People

Thoughts and reflections on us as people with much in common.

July 21, 2018

Pizza & Chicken Nuggets

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In my work with young children, I have found that most have one thing in common, their excitement and love of pizza and chicken nuggets. When talking about their favorite foods as a conversation starter, their eyes light up and they want to tell me all about it. Those children have tasted pizza and chicken nuggets. They know it tastes good and they look forward to having it again (and again) with the whole family, sharing a meal together and enjoying the food and the company.

Like those children, we enjoy good things. I was at a gathering recently and smiled to myself as the “roar of conversation” rose and fell as people welcomed others and passionately provided updates and expressed support. I think of how we as people of faith share our “pizza and chicken nuggets” moments, times when God has cheered us on in celebration and times when he has walked with us through grief and stress. Do our eyes light up when we talk about Him? Do we love Him that much and look forward to tasting Him, experiencing Him in our lives every day?

The psalmist said, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him” and King David “first appointed the singing of praises to the Lord.” * He said, “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord is king!’” * We rejoice because God’s love, forgiveness, and provision is exciting news and good to taste.

When God has walked with us through some difficulty or when we’ve experienced a special time of worship, heard a new song, or gained new understanding … we can offer encouragement to others. God works in us and through us each day and enjoys our thanks and excitement as we are filled. As we tell others, they too can experience and taste of a God who welcomes us to Him… Like pizza and chicken nuggets, we can be glad and rejoice in our faith, whatever life brings.

*Psalm 34:8, 1 Chronicles 16:7-36

 

July 7, 2018

I Wish

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Stuff of dreams
Of hopes thought prayer

I wish for
A world of promise

I wish for
All to know the
Light that shines

I wish for
Joy down deep

I wish for
Peace within

I wish for
People to
Respect each other

I wish for
Compassion for all

I wish for
Others to be encouraged

Desires of life
Do justice
Love kindness
Walk humbly with God

 

*Micah 6:8

 

June 30, 2018

Reflections on Boxes

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• We all have a purpose and use
• When we are empty there is hope of good things to come
• The imagination of a child turns the everyday into awesome
• Treasures can be found within each of us
• Some of us are gifted in organizing
• Anticipated arrivals are bright spots in a day
• Care for your boxes lest they fall apart in the rain
• The Maker of boxes has a use for all sizes and types

June 23, 2018

HOME

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I’m on my way home! “Home,” a word that fills me with many emotions. During busy days away, I anticipate the time when I can return. Home is more than just a place, it is a comfortable and familiar environment where I feel most secure. It’s where I can relax and be replenished.

Sometimes home means moving. Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth rejected him and so he made his home in nearby Capernaum. When others expressed a desire to follow him, Jesus reminded them that he had no secure place to “lay his head” as he traveled about the land to share God’s news to others. As the early church spread out, it discovered the strength and support of community. They met together, sharing meals in each other’s homes, praying, studying God’s Word, and enjoying fellowship with one another. *

I think there is something within each of us that longs for “home,” for acceptance and love… where we can feel secure and be replenished. What does home mean for you? I have found that making a home requires a lot of prayer and hard work. It has not always been easy and I’m so thankful for God’s strength and guidance!

I’m thankful too for His promise of an eternal home with Him. He has gone to prepare a place for us! * Two of my dear friends have just completed their own final journeys home to that place called heaven and their earthly bodies have found rest. How I miss their friendship and our times together! I’m so glad to have an eternal home to look forward to.

My prayer for us is that God will watch over our homes. I pray too that we will invite Him in as family, to share each day with us.

* Acts 2:42, 46; John 14:1-4

June 10, 2018

Summer Garden

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Cool touch of dew on morning’s grass
Soft breeze stirs leaf and bough
Tread of foot and word of greeting

Hoes in hand and hats for shade
Bark of dog and back door closing
We make our way to tend summer’s garden

Bare toes in earth’s fresh soil
Soon may seek shoe’s insulation
Sun is rising as weeds are cleared

Call of mourning dove quiet pleasure
Accompanies day’s song of life
Lawn mower thrum and tractor rumble

Rasp of blades and rip of grass and weed
To free tender promises hidden in their midst
Thoughts and dreams of summer’s bounty

Rhythmic movements lift and fall
Another row completed now
Heat and sweat are well repaid

Cool glass of water to quench our thirst
And splash upon warm faces
Times we share in our summer garden

June 3, 2018

Reflections on Hats

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• We are each important and unique
• One size does not fit all
• Our personalities are expressed in many ways
• Each of us is especially suited for different functions
• The hats we wear serve many purposes
• Our abilities and gifts express our creativity and distinction
• It is good to use your hat well
• Adding a flair to life brings smiles
• Our lives can offer much good to others
• The great Hat-maker brings out good in each of us

May 26, 2018

Lightning Bugs!

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There’s another one! Tiny lights flashed in the summer night and children’s laughter rang out as we raced about the yard, catching the elusive lightning bugs and carefully placing them in a jar… Those lights drew us to their source, as we viewed them with the eyes of a child.

It seems that humankind shares that fascination with lights. The light of the sun brings warmth and growth, the shine of moon lights the way at night, and stars draw us to imagined patterns in the night sky. Candles are lit as symbols of celebration, mourning, or worship. Bonfires welcome gatherings. A light in a window, porch, or yard welcomes a traveler home.

How often do I take time to view life’s simple spots of light? The smile of a friend, the quiet contentment of home after a day’s work, the presence of family around me, the fresh smell of rain or supper cooking… These are all lights to be treasured and recalled, especially on days in need of encouragement.

I like the way light is often used as a symbol or illustration of God, of His goodness and truth. Like those tiny flashes in the dark of night, we are drawn in wonder to His presence. God surrounds us. He is like the sun’s warmth when we feel the cold of despair and the moon that shines the way as we stumble in darkness. He welcomes us and helps us to find our way.

And wonder of wonders, as His presence fills and surrounds us, our own tiny flashes attract the attention of others. They too are drawn to that source of light. As children, we open the jar and exclaim with delight as those lightening bugs once again rise together into the night sky. Flash! Blink! Light of promise… and joy… and God’s presence.

John 1:5a “The light shines in the darkness…”

 

Image courtesy of suphakit73 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net