Not Forgotten

          Thanksgiving is a good time to reflect upon your life and possibly redevelop a spirit of gratitude and thanks for what you have.

          Now in reflection we have had a very challenging year health wise.  The year has included several surgeries, over 320 visits to doctors, cardio and pulmonary rehabs, physical therapy, and medical tests of all sorts.  We've never had medical bills like we have had this year. It has been a long year. 

          At cardiac rehab each week they would ask my wife how our social life has been and what vacations we have taken.  The weekly answer was that our social life was just going to doctors and to church.  How true!  Not even any breakfast visits with friends.  And we've only been able to take one short vacation all year - no trips to the ocean at all this year.

          And recent medical tests show us that the coming year could even be worse with more serious problems to deal with.  I just received word of that possibility from a doctor right before Thanksgiving.  Dianne may also get the same type of news from test results taken yesterday. Both of us are scheduled for more tests.

          And as I write this blog, the day before Thanksgiving, I find it is so easy to be discouraged and concerned.  It is easy to have a pity-party. It is so easy to forget the many promises that God has given us.  It is so easy to forget His presence.  It is so easy to forget what He has done for us in the past and what He has promised to do for us the future.  How short sighted we can be.

          Am I the only one who has ever felt this way?  Have you?  Well there are many others, including David who went through times of severe doubting and discouragement. He had to avoid Saul and flee for his life.  And his psalms are filled with his discouragement but also his recognition of God's leading and blessing upon his life

          "How long, O Lord?  Will You forget me forever?  How long will You hide Your face from me?  How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?  How long will my enemy be exalted over me, O Lord my God ... But I have trusted in Your mercy, My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.   I will sing to the Lord because He has dealt bountifully with me."   Psalm 13: 1-2 ... 5-6.

          At times David felt that God didn't even hear him or didn't care about his needs.  He felt alone.  Have you ever felt that way?  I know that I have.  But I also know that He has always been there and as His child He does care for me.  Maybe it would be easier if I could just talk to Him face to face.  Someday I will be able to do that.  But now I can talk to Him at any moment or at any time of the day or the night.  And believe me, I have spent much time doing that, especially during the long hours of the night.

          Now as I sit here the Lord is reminding me of the many good things He has provided for me.  I am now nearly eight decades old and have lived most of those years without any major physical problems.  Many of my close friends never had that opportunity or blessing. And the surgeries I have had in the last few years have generally been successful.  God has provided me with excellent surgeons and therapists.  I am blessed.

         Dianne is also reaching the eight decade mark. Although she has lived with a serious condition for many years, she didn't need surgeries until recently.  Her last one was a miracle. After many tests she finally qualified for the new TAVR surgery to replace her aortic heart valve. It was an amazing surgery with a quick recovery.  Of course we both still also battle with arthritis and kidney stones - ouch!

           And God has blessed us in so many other ways - a great marriage, a wonderful family that is serving the Lord, a great job for 39 years, a family ministry for 25 years, serving in Awana for 38 years, a comfortable home, plenty of food, friends, a great heritage and so much more.  He has been so good to us. Why should I worry or fret?

          Now I realize that life can't always be filled with sunshine and roses, but I also know that God will be there in the dreary and stormy days.  Do I really want to go through these stormy days?  Not really, although I hope that I will learn from them.  But I also know that He has a plan for me and that plan includes carrying me through the tough times and eventually taking me to the home He is preparing for me.  And at this Thanksgiving I thank Him for that and rest in this truth.  God is so good - all the time!

(1)    Jesus will walk with me down thru the valley,

Jesus will walk with me over the plain;

When in the shadow or when in the sunshine,

If He goes with me I shall not complain.

Jesus will walk with me,

He will talk with me;

He will walk with me;

In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow,

I know He will walk with me.

(2)   Jesus will walk with me when I am tempted,

Giving me strength as my need may demand;

When in affliction His presence is near me,

I am upheld by His almighty hand.

Jesus will walk with me,

He will talk with me;

He will walk with me;

In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow,

I know He will walk with me.

(3)   Jesus will walk with me, guarding me ever,

Giving me victory thru storm and thru strife;

He is my Comforter, Counselor, Leader,

Over the uneven journey of life.

Jesus will walk with me,

He will talk with me;

He will walk with me;

In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow,

I know He will walk with me.

(4)    Jesus will walk with me in life's fair morning,

And when the shadows of evening must come;

Living or dying, He will not forsake me.

Jesus will walk with me all the way home.

Jesus will walk with me,

He will talk with me;

He will walk with me;

In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow,

I know He will walk with me.

A Challenging Forward (LB)

LOOKING BACK - Repeating and editing a blog that I first published on December 30, 2009.

          I really don't want to upset anybody, but please don't put me on a list to regularly receive e-mail forwards from you. If the forwards include attachments or downloads, I will delete them immediately. I don't want to catch any virus that could be part of such a forward. And most of the time I delete plain forwards, too, unless I have a good idea what it is. 

         I find that many of these are full of big pictures that tie up my computer for several minutes while they load. My time is too valuable for that type of entertainment. Or they often include hoaxes that have circulated through e-space for years. Some are attacks on Obama and I already know more about him than I want to know. The Bible tells me to pray for him, even if I disagree with him. 

         Others are cute poems or prayers that I am asked to pass on to others. But doing so with my e-mail address makes me more available to spammers who love to get such lists of e-mail addresses. So, my delete button gets plenty of action daily. 

          Now having said that, once in awhile (maybe 5% of the time) there are some that are worthwhile. Recently I received one that many of us seniors can relate to. I've saved that one to share with other seniors as we end 2019. So here it is. 

         Who would have thought... 

(1)    that when you wished your kids didn't need you so much, you would someday wish that they did? 

(2)    that when there wasn't enough time in the day, you might someday wonder how to fill your free time? 

(3)    that when you couldn't wait to get your driver's license, you would someday try to decide when to give it up? 

(4)    that you would finally have more than enough stuff? 

(5)    that grandchildren grow even faster than children? (So very true!) 

(6)    that when people told you to enjoy your (time, education, job, kids, friends, health, spouse, etc.), you would someday realize why? 

(7)    that some people are grateful no matter what, and some are ungrateful no matter what? 

(8)    that when you struggled to make ends meet, they finally would? 

(9)    that each day can be a blessing and a chance to be a blessing to others? 

(10)    that a smile, a touch and a listening ear are worth more than expensive presents? 

(11)    that there's always something new to learn? 

(12)    that you would never get tired of watching a sunset, a rainbow, or a baby's first steps? 

(13)    that the best things in life ARE free? 

Maybe I could add two more of my own … 

(14)    that life goes faster the older you get? 

(15)    that 2019 would already be over? 

Have a great and safe New Year's Day and enjoy each new day that the Lord grants you.

1.    The sands of time are sinking,

The dawn of heaven breaks;

The summer morn I've sighed for -

The fair, sweet morn awakes:

Dark, dark had been the midnight

But dayspring is at hand,

And glory, glory dwelleth

In Emmanuel's land.

2.    O Christ, He is the fountain,

The deep, sweet well of love!

The streams on earth I've tasted

More deep I'll drink above:

There to an ocean fullness

His mercy doth expand,

And glory, glory dwelleth

In Emmanuel's land.

3.    The bride eyes not her garment,

But her dear Bridegroom's face;

I will not gaze at glory

But on my King of grace.

Not at the crown He giveth

But on His pierced hand;

The Lamb is all the glory

Of Emmanuel's land.

4.    O I am my Beloved's

And my Beloved is mine!

He brings a poor vile sinner

Into His house of wine

I stand upon His merit -

I know no other stand,

Not e'en where glory dwelleth

In Emmanuel's land.

What Are You Saying?

LOOKING BACK - Repeating and editing a blog that I first published on April 30, 2010

         You hear them everyday  ...  At the end of the day  ... I personally  ...  At this moment in time  ...  with all due respect  ...  24/7  ...  it's not rocket science ...  your call is very important to us  ...  no offense, but  ...  in order to serve you better  ...  no problem  ...  cool  ...  listen carefully as our menu options have changed  ...  our computers are slow today. These are just some of the many phrases that have become part of our vocabulary today and I am getting tired of "modern day phrase speak" (although I guess I do it at times myself!). 

         But there is one phrase which really drives me crazy - "thinking outside the box".  Today I have already heard it used two times, it was also in a book I am reading, and there is a guy running for governor of Pennsylvania who uses it constantly in his television campaign advertisements.  I shudder every time I see him waddle across the TV screen sharing how it is time to "think outside the box" to solve the state's many problems. Actually I think he should "think outside the box" to come up with better commercials (and to lose some weight). 

         Maybe that is the problem with today's society, everyone is "thinking outside the box" and neglecting all the common sense and moral values that have been "inside the box" for years.  Now I really wonder, if everybody is really "thinking outside the box". isn't all this thinking and behavior really "inside a new box"?  What's the difference - maybe it just depends on what the box is (whatever that means). Maybe this candidate should say that he "thinks outside the box"  but he really is "inside the new box of modern thinking". 

         At the end of the day, with all due respect, I personally think, at this moment in time, this might be more appropriate.  In order to serve us better, thinking outside the box, 24/7, might be better, even if the menu has changed. But, no problem if you feel otherwise, because it's not rocket science. And that folks is my "outside the box" blog for today. Think about it, either inside or outside the box.  And that's cool!

Speak, Lord, in the stillness,

  While I wait on Thee;

Hushed my heart to listen,

  In expectancy.

Speak, O blessed Master,

  In this quiet hour;

Let me see Thy face, Lord,

  Feel Thy touch of power.

For the words Thou speakest,

  They are life indeed;

Living bread from heaven,

  Now my spirit feed!

All to Thee is yielded,

  I am not my own;

Blissful, glad surrender,

  I am Thine alone.

Speak, Thy servant heareth,

  Be not silent, Lord;

Waits my soul upon Thee

  For the quickening word.

Fill me with the knowledge

  Of Thy glorious will;

All Thine own good pleasure

  In Thy child fulfill.

Like a watered garden,

  Full of fragrance rare,

Lingering in Thy presence,

  Let my life appear.

Help!

        I recently read an interesting story with an interesting application that we all could use.  Read, think and apply.

         A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.  "What food might this contain?" the mouse  wondered. He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

         Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed this warning: "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

         The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

         The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"  The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."

        The mouse turned to the cow and said, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"   The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."

        So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap ... alone.

        That very night a sound was heard throughout the house - the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it - a venomous snake whose tail was caught in the trap. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital. 

         When she returned home she still had a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup.  So the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.

         But his wife's sickness continued.  Friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.  But, alas, the farmer's wife did not get well. She died.

         So many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them for the funeral luncheon.

         And the mouse looked upon it all, from his crack in the wall, with great sadness.

         So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem, and you think it doesn't concern you, remember ... When one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.  Remember - each of us is a vital thread in another person's tapestry. Our lives are woven together for a reason. One of the best things to hold onto in this world is a friend. 

         Is there somebody who today needs your help?  Maybe we need to take action to help them out.

1     Look all around you, find someone in need,

Help somebody today!

Tho' it be little--a neighborly deed--

Help somebody today! 

Chorus:

Help somebody today,

Somebody along life's way;

Let sorrow be ended, the friendless befriended,

Oh, help somebody today! 

2    Many are 'waiting a kind, loving word,

Help somebody today!

You have a message, O let it be heard,

Help somebody today!

Chorus:

Help somebody today,

Somebody along life's way;

Let sorrow be ended, the friendless befriended,

Oh, help somebody today! 

3    Many have burdens too heavy to bear,

Help somebody today!

Grief is the portion of some everywhere,

Help somebody today! 

Chorus:

Help somebody today,

Somebody along life's way;

Let sorrow be ended, the friendless befriended,

Oh, help somebody today! 

4    Some are discouraged and weary in heart,

Help somebody today!

Someone the journey to heaven should start,

Help somebody today!

Chorus:

Help somebody today,

Somebody along life's way;

Let sorrow be ended, the friendless befriended,

Oh, help somebody today! 

Gravity Situation

          Here is a recent report about how gravity, which is a non-renewable resource, is gradually diminishing.
         "With the present rate of consumption, the earth's supply of gravity will be exhausted before the 22nd century," say several prominent physicists. "There is a direct link between the vanishing of the ozone layer and the decrease in the earth's gravity supply. 
         We're already seeing the effects of the disappearance of the ozone layer, but we're not likely to feel the effects of vanishing gravity during our lifetimes. However, our children will probably have to deal with the issue."
          It is interesting to think of some of the results science has yet to consider. The obvious impact will be on engineering, like keeping bridges and buildings weighted down. 
        But what about sports? Breaking records for the high jump will become easier. Football kicks will grow longer and a 92-yard field goal will not be unheard of.
          Until scientists discover a cheaper alternative, we need to help.  We can conserve Gravity by just following these simple suggestions:

1)  Walk with a light step. Carry helium balloons if possible.
(2)  Use tape, magnets or glue instead of paperweights.
(3)   Give up skiing and skydiving for more horizontal sports like snorkeling.
(4)   Avoid showers  ...  take baths instead.
(5) Don't hang all your clothes in the closet, keep them in one big pile.
(6) Stop flipping pancakes.

          This is most assuredly not a joke. What could be more serious? After all, gravity is the opposite of comedy. You may be laughing now, but just picture your great-grandchildren wearing safety tethers and tied to concrete posts, unable to play outdoorsfor fear of floating away on a windy day.

          Please be gravity conscious, while we still have some.

(NOTE - I wanted to use this report on April 1, but I forgot to do so.  I think my copy became attached to my helium balloons while I was walking with light steps!) 

(1)   I sing the mighty power of God,

that made the mountains rise,

that spread the flowing seas abroad,

and built the lofty skies.

I sing the wisdom that ordained

the sun to rule the day;

The moon shines full at God's command,

and all the stars obey.

(2)     I sing the goodness of the Lord,

who filled the earth with food,

Who formed the creatures through the Word,

and then pronounced them good.

Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed,

wherever I turn my eye,

If I survey the ground I tread,

or gaze upon the sky.

(3)      There's not a plant or flower below,

but makes Thy glories known,

And clouds arise, and tempests blow,

by order from Thy throne;

While all that borrows life from Thee

is ever in Thy care;

And everywhere that man can be,

Thou, God art present there.