Another opportunity

to grow in patience.

I honestly couldn’t believe it.

How did the goat squeezed herself into the rabbit hutch?!

(Don’t worry, our bunny is safe. She was visiting our male rabbit, which is why the cage was empty.)

Over a week ago the goat learned she liked rabbit food.

Our granddaughter loves helping with the animals and since she’s only three we don’t make a big deal if she spills some food trying to feed the bunnies.

Unfortunately, one of the times I was taking the goat and sheep out to graze the goat was able to eat some of the grain spilled on the gravel and has been trying to get more.

She was very difficult to get out to the field this morning.

After about twenty minutes, I realized I couldn’t see her anymore.

After investigating, I knew she’d gone back to the barn.

When I got there, I stopped to take a picture.

This was definitely one of those “seeing is believing” moments

The rabbit feeders are only accessible from the inside so it never occurred to me I needed to worry about the goat getting inside the hutch.

And I facilitated this crazy moment by leaving the door open.

I can look back and realize the Lord had whispered to my heart to close the door.

How I wished I’d listened.

The goat didn’t want to leave the cage and I was more than slightly irritated when I got her out.

Rather than messing with her further, I put her back in her pen and took the sheep out to graze.

The goat will have to make due with the hay.

As I sit here watching the sheep graze, enjoying the soft breeze, and listening to the goat bleat, I’m reflecting.

First, that God uses all things and this is definitely an opportunity for me to stretch.

Second, that I can see my past in the behavior of this four hoofed beast, doing everything wrong in an effort to get what she thinks she needs.

And if I’d just listen to my Master, I’d have been well cared for without all the striving on my part.

Truly, God is patient and kind.

He teaches me to be joyful in everything, trusting that He is working through all things.

James 5:11 NKJV — Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your patience with me. Thank You for giving me opportunities to be patient as well. Lord, please teach me what Your plan is for today, that I might not follow my own ways. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for our goat and all the lessons I’m learning through having her. I love You, Lord. Amen.

(Our son just called me and asked, “How do I get the goat off the shelf in barn?” I might have more to share with you later!)

In the process…

As I moved from the front of this chair to the back, I was struck by the difference between the two sides.

I put down my paintbrush and picked-up my phone.

The picture was to help me remember that when I was on the side with paint, it looked like the chair was close to being completed.

The truth was only seen when I changed perspective.

The same is true for my spiritual progress.

As the “accuser of the brethren” the enemy is excellent at hitting me with thoughts of discouragement, because I still have so much to learn.

Of course, when I’m vulnerable to sliding into pride, the thoughts are the exact opposite, tempting me to comparison between myself and others whose hearts I can not see nor do I know their journey with the Lord.

Both “sides” can be used against me to ensnare me in sin, through appealing to my flesh.

But God…

He sees it all.

He knows my journey.

He is working through my circumstances.

I’m in process, and the One remaking me is a Master Craftsman.

Psalm 19:7 KJV — The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

2 Timothy 3:16 KJV — All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Romans 12:2 NKJV — And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for this reminder. Thank You that You see every part of me and You are daily teaching me, guiding me, renewing me. Thank You for walking with me through this journey and showing me so much. Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your answers to prayer. Thank You for Your righteousness and goodness. Thank You that I need never be afraid of the enemy and the lies, because Your Word is truth and I can find forgiveness, healing, and salvation. Thank You, Jesus for all Your wonderous blessings! I love You. Amen.

June 17, 2022

Today’s prayer:

As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.
Titus 2:1 NLT

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit which instructs and guides us through Your scriptures. Lord Jesus, please continue to teach us, that we might be made more like You everyday. Lord, please continue to help us know how to pray, that we might not ask a miss, but rather stand in prayer for the circumstances and people You are placing on our hearts. Lord, please help us to be honest and humble with our personal struggles, bringing our needs and concerns to You with trust and surrender. Lord, please keep us from taking up a response to circumstances from our own wisdom, rather let us respond with scripture, humility, and truth. Lord Jesus, please teach us daily, honing our hearts, shaping our lives, walking out each day to bring glory to Your name. Lord, help us to make disciples as You did with the 12, daily pouring into each one, teaching the scriptures, honing their understanding, patient and full of love. Lord, thank You for continuing to teach me, honing my heart, patient and loving me. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

A few chickens

Yesterday, I felt the Lord leading me to go look at the chickens.

Frankly, I didn’t want to.

It wasn’t time to put them away yet, but would be in about an hour.

The weather was a misty rain and much colder than our average May temperatures.

But I know better than to ignore the Lord.

Although I still do it at times and there’s always an uncomfortable consequence to such behavior.

Thankfully, I was obedient this time.

As I walked around the coop, everything seemed fine, there were even a group of hens outside pecking away.

I was about to leave, but felt I was to look closer.

From my angle, I didn’t have a good view of the door which allows the chickens into the run.

When I turned and walked closer this came into full view.

It was closed, locking the seven hens outside.

They have a cover over part of the run so they weren’t wet, but they’re not fully grown, so they can get too cold if kept away from the heat lamp.

I let myself into the run and held open the door.

Since I didn’t know what caused the door to close, I stood there holding it open.

One hen was on the ramp and headed inside right away.

Which made me glad, because the wind had picked up and it wasn’t growing warmer.

Not long after the first hen, another went in and slowly a third followed her.

Time seemed to drag as I waited for the remaining hens to figure it out and go inside.

I was getting cold and my arm was getting tired from holding the door by the time there was only one hen still outside.

I couldn’t let go of the door and it became clear the hen was avoiding the door because I was standing there holding it open.

All at once this hen realized she was alone, which caused her to panic.

She began to run around making frightened chirps.

The other chickens inside began to answer her and one even tried to come out the door.

I prevented this, which scared both the hens inside and the final one outside.

She ran and hid at my feet under the ramp, but continued to make those same frightened chirps.

Not sure how to help her figure out what needed to happen I prayed.

Then, I shifted my position, gently shoed her out from under the ramp and stepped as far away from the door while still holding it as I could.

Finally, she got the idea, jumped up on the ramp and went inside.

I locked up the chickens as I couldn’t sort out the door right then and I needed to get out of the weather.

I thanked God that nothing had happened to the chickens and then I realized…

That one lone hen is me.

I have allowed fear of something to keep me from obedience, frightened by a “change” and I start avoiding God and all He has for me.

My natural tendency next is to talk with others about my fears or feelings rather than, just getting close to my Father and following His lead.

It’s something I’m working on, but haven’t completely conquered yet.

But I know through Christ, I will.

And until then, I’ll have a few chickens to remind me what not to do.

Psalm 73:28 KJV — But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your wonderful works and Your compassion. Thank You for using a few chickens to teach me about myself and how fear will actually keep me from what is best for me. Lord, thank You that I need not be afraid, for Your salvation is all I need and I’m safe in You. Thank You that You know me and what I need. Thank You for Your patience with me, especially when I’m acting like a chicken. Thank You that You are a good teacher, You show me my errors and encourage me in the ways of righteousness. Thank You for Your love. I love You. Amen.

Looking deeper

Jase had to get pond water and look at it under the microscope for an experiment in Biology.

He had to find specific microorganisms and draw them in his notebook.

Next, he was to get four jars and place something different in each, add pond water, wrap each carefully to keep out the light and wait a week.

Upon the end of the seven days, he was to draw water from the bottom of each jar and look through the microscope to see what he could identify.

He did very well on each slide, quickly finding and drawing what he found, except for one.

Not seeing anything on the 10x power, he switched to the 40x power and still couldn’t discover any microorganisms.

I’d noticed his struggle, but was waiting to see if he’d find some on his own.

After more effort, he looked at me in frustration.

“Mom, I can’t see anything. It must be they all died.”

I offered to look and he stepped aside.

After seeing nothing on either of the powers 10x and 40x, I switched to 400x.

It took a little longer, but I finally found what he’d been looking for.

“Hey bud, why don’t you see if you can see anything now?”

He looked and focused and was silent.

“Can you see those super tiny things that look like little dots? Watch them closely.”

“Oh! Wow! They’re moving!”

I smiled at him.

He returned the smile and went back to watching these things barely visible at our microscope’s highest power.

It turned out to be our favorite slide.

Upon reflection, I realized that “looking deeper”, the extra effort and time, was what made that slide so interesting.

The same thing has been true for my time in God’s Word.

When I was a teen I read my Bible as a duty, missing the joy and interest of looking deeper into God’s precious gift of His written word.

As an adult, I was convinced I was missing something and began reading through the Bible.

It wasn’t easy and often I’d get discouraged, but as I kept at it, I noticed a change in my heart.

God’s Word had become a joy and a source of strength, direction, and hope.

The richness of scripture had been missed by when I only spent a short time in God’s Word.

It has only been through diligent, humble reading of the scriptures where my heart has found the security and guidance I need.

I’m so thankful for the recent reminder of this truth through our son’s science experiment.

Psalm 119:17-18 NKJV — GIMEL Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word. Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Lord, let these words from Psalm 119 speak for me. Lord, please continue to teach me how to seek You through Your Word. Lord, open my heart and mind to Your truths and guide me through Your commandments. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for all Your blessings. Your ways are perfect and Your Word endures through every generation. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Something personal

God is a God of details as well as the big picture.

He has attention for all things and He does not miss anything.

His faithfulness has been incredible and I have learned so much each and everyday.

It humbles and blesses me.

This weekend I had a moment of learning.

It was something small and personal to me, but it reaffirmed God’s loving care.

We have white dishes we keep set out on the dining room table for meals.

Years ago when everyone had the responsibility of dealing their own plate it made sense to place them back on the table where each person sat so I could easily tell who had followed through on taking care of their dish and who had forgotten.

After living here for a bit Anne began to make a pot of tea and set it on the table for breakfast.

Jase and I thought this very nice and we all enjoy drinking tea each morning.

We have been using my Grandmother’s china cups for our morning tea and although I enjoy using them I have found myself wishing we had an everyday set of tea cups.

Each time I caught myself thinking along that line, I tried to make sure I was turning that desire over to the Lord and thanking Him for the tea cups we already have and enjoy.

Because tea cups are not a need and I do not want to waste time wishing for those things God has not given me.

Thus, when we were unpacking a box from a unit my husband had recently purchased and there were six white tea cups and saucers I was hesitant.

They matched our everyday set of white dishes, but God had not told me if I was to sell them, give them away, or keep them.

Days went by and I kept praying about what to do with these tea cups until one morning this weekend.

I had gotten up and walked toward the tea cups with the intent of using them for morning tea and the Lord spoke to my heart.

You have not asked Me

“Oh dear! I am so sorry Lord! You are right! I did not ask. Please forgive me!”

I turned around and went about getting breakfast without the tea cups.

Later, I was in my room praying about this.

“Lord, I am so sorry about almost using those tea cups! I feel awful!”

You have not asked Me.

“Yes, Lord! I know I didn’t ask and I will sell them or give them away. Just please tell me which You want me to do.”

Silence.

After praying for other things I went back to the kitchen for something and my eyes feel on the tea cups.

The Lord spoke so clearly to my heart.

Child, you have not asked Me for them.

-blink-

“Wait…Lord, do You want me to have these? Would You be willing to give these to me?”

Would you give them to your child if they asked?

“Yes, of course.”

Then ask Me.

“Lord, may I have these tea cups?’

Yes, of course.

I set the table with the white tea cups and brewed a pot of tea.

My shortsightedness almost caused me to blush, but my God’s love and care for me brought me to tears.

Happy tears of realization that I still have so much to learn.

Not long later we all sat around the table eating breakfast and drinking our tea.

Our son was thoughtful and quiet for a time and then looked up at me.

“Mom, when I grow up and leave the house can I have these tea cups? I love them.”

I smiled.

I am sure God was smiling too.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your patience with me. I am so amazed at how You know exactly what I need to hear and You speak straight to the real issues inside my heart. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your loving care. Thank You for walking with me in so many things and guiding my life into a closer walk with You. Lord, I want to be a reflection of You to all those around me. I want other people to know You and to experience the incredible love You have for them. Lord, You alone are worthy of all praise, all honor, all glory. May Your light shine brightly to those who have yet to see Your truth and even brighter to those who have put their trust in You. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Teaching wisdom

Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Psalms 34:11 NKJV

How important it is to fear the Lord.

“The fear of the Lord  is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 NKJV

And it is equally important to share that with others.

For reverence is due the Lord.

Reverence of God Almighty is worth being passed on.

Teaching reverence should come from God’s Word.

When looking for wisdom in bite sized chunks Proverbs is a good place to turn.

The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom and truth, and it’s not packaged with difficult verbage.

Instead it’s startlingly easy to grasp.

It’s often used for memory verses and definitely worthy of repeating.

Penned by Solomon, it’s his instruction for his son.

“The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel: The fear of the Lord  is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;”
Proverbs 1:1‭, ‬7‭-‬8 NKJV

It is a book which can be taken a verse at a time, but also links together into chapters which hold profound truth.

Where did Solomon gain the insight he wrote out for his son?

God, of course.

2 Chronicles 1:11 KJV — And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king:

How did Solomon know what to ask for?

His father had shared God’s wisdom with him.

“When I was my father’s son, Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother. He also taught me, and said to me: ‘Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.'”
Proverbs 4:3-9 NKJV

King David took the time to share what was valuable.

And thankfully so did King Solomon.

God’s Word is our guide and the life of both King David and King Solomon are examples of what happens when a person fears the Lord.

Both men made mistakes, but King David always repented and sought God’s forgiveness. He humbled himself before the Lord.

King Solomon, with all his wisdom and understanding did not always humble himself, nor did he always follow God.

His consequence for serving idols instead of the One True God was what sin always brings, destruction.

“Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, ‘Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant.'”
I Kings 11:11 NKJV

His son, King Rehoboam, goes down in history as the one who ignored wisdom.

He turned his back on all the instruction his father and grandfather had set down and decided to be greedy instead. (2 Chronicles 10:13-15)

“The fear of the Lord  is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.”
Proverbs 8:13 NKJV

He lost a huge portion of the kingdom and there were two nations instead of one.

How sad.

Yet, there’s opportunity even in this, to learn from King Rehoboam’s poor choices and King Solomon’s poor choices.

For those who are teachable, those who choose to apply the fear of the Lord will be blessed.

What a precious gift, to pass on such treasure to others.

What a privilege to learn wisdom from God’s Word.

May our hearts be eager to learn the fear of the Lord.

May our lives be filled with wisdom as we seek God in all things.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for wisdom, truth, and understanding. Lord You tell us that we have the answers to life in Your Word. Please open our hearts and minds to understanding. Please help us to pass on the truths of Your Word. Lord, it is in You that we find all that is good, honorable, noble, and just. Lord Your ways are perfect and we want to walk in them. Please help us to be teachable today. Thank You. Amen.

She finished them!

It’s a shame I didn’t think to get before pictures of most of the furniture.

With my husband’s vacation being cancelled, Anne was in more of a hurry to try and get these done.

But I can tell you, they needed work.

There was definitely a reason all of the pieces put together was $50.

The tall dresser was in the best shape, as the long dresser had water damage on top as well.

The night stand had three burn marks and water damage.

The bench had stains on the top and a really big black widow spider living inside.

(One of those moments when I moved faster than normal!)

It was definitely an opportunity.

Anne learned a lot about the joys of renovation.

She also got to add her own special touch by painting flowers on the different pieces and the knobs.

Through it all I prayed and praised God.

Because I really didn’t help her very much.

Monday and Tuesday I helped some, but by Wednesday she’d learned each step and took over.

When it came to painting the mirror she took her time and was super careful.

Last night, Tim and hubby carried the dressers upstairs.

The smaller pieces we did previously.

We all commented on how her hard work paid off.

I love that God gave Anne this project.

I love how the furniture looks.

I love that Anne has gained a skill along with confidence to try something new.

I love that she now has furniture to take with her, whenever and wherever God leads her as an adult.

God’s ways are always best.

I’ve needed to be reminded of that this week.

I’ve been reading the book of Job on my Bible app, but didn’t have it bookmarked in my Bible.

So, I knew it wasn’t a coincidence when my Bible fell open to Job 38 yesterday morning.

God’s words to Job were exactly what I needed to hear.

I had wanted to do this with Anne, every step of the way.

But that wasn’t what happened, because God knows best.

Yesterday, when Tim was asking about the project I honestly said, “No, I really didn’t help much. She did this.”

Instead of me working alongside her, it was Jesus.

As a mom, I find it difficult to let go.

I want to be with our children, no matter their age, to help, to encourage, to listen.

But that isn’t always what is best for them.

And God knows exactly what is.

I’m still learning how to let go and trust Him for each of our children.

And what a great reminder to that truth, these beautiful pieces of furniture that Anne and Jesus did.

Who has put wisdom in the mind? Or who has given understanding to the heart?
Job 38:36 NKJV

God did, and I’m praising Him for it!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for this opportunity. Thank You for teaching Anne how to do all these things. Thank You for giving her this opportunity not only to learn, but to stretch out into something new. Lord, please continue to guide and direct each of our children. Let their hearts be molded by You, that their lives might bring You glory. Lord, thank You for reminding me that Your ways are best. Thank You for teaching me another opportunity to let go. Please continue to speak into our hearts and minds. Please continue to bring us closer to You. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Bubba and Faye

Being a Grammy has been more fun than I could ever have imagined.

My husband can tell you I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time.

As a teen I used to say, “I can’t wait to be that sweet grey-haired old lady who gives out cookies to kids.”

I’ve learned a great deal since my teen years about being an adult and dealing with children.

Parenthood taught me a lot and I’m still learning daily.

Now as a Grammy I’m learning more.

Proper boundaries are super important.

My husband and I value our daughter and son-in-law too much to purposely ignore their “do”s and”don’t”s.

We have enjoyed getting to watch them teach Faye things.

I’ve also enjoyed sharing moments with her as a Grammy.

Something we’ve done, since the weather has allowed, is go outside and pet the plants.

It might sound strange, but I wanted her to be safe.

Before she was old enough to understand this lesson, she got a handful of my potted indoor plant and jerked out a large section.

I didn’t mind the damage to the plant, but it brought to my attention the need for her to learn what is okay and not.

Since both her parents had taught her the word gentle and it’s meaning, I thought she’d be able to put it into practice in the garden.

After all, little people often put what is in their hands in their mouths and many plants are not for eating.

So, she went on many garden walks with me and knows how to handle the plants.

She gently touches them, sometimes over and over with her little fingers very carefully.

She has pulled a few blooms off now and again, but each time is another opportunity to instill in her how to touch without harm.

So, I was extra blessed when we got to see her with Bubba.

Her little hand reached out to explore this new sibling and her momma cautioned, “Gentle.”

Softly, like on a rose petal her hand touched her brother.

Then she let go.

All of us made all kinds of happy noise as her little pink lips placed a gentle kiss on him.

It was adorable!

I’m already praying for their relationship as brother and sister.

I pray they will love and support each other.

That they will look out for the other’s best interest.

That they will grow to be great friends.

Most importantly, that they will know Jesus and put their trust in Him.

That they will encourage one another in righteousness.

What a wonderful gift God gives when He blesses a family with a child!

Truly they are precious in the eyes of the Lord.

Psalm 127:3 KJV — Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Matthew 18:10 KJV — Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for children. What an incredible blessing it is to be with them. Lord, often it can be difficult to know what to teach and what to let go of. Sometimes our own desires get in the way of hearing from You as to what is best. Please help our children be wonderful godly parents. Please help us to be parents of integrity, truth, and love. Lord, help us know how to support our children as they support the little ones. Please help us to not grow weary in doing good as we have fewer children at home. Please help us to finish well. Thank You so much for these blessings. May we honor You in all we do. Amen.

Holding on to faith

Since it was their anniversary, they asked us to babysit while they went on a date.

Of course, we love to babysit!

In one short year, our granddaughter has taught me so much.

Like, reliving life, from her perspective.

Holding her on my arm, while we stroll through the backyard, has been an opportunity to learn.

The two of us go around and pet all the plants.

We’ve done this since the veggie garden was put in.

She likes to feel the different textures and as long as I hold her, she feels safe exploring.

Which brings me such joy.

It encourages me spiritually, as well.

When her little arm is clinging to mine and her little face is smiling so contentedly, I think of God.

She feels safe and therefore is willing to reach out.

I want to hold on to Jesus like that.

To be so secure in His embrace that I’m willing to reach out when He leads me to.

These words of Jesus speak so clearly:

“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18:3‭-‬4 NKJV

If I hold tightly to my faith in the Lord Jesus, there is no room for fear.

It is only when I let go of the truths of scripture, the faithfulness of the Lord in my life, and the security of His salvation that I’m in danger.

When our granddaughter becomes frightened, her first reaction is to hold up her hands, her little eyes expressing her emotion and the security she’s seeking.

I want to be like that.

With each day, each moment, each phase of life.

Lifting my life before God Almighty, surrendering myself before His Sovereignty, and clinging to Him in faith.

Because I have seen the peace upon our granddaughter’s face when she secure in her Daddy’s arms.

And I know I can find the same in mine.

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:15 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for making a way for all to be children of God. How great is Your love towards us that You would make us sons and daughters! Lord, please continue to hone my heart into Your way, teach me by Your truths. Make me a reflection of You. Thank You so much for loving me as Your child. Thank You for teaching me to hold on to faith. I love You, Jesus. Thank You. Amen.