“The Lord gives…”

Job 1:21 NKJV — And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

Job was a righteous man, who had a profound perspective.

Job 2:10 NKJV — But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Both these recorded words, as well as his actions, shows the truth he had built his faith upon:

God is Sovereign.

and

He deserves all our worship.

It’s been said, that the character of a person is revealed when they are “squeezed” by life’s circumstances.

Job’s character is clear:

Job 1:8 NKJV — Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

God knew his integrity from the beginning and after this extreme trial, He reveals Himself to Job in a way He’d not done before.

Job 42:1-3 NKJV — Then Job answered the LORD and said:“I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”

Because Job held fast to his integrity, he came through the trial with a far greater understanding of God Almighty.

Job 42:4-6 NKJV — Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’ “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.”

He also had a better understanding of himself.

Would Job’s incredible journey be yours or mine if we were put to the test this way?

Would we hold fast to the truths Job did and find a clearer understanding of both God and ourselves?

Or would we fall prey to the sins of Job’s friends?

Determined in their beliefs that God never allows bad things to happen to “good” people, they accused Job of sin over and over, demanding him to confess and repent, without any evidence of wrong doing.

They jumped to a conclusion based upon their faulty understanding of God.

But God used this circumstance to teach both Job and his friends.

Job 42:7-9NKJV — And so it was, after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has. “Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and My servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly; because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.”So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD commanded them; for the LORD had accepted Job.

“If God is good, why do bad things happen?”

Humanity has been asking this question for generations.

Sometimes, it is a consequence of sin.

Sometimes, it’s our faulty perspective, assuming something is “bad” when it’s actually a blessing.

Other times, it’s a test or trial, filled with opportunity from the Lord for understanding and growth.

Let us, each one, come before the Lord with humility and seek Him, asking that He reveal our hearts to us and instruct us in truth.

“Do I believe God is Sovereign?”

“Do I believe He is worthy of all praise?”

“Do I respond as Job, with humility and worship when facing loss?”

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Job’s story and how much there is to glean from it. Lord Jesus, please help me to cling to Your truths, to be steadfast in my integrity before You. Lord, I want to walk as Job did. I want to be faithful through every circumstance. Lord, I want to seek You in all things, praising You continually with a thankful heart. Lord, I am weak and often I fail to give You the trust and worship You deserve. Please forgive me. Lord, I want to do better. Thank You for today, another opportunity to choose to walk with You. May my life reflect Your Word. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

A man of incredible faith

And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. Job 1:8‭-‬12 KJV

Although this passage of scripture is rather startling, to see Satan challenging God about the uprightness of Job, it’s an incredible testimony.

God knew Job’s heart and Satan did not.

Thus, when Satan challenges Job’s faithfulness, God allows the test.

Satan is given all of Job’s possessions and the ability to kill his children, but isn’t to lay a finger on Job.

Job’s response proves God’s words concerning him.

Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, and said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
Job 1:20‭-‬22 KJV

Even in this, Satan shows his unwillingness to yield to God’s truth.

And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
Job 2:4‭-‬6 KJV

So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
Job 2:7‭-‬10 KJV

Job didn’t know why all these things were happening to him, and he’s completely heartbroken, yet he doesn’t sin again the Lord.

Job’s integrity inspires me.

When, the circumstances of life bring loss and sorrow and deep pain, I want to fall upon my knees and worship God.

I want a faith which accepts trials and tribulations as much as blessings and seasons of plenty, for can it be called faith if it withers and died when the storm rolls over it?

No.

How did Job come to have such great faith?

And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
Job 1:5 KJV

He was diligent in serving God, both for himself and for his family, even when things were good.

Faithfulness was built by continually doing what was right.

What a wonderful truth and something we can apply today.

Whether we’ve done well or poorly in the past doesn’t eliminate our opportunity in the now.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for this story of Job, which never ceases to inspire my heart and encourage my mind. Lord, please speak clearly through Your Word into our today. Help each one of us to walk with You in faith, choosing to do what is right and following after You. Lord, You are sinless, even when You walked this Earth. I know sin and my flesh are constantly waiting to trip me up, please help me to be self-controlled, centered on Your Word, and a person of righteousness. Lord, on my own, I’m weak, but You make me strong. Lord, please renew our minds, if there’s anything the enemy has fed us which is marring our perspective, please reveal the truth. Lord, if there’s anything that has been taught to us, which does not align with Your Word, please reveal it and correct the error. Lord Jesus, please break up the fallow ground and replant it with Your Word. Let us not waste the gifts You have given, but instead teach us how to live. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

A bit of a rough go

This is a photograph of our garage.

It’s one of the positive things which occurred this week.

Handsome (my husband) came home from work one day and did all of this.

I should have taken a “before” picture, but I wasn’t thinking about it at the time.

Rather, I was feeling a bit panicked over a comment my husband had made when he called me on his way home.

My husband loves me very much and I love him.

We are two extremely different people and over the past week, we’ve had a bit of a rough go.

Communication has never been our strong suit, and although we are continuing to try to learn how to communicate well, I can’t say this week felt like a win.

It was more like survival.

And frankly, I think a large percentage of the lack of communication was me.

I couldn’t see it at first, but suddenly a bunch of small things all began to pile up in my emotions.

Instead of working to forgive each circumstance, I somehow began a mental list.

After a few days of struggling with terribly poor attitudes, and praying throughout this, God used a couple moments to fold back the hurt and reveal the truth.

I was afraid.

I wasn’t walking in forgiveness and humility.

I had ignored my husband’s perspective and God’s, and was focused upon mine.

Uhg!

How quickly fear becomes a slimy slope which my emotions and thoughts become bogged down in and the decent into self-pity and hopelessness begins to permeate everything.

Praise God for His mercy and grace!

Not only did He lift me out of the yuck, He cleansed me, and wrapped me in new understanding.

With these gifts came instructions.

Trust Me.

As a wife, I can often get caught up in looking to my husband to be the answer to my concerns, the comfort of my hurt, the tireless solution to all my needs.

But that’s not his job.

Those things belong to Jesus.

My husband is a wonderful man, but he’s not God and I shouldn’t expect him to be able to be.

Love him.

Scripture is clear, the woman was created by God for man as a helper, a complement to him. (Genesis 2:18-25)

Marriage is God’s foundation for all of society and it’s meant to work as a team, two people who love and serve God, together.

I’d allowed my hurt to dampen my love and mar my service both to my husband and to the Lord.

Allow Me to lead.

I’m a first born.

God has put me in many positions of leadership over the years, and I have a “can do” attitude about most of life; if I see a need, my first response is to try to fill it.

But that’s not following.

Just because I see what I perceived to be need doesn’t mean it is, nor does it automatically fall to my list of responsibilities.

I’ve learned, through some painful experiences, that I must wait upon the Lord for His direction not charge off on my own.

The root of my fears, which triggered my hurt were, in some degree, my reaction to “needs” which I was trying to fill in my own strength.

I had taken these things to the Lord, but sadly, I was failing at waiting upon Him for direction.

Praise God for His forgiveness!

I’m also extremely thankful to my husband for his forgiveness.

I’m not just full of gratitude for God using this to show me my heart, I’m expecting Him to continue to use it.

When I need to be chastised by the Lord, I know it’s for my best and with continued humility and remembrance an opportunity for future reference.

So, although this week has been a bit of a rough go, I know God will use it for good.

Proverbs 3:11 KJV — My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your correction. Thank You for Your faithfulness throughout my error. Lord, thank You for helping me see the truth and for giving me Your perspective. Thank You for relieving my fears. Thank You for Your help in times of trouble. Lord, I know You are Sovereign and I worship Your holy name. You alone are worthy of all honor, all glory, all praise. I love You, Jesus. Thank You for first loving me. Amen.

“Know your why”

Yesterday evening, I watched a video clip on YouTube by Michael Jr, titled “Know your why”.

As the video inspired me, I want to inspire you.

Why are you doing the things you are doing?

Why are you living the way you do?

For those who are called by the name of Jesus Christ, the answers are in scripture.

John 14:15 KJV — If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Our reason for choices should be based on following God’s Word.

1 John 5:2-3 KJV — By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Our daily walk in following Christ should be a joy, for we choose to follow, to obey, because our love of Jesus and His love for us.

1 John 2:28 KJV — And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

As children of God, we should each be abiding with God, in such a way that we are not ashamed of His return.

John 14:23 KJV — Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

To be a child means looking to the parents for direction, instruction, and guidance.

To be underneath their authority, trusting that they want what is best and they understand that better than the child does.

It’s that kind of abiding we should have daily; living with God our Father.

Personally, I don’t always follow what God’s Word directs,

to my shame.

But I’m seeking the Lord daily, looking for guidance in His Word, and humbling myself before Him.

My “why” should always be based in scripture.

And with the Lord’s continued guidance it will be.

Hebrews 4:12 KJV — For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the video which inspired me, yesterday. Lord, thank You for reminding me to check my motivates with You and Your Word. Lord, please continue to hone my heart and help me find truth in these days when it has become forgotten. Lord, please sift the information coming at me, that I might discern that which aligns with Your Word and that which does not. Thank You for Your scriptures. Thank You for truth. May my life bring glory to Your name. Amen.

Many things

This week has been full of teaching moments for me.

And I’m the student.

The Lord has used this busy week to squeeze and some of the attitudes which came out were not honorable.

Like the moment when I felt the Lord’s leading to do something and my first reaction was:

“I don’t want to.”

I was embarrassed by my two-year-old response, asked the Lord for forgiveness, and did what He asked.

But my “mouthing off”, in my heart, had closed the communication.

I couldn’t hear the Lord while I completed the task.

Much later, I related to my husband the lesson.

Several times this week, I’ve had to take captive my thoughts, as a dart of fear has crossed my mind.

“What if…?!”

I’d begin to feel frightened and then remember:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

“Lord, I am feeling afraid of the future, but I trust You with it, no matter the outcome.”

“You have to get that done or else…!”

Being weary in body, I’d groan inwardly at the lack of ability to complete something else.

Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him…

“Lord Jesus, I want to know Your priorities, please help me not to act out of fear.”

“You need to make this happen because…!”

“Lord, this doesn’t sound like You. Jesus, please help me not to be afraid. I don’t want to do anything in my own strength. Lord, I don’t know what to do to resolve this, please guide me. Please guard my heart from my own flesh which seeks it’s own good.”

Then there was yesterday.

A circumstance occurred which my husband handled in a way I didn’t expect and placed us in a bind.

My week of guarding against walking in the flesh helped and I heard the Lord remind my heart to trust my husband.

Rather than ask my husband why he responded as he did or try to jump in and “fix”, I simply asked him:

“Okay, what’s the plan now?”

His response was brief, “I don’t know.”

It was tempting to offer suggestions, to point out a quick solution, to give him the “we need…!”.

Thankfully, I didn’t do anything, besides pray.

Yes, some of those prayers were borderline to worrying, but I was being honest with my emotions, laying myself before my Heavenly Father, and trusting Him.

Part of the struggle in this is my husband will be gone all day today, first to work and then to help someone from our church move.

Jase is going with his dad, to help, and Anne is working from afternoon till closing.

There’s a lot which needs tending to today and I’m the only one with time to do them.

This truth seemed to rub my mind, like a loose thread I couldn’t pull nor cut off.

Until, I woke this morning.

It’s a blessing to help others.

Snip!

That thread was broken instantly, and I thanked the Lord for another lesson.

Jesus is our example in all things.

He was constantly serving people, whether it was healings, teachings, or through compassion, like blessing the little children.

We too are supposed to be living daily, diligent about our own work, but willing to help others, loving and serving as He did.

Serving is often costly.

It requires us to give in one way or another.

It, like every other area of our lives, needs to be led by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word.

When we are walking in His ways and truth we need not allow fear to trample our faith, even when the service to others puts us in a bind.

For Christ gave not just of His time and talents, He gave His life.

John 15:13 KJV — Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

1 John 3:16 KJV — Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for this week. Thank You for the lessons You are teaching me. Thank You for helping me learn to listen and obey. Thank You for teaching me to keep every thought captive and to compare it with scripture before acting upon it or accepting it and dwelling on it. Please continue to hone my heart, I want to be honorable before You. Lord, thank You for Your truth and example. Thank You for reminding me of what is truly important. Lord, You know what is best and I trust You to guide and direct both myself and my husband. Please show us what You want us to do today. I give You tomorrow and trust You to handle it, for I know today holds enough trouble, I need not borrow any from tomorrow. Thank You, Jesus for providing for us. Thank You for being our Maker and the One who saved us from sin and death. Thank You for continuing to teach and love me as I walk each day. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

June 28, 2022

Today’s prayer:

Isaiah 61:11 NLT — The Sovereign LORD will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your righteousness! Thank You for Your Word which teaches, guides, exhorts. Lord, thank You that You show us what is truth, what righteousness really is. Thank You that Your time on Earth is our example of how to live, how to serve You, and how to love others. Thank You that You alone are the perfect One who not only showed us ourselves clearly, revealed our sinful state, but You paid the price. Lord, I’m confessing my struggles with temptation and humbly requesting Your strength to remain diligent in all things. Lord Jesus, I’m trusting You to show me what Your desire for my day is. I want to be honorable before You, no matter the cost. Please keep my feet upon Your paths, guard my heart against stumbling onto the paths of selfish ambition, fearing man, the ways of the flesh, or anything else which would lead me astray. Lord, may my lips speak truth, my heart be filled with gratitude for Your salvation, and my mind ruminating upon Your Word. I want to be seed which produces a crop. I want Your righteousness and praise to spring up in my life daily. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

God is full of Mercy

True repentance comes out of one’s clear understanding that God is holy and I am a sinner.

Luke 18:13 KJV — And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

This parable, told by Jesus, is an example of each person who has recognized their sin and called upon the Lord’s mercy.

Throughout scripture we see that God is merciful.

Exodus 34:6 KJV — And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Deuteronomy 4:31 KJV — (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

Nehemiah 9:31 KJV — Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.

Yet, we must not take God’s merciful nature for granted and purposely transgress His commandments expecting to call upon His mercy after the choosing to walk in sin.

Mercy is not a license to live as we think best.

Rebellion brings harsh consequences as both the country of Israel and Judah learned.

Yet, throughout the rebellion of those nations God had prophets warning the people of their coming discipline, offering mercy for those who would repent and turn away from wickedness.

He is the same God today that He was then.

For those who have yet to repent, He’s calling.

For those who have seen the error of their ways and stood before Him with humility and true repentance we have tasted of His mercy.

May we always cherish the incredible nature of God and bring glory to His name through our daily walks with Him.

Psalm 116:5 KJV — Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for Your continuing work to reach those who have yet to know You. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love and compassion, how longsuffering You are, for Your understand our poor state and want to redeem us from our own sin. Lord Jesus, thank You that You are God alone. There is none like You and there never will be. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for salvation. Thank You for the hope of eternity with You. Thank You! I love You, Jesus! Amen.

Seeing myself

This is my great great grandmother.

Thanks to my mom and my grandfather’s cousin we know a good deal about grandmother and grandfather.

Cousin Emily was the family historian and made sure to write down a bunch of information about her grandparents.

Recently, I was reading through her letter, copied by hand by my mother, and read something that I could relate to.

Upon my rereading it to our daughter her comment was, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!”.

This is what the letter said:

I saw myself in my great great grandmother and felt the truth of grandfather’s words.

Because I too like fine china and I have the tendency to want leave some things unused, rather than enjoy them daily.

These words reminded me of what is important.

Like grandfather said to grandmother, my family is my best company and far more valuable than something man made.

This world is temporary, but the human soul is not.

God has given me stewardship over many things and I want to be honorable before Him with how I handle them, including my relationships.

I believe Grandmother understood this truth as well, because Grandfather died when my great grandpa was only a child (the youngest of six) and Grandmother ran the family on her own.

The stories passed down about her include her clever and resourceful use of money and the property Grandpa left to educate and provide for her family.

I don’t know what happened to Grandmother’s best china, but it’s of little importance.

Her devotion to her family is a legacy I want to continue.

I’m inspired by the words of 1 Timothy.

1 Timothy 3:11 NLT — In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your blessings. Lord, thank You that You have reminded me through my own ancestors the priorities of life, not to get caught up in the material things, but rather to serve You and love others. Lord, I will never be able to walk in Your love without Your help and guidance. Thank You for Your Word which instructions and Your Holy Spirit which comforts and guides. Please continue to help me leave a legacy for my family of faith, love, perseverance, patience, integrity, and truth. Lord, I believe Your Word is truth and all I need for each day. Thank You for Your blessings. Thank You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful works! Amen.

Don’t expect a harvest…

…if you haven’t planted the seed.

I’m unsure what happened, exactly.

But it was definitely the Lord, that the error was caught.

I’d planted seeds in the garden, but completely missed an entire package.

Much later, I found it where my seeds waited in a drawer all winter.

The crazy thing about it all, is my expectations.

I’ve been looking forward to those in soups and salads, but I’m not going to have a single one if the seeds never go in the ground.

Which struck me.

How often do I expect spiritual fruit, but fail to plant the seeds?

My daily choices today will bring forth a harvest in the future.

Galatians 6:7 NLT — Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.

If I want to reap the fruit of the Spirit in my life, I need to be humble, teachable, obedient to God’s Word, not walking in the ways of the flesh.

Ephesians 4:22-23 RSV — Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds,

Ephesians 4:30 RSV — And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

If I want God’s peace in my life, I have to surrender myself fully to the Lord and trust in His Sovereignty.

Philippians 4:6-7NLT — Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

I shouldn’t expect to reap a harvest of righteousness if I’ve not summited to God and chosen to walk in His ways.

So, I’m grabbing my garden gloves, putting on my rubber boots and taking that unplanted package to the garden to plant, but first…

I’m spending some time with the Lord in His Word and in prayer, making sure I’ve begun this day with the proper seed: faith, humility, love, truth, honesty, selfcontrol, patience, peace, the heart of a servant…

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your love and this lesson in life through my oversight. Lord, please help me to realize each day is an opportunity to plant into tomorrow. Lord, please continue to teach me to be self-disciplined, honorable, gentle, soft spoken, truthful, loving, kind, faithful, wise, discerning, and Your child. Lord, I want to be like You in every way. Thank You for teaching me this morning. Thank You for speaking so clearly through something so simple. How I love You, Jesus! What a blessing it is to walk in Your ways, reading Your Word, and being guided by Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for salvation. Thank You for Your patience with me, such a slow learner. May Your name be glorified throughout the whole earth! Amen.

History for breakfast

It’s not unusual to see the history book with on our dining table, tucked among the breakfast things.

Our school day begins with prayer and then a history lesson, often while our son eats.

Last fall I discovered that our son’s interest in history grew a great deal if I could relate the people or place we were studying into something or someone he’s familiar with.

So, our American history lessons are often dotted with family.

Like the day after we read about Sherman’s march in the Civil War.

I read through an old family letter which told about my grandfather’s grandpa.

“On November 16, 1864 he enlisted for one year as a private in the Union army, (Company C, 17th Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry) at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He joined his company on January 29,1865 at Pocotaligo, South Carolina. At enlistment he had given his age as 18 and used the name John Shuck. Shuck was his mother’s maiden name. (At some point they discovered his real age; 16) he was drummer boy in General Sherman’s army. Atlanta was burned on November 15th 1864, and the march to the sea was started immediately. Sherman entered Savannah in mid-December and started the march North in late January 1865. Through an affidavit signed by Grandpa we know he was on the march from Savannah to Goldsboro, North Carolina. The soldiers still plundered and laid waste the land. It was cold, wet and no tents were provided. Grandpa suffered from rheumatism and consumption in the winter and spring of 1865. Grandpa was honorably discharged on July 14, 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky.”

Although, he was interested by the fact that his grandfather was part of a famous march, Jase wasn’t glad about the suffering it caused to many, nor was he happy to hear about the illness of his grandfather, which marked his life permanently.

He was very glad the Civil War put an end to slavery in the United States.

This sparked questions and he wanted to hear more about Grandpa John.

Our history lesson turned into an extended family heritage study.

This rolled into Grandma Thekla and other moments of history, like the Chicago fire.

Grandpa lost everything he had, but both Grandma and their first child were safe, because both Mother and daughter had been sent back to Germany to visit her family as Grandma wasn’t feeling well with their second child.

Grandma’s doctor had prescribed an ocean voyage to help Grandma’s morning sickness and God used it to keep both Grandma, her expected baby and their little daughter safe.

(Not to mention that my great grandfather was the last of their six children.)

Grandpa John and Grandma Thekla

That day’s history lesson/family heritage were an opportunity.

Learning just to gain head knowledge is of little use, but to be able to look at the experiences of those from another era and see that God was working even then, that is valuable.

As we study history, I pray our son is learning so much more than names, dates, and the accomplishments of mankind.

I pray he understands that people have sin and therefore often harm themselves and others.

I pray he finds identity, not in who his great great grandparents were, but in being a child of God.

I pray he finds inspiration, for history is full of incredible people God used in amazing ways.

I pray his faith in Jesus grows daily, whether he’s studying or working or enjoying recreation.

For life is a gift from God and I want to use my gift well, and I know our son does too.

Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.
Ecclesiastes 5:18 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for those You have used to record history, that we might grow in the understanding that mankind is flawed, but You are faithful. Thank You for using our family to teach both myself and our son. Thank You for the best truth of all, we have hope in Your eternal salvation! Lord Jesus, I pray for those who struggle to see Your hand at work in their lives and the lives of others. I pray that their understanding will be opened and they will be brought to a knowledge of Your goodness, Your mercy, Your grace. Lord throughout history we can see the tragedy of sin and the stain of wickedness, but through Your Word we can see that from the moment people chose sin rather than faith You have been making a way by which we can be saved. Lord Jesus, thank You! Thank You for life and the opportunity to live wholly for You. Thank You for truth and the reality that this world is not all there is. Thank You for Your love which washes away our sins. Thank You for Your Sovereignty, which: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28 NKJV) I love You, Jesus. Amen.