Once again

It has been a long time since my last blog. I,m not sure why I stopped. However, so much hashapp

Once again

It has been a long time my last blog. I,m not sure

Once a

TRANSITONS WELCOME

The word, transitions, refers to more than lenses for glasses. They are occurrences in all of our lives. Sometimes they are welcome. Other times they come like tornadoes seeming to tear us apart like so much barn lumber.

Not very long ago just such a stormy transition came blowing through our lives. At the time it looked foreboding and negative. However, in a short time we began to see that it was a blessing in disguise. The whirlwind had cleared the land, so to speak, to make way for building a better ‘barn’. We’ve not only landed on our feet, but feel more secure than ever.

All of this reminded me of what occurred with Joseph in Genesis. Sold by his own brothers into Egyptian slavery, he rose to be a top leader in that new land. Although his jealous brothers meant it for evil, God meant it for good. (Genesis 5:20) In the New Testament, Paul finds it the same, as he writes:” to them that love God all things work together for good…” (Romans 8:28).

Wow! What a comfort that is to know; God working even in the bad stuff! It puts a new, holy, perspective on everything.

Underrated

I'm thinking RESTING is underrated. (I'll have to admit, though, sometimes I feel pretty guilty when I spend much time at it.) After all, at least my WW II generation, felt that our worth revolved around how much we produced. It's a hard attitude to shake.

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to join some relatives for a celebration. However, I had already had a pretty full day with church and company for lunch. My physical therapist had just recently warned me about over-extending myself and then paying for it the next day. We wanted to go, so I wrestled with the problem, and decided to go with 'the program'. (i.e. the good sense of the therapist.) Today I'm glad, even though cutting back goes against my grain. I want to do it all.

Proverbs tells the lazy slacker to 'go to the ant and get some wisdom'. But Jesus, pressured on every side by the needs of those around him, still found time for resting; (even in a boat during a gigantic storm.) He knew there were seasons and reasons for stepping back, like taking his disciples for a retreat at Caesarea, or drawing aside for hours to pray. Like I say, resting is underrated.

I guess I'll have to take this business of sabbath keeping beyond Sundays and going to church.
Maybe I can build a little more 'sabbath' into every day.

Hebrews, chapter 4, speak about an even deeper rest for the people of God; one that comes by walking by faith in an all-sufficient Christ. That rest cannot be overrated.

Peace Like A River

Recently, a guest hand-bell choir played a tune that I hadn't heard in years. We used to sing it often with our youth: "I've Got Peace Like a River in My Soul".

I remember earlier three books were published almost simultaneously: "Peace of Mind" by a psychologist, "Peace of Soul" by a priest, and "Peace with God" by Billy Graham. The authors were certainly scratching where people itch. I've said recently that no matter what happens to me physically, pain or paralysis, I believe I can handle it as long as there s a deep settled peace within. It is amazing how God provides this in seeming contradiction to external conditions and obstacles. I really praise God for that.

Today we still sing the old hymn, "When peace like a river attends my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul." He gives us peace.

Recently, we were watching a PBS special showcasing the life of Quincy Jones, the famous composer. As a tribute to "Q", BB Wynans sang the beautiful, "Everything Must Change". It was so beautiful and true that tears welled up as I heard the lyrics. ("Everything must change. Nothing stays the same. Everyone must change. No one stays the same. The young become the old, and mysteries do unfold. Cause that's the way of time. Nothing and no one goes unchanged.")
Change, of course, can be good,...and it can be hard. Yes, 'that's the way it is.'

When we were still 'young' we served a church in Cleveland. We had been fortunate enough to stay there 11 years. Naturally we had become attached to many people, especially the youth; however, we were feeling called to move on. At that time a bright and lovely young girl presented us with a placque that she had personally painted. Under the golden butterflies, was the inscription:" Lord, help me find my way through the changes in m life." (picture above by Diane Vogel Ferri.)

How we need that help, any of us, as the changes come; when strong limbs gradually become weaker, when staunch independence needs to ask for help with meagre tasks, when hyper energy has to slow to a slower pace, and when some of our gifts become hampered by our handicaps. Then we know the deeper meaning of "Lord, help me find my way through the changes in my life."
And he does if we ask Him.