I recently realized that the photo files on my computer contain many photos of folks who are no longer living on this earth. Guess that means I am getting old. In case you have an empty chair at your table this year I want to remind you that others are missing loved ones, too. None of us are getting out of here without experiencing death of ones we love or our own. If you are following Christ there are promises for a better life with Him after we shed this ‘meat bag’ body and live on in the spirit. You are a spirit, inhabiting a body. Either Dallas Willard or C. S. Lewis made that point. Regardless, it is so true.
Aunt Patty MilesSister Mary ElizabethBetty MilesGrandma SallyJoy CavalierMy ParentsSister StephanieMy In-laws, Betty and DragIn all white, my crochet buddy, Karen.Grandma PatMy mother, day of my wedding
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
1 Peter 1:3-5
If you are missing loved ones, I pray that you are able to celebrate their life by adopting their best attributes and making those your own. Try to list wonderful things you remember about each person. Prayerfully thank God the Father for their positive influence upon your life. Ask for guidance from the Lord as to how you can best honor each one with the days you have remaining. May God bless and keep you this holiday season and always.
In the summer of 2021 my friend Dan sent me the book The Valley of Vision A collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett. I do not read it daily, but I was prompted to open it last week. Here is where I read:
Grace Active
Lord Jesus, Great High Priest,
Thou hast opened a new and living way
by which a fallen creature can approach thee with acceptance.
Help me to contemplate
the dignity of thy Person,
the perfectness of thy sacrifice,
the effectiveness of thy intercession.
O what blessedness accompanies devotion,
when under all the trials that weary me,
eh cares that corrode me,
the fears that disturb me,
the infirmities that oppress me,
I can come to thee in my need
and feel peace beyond understanding!
The grace that restores is necessary to preserve,
lead, guard, supply, help me.
And here thy saints encourage my hope;
they were once poor and are now rich,
bound and are now free,
tried and now are victorious.
Every new duty calls for more grace than I now possess,
but bit more than is found in thee,
the divine Treasury in whom all fullness dwells.
To thee I repair for grace upon grace
until every void made by sin be replenished
and I am filled with all thy fullness.
May my desires be enlarged and my hopes emboldened,
that I may honour thee by my entire dependency
and the greatness of my expectation.
Do thou be with me, and prepare me for all
the smiles of prosperity, the frowns of adversity,
the losses of substance, the death of friends,
the days of darkness, the changes of life,
and the last great change of all.
May I find thy grace sufficient
for all my needs.
The snow collected upon the canopies and had to be cleaned off lest the canopies collapse under the weight! So the folk lore begs the question, since it snowed on November 12 will we have 12 snowfalls this season?
Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.
lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding,
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. And he has raised up for his people a horn the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart.
The photo that opened this post is my favorite Veteran. My Dad, Paul Arthur Rush, served in World War II. He was a navy signalman on several different battleships. Sadly, he died in 1961 from heart disease. There was not much in the way of treatment for heart disease at that time. Mom always told the story, “The doctors told him to quit smoking, quit drinking and quit hunting. His response was that he would rather be dead.” Sadly I was only eleven when he got his desired end.
Sort of amusing that the former navy signalman is playing with my Dennis the Menace puppet!
I cannot begin to express how much I have missed him over the ensuing 61 years. Here I am right before his funeral.
Since that many years have passed it is difficult to recall many details about my dad. People used to think I looked just like him. As I grew older, old family friends decided I looked just like my mom. Go figure. Dad and I did have a similar sense of humor.
I remember him letting me put his hair in pin curls while he watched TV once. He liked pretzels and candy, especially bulls-eyes.
On a run to the Pony Keg to get more beer with a friend, he would let me buy candy. When they read his will I asked if I could have the change they mentioned for candy. The room erupted in laughter. I do not think I ever got the coins.
AARP Magazine for October/November 2022 Has a Heart Disease Brief that reads: “3D view of Coronary Arteries, For people with chest pain, shortness of breath or signs of heart blockage, an FDA-cleared test called HeartFlow FFRct Analysis can provide a three-dimensional look at the arteries of the heart without an invasive imaging procedure. Studies show the test can help identify who does – and doesn’t – need more invasive tests and treatments.”
Dad’s favorite piece of classical music
I have one book that I know he owned. “Stories of Great Artists” with a copyright of 1903. His name is written inside the cover. His brother Howard is written inside the back cover along with mine. No other marks inside the book. I have always wondered if one of the works of art in the book was his favorite?
After his death I was forlorn. That also sent me on my quest for someone to fill his place. No one could. Then I truly began to turn to God as my Father. God my Father has never disappointed or abandoned me. I still miss my Dad though.
I have outlived both of my parents. Dad was 46 when he died. Mom was 61. I think we never appreciate our parents as much when they are alive as after they are gone. May they rest in peace.
I am so excited to do this! It seems like just the thing I need after the distress of the past week. Hoping you can join me and others worldwide to celebrate joy! The book by Bishop Tutu and the Dali Lama was tremendous. This summit ought to be on your To-Do list big time!! https://www.globaljoysummit.org
Feeling the pain of the world and recognizing how many are struggling with isolation and despair, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu met one last time before Arch’s passing to create a final gift for us all – poignant, practical, and often humorous teachings on how we can live with more Joy, even during deeply troubled times.
I loved and shared the book with many!
How could you resist this sort of joy?
There is evidently a video which I intend to watch very soon!
From what I can gather the video is presented by YouTube in short sections. Still, these guys are some of the greatest teachers on earth.
Walking along pond hoping for reset and restoration, invisible frogs jump from the bank and glassy surface of pond begins to ripple. I remember this poetry truth.
Free internet image – “drop of water upon river of life – answer begins movement”
Trying to release that person to the Lord and get my focus back on Christ. I was told that if we have difficulty forgiving someone, we should pray for that person for 30 days, asking everything be given to them that we would like for ourselves. I began to pray that.
Continuing to walk about the pond with Lucky we saw three deer standing still looking at us. OH! Father, Son and Holy Spirit, dwell with us I prayed. One deer was intensely curious and began to approach us. Lucky just sat down to watch as she usually does with White-tailed deer. I suppose this was the mama and her twins that we have seen from time to time all summer. Now they are BIG deer.
Standing in awe of their majesty and the fact that the Lord would let me see them this morning, I noticed for the first time a bright white chin strap they wore! Guess I usually note other things about them when I come upon them.
From internet
Must have been the angle! My photo of Trinity of deer.
I was glad Lucky was calm. They are SO big I wondered what I would do if they approached us at a run? Did not happen. They browsed their way into the shrubbery.
Recalling the poetry about prayer, being blessed by the wonders the Lord let me experience, walking with this little beagle, I found I was restored and refreshed. All glory to God for His wonders and blessings.
Opened WordPress and there was nothing in “Drafts.” Sometimes I make notes in Drafts to expand upon later. Good thing I started making some notes over the weekend. It is easier to start writing five blog entries if I have some idea of the direction I might go!
So far this morning I have put drops in Bob’s post operative right eye, washed his hair in the sink, vacuumed out the car, tried to get my windshield clean again (before it turns cold outside). Bob helped me plant a mum in the backyard flower bed. One load of laundry in dryer and I am only 45 minutes late on starting to write! Whew!!
Each day and each week are blank as we approach them. Then we live the day and the week and there are happenings. When we returned from our trip to California we learned the neighborhood news. Most of it was not good.
One neighbor had doubly sad news. Her Dad called from the hospital. He was just diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2 organs. She went to his side. Nothing to be done. Was sent to Hospice care and died within the week. The rest of the family traveled to Kentucky for the funeral. Her mom is not at all well and may be in hospice care soon if daughter cannot find a nursing home placement for her here in Ohio. From what I understand the nursing homes are understaffed and quite full. The family came home from Kentucky. That evening they had a call that his Dad was found dead in his apartment. Two funerals for 2 dads in such a short time. That family is reeling.
On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 63:6-7 NIV
Another friend has a hale and hearty husband. He was in the backyard chopping wood. Felt dizzy. Sat down. Next thing he knew he somehow fell forward and broke his neck in 2 places. Was sent by helicopter to downtown trauma hospital. Screws and plate put in his neck. Caught pneumonia and was sedated and intubated for over a week. He is awake and responsive now, but his lungs are too weak to sustain the next surgery the doctors need to perform. Please pray healing for John, stronger lungs, hope and trust. Like this vine around the tree trunk I am reminded of the following verse:
I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63:8 NIV
We have no idea how fortunate we are. Have you given thanks to the Lord God lately? Not for things that have not happened to you as much as for the things that have come your way, blessings in the midst of struggles, His power in your weakest moments, comfort in the deep darkness of night. Cling to Him.
This area is being slammed with RSV virus. More children than ever are being hospitalized with it and there is worry, too, for the elderly and those whose health is compromised. One woman in our small group, Terri, is currently hospitalized. She thought she had a cold and then had great difficulty breathing. Was admitted through the ER. She is on oxygen at the hospital. Doctors have not specified if this is bacterial or viral. She will not be released until her oxygen level remains steady on her own. I am not currently aware of children who are hospitalized, but I know some areas of the country are running out of pediatric beds due to the virus. This is not covid or a variant. This virus has been known for a long time. This year it is especially virulent.
The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Job 33:4
Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States.
We started the day at about 4AM Ohio time. Checked in to the airline, but did not realize I should have asked for wheelchair or cart transportation at the check in desk. Instead I waited until the TSA had cleared us. My bad. Two different transportation employees said they would try to get someone to come get me, After being in the boot all summer and working with physical therapy to get rid of the pain and extend my walking ability, I still was not ready for hiking the huge Cincinnati airport. Bob started wondering if we would make our flight. Finally, I got up and started walking. We made our flight, but halfway into the first flight my foot began to swell and the pain alarms went off, NOT a good way to begin a vacation!
There was a transportation person waiting for me at the Phoenix gate. We only had to go about 3 gates, but I appreciated the help. This flight was packed full.
When we landed in San Francisco I was SO grateful for the transport person. The steps to the baggage claim seemed to me like MILES. We arrived in San Francisco exhausted, hungry and likely dehydrated. Robert, my knight in shining armor, went to get the rental car and I waited with my luggage for him to come pick me up.
By the time we reached Oakland I was in a blur mentally and whipped. We went to Trader Joe’s to get a few food items for dinner and breakfast. Then bought Peet’s coffee and headed for our Air B & B. We sat in the courtyard with about 20 invites to spare before check in.
This is what greeted us in the court yard!
Carpet of purple flower petals, my favorite color!The trees that graced the sidewalk.My new screensaverCourtyard companion
We went to bed early to read and try to rest up. The purple flower petals and curious cat certainly made my day. Travel is HARD work!!
Because of the arthritis in my hands I began to journal on my iPad a few years ago. I have kept the habit of a paper journal by printing out those ideas and pasting them in a spiral bound journal. This involves printing out ones I have not printed, arrange by date, cut and paste, etc. For several years, I have sadly dropped the habit of reviewing my journal. When we got ready to travel this month I decided to take the latest journal and review it. I will read through it. Praise God for how He sees me through situations. Mark poetry I likely did not organize in poetry binder, etc. with marker.
Mitchell Luo
Sometimes this yields themes for this blog. Most times it is just for my comfort and remembrance. We are told to rehearse the works of God and praise Him. But do we? I often fail at that task. I remember some highlights, but I drop the minutia that can change the course of my thoughts and arrange my victories in the daily battle against darkness.
Recently I was pondering that warfare. I am sometimes engaged in small struggles that remind me following Jesus is not “all unicorns and rainbows.” If you examine those times in your own life you will likely see that there are recurring patterns in the attacks. When I can recognize, and say ‘oh no, here comes THAT again’ I am better equipped to defeat it. Putting on my armor, praying, raising high the sword of the Spirit, taking every thought captive to Christ Jesus, doing my part not to surrender by means of apathy. If, however, I have not been paying attention I can get swept under a current of negativity and hopelessness before I realize what hit me.
Have you examined your life by a similar means? Some other method? Many recommend making a timeline of your life with God. Note the occurrences that have impacted you. Reflect on where your awareness of God was at each of those times.
Campfiregrace.com
Yes, look back at what has happened and how you went through each thing. We are not to be permanently looking back, but it is helpful to review our life and His participating Presence at each stage.
Journal before I get hold of it with photos and glue stick!
A Prayer to Thank God for His Sovereign Control
Father, we praise You for the delicate way You powerfully align our lives to Your creation. Thank You for the waters and mountains that remind us of You. Forgive us for overlooking Your presence in every aspect of our lives, and bless us to notice and give glory to You, for You are our healer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Psalm 124 NIV
A song of ascents. Of David.
1 If the Lord had not been on our side—
let Israel say—
2 if the Lord had not been on our side
when people attacked us,
3 they would have swallowed us alive
when their anger flared against us;
4 the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,
5 the raging waters
would have swept us away.
6 Praise be to the Lord,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird
from the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Find a way to review your life with God. No matter your age, no matter how many times you have done it, making a timeline with God is a great exercise.
I believe one reason we fear silence and stillness is we do not want to know ourselves and what God has to say about us. If we could only trust Him in a small way we would learn that He loves us more than we love ourselves. In fact, He treasures and adores us.
The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing
Zephaniah 3:17 NRSV
Stefan Kunze Upsplash
The writings of Oswald Chambers contained in the book noted below were excerpted from articles published by God’s Bible School in Cincinnati. The articles were taken from his classroom lectures and Bible studies and published in the school’s periodical God’s Revivalist.
What does the Bible mean when it says to be an example to the flock of God? You must be a walking example of what you believe, in every moment of your life, known and unknown. You must bear the scrutiny of God until you prove that you are indeed a specimen of what He can do. Then He will send you out to disciple all nations.
Oswald Chambers, September 18 selection from “Devotions for a Deeper Life”
Every moment known and unknown. Things done in secret. I do not think this refers just to shameful things. Our deepest wounds are often kept private. The healing the Lord may give from those wounds is also usually given in private. The deep formation of a disciple usually takes place in private.
But whenever you pray, enter into your inner room and shut your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:6 NIV
Your Father who sees in secret. He hears every whisper or shout of a prayer. Your Father knows you inside and out. He will not require that you share with others what He does in your secret place of prayer. There may however, come a time when you want to shout His work from the rooftops.
Matt Hanns Upsplash
Dietrich Bonhoeffer captured my attention writing in The Cost of Discipleship when he emphasized that we each walk alone with God.
Every man is called separately and must follow alone.
Bonhoeffer, Cost of Discipleship, Discipleship and the Individual
Many of us admire other Christians but we know little or nothing about what it takes for them to be public Christians. We have no clue what happens between them and the Trinity in private. No idea the depth of their wounds or the strength of the healing times the Lord has sent to them. All most often occur in private.
You interact with your Father in a private place, even if you are kneeling in a sanctuary packed with other people. We can share our experiences with others but we are essentially alone with Christ in our walk. Yes, He encourages fellowship with those who are like minded, but in the final analysis we are each alone with Him. He reads our heart. He corrects our course. He convicts us when we go astray. He gives us His righteousness. He suffered and died for our salvation and for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despised the shame and sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NRSV)
Public, private, the deepest things occur in a private place with your Holy Trinity God.
Steffany Gretzinger in her song “Forever Amen” sums it up for me. “I was made to love You. Let me hear the sound of Your voice…”
I would strongly encourage you that when you hear the sound of His voice, go running to a quiet place. Listen up! For unlike human parents, the Father does not waste His breath. He speaks to us with power, love, meaning and transformative powers.
Treasures in Plain Sight, A Christian Blog 