Category: Challenge

Posted on in Spiritual growth, Nature, Amazing Creations, Memories, Faith, Just do it, Yield, Writing Life, Challenge, Spiritual discipline, Worship, Trust, Surrender, Obedience, Look

New Project

My new project entails gathering the object lessons the Lord has given me over the years to encourage me and keep me walking the road laid out before me. I will likely post of few of these during the coming months. The following is entitled “Called At the Beach To Write More.”

How does an object lesson usually come to you? Mine can jump up any time I call upon the Lord for guidance. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
    so I shall be saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:3 NRSVUE

While walking the beach in Florida we were searching for shells. I came upon this one. It is called Sunray Venus Clam.

It reminds me of lined paper. (College ruled is my favorite).

Then I came upon this one.

Atlantic Pen Shell

That got me thinking about ink wells, and fountain pens. Oh my, this was a call to write more!

Then the Lord answered me and said:
Write the vision;
    make it plain on tablets,
    so that a runner may read it. Habakkuk 2:2 NRSVUE

Years ago a cousin older than me gave me the above verse to hold to. I was not certain she heard right. Time has shown she evidently heard exactly right for me!

The shells comprised another confirmation that I am to write and keep telling what God is doing in my life and can do in the lives of others. I keep these shells around to remind me, lest I ever doubt the call again. Or for the times I get just plain lazy about it. Lord, prod me with the shells and forgive me for being lazy, I pray.

Posted on in Spiritual growth, Book quotes, Faith, Yield, Challenge, Spiritual discipline, Art, Surrender, Obedience, Look

The Veil

Often the veil and the curtain are mentioned in the Scriptures. I have had this on the brain for a couple of weeks. The veil usually refers to the lack of understanding among the Hebrew population regarding the Messiah. The curtain is the fabric that was hung between the courts of the temple and the Holy of Holies where humans, (and only priests) were only to enter once a year, on the day of Atonement.

When Jesus was hung upon the cross, as he died the curtain was torn from top to bottom in the Holy of Holies. Thereby signifying the full access of man to the Father, bought by the blood of Jesus, our sacrifice.

This quote reminded me of that and the need for us to see the value and significance of ‘each other’s human plight.’

My wish, indeed my continuing passion, would be not to point the finger in judgment but to part a curtain, that invisible shadow that falls between people, the veil of indifference to each other’s presence, each other’s wonder, each other’s human plight.

EUDORA WELTY

Jesus parted the veil between people and the Father. Jesus also parts the curtain between us and other humans if we are willing to see with his eyes, the eyes of compassion.

Eudora reminds me that when I point the finger at others there are more fingers pointing back at me.

Searching for this image there were SO many images of our President pointing his finger at others. Sad. “That invisible shadow that falls between people, the veil of indifference to each other’s presence and plight.” I fear this has infected the entire nation at this point.

Lord, may we learn to fold our hands in prayer to you, not pointing at others. Open our eyes and our hearts to the needs of our fellow persons. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Help us realize the access for good that you have given us through the sacrifice of Jesus. Use us for the good of others. Amen.

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Challenge, Faith, Humor, Look, Nature, Traveling

Texas and Ohio Among Other Places

When we drove across the country a few years ago we often saw fields of yellow in the distance. Once we asked a farmer-type of person what those yellow flowers were. His answer, “Damn yellow cross pollinators.” That was a variety I had never heard of !

Driving through our vicinity recently I saw a yellow field. I told Bob I wanted to get a photo to see what the plants were.

On a sunny day, which we have not had many lately, these were glowing in the distance!

It looked as if the folks at this construction site had sewn the seeds for this plant.

Sure looks like damn yellow cross pollinators!

“Hairy buttercup (Ranunculus sardous) is a native European weed. It’s indigenous to the Canary Islands and North Africa, but has spread throughout the world. Its saffron-colored flowers are a common sight in fields and pastures. The plant gets its name because it has hairy stems and leaves.” https://www.picturethisai.com/wiki/Ranunculus_sardous.html

That nifty app lets you upload a photo and it identifies. How did we ever live without the internet? Oh I remember, farmers who told us things like “damn yellow cross pollinators” for identification!

Enjoy your yellow fields if they appear in your vicinity! Call them whatever you like!

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Joy, Praise, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks

Think About This One!

“When we are grateful, we want to share, to reach out, to tell others of the goodness of our benefactor, to bring hope, healing and happiness to others.” M. Basil Pennington

When I go to the Convent for retreat there is always a card on the bed with quotes and a photo. This was one of the quotes on the card my last visit.

Benefactor is sort of an old fashioned term. Rarely do I think of God as my benefactor. Merriam Webster says a benefactor is someone or something that provides help or an advantage : one that confers a benefit.

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
    who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the Pit,
    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good as long as you live
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103: 1-5 RSV

Oh yes, my benefactor has benefits. This is just a partial list. Read it again. Have you known any of these benefits? Do you bless the Lord’s holy name with any regularity? When was teh last time you reviewed the benefits the Lord offers you?

I was weighed down with concern over a few loved ones. The Lord reminded me that the Holy Spirit hovers over them 24/7. My concern is to be first and foremost to bless the Lord. My soul forgot and became entangled in the what-ifs and if-onlys. God reigns over this universe, even the universe of me and my loved ones. My job is to bless and exalt that same God.

How are you doing with recognizing your benefactor? As Pennington wrote, are you bringing ‘hope, healing and happiness to others’?

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Humor, Joy, Obedience, Prayer, Thanks, Traveling

Little Jesus

During Bible study in the room where we do not usually meet I saw a tiny figure of Jesus on a high window sill. I was curious where that came from and who climbed up there to position it.

When we went to the Smoky Mountains the motel we stayed at had the same figures lined up on the computer monitor where we checked in! She told me the story about the man whose idea it was. She said if you read his story online he will send you some for free. I read it, did not find how to get any for free. I did find how to order them from Amazon. I decided, why not?

Recently we went to a liquor store in Northern Kentucky where the selections are much larger than the local stores in Ohio. I put some figures in my pocket.

There was a Banana Pudding man, selling his homemade desserts. I approached him with my hand closed saying, “This is a southern thing.” He put his hand out, palm open saying, ” I’m southern.” I placed the Jesus figure in his palm. I spoke, “We can all use a little Jesus.” He loved it!

When we got to the cash register I told the young man who rang up our order, “I saw your cross.” I gave him one. He turned to his friend as we were walking out and exclaimed with excitement, “Look what she gave me!” His friend took it in his hand and began to walk away with it.

“Hey, that’s mine! Give it back! I’m going to show Susie!!” He was very indignant.

I returned to his register saying, “No need to fight boys. There is enough Jesus to go around.” I gave him 2 more. Now when my computer was letting me type this up it put Hesed in place of Jesus. Yes, there is enough hesed to go around, too! (Hesed: a Hebrew word that encompasses a range of meanings including loving-kindness, mercy, and covenant loyalty, often describing the faithful and generous love that God has for His people and the love that individuals should show to one another. It is not just a feeling but an action that reflects deep commitment and kindness.) Was God using my keyboard there?

In the parking lot was a woman with large cross around her neck. I gave her one saying, “Here is a reminder we all need a little Jesus.” She was enthusiastic about Jesus and told me her Jesus is MUCH larger than this. She declared she needs a lot of Jesus! I assured her my Jesus is much larger than this plastic piece.

Some of you might object to the tiny dolls that say Jesus loves you. I would have to say that anything that sparks this much positive conversation about the Savior is just fine with me.

What have you done lately to share your faith in the Savior? Was it this pleasant for all?

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Memories, Praise, Thanks

Mahalo

Simply put mahalo means thank you. We saw it on the flap of garbage cans, seeming to say thanks for putting your trash here.

When we were in Hawaii I bought a sticker to remind me of this word. Recently I set up a new keyboard case for my iPad. When I affixed the sticker to the outside I noticed the wrapper said, “Mahalo means to be in the presence of the Divine.”

WAIT! That means so much more than a trash receptacle!!

“Mahalo means thank you in the Hawaiian language —a common word of gratitude that should be familiar to every person who visits Hawaii.
“According to the Pukui and Elbert Hawaiian Dictionary, mahalo (pronounced mah hah loh) can express gratitude, appreciation, or praise.” from https://collectionsofwaikiki.com/mahalo-meaning/

“The Cultural Roots of Mahalo

“Mahalo predates Western contact with Hawai’i. The word appears in the earliest Hawaiian-language dictionaries compiled by missionaries in the 1830s. Its roots connect to the broader Polynesian language family. In Maori (New Zealand), the cognate “maaharo” means to think or wonder. In Tahitian, “maharo” means to think or reflect.

“This linguistic connection reveals something about the original depth of mahalo. It is not just a transactional “thanks for the coffee.” It carries an element of reflection, of pausing to recognize what was given. The Hawaiian value of gratitude runs deep. In traditional Hawaiian culture, reciprocity was a core social principle. Receiving something obligated you to give back, and mahalo was the verbal acknowledgment of that cycle.

“The word also appears in the Hawaiian translation of Christian hymns and prayers, where it took on the additional meaning of praise and admiration. Missionaries translated “Give thanks to God” as expressions using mahalo, reinforcing the word’s association with reverence.” https://www.hawaii-guide.com/mahalo-meaning

“The word mahalo is more than just a thank you in Hawaiian thinking. It is a divine blessing on a spiritual level with a deeper meaning. This is used in everyday life and also on special occasions like the birthday of an elder or for sacredness like prayers or single-word blessings. Use this word respectfully.” https://thewordcounter.com/meaning-of-mahalo/

“A divine blessing on a spiritual level with a deeper meaning.”

So I utter, “Mahalo,” to you the readers of this blog. Your comments and encouragements promote me to write more. If it were not for you my writing might just be entombed in my private journals.

Mostly, Mahalo to our creator who does wondrous things beyond my imagining!

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Listen, Music, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Trust, Yield

Abandoned

This has become to me a perennial song. Perennial typically describes things that are permanent, constant, or repeated. At times I am compelled to sing it. Sometimes multiple times in a row.

Me, too, Lord! I want what these lyrics speak. Here is the video followed by the lyrics (in case you don’t like jumpy words.)

Abandoned

Benjamin William Hastings

Somethin’ isn’t adding up 
This wild exchange You offer us 
I gave my worst, You gave Your blood 
Seems hard to believe 
You’re tellin’ me You chose the Cross? 
You’re tellin’ me I’m worth that much? 
Well, if that’s the measure of Your love 
How else would I sing?

But completely, deeply, sold-out, sincerely abandoned 
I’m completely, freely, hands-to-the-ceiling enamored 
My one-life endeavor to match Your surrender 
To mirror not my will, but Yours 
Oh, I’m completely, deeply, don’t-care-who-sees-me abandoned

Oh, I surrender all

I just can’t get over it 
What kind of self-control is this? 
When You had angels at Your fingertips 
But on the Cross You remained 
And I can’t repay that kind of love 
But I can praise with everything I’ve got 
Since death had all of it’s power robbed 
Then just like the grave

I’m completely, deeply, sold-out, sincerely abandoned 
I’m completely, freely, hands-to-the-ceiling enamored 
Oh, my one-life endeavor to match Your surrender 
To mirror not my will, but Yours 
Oh, I’m completely, deeply, don’t-care-who-sees-me abandoned

Oh, I surrender all 
I surrender all 
I surrender all

The whole of my heart, the best of my soul 
Each phase of my life, each breath in my lungs 
Consider it Yours, Lord 
Consider it Yours, Lord 
The failures I hide, the victories I don’t 
The battles I fight, each crown that I hoard

Consider it Yours, Lord 
Consider it Yours, Lord 
All the glory forever, the grave that You won 
The praise of the Heavens, the kingdom to come 
Oh, consider it Yours, Lord 
Consider it Yours

I’m completely, deeply, sold-out, sincerely abandoned (hey!) 
I’m completely, freely, hands-to-the-ceiling enamored 
Oh, my one-life endeavor to match Your surrender 
To mirror not my will, but Yours 
I’m completely, deeply, don’t-care-who-sees-me abandoned

Oh, I surrender all

No, You’ll never leave me abandoned 
I surrender all

Written by: Cody Carnes, Benjamin William Hastings, Brandon Lake, Christopher Michael Davenport

I had to ask who is Christopher Michael Davenport?

“Grammy-nominated songwriter and worship leader Chris Davenport has been a quiet fixture within worship music for years.

“Through his contributions with UNITED like “Another In The Fire,” “Grace To Grace,” and “Seasons,” as well as collaborations with artists like Phil Wickham (Hymn Of Heaven), Brandon Lake (Too Good To Not Believe), and Cody Carnes (Be Glad), Chris has established himself as a unique, authentic, and influential voice within the worship community.” Now we all know more about him.

Make sure we never abandon God! “My one life endeavor to match your surrender…”

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Listen, Obedience, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Trust, Yield

Prayers and Reality Right Next to Us

This prayer has been on Lectio 365 for several weeks. It’s impact hits me only occasionally. And then WHAM! it hits me just what we are praying.

Lord Jesus Christ, 
alive though you died, 
meet with me now, 
speak to me now, and 
grant me your peace, 
both here in these moments of prayer, 
and throughout the day to come. Amen

“Alive though you died.” Revelation 1:18 Did you catch that? We are speaking in prayer to the risen King. He died. He rose again. He dwells with us and lives in us through the Holy Spirit.

“Meet with me now.” Christ is able to do that.

“Speak with me now.” Nothing is too difficult for the King of kings. Jeremiah 32:17 Open my ears to hear you I pray.

“Grant me your peace.” Regardless of what this day or hour or week may bring, your peace please. That peace that is beyond all understanding. Philippians 4:7

Lord Jesus Christ, alive though you died. Yes, I truly believe this prayer and the outrageous claims of Jesus. After three days dead he did rebuild the temple of his body. Complete with scars inflicted by man upon his hands and feet and side. He came and was seen by the disciples. He ate meals with them, even cooked a meal for them on the beach! He showed them his scars beautified by the Father. And this same Savior is with us today, decades and centuries later.

The Collect for this past week at church read:

O God, you have prepared for those who love you
such good things as surpass our understanding:
Pour into our hearts such love towards you,
that we, loving you in all things and above all things,
may obtain your promises, 
which exceed all that we can desire;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Certainly gives us plenty of meat to ponder for our journey this week! “Loving you in all things and above all things.”Help me do just that Lord.

God is so good and wants to give good things to us. Matthew 7:11 NRSVUE

Seek him and you will find him when you seek for him with all of your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NRSVUE He will not disappoint us.

Posted on in Aging, Challenge, Faith, Focus, Illness and Health, Just do it, medical treatment, Surrender

Ugh!

As you read this I will have already undergone a routine colonoscopy. Yuck. Can any preparation be as gross as this one? I am a little preoccupied as I try to write this morning knowing what lies ahead for me.

The opening photo cracked me up with the scented candle in the shopping cart! Ha! As if that will be strong enough to remove the odor!!

Laxatives, ounces, upon pints, upon quarts of forced fluid intake.

The IV, the drugs. One time they gave me twilight sleep I was not quite out. That was NO FUN! Bob argued with me about my ability to be aware of what was happening. I should know what I am aware of or not. Geesh!

I know the test is preferable to not knowing and suffering the consequences of undiagnosed colon cancer. Here in Cincinnati we were recently shocked by the death of a popular TV news reporter.

“Not until last month did WKRC-TV staffers begin to wonder if something was wrong with health reporter Liz Bonis. They were stunned to learn that their “very private” colleague died Thursday, three years after being diagnosed with colon cancer. She was 58.

“A longtime Channel 12 employee told me that Bonis “told no one. We didn’t know there was an issue until the last couple of weeks when she didn’t look quite right.”

“The station, which announced her death at 7:11 p.m. Thursday, said she had five surgeries and participated in six experimental oncology drug trials since her diagnosis in April 2023. She died at home with family at her bedside, according to Channel 12’s story.

“Bonis continued to work through it all — anchoring the weekday noon news; hosting her Sunday morning one-hour What’s Happening In Health program; and doing health/medical reports for Channel 12, which aired nationwide on most of Sinclair’s 185 stations. (She’s listed as the “health and medical reporter” for Sinclair’s news team at Dayton’s WKEF-TV and WRGT-TV.)

“On her last day in the office — a week ago Friday, April 24 — she did three stories. And on Sunday and early Monday “she was texting people about possible national stories that could be done,” says Franco Gentile, WKRC-TV vice president and general manager.

“Bonis — a registered dietician, certified personal trainer and a Diabetes educator — “told no one she was sick. In the last months and especially the last few weeks we suspected and knew something was wrong but were never told anything,” another Channel 12 veteran told me. “We didn’t dare ask because she wouldn’t have admitted anything. I think what surprised most of us was how long she’d been fighting.”

So Liz, thank you for your inspiration to do a test I dread. You were quite a testament to what is possible. For the rest of us, please take care of your health and get the tests the doctors think are fitting for your age and continued health. No fun, but just do it!

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Challenge, Faith, Listen, Look, Nature, Obedience, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Traveling

A Weird Bear Encounter

Last year at Christmas Bob thought it would be fun to own a dash camera. I was unimpressed. He has enjoyed driving around town with it. Then he hit upon the idea of recording our time in the Smokys. I encouraged him, “Why not?”

On our last drive through Cades Cove, after the ranger comfort station, we got behind a car going 10 mph. He went 15 tops. We kept hoping he would use a pullout and let us and the huge line of cars behind us pass him. He did not.

We thought about flashing our lights, honking, putting on turn signal. We did not. Frustrated to 10th degree we tried to imagine was it their first time there and they were fascinated? Afraid they’d miss something? We imagined she was dying and this was the last time she would see this? Anything to keep our blood pressures down and try to find grace for these persons.

We got to the end of the Cades Cove Loop road and they signaled for campground then changed their mind. We groaned in agony fearing they would go this slow all the way back to Townsend.

screenshot of video recording

Then they turned into a picnic area to which we cried, “Let them!”

screenshot of dash cam video

We slowed at the yield sign. As we began to pull out on main road a bear cub jumped in front of our car. Bob missed him and saw another on the hillside.

We eventually decided there was such a long time since a car had gone past the mom probably decided it was safe to cross the road and then we broke through the clog. If we had not been delayed for so long behind that creeping slow car we would not have seen these cubs.

As we traveled down the main road we imagined conversations. “We were not planning on cub patties this evening.” “Really Ranger, we did not mean to hit him!” It was a close encounter of the kind we would not want. Imagine the car damage and THE PAPERWORK!!

How difficult is it to extend grace to someone who frustrates you? Whew! The Lord insists that we love as God loves us, that as we forgive we are forgiven. Matthew 6: 14-15 Have you ever had a frustrating experience that later you become thankful for?

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15 NIV

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV

Hoping you will cruise slowly through this day and take in all the sights!