April 12, 2019

He Comes!

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Anticipation
Hurry hurry
He’s coming now!

Excitement
Hear the shouts
See the crowd

Honor
Palm branches laid
Robes spread before him

See
He comes to you
Righteous victorious

Lowly
Upon a donkey
Only a colt

Ruler
Giver of life
Bringer of hope

Rejoice
Your King comes
Hosanna, save

 

*John 12:12-19, Zechariah 9:9

April 7, 2019

(Small) Treasures

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“Wow! Look at that!”

“Hey, let me see too!”

When my brothers and I were growing up, my parents always encouraged us to look, to explore, to see, and to learn about nature and things around us. I remember the fun times we had looking at things through a magnifying glass or my older brother’s microscope. Camping trips in our pop-up tent camper were memorable family times full of new sights and sounds.

That curiosity and appreciation for God’s creation continues with me today. I love the warm-weather months when I can be outside more …despite the allergies! Flowers, birds and other wildlife, vegetable and herb gardens, fruit trees, and more, bring me great pleasure. As I mow my yard, I often mow around the tiny wild flowers (aka weeds) and see my neighbor smile as I do so. That is what inspired the poem I wrote a few years ago, “Just a Weed”, and also led to the naming of this blog.

When God finished creating the world, he looked around at all that he had made, and it was very good! When I think of myself as the tiniest speck in a vast universe, I am in awe like the psalmist who, when he considered the heavens, wondered why God would notice us or care about us. I am overwhelmed that he sees my small self as His precious jewel!

Thinking from that perspective and considering the world around me helps me to notice others and to value each life. Whether struggling with self-image or frustrated with what life is throwing at me, I remember that we are God’s treasure and are wonderfully made! Just as we gaze through a magnifying glass or microscope and discover amazing worlds, God gazes into our deepest being, sees our imperfections, and loves us.

*Genesis 1:41, Psalm 8, Psalm 139:13-14

March 30, 2019

Reflections on Reflections

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• Sometimes we see things sharply and clearly
• On other occasions all is dark and clouded
• What we see is not always what others see
• What others see may be the opposite of our own observations
• Exaggerated reflections bring fun laughter
• Reflected images give us new perspectives
• Considering other perspectives is beneficial to all
• Our actions and words are a reflection of our character
• Struggles and joys are expressed in what we say and do
• Thoughtful reflection often yields positive outcomes

March 16, 2019

Felicity

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Felicity?!
Hmmm… What is that?
Some far-off place?
Perhaps a gnat?

What’s that you say?
Some person’s charm?
That’s not quite right?
Don’t be alarmed!

Let’s look it up!
We’ll check it out.
… An intense joy!
A cause to shout.

Or quiet calm,
Ponder deeply.
Great happiness,
Rising softly.

You said it well.
Gave careful thought.
It’s not something
That can be bought.

Spilling over
Now not empty
From heart renewed
Felicity.

 

March 9, 2019

Treasure

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“Do you want to see my treasure box?!” exclaimed the young child proudly. Eager hands removed the top and began to tell the stories of things they held dear. There was the dried flower, especially picked for mom, and a sparkly stone shining all colors of the rainbow in the sunshine. There’s my heart, drawn and colored with “I love you” carefully written in crayon. Here’s a family photo and a chew toy of a much-loved pet now gone…

As a child, I had my own treasure box too, filled with small cherished items that brought happy memories as well as some sadder ones of loved ones now gone. The thought comes to me that now my home is like a treasure box, full of memories and of current life.

The wise men brought their treasure chests too and offered gifts for a king, the baby Jesus. Jesus’ mother, Mary, treasured the words the shepherds shared, and she treasured what she saw and heard in her growing son.

I think of the things I treasure now and how those things we value grow and change with us. Have you ever kept something, only to pull it back out weeks or years later and think, “Why in the world did I keep this?!”

I think of how God wants us to treasure His words, His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Life is truly a journey to do just that and to share it with others! Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, said that God “has shone in our hearts to give…” He went on to say that “we have this treasure in clay jars” so that others will clearly see that “this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.” Always, we point to Christ Jesus, to God who is our greatest treasure.

My prayer for us is that as we pull out our own treasure box, we will consider what is in it and what is of true and lasting value. That we will see in our everydayness, or plain clay jars, the treasure we are to God and the gifts He gives us. That we will offer to the King all that we have, and so give freely and fully. I know for myself that it’s easier to do this some days than others. May we join in the adventure.

*Luke 2:16-19, 51; Matthew 2:11, 2 Corinthians 4:7

 

March 2, 2019

Reflections on Dishcloths

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• We may become stiff and dry from the rigors of life
• The warmth and compassion of others can restore and renew
• A friend who listens is like a welcome scrub
• Scrubbing helps clear away dirt and accumulated grime
• Rinse away stress and fatigue
• Rest after a job well done
• We can become musty from disuse
• Putting your skills to good use is satisfying
• A worn cloth is full of memories
• Warm companionship and thoughtful service transform

 

February 17, 2019

Rabbit Trails

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Running here and running there
What am I to do?

Let’s go this way
Wait, look at that!

So much now to discover
…Where was I going?

Oh yes, that’s it
Complete my task

Now just a little further
Travel down this trail

Did you hear that?
I love that tune!

Reminds me of happy times.
You remember when…

Come let me show you
What I found the other day!

… Sun’s now setting?!
Day’s now waning?!

But there are more trails to trod!
Open eyes ears heart

Hmmm… so true!
Living life to the fullest!

Finding new horizons
Down those rabbit trails