God is in the details...

“When you think your possessions are few, imagine losing everything you own…..then having it returned…” (Author unknown)

They were in love, but, about to graduate from college, they had hardly a penny to their name. Together, they picked out an inexpensive gold engagement ring, with a tiny diamond chip in the center. She was content with the modest ring, because she understood the love behind it. He wanted it to be more. To surprise her, he sold his most valuable possessions, which were few, to buy a more valuable diamond. He planned to have the diamond mounted in the gold ring as soon as he could afford to have it done. Before they were married, he shared his plan for her ring. The sentiment touched her deeply. Just before leaving on their honeymoon, they discussed what to do with the diamond. Should they keep it with them while they travelled or store it safely away until they were settled in their new apartment? They decided it would be too easy to lose it if they took it with them. They carefully wrapped it in tissue paper, put it into an envelope and stored it in a box for safe keeping.
   In all the excitement of beginning their new lives together, the diamond was forgotten. Several weeks after the wedding, the new wife remembered the diamond and began to search through any box she could find. Panicking, she thought of all the boxes they had thrown out! The most valuable thing they owned was gone. Deeply disappointed, a feeling of loss settled over her. She knew how much he had sacrificed to buy that diamond and how special it would have been to replace the tiny chip in her ring. She whispered a prayer that it might be found, but, in her heart, she had no hope. Months passed. One evening after returning from a long trip, she laid her suitcase on the floor in the bedroom, kneeled down, pulled it open and began casually unpacking her soiled clothing. Twilight cast a shadow in the room, so she stood to flick on the light. When she turned and looked down at the nearly empty suitcase, something very small and shimmery caught her eye. It was lying in the center of the suitcase, all by itself. Wondering what she owned that a rhinestone could have fallen out of, she picked it up and closely examined it…..a feeling of shock and disbelief gripped her as she realized it was not a rhinestone, but a solitary diamond! When she shared the news of her discovery, her husband was stunned. They took it to a jeweler for confirmation, and it was, indeed, the very diamond he had purchased nearly a year before. Delighted and still in disbelief, they had the diamond mounted, replacing the tiny chip, just in time for their first anniversary.
To this day, nearly forty-two years later, that ring is still my most valued piece of jewelry. It has been a continual reminder that no prayer is too small, no request of our hearts insignificant. Our God knows the number of hairs on our head (a number that is constantly changing…). He created more stars than there are grains of sand, and yet knows each one by name. He takes note when a sparrow falls from a tree. Our God cares about the details of our lives. When He said,"be anxious for nothing, but in everything let your requests be made known to God"…I believe He meant everything. Trusting Him in the details of our lives builds faith, not because every little request is granted, but because He will inevitably demonstrate that He cares about our needs and even our desires. “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). A “gift” is not necessarily something needed. It is something we delight to receive because of the love that motivated the giving. That is why Ephesians 3, verse 20 states that God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”… because His love is more than we can imagine! He is the One who specializes in restoring what was lost, and in the process He teaches us appreciation and multiplies our joy (Luke 15:7, 9-10).

Missing a dog...

I am missing a dog….missing a cold nose that nuzzled my arm when I was engaged on the computer or holding a book I was attempting to read…..missing that unique “aarrgghh” that expressed a myriad of wants or needs, but mostly just the desire for attention, and, sometimes, woke us up way too early in the morning. I am missing a dog….those big brown eyes looking over the window ledge to confirm I was arriving home….and that wagging tail drumming delight at the anticipation of a walk or the chance to play fetch with just about anything. I am missing a dog….who could not greet me at the door without presenting a gift….usually one of my shoes. I even miss the many walks required at inconvenient times, often in the cold and rain…. walks that provided opportunity to get to know my neighbors as never before. I am missing a dog….whose sweet spirit drew complete strangers, and countless children, to ask if they could come and pet her whenever we visited a park. I am so grateful to our daughter and grandchildren who allowed us to be Toby’s “foster parents” while they lived in Australia for a year. Having her helped us feel connected to them while they were so far away. Our hearts were warmed to hear the delighted squeals of our grandchildren as they arrived home and were reunited with their beloved dog. That, after all, had been our goal in keeping Toby for the year until their return. I am so happy to know we will see her often, happily back home with her loving family, but it won’t quite be the same…..it’s quieter here now, and I don’t have to vacuum as often, we can even sleep in on weekends…but I can’t help missing a dog….

 

A personal reflection…

Preparing for a major overseas trip, I ordered some travel items from Rick Steves, the travel guru.  One item was a small, yellow, toiletries bag.  I love that little bag….it can hold all the necessary items for a trip (in 3 ounce containers, of course).  When you unzip the front, it has a hook so you can hang it anywhere for easy access.  And on that zippered front is a small mirror attached by Velcro.  Actually, the mirror was the only disappointment.   It was very foggy and not very useful, especially in low light.  I didn’t think much about it, except that I would have expected better quality from the travel expert.  Not long after returning from the trip, I noticed the mirror was pealing around the edges.  Wow, this is really cheap, I thought.  But before throwing it away, I pulled on a curled edge and, much to my surprise, a thin plastic sheet came off the mirror revealing clearly the stupefied expression on my face.  It had never occurred to me that the mirror might have a protective covering.  After a few moments of feeling really, really dumb, I began to reflect (pun intended…)

How often is my view of others, of events, of knowledge, even of God, distorted because my understanding is clouded.  Is it possible to pull away the veil that obscures true perception?  In Ephesians 1:17-18, Paul speaks about the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that opens the “eyes of your heart.” 2 Peter 1:19 refers to the “word” being like a light shining in a dark place.  In the context of the supremacy of love, Paul explains in I Corinthians 13:12 “now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then (when we are made perfect in love) we shall see face to face. “

The veil over my heart is not something I can remove by myself.  It continuously clouds my perceptions, causing me to misjudge motives, to think the worst rather than the best of others, to envy, become boastful (in my mind if not in my words) and even to doubt God.  All of these things, I hate.  But the Bible tells me, it is only by God’s Spirit, His Word, and His love perfected in us, that the veil can be torn away.  It is a wonderful thing to see clearly, because, when we do, the reflection we see more closely resembles Christ (Ephesians 4:23).  Now there’s something to reflect upon…

An Awesome Travelling Companion

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV). Thinking about this verse over the years, I have often wondered what it meant to “acknowledge Him.” The Hebrew word is yaw-dah, meaning to know or “ascertain by seeing.” The word has many implications, including close relationship as with a” familiar friend” or “kinsman” and “to know” and “make known.” The word “trust” in this verse is batach, meaning to be confident, secure, sure. To paraphrase it in my own words,” Be completely confident in the Lord. In all your plans, include Him as you would your dearest friend. Because He is included in everything you do, He will be your guide, even when you don’t understand the route.”

I’ve just returned from the trip of a lifetime. My husband and I travelled to Tahiti, Australia and New Zealand over the course of a month. Our daughter and three wonderful grandchildren are living in Melbourne for a year while my son-in-law completes a work opportunity there. To my husband, this seemed the perfect time to fulfill a life-long dream to visit these wonderful places, while spending cherished time with our grandchildren. I cannot think of the trip without thinking of Ephesians 3:20, because it exceeded our expectations in every way. The month was filled with adventure, including an ATV excursion on the island of Moorea, a helicopter ride over the Great Ocean Road of Australia, a walk-about in the Australian bush, a guided horseback tour in the wilderness of New Zealand, a cruise through the fjords of Milford Sound, a gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak overlooking Queenstown and beautiful Lake Wakatipu, a delightful visit to Hobbit town, a trek around the thermal mud pots and geysers of Rotorua…. All in all we covered nearly 24,000 miles, and spent nearly 48 hours in the air. What is particularly impressive to me about this remarkable trip is that I really wasn’t looking forward to travelling for a month, and the thought of flying such long distances made me anxious. Even short trips in the air made me apprehensive. Gratefully, I can state those things in the past tense. While planning the trip, I decided to take Proverbs 3:5-6 to heart, believe it and live it. As we worked on our itinerary, I spread it all out before the Lord in prayer. I talked to Him about what our plans and hopes were, and asked Him to be in every detail. I also asked Him to turn my fears into joyful anticipation (Psalm 34: 4-5). He kept His promise…..He directed our paths (on land and in the air!), and even the occasional glitch in our plans turned out to be for the best. And all the while, I felt I was sharing the adventure with my “Familiar Friend.” What an awesome travelling Companion!!

I recently had the opportunity to accompany three of our grandchildren to a local science museum. We had a great afternoon exploring exhibits of wild animals and sea creatures, experimenting with sound machines and building blocks, learning fascinating things about the human body and taking in a show at the planetarium. One exhibit had to do with light….my grandson and I sat across from each other with a large glass pane between us. Each of us had a dial to control the amount of light that shone upon us. The more light we allowed to shine, the more clearly we could see the person across from us. When we turned the dial to diminish the light, we saw less and less of the other person, until all we could see in the pane was ourselves. It struck me that God’s principles are everywhere evident…maybe especially in a science museum. I couldn’t ignore the lesson….I can go through a day where all I see is myself, my needs, my concerns. That’s when I am not allowing God (who is Light) to shine in my life. When I “turn the dial”(perhaps through prayer, Bible study, fellowship) I can begin to focus on others and less on myself. I was reminded of Paul’s words in I. Cor 13:12 (KJ), “for now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face….then shall I know even as also I am known.” I truly do see “through a glass darkly,” but I’m reaching for the dial….

With all the exuberance and energy of a fifteen-month old, our grandson, Lee, headed to the ocean as quickly as his little legs would take him. For some of our grandchildren, the first encounter with the foaming surf has been frightening. We would carry them to the edge of the breaking tides and hold them up so they could feel the sand and the water converge on their reluctant toes. It could take several attempts before they would not react fearfully, clamoring up into our arms. But not Lee! He was drawn to the ocean like a baby turtle, determined to make his way to those waves. I walked (jogged) beside him, holding his tiny hand when he would let me and trying to keep him in my shadow as the sun became more intense. Keeping him in my shadow was a constant challenge. It meant keeping him close to me, at my side, while he was blissfully unaware of my efforts to protect him. It occurred to me how often we are unaware, and unappreciative, of God’s protective presence. David understood, when he prayed “hide me under the shadow of your wings…” (Psalm 17:8), “the children of men put their trust under the shadow of your wings..(Psalm 36:7), “In the shadow of your wings I will make my refuge…” (Psalm 57:1), “In the shadow of your wings I will rejoice” (Psalm 63:7) (NKJ). With childlike dependence, David said “my soul follows close behind you, Your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:8). He knew that to be in God’s shadow, he had to stay as close to Him as he could. But sometimes, God moves to keep us close even when we are unaware or unable. I John 2:1 refers to Jesus Christ as our Advocate. The Greek word for “advocate” is “paraklesis” and refers to “coming to one’s side.” I know our grandchildren cannot possibly understand how much we love them and want to protect them. We pray as they grow older, and the waves of life become less gentle, that they each will hold tightly to the hand of their God and rejoice in His protective shadow.

A Special Kind of Love, a Tribute

The side door of the van had not even fully opened when, to our delight, three joyful children clamored out and ran towards us. I’ll never forget the moment my oldest grandson, Owen, lept into my arms. His hug was so full of love that it filled my heart to overflowing. It was one of those “I don’t ever want to let go” kind of hugs. The feeling was mutual. We had not seen our grandchildren, except by Skype, for nearly nine months. Our daughter and son-in-law had taken advantage of a great job opportunity as a way to let their children experience the rich culture of India for six months. But, as often happens in such situations, the six months was extended to a year, and they were visiting us for the holidays. We had a wonderful visit, catching up and learning everything we could about their amazing adventure ….especially fascinating when seen through the eyes of the children. We treasure the memory of hugs and cuddles on the couch, watching movies or looking at photo albums. I have to admit, it was harder to say good-by this time than when they first left. We know God is holding them in His arms and directing their lives, and we praise Him for that. Our time apart has reminded us that family is a gift so precious only God could have thought it up. And nothing brings joy like the love of grandchildren!
Now, three of our precious grandchildren are back in India. And, once again, we are grateful for Skype! Another grandson lives in Atlanta and, although we prefer that to India, it’s hard to spend the time with him that we would like. Still, we have gotten to watch him grow from the day of his birth, to sitting, crawling and preparing to take that first step. I’ve had the joy of being chased on my knees around the playroom, reading stories, and stacking blocks just for the fun of watching him knock them down. He smiles with his whole face, as if the joy of life can hardly be contained. I love to be asked to come for a visit and spend time with Lee. I marvel that his parents worry about me “giving up the time” to come, when time with him (them) is a gift.
God is good….and four of our grandchildren are only twenty minutes away! Ages four, three, two and four months, they are totally and completely amazing. At this point, their parents are more tired than amazed, so I am glad I am close enough to give them a little break now and then. I love going through the front door, and hearing the playful clamor coming from their upstairs rooms. I especially love when they realize I’m there and the clamor stops to the cry of “MiMi!” I’m old (39 plus shipping and handling), but to this day I cannot think of a better compliment than Sean telling me, “MiMi, you are so fun!”
Proverbs 17, verse 6 says, “children’s children are the crown of old men (and women!), and the glory of children is their father,” and, I could add, their grandfather. We are so thankful to be grandparents. Of all the titles the world could offer, none compares to “MiMi and PaPa!” Our continual prayer is that we might be a Godly influence in the lives of all of our grandchildren. I am writing as a tribute to my mother and father in law, who have always been spiritual pillars in our family. Our children have always had the blessing of Godly grandparents, who have treasured being a part of their lives. Now, as we witness the faithfulness and dedication of our children, and their efforts to be Godly parents, we realize that the example of their grandparents has impacted the lives of every child, grandchild and great-grandchild they have. I hope they know how much they are loved, and what a rich spiritual heritage they have given their family. God is faithful and He promises in Psalms 102, verse 28, “The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you.” Can there be a more awesome promise? Nothing brings joy like the love of grandchildren….living in God’s presence, established before Him!”

Waiting is so hard!

Waiting is so hard, and I am not good at it! A few days ago, our family welcomed our newest granddaughter, Annabelle Rose. Seeing her for the first time filled us with awe. The birth of a child is such an incredible display of the power, glory and creativity of our God! But waiting for her arrival, I had been growing more and more tense, like a runner poised at the starting line waiting for the gun. This was child number four for my daughter, and each delivery had been a little quicker than the one before. I was concerned whether she would make it to the hospital on time, and whether her husband (whose job requires him to travel most weekends) would be there for her. She had never made it to her projected due dates before, and one child had arrived three weeks early! Now we were approaching week 39 (a new record!), and Braxton Hicks contractions (also known as “practice contractions”) were occurring more and more frequently. I kept my cell phone in my pocket, suitcases packed and in the car (which was full of gas!) and, sometimes I went to bed fully dressed. I had worked out the scenario in my head a dozen times. The call would come, I would jump in the car and race to her house to calmly (yeah, right!) take care of the other children while her husband drove her to the hospital. Knowing things rarely happen as they are planned, I leaned on prayer partners and tried every day to trust in God’s perfect timing.
Waiting is so hard, especially when we are waiting for something we really want. We had been so excited at the thought of having another grandchild. It never gets old! Like the saying goes, “if I’d known how much fun my grandkids would be, I would have had them first!” As Christians, we often have to struggle with waiting for God’s answer to our most heartfelt prayers. We don’t always understand His timing. Our deepest hope and greatest anticipation is for the return of Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Zechariah 14 tells us that He will stand on the Mount of Olives and inaugurate His promised kingdom, bringing peace and healing to the nations of the earth. Hopefully, we desire His kingdom above all else (Matt. 6:33). The Bible uses the analogy of birth on numerous occasions in reference to this time. “…creation itself will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. ….the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now” (Romans 8:21-22). “Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed, she gave birth to her children…Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream….on her sides shall you be carried, and be dandled on her knees, as one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you…” (Isaiah: 66:8, 12-13).
Waiting is hard, especially when the wait seems to go on and on. Sometimes I got a little weary of being constantly ready and tried to convince myself there was plenty of time. The Apostle Paul warned “for when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman…..but you, brethren, are not in darkness so that this Day should overtake you as a thief….let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be self-controlled” (I Thessalonians 5:3-6). I am reminded of the parable of the virgins in Matthew 25. It is sobering to read that they all slept, but at least five of them slept with their clothes on, figuratively speaking, and their lamps full of oil, knowing the time of the Bridegroom’s coming was near. We are warned that there would be scoffers who would say, “Where is the promise of His coming?” (II Peter 3:4). Judging by what they could see, nothing was any different than the day before. Jesus said we would not know the day or the hour when He would return (Matt. 24:42,) but He also said “…when you see all these things (referring to the signs mentioned earlier in the chapter) know that it is near, at the very doors…” (Matthew 24:33).
Waiting is hard when there is pain and discomfort. The hardest part of the waiting for me was seeing my daughter so uncomfortable. And I knew it was going to get worse before it got better. “A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come, but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish for joy that a human being has been born into the world” (John 16:21). What a perfect analogy for the end time. We live in a world that is filled with pain and sorrow, with wars and natural disasters escalating. Scripture indicates it will get worse before it gets better. However, a time of refreshing, restoration and healing is promised at the return of Christ (Acts 3:20-21). And, ultimately, “according to His promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (I Cor. 2:9).
The waiting is over for our granddaughter. Every prayer was answered, God’s timing was perfect. It always is. May He grant us the grace to remain faithful while we wait on Him. “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him….those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth” (Psalm 37:7,9).

Ok, I admit it…..sometimes I have a weird way of looking at things. A few years ago, after enduring the dreaded colonoscopy procedure, I shared some thoughts with close friends about a spiritual analogy that kept coming to my mind. They cautioned me not to blog about it for fear the point might be lost in the end (pun intended….). A few days ago, I had to undergo an endoscopy. Since this procedure dealt with the north end instead of the south end, I thought maybe my “insights” would be easier to swallow….
Laying on the prep bed, with a skimpy sheet inadequately covering my drafty hospital gown, I was feeling increasingly chilled and vulnerable. Maybe doctors find us easier to work with if we are completely humbled first, after all, there has to be some reason for the wait. All prepped, IV in my arm, anxious to get this over with…..I waited….and waited. It didn’t help that I was in a room full of patients recovering from the south end procedure, whose bodies were making humorous sounds to the delight of the staff. I tried to dismiss the comment my husband made before the nurse took me in….”gee, I hope they don’t use the same tube….” It didn’t fill me with confidence when the nurse paused and said, “oh, you’re getting an endoscopy….let me turn you around and wheel you in head first…”
The thought of having a camera sliding down my throat, taking pictures all the way to my small intestine, was unnerving and I welcomed the sedative. I had been having occasional debilitating pain in swallowing for a number of years, and I was looking forward to finding the cause and fixing the problem. I was fascinated by the pictures the doctor showed us afterward, and thought, truly, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made!” David spoke these words in Psalms 139. He concluded his psalm of praise with this passionate request, ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart…..see if there is any wicked way in me…..lead me in the way everlasting.” The Hebrew word for search in this passage is “chaqar,” and it means “to examine intimately, to penetrate.” I thought of the many passages that refer to God’s word as “light.” “The entrance of Your Words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple” (Psalms 119:130). Physically speaking, the penetrating light of that tiny camera revealed the cause of my difficulty and I was given a prescription to promote healing. Without that light, I would never have known what was causing the pain. Spiritually speaking, God alone “reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness and light dwells with Him” (Daniel 2:22). Going through this experience reminded me that I have a daily need to ask God to examine me, for “who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults, keep back your servant from presumptuous (arrogant) sins” Psalm 19:12-13. God will show us the things in our lives that are hurting us spiritually, if we really want to know. I think sometimes we feel vulnerable, as if we are wearing that skimpy hospital gown, afraid someone may see our backside. We would rather go through life sedated. But God alone offers complete healing, life everlasting, for “God is the Lord, and He has given us light” (Psalm 118:27).

I love trees! Towering oaks, with limbs that beckon for swings or tree houses…..lovely myrtles, alive with blossoms all summer long….maples, that so beautifully shade us in the summer heat, then thrill us with autumn hues of red and gold. Maybe it’s because I grew up in the desert southwest that I am so fascinated by trees. In West Texas, we joked that if anyone found a tree, he would put a fence around it and call it a park!
Recently, we had the pleasure of renewing relationships with members of our family, cousins Eve and Larry, that we had not seen in years. Sitting in the backyard of their lovely home near Orlando, Florida, I couldn’t help but notice an unusual tree. It stood tall and shapely, looking similar to a fir, but unlike any I had ever seen, so I asked what it was. Larry explained that it was a Norfolk Pine. He said there was one just like it on their porch in a pot. In fact, the two trees were purchased at the same time and looked identical when they were purchased. I went inside the porch to see the other tree. I was astounded! I could hardly believe this small potted plant was the same kind of tree that so beautifully graced their backyard!
I couldn’t quit thinking about those trees. One was simply a potted house plant, the other was a full-grown tree, haven for birds and delight to the eyes. I am in a transition period in my own life, retiring from a wonderful teaching career, and, as I thought about those trees, an analogy kept coming to my mind…..how many times have I been like that potted plant… safe in my comfort zone, sheltered from the heat of the day, safe, but not growing. I admire people with courage, who seem fearless, because I am a big chicken. But I know that the most rewarding times of my life have always been when I took a risk, ventured out of my comfort zone, and trusted God inspite of my fears. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding: In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). I have come to understand that “Acknowledging Him” includes the greater meaning of seeking Him and submitting to His will as He reveals it in any situation. “Acknowledging Him” means it’s not all about me….
The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 teaches a similar lesson. A man getting ready to travel to a far country called his servants together. He gave them talents, five, two or one, according to their individual ability, and charged them with the responsibility to care for his treasure until he returned. The servants with five and two talents invested them and doubled the value. The servant with one talent dug in the ground and buried it to keep it “safe” until his master returned. The response of the master upon his return was profound. He called the servant who had buried his talent “unprofitable.” Now, there’s a scary thought….we can be servants, but still be unprofitable for God’s kingdom work!
Now, facing a major transitional time in my life, the easiest thing for me to do would be to become like the potted plant. The thought scares me. I don't want to be an "unprofitable servant." But I know that means stepping out of my comfort zone, and trusting God. "Blessed is the man (or woman) who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord, for he shall be like a tree planted by the waters which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes....nor will cease from yielding fruit" (Jeremiah 17:7-8). I want to be a river oak "rooted and grounded in love," (Ephesians 3:17) thriving in the light of the Son! but, a Norfolk Pine would be nice, too...

The school where I work occasionally has book sales. Recently, as I was perusing some of the new selections, I found what has now become my all-time favorite book for children, Wherever You Are, my love will find you, by Nancy Tillman. I think any parent, or grandparent, could relate to this book…”I wanted you more than you ever will know, so I sent love to follow wherever you go.” “My love is so high, so wide and so deep, it’s always right there, even when you’re asleep.” The words (and illustrations!) are beautiful, but what drew me most to this book was the realization that, whether we are aware of it or not, our God loves us more than we “ever will know.”
In the past couple of months, our family has run the gamut of emotion, the grief of untimely death, the exaltation of birth, the heaviness of health challenges. In each circumstance, God has overwhelmed us with His presence, His power and, most of all, His love. A dear friend recently joked with me that “life is good…..but livin is hard!” Her words made me smile, but recent circumstances made me readily agree that “life is hard!” God never said it would be easy. His Word tells us, “When (not if) you pass through the waters, I will be with you….When (not if) you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned….” (Isaiah 43:2). God’s promise is that He would be with us, anywhere, in any circumstance.
Isaiah 41:13 has become one of my favorite scriptures, "For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you 'Fear not, I will help you.'" When our children were toddlers, we loved holding their trusting hands and walking with them. We delighted in sharing the wonders of the world around us while wanting to protect them from any hurt or pain. It’s fair to say we would have done anything to protect them and give them a good life. If it were possible, we would have taken their hurts upon ourselves and shielded them from pain. In the heart of a parent God opens a window into His own heart. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) We know this verse well, having seen it on countless bumper stickers, banners at sporting events, and written as graffiti on highway overpasses. But the words bounce off of us in the complacency of familiarity rather than astounding us with the depth and power of their meaning. But pause for a minute to let the words sink in…..the Creator of the universe, Star-breather, life-giver, so loved the world (Gk, “kosmos” meaning the created world and its inhabitants) that He gave His only Son. Perhaps when God created a parent’s heart, He wanted us to understand a little of the magnitude of this gift. There simply was nothing more valuable or precious that He could give. Why would He do such a thing? that we might have life, as part of His family, forever. “What manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God” (I. John 3:1). No, God doesn’t protect us from every painful circumstance. Rather, He uses these trials to refine and purify us, like a goldsmith burning away the dross until he can see his own reflection in the precious metal. There have been moments in the past few weeks when God has overwhelmed me with the immensity of His love. In Ephesians 3, Paul prayed that we “being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend ….the width and length and depth and height…to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge….” Simply put, wherever we are, God’s love will find us….

We loved watching our grandchildren open their gifts on Christmas morning. With great anticipation, they ripped away ribbons and paper. As each gift was revealed, they would squeal with joy and look for someone to run to and hug in appreciation. Their thankfulness was a gift to us! One Christmas, my daughter asked her children to leave one gift for last. It was a beautifully wrapped package without a name. After all other gifts had been opened, she allowed them to bring the mystery package from under the tree. The lid of the package was easy to pull off, revealing an empty box. “This,” she explained, “is for the gift you will give to Jesus.” Then, as each child explained what their gift would be, she wrote it down on a small card and let them place it in the box. This simple act brought all of the festivities of the season into perspective.
Gift giving at this season has become one of the most deeply embedded traditions in our culture. This presents a unique challenge for Christians. While we have the opportunity to consider those in need and to give gifts as an expression of our love for the special people in our lives, we have to be on our guard. It is easy to get caught up in the commercialism that surrounds us. Gift giving can get out of hand, become a burden and lose any significance. The focus of the season can become stuff. One Christmas, I had the opportunity to deliver gifts to needy families in our community. Upon arriving at one house, I was greeted by ‘Oh…just put that over there.” I was stunned to see a huge pile of gifts that were spilling out from under a well decorated tree. I left that home feeling empty and wondering how often our giving is misdirected and unappreciated.
We need traditions, especially traditions that are faith based and center on worship. They are like stones of remembrance (Josh. 4:21-22) that keep us mindful of what our God has done and is doing. The Christmas season presents special blessings and unique challenges for Christians. It is a blessing to set aside a special time to worship and honor God. Christmas is the only time of year when the story of Christ’s miraculous birth is widely told. Recorded in Luke, chapters 1 and 2, and Matthew, chapters 1 and 2, the account is staggering…and breathtaking in it’s fulfillment of scores of prophecies. That The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14)….the very Word who spoke, “let there be light!” came into our world as a new born baby to dwell among us ….how can we begin to comprehend such a thing? That God, who gives us life and everything we have, gave us the most amazing gift of all, His Son “that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17).
Now the holiday is a memory. Families (mostly moms…) are beginning to put away all of the Christmas decorations. The trappings of the holiday season are quickly fading, leaving a little bit of a void….after all, seasonal displays started appearing before leaves started falling from the trees! I remember as a young child sitting on my swing in the backyard on a Christmas afternoon and thinking, is this all there is? I’ll never forget that feeling. There is no lasting happiness in stuff, even for a child. If the focus has been on material things, on decorations, parties and stuff, there will be a void as we face the coming weeks and months. If the focus has been on God’s gift to us in Christ, we can experience joy and peace in the year ahead, like a gift we open every day. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. “ It kinda makes you want to squeal for joy and find someone to hug!

Normally, I love driving my little red jeep. But this summer, with its record breaking heat and sauna-like humidity, the joy was melting away. The air conditioner had quit working. Actually, it did work, but it blew cold air only on the windshield and on my feet. Even with the windows out, there was no relief from the heat. The moisture in the air settled on me like a warm, wet towel. My sun glasses fogged up and my sweaty hands stuck to the steering wheel. We put off repair for several weeks, thinking it would be too costly. My handyman husband considered working on it himself, but was intimidated by the thought of removing the console and perhaps causing more damage. Fortunately, most of our car trips were short, but a trip to Atlanta was looming, and I was a little concerned. I could picture wiping sweat from my brow, while trying to get feeling back into frostbitten feet! I decided to take the jeep to the dealership, bite the bullet, and do what needed to be done. Unfortunately, they could not schedule the repair until well after our trip. On a whim (and a little desperate) I took the jeep to AAA and asked if they could help. A young employee came outside to see the jeep and check out the problem. He reached in, effortlessly pulled off a knob, and said, “This is broken…same thing happened in my car. You can get a new one at the dealership.” No charge! Flabbergasted (and afraid to hope) I drove quickly back to the dealership. Five minutes and $9.00 later, the air conditioner was fixed! Oh the joy! I turned it on full force, sat back and relished the cool air blowing in my face! I smiled at the thought of how I had always taken that cool air for granted, and how grateful I was to have it restored.
There is an old saying that goes” if you don’t think you have very much, just think how you would feel if you lost everything…..and then, somehow, you got it all back”. The restoration would bring renewed appreciation and joy. Our grandchildren have no lack of toys. Wisely, their parents have left a stash of their old toys at our house. Whenever they visit, we pull them out. The way the children play, you’d think they were seeing the toys for the very first time! It’s fun to see the joy that comes from having a “lost” toy restored!
These are simplistic examples of the joy of restoration. But the principle is embedded in creation itself. A time of restoration is promised for this world. In Matthew 19:28, Jesus tells His disciples that they will sit on thrones judging the whole house of Israel during the “regeneration.” The Greek word for regeneration is “palingenesia” and means the “restoration of all things” (also used in Acts 3:21, “which God has spoken by all His holy prophets since the world began”). Romans 8: 20-22 states that the world will be delivered from the bondage of corruption. At the return of Christ, when His feet stand upon the Mount of Olives and the mountain splits in two, “the Lord shall be King over the whole earth,” and ‘living waters shall flow from Jerusalem” (Zechariah 14). And the ultimate renewal….”your dead shall live….they shall arise. Awake and sing you who dwell in the dust” (Isaiah 26:19). And how does creation respond to renewal? “Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar and all its fullness; let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord….for He is coming….” (Psalm 96:11-13). That picture encourages and refreshes me….like the joy of cool air blowing in my face on a hot summer day!

Spiritual Perennials

About a year ago in the spring, our daughter, Lisa, helped us lay out a flower border in the front yard. She chose a variety of plants and placed them thoughtfully, with a plan in mind. I didn’t fully appreciate her plan until this spring, when a lovely array of plants and flowers began to bloom. Nearly every day that little garden surprises and delights us. Because Lisa chose perennials, this little garden will be a haven for birds and butterflies for years to come. Every plant and flower speaks to us of a love more extravagant than the colors and varieties that astound us. For those of us who enjoy flowers but don’t have a lot of time for gardening, God created the perennial.
God loves gardens. What fun He must have had designing the endless varieties of plants and flowers….I can imagine that He fashioned each one with thoughtful care, creating colors, textures, aromas that would delight the senses. Genesis 1:11 records that God created grass, herbs and trees instantly by merely speaking them in to existence. But, I believe He had planned everything out, in detail, before He
began His physical creation. And as He surveyed His creation, He relished that it was good! The Creator of it all enjoyed walking in His garden in the cool of the day (Gen. 3:8).
Throughout His word, God uses garden analogies to teach spiritual lessons. Especially in the New Testament, where Christ declares that He is the vine and we are the branches. Matthew 13 records the parable of the “sower of the seed.” The seed that fell on good ground yielded a crop of up to a hundredfold! But some lessons are not recorded in His word, they are written in His creation for us to observe and absorb….for the invisible things of God are clearly understood by the things He has made (Romans 1: 20). Consider the perennial….
The perennial typically has a deep, extensive root system. Because its root is protected below ground level, it helps prevent erosion, it is stronger than weeds (less need for herbicide!), and it can even withstand wild fires! A perennial can survive extreme environmental conditions, and it will come back year after year, not
just surviving, but growing! Spiritually speaking, I want to be a perennial! Ephesians 3:17 speaks of being “rooted and grounded in love.” The word love here is “agape” which refers to the highest kind of love…God’s love. To be rooted in
that love will protect us, make us stronger than our enemy and enable us to withstand the fires of life.
I Cor. 3:9 states that we are “God’s field”….may that field be overgrown with spiritual perennials!

“The opposite of poverty is not wealth, it is justice.”
In early May, I had the incredibly joyful experience of seeing my nephew, Scott, graduate from law school at UNC Chapel Hill. Family gathered from Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia to celebrate this grand occasion. Time with family, especially with those we don’t see often, always feels like a gift specially wrapped in hugs and laughter. We had a great time just being together, and sharing the pride that now we have a lawyer in the family! I’m not sure why, but I love graduations….I cannot listen to Pomp and Circumstance without getting a lump in my throat. Perhaps it’s the realization that a page of life is turning…a feeling that something extraordinary is about to happen….
I didn’t recognize the name of the commencement speaker, Bryan A. Stevenson. He was introduced as the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative. That sounded good, but I didn’t have a clue what it was. His introduction included a list of awards, such as the Thurgood Marshall Medal of Justice, which sounded impressive, but, again, I didn’t have a clue. But as Mr. Stevenson began to speak, his passion for justice and for people, especially the downtrodden, destitute and hopeless, began to move his audience. This man spoke from his heart and from his experience. He made us laugh, he made us think and he touched our hearts. As an advocate for some on death row, for teenagers, only 13 and 14 years of age, who are being tried as adults, and for many who are destitute and without hope, Mr. Stevenson’s life quest is to fight for just treatment under the law. Many of those he represents are poor and suffer racial and social discrimination. He admonished these young, idealistic graduates to go back and reread the essays they wrote when they were applying for law school, and he encouraged them not to lose their vision. If they stand up for what is right, even when it is not popular….if they speak out against injustice for those who have no voice…if they strive for fairness always, they will help create genuine change in our society, for “the opposite of poverty is not wealth, it is justice.”
Mr. Stevenson received a standing ovation, and I found myself fighting back tears. I was truly moved by his message because I was reminded that I worship a God who is passionate about justice and wants us to be as well. He commands in Leviticus, “you shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. But in righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.” (Lev. 19:15). “Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy….” (Psalm 82:3) “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them are an abomination to the Lord.” (Prov. 17:15) “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:15).

I think how many times during any given day I make judgments about others that are not righteous, even subconsciously. It’s so easy to make judgments, I should say mis- judgments, based on appearance. Yet it is astounding and humbling to realize we have a Savior who endured more injustice, more misjudgment, than any other living being possibly could. He “poured out His soul unto death….and bore the sin of many” (Is. 53:12). God declares, “My righteous Servant shall justify many….” (Is. 53:11). God is always just. His justice demanded the greatest price it was possible to pay. He sent His son to become our Savior. He is coming again to be our King, “He will not fail nor be discouraged till He has established justice in the earth…” (Isaiah 42:4). Something extraordinary is about to happen….

“You make the outgoings of the morning and evening shout for joy” (Psalms 65:8).

It was an early fall morning at the beach in South Carolina. Several friends were enjoying a girlfriends’ weekend, and three of us had risen early to savor the spectacle of the sunrise over the ocean. Soft light was beginning to filter through the clouds as we sleepily made our way down to the beach. The gentle surf of low tide peacefully bathed the cool sand as we set our beach chairs down near the surf’s edge and as close to one another as we could for warmth. Breathing in the steam of fresh brewed coffee, we sipped from warm mugs and settled back to enjoy the majestic arrival of the new day. Beams of light began to streak across the sky like emissaries going out to announce the arrival of a great dignitary. Wispy clouds took on a golden hue, accenting soft shades of orange and blue that stretched across the horizon. The sun began to rise…slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, then in full glory. The ocean unfolded a welcoming runner of gold that extended from the sun’s first light to the edge of the surf. Wet sand reflected the shimmering light, and left no hint of the countless footprints and sand sculptures from the day before. Everything felt new and fresh, the day full of possibilities. How grateful I am that our God specializes in renewal. Not only is renewal built in to creation, in every sunrise, in every spring morning, in every bud and blossom, but He offers us spiritual renewal as well. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) He renews our strength (Isaish 40:31), He renews our minds (Romans 12:2; Eph. 4:23), He restores our joy (Psalm 51:12). He forgives, heals, and redeems to give us renewed life spiritually (Psalms103:3-4). When I pray, “Thy kingdom come,” I am anticipating a time of renewal upon the whole earth, when “The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings….” (Malachi 4:2). “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea roar and all its fullness….for He is coming to judge the earth, He shall judge the earth with righteousness…” (Psalm 96:11-13).

Two of my dearest friends and I have a fun tradition. On each of our birthdays we meet at Starbucks early in the morning. Thoughtfully, the birthday girl arrives a little later than the other two, which allows time for decorating a corner of the coffee shop. We are not subtle in our decorations, and we always feel a little sorry for anyone who comes to Starbucks that morning anticipating a quiet cup of coffee. Mostly, we find folks enjoy our festive display, and sometimes complete strangers join in the fun. As girlfriends, we delight in making one another feel special. We have surprised each other on more than one occasion with creative and fun acts of giving, just to say “you are special, and you are loved!” Personally, I cannot think of anything more joyful than demonstrating to a loved one how loved they are and knowing that they get it!

Reflecting on our birthday tradition, I understand something about God in a new way. It is always totally amazing to remember that God said He created us in His “image”….I believe that means He created us to possess (in a very finite way) some of the attributes of His very nature. He was the first to delight in demonstrating love…everything He made….all of creation….was made for us, because He loves us…wow! I believe He spent eternity planning it and that He had great fun doing it, and seeing that it was “all good” as His plan came together. He is the Originator of joyful surprises….how surprised Adam must have been when God presented Eve (I’m sure Eve was a little surprised, too….) Every sunset and sunrise, every spring morning holds another surprise. And the ultimate surprise….”no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (II. Cor. 2:9)
Surely it gives our Creator great joy when we reflect on His gifts, immeasurably full of surprise and wonder…given because He loves us immeasurably …but I wonder, do we get it?

Beauty for ashes….

The scenes coming to us daily from Haiti are simply incomprehensible. They are stunning and heart wrenching. The pictures of pain and suffering, of desperate families who have lost loved ones and what few possessions they had, and, most difficult to see, displaced, newly orphaned children…
In the midst of unspeakable anguish, there are images of hope…one picture, especially, grabbed my attention and my heart. The picture was captured by free-lance photographer, Matthew McDermott, as the seven-year old boy, named Kiki, was pulled from the rubble after being trapped for seven days. As he emerged from the rubble, he lifted his arms, as if in praise, and smiled from ear to ear. You Tube refers to the picture as “the smile seen round the world!” The picture speaks volumes to me, and reminds me that, regardless of how desperate and hopeless the situation in Haiti appears, our sovereign God reveals in His word that a time of healing for all nations is coming. It is the reason Christ admonished His disciples to pray, “Thy kingdom come…”


Until that prayer is fulfilled, “the creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed…creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God” (Romans 8:19-21). “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first” (I. Thess. 4:16). His foot will stand upon the Mount of Olives…”and the Lord will be King over all the earth.” “Thus the Lord my God will come, and all the saints with Him.” (Zechariah 14: 5, 9)

After the temptation in the wilderness, scripture records that Christ began preaching “the gospel (good news!) of the kingdom of God” (Mark 1:14). His first sermon is recorded in Luke 4, verse 18-19. He read from Isaiah 61, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from the darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor…” Jesus stopped in the middle of the sentence, closed the book and sat down. Imagine the scene….you could have heard a leaf drop, as all eyes were fixed on Him. He went on, “Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” By ending where He did, He showed that His work would be divided into two advents. In His first coming, Christ fulfilled the things mentioned in Isaiah 61:1-2. At His second coming, He will fulfill the things written in verses 2-3. . (The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Bible Commentary, 21st edition).

The people of Haiti have a promise. God’s heart is breaking for them. Just as when Jesus saw the bitter sorrow of Mary because her brother, Lazarus, had died, He wept. Mary fell at His feet and said, “if you’d only been here, this would not have happened…” Some say, if God had been here this would not have happened! Jesus’ response was, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” Christ is coming again. In God’s perfect timing, the second part of Christ’s mission will be fulfilled. He will give “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. And they shall rebuild the old ruins. They shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities…” (Is. 61:24). As His resurrected saints, all who are His at His coming will have a part in this massive restoration.

“Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him…His reward is with Him, and His work before Him (Isaiah 40:10). He will say then as He said to Lazarus, “Come forth!” and there will be smiles seen round the world and arms lifted up in praise.

Bubble Forth!

The holidays are behind us now. Most of the decorative lights that brightened our neighborhood have been turned off and taken down. All of the celebrations, in church, in the work place, at home, are now only memories. Temperatures have plummeted, and without the cheerful lights of the holiday season, the harsh reality of winter has settled in. I can remember sitting on a swing on a Christmas afternoon in West Texas when I was about ten years old thinking to myself, “is this all there is?” All the gifts had been opened. The anticipation was gone. What was there to look forward to? What was there to celebrate? I had received most of the toys I had wanted, but still felt empty. I didn’t understand it then, but God was already giving me a desire to seek Him.
I love celebrations. My dearest friends and I share a motto, “life is a special occasion!” We look for any little thing to celebrate….a snow day, a birthday, a trip to the beach, a sunrise, a sunset, finding a good parking place! But the underlying joy in all we celebrate is our awesome God. Alan D. Wright in his book , God Moments, states that “real joy is not the product of better circumstances or even more victories: it is the product of a heart that has chosen to celebrate God.” With Him, the anticipation never ends….” Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (I. Cor. 2:9). Psalm 145 is described as a song of God’s majesty and love. “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; His greatness is beyond our understanding. One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. I will meditate on the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of your awesome acts, and I will declare your greatness. They shall utter (eagerly utter, bubble forth) the memory of your great goodness, and shall sing of your righteousness.” (v. 4-7).
A couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to have our seven year old grandson, Owen, stay with us for a couple of days. Proverbs 17:6 says “Children’s children are the crown of the aged.” We are blessed to have several such “crowns” (six in all), and they are such a joy I don’t even mind being regarded as “aged!” To say we enjoyed Owen would be an understatement. I loved watching “Papa” help him put together a wooden airplane and show him the wonder of a blood cell through the lens of a microscope. We explored exhibits at the local science center and shared the awe of the planetarium. I loved watching them pelt each other with snowballs while dodging a few myself. Owen’s playfulness was contagious, and definitely brought out the kid in Papa and me. Although he can sit through a movie (preferably about dinosaurs), when it is over, he is up and out….look for him in the nearest mud puddle or snow bank, or listen for rubber dinosaurs battling in a clash for survival. Owen is a living expression of joy and he delights us. His exuberance reminded me of a carbonated beverage opened for the first time….it just bubbled over!
We were blessed to have many of our family together on New Year’s Eve, all
gathered around the TV to watch the ball drop in New York City. I carefully opened a bottle of champagne. The cork popped and the happy beverage began to bubble forth. I thought about Psalm 145. The joy God gives really cannot be contained. “Rejoice in the Lord always..again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). Knowing God and His purpose for our lives is the real source of joy. Like exuberant children, may we “bubble forth” in celebration of His great goodness… Life is a special occasion!

Extreme Makeover

A family with limited means, sacrificing every comfort to meet the needs of a severely disabled child in a sub-standard house suddenly gets a knock on the door….Ty Pennington from ABC TV announces with unbridled enthusiasm that they have been selected to receive an “extreme makeover!” Thousands of volunteers turn out to help in what becomes an amazing community event. In only seven days, a new home is built from the ground up….not only constructed, but designed to meet very specific needs and interests. On the final day, the family is brought back to see their new home, hidden from their view by a large bus. Thousands of voices ring out with “move that bus!” and as the bus rolls away, the grateful recipients are overcome with emotion. I have never been able to watch this show without needing a box of kleenix. But it always leaves me inspired and grateful that, finally, there is something worth watching on TV!

It is wonderful to see a deserving family receive a gift, desperately needed, that is beyond anything they could have dreamed or imagined. They may have been at the end of their rope, so to speak….everyday life a struggle, but with no hope in sight. Then, an unanticipated act of love changed their lives. They experienced an “extreme makeover.” There is something in me….in all of us I think…that longs for renewal. I believe that longing is a God-given attribute. After all, our God is the originator of “extreme makeover!”

The story of man begins with a garden. God, the Master Gardner, planted a garden in Eden. He placed Adam in the garden and told him to “work it and take care of it” (Gen. 2:15). In the middle of the garden were two trees, the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve were free to eat from any tree in the garden (including the tree of life!) except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They disbelieved, disobeyed and sin entered the world, along with the first thorn bush! God gave them a choice….the same choice he gives to us: “…I have set before you life and death, blessing and curses…choose life….the Lord is your life” (Deut. 30:19-20). They chose poorly, as we all have at one time or another. Sin bore it’s ugly fruit… they tried to hide from God, they felt fear and shame for the first time, and when God confronted them, they blamed one another….Adam even blamed God, stating “the woman YOU put here with me…she gave it to me.” Eve was the first to claim, in essence, “the devil made me do it…” (Gen3:13). Their disobedience resulted in separation from God, as they were driven from the garden. But our all-wise, sovereign God already had a plan in place to redeem His beloved creation and restore mankind to relationship with Him.

There was another garden, the garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, where Jesus was betrayed and arrested. There was another tree, hewn to form a cross. An incomprehensible act of love changed everything. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8) “The result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men” (Romans 5:18). Now we are offered the transforming gift of grace. “You were taught…to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new ….to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:22-24). “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). God has said to us, in so many places and so many ways, “congratulations….you have been chosen to receive an extreme makeover!”

There is another garden in our future. Revelation 21 and 22 describe a time when God will make everything new. John describes the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven to a new earth. God’s relationship with His creation will be completely restored. “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” There will be a river flowing from the throne of God “down the middle of the great street of the city.” And there will be another tree….on each side of the river, the tree of life, bearing life-giving fruit, and leaves for the healing of the nations. There will no longer be a curse on the land (Rev. 21, 22). “He who was seated on the throne said, I am making everything new!” (Rev. 21:5)

Revelation records that an angel carried John, in vision, to a high mountain to show him the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It was a spiritual “Move that bus!” moment….and John saw a city that shone with the very glory of God…its brilliance like a very precious jewel…” There was no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple….the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp…the nations will walk by its light…on no day will its gates ever be shut…” (Rev. 21). As I struggle to wrap my mind around this incredible picture, I am reminded of the song, “I Can Only Imagine.” “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (I. Cor. 2:9). Maybe another way to pray, “your kingdom come” might be….”We’re ready, Lord….move that bus!”