I was chatting with a lady while standing in the check-out line recently and during our conversation I learned she had no siblings, no children, no husband, and apparently didn’t even know her cousins. My first thought was how lonely she must be! But she didn’t appear lonely or even unhappy about any of that. She soon checked out and was gone, but I continued to think about our conversation.  A woman who had no family and yet seemed to be fine with her situation. She must have a good circle of friends and I wondered if she was part of a church. Check-out conversations are short, so I didn’t learn the answer to that question.

That experience reminded me of how cut off from people I felt last year when we were not allowed to meet at church as well as many other places. Humans are created to be with others and having our activities with others cancelled was harmful. People suffered by not seeing and being with family members and friends. Children missed out on much of their education and friendships. Video chat and Zoom cannot replace real-live togetherness. I’m thankful most of our daily activities are being restored  and we can be together again.

As I reflect on those months, a year, of shutdown I have to say I had more time for Bible study and prayer. Nothing can separate us from God’s love and His presence. Perhaps, God was preparing us for what is ahead. When I see so many of our freedoms being threatened, I wonder. Will we have to hide our Bibles and worship in secret one day? And, if that happens, will I be faithful to Jesus? It’s a question each of us must answer. We may one day feel we are standing alone in our faith, afraid and ready to give up. Elijah felt like that after God’s victory on Mount Carmel against the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18-19).  Elijah complained to God, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too” (1 Kings 19:14).

Of course, He was not the only one left. God assured Elijah, “Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him” (1Kings 19:18). I don’t know if, or how soon, our freedom to live out our Christian lives may be taken away, but we should decide ahead of time how we will respond. God won’t leave us and He will provide the wisdom and strength to be faithful, no matter what!

“He (Christ) will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:8-9).

“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray” (1John 3:17a).

God had freed the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt and they were nearing the fulfillment of the promised land.  The book of Numbers records the choosing of twelve leaders to explore the land of Canaan. As you may know, ten of those came back saying, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size” (Numbers 13:32). But the other two leaders, Joshua and Caleb, said:

“The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them” (Numbers 14:7-9).

The response of the people was to weep and grumble against Moses and Aaron. They chose to listen to the bad report and ignored the encouragement to go up and take the land. Fear was the louder voice. The people had witnessed the miracles and faithfulness of God during their journey from Egypt. What happened to their faith? Why did they not trust God now?

Leaders carry heavy responsibilities. But so, do the followers. Followers choose whom to follow and often they choose to follow the one with the loudest voice. I cannot help but compare the Israelites’ situation to ours at the present time. Which leaders are we listening to? Some “loud” voices are saying: fear the virus, fear climate change, fear other’s opinions, fear the guns, fear each other! The quieter voice of “truth” is being drowned out. But Truth is there and must be reckoned with.

We see what is happening under the leadership in Washington, DC and maybe we tend to fear what may happen next. We have reason to keep our eyes open, and to keep our heads bowed in prayer. God sees what is happening. He sees the leaders who want to put us in bondage and lead our country down a dangerous path. God also sees those leaders who are standing strong for what is right, and there are many in Washington, DC as well as in our state governments. They need our prayers and encouragement. Write those emails, make those phone calls, let your leaders know you are praying for them.

Joshua and Caleb stood their ground in believing God would give them the land as He had promised. But because of the people’s refusal to believe, they had to wait 40 years to enter it. Oh, the regret those people and ten leaders must have felt! I don’t know what is in store for the United States these next few years, but I know God is still in control and He will never leave His people. I have no doubt, however, that we will experience that “dark winter” promised by our President. We are already. We must not lose heart. Through the scary times listen for the voice of Truth. Continue to trust God!

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

 I finally saw the robins in my front yard!

I am so grateful for this promise! And for the 62 degree-day we had recently! I’m seeing several calves now, daffodils coming through the snow, and water falling fast through the downspouts as the snow melts from my roof. All the snow will melt and spring will come. I am sure of it.

Not as many birds are coming to the feeders now. I’m guessing they can find seeds uncovered along the fence rows. The deer are coming closer to the house at night. I saw six of them in my backyard last night. Molly spends a lot of time barking and going in and out in the evening hours. The wild animals seem to find the food they need through the winter. God provides for all.

Molly and I can take our walks around the hayfields again without stomping through snow- a little mud, but most of the snow is gone. Molly is as excited as I am about that! She can sniff out the moles or whatever she’s interested in without digging through the snow. She’s even tried digging through the frozen snow a few times. Her company makes my walks more enjoyable.

God has  provided for me through this difficult winter and I’m grateful. Now, if I can just spot a robin!

I’m tired of living in a “white” world. We’ve had snow on the ground now for two weeks, and the weather forecast says more is coming.  I am a snow girl.  I like snow. As a retired teacher, I remember looking forward to snow days, but even then, a few days were enough.  I know February can be a very snowy month and it’s okay.  I’ll make it through.

I’ve decided to think about what’s under all that white stuff.  There are purple and lavender crocuses, red tulips, and yellow daffodils. There are roots of grasses just waiting for the snow to melt and warmer days to bring up those green blades. And, yes, there are about a zillion yellow dandelions ready to poke their yellow heads up, too. In my garden boxes there is fertile soil waiting to be warmed and prepared to receive seeds and plants resulting in fresh vegetables. I’m enjoying the pictures in those seed catalogs!

I’m reminded of the Prophet Samuel in the Old Testament when God asked him to anoint a new king. He was to choose from Jesse’s sons and when he saw Eliab, Samuel was sure he was to be the new king.  God said no.

“Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Don’t we sometimes judge people like that?  We treat them by what we see on the outside. I’ve most likely missed out on some potential friendships by not pursuing a relationship with someone, just because of what I saw on the surface. James writes about this when he reminds the Christians not to show favoritism.

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers” (James 2:8-9).

I know I’m guilty and must continually be on guard against such actions and thoughts. All that snow will eventually melt away and what is underneath will burst forth in its beauty. I must look at people that way. God knows what a person is really like, I don’t. I must love everyone knowing they are made in God’s image, lovingly sharing the truth of the gospel at every opportunity. God can bring beauty to every soul who is willing to allow it.

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones” (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).

Happy Valentine’s Day

This week’s blog is borrowed from Debbie Wuthnow, from iVoterGuide. She explores the word truth and chooses to use it as her word for the new year. I agree with Debbie’s message and hope it encourages you as it did me. Here is her message as it arrived in my inbox today.

Friend, 2021 has begun unlike any year I can remember in my lifetime.   As we’ve started the year, my thoughts have not been filled with typical New Year’s resolutions, but in deep prayer and contemplation. Leading into 2021, I took part in the devotional, “One Word That Will Change Your Life.”  As I sought to find God’s intention for me for this year, I started with the one word that might describe how we all felt after January 6. The word was despair.  Many of you may be feeling the same, and I want you to know that you’re not alone in how you feel.  Somehow, though, we must move beyond despair.   As I sat down to write you, it struck me that TRUTH helps fight despair, so I decided that my word for 2021 would be TRUTH.   Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life.” In the days and months to come, we must remember whose we are.  God is not a God of despair but of hope, love, and truth.  The Psalmist said, “Why are you in despair, O my soul?  And why have you become disturbed within me?  Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.” (Psalm 42:5) I’m reminded of the time in Joseph’s life when things certainly did not go his way.  His brothers sold him into slavery, and his situation seemed desperate.  Yet, he knew that what man intended as evil, God used for good.  (Genesis 50:20) What good could possibly come from the events of the past week, you ask?   I’ve been greatly comforted by the stories coming from the Capitol as both Democrats and Republicans openly called on God for protection and comforted one another. I also have to wonder:  1. Has the church finally reached a time of crisis that is driving them to their knees?  2. Will discouraging times cause people to share their faith, the reason for their hope?  3. Will violence on both sides cause people to examine their hearts and ways?  (Psalm 11:5) We know that God can use anything for His purpose, and we also know that He appoints kings and princes – including both President Trump and President-Elect Biden.  He can and will work through both, but will our hearts be in a place where we’re ready for God’s assignment – where we’re ready to put aside everything we’re feeling and lean against OUR understanding and into the path God has put before us?  (Proverbs 3:5-6) I believe that TRUTH is not only God’s word for me for 2021, but that it encapsulates what iVoterGuide is here to do. In the past months and years, we’ve had so much misinformation that no one knows who to believe and where to look for truth. My promise to you and to God is that iVoterGuide will seek the truth and strive to rely only on information that is originally sourced and verified.  When the truth is not known, we pledge not to spread conjecture or use “spin” to fit our narrative.  We will fight disinformation with civic education, truth, and hope. When times are the darkest, the light of those who embrace God will glow the brightest. I invite you to join me in sitting still before the Lord.  To take time to breathe, to be quiet, and to listen… to reflect, repent, humble ourselves, and re-focus. In doing so, we’ll be ready for however God leads in 2021. In His service, Debbie Wuthnow President, iVoterGuide P.S.  Do you have a friend who needs encouragement?  Please forward this email to begin building one another up and lifting people out of despair.

iVoterGuide is a project of Heritage Alliance, a non-profit 501(c)(4) organization. Follow us on social media!

I woke up Sunday morning to a herd of black cows in my front yard! Many of you know I live on a farm between pastures and hay fields, but I’ve never had the whole herd of 20 plus cows come to my yard. Oh, there were two cows still on the right side of the fence. They must have missed the exodus through the gate mistake. That’s when a gate is left open, by mistake. I made three phone calls before I reached someone who could do something about it. Those cows didn’t listen to me!  The farmer’s friend (the farmer was working his other job) came and led them right back through the gate mistake-no problem at all!

My yard was a problem! The ground was soft and every hoof print was deep! Cows are heavy animals. I was imagining how it would be riding my lawn mower across the yard next spring–a bouncing ride for sure.  And the cow pies! Yikes! They were everywhere. I spent time crying over the whole mess. However, Farmer Kirk is a good friend, and he came the next day to clean up those messy piles and told me he could fix the hoof prints. I’m sure he’ll see to that before mowing time.

I wasn’t sure what lesson I was to learn from the cow pow wow, and then Wednesday happened. I was stunned and heartbroken as I saw the lawbreakers enter the Capitol building. Just like the cows, they were definitely not suppose to be there. Perhaps time will bring out the truth of the who, why, and how of that event  I have questions.

Our country and our government are in a mess. Gates were left open and evil came in. God and prayer are left out of our public schools. The definition of marriage is changed to include sexual immorality. Killing babies is legal! The legislature is trying to make a genderless society. Blasphemous prayers are uttered. Have we lost our minds?

Church, we must rise from our apathy, become students of the Word, make disciples, and fill our minds and life with prayer. I believe this is the only way to hold back the evil that has invaded our land. It seems truth cannot be found. The prophet Isaiah says of his day, “So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey” (Isaiah 59:14-15).

Sounds a little like today, doesn’t it? Truth about matters of today may or may not come to light. Ultimately, truth is found in God’s Word.

We need gates of prayer!

“O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure” (Psalm 7:9).

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

A friend called me recently to wish me “Happy New Year”. He explained that at this time of year he goes through his contacts list and makes these calls. I was honored to receive his call and grateful for his concern. He prayed with me and read that verse from Romans. He is not the first person who has reminded me of that verse. Another friend I had visited during the holidays also referred to it. It seems like a perfect motto to live by this year.

The next morning, as I sat at my desk observing the dark clouds, I saw bits of light beginning to shine through. Those slivers of golden sunshine reminded me that the sun is still shining, though I may not see much of it. Dark days do eventually turn to sunny days. I think hope is a little like that, sometimes it is just a glimmer. But that glimmer reminds us there is more. Hope can grow stronger.

In this new year, of 2021, our days are just as uncertain as they were in 2020. We do not know what will happen, whether things will be better or worse than last year. I suspect there will be some things better and some things worse. Isn’t that how most years progress? We have no assurance of better days ahead, but we do have assurance of Who will go with us through those days-good or bad. We have a God of hope! We have a God we can trust!

Our God is mighty and loving and compassionate! He deserves our praise and our trust. He wants to fill us with joy and peace, and He wants us to overflow with hope. I want that, too, but sometimes the trust is hard. That Romans verse says, “as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope.” We must trust the God of hope to overflow with hope!

I’ve discovered some days take more prayer and more time spent reading God’s Word so I can trust more. Prayer and Bible study allow the Holy Spirit to work in my life and make me more aware of His Presence. I also have a better perspective on what is happening in the world.

It is true we have no assurance of better days this year, but we do have the assurance that the best is yet to come.  This world is not our final home. God is preparing a new heaven and a new earth!

I pray for many good things to happen in this year. I pray we, as God’s people, will stand firm in our faith, depend on God for our strength and wisdom, and in all matters to be obedient to His will.

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

It’s been a wild ride! I drove to Tennessee to spend Christmas with my daughters and their families. Younger daughter drove from Richmond, VA area. The forecast said 1-3 inches of snow and several of us were hoping for a white Christmas! We were thinking, “Wouldn’t it be nice to gather around the lighted Christmas tree watching the snow fall?” And about midday it began to fall.  And fall! Three inches and still falling!

 We had planned to enjoy a nice Christmas Eve dinner-ham, mac & cheese, deviled eggs, potatoes, broccoli, etc.  Ham was in the oven with other preparations beginning. Then the power went out. Snow was continuing to fall until we had 5 inches! We weren’t cancelling dinner, but we had to alter the menu. No cooked veggies, no mac and cheese. We pulled out the cheeseball and crackers, raw veggies and dip, finished the deviled eggs, and pulled the ham out of the oven. We lit the oil lamp and candles and made a memory.

After dinner we played games and talked about remembering this Christmas-this strange year! When we thought about the year 2020, not much went according to plan. But we survived and only a few of us were touched by the virus. We are grateful to God for mercy!. 

The most uncomfortable part of the evening was having no heat. We layered our blankets and tucked the dogs in beside us and managed to sleep, in spite of the cold. I thought about those precious souls without roofs over their heads and knew I had more than many others in the world. Then I thought of how Mary and Joseph had to alter their plans for the birth of Jesus. Giving birth in a stable isn’t what any mother would choose.

Wishing you and yours a warm and wonderful Christmas and New Year!

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manager, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:6-7).

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

“Christ’s love compels us.”  When I read those words this week, I stopped and reread them. I wondered, “Does Christ’s love compel me?” “Compel” is a rather strong verb, stronger than merely “motivate.” Spending some time in chapters 4 and 5 of 2 Corinthians gave me some insight into what Paul was saying to the Corinthian Christians.

• Paul lived for Christ because of Christ’s love demonstrated through His death and resurrection.
• If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. No longer living in selfishness and pride and no longer having a worldly point of view.
• The purpose of Christ’s death and resurrection was to make a way of reconciliation between Holy God and sinful mankind.
• Those who have been reconciled to God, forgiven and redeemed, are now responsible for this ministry of reconciliation. God made us His ambassadors, “as though God were making his appeal through us” (verse20).

Paul explains in chapter 4, “we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (verse 7).  The message of reconciliation is the treasure we humans are to share. Paul goes on relating the troubles and persecution he and his fellow workers experienced. He says, “we always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”

You, like me, may be feeling the heaviness of troubles and disappointments of this year. This “jar of clay” (our mind and body) may be weary from it all but isn’t it wonderful we can have a heavenly point of view and not a worldly one.  We have been made new in Christ! He gives us the will and power to keep going.

Gazing on a baby’s face gives feelings of joy and love. Fixing their eyes on Baby Jesus compelled the shepherds to tell the good news to everyone they saw!  How much more should we be compelled to tell the good news of salvation when we fix our eyes on the crucified and risen Christ!

The Baby in the manger became our Redeemer.

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).