Sandy's Refreshment Spot

Catching Up

2008-04-29T07:08:00.002-10:00

To all my loyal readers, I apologize for not blogging recently. My mind is getting older, my thinking not as fast as it used to be; therefore, in the past month, I've had to deal with too many things, in too short of time, and thus, neglected my blog.

My niece, Aline, arrived from West Virginia to live with us at the end of March, and we have tried to introduce her to Maui and all it has to offer, have gotten her settled in the house, and she has also found a job that she loves at an animal refuge taking care of special needs rabbits. She loves it. My great-niece, Arley, has also been living with us almost a year and is attending beauty school, so with all that company brings to a household, I've been just trying to keep up with meals, laundry, shopping, sight-seeing, etc.

This morning in my devotionals, though, I read scripture that I just had to share with you, busy or not. The picture of the shepherd and his sheep was in almost every scripture I turned to this morning. The picture that remained with me is in Isaiah 40:9-11, and Revelation 7:17:

"See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power; and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (Isaiah 40:9-11)

"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Rev. 7:17)

Jesus told his disciples that He was the Good Shepherd and often called his followers sheep, or "little flock." But God also called Jesus "the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world." Jesus was both Shepherd and the Lamb. As God's sacrificial Lamb, He paid for our sins by His own blood. As the Shepherd, He will lead his flock to springs of living water in eternity with Him forever. Isn't that a marvelous picture. I love the Isaiah scripture and the picture it offers---Jesus carrying me in his arms close to his heart and leading me to the river of life that flows through the middle of the city of God.

Let's worship the Shepherd and the Lamb today!
Sandy

Bradley's Birthday

2008-04-05T11:16:00.003-10:00

Yesterday my youngest grandson turned 10 years old--double digits already. Where has the time gone since that eventful day as a newborn, our newest addition to the family? Bradley is one with a song in his heart. Even as a tiny infant, when fussy, he would quiet down immediately if you started humming in his ear. It was if he stopped crying or fussing so he could hear every note. He loved the little Christian songs he learned in the church nursery and later in Sunday School and would sing them word for word back to you if you but asked. On his 9th birthday last year, he asked for an iPod so that he could listen to his Christian praise songs any time he wanted without disturbing others. This year he got an iPulse, a fancy little gadget that he can plug his iPod into and beautiful lights pulse to the beat of the music throughout his room. Yes, God created him with a song in his heart and he hasn't stopped singing since his birth. I know that God can use that gift of song someday to bless others and bring joy to Bradley throughout his lifetime and bring glory to God through his love for music.

In this month's Readers Digest, I saw this quote and liked it very much: "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer; it sings because it has a song." God put a "song" in everything he created. The heavens and earth declare the glory of God. (Ps. 19:1) The trees of the forest sing for joy (Ps. 96:12) Rivers clap their hands and the mountains sing together for joy (Ps. 98:8). "All you have made will praise you, O Lord.." (Ps. 145:10a) "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day." (Ps. 96:1-2) There is a continual new song that will be sung forever in heaven: "You are worthy, our Lord and God." (Rev. 4:11).

As you count your many blessings daily from the Lord, let a song well up in your heart and give God the proper glory due to Him, just as every part of his creation does. Even the stones will cry out.

Happy Birthday, Bradley, and take good care of those cute little white rats you got for your birthday!
Nana (Sandy)

Memorials

2008-04-01T06:38:00.002-10:00

God has granted most of us as humans with the wonderful gift of memory. However, because we are human, sometimes our memory fails us, such as a name of someone we know as well as our own, an address where we used to live, the name of a place where we have been, etc. Today we have unbelievable ways of preserving memories. We have digital cameras, computers where we store our memories, letters that we save from long ago that we can reread when we want. We put up monuments with the name and dates of birth and death of our loved ones as a form of memorial. Our memories of past people and events come flooding back when we go back and review these "memorials" and we have joy (or sadness) recalling the people and places God has placed in our lives over our life's journey.

In biblical times, God had his people put up altars built of rocks to remind them of His protection and provision for them during a particular time in their journey of life. Whenever they came upon those altars of rocks, they were to remind them of how they had gotten to that particular place and how God had blessed them in the past. In the Book of Joshua, we are told that when the Israelites crossed over the Jordan River into the promised land, the people built an altar to remind them of how God had stopped the flow of the river until every Israelite was safe on the other side. When all were safe, the river went immediately back to flood stage. A miracle that God had performed on their behalf was to be remembered as a blessing and that would give them hope that God would always be there to work another miracle in the future if they needed one.

Joshua 4:23-24 (NIV): "For the Lord your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God."

What reminds you for what the Lord has done for you in the past? Do you have a method of recalling your blessings from God? A journal? Paragraphs written in your Bible? A treasure you have placed aside to remind you? An album of pictures? By remembering what God has done for us in the past helps us to stay on the right path with Him in confidence of His faithfulness and love toward us for the future.

What a precious gift God gave us in giving us our memories!
Sandy

The Blessing of Work

2008-03-26T06:16:00.002-10:00

Every human on earth has experienced work in some capacity one way or another in their lifetime. I would hazard to say that most of those people have also grumbled and complained about their work many times during their lifetime. After all, work is labor. It is toilsome and occupies most of our waking hours. It becomes mundane, oftentimes, boring, and probably is the cause of most of the stress in our lives.

Work starts early in our lives with having to do chores as children. How often do you hear a hearty, "Yes, Mom, I'd love to take out the trash." or "Yes, Dad, there's nothing I'd rather do than mow the lawn for you." Don't parents usually hear a groan instead, or deal with procrastination by having to repeat their request over and over again?

How about adults? Are we any different? Do we walk into our place of employment kicking up our heels eager and happy to get on with whatever we are expected to do? Do we anticipate a great day whistling while we work? I would say that most people drag their feet to work dreading to face the day and all the problems that come along with the work they do. Work becomes dull, mundane, oftentimes stressful, and something that HAS to be done to provide for their families. Why else would we anticipate vacation time so expectantly----ahhhh, a few days away from this toil and labor!!!

In the beginning, God Himself worked six days in creating the heavens and the earth and everything in them. Did He groan, moan, complain after His work was completed? No. He looked at his work with satisfaction and said it "was very good." When God placed man in the Garden of Eden, God put him there to "work it and take care of it." (Gen. 2:15). There was not the sin issue then to deal with in the Garden. Adam toiled with complete and utter enjoyment in his work. He did not have weeds, thorns, disease, insects, etc. to battle to keep the Garden perfect. Adam walked with God in the garden in perfect unity and fellowship as they enjoyed their creative work of their hands together.

Then Eve ate the apple and everything changed. The ground was cursed, and work became painful, hard and toilsome. Thorns and thistles had to be dealt with. Work brought sweat to the brow (stress). No longer was work a joy for Adam or the generations that followed.

Yet, in Ecclesiastes, Soloman discovered work as a blessing---a gift from God. "A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too I see as from the hand of God." (Eccles. 2:24) "That every man may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his toil---this is the gift of God." (Ecc. 3:13).

Work can bring satisfaction and contentment if we do what we do "as unto the Lord." It is our way of saying thank you to God for the skills and abilities He has given us in order to make the world a better, safer place to live for everyone. If we see work as a means of only satisfying our own greed, then we have missed the whole point of God's gift of work to us. He has given each of us different talents, skills and abilities to benefit mankind as a whole so that we can enjoy life more fully.

We can work grimly or gladly. We can do our work "heartily" or "hardly". We can give our all-out effort with a good attitude, or we can grumble and complain and accomplish little. Thank God for the job you have. You are there for a purpose. Fulfill that purpose to the best of your God-given abilities and trust that He will bless you for your toil and labor.

Enjoy your day and do whatever you do "as unto the Lord."
Sandy

Our Living Hope

2008-03-23T06:23:00.002-10:00

"Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o'er his foes...."

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who..has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (I Peter 1:3)

"We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you." Psalm 33:20-22)

We have hope today because we serve a RISEN Savior!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

May this Easter be most blessed for you and your family as you harbor that blessed hope in your heart of eternal life with Jesus Christ our Lord!
Sandy

I Told You So!

2008-03-22T07:04:00.002-10:00

During Jesus' three years of ministry on earth, Jesus taught the disciples so many things about Himself and tried to prepare them for what would take place in His future and in the future of all generations. In his last week before His crucifixion, He so wanted them to grasp the message He was trying to get over to them: that His time on earth was drawing nigh, that He would die, and that He would be resurrected on the third day, and then ascend into heaven, and that He would come again and receive them to Himself. They just didn't get the full picture! They knew Him as Lord and Savior, but they expected Him to set up His kingdom and proclaim Himself as Messiah without having to pay the penalty for mankind's sin by His own shed blood.

So when they experienced the terrible day of Christ's death and burial, they were disillusioned, devastated, sorrowful, and defeated. They gathered together in a room to mourn and wondered what would become of them now that all their hopes were dashed and ruined. Their Master was dead!

How could they have forgotten the words that Christ had so very carefully explained to them over and over again that yes, He would die, but that He would rise again on the third day and ascend into heaven to go to prepare a place for them.

As they were gathered in the room together having their own pity party, can you imagine what took place when Jesus appeared to them and began to rebuke them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him afer he had risen? It was as if the Lord was saying, "See, fellas, I told you so!"

Luke 24:44 says "He said to them, this is what I told you while I was still with you. Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms." Now do you believe Me (my addition).

"Then he opened their minds so that they could understand the Scriptures." ( vs. 45)

From that moment on, the disciples changed completely. They became bold, courageous, fearless witnesses to all that Jesus had taught them and shared the good news of a risen Savior that awaits to save them according to their faith. The news spread through the land and is still being shared faithfully down through the centuries today. We serve a risen Savior!

Don't be one with a stubborn heart and a closed mind. He wants you to know the truth, and the truth will set you free. He is in heaven preparing a place for those who will accept Him and receive Him as Lord here and now. Don't wait too long to experience the joy of having your mind opened to understand. He is coming again as He promised.

Have a wonderful Easter celebrating the new life in you, the hope of glory!
Sandy

The Sun Stopped

2008-03-21T06:49:00.002-10:00

When I was small living in Nebraska, I remember a day when we woke up to a pretty sunny day, but as the morning passed, the skies began to get an eerie darkness, and by noon it was as black as if it were midnight outside. My mom called my dad at work and asked him to come home as we were frightened wondering what was happening. Only a short time later, the blackness dissipated and the normal light of day returned. Dad suspected that a tornado had passed close by and we took a drive to investigate. Sure enough, the path of destruction proved that a tornado had passed through a nearby town.

There was another day in history where the sun stopped at the noon hour and lasted three hours. Blackness came over the whole land. It was at the very moment in time when Jesus, having been crucified and hung on a cross, gave up his spirit and died. His death was a voluntary act on his part, an obedience to His Father's will, in order to accomplish redemption for you and me. In response to the death of the very One who had created them, the sun stopped shining, the earth shook, and the dead rose from the tombs and walked about in the holy city. Also, the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom, the curtain that once separated the people from the Holy of Holies. Now free access was made possible to all.

Was this man who died on the cross truly God? How could anyone even utter a doubt when even the very sun obeyed him and quit shining, the earth obeyed his command and shook, and the dead rose up and walked again!!! He truly was the Son of God who gave His life for the ransom of your sins and mine. Even His creation recognized and obeyed their Master.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!
Sandy

Cup of Blessing or Cup of Sorrow

2008-03-20T09:35:00.002-10:00

I look forward to my first good cup of coffee in the mornings. It gets my eyes open, my day started, and sets my attitudes on the right track to start a brand new day.

In the Bible cups are often mentioned as cups of blessing or cups of sorrow. In the Old Testament time, kings used to appoint cupbearers to test any drinks offered to the king first so that no one could slip anything harmful into the drink to harm the king. If the cupbearer died, the king knew he could not drink out of that cup. Definitely that would be a cup of death.

Remember Joseph placing a silver cup into the bag of his youngest brother to deceive his brothers into thinking it was stolen from the palace? It was a deceptive act on Joseph's part to assure that the brothers would return to Egypt with his father. Eventually, Joseph was able to save his entire family from the famine. So you could trace back to that silver cup as being a cup of blessing for Jacob and his family.

Remember the widow's cup of oil that lasted through the famine and did not run out? A cup of blessing.

Psalm 23 promises an overflowing cup to look forward to in eternity. A cup of blessing.

Jesus promised a reward to those that gave a cup of cold water given in His name. A cup of blessing.

As we approach the Easter season and read of the events prior to Christ's death and resurrection, there is no greater event that moves our hearts more than Christ praying in Gethsemane prior to his arrest and crucifixion. "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but thine be done." A little while later, Peter became very angry with the crowd that came to arrest Jesus in the garden and he struck a high priest's servant and cut off his ear with his sword. Christ rebuked Peter and said "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me." Christ knew that he alone could drink the cup of suffering that he was facing--there was no one else that could drink of it. Christ knew that it was His Father's will that, He, the Father's Only Son, would be the only One that could redeem the lost human race. It was He that must drink that cup of sorrow and suffering. And he did so willingly. Because of Christ's willingness to fulfill His Father's will, and drink that bitter cup of suffering, we now have the awesome privilege of drinking the sweet cup of blessing.

When you lift your cup in the morning to drink your first cup of coffee, let that be a reminder to praise God for His bitter cup of suffering that He drank for you and me!
Sandy

St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T08:02:00.002-10:00

St. Patrick's Day was always a special day around our house growing up as a child. My little sister, Sheila, was born on St. Patrick's Day on my Aunt Eva's birthday, so we always celebrated two birthdays of two special people in the family on the same day. Mom always baked a white cake with a great big green shamrock on it to help celebrate the event. Sheila always got little "shamrock" gifts to let her know she was born on a special day. Happy Birthday, Sheila! Hope you have a wonderful day. Aunt Eva is in heaven celebrating her life with God for eternity.

We've all heard the wonderful Irish blessing that warms our hearts on St. Patrick's Day:

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rain fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Yesterday I received from an e-mail friend this beautiful thought that I would like to leave with you today, and hopefully it may help you to turn your focus away from whatever problems you may be facing to see the hand of God at work in and through them.

"Once there was a man who asked God for a flower and a butterfly.
But instead God gave him a cactus and a caterpillar.
The man was sad, he didn't understand why his request was mistaken.
Then he thought: Oh, well,, God has too many people to care for...and decided not to question.
After some time, the man went to check up on his request that he had left forgotten.
To his surprise, from the thorny and ugly cactus a beautiful flower had grown.
And the unsightly caterpillar had been transformed into the most beautiful butterfly.
God always does things right! His way is always the best way even if to us it seems all wrong.
If you asked God for one thing and received another, TRUST.
You can be sure that He will always give you what you need at the appropriate time.
What you want is not always what you need!
God never fails to grant our petitions so keep on going without doubting or murmuring.
Today's thorn is tomorrow's flower.
God gives the very best to those who leave the choices up to HIM!

May God truly bless you on this day and every day and meet your every need in His way and in His timing!
Sandy

Hosanna in the Highest

2008-03-16T06:06:00.002-10:00

On Palm Sunday long ago, our Lord Jesus Christ rode into Jerusalem humbly riding on a donkey so that He might fulfill prophecy. The people joyfully sang "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest" as He entered the city. They recognized Him then as the Messiah, as "hosanna" means "Save, I pray." Only one short week later, the same crowd of people cried, "Crucify Him!"

How do you view Jesus Christ today? Do you know Him as Lord and Savior, as the Messiah, the one who saves? Or in your heart, are you denying the truth and with the world of unbelievers saying "Crucify Him!"

Almost 40 years ago, I recognized Christ as my Lord and Savior and accepted Him into my heart. I remember that day as if it were yesterday. This morning in my devotional time, I read Psalm 30, 31 and 32. In those psalms I recognized anew what Christ accomplished for me on that day when I was still a young woman-----and I praise Him for the changes that have taken place in my heart since then. Many verses in the psalms I read today say how I felt on that life-changing day in my life. Maybe you can identify with the verses also, and praise our Savior today along with me:

"O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. O Lord, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit. Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."

"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever."

"Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth."

"I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place."

"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God'; my times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant, save me in your unfailing love."

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."

"Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord' and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found;... You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."

Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!!!
Sandy

Palm Sunday

2008-03-15T12:38:00.002-10:00

Tomorrow we remember Palm Sunday, the day Jesus entered Jerusalem with the crowds shouting "Hosanna" as He rode the back of a donkey stepping on palm leaves that were placed on the path into the city. I found a poem that I appreciated and would like to share with you:

SHOUTS OF HOSANNA
The shouts of Hosanna came loud and clear
As our Saviour on a donkey drew ever near,
It was as if the whole earth proclaimed His name,
Many voices claiming Him for glory and fame.

Robes strewn before the humble donkey’s feet,
Palm branches waved their noble King to greet.
Oh, how the rafters of the heavens did sweetly ring
And with what resounding voices did children sing.

They knew He was the Master who had healed the lame,
Cleansed the lepers, raised the dead, now he would claim
His rightful place, cast away enemies, restore His throne,
Would they have shouted Hosanna, had they known?

What were they expecting on that mighty day He came
Into Jerusalem, their songs of joy so loudly proclaim?
Not that one week later they would scream, CRUCIFY!
And watch while He hung on a cross for them to die.

I know I would have shouted Hosanna to His holy name,
But not crucify, I would have bowed my head in shame,
Trembled at the sight before my unbelieving sad eyes
And think in my aching heart, ‘The son of God dies.’

I would have ran so fast to the tomb on that morn,
Just as excited as on the wondrous day He was born,
Wept for pure joy when I saw my beloved Lord there
And remember that sacrifice with never ending prayer.

by M Ann Margetson March 23, 2002

The crowds were expecting Christ to claim his rightful place as King of the Jews, but He had to take a much different path than what they expected. We can truly sing Hosanna to the King today as we realize what the road to the cross that Christ would trod only a few days later would mean for our eternal future!

Hosanna to the King!
Sandy

Public Speaking

2008-03-11T15:01:00.003-10:00

Today I volunteered to be a judge at a local Christian school for their annual speech meet. Since public speaking was always such a hard thing for me when I was in elementary school, I could feel the nerves and the tension of the children as they anticipated their turn to get up in front of the microphone and deliver their speech. I wanted to somehow convey to them that their nerves were unfounded as I was not a mean, old, nasty person that was going to condemn their every flaw. However, instead of being able to put my arms around them and comfort them, I had to sit and allow them to deal with their own nerves in their own way. My motherly instinct wanted to protect them from their awful inner turmoil, and yet I knew that allowing them to get through it, whether good or bad, would further their ability to accomplish greater things in the long run. Two to four students did an excellent job, as if they were natural-born orators. Most were good to very good, stumbling here or there, and mastered their speech with grace and relief. My heart ached for one little girl who got through half of her speech very well, but she came to a spot where her mind went totally blank and could not continue. Bursting in tears, she had to take her seat. One little boy could not even get on stage and literally got physically sick and had to leave the room. The teachers were such comforters to the last two-mentioned students understanding that public speaking was not their forte. I know by next year their self-confidence and courage will be bolstered and encouraged by their teachers.

How are we similar to these little children when God asks us to perform a task that we feel totally unable to accomplish? The fears build up inside and we inwardly balk against God's will for us and want to tell God, "I can't, Lord." But God says, we can. "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of HIS might." God never gives us tasks that He does not give us the means to accomplish those tasks. If we need courage, He'll give us courage. If we need our hearts calmed, He'll give us His peace. If we need means, He'll provide for us. All He wants from us is to say, "Yes, Lord, with Your help, I will." Obedience to His commands is greater to Him than our weaknesses. If we are weak, He is strong. We just need to put aside our fears, and allow God to prove Himself faithful!

Our confidence lies in the ability of our Almighty God to work through us!
Sandy

Peace

2008-03-09T14:11:00.002-10:00

Have you ever noted that when God wants to bring home a point to you that every time you pick up anything to read, it is usually on the subject that God wants you to hear for your particular need? It has been that way for me this week about God's peace. One verse in particular kept coming to me all week:

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace."

I have been studying the book of Colossians with a friend and find it most interesting that God has led us to study the subject of His peace at a time when probably I need it the most. Isn't God amazing when He brings to you just what you need just when you need it the most????

My first encounter with the subject of peace this week was a small article called "Peace is a Person". Ephesians 2:14 starts out "For he himself is our peace." The ancient Jewish prophets called Him "the Prince of Peace." When Jesus was preparing His disciples for His imminent resurrection, He told them, "Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give unto you, not as the world gives you, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) He is the Only Person that can guarantee us true peace, because He is Peace. Peace is a Person.

When we went to church this morning, lo and behold, our message was entitled "The Path to Personal Peace." The gist of the message was that we need to 1) acccept what cannot be changed; 2) Trust in God's loving care; and 3) Surrender to God's loving control. For the things that enter our lives that we have no control over, we need to accept what God wants to teach us through it. Acceptance is a choice on our part, but peace is only possible by Christ's supernatural power working in and through us. The pastor quoted the Serenity Prayer that we see on plaques all the time, but did you know there's more to the prayer than the first line? It goes like this:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day a time. Enjoying one moment at a time. Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace. Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Trusting that you, God, will make all things right if I surrender to Your will. So that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with you forever in the next. Amen.

There are several aspects of obtaining the peace that only Christ can give and I thought Colossians 3:12-17 said it better than anything I heard or read this week.

We need to make a conscious choice to let the peace of God rule in our hearts, to love one another, bear one another's burdens, forgive each other, be thankful in all things, and allow the word of God dwell in us richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs together as one body, and to do all that we do in the name of Jesus, always giving thanks to God through Christ. (Synoposis of Col. 3:12-17) As verse 14 states so clearly, we are called to peace. The only way we can have that supernatural peace is through a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our Peace.

If something is overwhelming you right now, and you can't seem to claim victory over it, I suggest you pray and ask Christ for that supernatural peace that only He can give you. This world will bring troubles, sorrows, and pain, but Christ offers something so much greater that the world could never give us---His peace as we trust Him to be the Sovereign Ruler of our heart. He will never disappoint you!

Jehovah Shalom (I am the God of Peace)!
Grace and peace be to you!
Sandy

Feet Washing

2008-03-08T05:53:00.002-10:00

My niece is going to beauty school and I volunteer to be her model as she studies different stages of her lessons. Yesterday I was blessed with a manicure and a pedicure. I had never had a pedicure before in my life, so I felt very pampered. A pedicure is quite a process. I had my heels filed with a coarse file, my legs and feet massaged and rubbed with a smooth lotion, and my toes went through about 4 or 5 stages of cleaning, clipping and polishing.

During the whole process, so many verses from the Bible concerning feet came to my mind:

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" (Isaiah 52:7)

"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; and set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."
(Psalm 40:2)

"He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights." (Psalm 18:33)

In the New Testament, Christ asked his disciples to look at his hands and feet to verify that He truly was risen from the dead:

"He said to them, Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me, and see..." (Luke 24:38-39)

No verses in the Bible about feet, however, are more powerful than the picture Christ gave us as He washed the disciples feet in the Upper Room as they celebrated the Passover together prior to His imminent arrest and crucifixion. As my niece worked on my feet yesterday, I noticed how she was always bent down, stooped low to work on my feet as I sat in my chair comfortable, at ease and rested. She put herself in a humble position before me in order to accomplish her goal of making my feet beautiful. As Christ washed the feet of each one of His disciples, He placed Himself as a humble servant giving them an example of servitude toward others. "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:15)
Christ's cleansing of the disciples' feet was a humble act of service that He wanted to pass on to His disciples after He left them. He wanted them to know the joy of cleansed feet (and hearts) of those that they would become witnesses to about the Christ after He was gone! "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet." (John 13:14)

Our humble service to others, without thought of gain or praise or glory for ourselves, will accomplish more for the kingdom of God than you will ever know. Some day we will cast our crowns of reward at the feet of Jesus in eternity in worship, adoration, and praise and will sing for eternity: "Worthy is the Lamb!"

"How beautiful are the feet of those...who proclaim salvation!"
Sandy

The Seriousness of Sin

2008-03-07T06:36:00.002-10:00

At the beginning of the year, I pledged to read the Bible through during 2008. I chose a reading chart to follow in which I read 3 chapters of the Old Testament and a bit of Proverbs every day, and two or three chapters of Psalms on Sunday. I am now in the book of Numbers. This is the book where most people get bogged down and groan as they plod through endless names, tribes and geneologies and lots of numbers. I am no exception.

However, in reading today's chapter in Numbers 25, I was impressed with two people that God gave as an example of the seriousness of open sin in His eyes--Zimri and Cozbi. God had warned the Israelites to remain true to Him alone and not to follow after other gods of neighboring cities and countries. They did not heed his warning and began to "indulge in sexual immorality" with neighboring Moabite women. This stirred up God's anger and God ordered Moses to kill the leaders of all the tribes who openly disregarded his orders. 24,000 men were killed in one day. Zimri was named specifically as an Israelite who brought Cozbi, a Moabite woman, openly into the Israelite camp. Phinehas, as a priest, took immediate action and drove a spear through them killing them instantly, and thus atonement for the sins of all the Israelites was paid and the killing spree ended. God made a covenant of peace with Phinehas that day and verse 23 says, "He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood because he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites."

Is God any less a jealous God against the sins that are so openly displayed in our society today? I don't think so. He is just as serious today about open and blatant sin as He was with His chosen people, the Israelites. In the New Testament in Hebrews 10:26-31, God's word says: "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sin is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay', and again, 'The Lord will judge his people.' It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

It appears that people today take a very lax view of "sin". Our societal problems prove that. However, God's grace and mercy is still so available to claim if we confess our sins and turn back to Him for forgiveness. "If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14) If you are struggling with an area of your life that is pulling you under, then admit it as sin, turn to God, and God's mercy will flood your soul and bring such cleansing and release. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9)

God's mercy is boundless!
Sandy

Going Down Memory Lane

2008-03-05T05:50:00.002-10:00

Yesterday I was cleaning out drawers and a closet for my niece who will be arriving in Maui to stay with us for a while. In the bottom drawer of the dresser I kept my "Keepsakes" box, which held those things that had meant something very dear to me through the years that I had tucked away as treasures. I set the box down on the floor and started going through it looking at one memory after another. It took a couple of hours and a lot of shed tears before I finished.

Inside were countless homemade cards that my son had made me for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, etc. Some were when he was very young and others were sent to me after he was married, but all held such precious words that touched my heart so much. There were little handmade notes and drawn pictures from my niece, Arley, who was such a big part of my life in her early years of growing up. There were special cards given to me by my dear husband and mother for various occasions that held such endearing words.

There were several articles that had been written about my special high school friend who died in her early thirties of cancer but had been such a dynamic Christian witness to her whole community and touched so many lives by her courage and faith in God. There were obituary notices of so many dear family members that had passed on but had touched my life so dearly through the years. There were handwritten letters to me of dear aunts that I had saved that spoke of their love for the Lord.

There were postcards sent to me from friends who had taken trips overseas. There was a signed card of all the members of a Singles Group that we had led for years. There was a copy of an article in our church bulletin giving the testimony of Dick and me. There was a worn copy of a Lord's Supper performance given by the church in which Dick played Thomas. There was a copy of piano recitals that I had given while taking piano lessons from a dear friend.

There was a tiny pair of pants that I had saved that my son wore when he was just a toddler and a bathing suit that my niece wore when she was two years old. There was a small bottle of perfume inside a little heart---the very first gift given to me by my husband on our first Valentine's Day.

So many other things were inside that box that had tugged at my heart's strings over the years, remembrances of kindnesses and love shown to me by others. In Philippians 1:3, Paul said "I thank God for every remembrance of you." Paul knew the importance of remembering how God had blessed him through others. There is nothing so wonderful as the reminder of the fragrant love of Christ that flows to you daily through your own family and through the hearts and lives of Christian brothers and sisters. God truly blesses us with each other. Let's not take any of that for granted!

I love you because you have loved me through the precious bond of Christ!
Sandy

Safety Insurance

2008-02-26T06:33:00.003-10:00

I've been reading Proverbs in my devotions recently and was impressed by how many verses indicate that God truly provides for our safety and promises His presence, His help and His security to us. I just wanted to share a few of these verses with you and hopefully they will bring encouragement:

"He holds victory in store for the upright; he is a SHIELD to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones." (Proverbs 2:7-8)

"Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared." (Proverbs 3:25-26)

"The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble." (Proverbs 19:23)

"My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment....then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble."
(Proverbs. 3:21a and 23a)

"My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words; do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body." (Proverbs 4:20-22)

"He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge." (Proverbs 14:26)

God's Word and our obedience to it promises protection, freedom from trouble, health to our bodies, and security and safety as we go through life. If you aren't in the habit of reading God's Word every day, you are missing out on truth that could be profitable to you and your whole family.

Go in safety today as you trust God to place that hedge of protection around you and your children!
Sandy

God's Magnificent Creation

2008-02-25T07:48:00.002-10:00

Saturday Dick and I took a break from our normal routine and decided to spend the day relaxing on the beach. We took a cooler full of snacks to nibble on, I brought a good book to read, and Dick brought his snorkeling gear and we sat up our perfect spot in the sand with the waves of the ocean lapping against the shore. Aaahhh!!!

In just a little while after settling in, we were mesmerized by the playful antics of the whales far out in the ocean. With binoculars, Dick watched a number of whales flapping their tails, jumping out of the water, the water would spew high into the air as the whales jumped and splashed and played all afternoon. What beauty---it's indescribable. Such magnificent creatures who come to Maui waters during the winter months to spawn their young before heading back up north in the spring.

I read a booklet this morning summarizing a book by naturalist Dean Ohlman that stressed how important it is for us as humans and caretakers of God's creation to take care of it with utmost care. Creation and all of its immense complexities can never be fully explained or understood, but we are to nurture and care for the natural wonders around us to the best of our knowledge and wisdom. We are to fully comprehend that nature is part of getting to know God in a deeper, more meaningful way. God's works through creation, and His Word, His written revelation, are the two means by which God has revealed Himself to us. By studying and experiencing nature, we learn so much about God and His character.

Nature itself praises God and God rejoices in His creation and delights in all of His creatures. When we purposely seek to see God through nature, we are astounded at the creative beauty, order, and complexity of every living thing. How can we even think that everything just evolved? It was through the mighty spoken Word of God that all came into being and was made for His pleasure and for our good pleasure as well.

Henry VanDyke, the writer of the hymn "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" said it beautifully:

All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.

Wherever you are today, notice the scenery around you, then look even closer at the complexity and beauty of what you see.
If you see a tree, you see a trunk, branches, leaves, maybe a nut or fruit produced on it. Pick a leaf off the tree and study its makeup. Notice the bark on the tree and how it is distinguished and different from other trees around it. Take a fruit and smell its odor, open it up and see the seed inside---could that have been by chance that all of it came together as it did? No, it was by God's creative power, design and wisdom that all was created and is now held together in perfect harmony. A peach tree cannot produce an apple; a tulip cannot become a rose; a dog cannot produce a cat---you get the picture.

Psalm 8:3-9 by David explains the difference between people and other created things:

"When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen---even the beasts of the field, and the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!"

Take in the beauty and the magnificence of God's creation around you today. Listen for the song of the birds, the chirping of the crickets, the breeze blowing through the trees. Then praise God!
Sandy

Wise Counsel

2008-02-23T06:54:00.002-10:00

There is so much heartache in the world today with people dealing with so many personal issues in their lives--everything from depression, addictions, stress, abuse of all kinds, eating disorders, and rebellion against authority, whether it be the law, parents, bosses, or God. My personal viewpoint is that the underlying cause of all these issues is ignorance of the foundational truths of God's Word, and/or rebellion against it. There's a verse in Proverbs 19 that says "A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord."

I looked up the word "rebel" in the dictionary and it was defined as "a person who resists any authority, control, or tradition."
Most of our social problems in the world today, in my opinion, are people who are "rebelling" against something, and the deep underlying reason of their rebellion lies in their ignorance and/or disobedience of the truths for which God set up for His people since the beginning of time. God gave us direction in His word to protect us, but we insist in our own human frailty that we know better than God how to run our lives. That ultimately leads us into trouble.

Proverbs 11:14: "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." If we don't have any guidelines to follow other than our own selfish desires, we will ultimately fail in whatever we pursue. It shows a lack of wisdom when we think we know it all and don't need anyone else's help. God has set up the body of Christ, His church, for that very purpose. He gifted each of us with different gifts so that we can help others in different and diverse ways. There are pastors gifted to teach us God's truth to us; there are people gifted with compassion, a listening ear, a hospitable spirit to offer us comfort when we need it; there are people gifted as evangelists to go out and tell others the good news about Christ; there are people gifted with generosity that can help meet the needs of others within the body of Christ.

There will always be rebels in our sphere of influence, but they will come to a point in their lives where the folly of their life choices will begin to destroy them and they will call out for help. We need to be there for the rebellious spirits so that we can be a "fragrance of Christ" to them. II Cor. 2:15: "For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." God did not place us in the position to be a judge of their wrong decisions or choices. He placed us to be a sweet aroma to those that need to know Christ. Just as the aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven draws our senses to the smell, the aroma of Christ within us as Christians needs to draw the rebels of our world to us so that we can "speak the truth in love" to them.

We need to be very wise in our counsel to these troubled souls. Most of us are not trained as professional counsellors, but we can open our hearts to love them and nurture them with Christ's love and wisdom until they learn themselves how to lean on Christ and gain reliance on Him to meet their needs. We are to help them "bear their burdens", but we are also to teach them how to "cast their cares upon the Lord." Our counsel is to direct them to the "Wonderful Counsellor", our Lord and Savior, who alone can provide them with strength and wisdom and courage to combat their problems in the right way.

If there is someone you know that is hurting, be a wise counsellor---love and nurture them and allow the aroma of Christ in you permeate their senses and open their hearts and minds to take in the fragrance and be soothed by your compassion and love for them. Gently lead them to the One who alone can meet their every need!

"The fear of the Lord leads to life; THEN one rests content, untouched by trouble." (Proverbs 19:23)

May your patient and wise counsel be always available for others!
Sandy

Encouraging Verses of Scripture

2008-02-17T08:27:00.002-10:00

To soothe my impatient and hurting heart, God gave me scriptures today from Psalm 20:

"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you." (vs. 1)

"May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." (vs. 4)

"We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your requests" (vs. 5)

"Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand." (vs. 6)

"Answer us when we call!" (vs. 9b)

God is at work to bring about HIS perfect plan, and I just need to be patient and wait upon Him to work my concerns out according to HIS plan, HIS timing, and HIS perfect way.

God is good---all the time!
Sandy

Spiritual Disappointments

2008-02-16T07:58:00.002-10:00

I got up this morning with a dark cloud over my spirit. It has been hard for me to understand why some days are so full of God's grace, mercy, and goodness to me and I can see Him so clearly; and then some days He seems so distant and far away and my heart aches with discouragement and disappointment. What makes the difference?

In analyzing my moods this very morning, I realized the anticipation of expectations from my prayers to God have not come. Not only have answers to my prayers not been answered, the very thing I prayed for suddenly seems so unattainable and I feel sad about it. When I place such high expectations of God working on my behalf and the answers to my prayers seem so far away, or even worse, seem impossible, my spirit falls so low. Does that mean God has failed me? Does it mean my faith has failed me? No, it means my feelings have failed me. The selfishness of wanting my own desires and my being not willing to wait upon God for His timing is the problem. In my human nature, I can't understand why God would delay in answering something that means so very much to me. What brazen boldness on my part! God is not a vending machine to fill my every desire!

When we feel God is too slow in answering our prayers, we are demanding God change His perfections to accommodate our whims. God is never too slow. We need to go slow with God and wait for Him.

I just read this prayer written by Grace Noll Crowell:

Dear Child, God does not say today, "Be strong." He knows your strength is spent, He knows how long the road has been, how weary you have grown; for He who walked the earthly roads alone, each bogging lowland, and each rugged hill, can understand, and so He says, "Be still, and know that I am God." The hour is late, and you must rest awhile, and you must wait until life's empty reservoirs fill up as slow rain fills an empty upturned cup. Hold up your cup, dear child, for God to fill. He only asks today that you be still."

So as I wait patiently for God to work on my behalf and answer the prayers of my heart that means so much to me, I pray I can be still and wait for His will, His timing, His perfect plan to be worked out on behalf of those whom are the subjects of my prayers.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way for God to lift my spirits!
Sandy

The Miracle of New Birth

2008-02-15T08:44:00.003-10:00

I just learned this morning that I became a great-great-aunt. How special is that!!! Alexis Paige Swiger was born yesterday on Valentine's Day weighing 7lb.15oz to my niece's son, and what a beautiful little valentine she is.

After seeing the perfect formation of a tiny newborn baby just out of the womb, how could anyone doubt there is a God? God's word tells us that babies are knitted in the mother's womb by God. God foreknew little Alexis would be born, and He created her with a very special unique God-given gift and a purpose for her birth. To ponder that wonderful truth can take your breath away! Every parent has been given the awesome responsibility for nurturing the gift of their children to become all God wants the child to be. Alex and April, congratulations on the precious birth of your daughter. I pray God will allow you to see what a treasure He has given you and that you will assume your responsibility as her parents to raise this child knowing God and His love for you as a family.

Congratulations and we are so proud to have little Alexis Paige in the family!
Sandy

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T07:11:00.004-10:00

In reading my devotions this morning, the Daily Bread had this wonderful acrostic perfect for today:

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.

If you look closely at the capitalized letters in the middle, they spell Valentine. God sent us the greatest LOVE mankind will ever know when He sent His One and Only Begotten Son to die for us on the cross. We will never receive a more loving Valentine than Jesus!!!

Enjoy the valentine in your life and may God show you beyond measure how much He loves you today!
Sandy

Love in Action

2008-02-13T14:35:00.002-10:00

Every day, if we look with open eyes and hearts, we can see needy people all around us. Some people don't display their needs as openly as others, but if we keep alert and tuned in to our surroundings, we will be able to discern the needs of the people in our sphere of influence. As Christians, we should be alert as to how God wants us to help meet the needs of others. We can either ignore the needs around us, look the other way, and go on our merry way, or we can ask God how He would like for us to be His vessel to meet the need in another person's life.

Deuteronomy 15:7 says: "If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted and tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.......Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to...Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land."

However, we must have a pure motive in our giving to others. We must do it:
1. willingly (Matt. 10:8- Freely you have received, freely give.")
2. generously (II Cor. 9:6- "whoever sows generously will also reap generously")
3. in love (I Cor. 13:3- "if I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, and have not love, I gain nothing.")

James tells us that if we see a brother or sister without clothes or daily food, and do nothing, what good is it? Then he says in James 2:18b "Show me faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." In vs. 22, he continues "you see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did."

If we are to be God's servants and follow Christ's example, we will have open eyes to see a need, a compassionate heart to want to meet the need, and by our love, act and do something to help.

There's a Christian praise song that ends "And they'll know we are Christians by our love!" When we openly extend Christ's love to others through a servant's heart, others will be drawn to that love and want what we have. In John 12:26b, Jesus told his disciples that "The Father will honor the one who serves me."

Let's follow the example of the Macedonian churches in II Cor. 8:2--"Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints."

It is a privilege to give out of our love for Christ to the needy in this world. It brings overflowing joy and may even result in everlasting life to those that do not know Christ as Saviour, and are allowed to see Christ through our giving and want to know our Savior and Lord for themselves personally.

"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." (II Cor. 9:11)

Serve others and give generously out of your love for God in return for all He has done for you!
Sandy

Prayer Changes Us

2008-02-09T19:44:00.000-10:00

I just read an interesting quote by CeCe Winans:

"They say 'prayer changes things', but the truth is, through prayer, God changes us so that we can change things."

We know the power of prayer as Christians. When we receive an answer to prayer, it's time for great rejoicing because we know the God of the universe wanted to bless us by giving us what we asked for. He loves to "give us the desires of our heart", but there is a condition that we "delight ourselves in the Lord." When our hearts delight in Him, He in turn delights in us.

The Lord has ordained that our prayers play a key role in the carrying out of the purposes of His kingdom. Through prayer we seek His will, surrender to His purposes, and mighty things can be accomplished through faith believing that God will work in and through us according to His will. Therefore, we need to pray that we "be filled with the knowledge of His will" (Col. 1:9). If we prayed that prayer alone for ourselves and our family every day, what great and mighty things could God accomplish through us.

Through prayer, God changes us....He changes our will to match His. Through prayers of confession, we are made clean vessels for God's use. Through prayers of thanksgiving, we are made so much more aware of who God is when we focus on His attributes and character and we begin to desire that we be conformed to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Through prayers of intercession, we bring our needs and the needs of our loved ones to the throne of grace for God to intercede and work on our behalf according to His will. Through prayers of surrender, God uses us for His kingdom purposes. We can only change things if God has first changed us.

In this week's Daily Bread, I read this quote: "The purpose of prayer is not to get what we want, but to become what God wants." Our prayer every day should be that God will conform our will to His and that we will delight Him by living out His will in the power He gives us through the Holy Spirit. A surrendered heart is all that God desires! "Obedience is better than sacrifice."

I pray that you might be filled with the knowledge of God's will each and every day!
Sandy

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2008-02-02T11:12:00.001-10:00

We got up this morning to torrential rain---it has rained all week off and on, but beginning last night, we've had constant rain. Sometimes it slashes against the windows until it looks like we're inside a carwash, other times it is a soft downpour, but needless to say, the day is pretty gloomy, dreary and gray.

So what better thing to do on a cold "wintry" gray day but to make chocolate chip cookies to brighten the day? The warmth of the oven makes it seem less chilly, the wonderful aroma of chocolate floating through the air warms the senses, and oh, the gooey hot cookie melting in your mouth as you chew and taste that decadent flavor against your tastebuds certainly adds that
special warmth to anyone's heart.

If you are someplace cold and a good hot chocolate chip cookie sounds good to you, try my recipe:

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

2 cups plus 4 tablespoons sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light-brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup soft butter or margarine
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1 12 oz. package semisweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Into large bowl, sift flour with soda and salt.
3. Add sugars, eggs, vanilla and butter. With wooden spoon or portable electric mixer at medium speed,
beat until smooth and well combined--about 1 minute.
4. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips with wooden spoon.
5. Drop by teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets.
6. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden. Remove to wire rack, and cool.

I guarantee you that the members of your household will love you when the smell starts wafting through the house to their noses. Serve with a good cold glass of milk or a good hot cup of coffee and let the compliments begin. "Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her." (Proverbs 31:28)

Enjoy!
Sandy

A Tribute to Emily

2008-02-01T22:46:00.000-10:00

Tomorrow is the birthday of our daughter-in-law, Emily. She captured the heart of our son over 15 years ago, is the love of his life, and the caring mother of our wonderful grandsons, Bryan and Bradley. We are so proud that she has been such a precious addition to our family. We want to wish you a very happy birthday, Emily. May God send you more blessings than you can count on your special day and show you His love for you through others above and beyond your expectations.

"A Special Thank-You For Emily"

Thank you for choosing to come into our family
and for choosing our son as your life-mate.
Thank you for bringing into our family the special qualities
that only you possess:
your charm, intelligence, energy, and love.

Thank you for being a confidante, soul-mate, and friend,
for the times of shared laughter and tears.

Thank you for your continued kindness, acceptance,
and support --
both intellectually and emotionally.

Thank you for the countless little things you do for your family;
you might think they go unnoticed, but we see them.

Thank you for loving our son with the intensity and wisdom
of a wife and the gentleness of an angel.

Most of all, thank you for being you.
We couldn't love you more if you were our own child.
Thank you for being such a caring Mom to our grandsons,
For being the example of Christ's love to them!

We love you, Emily! Have a wonderful birthday!
"Mom" and "Dad" Fewell

Snow on Haleakala

2008-01-30T14:44:00.000-10:00

Yesterday we got a most unusual site outside our back window. Haleakala Crater (at 13,000 feet elevation) got snow on the peaks. A friend of mine who has a closer view from her backyard sent this picture. Isn't it amazing? Snow in Hawaii!

We have no heaters in Hawaii---no thermostats to turn up, and the temperatures have gotten as low as 55 at night and no warmer than 65 during the day for the past few days. We've been huddling with blankets, sweat shirts and pants, and warm socks trying to keep the cold from permeating our bones! Yesterday all across the islands we had a mixture of rain, thunderstorms, hail (on the Big Island) and snow. For those planning a vacation to Hawaii, you may want to stick a warm jacket in your suitcase (and maybe an umbrella as well).

Hope you are staying warm wherever you are!
Sandy

A Stubborn Heart

2008-01-29T06:40:00.000-10:00

Most of you as children have wrestled with your dad or siblings when suddenly you get in a position where you can't move because they have you pinned to the ground, or your arm is held in the back til it hurts, and the one who has you pinned says, "Just say uncle" meaning he'll let you go if you admit your defeat! If you don't give in, you feel greater and greater pressure to be let loose from the pain, so finally you cave in and say "UNCLE!"

I've been reading Exodus where the Israelites were in bondage to Pharoah and finally wanted to leave Egypt and the bondage that was holding them to hard labor at Pharoah's command for many years. God sent Moses and Aaron to go to Pharoah on behalf of the Israelites and ask for their release to leave the country and the slavery. Pharoah had a very stubborn heart and would not let God's people go. So God had to put some pressure on Pharoah in the form of many plagues. The plagues became more and more destructive--until finally Pharoah cried "Uncle" and told the Israelites----just go already! (My translation).

Can we relate to Pharoah's stubborn heart in any way? Is there something in our lives that God is wanting to root out and we just tenaciously want to hang on to it and won't surrender it to God? How about fear of the future? What about a habit that seems to have its stranglehold on you? What about giving up something precious that has held you back from complete surrender to God and His will for you?

Will God have to put pressure on you until you say "Uncle?" Yes, Lord, I'll do what you want me to do. Yes, Lord, I'll trust you in that area of my life that has been holding me back. Yes, Lord, I give all to serve you. How much better for you to humble yourselves BEFORE He has to put the pressure on you to do what He wants you to do. He wants obedience more than sacrifice. The conviction of the Holy Spirit guides you to make a choice to obey. Sometimes not making the choice to obey brings unwanted circumstances, just as Pharoah experienced with his stubborn heart.

For those without Christ I wonder how many times God will have to come to you in order for you to open your heart to His love and mercy. He comes knocking---and He will continue to knock persistently---until you either choose never to open the door and let Him into your heart, or you humbly say,--please come into my heart and save me for eternity. He's a gentleman---He waits for you and will never force Himself in your heart's door until you invite Him, but He does love you enough to be the "hound of heaven" in your life and will do what it takes to bend your knees to Him.

Don't allow a stubborn heart keep from you God's best for you!
Sandy

Surprises

2008-01-27T05:57:00.000-10:00

Last night friends from our Bible study group gave my husband a surprise birthday dinner. Dick was truly surprised and we all had such an enjoyable evening together with good conversation and laughter. It is such a blessing to have wonderful friends and family to share the celebrations of your life.

Fellowship is important to God. We were created by God to bring Him pleasure, to fellowship with Him through prayer, our conversations with Him. The body of Christ, the church, is meant to fellowship with one another and bear each others'
burdens as well as to share in the joys of each other's accomplishments. God gave us a spiritual gift that is meant to benefit the body of Christ. No one else has your gift quite like you! Remember to use it for the Lord and the building up of His church. "Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together."

Have a special day in the Lord today as you attend your place of worship today!
Sandy

Senior Citizenship

2008-01-22T05:50:00.001-10:00

Today my husband turns 65---that magical age when you officially become a "senior citizen" (does that mean prior to 65, you are a "junior" citizen?) What exactly does "senior" mean? In high school, being a "senior" means the last year of classes before graduation. In life, being a senior is having reached your peak and heading on the downhill side of life as we know it here on earth. In young adults' eyes, you are an "elder." In children's eyes, you are old! In the government's eyes, you are eligible for social security. At restaurants, you are granted a discount for the food you eat. Gray hair and achy muscles and slowness of driving and walking qualifies you as a senior in most people's eyes, as well. You can usually sleep in the afternoon as long as you want and no one objects. You can fall asleep in church and no one notices.

Getting older is inevitable. We cannot escape advancing years. The wrinkles will arrive sooner or later! How good it is to be reminded in God's word that outwardly we are fading away, but our inward man is renewed day by day (II Cor. 4:16) Old age is proof that we have stood the test of time and endured the years that God has allowed us on this earth. It is good for us to be reminded of our youth and the lessons we learned along life's pathway. We should be wiser, more mellow, have a sweeter spirit, and face our tomorrows with hope and confidence and a deeper joy.

Aging is a blessing from God. Each day is another day to praise Him and love others. So happy birthday, Dick! Welcome to the wonderful world of senior citizenship and may God bless your remaining years as you serve Him!

I love you!
Sandy

Others

2008-01-20T07:21:00.000-10:00

There's an old hymn that I love entitled "Others." I would pray that it might be my life's theme song and that I might fulfill the purpose that it intends to bring to all who sing it.

OTHERS

Lord, let me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for Others.

Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true
And know that all I'd do for you
Must needs be done for Others.

Let self be crucified and slain
And buried deep; and all in vain
May efforts be to rise again
Unless to live for Others.

And when my work on earth is done
And my new work in heaven's begun
May I forget the crown I've won
While thinking still of Others.

Chorus:
Others, Lord, yes, others,
Let this my motto be
Help me to live for others
That I may live like Thee.

We all have personal needs to attend to, both physically and spiritually, but we must be careful never to get so wrapped up in ourselves that we fail to give proper consideration to the people that God has in our sphere of influence. Others's needs was certainly Christ's first priority. He often set aside his need for rest and sustenance so that He could meet the needs of the people around Him. He is our example!

Isn't there someone that you know that needs a little help from a friend?
Sandy

Encouragement

2008-01-16T16:16:00.000-10:00

Sometimes we go through the week (or sometimes much longer) very discouraged by life that has not gone as we had planned or hoped. We hear bad news about friends going through critical health issues, we look at our checkbooks and wonder how to make it to the end of the month, our car breaks down on the way to work, a relationship has been broken by a misunderstanding, we hear of the impending divorce of dear friends. There are many things that crop up suddenly in our lives that cause us to become unsteady, both in our emotional stability, and also our spiritual walk with the Lord. As Christians, how do we react to the negative issues of life that come into our sphere of family and friends? Do we rant at God for allowing it to happen? Do we draw away from others because we can't face the issue head on? Our first response should be to go to God with a humble spirit asking for His help, but the beautiful part of our Christian family is that we can go to each other for help as well. We should not be ashamed when we are down to call on someone to help us get back up! Or turning it around, we should always be quick to run to the aid of a Christian brother or sister in need.

In Thessalonians 5:11, we are told by Paul to "encourage one another and build each other up." Romans 15:2 says, "Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." We all have occasion where we begin to droop, we falter in our faith, we lose strength to handle the negative circumstances in our life. That's why it is so vital that Christians encourage one another. When one falters, we are to come alongside and hold them up until they can regain their strength in the Lord. We can do that in so many various ways. We can pray, we can physically meet a need they may have, we can simply be there for a shoulder to cry on, we can point them to Christ, the Savior who promises to be their Helper.

Paul encouraged us to maintain the spirit of unity with one another so that God may be glorified. We are there for one another, just as Christ is always there for us. We are to value one another and realize that each and every person is valuable to God. We have means to help others through Christ in some manner. Let's maintain a heart that is willing to reach out to others that are hurting, or that simply may mean a cheerful smile, a tender pat on the shoulder, a kind word said in love.
Do you know someone that is struggling? Find a way to reach out to them. God will show you what needs to be said and done. You just need to take that first step.

Be an encourager!
Sandy

When God's Answer is Silence

2008-01-15T14:16:00.000-10:00

Each of us have gone through periods in our lives when we pray and seemingly, God does not answer! We wait....and wait....and wait....and yet God remains silent. I've been reading an excellent book by Ray Stedman entitled "Let God Be God."
The book states that sometimes God's silence is for a very good reason. When we go through a trial and we call out to God for relief from the pain and misery of the circumstance, we want instant relief. And God being God, we think He should be able to meet our demands instantly. All that is in our minds is to stop the pain. We aren't willing to be patient enough to consider the purpose and the will of God for which the pain has been brought into our lives. At our very best, we are selfish creatures and we want what we want when we want it. We call upon God as a quick fix to get us out of the pain. We cry for relief but the help does not come. How do you view God when He is silent to your prayers? Do you condemn Him and say He doesn't care? Do you question if He even exists? Do you think that you aren't saved and He is punishing you by not answering you right away---that He has a cruel streak in Him that loves watching you suffer?

In our pain, we often call God unjust, unloving, not compassionate toward us. And yet, it's the very pain that God uses to teach us a great lesson about His character and tests our faith and trust in Him. Often suffering is used to grow us up, to bring us to a place of maturity, understanding and personal knowledge of God that we could not learn any other way. A favorite quote of our pastor at church is that God is not so concerned about our comfort as He is our character. He wants us to become more conformed to the image of Christ in our daily walk with Him. Our trials try our faith and prove it genuine or false. A quote from Ray Stedman's book is this: "Our Lord is not in the business of reforming people. He's in the business of renewing people. He doesn't want to make us better; He wants to make us new. God desires our repentence and relationship, not reform. What God demands of us is unconditional surrender, completely giving up the right to run our own lives."

God wants "to add to our faith, goodness, and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perserverance, and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." (II Peter 1:5-7) In other words, God wants us to become more and more like His Son, Jesus Christ. God's silence is giving us time to quit striving on our own to solve our problems, but allowing us time to get to the point where we allow God to speak to us and teach us His character and to get us to the point where we can truly say in our hearts, "Not my will, Lord, but thine be done."

When we arrive at that point of surrender in our lives, we then can become comforters to others who might be going through similar suffering that God has brought us through. We can testify that God is faithful in times of trial and will bring them through the trials with greater capacity to love and understand the pain of others. ,

God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters!
Sandy

God's Still Small Voice

2008-01-14T13:16:00.000-10:00

Have you ever considered the noise level around you every single day? How long has it been since you've had time to experience silence? When I was young, my most serene moments were long walks in the woods by myself enjoying the environment away from cars honking, train whistles, television, children playing and interruptions by the telephone. The woods had a special "noise" that was soothing to my soul---the crunch of leaves under my feet, the cry of a distant bird in the trees, the chatter of a squirrel, or the scurrying of a chipmunk across a log.

The noise of the world today demands our attention. Parents giving orders to their children as they are getting ready for school, bosses telling us what is expected for the day, cellphones ringing all around every day even while trying to have lunch and relax, cars zooming by, sirens rushing to emergencies. Even at night when it should be a relaxing time, homework demands are being heard, television is blaring, telephones ringing. There just seems to be such little time for silence.

In this world of noise, sometimes it is difficult to hear God's still small voice in the midst of the clamor. God very seldom yells or screams His will to us, or gives us direction through the noise around us. He whispers to us as we quietly listen for His voice. He does that through reading His word, meditating alone by ourselves, or as we allow our thoughts to focus on Him and shut out the noises of the world around us.

How does God lead you in your daily walk with Him? Do you hear his direction loud and clear and walk firmly on His path confident that you are going in the right direction that leads you to obedience? Or do you come to a place of decision or a crossroads and feel His gentle nudging you in one direction or another when decisions have to be made? You can hear his still small voice inwardly saying "This is the way, walk ye in it." or you hear Him say, "No, my child, that path is not for you."

So often as Christians, the world shouts at us---the world makes demands of us that are sometimes so compelling that we cave in to the shouts and follow the path of the loudest voice. People follow the voice of their peers, or the sudden impulses of desire, because the loudness and/or the compassion demands satisfaction immediately. We need to train ourselves to get to our silent place and listen for His direction. As we face a new year, let us commit ourselves to finding that quiet time with God every day that will help us to more assuredly hear His voice and be able to follow Him in obedience.

God's Word is His voice speaking to us! Let us listen quietly!
Sandy

Donkey in the Well

2008-01-13T15:17:00.000-10:00

I just read this little story and thought what a good example of perseverance and not giving up! Sometimes we feel buried by our problems, but there's always a way out!

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal
cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out
what to do.

Finally he decided the animal was old and the well needed to
be covered up anyway, so it just wasn't worth it to retrieve
the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They
each grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the
well.

At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried
horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement, he quieted down. A
few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the
well and was astonished at what he saw.

With every shovel full of dirt that hit his back, the donkey
was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take
a step up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel
dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a
step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey
stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt.

The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and
take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone.

We can get out of the deepest wells by not stopping, never
giving up! Shake the dirt off and take a step up! Remember
the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

Remember the donkey in the well example whenever you feel overwhelmed!
Sandy

Is Anything Too Hard for Me?

2008-01-08T07:52:00.000-10:00

In my devotional reading this morning in Genesis, I read how God performed a great miracle for Abraham and Sarah by implanting life in the very dead womb of Sarah at 99 years of age. Sarah laughed at the absurdity of giving birth at her age when told by the Lord that she would bear a child. God's reply to her was "Is anything too hard for Me?" Sarah did bear a child whom she named Isaac, which means "laughter." Isaac became the son that allowed Abraham to be "the father of many nations."

In I Samuel, we read where Hannah also suffered through many long years of barrenness, a closed womb, wanting a child so desperately that she went to the temple faithfully every year and prayed for him. She vowed that if God would honor her request that the child would be dedicated to serve the Lord all the days of his life. God heard her prayer, honored her request, opened her womb and she conceived and later gave birth to Samuel. Samuel's life was dedicated to do priestly work all the days of his life.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a very young girl, estimated to be around 13 years of age, when the Lord told her that her virgin womb would conceive the Christ Child having the seed implanted by the Holy Spirit, an act unheard ever over eons of time. She bore a child, named him Jesus, and he became the Saviour of the World.

Truly these miracles should cause us to exclaim "is anything too hard for the Lord?" Are you struggling with what seems to be an impossible situation---no hope of seeing a good result? Are you at the end of your rope dangling there and hanging on by sheer determination? Are you crying out to God not knowing what to do next or what lies around the corner for you?
I challenge you today to remember that NOTHING is impossible with God. He has performed miracles far greater than the testing you are going through at this moment. Trust Him. Have faith in His power and His love for you. He wants to prove Himself faithful to you and you need to acknowledge that He is the answer to your need at this time. God's arm is not too short to reach out and touch you today. The results of your faith might be truly amazing to you, as was Sarah's, Hannah's and Mary's as they placed their circumstances in the Lord's hands.

Nothing is too hard for the Lord!
Sandy

A Renewed Commitment

2008-01-07T06:52:00.000-10:00

Today is the first Monday of the new year. Today I again renewed my commitment to lose weight. My niece and I are attending WeightWatchers that meet every Monday evening. We will be returning to the meetings after a three-week break over the holidays. When you know you haven't done well, it's a dread to face those scales! And yet in facing them, it helps to encourage you to get back on track, to keep going, and not to give up. Others who face the same obstacles are there to get in the boat with you and give you tips and encouraging words to stay on the path of losing. They help you not to look at the failures of the past, but look forward to the pounds to be lost in the future.

Isn't that what we are called to do as Christians? We are all commissioned by God for the same purpose--to go and tell others about Jesus, to live a life in conformity to Christ, to have the mind of Christ and to follow Him in the direction He leads. Sometimes we get discouraged because we see no visible results, and yet we have those Christian brothers and sisters that come alongside us to let us know that the results are in God's hands, and we are to simply obey. They pick us up in spirit, when we get discouraged. They help us to renew our commitment and keep running the race that is before us, forgetting those failures from the past and moving on toward the high calling of Christ. They rejoice with us when God answers prayer on our behalf. The unity of the body of Christ is a sign to the world that Christ is alive and real.

If you are not connected to a local church and are not experiencing the love of Christ through other Christian brothers and sisters, ask God to lead you to the body that is right for you and your family. We need each other. There is a church that needs you and the spiritual gift that God has given you to share! You need the church that can share with you the gifts that strengthen you and your faith. Find that bond of Christian love that will support you and encourage you in your Christian walk! Most of all, renew your commitment to Christ and keep on serving Him throughout this new year that is before us. WeightWatchers keeps me on a path of losing-----the local church keeps us on the path of winning!

There is victory when we have each other!
Sandy

What Does Wisdom Look Like?

2008-01-06T07:09:00.000-10:00

Wisdom is a quality hard to put our mind around. We often get it confused with having knowledge. Knowledge certainly plays a part in wisdom, because without the knowledge of God in our hearts, we cannot possibly have wisdom. Wisdom is being able to apply what God has taught us and implanted within us to other people in our sphere of influence. Wisdom held within benefits no one.

So do others see you as wise? What does wisdom look like to you? When you face conflict of any kind, whether with a co-worker, your family, or your neighbors, does wisdom prevail in your responses to them? We know that wisdom comes from above, not from below. As Christians, we should respond differently to conflicts and upsetting circumstances because of the Spirit of Christ within us.

The Book of James tells us that wisdom is first pure. We are to respond to others wih the pure intent and heart of God, rather than our own selfish demands of greed, envy and selfish ambition. When we meet conflict head on, do we show the presence of Christ within us?

Wisdom is then peaceable. We long for peace rather than conflict. Even when circumstances can never be the same again, wisdom from above helps us to see that the foolishness of a bitter or revengeful spirit is wrong. Wisdom allows us to value peace over conflict.

Wisdom displays gentleness. A listening ear and a gentle voice can lower the temperature of a difficult moment. "A gentle answer turns away wrath."

Wisdom allows us a willingness to yield. One person willing to give up the urge to get even or be unforgiving can make all the difference in a difficult situation. Returning good for evil is not a weakness, but strength to do what is right in the eyes of God. When we focus on God, it allows us to give up the need to return harm to those who have hurt us, and be forgiving.

After all, the All-Wise One, Jesus, gave up his right to get even with those that crucified him on a cruel cross. Instead, he said, "Forgive them, Lord, for they know not what they do." He then gave us His all so that we might have it all with Him for eternity.

When we display wisdom that comes from God, others will see the difference in our responses to others. They will be amazed as it allows Jesus to be seen and glorified in us. They will ponder in their own hearts that the difference is inviting to their own hearts and they will desire that same wisdom. Wisdom will not and cannot come from the knowledge that they have gained in the world from books or personal experience. Wisdom that makes a difference can only come from knowing God personally!

May the wisdom that "comes for above" implant within us peace!
Sandy

Hidden Treasure

2008-01-04T06:37:00.000-10:00

For several years now, my son has had the hobby of "geocaching." "Geo" means earth, and "cache" means treasure. If you are not familiar with the term, you locate by GPS treasure boxes (or caches) that have been hidden by someone. The caches are hidden all over the world, are given coordinates as to their location, and rated as to their difficulty. They are listed on a website with the coordinates and you have the wonderful privilege of finding them. They are rated as "easy" to find to "difficult." Once you locate the cache, you choose a "treasure" that has been left inside the cache, and replace it with something that you have brought, and write in a log that is left within the cache that you have been there. You also go to the website and record your visit as well. There are "travelers" that are placed within the cache by the original owner, and they follow the trail of the traveler. Some travelers have gone all over the world. Geocaching is a wonderful way for my son and his two sons to discover new areas, hike new trails, and have fun together.

God's Word has many treasures hidden for His people to find and apply to their lives in order to gain wisdom and understanding of His will and His ways. He encourages us to dig deep and discover those treasures. Sometimes it may take an easy path or sometimes His wisdom comes through difficult circumstances. The Book of Proverbs encourages us to "look for it (wisdom) as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, THEN you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." God's wisdom implanted within our hearts brings to us great benefits. It's a shield to us to guard us and protect us. It gives us discretion to live uprightly and to live blamelessly in a world that continually wants to pull us away from God. It prolongs our life and brings prosperity to us. It brings health to our bodies and nourishment to our bones. It brings us honor and the path of peace, sound judgment, and is like an ornament to grace our neck.

Let's strive to dig deep for God's hidden treasure of wisdom. He will be faithful to credit it to our account.
Sandy

Christmas is Past, the Light of It Remains

2008-01-03T07:24:00.000-10:00

Yesterday all the Christmas decorations were taken down and put in boxes ready to be stored in the attic for another year.
The light of the Christmas tree no longer can be turned on early in the morning before daylight to brighten my spirits as I read God's Word and wait for the household to awaken. The lights outside on the eaves of the rooftop no longer light up the night to brighten the mood of those passing by in their cars, the candles are no longer out to bring a spicy Christmas fragrance to the house, and the pine wreath is gone no longer bringing its scent throughout the house. For a day or two, the house seems so bland and plain and without life.

However, the "Light" of the season still remains all year round, and brings life to us moment by moment of every day. John 8:12: "When Jesus spoke to the people, he said, "I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Life without Christ has to be dull, drab, lonely, scary, and without hope. Christ came to earth to bring to the world His light and to give us the light of life, not just for today but for eternity. God wants us as believers to testify to the Light, and not hide our lights under a bushel. We are like the candle that lights up the darkness to those who do not believe. When Jesus met Paul at the Damascus road, and shined His light on Paul, Jesus gave Paul a commission to go to the Jews first, then to the Gentiles, "to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me."

Is God giving us any less of a commission today? He said---"Go and make disciples." We are to be lights in the world. We are to be different, we are to dispel the darkness in others' lives. We are not to be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. We are not to hide our lights under a bushel. Shine for Jesus this year! Let others see that your candle shines brightly in your hearts day by day! Let Christ shine in and through you this year!

Shine brightly for Jesus!
Sandy

Catching Up and Moving Forward

2008-01-02T07:18:00.000-10:00

Please forgive me for not keeping up with my blogging over the holidays, but each day was so full and I wanted to soak in every moment of the blessings God sent our way over the holidays. I was so blessed wiith having family with us for two weeks prior to Christmas: my niece (Lisa) from West Virginia, her daughter, Arley, Arley's brother from California, and our son and his family of 4. The days were spent with all the Christmas traditions that I hold specially dear to my heart each year---my angel tree filled to the brim this year with angels gifted to me over the years, lights inside and out, red and green everywhere, with baking cookies, fruit cake, writing my Christmas letter, receiving so many wonderful cards in return, mostly planning three meals a day and eating way too much for two weeks! My greatest joy of all was when 8 of us filled a whole row at both the Sunday morning service at church and the Monday Christmas Eve service prior to Christmas. It allowed us as a family to focus on the glorious fact of Jesus' birth and what His leaving glory to come to earth on our behalf really means to each of us individually. We had lots of laughter, lots of relaxing times in front of an open fire in the fireplace, with hot cocoa in the evenings warming our noses, eager anticipation of the Christmas morning and presents, and a wonderful meal later on. As Mom, Nana, and Auntie, I reveled in the warmth of family----thus, I did not take the time to blog. For some reason, I think you'll understand.

A new year is now here, a time to focus on new goals and recommiting ourselves to accomplishing those goals. My number one goal each year always seems to be to get more healthy by eating better, exercising more and losing weight. Every other year I commit myself to read the Bible through. This is the year I begin again to accomplish that goal. As I grow older, it seems more necessary to read the Word with the idea of planting it deep within my heart so that when I need it, it comes to the surface more readily. This old brain is getting slower and slower and I need to "exercise" the brain to capture God's Word to a greater degree.

There is so much in God's Word that brings comfort and peace, especially as we face a world that is far from peaceful. In reading the days of Noah just this morning, I was impressed at what God found acceptable in Noah to allow him and his family to be saved from destruction from the flood. Gen. 6:9:..."And Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God." Verse 22: "Noah did everything just as God commanded him." Noah was a man committed to following God and His commands. As we face the new year, we need to recommit ourselves to following God and His plan for us. It is becoming harder and harder for Christians to stand firm in their beliefs and trust God to bring good out of the chaos we see around us everywhere, but we must if we are to receive God's favor! I pray for strength and courage for every Christian to stand firm and walk with God so that you might be blameless and find hope and security in 2008!

Happy New Year!
Sandy

Christ Brings Peace

2007-12-21T07:36:00.000-10:00

This season has been very full for me and my family. My house has been filled with family and activities that come with extra people in the house. The days are full---with touring the island of Maui for first-time visitors, with preparing meals, shopping and wrapping packages, playing games, etc. Our son, Rich, has been involved in a very stressful launching of a new program at his workplace that has involved long and hard hours. Our grandson, Bryan, faced final exams for the first time in his life and studied hard for them all week. In and through all the busyness, God speaks to us in various ways. Even while touring the island, God reminds me of His creative beauty. While sitting in the evenings around the Christmas tree, and watching Christmas programs, God's voice reminds us that He is the reason for the season. This morning during my devotional reading, I read The Daily Bread and wanted to share what Wednesday's devotional wrote.

"Let us at all costs avoid the temptation to make our Christmas worship a withdrawal from the stress and sorrow of life into a realm of unreal beauty. It was into the real world that Christ came, into the city where there was no room for Him, and into a country where Herod, the murderer of innocents, was king.

"Jesus comes to us, not to shield us from the harshness of the world but to give us the courage and strength to bear it; not to snatch us away by some miracle from the conflict of life, but to give us peace---His peace----in our hearts, by which we may be calmly steadfast while the conflict rages, and be able to bring to the torn world the healing that is peace."

"Christmas is not a retreat from reality but an advance into it alongside the Prince of Peace."

Christ brought peace to the nation of Israel by His birth and who would then later reject Him as King. Christ brought peace to the world by His sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Christ promises peace for eternity when we leave this earth. How about today? Will you allow His peace to permeate your heart today and throughout this wonderful Christmas season where we celebrate God's gift of His Son to a very needy world. Christ is our peace!

Have a very peaceful Christmas!
Sandy

Preparations for Christ-mas

2007-12-12T05:46:00.000-10:00

The past few days have been very hustle and bustle around here as we are excited about visitors coming today for the holidays. We have cleaned, decorated the halls with boughs of Christmas everywhere, shopped, wrapped packages, hung lights outside, baked cookies, and put on the final touches before we go to the airport to pick up our guest.

Have you ever thought about the preparation that took place on that first Christmas long ago? God began preparation at least nine months before Christ was born by sending an angelic message to both Mary and Joseph that they would be parents of the Christ-Child, and His name would be called Jesus. God had to prepare Mary's heart to accept this wondrous and most unusual treasure that was given to her, and Joseph had to accept Mary's news and confirmed by an angel that they would be parents to a child that was born by the Holy Spirit, and not by his own seed.

God's preparation continued as he prompted Caesar Augustus to declare a census to be taken so that Mary and Joseph would have to travel to Bethlehem, the city in which was prophesied a child would be born who would be the Messiah. God lit up the sky with a host of angels that brought a message to shepherds in the field that they should follow a star to locate "a Savior" who is "Christ the Lord." Even after the birth of the child, God's preparation saved the child from death as God prompted Joseph by another angelic messenger to take his little family to Egypt as Herod had ordered the murder of all children under the age of two. God's preparation continues throughout Scripture to bring about His perfect plan for His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to be the sacrifice for all the world's sin by His shed blood on the cross, and by His resurrection from the dead. How amazing is the Christmas story that ends in triumph and victory!

Has God prepared your heart to receive this Savior who was so obedient to His Father's will? Mary and Joseph's perspective in raising their child in obedience to God's will is a marvelous confirmation that Christmas is not a season, but a gift expressing the extent to which our loving God was willing to go to make us His children. The wonder that Mary and Joseph felt during those early years of raising their Son, Jesus, can be the same wonder that we experience when we realize what Jesus means in our own lives on a daily basis when we know Him as Lord and have that hope beyond imagination of eternal life with Him.

As you ponder the real reason that we celebrate Christmas, may the wonder of it all take your breath away and cause thankfulness to well up inside your soul as never before.

"As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name."
Sandy

December 7, 1941 - Day We Should Never Forget

2007-12-07T05:14:00.000-10:00

Surprised Infamy
by Roger W Hancock

A Nation’s Infamy,
Attack within America.
Surprise attack,
Wounds or kills four thousand,
Early on that dreadful morn.
Sounds of planes overhead,
Alarms ring, howl, screech,
Rude awakening from dead of sleep.
Battlestations, orders called,
Unexpected confusion, duty calls.
One hundred planes overhead,
Japan’s last emperor ordered,
Attack that lives in infamy.
American battleships… five,
American destroyers… three,
Four hundred planes all destroyed.
News spreads as wildfire.
“Pearl Harbor Attacked!”
President Roosevelt pledges,
“…triumph. So help us God."
America sleeps no more,
Two fronts fought ‘til victory,
Domination interests quelled.
December 7, remembrance,
Pearl Harbor attack,
Felt around the world.

Remember on this day all our troops that are fighting around the world for our freedom!
Sandy

Blustery Winter Weather

2007-12-06T16:51:00.000-10:00

Living in Hawaii, you don't expect to experience "winter" weather, but for the past two days, we've had very high winds and slashing rain storms that have battered our lovely islands. Electric poles are downed, flooding has blocked roads, trees are blown over, branches everywhere. But as I talk to people on the Mainland, their winter storms have certainly devastated areas all over the continental United States, as well. Their storms are snow, ice, cold, flooding, power outages, etc. that are just as crippling to their life style as our storm has been here in Hawaii.

I just read interesting verses in Psalm 147:15-18 that God is in control of the elements that come our way:

"He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow."

God is in control of the seasons of everything in our lives. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." (Eccl. 3:1)

We don't often get a choice of what comes our way in life. There are the unexpected, the devastating, the crippling, the unwanted and unasked for trials that come our way. But I still firmly believe that God is still very much in control of them. He doesn't promise us that we will go through life without trials, but He does promise that He will see us through them by His power, strength, courage, determination and will. He is the victor ultimately over all that attempts to destroy us. We just need to trust Him and lean on Him through the toughest times. "Cast your cares upon me, for I careth for you."

A quote I read once is: "God does not expect the impossible of us; He only expects us to expect the impossible from Him."

"This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." Our triumph has been won by Christ, but we must identify ourselves with his victory.

Let us never dare doubt!
Sandy

Be at Peace

2007-12-05T08:47:00.001-10:00

We are now experiencing a bad winter storm in Hawaii with high winds up to 50 mph gusts and rain. The power has gone out already at least twice during the night and morning hours, so my words today will be brief and I give you this thought for the day:

"The same Everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations."

My prayer today is that the Lord will watch over and protect us all through the storm!
Sandy

Oh, My Aching Shoulder

2007-12-04T13:29:00.000-10:00

I had on my schedule this morning to weed my much-neglected flower garden. When I woke up this morning, the winds were blowing more than usual, sorta whistling around the corners of the house. Upon going outside to start my weeding project, already shredded leaves and branches lay all over the driveway and yard from the wind. I decided before tackling my flower bed, I'd better sweep up the driveway and rake the leaves and branches from the front porch and surrounding area. It took longer than expected.

But finally I headed out to the flower bed. The weeds must have been there a very long time, because most of them had very deep roots and it took some pulling to loosen them up enough to remove them. The winds were still blowing quite hard all around me, but I worked mostly with my head down, pulling and pulling away all the weeds. About three hours later, I began to sense that maybe danger was near. Branches that had broken loose from the trees around me were lying everywhere. I said to myself that I must be crazy for being out there, so decided to come in. When I walked back to the driveway and front yard area, it looked worse than it did before I raked and swept everything a few hours before. I felt like I was fighting an uphill battle, and I'd better just let the wind take its course before finishing the job.

I wonder if God feels that it's an uphill battle for him to show us and rid us of the weeds in our life sometimes. The "weeds" of our heart that we hold on to so tenaciously get harder and harder to remove if we neglect them over a long period of time. God likes for us to confess those tender roots of bitterness, anger, hostility, etc. at an early stage---not after they've grown to the hardened stage where we have grown accustomed to their presence within us. Sometimes we don't recognize the danger that those roots are causing. Just as weeds drown out the health of the plant, our sin destroys us from within the longer it is allowed to sit there and fester and grow. Just as pulling the weeds from our gardens allow the plants to breathe and receive nourishment from the soil, confession cleanses our hearts and allows us to grow into healthy spiritual human beings.

My shoulders are definitely aching from the tugging and pulling of those tenacious weeds. But in a couple of days, the soreness will go away, and I will look out on my garden with satisfaction that once again it is free of the weeds that wanted to destroy its beauty. Don't let sin destroy your beauty! Confession is so cleansing and good for the health of your soul!

I John 1:9
Sandy

Does Age Bring Wisdom?

2007-12-02T06:36:00.000-10:00

As I get older, I realize that the more I think I know, the less I actually know. When you measure knowledge by what you've learned over the years, you amass a certain wisdom that there is so very much more to know. What we know does not necessarily make us wise. Solomon asked God for wisdom to be given him, and yet Solomon toward the end of his life struggled with striving for knowledge and gaining wisdom that was "meaningless" in the world. Ecclesiastes 1:13 reveals his struggle: "I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men!" In verse 1:18, "For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, the more knowledge, the more grief."

In the New Testament, Paul writes to the Corinthians in 3:19, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight."
So how do we as humans separate the knowledge we gain in this world from the wisdom that God desires for us? The Apostle Paul told us that "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." Can you grasp that statement that Christ became wisdom for us? Why?
Paul tells us "so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power (2:5)." "...no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words(vs. 11b-13).......we have the mind of Christ.(vs. 16b)"

Wisdom that God gives us is fathomless---He will teach us about Himself, I believe, throughout eternity. "The wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight" (I Cor. 3:19) Jesus, by becoming wisdom for us, offered Himself as the practical answer to the dilemmas of sin in the world. Adam and Eve sold their soul for the "knowledge of good and evil." Jesus came to pay the ultimate price for that one act---to "take away the sin of the world." Jesus became sin for us and met the requirements of an Almighty Holy God to redeem us from sin. Only the wisdom of God could plan out to perfection His plan for the redemption of man.

I pray that God has allowed you to wisely make the choice to receive Christ as your personal Savior, because, whether young or old in age, that is the one and only important decision that you will ever make to assure you of eternal life.

Jesus is our Wisdom!
Sandy

Do You Know Where Your Children Are?

2007-12-01T05:09:00.000-10:00

In West Virginia, the mayor of Charleston would come on television every evening at 10:00 pm pointing his finger at the camera and say "It is 10 o'clock--do you know where your children are?" It was very poignant and hopefully parents in the area would respond with a positive answer regarding curfew for their teenage children.

My techie son, Rich, is now blogging with a program called "Twitter", which basically is a mini-journal of his activities throughout the day. Sometimes he jots down something every hour, sometimes sooner, sometimes hours apart, but as a Mom, it allows me to "know where my child is." Even though Rich is very adult, very responsible, and very mature, a mother always way down deep in her heart wants to know that her child is okay. It is a warm, fuzzy feeling and gives me comfort that I know where my child is throughout the day because of this technological means called "Twitter".

God knows where His children are at all times. He knows where we are physically. "You know when I sit and when I rise.....Where can I flee from your presence? If I go to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there." Psalm 139:2a and 7-8. There is never a time, day or night, that God doesn't know where you are and He will be there for you if you call out to Him, either to praise Him or to ask for His help and mercy.

He also knows where we are spiritually. He knows our hearts inside and out, and nothing we do, say, or think surprises Him. "You perceive my thoughts from afar." (Ps. 139:2b). "Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord." (Ps. 139: 4) "How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast are the sum of them. Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand." (Ps. 139:17, 18) Why do we make such a concerted effort to try to "hide" from God. He knows us so intimately, and wants us to acknowledge our needs before Him. He wants our openness, and wants us to realize our freedom to go to Him about anything. That's basically what prayer is about. When we bow our knees before Him, and acknowledge that we love Him, that we are dependent on Him for everything in our lives, that we need Him and can't live life alone without Him, that's when God can minister to us His grace and allow us closeness with Him. When we neglect to admit that we are needy, we are missing out on that deep intimate fellowship with Him. God created us because He desired that fellowship with us. He wants to be truly our Friend closer than a brother. So often we hold our self-sufficient arm out to protect us from getting too close----why? He knows us inside and out and still loves us with such eternal love and all He desires from us is to love Him in return and for us to desire to be with Him.

God knows where His children are!
Sandy

Destiny

2007-11-30T08:37:00.000-10:00

I just read my "quote for the day" and appreciate its wisdom. The quote is by William Jennings Bryan:

"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."

Some people believe that their future lies in being at the right place at the right time, meeting the right person at any one given moment, fate, luck, good fortune that happens by chance, and that somehow you were the benefactor of that "fateful" moment. All we have to do is sit back and wait for that moment to come our way, and all will be as it should be.

I agree with Mr. Bryan---that just doesn't happen! Our future lies in the foundation of our belief system and the choices we make because of what we believe. Positive thinking gets us nowhere unless our thinking is based on the right foundation!
I can positively think that I will not get hurt when I jump off a 20-foot building and believe it with all my heart, but the truth is that I will die no matter how positively I thought about the situation before I jumped. The law of gravity that God brought to pass will determine my future in my decision to jump!

My destiny depends upon acting on what I know, making the proper choices to achieve that goal and then taking the steps necessary to achieve the end result I desire. If we do nothing, we achieve nothing. We are not robots that depend upon someone else to do for us what God gave us the talents and abilities to do for ourselves. If we sat back and waited on chance to bring us our greatest desires, we would be sadly disappointed.

Our motivation for success in life needs to be based on the foundational truth of God's word. God's word is ACTIVE and alive and contains all that we need for a successful future. If we follow the instructions God gave us so clearly and learn a dependency on His promises and His character, the reality of success is much greater. Of course, we need to identify "success." Success in God's eyes and success in the world's eyes are quite often very different. Our destiny in the world's eyes may be focused on wealth, position, prestige in comparison to the individuals in your sphere of influence. Your focus is to become greater than your next-door neighbor, or your fellow employee. Our destiny in God's eyes is to be conformed to the image of His Son and become a changed individual in our character, in our actions toward others, and in our final destination, eternity with Him.

If you're waiting for the perfect man to come along to be your husband and expect all to be well for your perfect future, it probably will not happen. If you seek to find a man that follows God's pattern for his life and both of you together unite to follow God's instructions for marriage, the possibility will be greater that you will have a successful marriage that will last.
This same criteria can be applied to looking for a job or any other decision that you might need to make for your future. Don't depend on fate, or chance, or luck to make your life successful. Make that personal choice to follow God's foundational truths to assure that you will achieve success in God's eyes.

God knows the plans He has for you---"to give you hope and a future."
Sandy

Thoughts on Elijah and Elisha

2007-11-29T08:10:00.000-10:00

Today my devotions led me to a brief contemplative study of the Old Testament prophets, Elijah and Elisha which punctuated for me the continuity of Scripture throughout the Old and New Testament. Here go my thoughts:

In II Kings 2, we learn that after a long season of being God's messenger to Israel, Elijah passed his cloak of responsibility to Elisha. In verse ll, I quote: "As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind....and Elisha saw him no more."

In II Kings 13:14,20, I read the fate of Elisha, and I quote: "Now Elisha was suffering from the illness from which he died...Elisha died and was buried."

What is amazing to me is the fact that the Bible indicates that both Elijah and Elisha possessed life in one form or another after they disappeared from the earth. First, we see Elisha's bones that lie in his tomb brought life back to a dead man who was thrown into the same tomb (II King 13:21: "Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders, so they threw the man's body into Elisha's tomb. When the body touched Elisha's bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet." WOW!

Elijah's appearing again after being swept into heaven by a whirlwind is more subtle. In the New Testament in Matthew 17, Jesus took Peter, James and John and led them to a high mountain. There Jesus was transfigured before them and with him appeared Moses....and Elijah! A bright cloud enveloped the three of them and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him."

Does that statement sound familiar---do you remember where you heard it first? At Jesus' baptism when he was being baptized by John the Baptist in Matthew 3:17: "And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

Back to the Mount of Transfiguration---Jesus tells his three disciples an amazing thing: "But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands. Then the disciples understood that he was talking with them about John the Baptist."

Wow---John the Baptist, the incarnate Elijah????

After Jesus was resurrected and while Peter was in the midst of his ministry as Jesus' disciple, Peter retells the story of the events on the Mount of Transfiguration. II Peter 1:16: "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.' We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain."

Then during my study, I got to wondering---who are the two witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11 that lay dead in the streets of Egypt for 3-1/2 days, then were made alive again by the breath of life of God and went up to heaven in a cloud?
Could one of the witnesses be......Elijah? I don't know, the Word doesn't say, but....just wondering.

The Bible is electrifying to me when you see the truth of God's Word mesh so beautifully from the Old Testament through the New Testament with hundreds of years separating the writers. How could anyone doubt the gospel of God as stated in Romans 1: "the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding the Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through His Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord."

I'm sure there is bound to be much more study on the subject of Elijah as related to Jesus Christ. If you have any thoughts on the subject, please let me know.

Let's thank God for His Word today.
Sandy

Life is Like Coffee

2007-11-27T05:42:00.000-10:00

This was sent to me today via email, but it was so relevant for today's society, I had to pass it on to you.

COFFEE

A group of alumni, all highly established in their respective careers,
got together for a visit with their old university professor. The
conversation soon turned to complaints about the endless stress
of work and life in general.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went into the kitchen and
soon returned with a large pot of coffee and an eclectic assortment
of cups: porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal - some plain, some expensive,
some quite exquisite. Quietly he told them to help themselves to some
fresh coffee.

When each of his former students had a cup of coffee in hand, the
old professor quietly cleared his throat and began to patiently address
the small gathering. ''You may have noticed that all of the nicer looking
cups were taken up first, leaving behind the plainer and cheaper ones.
While it is only natural for you to want only the best for yourselves, that
is actually the source of much of your stress-related problems."

He continued. "Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee.
In fact, the cup merely disguises or dresses up what we drink. What each
of you really wanted was coffee, not a cup, but you instinctively went for
the best cups. Then you began eyeing each other's cups.''

''Now consider this: Life is coffee. Jobs, money, and position in society are
merely cups. They are just tools to shape and contain Life, and the type of
cup we have does not truly define nor change the quality of the Life we live.
Often, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee that God
has provided us. God brews the coffee, but he does not supply the cups.
Enjoy your coffee!''

The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the
best of everything. So please remember: Live simply. Love generously. Care
Deeply. Speak Kindly. Leave the Rest to God. And remember - the richest
person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.

Sip slowly the coffee that comes your way, and enjoy!
Sandy

A Day of Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T05:23:00.001-10:00

Giving thanks to God for our spiritual blessings and our physical comforts is often neglected in this fast-paced world we live in today. We go our merry way taking for granted so much with what God showers us daily. On this Thanksgiving Day, just let your heart ponder all the blessings that God bestows upon you without acknowledgment because they have become so routine and normal. Just to list a few: the breath we breathe to live, the sunshine that allows things to grow, the rain that waters the beautiful plants around us, the rainbows in the sky, the moon and stars at night, the grass we mow, the water we drink, the roof over our heads, the bed we sleep in, the birds that sing to us, the car we drive to work, the workplace itself, the privilege we have to attend church freely, our church family. Oh, so many many more---the list could be endless if we let our hearts dwell on the many many blessings God gives us.

When was the last time you thanked God for the special people in your life? Your husband/wife, your children, your parents, your extended families, your friends, your co-workers, government officials, soldiers that are fighting for our freedom, the people that serve you at the bank, the grocery store, at restaurants?

Have you thanked God recently for your health? So many people have health issues and if you don't have health issues now, as you grow older, you will. Thank God for your good health while you have it. How about thanking God for your five senses---the ability to see, hear, taste, smell and feel. As I age, I feel a decline in all of those areas. How hard it would be to totally lose those gifts God has given us. Thank God while you still can.

All of your blessings that you receive daily are gifts from the very hand of God. How long has it been since you've said, "thank you, God." His grace is boundless, His mercies new and fresh every day, His love is so deep and wide, His compassion abundant. We are so richly blessed in every way because He is our God that desires to give good gifts to His children.

It behooves us to develop a thankful heart and to be quick to give praise to the Giver of every good and perfect gift.

I'm so thankful for God in my life, for Jesus who saved me, for the Spirit who teaches me, for my dear and precious family, for my countless friends and Christian brothers and sisters, for spiritual blessings, for physical comforts, for being alive!!!

Happy Thanksgiving, Everybody!
Sandy

Cranberry Upside-Down Cake

2007-11-21T12:08:00.000-10:00

3/4 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup light-brown sugar
3/4 pound cranberries
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
2 egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1/2 cup 2% milk
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup heavy cream (optional)
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x9 inch cake pan. In a small pan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter and the brown sugar and pour the mixture into the bottom of the cake pan. Place the cranberries in the cake pan on top of the melted butter and sugar.
2. Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a mixing bowl, cream the remaining 1/2 cup butter with the sugar. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and mix well. Add the milk alternately with the dry ingredients, folding well after each addition.
3. In a small mixing bowl, using clean beaters, beat the egg whites to soft peaks. Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat until the peaks hold their shape. Fold the whites into the cake batter. Spread the batter over the fruit in the cake pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 55 to 60 minutes.
4. Remove the cake from the oven and run a small knife around the edges Let sit for 15 minutes. Invert the cake pan onto a serving platter and let it sit another 5 minutes, then remove the pan.
5. Optional: Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Flavor with the remaining vanilla and the confectioners' sugar.
6. Serve slices of cake topped with a dollop of the whipped cream, if desired.

Very pretty and tasty! Enjoy!
Sandy

Being Older

2007-11-20T07:12:00.000-10:00

The comments below are not my original thoughts or words, but when I read them, I appreciated every word and thought it fitting to pass it on to you today, because no matter what stage of life you are in right now, someday, you, too, will be old. What a wonderful attitude to have about aging and I pray that as I get grayer and grayer, my attitude will match the one below.

"The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction, she was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let her know.
Old Age, I decided, is a gift.
I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!), but I don't agonize over those things for long. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?
I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60&70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.
They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. (If I feel like it)
MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER AND EVER!"

Happy Aging!
Sandy

Backpack of Worries

2007-11-19T06:38:00.000-10:00

When you send your children off to school, the last thing you place upon their shoulders as they leave the house in the morning is their backpack full of their books, assignments, lunches and whatever else they may need throughout the day. It is quite a load, but all necessary, it seems.

In picturing backpacks stuffed and heavy, I wonder if we as adults don't start early in the morning loading our backpacks with unnecessary worries. We may start out by worrying about our husbands and the new project that needs to be accomplished in such a short time. Will he get it done by the due date today? We stuff that worry in our backpacks. Then we worry about the phone call we got yesterday from a friend announcing that she had been diagnosed with a serious disease, and we place that in our backpack. As we are working in the kitchen, we wonder if our son will pass that spelling test that he studied so hard for last night---it goes into the backpack. When the mail arrives, an unexpected bill lies amidst the junk mail, and suddenly a new worry ends up being placed in the backpack. And so on and so on....worries throughout the day have made that backpack of worries very heavy and we are stumbling against the weight of them all.

Now picture God who was present with you throughout every minute of that same day whispering in your ear, "Cast all your care upon (Me) for I care for you." (I Peter 5:7). As you stuffed your worries in the backpack upon your own shoulders, He is asking to carry that backpack for you. He is telling you that you don't have to carry that weight around with you all day and become tired and weary from its weight. He wants to carry that backpack for you. In fact, he is telling you constantly, "Do not worry." So instead of carrying around your worries all day long, picture yourself walking along beside Jesus throughout the day and placing your worries on HIS shoulders knowing that He is so much stronger to carry the load than you are. Then picture His ability to supply the answer to all your worries. "God shall supply ALL your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:9)

God knows we will worry---it is human nature. He just doesn't want us to carry the worries around with us to weigh us down to the point of weakness, vulnerability, discouragement, and incapacitation. He has shoulders big enough to handle whatever we may face----give Him your backpack.

Have a worry-free day!
Sandy

Our Anchor, Jesus

2007-11-18T06:26:00.000-10:00

Remember the plastic punching bags we used to play with as kids? No matter how hard we hit it downward, it would pop right back up because it was anchored at the bottom with a very heavy bottom that would right itself when knocked down. Boats have anchors that go deep into the floor of the ocean or river bottom that will not allow the boat to move even though the waves above may toss the boat around in a storm.

What is your anchor? Do you have something (or Someone) that you can cling to that will still the waves of the storm you are going through? All of us face circumstances that cause us to stagger and wobble and sometimes crumble at times, but does our anchor make sure that we are righted upward and straight again? We all need an anchor that will hold us steady while the waves pound us and the sea roars or fear and anxiety overtake us. Jesus alone is that anchor!

"Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, "My foot is slipping, your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." Psalm 94:17-19.

Jesus is that anchor that we can trust to hold us upright, to secure us when we feel so unsteady, to assure us when we feel so afraid, to comfort us when we need someone to understand and care. There are many scriptures that we can claim that assure us that Jesus is there both to anchor us and uphold us.

He is our Rock!

Psalm 71:2-3: "Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me; for you are my rock and my fortress."

Psalm 9:9 - "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."

Psalm 18:2 - "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

Psalm 31:19 - "How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from the strife of tongues."

He will hold us with his righteous right hand!

Psalm 18:16 - "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters."

Psalm 18:35 - "You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me.."

Psalm 89:13 - "Your arm is endued with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted."

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

When life knocks you down and you feel you will never recover from the blow, just remember--you are anchored by the Rock, the weight that will right you back up, and then His righteous right hand will hold you steady through the circumstances you are going through.

Isaiah 41:13 - "For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you."

My anchor holds!
Sandy

A Big Football Fan

2007-11-17T06:31:00.000-10:00

I admit to being a very big football fan, often loud, rambunctious and oftentimes embarrassing to my husband. As a young teenager, I fell in love with football in high school, as sports was about the only entertainment offered in our small town. My high school football team were the Nicholas County Grizzlies. When I went off to college, I fell in love with a football player and married him. It was so much fun to go to the away games with other football wives and be the only ones in the crowd rooting on our husbands---we had to be loud to be heard. Our college team was the West Virginia Tech Golden Bears. After graduation, we moved to Morgantown, West Virginia so that Dick could get his masters degree and we went to the games and rooted for Dick's brother who played for the West Virginia University Mountaineers, and are still loyal fans.

After graduating from WVU, Dick got work in Pittsburgh, where I experienced my most embarrassing moment of my life. Pittsburgh was playing the West Virginia Mountaineers (a huge rivalry) at Pittsburgh. Bobby Bowden was the coach. The year was 1970 and a client gave Dick two tickets on the 50-yard line in the middle of the Pittsburgh fans. Of course, being a die-hard WVU fan, there was no way I was going to keep quiet as I watched WVU take the lead 35-7 in the first half. In fact, I made such noise that I definitely irritated the fans around me and actually had people saying mean things to me, as I yelled and screamed to root the WVU team to victory. But I certainly got my come-uppance in the second half. Pittsburgh came out and actually won the game 36-35 in the second half and the fans around me certainly gave me back my own medicine. I slunk down in the seats and tried to slip out of the game as quickly as possible!!! In Dick's words, "you almost got us killed."

While in Pittsburgh, we began attending the Pittsburgh Steelers games and fell in love with them. In the 70s we loved the "Steel Curtain." We still follow the Steelers as totally loyal fans. In 1974, we moved to Hawaii, and got season tickets to watch the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and still remain faithful fans.

We are having a fantastic football year this year. Hawaii is 10-0, with their quarterback, Colt Brennan, looked at as a possible Heisman Trophy candidate. West Virginia Mountaineers are having a great season at 9-1 and 5th place in the polls, with their quarterback, Pat White, also as a possible Heisman Trophy candidate. The Pittsburgh Steelers are going great guns this year and remaining in the top 5 teams of the NFL. How good can it get!

I have to remind myself often that football is a game. It is not to be the center of my focus, or the highlight of my life. It is not an area where I should blow my "gentle and quiet spirit" that is of "great worth in God's sight." It's not an area where I should lose my cool and act like a fool to others. It is just a game-------isn't it?

Go Warriors! Go Mountaineers! Go Steelers!
Sandy

Living with Contradiction by Esther de Waal

2007-11-16T09:57:00.000-10:00

I saw this excerpt from the book "Living with Contradiction" by Esther de Waal and thought I would share it with you today. I think all of us struggle with a need for affirmation, which contain elements of pride. Maybe we should ask the same questions as the questions found in the quote below:

"The journey by which we discover God is also the journey by which we discover, or uncover, our true self hidden in God. It is a journey that we all have to make. It is easy to play the world's game which is the power game, the game which depends on setting myself apart from others, distinguishing myself, seeking the limelight and looking for applause. I find that it is only too easy to become compulsive in my continual need for affirmation, for more and more affirmation, as I anxiously ask Who am I? Am I the person who is liked, admired, praised, seen as successful? My whole attitude towards myself becomes determined by the way in which others see me. I compare myself with others, and I try to emphasize what is different and distinctive about me. Those three temptations which Christ faced in the wilderness are equally my own temptations:
to be relevant
to be spectacular
to be powerful
Am I able, like Christ, to put them down? Am I prepared to shed all these outer shells, of false ambition, of pride?
Am I ready to admit that the mask is a disguise put on to cover up the insecure self? and the armour a shield to protect the vulnerable self? Am I ready to receive a new self, based not on what I can achieve, but on what I am willing to receive?"
(End of quote)

God wants us to conform to the image of Christ, not the image of the world. We must be careful in how we conduct our lives that we live it according to God's design for us rather than the affirmation of the world. God expects us to strive to do our best, to be good at what we do for Him, not to receive glory for ourselves, but to bring glory to God. We are to have the mind of Christ, not the desires of the world. What conflict that sometimes causes us as we go about our daily work.

One more quote by John S. Dunne:

"As I explore the height and depth and the breadth of life, each discovery I make about life is a discovery about God, each is a step with God, a step toward God."

May your walk with Him today be one step closer to God and His will for you!
Sandy

Birth Days and Modern Technology

2007-11-15T07:59:00.000-10:00

I am constantly amazed at how technology has developed in recent years and has allowed us to reach out to others in so many facets. I am of the generation that used to walk a mile to get to the post office, open a little window to check to see if there was an envelope in there for me, and more often than not, walk away disappointed after seeing an empty box. When there was an envelope in that box addressed to me, it was as if I had received a gift of immeasurable worth, and would read and reread the message sent to me over and over again.

Today all we have to do is go to our computer in the house, press a button, and within seconds receive countless messages (granted most of them spam), but nevertheless you can be "in touch" with people from as far away as the mind can conceive, or as near as next door. Isn't that amazing?

This morning it was such a blessing to hear a little ring on my computer as a signal for me to open my iChat, a video program that allows me to actually see the persons on a camera attached to my computer. It was my son announcing that Bryan, our grandson, was awake and ready to be wished a happy 13th birthday and was eager to open the mailed package that we had sent him earlier. We were able to see sleepy-eyed Bryan smiling as we sang Happy Birthday, Dear Teenager to him and then he opened our package to him. We were able to see his expression, and hear his thanks as we sat in our computer room hundreds of miles away. It truly is amazing!

Have you ever thought how very amazing our birth days are? The day we were born was a miracle unlike any other that can be imagined. God conceived us in our mother's womb, formed us "beautifully and wonderfully" with a uniqueness that no other person can ever duplicate, allowed us to go through the amazing adventure of the birth canal, and sucked in our first breath as we entered the world. He chose the parents we were to be born to, the place for which we were to be born, the characteristics that we would own all of our lives, and granted to us a special purpose for our lives that we would have to discover and develop to fulfill His will for us. As a mother and a grandmother, what joy we feel as we see those gifted to us become the people that God desires them to be!

Happy Birthday, Bryan---may it be a very blessed year for you!
Nana

Autumn Fruit Salad

2007-11-14T06:28:00.000-10:00

Apples are now so crunchy and juicy and they are so healthy for us. Remember the old saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." I thought you might like to try this recipe as a colorful and healthy salad to feed your family.

AUTUMN FRUIT SALAD

1-1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups cubed upeeled red apples
2 cups halved red seedless grapes
1 cup diced celery
1 cup walnut halves

In a saucepan, combine sugar and flour. Stir in water, bring to a boil. Cook and boil until mixture thickens. Remove from the heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, combine apples, grapes, celery and walnuts. Add dressing and toss gently. Refrigerate until serving. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Enjoy!
Sandy

Patience of Job

2007-11-13T11:23:00.000-10:00

We've all heard others use the phrase "the patience of Job" as a trait that would be desirable and active in our own lives. In studying the book of Job lately, and in reading "Let God Be God" by Ray Stedman, Job was not always the picture of perfect patience. He questioned God many times about the pain and suffering he had to endure not of his own choosing. In Job 21:4, Job asks: "Is my complaint directed to man? Why should I not be impatient?" Job complained. Job asked why. Job even thought that it would have been better if he had never been born rather than have to endure the suffering and pain he had to go through. His wife bitterly nagged at him and said--why don't you just curse God and die. Does all of that picture the perfect picture of patience?

Patience is the ability to endure, to tolerate, to suffer long with calm and composure. Job learned patience from the things that he suffered. Through it all, he never lost sight of the Master he served. My favorite verse to remind me that God is worthy of serving is Job's statement "Even though he slay me, yet will I trust in Hiim." If Job can endure through all that he suffered with his view of God properly intact, then surely my suffering is small in comparison. I can place my faith in God who will endure with me through to the end. Romans 5:3-5 says "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

"Rejoice in our sufferings"---my, what a statement by the Apostle Paul in Romans. Can we truly rejoice in our sufferings? Christ did. "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Job did. At the end of Job, we see Job as a contented man, blessed doubly, and he had peace with God and himself and those around him. We can rest assured that if God causes us to suffer and have pain, that first of all He will be with us through it---He promises never to leave or forsake us. He promises that the suffering we endure will build our perseverance, our character and ultimately the eternal hope of our relationship with Him. God cares much more for our character than he does our comfort. He wants to build within us a sustaining faith and trust in Him that will never end, that will allow us to cling to the hope of eternal peace forever with Him.

May patience be a trait we all strive to attain!
Sandy

Mountaintops

2007-11-12T13:08:00.000-10:00

What a morning we experienced as we took my niece and her girlfriend to the top of Mt. Haleakala this morning! We began by waking up at 3:30 a.m. to start climbing (by car) from 1200 Elev. to the summit of Haleakala at 10,230 feet elevation. We arrived purposely before sunrise so that we could watch that incredible view of the sun rising and lighting up the crater at first light!

We were amazed that we were not the only ones to get that brilliant idea---there were hundreds of people waiting for that ultimate moment when the fringes of the clouds announce the sun's coming by its orange glow, then the first edge of the sun peeping over the top, and in a matter of seconds, the full sun popping up almost blinding in its brightness. You could see flashes of cameras all around trying to capture that moment in time when they personally saw the sun make its appearance.

At 10,000 feet it was quite cold--about 45 degrees. Some people were not prepared for the cold thinking that in Hawaii you should only experience warm tropical weather. They were very uncomfortable. Others knew that at such a high elevation, you would need extra heat from an outside source in the absence of the sun. We had gone prepared with warm jackets, gloves and hats, and a big thermos of hot coffee to get us through the morning.

I can't help but think of Jesus Christ and His return as I relate our experience up on that mountaintop this morning. Wouldn't it be a wonder if all peoples of the earth would anticipate God's Son, Jesus Christ, so eagerly and watch and wait for that sudden light of His presence to appear? Are we prepared for that day to occur? It will happen---it has been promised and God cannot lie! Are we "camera-ready" waiting to capture the moment and allow the thrill of it to grasp our hearts for eternity? When He comes to reign on the earth, His light will light the world. There will be no need for any other source of heat or light. His presence will light up the sky and we will either welcome the light or shrink from it depending upon our relationship with Him. Just as we were awed by the sight of the sun rising over the horizon this morning, we will be totally awe-struck by God's Son coming in the clouds to meet us in the air!

Awaiting the Son,
Sandy

"It's Already Tomorrow"

2007-11-08T06:54:00.000-10:00

As a grandparent, I find myself telling younger couples with small children, that they should enjoy their children while they can because they grow up all too fast. It seems we turn around once and children jump from toddlers to teenagers. Our grandson, Bryan, will be 13 on November 15, a teenager. It just seems yesterday that I was carrying him in my arms to help him discover the wonders of outdoors as a baby. Soon he will be wanting his drivers license!

I just read a heart-rending story in "Home Life Magazine" where a father was rushing around the house trying to get ready for work one day when his small son came in and said "Daddy, I've turned over my cowendar and you can stay home from wuck today." The father replied "Grant, I have to go to work today, but I can stay home tomorrow." "But Daddy," he countered, "it's already tomorrow." "No, Grant, today is Friday. I can't stay home until Saturday." The little boy dropped his head, and said, "Well, maybe then you can come visit us."

Are we too busy doing good things that steal away the best things from our children? A child depends on time with his parents to gain the perspectives on life that will allow them to find their security, develop their worldview, and discover who they are and who God is. We are daily representing an image of God to our children. As grandparents, we look back and reflect on the time that we had with our own children, and wonder where the years have flown, and ponder how we could have maybe done things better---maybe extra morning hugs, more bedtime tales, and tuck-me-in prayers. Maybe more walks in the woods, talks in the car, or a greater listening ear. Our children are God's greatest gifts to us and He has placed us with an awesome responsibility as parents. Children are like sponges that soak up all that we have to offer them, especially when they are so young and teachable. Make sure your child knows that he/she is special in your eyes.

Sometimes I wonder why God waits until we are old to understand the wisdom that we should have had when we were young. On the news last night in an interview with an older doctor, the statement was made that he told his daughter who is mother to his first grandchild that it was his job as a grandparent to spoil the child, but her job was to make sure he wasn't spoiled. It's a joy to "spoil" our grandchildren. Parents, it's your job to obey God's commands and mentor the little hearts in your home. Plant God's love in the hearts and minds of your children He has blessed you with. Surprise your children with spontaneous "show-up" time, give them an extra moment when you tuck them into bed to hear what their day was like, laugh a little longer with them as you play with them. All of those precious moments add up to memories that children treasure!

I so appreciate how our son and "daughter" are raising our grandsons! Good job, Rich and Em!

Don't wait until tomorrow what you can give your children today!
Sandy

Have You Lost Your Senses?

2007-11-05T06:16:00.000-10:00

Have you ever taken a small toddler out on a bright sunny day and turned him loose in the yard to play to discover his or her little world around them? They discover their senses--the sense of touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste. In little bare feet they run through the cool green grass wiggling their toes and feeling the tickle of the ground beneath them, or crunch up their toes when they hit a puddle of water or a little pebble under their tiny feet. With little hands they run to a bright colored flower and instinctively put it up to their nose to see if it smells good and usually graciously hand it to you to smell as well. They hear a bird up in a tree and cock their heads to hear its sweet trill in the trees, pointing in its direction, squinting their eyes to see it better. They try to pick up whatever they see on the ground, tree, or bush around them and put it in their mouths, their way of discovering new sights and tastes around them. They squeal when they run from one thing to another and are so quick to come back to you to show you what they found. Oh, the joys of little children discovering the gift of their senses!!!

Have we as adults gotten so busy that we forget to discover the sights, smells, textures and tastes around us? Do we stop to smell the roses, or the plumeria, or gardenia that is blooming nearby? Do we notice the rainbow in the sky after a rain on our drive to work? Do we hear the doves cooing outside our window in the morning as we awaken? Do we remember the touch of the velvety skin of an infant child, the wonder of smelling their little feet, the touch of their little fingers wrapped around ours in a tight grip of love? Do we remember hearing the giggling and squealing of little girls at play? Do we ever sit in silence and tune our ears to hear the still small voice of our Lord?

God as our Creator gave us a world to thoroughly enjoy and He gave us the gift of senses that we might enjoy it to the fullest. Let's take the time to exercise the wonderful gifts of touch, smell, sight, hearing and taste. God will communicate to you through the wonder of His world around you if you just take the time to find your senses once again! You can communicate to God by giving Him thanks each day as you discover anew the wonders around you!

Enjoy the wonders of your day!
Sandy

Angry Fist or Open Hands??

2007-11-04T08:02:00.000-10:00

Life's circumstances can sometimes hit us without warning and we can be left reeling as if we'd been broadsided by the unexpected. How we face those difficult trials that come our way says a lot about us as persons. Do we immediately look up to heaven and shake our fist in the face of God railing against His unfair treatment of us, asking "Why me?" Or do we drop to our knees holding our open hands up to God seeking help and counsel from Him who promises to see us through the tough times?

Now that you've thought about your first responses to God, think about God's first responses to you when hard times come your way. Do you immediately think that God is bringing punishment to you by bringing the painful circumstance into your life and shaking His angry fist at you? Or do you see Him offering His open hand to you reaching down to comfort and console you in your pain?

I believe your responses in times of trial directly relate to your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and how well you know Him as your Savior. If you know His character to be loving, consoling, comforting, kind and gentle, you know that He would never deliberately bring pain to hurt you. He may allow pain to enter your life, but He personally does not bring the pain to you. He promises to be with you ever present through the trial, but He has never promised that pain would not enter your world. He even said that "in this world, you will have tribulation, but I have overcome the world." This world brings pain, sometimes unbeliveable unbearable pain, but God will always be the first one that offers His hand of mercy and grace to you and promises never to leave you or forsake you. He will always be right there with His open hand extended waiting for you to reach out with your open hand to receive his love, grace and mercy. God promises to "hold us with his righteous right hand", and believe me, He will never let go! Receive His peace in the knowledge that He is there amidst your pain!

The next time you want to shake your fist at God, try instead opening up those fingers and reaching upward to receive His love!

Have a great Sunday!
Sandy

O God Who Shaped Creation

2007-11-03T08:42:00.000-10:00

We who know Christ often mourn what we see happening in our world---so much evil, pain, and heartache at every turn. When pain and anguish hits someone in our own family or our circle of friends, it's almost unbearable and so easy to question God. Then my thoughts went to how God must feel when he sees the same events happening here on earth, and I can almost hear him say, "Why, my children, do you turn away from me---the One who loves you so much?" I recently read the following hymn written by William W. Reid, Jr. and was touched by its message. I want to share it with you today:

O God Who Shaped Creation
by William W. Reid, Jr.

O God who shaped creation
At earth's chaotic dawn,
Your word of power was spoken,
And lo! the dark was gone!
You framed us in your image,
You brought us into birth,
You blessed our infant footsteps
And shared your splendored earth.

O God, with pain and anguish
A mother sees her child
Embark on deadend pathways,
Alluring, but defiled;
So too your heart is broke
When hate and lust increase,
When words you birthed and nurtured
Spurn ways that lead to peace.

Although your heart is broken
When people scorn your ways,
You never cease your searching
Through evil's darksome maze;
And when we cease our running,
Your joys, O God, abound
Like joy of searching woman
When treasured coin is found.

O God, when trinkets tarnish
And pleasures lose their charm,
When, wearied by our wandering,
We seek your opened arm,
With motherlike compassion
You share your warm embrace;
You set for us a banquet
And heal us through your grace.

In mercy and compassion
Your goodness is revealed;
With tenderness you touch us,
And broken hearts are healed.
You claim us as your children,
You strip our prideful shame;
With freedom born of mercy
We bless your holy name!

If you are going through a dark period in your life where you can't see what lies ahead, run into the waiting arms of Jesus who promises to be your deliverer, your guide, and your Friend!

Lovingly,
Sandy

Jokes? From Me?

2007-11-02T05:06:00.000-10:00

I have been accused by my family often of being "too serious." I'm not one to remember jokes, to retell jokes, or even laugh at them very often. Yesterday I heard two jokes in the same day and I actually remember them this morning! Wanta hear them??

1. A local guy needed a job really badly. After looking and looking for a job, a manager of a hotel finally hired him and told him to report to work the next morning. Very excited, he went home and told his friend that he lived with that he needed to be woke up in the morning to report to work on time because he often slept through his alarm. After he fell asleep, his friend decided to play a trick on him and painted his face black. Sure enough, the next morning the guy slept through his alarm clock, so that when his friend came in and woke him, he said, "you're late---you'd better hurry to get to work on time." So he jumped out of bed, threw on his clothes and hurried out the door without even brushing his teeth. When he got to the hotel and reported to the manager, the manager said, "you're not the person I hired yesterday." The guy kept insisting, "yes, I'm the one! You gave me the job right here in this very office." The manager kept insisting, No, you're not the guy. Go look in the mirror!" When the guy looked in the mirror, he said "Oh, no, my friend woke up the wrong guy!"

2. Did you hear about the three-legged dog that staggered up to the bar and said to the bartender, "Okay, I want to know who shot my pa? (Paw---get it?)

Now why in the world would I remember two such ridiculous jokes? I giggled at them yesterday and still remember them today. A sense of humor is a gift from God. To be able to see the world with all of its problems with a lighter point of view is a blessing. Proverbs tell us that "a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Laughter allows us to release our burdens and it becomes a source of healing, if even for a short time. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon reminds us that there is "a time to weep, and a time to laugh."

I hope you will see something to laugh about today. It does the body good to have a good ole belly chuckle! Look for the fun things in life---it helps to keep your focus off your troubles!

Happy Giggling!
Sandy

Precious Gifts

2007-11-01T06:36:00.000-10:00

Have you ever received a gift from someone that you wouldn't trade for all the oil in Texas, or all the gold in California? The gift is precious because it reminds you so specially of the giver and the heart in which it was given. I have many treasures in my home given to me by very special friends and every time I see them, either on a shelf, or on the wall, it reminds me of the precious gift of friendship and family.

There are two gifts that my youngest grandson, Bradley, gave me that warm my heart so much that when I see them, it brings tears to my eyes at the memory of his giving them to me. Dick and I were on Oahu and were meeting our son, Rich, and his family at a restaurant in the town where they live. When we got to the table where they were waiting for us to join them, little Bradley handed me a package wrapped up in white tissue paper. Upon opening it, I found a beautiful white glass angel. He had just been on a field trip with his first grade class and they had gone to a crafts fair, where Bradley saw this angel, and picked it out just for Nana. That little angel sits in my living room where I look at it every day and remember the love that he must have felt for me when he chose that angel.

The other gift he gave me is even more precious to me. We were again visiting with them in their Mililani home, when Bradley came to me and handed me this very tiny, tiny block of wood. He said, "I made this for you, Nana." When I examined it more closely, he had carved on it "Holy Bible" with a cross on it. I carry that little precious block of wood everywhere with me. Bradley has a tender heart for the Lord. He loves to sing praise songs and quietly does so often during the day. I know God has a special plan for this little one, and I pray that Bradley's heart will always stay tender and tuned in to what the Lord would have him accomplish during his lifetime.

God's Word, the Holy Bible, is His precious gift to us that tells the story of His Son, His most precious gift to the world. He wants us to know His Son personally and grow to love Him through the Word. If you're not in the habit of reading God's gift to you every day, you are missing out on the love that He wants to share with you. If you are reading faithfully God's Word, then you know what joy and peace it brings!

Open God's gift to you today!
Sandy

Custom-Designed Plan

2007-10-31T06:33:00.001-10:00

My grandson, Bryan, is working on a project for this year's Science Fair. It is occupying much of his extra time as he plans, researches, and thinks of ways to make it unique from others of those in his class, and different from past Science Fair projects. He wants to custom-make it to fit what he thinks will be a winning project. He's working toward winning the prize (and probably a good grade from his teacher.

People have a natural inclination to want to have something that no one else has. Men long for custom-designed cars and/or boats, and women long for custom-designed kitchens. Why is it that we long to be "different" from everyone else, to stand out from the ordinary? Could it possibly be that God created us that way? He desires for us to exercise the part of us that He created as unique and special from everyone else. What you can do, I cannot do in the same exact way. I can try to mimic you, but I can never do exactly what you do. That's because God created us "fearfully and wonderfully" in our mother's womb with such magnificent unique gifts specially designed for us personally----my gifts cannot match another's. Another's gifts I cannot master.

God has given each of us a custom-designed plan for our lives. "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We have each been given a purpose by God to fulfill---He created us with that purpose within His birth process. We have been called "according to His purpose." In Romans, we are told that "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." God is the giver of those different gifts. When we recognize our custom-made plan built inside of us by God, we can truly know the joy of service for Him. When we strive to do something other than what God has planned for us, we experience a sense of struggle deep inside of us.

Bryan, I know you will do very well with your science project. It will be custom-made by you and that will make it special! My fellow readers, God has made a custom-designed plan for you---and I know you will be special in His eyes as you seek to do His will for you!

In His Grace,
Sandy

Autumn and Personal View of Halloween

2007-10-30T07:14:00.000-10:00

In the fall of the year, the color orange pops out at you everywhere, but none as vividly as a host of pumpkins all stacked together in a pile. Autumn is my favorite season. In Hawaii, we don't experience the beautiful changes in the leaves of the trees, or the crisp smell of fresh air, and October blue skies like you do in the hills of West Virginia. However, you feel the end of October approaching as children prepare for Halloween parties, and Harvest gatherings. The excitement they feel as they dress up as their favorite character, and knock on doors for treats has been a tradition in our country for a long time.
However, as parents, it's a celebration that often concerns us for our kids.

Halloween is a focus on the macabre, vampires, witches and goblins. It highlights the scary, the underworld, the evil that is already permeating our society at a rapid rate. It is not a focus that most families wish to pass on to their children as "fun" and "alluring." As Christians, we need to be aware of how the celebration of this one day affects the thinking of our children and is it something we want them to pass on to their children in the next generations to come? I admire churches and communities that are trying to guide this tradition in a new direction by offering safe and fun outings for children in an environment focused away from the evil that underlies the Halloween tradition. Satan loves to draw the children into his realm by luring them with sweets and seemingly harmless "tricks." We, as parents, need to be aware of his ploy and counteract it with firm convictions and right decisions for the safe future of our children.

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." Col. 2:8

Let the kids enjoy their candy, and the fun they can have together with games and fellowship, and let them know that their time together is a celebration of the good gift of each other!

Happy Autumn!
Sandy

Fresh Beginnings

2007-10-29T05:39:00.000-10:00

I have been away from blogging now for about three months as I was away from high-speed internet services and it was more of a hassle to work through the slowness of the system than to just put my blogging aside for awhile. Now that I am back to my wonderful high-speed internet service, I can more freely let my thoughts flow and it feels good to be back. It's a fresh new beginning!

Today is Monday, a new start to the work week, a day of fresh beginnings---the first day of the rest of your life! It's a day that God can bring fresh and new mercies to you. They are His gift to you---you but need to make the choice to accept each happening as His lesson for you. You can choose to grumble or rejoice about the new thing occurring in your life, the gift of His circumstances He is allowing today. You can choose to see it as His Hand at work in your life to teach you, to grow you up, to bring a sense of acceptance and trust in your relationship with Him. There is nothing that happens in our life that God is not completely aware of and will use it to mature us and help us understand Him and ourselves better! We just need to look for the little gems He brings our way and see them as blessings. Even those things that appear to be curses sent our way to destroy our day can turn out to be God's greatest blessings in the overall view of our lives. God is the Author of our story and He is writing it page by page, day by day. He knows the end and He has already written the final chapter. We can trust Him!

I have a couple of new things occurring in my life that I am very excited about. My girlfriend in Minnesota and I have agreed together to call each other on the phone to pray for each other and our families at least twice a month. I love the image of each of us picking up the phone with a third-party (God) picking up His phone and listening in and agreeing with us over the things that we pray. Some things God will nod His head and say, "yes, my children, I can grant that"; some things He will say "no, my children, that is not best for you or your family'; or "just be patient and wait, I know the right timing for that answer." Prayer is our most powerful asset for each new day and I'm looking forward to having a prayer partner agreeing with me over my heart's desires.

Also, this past summer I decided to attend Weight Watchers and accomplished a weight loss of 26 lbs. Now that I have returned to Hawaii, I convinced my great-niece to attend the meetings with me here in Maui. Tonight will be our new beginning on the journey of losing weight to meet our goal. It's a good feeling.

Fresh beginnings---life never needs to be boring with God in each new day! I pray you will see today in a fresh new way and rejoice in the fact that God is allowing you the opportunity to enjoy it! Even on Mondays, the start of a new work week!

Happy to be back!
Sandy

Okay---I'm back!

2007-10-28T15:24:00.000-10:00

Prompted by my son to "blog" again, after a long hiatus away from it this summer, I decided that tomorrow (Monday) would be my first day to continue again to bring my thoughts, actions and ponderings through this unbelievable media. To think that anyone will read this is, at best, egotistical; to think that anyone would enjoy anything I have to say is ludicrous, and to think that God could use whatever I have to say to encourage others is very very humbling.

But I am returning to the "blogging" experience because I love to write, I love to share whatever God lays on my heart, and to share with others the blessings I feel God blesses me (and each of us) with every day. "His mercies are new every morning." As Christians, we should be able to go through a day, ponder on the events of the day, and find many many ways that God was involved within the events or happenings, or words, or maybe even a smile of another during the day to bless us. If he blesses us, we should be able to pass His blessings on to others. We never know when just a thought, a word, a scripture, a replaying of an event will cause another person to say "Amen"---I can relate.

We are all created by the same Creator, we are all in the human race together, and we all should relate to life in similar ways or learn from others who have experienced something differently as they make their journey through life. I welcome your comments, your thoughts, your criticisms, and trust that God will use this media as His avenue for blessing others! I just want to be a worthy vessel.

I am happy to be back!
Sandy

Summer Colds and Brush Fires

2007-07-10T11:13:00.000-10:00

One thing on my list of "not so good things" is a nasty cold in the middle of July! Both Dick and I woke up on Saturday sneezing, sniffling and thought maybe it was just allergies, as they are pretty terrific in West Virginia. But as the day wore on, and the last three days proved, we both caught a full-fledged summer cold! There's not much sleeping going on at our house between the two of us. As I already had a doctor's appointment today to check my cholestrol, I was happy that the doctor put me on antibiotics to get rid of the uncomfortable symptoms of my cold, and hopefully within 2 to 3 days, I will be feeling much better! Dick is already feeling better!

Colds sure do tend to slow your lifestyle down! So lethargic, no energy, no sleep, aggravation to the hilt as you blow and blow and blow!!! But as I tried to see a positive from it, the time you spend trying to recuperate your energies allows you to slow down and to realize that all the "activities" of life that we plan are not the most vital aspect of life! What else better can you do as you lay in bed at night with your nose stopped up than pray for your friends and family? God allows the slow-down time to help you realize the important things of life, rather than the urgent.

Last night just as we crawled into bed and turned out the light, we got a call from my niece who is staying in our Maui home. She was describing to us a scene that sounded like a news report on TV!!! She said there was a brush fire in the field behind our house and there were 3 police cars in our front yard, 2 fire trucks and a water truck in the neighbor's yard, and a helicopter with a bucket flying overhead. She said, "Can you hear it?" I definitely heard the whirring of the props of the helicopter, the sirens, and people talking. Too close for comfort! My niece assured me that the fire was not near the house as yet, and there were enough people around to assure that the fire would not get near the house, but she said, "thought you'd want to know what's going on?!" Sleep didn't come too easily after that phone call! As there is 6 hours difference in our times, we had to wait until mid-afternoon today to learn that the fire was put out completely before dark last night, and all is well! God keeps us on our toes bringing about incidents that keep us on our knees!

Hope your last few days have been less eventful, but be alert---God sometimes needs to catch our attention in order for us to realize how we need to depend on Him for everything. He promises to be with us through the good and the bad, and we need to remember to thank Him when He teaches us important lessons and brings good out of everything that comes to us as His children!

With warm thoughts,
Sandy

7-7-07

2007-07-07T02:20:00.000-10:00

I just had a thrilling thought this morning. Seven is the number that indicates "completion" in God's Word. On this seventh day of the seventh month of 2007, wouldn't it be wonderful if God chose this day to complete His perfect plan and return to earth to begin His sovereign reign? WOW!

"Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"

Looking upward,
Sandy

Happy Fourth of July!

2007-07-04T01:53:00.001-10:00

Remember our troops today who are fighting for the freedom we so enjoy in America today!

Enjoy your families and remember Christ, the greatest Liberator of all, who is "the Way, the Truth and the Life" and ....".the truth shall set you free."

Happy 4th of July, everyone!
Sandy

Liberty

2007-07-02T03:30:00.000-10:00

Soon America will be celebrating its independence and freedom as a nation. We are so privileged to live in a country with so many freedoms. Do we take them for granted? Are we neglecting to enjoy the freedoms we have? Are we allowing others to take away our freedoms little by little in the courts? Do we stand up for those freedoms in the face of adversity?

It seems so many individuals are in personal bondage to something in our nation today. They are in bondage to addictions, to fear, to worry, to sexual immorality, to attitudes of bitterness and anger, to greed and self-satisfaction. Oh, how I wish they knew the Liberator! Christ alone can liberate them and free them from their bondages. It is not an outward problem, it is an inner problem of the heart! Each individual has a responsibility to go to God and ask for release from their bondages. God is waiting---he is so willing to give them the free precious gift of freedom from sin! Christ alone paid the tremendous price for our sins, but they are completely paid in full! He is ready to lovingly give every single individual freedom from those things that bind them up in knots, that make their lives unhappy and miserable. Why can't they see it? Has the world so blinded them that they can't see, or are those of us that know the freedom that Christ gives unwilling to tell them that they too can be free?

This 4th of July enjoy the celebration of America's freedom, but at the same time, remember those around you that seem to be so bound up that they can't know the freedom that Christ alone can give. Pray for them. If you have a chance, tell them that Christ offers them freedom! Freedom comes with one heart at a time turning to Christ and changing their actions and their attitudes. Do you know one person to share the freedom that Christ gives?

Celebrating the liberation only Christ can give!
Sandy

Update on West Virginia News

2007-07-01T14:09:00.000-10:00

Please forgive my neglect of my blog the last couple of weeks. No excuses, except that I have been enjoying our days here and sorta put myself on vacation for a bit.

West Virginia has just gone through a very long dry spell. We had no rain for over six weeks. All of the flower beds and garden seeds that were planted had a rough start as watering from a hose is just not the same as a good slow rain from heaven. The days got into the 90s with humidity almost as high. We had to forfeit our walks along the country lane because of the heat and also because of sightings of a mother bear and her cubs roaming around the area! Finally we got a good soaking rain day before yesterday which cooled off the air as well as gave the grass and plants a good long drink! Thank you, Lord!

Since the area was so dry, we have seen lots of different kinds of animals that have come down out of the woods to our little bubbling creek to get a long drink of water. Deer are a very familiar sight and we get a little perturbed as they decide while they are at the creek to come up into our yards and gardens and eat their "salads" from our newly growing plants! I finally decided that plants growing from pots and placed on our high porch is the only way to guarantee that the deer don't get their fill at our expense! We have seen turkeys and their 14 little ones walking through the fields, as well as many rabbits who find the clover to be their delight! Squirrels scamper up and down trees, as well as little baby chipmunks. The worst animal we've had to deal with is the occasional skunk that tends to walk by our house in the night and spray its lovely perfume at us while we're sleeping! We wake up choking and wondering why we were chosen for this lovely surprise!

I have found great joy in the bird life here in West Virginia. So often while I'm sitting at my computer looking out the window, a bird will light on my hanging plants or on the porch and look in the window at me as if to say hello. I've seen so many different varieties of birds this year. I particularly enjoy a redbird that visits me in the evenings, and hummingbirds that go from flower to flower on my red hanging petunias to get its sweet nectar! We have yellow finches that fly in flocks. They light in the tall grass in the field at once, and then fly off at once---quite a sight. On the negative side, we've also seen so many crows and buzzards this year. I walked one evening and suddenly saw the grass moving. I stopped dead in my tracks wondering if it was a bear or what. A giant buzzard flew right out in front of me and went up to a high tree branch and lit. Then immediately following him, was a baby buzzard following in its mothers' flight pattern! I walked by quickly praying that it would not fly down and swoop me!

We are enjoying attending the little country church where Mom grew up as a child. The Sunday School lessons have been on the minor prophets and we've learned that their warnings to the Israelites would be good warnings for us to heed in today's world as well. There is a loving spirit among the small congregation and God's Spirit is evident there!

We've taken some little excursions around the area to make sure Mom is active and gets a chance to enjoy life a little. We have gone to an arts and crafts show, a heritage days outing, a flea market, a farmers market, and even took her to see a minor league baseball game. Mom loves baseball. I remember her listening so attentively with enthusiasm to the radio in the 1950s rooting for the Dodgers to beat the Yankees! She had never attended a real live baseball game other than the neighborhood teams that played each other. She so enjoyed the whole evening, even though our team lost! It felt good to help her to fulfill a dream of hers to see a "real" game.

Being 85 years old, Mom does many things to ensure her brain keeps active, and lately with the hot weather so heavy and all you can do is stay inside in the air conditioning, she has started several jigsaw puzzles that all of us work with her. One in particular was the hardest puzzle I think I've ever had the privilege of attempting! It took us working it at least 3 weeks before we got it, but got it we did!!! Whew!

Life is different for us here in West Virginia. Our focus is on different things, and our lifestyle much slower. But it has been a joy to spend so much time with Mom and my family here. I must admit, however, I miss my son and his family in Oahu so much! Bryan graduated from 6th grade and we missed the graduation ceremony. Bryan and Bradley are learning to swim this summer and loving it and we're not there to cheer them on! I miss my church family in Maui, and our cat, Trouble. (He's missing us, too, I think). But God has us where He wants us for right now, and knowing we're within His will makes it all good!

I hope I haven't lost too many of my faithful readers. I trust that this summer has been good so far for everyone and that God is proving Himself faithful in all His ways toward you!

Many blessings to you all,
Sandy

A Fathers' Day Message

2007-06-17T01:59:00.000-10:00

This morning Dr. Charles Stanley's message to fathers on his In Touch program was so good that I decided to include in my blog the 12 points he made for fathers to ask of themselves:

All questions are prefaced by this statement:

"If your children walked in your footsteps....

1. Will your children find Jesus Christ in their life?
2. Will they live a faith focused on God for their needs?
3. Will they be industrious and set godly goals for their life?
4. Will they have the wisdom to live today with tomorrow in mind?
5. Will they be good stewards of their finances?
6. Will they make prayer a priority in their life?
7. Will they have a hunger for the Word of God creating a desire for an intimate relationship with Him?
8. Will they seek to lead other people to Christ?
9. Will they faithfully serve the Lord in their local church?
10. Will they recognize their body as a temple of the Holy Spirit?
11. Will they live and work in the power of the Holy Spirit?
12. Will they go to heaven or spend eternity suffering the consequences of their disobedience to Almighty God?

Fathers, you are the greatest example to your children of their view of who God is in their lives. The above questions are a challenge to each dad, and I pray that dads everywhere are striving to be all they can be for their children's eternal future.

Have a great day!
Sandy

Happy Fathers Day to All Dads!

2007-06-16T01:53:00.000-10:00

I had been married several years when I learned that both my father and mother had become Christians, so I did not grow up in a Christian home. I myself had gone to a Christian youth camp at the age of 12 and knelt down at the altar set up by the camp and accepted Christ as Savior, but did not grow or mature in my faith. It was not until after my dad and mom had become Christians, and my son was two years old, that I recommitted my life to Christ.

By not having the experience of a strong Christian father, I grew up with fears and insecurities that I didn't realize were so deep-seated until I became a Christian myself. I couldn't quite grasp the full extent of a Father in Heaven who loved me so unconditionally. It took me years to comprehend fully that I did not have to work and strive so hard to please my Father in heaven. It was not by my works or deeds that He saved me, and it was not by my works or deeds that would keep me saved. I had a Father in Heaven who loved me so much that He sent His Son to die in my place so that I could spend eternity with Him. It was by His mercy and grace alone that I was placed in His kingdom and my name was written in the Lamb's Book of Life---not by works that I had done. There was such freedom and release from bondage when I fully understood the depth of the love of my Heavenly Father.

It was not until that comprehension of God's love for me that I could in turn lay aside all my fears and insecurities and love my earthly father the way God intended. All my fears of dad disappeared and I was able to fellowship with him in Christ until his death last year. Those last years of dad's life were precious to me and what a joy it will be when I shall see dad again in heaven.

Your relationship with your earthly father often dictates how you respond to your Heavenly Father. If you are a father yourself, remember that you are an example of how your own children will perceive and respond to God. Do they see God as their security and hope? If they feel secure and protected by you as their earthly dad, they can more easily transfer those feelings and experiences to realize God's presence with them throughout their lives. Be a godly dad to your children!

Happy Father's Day to all dads!
Sandy

Bryan's 6th Grade Graduation

2007-06-10T02:40:00.000-10:00

Our oldest grandson, Bryan, just went through his 6th grade graduation and next year he will be a teenager and in middle school. Congratulations, Bryan! We are so very proud of you! But where did the time go? It seems only yesterday that Rich was just a baby and now he is the father of two boys. I remember so well Bryan's birth and his first year of life. I kept a diary of his first year recording every smile, every bubble blown, first coo, first steps, etc. and gave the diary to Rich and Emily as a Christmas gift. I remember Rich--and I remember Bryan, as a baby as if it were yesterday. The time passes so quickly. I saw this poem by a mother that speaks what is in every mother's heart as she sees her child grow up. I want to share it with you.

A Touch of Love
By Cindy Zelinski

You were six months old and full of fun
With a blink of an eye, you were suddenly one.
There were so many things we were going to do,
But I turned my head, and you turned two.
At two you were very dependent on me,
But independence took over when you turned three.
Your third birthday; another year I tried to ignore,
But when I lit the candles, there weren't three, but four.
Four was the year that you really strived,
Why, look at you now; you're already five!
Now you are ready for books and rules,
This is the year that you go to school!
The big day came, you were anxious to go,
We walked to the bus, going, oh, so slow.
As you climbed aboard and waved goodby,
I felt a lump in my throat, and tears stung my eye.
Time goes so fast; it is hard to believe,
That just yesterday, you were home here with me.
And tomorrow when the bus brings you home, and you jump to the ground,
You'll be wearing your cap and graduation gown.
So I'm holding to the moments as hard as I can,
Because the next time I look, I'll be seeing a man.

We, as mothers, are never ready to see our sons and daughters grow up, but that is the rightful cycle of life. We cannot hold them too closely, but we must teach them how to handle life's troubles independently, with strength and courage, so that they can teach their children the same.

Soon Bryan will be grown and have children of his own. We wouldn't want it any other way! Thank you, God, for the precious gift of children that you give us. There is so much joy wrapped up in every little bundle that you choose to give to parents!

Again, congratulations, Bryan!
Nana (Sandy)

Slaying "Self"

2007-06-08T01:56:00.001-10:00

How big is "self" in your life? We were born with a nature that preserves self until our last breath. We allow self to be the center of our motivations and attitudes until one day we come to know Christ personally, and then self becomes less important. We now have the Person of Jesus Christ that we want to please more than self. However, we learn early in our Christian walk what the Apostle Paul learned:
"For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." (Galatians 5:17)

What is the area of "self" in your life that keeps rearing its ugly head to be noticed and demanding its own way more than obeying Christ? I had to ask this hard question of myself recently, and the area with which I struggle the most is my need to please people. I want people to like me. I don't like being in conflict with any one person. It hurts me deeply when I learn that someone doesn't like something about me. My ego is hurt, my emotions go off-balance, and my focus becomes inward and my attitudes are rotten. I realized that my need to elevate self was greater than wanting to please God. That brought me to my knees. If in my heart, my need to please God is not greater than needing to elevate self, I am in great danger. I can only move forward if I believe with all my heart that my love for God is greater than the need to be liked by others. I had to confess and ask God to slay self within me so that self would decrease and God would increase in my life. Christ desires for me to love him first, and seek His face, and allow Him to live through me so that others can see Christ in me instead of my sinful self. "The Lord stood with me and strengthened me." (II Tim. 4:17)

"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."
(Galatians 5:25-26)

May self decrease and God increase greater in my life!
Sandy

Medical Frustrations

2007-06-07T01:35:00.001-10:00

As Dick and I age, health issues become more prevalent and more a center of our thoughts and actions than they used to be in our younger years. Our bodies are aging and we have to deal with the problems that aging brings. It is a natural process of life, and the attitude with which we face getting older is all important.

Dick has had Type II Diabetes now for over 10 years. Just in the last year or so, the toll the disease has had on his body is coming to the forefront, and we are now in the process of locating specalists to help care of these serious issues.

We are finding the process of medical care in these modern times to be most frustrating. The health insurance agencies have placed such restrictions and regulations on their requirements and have made demands on doctors that make their profession much harder for them to take the proper steps necessary to take care of their patients. They have to follow such strict guidelines on prescriptions, proper testing, length of stay in hospitals, followup, etc. that they often cannot follow through on their own skills and instincts about a patient's need. The medical profession has divided itself up into a system of specialists for every small part of the body and there seems to be no one that oversees the workings of the body as a whole. No one knows what the other is doing and won't go against another doctor's orders even if they did know what was going on.

Therefore, we as patients hop from one specialist doctors' office to another and seemingly get no where even with the added time, effort and money spent. Doctors are busier than they have ever been, their offices are jammed packed with patients, and follow-up appointments are given months in advance out of necessity.

Who knows what the answer is to alleviate all these frustrations for doctors and/or patients. I imagine the problems will continue to escalate and get worse as the population increases and demands are greater. As Christians, we do have the awesome privilege of taking our concerns to Almighty God, asking for His direction and guidance and trusting Him to guide us in His love. He is our hope and our security and we know that ultimately our bodies are God's temple and we are to honor God with our bodies (I Cor. 6:19-20). If we take proper care of God's temple (our bodies) as best we know how, live holy and blameless before the Lord, eat healthy and exercise, we can hope for a long, fulfilling life. But these old earthly bodies are only temporary and will deterioriate despite our best efforts. Someday we look forward to our new resurrected bodies where "there will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Rev. 21:4b)

In the meantime, pray with us that God will guide Dick and me to the right doctor in the right timing to take care of our medical needs soon.

Thank you for sharing our concerns with us.
Sandy

Homesickness

2007-06-01T01:51:00.000-10:00

Lately I've been feeling a bit of homesickness for Maui, my home, my little flower garden, our precious 15-year-old cat, Trouble, and our church family. I'm missing my son and his precious family on Oahu. In the opposite way, when I'm in Maui for a length of time, I find I get homesick for my home in West Virginia, too---the familiarity, the memories of happy times in the past, being with my mom and sisters, etc., the country road to walk. I think that by going back "home" I can capture some of the freedoms I felt as a child growing up in the country with my parents, sisters and cousins. When I am here, memories rush in so often of the activities as a child that gave me so much joy.

But I have come to realize that you can't really go back home and be that child again. I have also come to realize that the home we establish as adults wherever we have chosen to settle should never give us our final security. Yes, we work hard to make our home our comfort zone. I love to make my home accessible to family and friends where they can feel comfortable. It is a blessing and a gift of God that He has allowed us the privilege of owning a home where we find shelter and a place we can offer others a place of refuge, if needed.

I must remind myself often, however, that this earth is not my home. I should not plant my roots too deeply here in this earthly soil. I should not place my entire security in the home that God has given us the ability to own here. Just as the song goes, "This world is not my home. I'm just a passing thru". This earthly existence is just temporary. We are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes. God has prepared a place for us that we will call home for eternity in heaven. We have not yet arrived at our final destination. Our hearts will not be completely at home until we enter that haven of rest in heaven. "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Until we reach that final destination, God wants us to know that home is where God is. "If anyone loves me..my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." (John 14:23) He promises that where we are, He will be also. "I will never leave you or forsake you." We can have that peace and security wherever we are because He is with us.

If by chance you are somewhere where you yearn to get back home, and you are feeling so homesick and lonesome for the familiar sites, sounds, and people that you left behind, just remember that God is always there to gather you in His arms and help you to feel at home in Him where you are. He is Immanuel, God with us. You will never be alone, and He wants so much for you to know that when you are with HIm, you are home!

Jesus is the way to home!
Sandy

Confrontation

2007-05-31T01:47:00.000-10:00

How would you rate yourself when it comes to confrontation with another individual? Bold confrontation usually reveals something about yourself that is disconcerting, unpleasant, and at times causes you to contemplate what really makes you tick inside.

All my life I have been a people pleaser. At all costs to myself, the end result of any circumstance for me was to make sure I did not make waves, ruffle feathers or do anything that would cause people to dislike me. Sometimes that meant agreeing with them on an issue that I didn't really agree with which caused me to later feel guilt and shame that I didn't stand up for what I truly felt. When I became a Christian, I then had to become a God-pleaser. That means sometimes putting aside your own selfish desires of needing to be liked in order to do what you know in your heart is right before God. Confrontation is extremely hard for me, but at times it is so very necessary.

When you are genuinely committed to following Christ, there are qualities that you possess that should stand out to a non-Christian and will naturally rub them the wrong way. You are often accused of having a superior attitude---feeling more elevated in stature than others. You are often called a "miss goody-too shoes"---someone who thinks they are better than anyone else. Even your calm demeanor during a disaster can cause others to think you don't care enough or are not sensitive enough to the feelings and emotions of others. We receive all kinds of accusations from a non-believer who just doesn't "get it."

As a Christian who has matured in the knowledge of who we are in Christ, there IS a difference. We are growing in the knowledge of who Christ is in us and are developing the mind of Christ in our thinking and in our behavior. Non-Christians see Christ in us and are often confronted by Christ in our manner of speaking and relating to them and often become rigid and unbending in their response to Him. If we as Christians recognize their confrontational spirits as rebelling against Christ instead of us personally, it somehow eases the pain and we can deal with the situation before us more easily. It is important for us to remember that we must exhibit Christlikeness to others and proclaim the truth of God's Word rather than seek the approval of man. Christ Himself was scorned, ridiculed, and spat upon because of the truth He spoke. Should we do anything less?

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Col. 4:6

Springtime Busyness

2007-05-30T14:29:00.000-10:00

Please forgive me for the long delay in keeping up with my blog. Springtime in West Virginia is always such a busy time of the year and Dick and I are finding ourselves trying to keep up with two houses and three yards, one herb garden and several flower beds between three places. Dick seems to be constantly on the lawnmower, either mowing Mom's, my sisters, and our yards. There have been outside walls to wash down, outside windows to wash, tons of flowers to plant, a porch to paint, besides the normal everyday household chores. We have connected to city water which required a new ditch to be dug from the house to the meter. My washing machine broke down this week which has required ordering parts. Also Dick has been trying to get an old tractor running for days. All those duties have kept us pretty busy trying to keep our heads above water. All this goes to remind us that it is God's strength that enables us to accomplish all that needs to be done.

To balance off all the work, we have also enjoyed great pleasurable times as well. We have the most lovely country road to walk every day. My sister usually walks with me, but I also enjoy walking alone as it is such a great communion time with God. He reminds me of his beautiful creative powers in so many ways. The birds have been so fascinating to me this spring. I've seen several varieties of birds that I don't recall ever seeing as a child growing up here. They often land on my porch railing as I am typing on my computer and look at me as if to say hello. There was a doe with a very young fawn that walked by in the field beside the house this week. The fawn couldn't have been more than a day or so old. It was so cute! Of course, I can't say I've been thrilled when Dick has found two snakes in our yard, and two in Mom's yard already this spring! But that's part of country living!

We have enjoyed family times together with most of the family with us for Mother's Day and Memorial Day weekends. I've done lots of cooking and love having the family together at my house!

Over the Memorial Day weekend, Dick and I, along with my mom and sister, gathered flowers and took to the graves of our loved ones. It was a thrill to me to be reminded that the gravesite was just a place to honor the memory of each of our loved ones, that they were not there! They are experiencing heaven and enjoying the presence of our Savior! However, the ritual of remembering them was a blessing.

We have started attending the country church that Mom attended as a little girl, and she has been blessed by the love shown to her by those that remember her so fondly. How good it is to fellowship with God's people no matter where you are in the world. There is a bond like none other to be among fellow believers worshiping the Lord with the same Spirit!

So that has brought you up to date. Hopefully, we can get projects completed and be able to enjoy some visits with relatives and maybe a little travel around the neighboring states when we get less busy.

"For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." (Psalm 5:12)

Glad to be back!
Sandy

Faith That Builds

2007-05-26T03:17:00.000-10:00

Recently I have received requests for prayer by several who are going through some really tough times, especially with serious illness. It is heartbreaking to hear of how some have to suffer in this world. We have just completed our Sunday School lessons this quarter that was based on Tony Evans book "Life Essentials." The gist of the book is growing spiritually and maturing to the point where our faith is strong and able to withstand life's hard bumps in the road.

We need to know the basic essentials of what we believe in order to withstand life's troubles. We grow spirtually strong by growing in our knowledge of who our God is through his written Word, the Bible. We also grow through prayer, our communication with God and His Spirit communing with our spirit to direct us. Lastly and probably the greatest means of growth is our life experiences. As we see God work to get us through the small things of life, our faith grows little by little until we can trust God with the larger trials that may come along. Life on this earth will never be without trials. "In this world, you WILL have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Trials are a means by which our faith shines the brightest. As we lean on God for strength, comfort, courage and boldness, He proves Himself faithful. Our faith grows as we see Him work to bring us through our trials victoriously. That doesn't mean that He erases the trial, or the consequences of some trials completely disappear. It means that His promise to never leave us or forsake us through the trial is constant and we can rest assured we are not alone!! We come out on the other side of the trial stronger with our faith deepened, and our resolve more solid.

Daniel, the prophet, is a great example of how faith grows and matures to the point of strong commitment no matter what the circumstance. As a young lad, great responsibility was placed upon him by the pagan authorities, and he fulfilled each responsibility with great aptitude and wisdom. As the authorities recognized his great skill, they placed more and more responsibility upon him. He came to the place as an older man that others wanted to destroy his reputation in the eyes of the king, so they made up lies about him. Daniel continued to obey and act upon his faith in the Lord to do what was right even though he was thrown into the lions' den, a place of sure immediate death. God was faithful to Daniel and his strong faith in Him. He protected him from harm throughout the whole ordeal and Daniel's faith never faltered or failed in the trustworthiness of his Almighty God.

We can have the faith of Daniel and be just as strong and mature in the knowledge of who God is for us as we go through hard times. God makes himself responsible to get us through the worst of times if we but surrender our all to him. "With God, nothing is impossible." If we know God in such an intimate, personal way, our faith will grow rock solid and nothing can penetrate it to destroy us--nothing! Faith is the opposite of fear, worry and doubt. You cannot have faith and doubt at the same time. Grow to know God in such a way that all fear, worry and doubt is wiped away from your life for good!

"And we know that all things work together for good to those that love the Lord.....if God is for us, who can be against us?"
Romans 8:28-31

Keep your faith strong!
Sandy

Country Churches

2007-05-20T09:43:00.000-10:00

Today Dick and I took Mom to church in the hometown in which she grew up, and the same church in which Dad was pastor for several years. She was so welcomed and loved by the ones who remembered her, and several remembrances of Dad were passed along to her of messages he had preached, or lessons he had taught. As my parents' oldest daughter, this show of affection and admiration of my parents was very touching and heart-warming.

There is something special about country churches. They usually consist of a small congregation in number as they are located in very small populated communities. However, there is a bond because everybody knows everybody from the time they were little and the memories of times past are very similar. They share a closeness that I think is often lost in a congregation with big numbers of people. They know all about you and love you anyway with the love of Christ in their hearts!!!

The Sunday School lesson was excellent this morning and taught by a man who had been a member of the church for years. His enthusiasm and love of the Word of God was very evident and he blessed many by his knowledge and desire to share the Word with those in the congregation.

I've always noticed that country churches always have the best singers and pianists you can find anywhere! The harmony and Southern-style singing of the good old gospel hymns is invigorating and inspiring. What comes out of the mouths of the teachers, singers and pastor is a clear declaration of their love of the Lord, and the warm hugs and welcomes from the congregation is enough to make your heart soar! Their number may be small, but their hearts are bigger than life!

It was good to be in the house of the Lord today, to hear the gospel taught so clearly and simply, and the love of the Lord shown so humbly and personally by those present.

"This is the day the Lord hath made, rejoice and be glad in it!"

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.." Hebrews 10:24-25a

I was encouraged today---I trust you were, too, by your church family!
Sandy

My Sister's Herb Garden

2007-05-18T01:52:00.000-10:00

"I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyards of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stonewall was in ruins." (Proverbs 24:30-31)

My sister's herb garden sits between my house and hers. She is away for the summer and her herb garden had lain dormant over the winter months, and now was covered with dead plants and growing weeds that were overtaking the herbs that were trying to grow through the entanglement. I knew my sister would be disappointed if all her hard work and money would be ruined if the weeds took over and choked out her beautiful herbs. So I spent yesterday weeding her small patch so that the herbs could grow to their full potential. Although she will not be able to enjoy its beauty this summer, my family and I will reap the benefit of its beauty and aroma, as will the butterflies and birds who love to "visit" often. It reminds me of God's provision for His creation which is truly amazing:

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them."

Gardening has been a part of my heritage for as long as I can recall. My grandfather gardened to provide for his family, as did my parents. As young girls, my sisters and I spent most of the summers alongside Mom and Dad planting, weeding, hoeing, picking and canning the delicious vegetables grown each year in my parents' garden. The garden food was often our means of survival. We ate the vegetables in their abundance during the peak of the season, and canned what we needed to help get us through the winters.

Proverbs 28:19: "Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred."

Proverbs 10:4-5: "Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son..."

Mom's gardening days are over, as the work throughout the summer is too hard and laborious for her. However, maybe with my sister's small little herb garden, we can still enjoy seeing small plants grow, smell their glorious aroma, and enjoy picking a few to put in soups and sauces. The weeding and the work will bring satisfaction in the end, and the birds and the butterflies will reap from its beauty and aroma as well.

Proverbs 28:19: "He wo works his land will have abundant food.." and I might add, great satisfaction.

When you eat a big juicy tomato or enjoy fresh green beans or eat an ear of sweet corn this summer, be reminded of God's great provision to those who labored so hard to get it to you.

Happy eating!
Sandy

An Incredible Sight!

2007-05-15T02:01:00.000-10:00

Oh, how I wish I had my camera last Saturday, but alas, I did not! I watched a most incredible sight that I doubt I will ever see again! I was at my mom's house when a knock came at the door. The next door neighbor was there with her two small children, ages 6 and 3. As they were going for a walk past Mom's house, they noticed that two huge black snakes were trapped in the netting that Mom had put around her rhododendron bushes to keep the deer from eating them. The lady was asking Mom if she could rescue them from the netting and release them. Both Mom and I thought at once "release them???" We grew up being very frightened of snakes, and usually they were dispensed of with a sharp hoe across the back of the head!!! We could hardly believe that this young lady was going to even get near the snakes, much less handle them with such incredible gentleness in the most fascinating process I've ever seen!

One snake was over 6 feet long, the other snake was smaller and they were not only entangled in the net, but also with each other as they had struggled so hard to get loose! This sweet lady went over and began gently, ever so gently, tugging at the larger snake, snipping the netting away with scissors. As she snipped more and more of him loose, the snake entwined his body around her arm all the way past her elbow! The lady never flinched, but continued to work with such caring that I have never witnessed before in my life! She got the larger snake loose first and released him near the creek away from the house. Her small children were ever so interested and wanted to share in the rescuing of the smaller snake that was so bound up by the netting that it was slightly injured. It took a little while and such patience to finally get the smaller snake untangled. She then taught the six-year-old boy how to hold its head to keep it from trying to strike at him, and how to hold its body and she let him take him to the creek and release him.

I believe without knowing it, this one incident taught these small children (and Mom and me) a couple of great lessons of life. All life is precious in God's sight, patience is a virtue, and nothing is too hard to overcome, even the entanglements and snares of life that so easily beset us!!

Satan can weave his web of deception into our hearts that entangle us, and we become "stuck" in the mire of heartaches and troubles that the world brings our way. The only way out is trusting in a Power so much greater than the trap we are in to release and rescue us from its destruction. We see that with God's great love and patience, he loosens the bonds that bind us up so tightly, and sets us free to enjoy life's joys and peace that He alone can give! Are you tied up in knots and bound by the net of sin that holds you captive? Let Jesus disentangle you and set you free!

Still wish I had a camera!
Sandy

Happy Mothers Day to All Mothers

2007-05-12T12:56:00.000-10:00

I'm sure this day is especially nostalgic for those of you whose mothers have passed on, and a void is felt as the memories of your mother prevail on this day set aside to honor mothers. The heritage she has left you and the precious memories are a part of who you are today. I remember a friend telling me that she remembers her mother's hands and when I saw the following poem, I thought I would share it with you. I hope it speaks to you, as it did to me:

BEAUTIFUL HANDS

Such beautiful, beautiful hands!
They're neither white nor small;
And you, I know, would scarcely think
That they were fair at all.
I've looked on hands whose form and hue
A sculptor's dream might be;
Yet are these aged, wrinkled hands
Most beautiful to me.

Such beautiful, beautiful hands!
Though heart were weary and sad,
These patient hands kept toiling on,
That the children might be glad.
I always weep when looking back
To childhood's distant day!
I think how those hands rested not
When mine were at their play.

Such beautiful, beautiful hands!
They're growing feeble now,
And time and pain have left their mark
On hand, and heart and brow.
Alas! Alas! the nearing time--
And the sad, sad day to me,
When 'neath the daisies, out of sight,
These hands must folded be.

But, oh! Beyond the shadowy lands,
Where all is bright and fair,
I know full well these dear old hands
Will palms of victory bear;
When crystal streams, through endless years,
Flow over golden sands,
And where the old are young again,
I'll clasp my mother's hands!
(By Emma M.H. Gates)

As we age, we appreciate so much more the sacrifice our mothers made for us growing up, and the love and energy spent to make life worthwhile for her children. Maybe there's regret that we didn't let our mothers know enough how much they meant to us. It's a blessing to know that in eternity we will be able to see our loved ones again and to share heaven's joys together. If your mother is still with you, don't let time go by without letting her know how much she has meant to you. As I have the privilege of being here in West Virginia to spend Mother's Day with Mom, I feel grateful and humbled that God has given us one more Mother's Day to share together. What a blessing!

Enjoy your special day, moms!
Sandy

My Mother and Me

2007-05-12T04:16:00.001-10:00

My mother was barely 19 when she gave birth to me, her oldest daughter, in an old country house with three aunts acting as midwives at my birth. She had a hard labor and I was not expected to make it. If it were not for the tireless caring of my aunts, I probably would not have survived.

The most precious memories of my mother was her dependability in my growing up years. She was always there for me and my two sisters. Often she was alone during the week as my dad worked away on construction jobs, and I know she was often scared, but she tried so hard not to pass her fears on to us girls. If we showed fear in the middle of the night, she would come lie with us until we fell asleep to make us feel secure. She grew up very poor, so her greatest delight was to be able to give us things she herself was never able to have. She loved dolls and was so delighted to save up to give us dolls at Christmastime. I remember her sitting with me for hours cutting out paper dolls. I think she loved it as much as we did. The only time we ever got new clothes or shoes was at the beginning of school, and she chose our clothes so carefully (most of them ordered through the catalog). We also had an aunt who sewed for us and she always made the very same dress for all three of us not wanting to make a difference. We have so many pictures of all 3 of us dressed alike!

My mother was always my greatest confidante. I shared everything with her, especially during my high school years. I would come in at the end of the day and sit at the kitchen table answering questions about how my day went. Mom stood up for us in our desires and wants when Dad was reluctant to spend the money on prom dresses or special occasions. She somehow made a way for us to have the desires of our hearts. Her favorite holiday was and still is Easter. She loved to dress us up in the frilliest of dresses with hats and gloves and black patent leather shoes. We have such fond memories of Easter egg hunts and Mom's special Easter coconut cake which became a tradition at Easter. At every birthday she decorated a special cake for each of us girls, and she was known for making special decorated cakes for older folks in the community.

She was one of the hardest workers I have ever known. Besides keeping her house spotless for us, she gardened every summer and canned and preserved garden food to keep us well fed during the winter months. When I was growing up, she always wore dresses with a fresh apron on every day. She ironed and starched all of our clothes, especially the dresses with big frilly bows that tied in the back. We were always so proud of our starched bows!

I have so many special memories of Mom when I was a young girl. Mom is now 85 years old. She has had a very hard five or so years taking care of my dad during his very feeble last years. Dad passed away last March and Mom still misses him terribly. They were married 66 years. Mom is so thin and frail, but still possesses that strength inside that somehow overcomes her fears and uncertainties that face her. Dick and I always find great joy in coming to be with her during the six months of spring and summer to help with her many projects around the house. She is still a very proud woman who wants things to be as she remembered in her early years.

She is my special friend and I thank God for her and the sacrifices she made for me all my life. I love to spoil her now and want her to know as long as I am alive, she will be secure. More importantly, I want her to know the peace that only God can give her.

I love you, Mom! Happy Mother's Day!
Sandy

My Son, Rich

2007-05-11T01:51:00.000-10:00

I am the oldest daughter of three girls in my family. All my life I wanted an older brother. Therefore, after I married, I wished for my first child to be a son so that he could be an older brother to any siblings that came after him. God gave me the desire of my heart when I gave birth to a dear son on October 13, 1966. Richard Douglas Fewell came into our lives and became the joy and center of our existence. He is our only child and God has blessed us so abundantly through him beyond words.

When Rich was two years old, I became a Christian, and it was then that I began to pray for Rich to know Christ and follow him all the days of his life. Rich accepted Christ at the age of 4 as his Sunday School teacher led him to the Lord during class one Sunday. At the age of 7, he was baptized a couple of months before we all moved to Hawaii. God's hand of protection was over Rich through his growing up years, even though during his college years he struggled with doubts and uncertainty. He rededicated his life to Christ after he was married to Emily, and she accepted Christ and together they committed their lives to serving Him. Rich and Emily gave birth to my two beautiful grandsons, Bryan and Bradley, who are now 12 and 9 years of age, respectively. Both boys have accepted Christ and Rich is a very active daddy in the spiritual growth of his sons.

God's blessings to me as a mother and grandmother have been so abundant. I would not be able to celebrate this Mother's Day or any Mother's Day if it were not for my son, Rich. Rich has been a precious gift from the Lord and I am so proud to be his mother! He has given me a beautiful "daughter" in Emily who is a precious mother to our very dear grandsons whom we cherish beyond any other gift given to us.

As Hannah prayed in I Samuel 1:27-28, I, too, can pray this prayer this Mothers Day!

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord."

I love you, Rich!
Mom

Mothers

2007-05-10T01:26:00.000-10:00

Sunday, May 13, is Mothers Day, a day that has been set aside to honor mothers everywhere. Mothers have been given a very special and unique privilege by God---to raise up godly children who will come to know God in a personal way and pass on that spiritual heritage down through the generations to their children and their children's children.

Mothers have a huge impact on her family in ways that cannot be numbered or described. Her faithfulness in loving her children and wanting the best for them never ends. If and when that love and communication between mother and child is weakened or destroyed, the impact is catastrophic at best.

Mothers who follow God's design are most blessed indeed. He has given special instructions to mothers to "train up a child in the way he should go", and God's promise is that the child "will not depart from it." Every child needs a mother who follows God's design and loves God first. Her love for God will be passed down to her children by her example, her lifestyle, and her actions. She will be faithful to pray for her children, to want the best for them, to discipline them in ways that their lives will bring honor to God and to humanity, and to nourish their spiritual souls. When a mother serves God first, God will honor that commitment and bless her with children who will honor Him in their future endeavors. Every child needs a mother who will surrender her children to God, and allow Him to bring about His perfect will in their lives.

Children are also given the command to "honor your father and mother." This Mother's Day think of how your mother has impacted your life down through the years. Think of the sacrifice she had made on your behalf, the love that was always there no matter what the circumstance, and the years of dedication she gave to make your life more meaningful. The best way to honor her is by living your life in line with God's principles and growing spiritually stronger as a lifestyle.

Proverbs 23:25b: "May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!"

Honor your mothers by being who God wants you to be!
Sandy

Comfort Zone

2007-05-09T01:48:00.001-10:00

Women love their cozy little "nests" that they prepare for their families. They keep it shiny clean, enjoy decorating it, and love making it feel like home to their families. They are like mother birds who fluff their nests in order to settle way down so the little one can feel safe and protected from the dangers of the world.

Then something happens---a restlessness deep down in our hearts begins to stir and we begin to feel an uncomfortableness that indicates maybe God wants us to move out of our comfortable nest. At first, we deny it; then we begin to recognize that maybe God is wanting to move us elsewhere. We argue with God..."but God, it is so comfortable here." And finally we say,
"Okay, Lord, I'll go where you want me to go, and/or do what what you want me to do."

God has done this in my life many times over. I know when I begin to feel that restlessness inside my soul, it is God preparing my heart for change. At first, I'll argue, and sometimes even go kicking and screaming, but after arriving at God's destination for me, with hindsight, I can see that the change is best for me.

Now with a little more wisdom and maturity (and old age) under my belt, I am more accepting and more willing to leave my comfort zone to find and explore a new area where God has chosen to place me. I have learned that God can bring blessings to me beyond my imaginations in the new "home" or new ministry that He has prepared for me in advance to do. If I had insisted on saying "No, Lord---I like my comfortable nest", then I would have missed out on blessings beyond belief. I have met the most wonderful people along life's journey where God has led me, I have seen the most incredible sights that would have been otherwise unknown to me, and God has taught me life lessons that could not have been learned if I had insisted on staying in my cozy little nest.

I've learned to key in on that uncomfortable restlessness within my heart to seek God's greater gift to me---His perfect will for my life. God's comfort zone is always in the center of His will! If God is speaking to you about change, don't fight it. If He is asking you to leave what feels good and easy, He has so much more for you that you cannot imagine. Don't hold tightly to your comfort zone. Give in to God's best for you!

God may call you away, but He always goes with you!
Sandy

Church Family

2007-05-08T01:49:00.000-10:00

In going to West Virginia for six months, my husband and I had to leave our church family at Valley Isle Fellowship in Maui. Until you leave, you do not fully realize what a blessing the body as a whole has been to you faithfully over the years. Here in West Virginia, we need to adjust to a new church family at Mom's church. It's a different kind of joy as you meet and fellowship with new faces of the body of Christ. The bond of Christ still is so evident with warm welcomes and hugs from those halfway around the world. It's a warm thought to realize that the Holy Spirit joins our hearts with those we left behind through prayer.
We can still picture the familiar faces we left behind and pray for them and trust that God will keep us bonded in love until we return to them in six months.

If you are not connected to a growing loving spiritual church family yet, I cannot emphasize enough that you are missing out on one of the greatest means of growing in the Lord, and there is a church family somewhere that is missing out on what you can offer them through your presence and the use of the spiritual gift God has gifted you! The body of Christ functions best when all of its members are working together in unity and love toward the goal of building itself up in Christ. If you are not exercising your special gift, the body as a whole is lacking.

"From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Ephesians 4:16).

You may say "I have nothing to give". If you can smile or offer a hug, you can give more than you can imagine. I personally appreciate that kind pat on the shoulder, that sweet hello from a friend, that gentle smile across the room as much as I do the pastor, the soloist, the ushers who are so visible each Sunday. You are important to others! Find a church, then find your special niche in the body to contribute to its growth and health.

As I adjust to a new church family this summer and begin to make new friendships and receive new blessings here, I will pray faithfully for my church family in Maui and trust the Lord to do his work in the body of Christ there and all over the world.

The bond of Christ is a beautiful thing no matter where we are!
Sandy

Heritage Days in Huntington

2007-05-06T10:03:00.000-10:00

Dick's cousins invited us to go along with them to see Heritage Days in Huntington yesterday. This is a unique place in which one couple has collected so many antiques over the years that they started building barns to show them to their friends. It has since turned into a business where tours are given, cabins have been set up to rent, and barns full of antiques are shown every day to thousands of people who want to travel back in time in memories and reminiscences. We convinced my mother to go along with us praying that she would not get too tired walking from barn to barn. She loved every minute of it, even though at the end she was exhausted!

Going back in time reminds us of the blessings we have in the here and now! Just looking at the old washing machines where you had to peddle to make the agitator inside the washer go round was enough to make me grateful for my knob on my washer now that does the work for me! With progress, advances are made supposedly to make our life easier! (Why do we never have any time today with all these labor-saving devices??)

Looking back at our ancestry makes us appreciate what generations before us had to endure to make our life more pleasurable today. Things naturally change---progress has to occur---even though at times I wish we could go back to those simpler lifestyles even though they may have been very hard. As my father used to tell us all the time, "Hard work never hurt nobody!"

One thing we can always count on through generation after generation is God's love! Psalm 103:17: "But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children, with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts." What a promise for our kids and our grandkids!

Remembering God's faithfulness to me through my ancestry!
Sandy

God's Presence Always Near

2007-05-05T00:38:00.000-10:00

When trials come into our lives and take us by surprise, if we are not careful, we lose our spiritual eyesight. It is so important to reassure ourselves daily from God's Word that God is always with us, even during the really tough times.

I love the verses in II Kings 6:15-17 where Elisha assures his servant of God's presence:

"When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my Lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered, "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha."

When we look at the troubles around us, we often lose sight that God's presence surrounds us. We know the Word in our head, but we fail to "open our eyes" so that we may see that God's promises are true and faithful. God tells us over and over: Do not fear, the Lord is near. It's not until we open our spiritual eyes and "see" the Lord at work in ways beyond our ways that we can place our fears aside and replace them with trust that God is in control.

No matter what you are facing today, and many of my dear friends and family are facing large obstacles such as cancer, financial struggles, divorces, depression, loneliness etc.---God is near. Open your eyes and see how God is at work within you to bring you victory in each area of struggle. If you don't know the Lord personally, He is ever near knocking at your heart's door asking to be let in so that He can prove to you His presence and help in time of need.

"Open my eyes, Lord,
That I may see Jesus!"
Sandy

Our First Week in West Virginia

2007-05-03T09:40:00.000-10:00

We arrived in West Virginia after a hectic 17 hours of flying and making our way through very busy airports and long lines. My mother, sister and her husband were waiting for us at the airport very glad to see us. The first thing I noticed was how thin Mom looked. She has had an emotional year after Dad passed away last March. It is so good to see her and be with her now, and I pray we can be an encouragement to her this summer.

We have had a rough start to our stay so far. Dick was still trying to get medical clearances in Maui when we left. The only test that we did not have a result for was his kidney MRA. We were disappointed to hear from Dick's Maui doctor that the kidney test indicated a blocked artery in his left kidney, and he suggested we find a vascular surgeon here to perform surgery to place a stent in the kidney (just as they do often in the heart). That was not what we were hoping to hear. We are now in the process of finding a specialist that can do the surgery. We trust that God is in control of this situation and will direct us to the right surgeon that will perform the surgery with good results.

The weather has been beautuiful until today. Now a cold front moved in and brought rain and cooler weather. The spring flowers are bursting through all over our area and it's a joy to walk along our country road and see the different wild flowers, the birds flittering here and there, and even an occasional bunny rabbit jumping out in front of us. We have much work to do to get our little house in West Virginia up to our expectations this summer. Dick has already cut down three trees, and took down gutters on the house that had gotten damaged over the winter months. We need to repaint the front porch and I can't wait to start planting my little flower beds. Lots in mind to do---I just pray the Lord will keep us both healthy and energetic to get it all done.

The most important thing is to help Mom feel more secure and at peace. She is still adjusting to living alone after being with Dad for 66 years!!! She admits fear at night. I know she feels more secure with us being so near. It's a blessing for us to be able to bring to her a sense of security and help her with her many projects around her house that need to be done.

I miss my home in Maui already. We already miss our grandkids on Oahu. We miss Trouble, our 15 year old cat. I especially miss our high-speed internet service. The service here is still dial-up and it takes forever to get online---but we couldn't survive here without our link to our many family and friends all over the country. Please keep in touch, email, say hi and say a prayer for us whenever we come to mind!

Trying to adjust to our summer lifestyle in West Virginia,
Sandy