" A Found Friend . . ."

I had forgotten the joy I received from my Bible commentary when I read the Bible through from beginning to end. As noted in an earlier post, I’d read a chapter in the Bible and then read the same chapter in my commentary.

Since that reading many years ago, I’ve only picked up my commentary occasionally. But as this new year started, I decided to use the commentary again, on a daily basis, during my devotion time. I found my friend once again and what a joy it is bringing me!

My commentary is one volume, and is written for easy understanding of the scriptures. What a difference it makes in my study. I don’t know why I let it sit for so long. I guess I didn’t remember the blessing I received when I used it.

What a good year this will be as I rediscover all the blessings I have missed by not using the commentary. All friends are good; even friends that come in book form. And I do love my friends!

The picture above was taken during our December snow storm as I watched our back yard mount with snow. The picture below is of our friend, Sammy, who took a step off the beaten path and sunk up to her chest.

"Nothing to look forward too . . . "

I spoke with an elderly woman on New Year’s Day, and the thing I remember most about our conversation is her comment that “I have nothing to look forward too in 2010 except good health.” When she said it my initial thought was “that’s sad.” Since then, I’ve been pondering that comment. Will I feel like that when I’m in my 80s? I don’t think so.

For one thing I will still be able to pray, if I have my mind. What a glorious thing! There is nothing more important than talking to God. Interceding for others and their concerns is a BIG thing.

I will be at the portals of heaven very soon. I long for that moment now, so I’ll be very happy my day of leaving earth for life with the Father will be close.

I will have memories, if I have my mind. Remembering those things in the past that brought joy and happiness will capture the moments in my days. Yes, sad memories will be there too, but I have a feeling they won’t be as important as I grow close to heaven’s doors.

Although some friends will have passed away, I’m sure there will be a handful I can still communicate with. There will be a large circle of friends that I have made on my journey through life and we will encourage each us. Their love helped me all through the years and it won’t stop when I am older.

These thoughts are my hope if I reach the age of 80. Of course, my greatest hope is in Jesus. God has given us the greatest gift of all to see us through our time on earth. And He will be waiting for us when we go home.

I have a lot to look forward too. The choice is before you. You just have to take it! I hope you have something to look forward too!

The beautiful picture was taken by Kathy Kreyling as the bluebirds enjoyed her heated bird bath on a cold and clear day.

Mt. Airy, Maryland, formally dressed for winter . . .

I love that line! I first read it in Calvin Miller's book Snow, when he wrote this sparkling description of Prussia, PA. It creates a dramatic picture in my mind. And the snow was indeed delightful!

Some of you may be familiar with my snow poem. It was a special morning when . . .

I Heard Snow . . .

When I opened the back door I heard it,
Snow. I was amazed at the sound.
A whisper different from wind,
Yet, precise; like nothing else I've ever heard.
Snow falling from the heavens.
My heart rested and listened.
I couldn't keep away from my back door.
I heard snow falling and I thanked God."


The other weekend Jerry and I went a little west of Gettysburg to a Christmas Tree Farm for a Pet 'n Pull event. That gentle, loving breed of Newfoundlands had come out to help foster the Christmas spirit. Following are some of the pictures I took.


I think the little guy had been picked up one too many times!

I'm told there may be more snow this weekend. I'm ready!

Winter is Coming . . .

Snow. The season is fast approaching for my winter joy! The beautiful picture to the left was snapped by Donna Shiflett Thanksgiving week when she was in WV. It reminds me of all I love about snow.

A December 1 devotion by Charles Spurgeon also awakened my senses to another reason for snow. This is a different picture than I normally view on snow, but certainly captures all God has intended for us. Spurgeon’s scripture reference is, “You made both summer and winter.” Psalm 74:17 Following are some quotes I especially enjoyed!

“Dear soul, begin this wintry month with your God. Let the cold snow and piercing wind remind you He keeps His covenant with you day and night . . . Winter in the soul can be an uncomfortable season. He sends the cold blasts of adversity to nip the buds of our expectations. ‘He scatters the frost like ashes’ over the once green meadows of our joy . . . freezing the streams of our delight. He does it all, for He is the King of Winter, ruling even the realms of frost.

“Oh, how we enjoy the warm cheerful glow of a roaring fire on the hearth on a cold wintry day! In the same manner, may we treasure our Lord who is the constant source of warmth and comfort in every time of trouble . . . May we wrap ourselves in the warming garments of His promises and go forth to service appropriate to the season.”

And from Jim Reimann: “Spurgeon, like many people today, suffered occasional bouts of depression. Yet from today’s devotion we see he understood that even those were sent to him with a purpose from his heavenly Father . . . he saw God’s purpose in it.”

Last evening I listened to Debra Talley sing “No Other Word for Grace” on her CD “Seasons of the Heart.” The second line says: “White can’t tell the magic in the air when it snows.” Any way you look at it, snow is part of God’s plan, for the beauty it sends on earth, and for the work He does in each heart in wintertime.

I’ve had my share of both summer and winter in the soul. But I know who is in control of all weather . . . and I am thankful for His care.

Next week I’ll share a poem I wrote about snow. Don’t miss it!

A Time To Rest . . .

I will be enjoying Thanksgiving week at home, and I’m looking forward to relaxing and being refreshed. Holidays are quiet in my home as my family is small. Jerry will be working Thanksgiving day so I will enjoy a “me” day! Being a person who is most comfortable with solitude, I will be doing a little reading, listen to a little music, watch a favorite video or two and play spots with Sammy.

As I’ve been noting on my blog, there are many things I’m thankful for. Some that made it to the list this year are listed to the right on my blog if you haven’t seen them. Perhaps you’ll be encouraged to write down 30 things you’re thankful for!

My next blog will appear in December. Be blessed this Thanksgiving as we go into the Christmas season . . . and worship Jesus’ birth.

Celebration . . .

Saturday, November 14, is a glorious day for me! It marks my 31st anniversary of salvation. I still remember the day when I walked down the aisle to take my pastor’s hand, and then was counseled. When I walked home that evening, I told God, “I’m not sure if I’ve done the right thing, but I believe I have and trust you.”

One month earlier had found me crying on my living room couch when I told God, “I don’t like life. There is no reason for me to live. If there is something more, please show me.” He did.

I can’t imagine how my life would have turned out if I’d never found God and His saving grace through Jesus. Life is never easy, but with faith in God and fellowship with Jesus, I can get through each day.

The 14th is a good day for me. I was born on March 14th; Jerry and I married on December 14th, and March 2010 will be the 14th year of employment with the Baptist Convention. I’m expecting it to me a very good year!

Human Art . . .

As some of you may know, Ruth Bell Graham was a prolific writer. Her works are published in the monthly issues of Decision magazine, published by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. A recent work of hers caught my eye.

Ruth described going to a number of important places around the world, and how all of them were engulfed in scaffolding for repair or upkeep. Her question was: “Is that the way the world sees the church?”

“The church is scarred by wars, buffeted by storms and eroded by pollution, and God is at work restoring His own–-repairing, cleaning, purifying. He sees the end from the beginning. He sees us 'complete in Christ.' (Colossians 2:10) And the day will come when 'we shall be like him.' (1 John 3:2) But in the meantime, the world sees mainly the scaffolding.

We’re all a piece of art – human art – that God is working on every day. We need repair and upkeep to keep us going, and God is faithful to not give up on us.

Works in progress. And that’s the way the world see us.