy to care and struggle,

To think of the life to come!

Too busy building mansions,

To plan for the Heavenly Home.

Too busy to help a brother

Who faces the winter blast!

Too busy to share his burden

When self in the balance is cast.

Too busy for all that is holy

On earth beneath the sky.

Too busy to serve the master

But not too busy to die.

Unknown

How many days have we rushed from one task to another?  Knowing we need to spend time to spend time with our Heavenly Father and read His word, we run around with our never-ending to-do lists.  Instead of pausing long enough to offer a word of encouragement to a fellow traveler, we rush by with a frown lost in our own problems.  When something slows us down and stands in our way we fuss and throw a “poor me” pity party.

We are all busy rushing around and chasing the dream of more money, bigger house, better car without giving a thought about where we will spend eternity.  We don’t have tine to help another person because we are so busy trying to do all we need to do to make ourselves happy.  This is called the “hurry-worry” syndrome and it affects all of us to some extent.  Yes, we might spend all our lives doing more, getting more, and working more but there will come an event  in our lives we have to make time for—the time to die.  We can rush around and obtain all the fame, wealth, and power this world has to offer  and die wealthy but empty.  We can slow down and enjoy our lives and families more and die full of peace.  This choice is one each of us must make.  Which do you choose?

Contentment comes not from having more, but from desiring less.

Unknown

Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

Friendship

Friendship is a special gift

That must come from the heart.

It must offered with sincerity

Right from the very start.

A friendly smile, a soothing tough

And a few comforting words,

It only takes a little time

But oh—what great rewards!

So remember—to have a friend

A friend you must first be.

So invest a little time for a

Gift that will last an eternity.

A Mother’s Love

A Mother’s Love

A mother’s love is a gift from God

A wondrous blessing to behold.

A mother’s love is a precious thing

Worth far more that diamonds and gold.

God gave her eyes that sparkle like jewels

And a voice soft as a lullaby.

He gave her the gentle touch of an angel

To wipe the tears from our eyes.

He endowed her with the wisdom of Solomon

To help us along life’s rocky way.

He gave her the strength of Samson

To endure each and every day.

So thank God each day for your mother’s love

A love so wonderful and pure.

This special blessing is yours forever

Of this you can be sure.

The Theories and The Challenges

Before becoming a mother I had a hundred theories on how to bring up children .Now I have seven children and only one theory:love them,especially when they least deserve to be loved.-Kate Samperi

We all have theories—good ones—BC (before children).  I have heard “No child of mine will do that.”  “Why can’t she do something with that child?”  In fact, I have been known to mutter these perfectly good theories myself.  Oh come on, I know you have too.  It’s easy to know what needs to be done, if we aren’t in the game.  It’s like being an armchair quarterback.  Everything is cut and dry, black and white.  But, and this is a BIG BUT, what happens to our theories when  we are in the trenches ourselves? 

In the BC stage life can run smoothly but admit it—sometimes it is boring.  In the AC phase (after children) our lives will never be the same.  I don’t mean just the tons of dirty diapers and the late night feedings—these will stop after awhile.  I mean the “why” questions and the embarrassing things our adorable little darlings do and say in public.  Mine have pulled their share of this sudden desire to let everyone in a mile radius know what they are thinking.  Sometimes we just want to jerk them up and let them have it.  But, there are always those people around that are still in the BC stage and would totally misunderstand our methods of reining in the wild ones.   I remember when my daughter was about 8 years old and we were sitting in a restaurant when out of nowhere she announced to the other patrons:  “Hear ye, hear ye, Momma farted.”  I had not but felt like crawling under the table.  That was our first and last time in that restaurant.  In fact, it was quite a few months before we went out to eat again.  This was funny but it would have disastrous to laugh because she appeared to be ready to say or do something else. 

So we can have all kinds of theories about parenting when we are BC but we throw those theories out of the window when the blessings do come into our lives.  I said throw the theories out of the window—not the children—though sometimes it is tempting.  I have been a parent for many years and have clung to only one theory in child rearing.  I love my kids and let them know that every day.  I love them because they deserve to be loved and especially when they least deserve it.  After all, children a wonderful gift from God and are ours for such a short time.

If you are in the BC stage remember all the theories in the world may sound good but in the AC stage only one holds true—love them unconditionally and always.

Father:

I thank you for my children and grandchildren.  Help me show them love even when they are most unlovable because I know you love me even when I am not easy to love.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

Amen

Ready for Bed

I did not write this but I wish I had. We mothers are the ones who take care of everyone else. I know that I can’t go to bed until homework is done, clothes ready for the next day, and at least five visits to my room from each of the kids. But we do what we can for those we love. I try to enjoy this time in the kids’ lives because all to soon they will be grown. Of course, if my past is any indication, they will bring their kids home to me just like their mom did. I am not sorry, I do love these kids but one of these days I am going to let my husband have the joy of the nightly routine. Yeah, like that’s gonna happen. But I am rambling. Mothers know our jobs are the most important one in the world and we are paid with love. That is better than any amount of money. I would not change places with anyone at all. Mothers form the foundation of the world and if we do our jobs to the best of our abilities, we will have nothing to regret. So to all the mothers out there HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY and let’s keep up the good work.

 

Mom and Dad were watching TV when Mom said, I'm tired, and it's getting
late. I think I'll go to bed."
She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's lunches,
rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the freezer for supper the
following evening, checked the cereal box levels, filled the sugar
container, put spoons and bowls on the table and started the coffee pot for
brewing the next morning.
She then put some wet clothes into the dryer, put a load of clothes into the
wash, ironed a shirt and secured a loose button. She picked up the
newspapers strewn on the floor, picked up the game pieces left on the table
and put the telephone book back into the drawer. She watered the plants,
emptied a wastebasket and hung up a towel to dry. She yawned and stretched
and headed for the bedroom. She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the
teacher, counted out some cash for the field trip, and pulled a textbook out
from hiding under the chair. She signed a birthday card for a friend,
addressed and stamped the envelope and wrote a quick note for the grocery
store. She put both near her purse. Mom then creamed her face, put on
moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth and trimmed her nails.
Hubby called, "I thought you were going to bed."
"I'm on my way," she said.
She put some water into the dog's dish and put the cat outside, then made
sure the doors were locked. She looked in on each of the kids and turned out
a bedside lamp, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks in the hamper, and
had a brief conversation with the one up still doing homework. In her own
room, she set the alarm, laid out clothing for the next day, straightened up
the shoe rack. She added three things to her list of things to do for
tomorrow. About that time, the hubby turned off the TV and announced to no
one in particular "I'm going to bed," and he did.

Author Unknow

The Biggest Lesson

The best lesson we have to give our children is truth.

-Goldie Hawn

Today with all the trials and lies in the world, we have a hard lesson to pass on to our children.  This lesson is teaching them honesty and integrity.  They are exposed to so much dishonesty in their own world, sometimes this dishonesty seems to be the normal way of life.  It is always easier to pass the blame to someone else than take responsibility for our own actions.  “Who’s to know if I cheat on this test?” “ What does it hurt to take that piece of candy from the store without paying for it?  After all, it’s only one piece, right?” 

If we don’t teach our children the value of telling the truth in all they do, we do a great disservice to them.  Our kids are in school for the majority of the day and busy scurrying to after school activities with friends, but the bottom line is if we don’t teach them how important honesty is, no one else will teach them.  It’s never too early to start the lessons.  Our toddlers can be taught this important lesson by catching “teachable moments” in each day.  We don’t have to make these lessons difficult or overwhelming.  The easiest way to teach honesty to our children is simple—live an honest life and always tell the truth.  Children will always follow our example before they listen to our words.

Father,

I come before you to ask you help in letting me live a life of honesty and truth for my children.  I want to be a good examine for them to follow.  Don’t let my words come back void but let my children see you in me.  I ask these things in Jesus’ name.

Amen

A Strong Woman

A woman is like a teabag. Only when in hot water do you realize how strong she is

Nancy Reagan

I love this quote from former first lady, Nancy Reagan.  It brings to mind many times when I found out just how strong I am when it comes to my children.  I have defended my children in the face of unfair treatment from teachers.  I have also defended teachers when I thought they were right.  I might be easy going and can relate to a lot of people but when my kids are involved, I can become a mother bear defending her cubs. I have gone to school to take my children to school when I found they had skipped school.  I have stood toe-to-toes with teachers who had falsely accused my child.   I have gone out in the middle of the night to find my prodigal and brought them home amid shouts of protest from them.  Why would I do such things?  Because I love my children and will fight to the death for them.  Is there a mother out there who will not say the same thing?  When our children are involved, we will fight to the death for them.

Now that my children are grown, they look back on those times with fond memories.  They knew they had a mother who loved them more than anything in this world.

 

Best Advice

The best advice from my mother was a reminder to tell my children every day: 'Remember you are loved.'

Evelyn McCormick

 

We know the responsibilities we have as mothers.   We make sure our family has good nutritious food, clean and fairly stylish clothes for school, and homework help when needed. 
As our children grow, these responsibilities do change but our children still need and want advice from us.  Sure they go through a “stage” when they think it is not “cool” to listen to dear old Mom’s advice, but they will still come to us in the dark of night.  They do this so their friends won’t know that they still seek advice from Mom. 

I do not profess to know how to give the best advice but I do know the best thing we can do, is to let them know they are loved.  If a child knows he is loved, he will be willing to listen sometimes even  when he thinks he knows best.  We need to remind our children every day that we love them and then do it—love then unconditionally.  Love them when are loveable and when they are not so loveable.  This means when they are considerate of other people’s feelings and when they refuse to share their toys with a friend.  Sometimes, these same friends will hurt our children’s feelings and this is when we should be available to listen –sometimes listening without trying to “fix” the problem will be all it takes.  Whatever happens in our children’s lives, letting them know they are deeply loved will make the harshest situation more bearable and our children better prepared for life.

Father,

I come before you tonight with a desire that my children know they are loved.  I want to love them in the way that you love me—unconditionally.  I know I am often not so loveable but you still do love me because I am your child.  Give me patience and understanding with my children so they can see your love in me.

I ask these things in Jesus name.

Amen.

Bittersweet

Mother’s Day is always a bittersweet day for me.  I bear a burden in my heart for women who want to have children but can’t.  I know there are many women who fit in this category and I want to say I love each and every one of you.  I did have two children one of which I lost last May when he was 35 years old.  Before my two children were born, I had two miscarriages.  I remember watching other young mothers holding their babies and playing with their children and, I admit, I would throw a pity party for myself.  I was angry, hurt, and bitter because my children weren’t with me. 

I got so tired of the well meaning friends and family that would tell me, “It is God’s will.”  What, God’s will—what does that mean?  I am not good enough to have children?  God doesn’t trust me with children?  Sometimes I would hear, “It’s for the best.”  Whose best?  Not my best, I want to have a child!

So to every woman that wants to have children, remember,  God is watching over you and He knows your heart.  I will not throw clichés or platitudes out at you.  I am praying for you that you find the peace you seek and deserve.   I know it is hard but prayers are going up to Heaven for you.

Moms Are Teachers

What you teach your own children is what you really believe in.

-Cathy Warner Weatherford

Motherhood is full of hard work and responsibility but it is also the most rewarding job a woman can have.  We can do so much for our children by loving them  and teaching them skills and values.  If we teach our children to love God, we will equip them to handle whatever life throws at them.  If we don’t teach them to love God, the world will teach them not to.  Being a mother means being your child’s first teacher and the first few years of life are the most formative years.  We should be careful to pattern our lives in ways that they can see our love of God.  Children are always watching what you do even if they don’t listen to what is said.  I’m not saying motherhood is easy.  It’s not.  We fail at times, we yell at our children, and we expect too much of them at times.  What I am saying is motherhood is important enough to let our children know when we fail and it is okay to say, “I’m sorry.”  No one is perfect not mothers and not children.  But we can teach our children more when they see us fail and get back up.  Let them know failure is not falling but in the staying down.

Our children will remember what we taught them years after we are gone.  Let’s make sure we teach them good values and about God’s love.  Let them see us read our Bible and pray. Let’s talk about God’s grace and love to them.  Children imitate what we do so let’s make sure what we do is what we want them to learn.   Let the lessons be a natural flow of our lives—children know when we are not sincere in what we say and teach.  In other words, in order to lead our children to God, we must first live the life we want them to live.

A Praying Mother

I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me.  They have clung to me all my life.

Abraham Lincoln

The young teen was out partying with her friends.  She had had too much too drink and was alone in a car with the school’s “bad boy”.   They started kissing and he began fumbling with her jeans in an attempt to take them off.  She  weakly tried to fight him off but was so intoxicated she couldn’t.  Just as he got her jeans down and started to rape, a bright light filled the car.  He expected to see a cop standing there but when he looked up he saw a huge man dressed in white.  The man had a sword at his side and glowed with a blinding white light.  The boy became frightened and drove the girl home.  When he arrived at the girl’s house he hurriedly pulled her out of his car and drove away.  Her mother heard the car and went to the door.  She saw her daughter lying on the lawn and ran to her.  She then helped her daughter to bed and tucked her in.

The next morning the mother called the girl downstairs for a talk regarding the previous night.  The girl began to cry and tell her about what had happened.  Suddenly she stopped.  “Mom, I remember seeing a bright light and a huge man dressed in white in front of the car.”  The mom sat there with tears in her eyes.  “Darling,” she said.  “I was praying for you.”

As mothers we do a lot for our children.  We make sure they eat to nourish their bodies and we make sure they have clothes to wear.  We send them to school or homeschool them to make sure they receive a good education.  But are we neglecting to give them the most important  protection we can?  Are we praying for them as they go out into the world each day.  This is the most important thing we can do for them—bathe them in prayer daily.  Ask for God’s protection over our most precious resource.  Prayer should be the first thing we do each morning and the last thing we do each night.  It’s not too late to start praying for our children.  A few minutes spent in prayer can make a difference in a child’s life.  The most powerful prayers that reach God’s ears are from mothers pleading on behalf of their children.  A mother’s prayer is powerful because when a mother prays—God listens.

Power Divine

AMAZING GRACE has set me free.,

JUST AS I AM He came to me.

WASHED IN THE BLOOD my soul was cleansed.

Now I’m STANDING ON THE PROMISES of Calvary.

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS paid for my sins.

BECAUSE HE LIVES I’ve been set free.

He has shown such LOVE DIVINE.

By THE SWEET SWEET SPIRIT HE LIVES in me.

I have been given VICTORY IN JESUS

And must SEND THE LIGHT to the lost.

So ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS

JESUS SAVES because He paid the cost.

ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS NAME

Should be our battle cry.

When our life on earth is through

We’ll live with Him IN THE SWEET BY AND BY.

Ask Not Why

When troubles come your way

And brings your spirits down low,

When a cloud of despair holds you tight

And refuses to let go.

When you have a mountain

That seems too high to climb,

Just lift your eyes to Jesus

He will be there every time.

When you are discouraged

And pain tears your heart in two,

Do not ask “Why?” of God,

Rather ask “What can I do for you?”

You’ll find He is always ready

To help you through your pain,

You’ll find that through your problems

You can glorify His name.

For Jesus is the answer

To the problems that come your way,

But to understand His message

You must listen when you pray.

Touched By The Master’s Hand

 

The poor beggar sat by the rich man’s gate

Begging for crumbs that he might eat,

But the rich man showed no mercy

And had him thrown out into the street.

The blind man stared with unseeing eyes

As the people passed him by.

He knew that God had a purpose for him

So he did not question why.

But now the beggar can sit down to feast

And the blind man-- he can see.

For they have been touched by the master’s hand

And from pain they have been set free.

Once I, like the beggar hungered

And like the blind man, I could not see.

But the master reached down His loving hand

And saved a poor sinner like me

Full of Song

From Charles Spurgeon's "Faith's Checkbook" Full of Song May 1 The mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (Isaiah 55:12) When sin is pardoned, our greatest sorrow is ended, and our truest pleasure begins. Such is the joy which the Lord bestows upon His reconciled ones, that it overflows and fills all nature with delight. The material world has latent music in it, and a renewed heart knows how to bring it out and make it vocal. Creation is the organ, and a gracious man finds out its keys, lays his hand thereon, and wakes the whole system of the universe to the harmony of praise. Mountains and hills, and other great objects, are, as it were, the bass of the chorus; while the trees of the wood, and all things that have life, take up the air of the melodious song. When God's Word is made to prosper among us and souls are saved, then everything seems full of song. When we hear the confessions of young believers and the testimonies of well-instructed saints, we are made so happy that we must praise the Lord, and then it seems as if rocks and hills and woods and fields echo our joy-notes and turn the world into an orchestra. Lord, on this happy May Day, lead me out into thy tuneful world as rich in praise as a lark in full song. From the Faith's Checkbook Mobile Devotional Android app - http://www.LookingUpwardApps.com/fcb

God’s Day

It is a wonderful day.  The birds are singing, a soft breeze is blowing, and God is here with us.  He gave us the beauty that is all around us.  Sometimes we get too busy to enjoy His presence.  Slow down today and spend time with Him.  Say “thank you” to Him got all His blessings.

 

Think about it.

Forget and Forgive

From Charles Spurgeon's "Faith's Checkbook" Forget and Forgive April 29 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee. (Proverbs 20:22) Be not in haste. Let anger cool down. Say nothing and do nothing to avenge yourself. You will be sure to act unwisely if you take up the cudgels and fight your own battles; and, certainly, you will not show the spirit of the Lord Jesus, It is nobler to forgive and let the offense pass. To let an injury rankle in your bosom and to meditate revenge is to keep old wounds open and to make new ones. Better forget and forgive. Peradventure, you say that you must do something or be a great loser; then do what this morning's promise advises: "Wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee." This advice will not cost you money but is worth far more, Be calm and quiet. Wait upon the Lord; tell Him your grievance; spread Rabshakeh's letter before the Lord, and this of itself will be an ease to your burdened mind. Besides, there is the promise "He shall save thee." God will find a way of deliverance for you. How He will do it neither you nor I can guess, but do it He will, If the Lord saves you, this will be a deal better than getting into petty quarrels and covering yourself with filth by wrestling with the unclean, Be no more angry. Leave your suit with the Judge of all. From the Faith's Checkbook Mobile Devotional Android app - http://www.LookingUpwardApps.com/fcb

Messages Of Hope

 

Sitting and meditating on

God’s holy word.

Seeing nothing but beauty in

The undying love He has for me.

Not understanding His message by

Thinking about my problems

And all the pain I carry.

Worry fills my mind.

While letting the fear overtake my mind,

He gently whispers

In my ear

A message I had in the chaos of life.

“Come to me my beloved

Lay your head on my shoulder and

I will give you rest.”

Suddenly my heart grows lighter and

The path becomes clear

With the message of His love.

I am not alone but

In the arms of my Lord,

Resting peacefully in His grace and love.

He Is Always Near

He is always near us

To help us through our trials.

He is always near us

To walk the long lonely miles.

When our life seems hopeless

And our hearts are full of fear,

God is there beside us

To answer every prayer.

He is always near us

To lead us through the pain.

He is always near us

To give us peace again.

When our hearts are burdened

With troubles and unnamed fears

Take comfort in the knowledge

That He is always near.

Blessings In Disguise

What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?

 

Count your blessings

Name them one by one.

Count your many blessings

See what God hath done.

 

Have you counted your blessings today?  I admit I do not always thank God for all He has blessed me with.  In fact, I have been known to grumble about my blessings.  Why would I do such a thing?  Well sometimes His blessing come to us in disguise.  That’s right.  Sometimes His blessings can be found in our day to day chaos of day to day living such as dirty dishes, laundry, bills, and even our dirty houses.  I can see you scratching your head and saying “this woman is crazy!  How can dirty dishes, laundry, and bills be blessings?”

Well, dirty dishes tell us we have food to eat.  So many people do not have enough food.  Dirty laundry lets us know we have clothes to put on our backs.  When we pay our bills, we know God has provided us with the means to pay them.  A dirty house is a sign we have a roof over our heads and a family that loves us and children God has entrusted to our care.

Sometimes blessings can be hidden in trials.  James 1:2 tells us:  “Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Remember, God is on the throne, in control and blessing us each and every day.  We may not recognize them at first but when we look through our eyes of faith, they are clear to see.  So beginning today, let’s all count our blessings, name them one by one.  Count our many blessings  see what God hath done.

 

Prayer:

Father, I thank you for your blessings you have given me and the ones you are giving me.  Help me to see your love and care in my day to day life.  Everything I have and everything I am I give my thanks and praise your wonderful name.  Thank you for loving me so much.

Amen

No Fear of Death

From Charles Spurgeon's "Faith's Checkbook" No Fear of Death April 23 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (Revelation 2:11) The first death we must endure unless the Lord should suddenly come to His temple. For this let us abide in readiness, awaiting it without fear, since Jesus has transformed death from a dreary cavern into a passage leading to glory. The thing to be feared is not the first but the second death, not the parting of the soul from the body but the final separation of the entire man from God. This is death indeed. This death kills all peace, joy, happiness, hope. When God is gone, all is gone. Such a death is far worse than ceasing to be: it is existence without the life which makes existence worth the having. Now, if by God's grace we fight on to the end and conquer in the glorious war, no second death can lay its chill finger upon us, We shall have no fear of death and hell, for we shall receive a crown of life which fadeth not away. How this nerves us for the fight! Eternal life is worth a life's battle. To escape the hurt of the second death is a thing worth struggling for throughout a lifetime. Lord, give us faith so that we may overcome, and then grant us grace to remain unharmed though sin and Satan dog our heels! From the Faith's Checkbook Mobile Devotional Android app - http://www.LookingUpwardApps.com/fcb

Too Busy

Children are children for only a little while. Let's enjoy their childhood with them and not push them to grow up too soon.

The little boy said,
“Daddy, play a game with me.”
The father said,
“Not now, son. I’m just too busy.”
The little girl said,
“Mommy, read a book to me.”
The mother said, “I’m busy.
Please don’t bother me.”
The children now are grown—
For time has passed you see.
The words “too busy” I once spoke to them
They now speak to me.

My Grace is Sufficient

My Grace Is Sufficient

My grace is sufficient for thee

My Savior has promised with love.

So when my heart is burdened

I look with trust to above.

Though problems seem to overwhelm me

And no one seems to care,

I look only to my Savior

For He is always there.

“Do not feel so downhearted,”

My Savior has said to me

“For I will never leave you,

That, my child, you can believe.”

My grace is sufficient for thee

So lay your cares at my feet.

I will bear your burdens for you

And all your needs I will meet.

This is a promise He gave us,

So trust in Jesus above

His grace is sufficient to sustain us

And carry us with His love.

We Are Unique

Each child has his own talents and gifts. Encourage them to use their own gifts and do not force them into a mold meant for someone else. Each individual is a gift from God and unique in a very special way. Celebrate the differences. Love them for who they are not for who you wish they could be.

Children

In light of the recent tragedies that have taken the lives of our children, I want us all to remember that our Children are gifts from God.

Children are a gift from God,
Their love a prize to hold.
Their joy and happy laughter
Are worth far more than diamonds or gold.

But they are ours here on earth
... For such a short span.
So give them all the love you have
And don’t let them slip through your hand.

They are only on loan to us
From a loving God above,
Help them grow to be the best
And give them
All your love.

You will be repaid so very much
For each good deed you do,
For a little bit of immortality
Is passed through them to you.

Enemies at Peace

From Charles Spurgeon's "Faith's Checkbook" Enemies at Peace April 17 When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. (Proverbs 16:7) I must see that my ways please the Lord. Even then I shall have enemies; and, perhaps, all the more certainly because I endeavor to do that which is right. But what a promise this is! The Lord will make the wrath of man to praise Him and abate it so that it shall not distress me. He can constrain an enemy to desist from harming me, even though he has a mind to do so. This He did with Laban, who pursued Jacob but did not dare to touch him. Or He can subdue the wrath of the enemy and make him friendly, as He did with Esau, who met Jacob in a brotherly manner, though Jacob had dreaded that he would smite him and his family with the sword. The Lord can also convert a furious adversary into a brother in Christ and a fellow worker, as He did with Saul of Tarsus. Oh, that He would do this in every case where a persecuting spirit appears! Happy is the man whose enemies are made to be to him what the lions were to Daniel in the den, quiet and companionable! When I meet death, who is called the last enemy, I pray that I may be at peace. Only let my great care be to please the Lord in all things. Oh, for faith and holiness; for these are a pleasure unto the Most High! From the Faith's Checkbook Mobile Devotional Android app - http://www.LookingUpwardApps.com/fcb

A Prayer For Our Country

Father, I come to you today brokenhearted. Such a burden is on my heart for the families involved in the tragedy in Boston yesterday. So many innocent lives were lost for, what in our limited minds, seems to be a worthless act of violence. But you know the outcome and you can turn this around for good, according to your purpose. Thank you that so many people were on ...the scene to help. Wrap your loving arms around them. I pray for the leaders of this country. Turn their hearts back to you because until we put you in the place you deserve--first in our hearts, this country and the world has no chance. We must turn back to you and honor your ways. "For if my people who are called in my name turn back to me and turn from their wicked ways, I will bless them and restore their land."
I ask these things in the name of your precious son, Jesus

Urgent Prayer

Let’s all pray for the victims in Boston.  So much is happening in the world today the best place to be is on our knees.

My Daily Prayer

Lord, I kneel down here to pray.

Please help me make it through the day.

God, I ask with a heart so true,

Help me live my life for you.

Dear Father, up in Heaven above

Fill my heart with thy wondrous love.

When doubts and fears around me assail

Give me the courage to prevail.

When temptations stand in my way

Give me the wisdom to do your will today.

Yes, Lord in Heaven, I beg of you—

Help me do what you want me to

My Choice is His Choice

From Charles Spurgeon's "Faith's Checkbook" My Choice Is His Choice April 14 He shall choose our inheritance for us. (Psalm 47:4) Our enemies would allot us a very dreary portion, but we are not left in their hands. The Lord will cause us to stand in our lot, and our place is appointed by His infinite wisdom. A wiser mind than our own arranges our destiny, The ordaining of all things is with God, and we are glad to have it so; we choose that God should choose for us. If we might have our own way we would wish to let all things go in God's way. Being conscious of our own folly, we would not desire to rule our own destinies. We feel safer and more at ease when the Lord steers our vessel than we could possibly be if we could direct it according to our own judgment. Joyfully we leave the painful present and the unknown future with our Father, our Savior, our Comforter. O my soul, this day lay down thy wishes at Jesus' feet! If thou hast of late been somewhat wayward and willful, eager to be and to do after thine own mind, now dismiss thy foolish self, and place the reins in the Lord's hands. Say, "He shall choose." If others dispute the sovereignty of the Lord and glory in the free will of man, do thou answer them, "He shall choose for me." It is my freest choice to let Him choose. As a free agent, I elect that He should have absolute sway. From the Faith's Checkbook Mobile Devotional Android app - http://www.LookingUpwardApps.com/fcb

Close Fellowship

From Charles Spurgeon's "Faith's Checkbook" Close Fellowship April 11 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 31:34) Truly, whatever else we do not know, we know the Lord. This day is this promise true in our experience, and it is not a little one. The least believer among us knows God in Christ Jesus. Not as fully as we desire; but yet truly and really we know the Lord. We not only know doctrines about Him, but we know Him. He is our Father and our Friend. We are acquainted with Him personally. We can say, "My Lord, and my God." We are on terms of close fellowship with God, and many a happy season do we spend in His holy company. We are no more strangers to our God, but the secret of the Lord is with us. This is more than nature could have taught us. Flesh and blood has not revealed God to us. Christ Jesus had made known the Father to our hearts. If, then, the Lord has made us know Himself, is not this the fountain of all saving knowledge? To know God is eternal life. So soon as we come to acquaintance with God we have the evidence of being quickened into newness of life. O my soul, rejoice in this knowledge, and bless thy God all this day! From the Faith's Checkbook Mobile Devotional Android app - http://www.LookingUpwardApps.com/fcb

Prayer For Today

Dear Father,

There is so much turmoil in the world today.  Shootings, stabbings, and other murders.  We know you are in control and Your Holy Word tells us these things must come to pass before you call us home.  I pray for my family and friends that they are not deceived by false teachers that preach that the solution to all our problems is to blindly follow.  Your word says there will be “false teachers and miraculous works that will deceive even the elect.

I want to stay grounded in Your word and live in Your plan for my life. Give me the words to say to help bring others to You.

I ask these things in Jesus’ name.

Amen

Lord, I’m on My Knees

I wrote this years ago and everything in this poem happened during the same month. I just want to let you know that God gave me a sense of humor that does come in handy at times.

I’m On My Knees

Lord, I’m on my knees to you,

Help me with what I’m going through.

The kids are sick, the car won’t start,

The mower broke while mowing my yard.

My microwave is on the blink

My house is dirty and starting to stink.

One night my house almost burned down,

My spirits are so low they’re dragging the ground.

Things are happening way too fast.

I honestly don’t know if I will last.

So Lord, I’m on my knees to you—

Help me with what I’m going through.

Without Fear of Man

From Charles Spurgeon's "Faith's Checkbook" Without Fear of Man April 7 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee. (Deuteronomy 28:10) Then we can have no reason to be afraid of them. This would show a mean spirit and be a token of unbelief rather than of faith. God can make us so like Himself that men shall be forced to see that we rightly bear His name and truly belong to the holy Jehovah. Oh, that we may obtain this grace which the Lord waits to bestow! Be assured that ungodly men have a fear of true saints. They hate them, but they also fear them. Haman trembled because of Mordecai, even when he sought the good man's destruction. In fact, their hate often arises out of a dread which they are too proud to confess. Let us pursue the path of truth and uprightness without the slightest tremor. Fear is not for us but for those who do ill and fight against the Lord of hosts. If indeed the name of the eternal God is named upon us, we are secure; for, as of old, a Roman had but to say Romanus sum, I am a Roman, and he could claim the protection of all the legions of the vast empire; so every one who is a man of God has omnipotence as his guardian, and God will sooner empty heaven of angels than leave a saint without defense. Be braver than lions for the right, for God is with you. From the Faith's Checkbook Mobile Devotional Android app - http://www.LookingUpwardApps.com/fcb

God Is Our Protector

 

Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.    Anne Frank

Negativity seems to run rampant in today’s world  Economies are failing; people are fighting; crime is on the increase and doubts and fears assault us daily.  We see on television and read in the papers how evil man is becoming.

But we as Christians have a strong protector on our side.  He is a Father who loves His children.  He sends us proof of that love with each sunrise and sunset.  He want us to trust Him and know that He will take care of us.  He tells us to look at the lilies of the field and the birds of the air.  If He can take care of those can He not take care of us?  (Luke 12:22-24).

So when the enemy fills our hearts with fears and worry we just need to remember that we have a loving Father that cares for us.  We need to remember His promises and turn all the doubts, fears, and worry over to Him because “He that is in us is greater than he who is in the world”  (I John 4:4).

Father, I come to you and turn my fears and worries over.  I cannot change the situation by worrying but I know that You are holding me in Your hand and will care for me.  When I hear the birds singing and see the flowers growing I know that You are caring for them and I know that You will care for me.

NOT forgotten

From Charles Spurgeon's "Faith's Checkbook" Not Forgotten April 5 Thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me. (Isaiah 44:21) Our Jehovah cannot so forget His servants as to cease to love them. He chose them not for a time but forever. He knew what they would be when He called them into the divine family. He blots out their sins like a cloud; and we may be sure that He will not turn them out of doors for iniquities which He has blotted out. It would be blasphemy to imagine such a thing. He will not forget them so as to cease to think of them. One forgetful moment on the part of our God would be our ruin. Therefore He says, "Thou shalt not be forgotten of me," Men forget us; those whom we have benefited turn against us. We have no abiding place in the fickle hearts of men; but God will never forget one of His true servants. He binds Himself to us not by what we do for Him but by what He has done for us. We have been loved too long and bought at too great a price to be now forgotten. Jesus sees in us His soul's travail, and that He never can forget. The Father sees in us the spouse of His Son, and the Spirit sees in us His own effectual work. The Lord thinketh upon us. This day we shall be succored and sustained. Oh, that the Lord may never be forgotten of us! From the Faith's Checkbook Mobile Devotional Android app - http://www.LookingUpwardApps.com/fcb

Daily Prayer

Father,
This is a day you have made for me, and I will rejoice in it. What a wonderful Father you are to create each sunrise and sunset for me. I see your wonderful gifts all around me--the birds singing, the grass starting to turn green-the beautiful flowers that spread their fragrance throughout the land. I know trials will come my way and there are crosses that I will be asked to bear. But I know that with You beside me, there is nothing that will bring me down. You hear my prayers when my cries are all You hear. You have a plan for my life and You will equip me for whatever you ask of me. I want to follow your plan and live my life in your will. I ask these things in Jesus' name.
Amen

Sensitive to warning

From Charles Spurgeon's "Faith's Checkbook" Sensitive to Warning April 3 Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. (2 Kings 22:19) Many despise warning and perish. Happy is he who trembles at the Word of God. Josiah did so, and he was spared the sight of the evil which the Lord determined to send upon Judah because of her great sins. Have you this tenderness? Do you practice this self-humiliation? Then you also shall be spared in the evil day. God sets a mark upon the men that sigh and cry because of the sin of the times. The destroying angel is commanded to keep his sword in its sheath till the elect of God are sheltered: these are best known by their godly fear and their trembling at the Word of the Lord. Are the times threatening? Does infidelity advance with great strides, and do you dread national chastisement upon this polluted nation? Well you may. Yet rest in this promise: "Thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace: and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which l will bring upon this place." Better still, the Lord Himself may come, and then the days of our mourning shall be ended. From the Faith's Checkbook Mobile Devotional Android app - http://www.LookingUpwardApps.com/fcb

True heart energy

From Charles Spurgeon's "Faith's Checkbook" True Heart-Energy April 2 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear to all. (1 Timothy 4:15) This is, practically, a promise that, by diligent meditation and the giving up of our whole mind to our work for the Lord we shall make a progress which all can see. Not by hasty reading but by deep meditation we profit by the Word of God. Not by doing a great deal of work in a slovenly manner, but by giving our best thought to what we attempt, we shall get real profit. "In all labor there is profit" but not in fuss and hurry without true heart-energy. If we divide ourselves between God and mammon, or Christ and self, we shall make no progress. We must give ourselves wholly to holy things, or else we shall be poor traders in heavenly business, and at our stocktaking no profit will be shown. Am I a minister? Let me be a minister wholly and not spend my energies upon secondary concerns. What have I to do with party politics or vain amusements? Am I a Christian? Let me make my service of Jesus my occupation, my lifework, my one pursuit. We must be in-and-in with Jesus, and then out-and-out for Jesus, or else we shall make neither progress nor profit, and neither the church nor the world will feel the forceful influence which the Lord would have us exercise. From the Faith's Checkbook Mobile Devotional Android app - http://www.LookingUpwardApps.com/fcb

Morning Prayer

Father, I come before you today with a heart that is so full of love and gratitude to you. You sent your only son, Jesus, to give me eternal life. I ask your continued mercy and grace over my friends and family today. Keep us under your protective wings and hold us tight. I pray for this great country of ours. May the leaders turn back to you. This country was founded on your laws and mandates. Somehow we have gotten away from the basic principles that formed the foundation for this country. I carry a heavy heart for our country and know the only hope is in you.
I pray this in your sweet son's name. Amen.,

Presence of Mind

From Charles Spurgeon's "Faith's Checkbook" Presence of Mind March 31 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. (Proverbs 3:25-26) When God is abroad in judgments, He would not have His people alarmed. He has not come forth to harm but to defend the righteous. He would have them manifest courage. We who enjoy the presence of God ought to display presence of mind. Since the Lord Himself may suddenly come, we ought not to be surprised at anything sudden. Serenity under the rush and roar of unexpected evils is a precious gift of divine love. The Lord would have His chosen display discrimination so that they may see that the desolation of the wicked is not a real calamity to the universe. Sin alone is evil; the punishment which follows thereupon is as a preserving salt to keep society from putrefying. We should be far more shocked at the sin which deserves hell than at the hell which comes out of sin. So, too, should the Lord's people exhibit great quietness of spirit. Satan and his serpent seed are full of all subtlety; but those who walk with God shall not be taken in their deceitful snares. Go on, believer in Jesus, and let the Lord be thy confidence. From the Faith's Checkbook Mobile Devotional Android app - http://www.LookingUpwardApps.com/fcb

Prayer Thanksgiving Praise

From Charles Spurgeon's "Faith's Checkbook" Prayer, Thanksgiving, Praise March 30 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) No care but all prayer. No anxiety but much joyful communion with God. Carry your desires to the Lord of your life, the guardian of your soul. Go to Him with two portions of prayer and one of fragrant praise. Do not pray doubtfully but thankfully. Consider that you have your petitions, and therefore thank God for His grace. He is giving you grace; give Him thanks, Hide nothing. Allow no want to lie rankling in your bosom; "make known your requests." Run not to man. Go only to your God, the Father of Jesus, who loves you in Him. This shall bring you God's own peace. You shall not be able to understand the peace which you shall enjoy. It will enfold you in its infinite embrace. Heart and mind through Christ Jesus shall be steeped in a sea of rest. Come life or death, poverty, pain, slander, you shall dwell in Jesus above every rolling wind or darkening cloud. Will you not obey this dear command? Yes, Lord, I do believe thee; but, I beseech thee, help mine unbelief. From the Faith's Checkbook Mobile Devotional Android app - http://www.LookingUpwardApps.com/fcb

God Whispers

I posted a few days about my new Facebook page.  If anyone tried to access it and found the page not found error, I apologize.  I typed in the link and found that it would not take me there.  I don’t know what went wrong but if you have Facebook, go to the home page and type in God Whispers in the search for people bar, it should take you right to the page.  Again I apologize and invite you all to visit and like my page.

The Awakening

I came to church today

Because it was expected of me.

I had rather just stay at home

And watch a little TV.

But someone called my name

Just as the sun began to rise.

I knew that it was Jesus

Even before I opened my eyes.

So I stumbled out of my bed

And dressed by habit’s force.

As the first song began to play

I walked in the church’s door.

As I sat there in my seat

As I have done for years,

The preacher’s voice went on and on

But his words did not reach my ears.

But then something happened

That was so strange it seems,

The lights began to fade away

Just like in a dream.

And then I heard a voice call out

It sounded like my name.

I looked around the crowded room

But it did not look the same.

The peoples’ faces were all aglow

With a warm and radiant light.

And then I knew what had happened-

Jesus was here tonight.

He came to where I sat

And put His hand in mine,

He gave me such a loving smile

And said, “My child, its time.”

All at once the light was gone

And the church looked as before.

But now I knew what I had to do

And why I had walked through that door.

I went up to the  preacher

With tears running down my face.

I told him that I was ready

To let Jesus have His place.

Oh, what a wonderful feeling

Came into my heart that day.

I knew that Jesus entered in

When I knelt down to pray.

A Physician Analyzes the Crucifixion

I found this on the internet and am grateful for the information in this article.  I can now see just much Jesus loved us to go through this much agony to die for our sins.

From New Wine Magazine, April 1982.
Originally published in Arizona Medicine, March 1965,
Arizona Medical Association.

A medical explanation of what Jesus endured on the day He died
by Dr. C. Truman Davis Dr. C. Truman Davis is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. He is a practicing ophthalmologist, a pastor, and author of a book about medicine and the Bible.

Several years ago I became interested in the physical aspects of the passion, or suffering, of Jesus Christ when I read an account of the crucifixion in Jim Bishop's book, The Day Christ Died. I suddenly realized that I had taken the crucifixion more or less for granted all these years - that I had grown callous to its horror by a too-easy familiarity with the grim details. It finally occurred to me that, as a physician, I did not even know the actual immediate cause of Christ's death. The gospel writers do not help much on this point. Since crucifixion and scourging were so common during their lifetimes, they undoubtedly considered a detailed description superfluous. For that reason we have only the concise words of the evangelists: "Pilate, having scourged Jesus, delivered Him to them to be crucified ... and they crucified Him."

Despite the gospel accounts' silence on the details of Christ's crucifixion, many have looked into this subject in the past. In my personal study of the event from a medical viewpoint, I am indebted especially to Dr. Pierre Barbet, a French surgeon who did exhaustive historical and experimental research and wrote extensively on the topic.

An attempt to examine the infinite psychic and spiritual suffering of the Incarnate1 God in atonement2 for the sins of fallen man is beyond the scope of this article. However, the physiological and anatomical aspects of our Lord's passion we can examine in some detail. What did the body of Jesus of Nazareth actually endure during those hours of torture?

Gethsemane

The physical passion of Christ began in Gethsemane. Of the many aspects of His initial suffering, the one which is of particular physiological interest is the bloody sweat. Interestingly enough, the physician, St. Luke, is the only evangelist to mention this occurrence. He says, "And being in an agony, he prayed the longer. And his sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground" (Luke 22:44 KJV).

Every attempt imaginable has been used by modern scholars to explain away the phenomenon of bloody sweat, apparently under the mistaken impression that it simply does not occur. A great deal of effort could be saved by consulting the medical literature. Though very rare, the phenomenon of hematidrosis, or bloody sweat, is well documented. Under great emotional stress, tiny capillaries in the sweat glands can break, thus mixing blood with sweat. This process alone could have produced marked weakness and possible shock.

Although Jesus' betrayal and arrest are important portions of the passion story, the next event in the account which is significant from a medical perspective is His trial before the Sanhedrin and Caiaphas, the High Priest. Here the first physical trauma was inflicted. A soldier struck Jesus across the face for remaining silent when questioned by Caiaphas. The palace guards then blindfolded Him, mockingly taunted Him to identify them as each passed by, spat on Him, and struck Him in the face.

Before Pilate

In the early morning, battered and bruised, dehydrated, and worn out from a sleepless night, Jesus was taken across Jerusalem to the Praetorium of the Fortress Antonia, the seat of government of the Procurator of Judea, Pontius Pilate. We are familiar with Pilate's action in attempting to shift responsibility to Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch of Judea. Jesus apparently suffered no physical mistreatment at the hands of Herod and was returned to Pilate. It was then, in response to the outcry of the mob, that Pilate ordered Barabbas released and condemned Jesus to scourging and crucifixion.

Preparations for Jesus' scourging were carried out at Caesar's orders. The prisoner was stripped of His clothing and His hands tied to a post above His head. The Roman legionnaire stepped forward with the flagrum, or flagellum, in his hand. This was a short whip consisting of several heavy, leather thongs with two small balls of lead attached near the ends of each. The heavy whip was brought down with full force again and again across Jesus' shoulders, back, and legs. At first the weighted thongs cut through the skin only. Then, as the blows continued, they cut deeper into the subcutaneous tissues, producing first an oozing of blood from the capillaries and veins of the skin and finally spurting arterial bleeding from vessels in the underlying muscles.

The small balls of lead first produced large deep bruises that were broken open by subsequent blows. Finally, the skin of the back was hanging in long ribbons, and the entire area was an unrecognizable mass of torn, bleeding tissue. When it was determined by the centurion in charge that the prisoner was near death, the beating was finally stopped.

Mockery

The half-fainting Jesus was then untied and allowed to slump to the stone pavement, wet with his own blood. The Roman soldiers saw a great joke in this provincial Jew claiming to be a king. They threw a robe across His shoulders and placed a stick in His hand for a scepter. They still needed a crown to make their travesty complete. Small flexible branches covered with long thorns, commonly used for kindling fires in the charcoal braziers in the courtyard, were plaited into the shape of a crude crown. The crown was pressed into his scalp and again there was copious bleeding as the thorns pierced the very vascular tissue. After mocking Him and striking Him across the face, the soldiers took the stick from His hand and struck Him across the head, driving the thorns deeper into His scalp. Finally, they tired of their sadistic sport and tore the robe from His back. The robe had already become adherent to the clots of blood and serum in the wounds, and its removal, just as in the careless removal of a surgical bandage, caused excruciating pain. The wounds again began to bleed.

Golgotha

In deference to Jewish custom, the Romans apparently returned His garments. The heavy patibulum3 of the cross was tied across His shoulders. The procession of the condemned Christ, two thieves, and the execution detail of Roman soldiers headed by a centurion began its slow journey along the route which we know today as the Via Dolorosa.

In spite of Jesus' efforts to walk erect, the weight of the heavy wooden beam, together with the shock produced by copious loss of blood, was too much. He stumbled and fell. The rough wood of the beam gouged into the lacerated skin and muscles of the shoulders. He tried to rise, but human muscles had been pushed beyond their endurance. The centurion, anxious to proceed with the crucifixion, selected a stalwart North African onlooker, Simon of Cyrene, to carry the cross. Jesus followed, still bleeding and sweating the cold, clammy sweat of shock. The 650-yard journey from the Fortress Antonia to Golgotha was finally completed. The prisoner was again stripped of His clothing except for a loin cloth which was allowed the Jews.

The crucifixion began. Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh, a mild analgesic, pain-reliving mixture. He refused the drink. Simon was ordered to place the patibulum on the ground, and Jesus was quickly thrown backward, with His shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire felt for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drove a heavy, square wrought-iron nail through the wrist and deep into the wood. Quickly, he moved to the other side and repeated the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flexion and movement. The patibulum was then lifted into place at the top of the stipes4, and the titulus5 reading "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" was nailed into place.

The left foot was pressed backward against the right foot. With both feet extended, toes down, a nail was driven through the arch of each, leaving the knees moderately flexed. The victim was now crucified.

On the Cross

As Jesus slowly sagged down with more weight on the nails in the wrists, excruciating, fiery pain shot along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain. The nails in the wrists were putting pressure on the median nerve, large nerve trunks which traverse the mid-wrist and hand. As He pushed himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, He placed His full weight on the nail through His feet. Again there was searing agony as the nail tore through the nerves between the metatarsal bones of this feet.

At this point, another phenomenon occurred. As the arms fatigued, great waves of cramps swept over the muscles, knotting them in deep relentless, throbbing pain. With these cramps came the inability to push Himself upward. Hanging by the arm, the pectoral muscles, the large muscles of the chest, were paralyzed and the intercostal muscles, the small muscles between the ribs, were unable to act. Air could be drawn into the lungs, but could not be exhaled. Jesus fought to raise Himself in order to get even one short breath. Finally, the carbon dioxide level increased in the lungs and in the blood stream, and the cramps partially subsided.

The Last Words

Spasmodically, He was able to push Himself upward to exhale and bring in life-giving oxygen. It was undoubtedly during these periods that He uttered the seven short sentences that are recorded.

The first - looking down at the Roman soldiers throwing dice6 for His seamless garment: "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do."

The second - to the penitent thief7: "Today, thou shalt be with me in Paradise."

The third - looking down at Mary His mother, He said: "Woman, behold your son." Then turning to the terrified, grief-stricken adolescent John , the beloved apostle, He said: "Behold your mother."8

The fourth cry is from the beginning of Psalm 22: "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"

He suffered hours of limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint-rending cramps, intermittent partial asphyxiation, and searing pain as tissue was torn from His lacerated back from His movement up and down against the rough timbers of the cross. Then another agony began: a deep crushing pain in the chest as the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, slowly filled with serum and began to compress the heart.

The prophecy in Psalm 22:14 was being fulfilled: "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint, my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels."

The end was rapidly approaching. The loss of tissue fluids had reached a critical level; the compressed heart was struggling to pump heavy, thick, sluggish blood to the tissues, and the tortured lungs were making a frantic effort to inhale small gulps of air. The markedly dehydrated tissues sent their flood of stimuli to the brain. Jesus gasped His fifth cry: "I thirst." Again we read in the prophetic psalm: "My strength is dried up like a potsherd; my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou has brought me into the dust of death" (Psalm 22:15 KJV).

A sponge soaked in posca, the cheap, sour wine that was the staple drink of the Roman legionnaires, was lifted to Jesus' lips. His body was now in extremis, and He could feel the chill of death creeping through His tissues. This realization brought forth His sixth word, possibly little more than a tortured whisper: "It is finished." His mission of atonement9 had been completed. Finally, He could allow His body to die. With one last surge of strength, He once again pressed His torn feet against the nail, straightened His legs, took a deeper breath, and uttered His seventh and last cry: "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit."

Death

The common method of ending a crucifixion was by crurifracture, the breaking of the bones of the leg. This prevented the victim from pushing himself upward; the tension could not be relieved from the muscles of the chest, and rapid suffocation occurred. The legs of the two thieves were broken, but when the soldiers approached Jesus, they saw that this was unnecessary.

Apparently, to make doubly sure of death, the legionnaire drove his lance between the ribs, upward through the pericardium and into the heart. John 19:34 states, "And immediately there came out blood and water." Thus there was an escape of watery fluid from the sac surrounding the heart and the blood of the interior of the heart. This is rather conclusive post-mortem evidence that Jesus died, not the usual crucifixion death by suffocation, but of heart failure due to shock and constriction of the heart by fluid in the pericardium.

Resurrection

In these events, we have seen a glimpse of the epitome of evil that man can exhibit toward his fellowman and toward God. This is an ugly sight and is likely to leave us despondent and depressed.

But the crucifixion was not the end of the story. How grateful we can be that we have a sequel: a glimpse of the infinite mercy of God toward man--the gift of atonement, the miracle of the resurrection, and the expectation of Easter morning