Stand

What does it mean to stand and why are we commanded to do so--not just once, but several times in the scriptures?  According to Merriam-Webster, stand means “to be in or take an upright position on the feet,” as well as “to rest, remain, or set in a usually vertical position.”  It also means “an attitude toward a particular issue; a position taken in an argument.”  It is used 277 times in the King James Bible so it must be a pretty special word, huh?

I’m sure many of you have noticed the Colin Kaepernick escapade going on, where this football player has made a stance by not standing up for the National Anthem.  That’s his right and no, I don’t agree with it either.  However, when one has a strong conviction over an issue, this is what has been taught to us to do for years.  “Stand up for what is right, for what you believe in!”  Ever heard those words, friends?

Remember the whole armor of God commands about the weapons and protections we are to carry with us at all times?  When you read the last part in Ephesians 6:13, it says “having done all, to stand.”  

My question then to us all--including Colin--is did we do the first part of the verse first?  Did we “take... the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day” or did we just decide what we thought was the best thing to do?  Let me rephrase this:  was the battle one of spiritual proportions and if yes, did we seek God’s counsel first?  Did we suit up with our helmets of salvations, swords of truth, and most importantly, did we have our feet ready for the preparation of peace?  Sigh.  We tend to forget that the outcome is what matters, don’t we?  If our fights--whether they be about policies, carpet color, social issues, or who is right--are to be won, then shouldn’t the expected result be one that is a peaceful one?  Instead of stirring up more strife and division, ought we not to seek a peaceful resolution?  

Today as you examine yourselves--as we examine ourselves--let’s take a few moments and consider if the things we are fighting for and fighting about are things we really want to change or if instead we are just wanting some attention and being tools used for harm instead of for good.  Some things just aren’t worth the hassle, are they?  Some things we need to let go of.  Some things we just need to sit down and be quiet about.  

Moments

Ahh, family pictures.  Such great reminders of times past when things were…

When things were what?  Happier?  Simpler?  

Yes!  Contrary to the devil’s trying to make me sad and think my whole past was rotten, there were some good times spent with those who brought me into this world and helped to raise me and then later procreated themselves to continue a legacy that--in spite of the devil’s best intentions--lives on through the next generation and offers hope for more pictures like this one with their kids and grandkids, more nieces and nephews, and lots and lots of love.

This photograph is from 1997.  Nearly twenty years ago and so much has changed.  You see the first three women on the left?  The lady with her arm extended?  That’s my Aunt Bo.  She’s reaching to her mother, my grandmother:  Mom.  And just below her?  That’s my sister-in-law Christina.  What’s so special about these five ladies?  Sigh.  Sadly, they have all passed on.  Today marks the eighth year of Mary’s victory.  Mom was next.  And then my sweet Bo.  In a week, the death of my mother will be in its fourth year of her loss.  And Christina?  Not quite a year ago she left us for greener pastures.

Notably missing in this picture is my dad, who died a month before Mary did eight years ago.  He was off on one of his annual hunting trips, which he tended to take around Thanksgiving.  That explains in part why we were all happy in this picture.  I’m not being mean but he tended to be a hard man at times and when he wasn’t around?  Things were just more pleasant for us all.

Also missing from this picture is one of my nieces who was a bit camera shy  Besides, someone had to take the picture!  My Aunt’s son is also not here.  I can’t recall why right now.  

Were this picture to be “re-created” today, there would be an additional twenty-five folks in it.  We’d definitely need a wide-lens camera for that!  Plus, we’d have to find a mutual meeting place since our matriarchs are all gone now and many of us have grown so far apart.  It’s a nice thought though:  to think of my remaining sister and her family, Mary’s family, Billy’s family, and my uncle and cousins--along with my own brood--to gather, to eat a big meal, to watch some football (go Cowboys!!), and to watch our children play together.  To think that these kids would learn from our lessons better how to love, how to forgive, how to family.  Ahh.  Perhaps one day.

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

Psalm 127:3-5

Claritin Clear

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

I Corinthians 13:12

Confession time.  I used to watch a lot of secular movies and much of my conversation can be peppered with quotes from movies such as “Dumb and Dumber,” “Major Payne,” “Talladega Nights,” “A Few Good Men,” and many other titles that I could go on about but then you’d be reflecting on them instead of my words that I’m hoping will bring you some new smiles today.

Yesterday when I went to put on my glasses so I could see the tv, computer, reading material, and yes, even my hubby, I noticed how blurry--no, that’s not the right word.  How unclear they were.  Not quite foggy but hazy-like.  I’m sure you’ve seen those Claritin commercials, where they show an image and then pull a screen off of it to clear it up so that the colors are more vibrant and viewable.  Kind of like that.  My thoughts immediately went to the above passage that speaks of being able to see dimly.  “Yep, that’s me.  I can’t hardly see a thing through these specs so there’ll be no eyeballing anyone, Popeye.”  

Now, in years past, that last thought would have had me reflecting on those movie scripts and the hilarity that ensued upon watching them.  However, in my older (and let’s not forget wiser) age, instead my contemplations led me to consider how absolutely marvelous it’s going to be when my eyes are truly opened to all that our Lord has prepared for me.  No need for glasses, hindsight that is 20/20, nor squinting at objects that are either too far away or too close to my face to discern.  Well, there might be some shading of these pretty blues as I am overwhelmed by the brightness of The Son.  There may be some need for sunglasses to protect my eyes from the brilliance and radiance of Christ but...nah, that won’t be necessary either.  Oh, undoubtedly, He will shine!  But instead of shading myself, I will bask in His glory, in His exceptional brightness.  The fog will be lifted and the haze gone.  I shall see my Jesus, face to face, eye to eye, and what a day that will be!

Let’s pray!

Dear Lord, what a wonderful aid it is for me to have the opportunity to have glasses to help me see more clearly, to keep being able to read with, and to view the beauty of the surroundings You have placed all around me.  Thank You for the medical advancements that lift the blurriness when my allergies and old age act up so that I may still utilize the eyes You gave to me.  And thank You for my eyes, Father.  Of all the senses, I think this one is the best.

I anticipate with great pleasure, Lord God, the day when You call me home and I get to see without any barriers.  The day, Father, when all of my other senses will also be heightened and I can just revel in the wonder that is You.  Reminds me of a song we used to sing at Unity Baptist Church, Lord, “That Beautiful Country.”  

Thanks again for my vision and Your vision for Your children.  Ooh, now I’m thinking of another great song, Lord, “I Have Seen The Light” as my heart joyfully swells to the message in it.  You are so great and I cannot wait to be with You, eyes fully opened, mouth singing songs that actually sound pleasant with Your heavenly band.  Come soon?  I’m waiting, Lord.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THAT WONDERFUL COUNTRY BY CHARLES WYCUFF 1966(?)  E FLAT

I’VE BEEN READING ABOUT THAT WONDERFUL COUNTRY

WHERE THE STREETS ARE ALL MADE WITH PUREST OF GOLD

AND THE PEOPLE THERE LIVE IN BEAUTIFUL MANSIONS

AND NOBODY UP THERE WILL EVER GROW OLD

I’M ACQUAINTED WITH CHRIST THE KING OF THAT COUNTRY

HE HAS MADE ME AN HEIR TO HEAVENS ABOVE

WHEN MY WORK IS DONE HE WILL CALL ME UP YONDER

WHERE FOREVER I’LL TELL HIS WONDERFUL LOVE

THERE WILL BE NO MORE GRIEF OR PAIN IN THAT COUNTRY

GOD HIMSELF SHALL DRY ALL THE TEARS FROM OUR EYES

WHILE THE AGES ROLL WE’LL BE LIVING IN SPLENDOR

IN THAT WONDERFUL HOME BEYOND THE BLUE SKIES

CHORUS

LEAD/TENOR/BASS

ALTO

IN THAT WONDERFUL LAND THAT COUNTRY BRIGHT AND FAIR

(IN THAT WONDERFUL COUNTRY)

NOW AWAITING ME YES NOW AWAITING ME

(NOW AWAITING FOR ME)

THERE’S A BEAUTIFUL HOME THAT’S FAR BEYOND COMPARE

(THERE’S A BEAUTIFUL MANSION)

SOON ITS GLORIES THERE ITS GLORIES I SHALL SEE

(SOON ITS GLORIES I’LL SEE)

(CHANGE TO BASS LEAD)

I’LL JOIN MY FRIENDS    AROUND THE THRONE

(I’LL JOIN MY LOVED ONES AROUND THE THRONE)

THEN I SHALL KNOW AS I AM KNOWN

(THEN I SHALL KNOW    AS I AM KNOWN)

REVERT TO LEAD/TENOR/BASS & ALTO

I’LL BE HAPPY I KNOW    UP THERE FOREVER MORE

(I’LL BE HAPPY FOR – EV – ER)

IN THAT HEAV’NLY HOME THERE    IN THAT WONDROUS LAND

(IN THAT WONDERFUL LAND)

*************************************************************

I Have Seen The Light

Robert Sterling and Chris Machen

I was a seeker for light in a dark world,
I looked for truth but settled for lies.
I had been blinded, I couldn't see
Till the Star in Bethlehem's sky opened my eyes.

I have seen the Light shining in the darkness,
Bursting through the shadows, delivering the dawn.
I have seen the Light whose holy name is Jesus,
His kingdom is forever; He reigns on Heaven's throne!

There in a manger, an innocent baby;
Who could believe He was the One;
I can believe it, I know it's true;
He changed my life; He is the light; He is God's Son!

I have seen the Light shining in the darkness,
Bursting through the shadows, delivering the dawn.
I have seen the Light whose holy name is Jesus,
His kingdom is forever; He reigns on Heaven's throne!
We must tell the world what we’ve seen today in Bethlehem!
He`s the promised King; we bow down and worship Him!
Worship Christ The King!

I have seen the Light shining in the darkness,
Bursting through the shadows, delivering the dawn.
I have seen the Light whose holy name is Jesus,
His kingdom is forever; He reigns on Heaven's throne!

The Comforter Abides With Me

It appears to be all the rage nowadays.  Service animals.  It seems I cannot go hardly anywhere these days without some sort of animal being in my vicinity.  Honestly?  It makes me mad.  I don’t like animals on a good day and I certainly don’t want them where I am shopping for groceries, roaming the aisles next to me in other stores, and definitely do not want them in my space while I am eating out at a restaurant.  I don’t think they are cute, adorable in their little outfits, nor do I stop and pet them and ooh and ahh over them.  

Now please, don’t get me wrong.  I am not referring to the animals who are genuinely needed to assist handicapped folks--such as the blind and those who suffer from seizures.  But those who are around for “emotional support” and “comfort” I have quite the opposite opinion about.  They aren’t even slightly regulated by the ones who bring them in.  No leashes, no confinement brace.  They roam freely and make me antsy as I wonder just how well--if at all--they have been trained.  On Saturday, at Lowe’s, this woman was getting a buggy as Steve and I were getting ready to enter the store.  She put her two little dogs in there and I just sighed.  Then, as we got into the store itself and there were two employees standing there, I was curious as to how this would be handled.  There was a sign saying service animals are allowed but this?  Well, you tell me.  

The woman came in all in a gush as she raved to the men, “They just had to come to Lowe’s again.  It’s their favorite store!  They get mad at me when I don’t bring them here at least once a week.”  Oh my cow.  Is she serious?  I’ve heard of dog whisperers and such but really:  they will pout and not love her if she doesn’t bring them to the store?  Do they have a doggie allowance to spend on indoor supplies to make their lives better?  Will they unfriend her on Facebook if she refuses to take them where they want to go?

Sigh.  

I tried to let my sweet Stef think about this for a moment.  I wondered what loss this woman may have suffered in her life that made her need these animals to give all of her affection to.  I pondered if she had a lonely life that made her revolve her whole world around them.  I even asked myself if she indeed did have a condition that required her to have these canines with her at all times so that she wouldn’t fall apart.  

Okay, this probably isn’t going over well with you animal lovers and my intention is not to upset you nor start a debate on this topic.  Instead, I want to share with you my Comforter.  No, He’s not a service animal and I don’t keep Him on a leash.  He isn’t registered nor does He have any papers to prove He’s necessary in my life.  Oh wait:  yes He does!  They’re called the pages of my Bible.  Why, just a few moments ago as I was reading, I couldn’t help but caress the softness of the pages.  I must say, it was indeed a comfort to feel the power beneath my fingertips as my eyes absorbed the truths and promises and instructions for my daily living.  The familiarity of the passage I was reading brought me a peace, a solace, and I just sat there for a few moments rubbing them and letting them soak into me.  

Oh how I wish others could take advantage of this Comforter!  The need for outside remedies is at a high point as prescriptions are written daily for nerves, fears, and help in dealing with life.  Jesus said:  And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever…

Oh Lord God, how we turn to so many other things to try to give us the consolation that only You can fill in us!  Lord?  Here’s what I ask for today:  I ask that You strengthen Your men and women who know better and grant them a boldness to speak to others about You.  May our lips sing Your praises and tell others about Your healing powers.  May we be gentle, yes, but may we stop avoiding the real issues our friends and loved ones are going through and just ask, just talk to them, instead of brushing them aside as we stay caught up in our own miseries.  We don’t have to be miserable!  We don’t have to fear, to fret, to wonder what tomorrow holds.  You abide in us, Lord, and it’s time we start acting like it!

May we rejoice in You today and may our lights so shine that Jesus is all that is seen is my earnest prayer, asked in His reassuring name, amen.

Copy and Paste

Happy Friday! The other day at Bible Study, the gals and I discussed parts of Psalm 139.  As so often happens to my wandering mind, I thought how great this psalm would be personalized with my name so that I could feel it really speak to me.  It took a little while to replace all the possessive pronouns but it was worth it!  

Here is the finished product.  You are free to copy and replace with your name.  In fact, I encourage you to do so.  When we take the time to realize God uses His Word to speak to us as individuals instead of just some random folks who happen across the Bible, the power is more effective.

Psalm 139 Stefanie Version
Search Stefanie, O God, and Know Stefanie's Heart

1 O Lord, You have searched Stefanie and known Stefanie!
2 You know when Stefanie sits down and when Stefanie rises up;
   You discern Stefanie's thoughts from afar.
3 You search out Stefanie's path and Stefanie's lying down
   and are acquainted with all Stefanie's ways.
4 Even before a word is on Stefanie's tongue,
   behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.
5 You hem Stefanie in, behind and before,
   and lay Your hand upon Stefanie.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for Stefanie;
   it is high; Stefanie cannot attain it.
7 Where shall Stefanie go from Your Spirit?
   Or where shall Stefanie flee from Your presence?
8 If Stefanie ascends to heaven, You are there!
   If Stefanie makes Stefanie's bed in Sheol, You are there!
9 If Stefanie takes the wings of the morning
   and dwells in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there Your hand shall lead Stefanie,
   and Your right hand shall hold Stefanie.
11 If Stefanie says, “Surely the darkness shall cover Stefanie,
   and the light about Stefanie be night,”
12 even the darkness is not dark to You;
   the night is bright as the day,
   for darkness is as light with You.
13 For You formed Stefanie's inward parts;
   You knitted Stefanie together in Stefanie's mother's womb.
14 Stefanie praises You, for Stefanie is fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are Your works;
   Stefanie's soul knows it very well.
15 Stefanie's frame was not hidden from You,
when Stefanie was being made in secret,
   intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw Stefanie's unformed substance;
in Your book were written, every one of them,
   the days that were formed for Stefanie,
   when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious to Stefanie are Your thoughts, O God!
   How vast is the sum of them!
18 If Stefanie would count them, they are more than the sand.
   Stefanie awakes, and Stefanie is still with You.
19 Oh that You would slay the wicked, O God!
   O men of blood, depart from Stefanie!
20 They speak against You with malicious intent;
   Your enemies take Your name in vain.
21 Does Stefanie not hate those who hate You, O Lord?
   And does Stefanie not loathe those who rise up against You?
22 Stefanie hates them with complete hatred;
   Stefanie counts them Stefanie's enemies.
23 Search Stefanie, O God, and know Stefanie's heart!
   Try Stefanie and know Stefanie's thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in Stefanie,
   and lead Stefanie in the way everlasting!

I hope you have a good day in the Lord!

Father, as Your children read these words, may they be blessed, reassured, and comforted to know that before we were even born, we were on Your mind.  

You know what today, tomorrow, and next week hold for us.  Our lives and our activities are no surprise to You.  The highs and lows that are coming?  The gains and losses?  The emergencies that we wring our hands over?  Hmn mn, Lord.  You are not shaken on Your throne when these crises attack us but instead are well aware of every incident in our lives.  If only we could grasp that, could cling to Your hand and trust Your plan, and believe that it’s all going to work together for good.  Ahh, Father, we are weak so my hope is that we will immerse ourselves in the Psalms, in the Proverbs, and in all of the Promises You prepared for us long ago.  May we make You proud today is my prayer, asked in Jesus’ sweet name.  Amen.

Son, Go Bring My Children Home

The other day, this kid I know was mesmerized by my sunflowers.  They’ve grown so much these past two months and he wanted to know just how big the biggest one was.  He borrowed a tape measure from Steve and went out to get the specs.  A few minutes later, he came in and told me about the width and height of my sunflower.  After agreeing with him that it was probably the largest one out there, we went on about our business and I just chalked it up as to natural curiosity and “what will they think of next” questions that kids ask.

But then today, in my personal Bible study this morning, I came upon these verses from Ephesians 3:14-19:

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Of Whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

As I too ponder on the wonders of God, of creation, these verses show that man has been pondering them for centuries.  The breadth, length, depth, and height of the love of God is unfathomable, isn’t it?  The Grand Canyon, The Sedona, and the Rocky Mountains were places I was fortunate enough to visit earlier this spring.  I am blessed to live in the mountains of North Carolina and their beauty is one I consistently marvel at.  Don’t even get me started on the sunrises and gorgeous sunsets I get to witness as often as I take the time to do so!

But all of this beauty is nothing compared to the amazement I have that God loves me, that He chose me knowing how rotten I was and how much my inadequacies would hold me back from being all He wants me to be.  I’ve struggled for years with issues of not being good enough.  I’ve felt a void in my life for as long as I can remember, a sense of not being whole.  Day by day, that hole is being filled yet it also is growing at the same time.  The love and lessons I learn through creation, through studying God’s Word, and spending time with His people fills my soul with those good, true, noble, lovely, pure, and admirable things He has designed for me.  However, until I am united with God, that sense of emptiness will never go away.  The feeling of being incomplete will not change until my Lord calls me home and I get to snuggle up next to Him, hear His stories from His own mouth, hold His hand in mine, and just bask in the presence of my Lord and Saviour.  Ahh, what a day that will be!

Let’s pray.

Dear Father, I again thank You for my sunflowers.  Who knew what a tiny packet of seeds would produce in my life?  

You did, of course!  So many lessons You have taught me this summer, Father, about life, about growth, and about beauty in all its forms.  While down here we as man will continue trying to label and calculate all the good things You give, we will fall short because Your love cannot be measured.  Oh for the day You call us to You, God, when You say to Jesus, “Son, go bring My children home for I want them gathered ‘round my throne.  It’s time to reap the harvest You have sown.  Son, go bring My children home.”

Even so, come Lord Jesus.  It’s in Your precious name I pray.  Amen!