It is time for you to act, O Lord; your law is being broken. Psalm 119:126
Last week when I decided Psalm 119 was going to be the basis for all the meditations this month, centering on GOD’S WORD, I very quickly wrote down the seven verses I thought I would choose from. One of my favorite quotes that comes from one of my favorite authors, Henri Nowen, says: “You will learn the most by listening carefully to the Word that seeks admission to your heart.” These were the seven verses that sought admission to my heart at a particular time when I needed to hear each one. (The Word of God is, indeed, alive and powerful!) But none of them spoke to me today, even though I thought one of them would; it was verse 126 that sought admission to my heart: “It is time for you to act, O Lord; your law is being broken.”
I know with soldiers being killed in a war that seems like it will never end and soldiers preparing to go into battle, being killed by one of their very own (a Major) and moms, driving drunk while high on marijuana, killing innocent children (and the list could go on and on) I, myself, have wanted to bring to God’s attention the very same thing the Psalmist did here.
Today, I want to ask God the first of several questions I'm going to ask this week, already knowing the answer. I want to remind myself, and probably you, that He does know, He does see, He does care and He is keenly aware that his law is being broken.
This is my first question:
“Can You not possibly see what’s going on right now?”
And He answers me in Isaiah 46 verses 9 through 11.
“I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
From ancient times, what is still to come.
I say: My purpose will stand,
And I will do all that I please.
From the east I summon a bird of prey;
From a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that will I bring about;
What I have planned, that will I do.”
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Psalm 119:105 Thursday
“Your word is a lamp for my foot and a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
When I saw the word “foot” in the Complete Jewish Bible, I checked to see what Young’s Literal Translation said and sure enough the verse reads, “A lamp to my foot [is] Thy word, And a light to my path.” I love that, because what I believe about God’s plan and mine, is substantiated in this translation.
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord purpose that prevails.” Pro. 19:21
Do I think we ought to throw caution to the wind and not make any plans? No, I don’t. But what I’ve learned over the last 54 years is that when I think I have the plan, God always shows me who’s in charge.
His word is a lamp for my foot—not feet—my foot. When I have considered this verse in the past, I have visualized myself walking down this path with both feet on the path. But when I visualized this verse today, after reading it in the original language, I saw one foot at a time, not two, going down the path. I saw one foot in the air freeze-framed at all times, with the other on the ground. I am not determining my “walk” I am raising my foot for God to determine my walk. Where I want to go and where He wants me to go may be two entirely different places.
I can look back over my life and see where God’s plan and mine did not coincide.
I was going to be physically fit all my life. I was not by the age of 30.
I was never going to marry. I married.
I was going to be a high school English teacher for life. I taught for two years.
I was going to have three children. I had two children and a hysterectomy.
I was going to climb the corporate ladder. I became a stay-at-home mom.
I was going to speak publically for God because I hated writing. Now I’m writing publically for God and not speaking.
God has proved over and over again that I do not know what will happen tomorrow. That my life is a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. That I must say, “If it is the Lord’s will, I will do this or that.”
“By faith, Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Heb. 11:8
“I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.” Jer. 10:23
My we have the willingness to raise our foot, honoring God wherever it lands.
When I saw the word “foot” in the Complete Jewish Bible, I checked to see what Young’s Literal Translation said and sure enough the verse reads, “A lamp to my foot [is] Thy word, And a light to my path.” I love that, because what I believe about God’s plan and mine, is substantiated in this translation.
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord purpose that prevails.” Pro. 19:21
Do I think we ought to throw caution to the wind and not make any plans? No, I don’t. But what I’ve learned over the last 54 years is that when I think I have the plan, God always shows me who’s in charge.
His word is a lamp for my foot—not feet—my foot. When I have considered this verse in the past, I have visualized myself walking down this path with both feet on the path. But when I visualized this verse today, after reading it in the original language, I saw one foot at a time, not two, going down the path. I saw one foot in the air freeze-framed at all times, with the other on the ground. I am not determining my “walk” I am raising my foot for God to determine my walk. Where I want to go and where He wants me to go may be two entirely different places.
I can look back over my life and see where God’s plan and mine did not coincide.
I was going to be physically fit all my life. I was not by the age of 30.
I was never going to marry. I married.
I was going to be a high school English teacher for life. I taught for two years.
I was going to have three children. I had two children and a hysterectomy.
I was going to climb the corporate ladder. I became a stay-at-home mom.
I was going to speak publically for God because I hated writing. Now I’m writing publically for God and not speaking.
God has proved over and over again that I do not know what will happen tomorrow. That my life is a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. That I must say, “If it is the Lord’s will, I will do this or that.”
“By faith, Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Heb. 11:8
“I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.” Jer. 10:23
My we have the willingness to raise our foot, honoring God wherever it lands.
Psalm 119:105 Wednesday
“Your word is a lamp for my foot and a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
In the Hebrew, the word for lamp is NIYR meaning candle, lamp, light, from the word that means to glisten.
In the Hebrew, the word for light is OWR meaning illumination or luminary. It is a diffused light such as light of day, light of the sun or sun itself.
The lamp (NIYR) is a smaller light, like a candle, that glistens. Light that is diffused (OWR) is large like the sun.
Little by little we see the step. With more and more light, we see the path.
In the Hebrew, the word for lamp is NIYR meaning candle, lamp, light, from the word that means to glisten.
In the Hebrew, the word for light is OWR meaning illumination or luminary. It is a diffused light such as light of day, light of the sun or sun itself.
The lamp (NIYR) is a smaller light, like a candle, that glistens. Light that is diffused (OWR) is large like the sun.
Little by little we see the step. With more and more light, we see the path.
Psalm 119:105 Tuesday
"Your word IS a lamp for my foot and light on my path." Psalm 119:105 CJB
When I was meditating on what I was going to say today – thoughts centering around the words Your word IS -- I remembered two pieces of paper that are priceless to me. (Laura, if you’re reading this, none of them are from you, honey. But I want you to know you hold the most priceless. Don’t ever doubt that; I have an entire folder full of things you’ve written me.) Two paper napkins with words written on them from three very special people. Tonya wrote “I was thinking of you today as I picked these, and wanted you to have some.” -- a friend picking strawberries who brought them, because she thought of me that day. And on the other napkin is mine, Bo Reh’s and Ku Reh’s names, that I asked them to write in Burmese, Karenni and English, Sunday night when we took them out to eat at Mancino’s, after Home Bible Study. [Two boys come from Burmese refugee camps to America and we take them out to eat pizza and teach them how to eat with their hands again. Somehow, something just seems wrong with this picture. Doesn’t it?] I asked them to write their name in Karenni, which is their native language, and in Burmese, which is different from Karenni. (Even though I call all my students Burmese, they come from different ethnic groups within the same country. Bo Reh and Ku Reh speak both languages. I asked them to write their names because I wanted them to see how hard their language is for me to read; they already know I can’t speak it. The meaning of a word depends on whether the ending sound goes up or down, the nouns and verbs are in different places compared to ours and every letter is written in circles, because the leaf they wrote on originally, would tear if they wrote in straight lines.) Then in the middle of our names written in Karenni and Burmese, are our names written in English; they write very readable English.
Just two napkins containing 28 words, total. And I would take nothing for either one. I’ve had Tonya’s on the refrigerator since May. Bo Reh and Ku Reh’s napkin I’ll put on the refrigerator today and in a file folder later on so I won’t lose it.The thing that makes these two napkins so significant to me is the relationship I have with the people who wrote the words. On Bo Reh and Ku Reh’s napkin, even though it’s only names, it’s their names. And even though it’s their names, those names belong to my students. And those students are very special people who had a very miserable life in a place they came from, but who have a significantly better life now. I’ve taken pictures of them so I’ll remember their faces. I’ve given them things like food and the basic necessities of life. We’ve gone places together. Even though we don’t speak each other’s language, we try. Tonya -- just a friend who once sat in my Bible classes who teaches classes of her own now -- Was there in the crowd when I taped my videos -- Told me she would use them for her clients suffering from depression -- Always giving me good advice from a counselor’s perspective, even though she’s a stay-at-home mom now -- Bringing me strawberries on a very bad day—leaving me a message on a napkin because she had nothing else to write on.
THE BIBLE: Book of the ages. Food for the soul. Divinely inspired. Furnishes light. A devouring flame. A crushing hammer. A life-giving force. A saving power. A penetrating sword. Written with a purpose. The standard of faith. Contains seed for the sower. Absolutely trustworthy. Profitable for instruction. Inspired by the Spirit. Worn on the hand and forehead. Written on the doorframes. Studied by rulers. Taught in the Psalms. Delight of the righteous. Effective. Enduring. Perfect. And Pure. Reverenced by people who stood when read. Left on the shelf. Never opened. Ignored.
It’s a book, not a napkin, not insignificant, not something to be thrown away. It’s meant to be read, not dusted once a week. It’s made people become martyrs because they proclaimed it. Yet it stays on the shelf waiting to be read by weak Christians.
Like Tonya and Bo Reh and Ku Reh’s napkin, The Bible is not just words written on a page, it’s about relationships, i.e. the author’s relationship with me, and my relationship with Him. It’s about names. Knowing His name and Him knowing mine.
It’s about being a student reading his book—his love letter to me. Reading. Studying. Memorizing.
It’s about a journey that takes me from where I once lived in a miserable condition, to being saved, with a Heavenly home.
It’s about someone who knows the very hairs on my head.
It’s about someone who supplies my every need and more.
It’s about being with someone who never leaves or forsakes me.
It’s about learning to speak His language (knowing I never will but trying).
God’s will for me is to be in his Word – to sit at His feet and listen. The natural progression of learning is to read, study, and memorize and to read, study and memorize some more.
Memorization starts with reading, which means if I want to memorize it, I must start reading it. Memorization makes me familiar with His words. With memorization His words are hidden within me. I take them wherever I go. If I really do know His words and do what He says, it’s hard for me to separate myself from Him. I do what He says. I recognize His voice. His words are life-changing for me. I start hearing them all the time. I can’t hear anything else. I have to speak them to others because they’re in my mind and on my tongue. Some people love talking to me; some people don’t. I eventually have no words but His – no life but His; I have died to myself and He now lives in me. I have tried, tested and approved His will. I have come to know it as His good, pleasing and perfect will.
I have made memories with God; I have been with Him so much. My relationship with Him is so much more than reading words on a page. What starts out as just sitting at his feet changes me into His image.
Maybe........that's why Satan........tries..........to keep me........from it.
Ancient Words
Ever New
Changing Me
And changing you
We have come with open hearts
O Let the ancient words impart.
When I was meditating on what I was going to say today – thoughts centering around the words Your word IS -- I remembered two pieces of paper that are priceless to me. (Laura, if you’re reading this, none of them are from you, honey. But I want you to know you hold the most priceless. Don’t ever doubt that; I have an entire folder full of things you’ve written me.) Two paper napkins with words written on them from three very special people. Tonya wrote “I was thinking of you today as I picked these, and wanted you to have some.” -- a friend picking strawberries who brought them, because she thought of me that day. And on the other napkin is mine, Bo Reh’s and Ku Reh’s names, that I asked them to write in Burmese, Karenni and English, Sunday night when we took them out to eat at Mancino’s, after Home Bible Study. [Two boys come from Burmese refugee camps to America and we take them out to eat pizza and teach them how to eat with their hands again. Somehow, something just seems wrong with this picture. Doesn’t it?] I asked them to write their name in Karenni, which is their native language, and in Burmese, which is different from Karenni. (Even though I call all my students Burmese, they come from different ethnic groups within the same country. Bo Reh and Ku Reh speak both languages. I asked them to write their names because I wanted them to see how hard their language is for me to read; they already know I can’t speak it. The meaning of a word depends on whether the ending sound goes up or down, the nouns and verbs are in different places compared to ours and every letter is written in circles, because the leaf they wrote on originally, would tear if they wrote in straight lines.) Then in the middle of our names written in Karenni and Burmese, are our names written in English; they write very readable English.
Just two napkins containing 28 words, total. And I would take nothing for either one. I’ve had Tonya’s on the refrigerator since May. Bo Reh and Ku Reh’s napkin I’ll put on the refrigerator today and in a file folder later on so I won’t lose it.The thing that makes these two napkins so significant to me is the relationship I have with the people who wrote the words. On Bo Reh and Ku Reh’s napkin, even though it’s only names, it’s their names. And even though it’s their names, those names belong to my students. And those students are very special people who had a very miserable life in a place they came from, but who have a significantly better life now. I’ve taken pictures of them so I’ll remember their faces. I’ve given them things like food and the basic necessities of life. We’ve gone places together. Even though we don’t speak each other’s language, we try. Tonya -- just a friend who once sat in my Bible classes who teaches classes of her own now -- Was there in the crowd when I taped my videos -- Told me she would use them for her clients suffering from depression -- Always giving me good advice from a counselor’s perspective, even though she’s a stay-at-home mom now -- Bringing me strawberries on a very bad day—leaving me a message on a napkin because she had nothing else to write on.
THE BIBLE: Book of the ages. Food for the soul. Divinely inspired. Furnishes light. A devouring flame. A crushing hammer. A life-giving force. A saving power. A penetrating sword. Written with a purpose. The standard of faith. Contains seed for the sower. Absolutely trustworthy. Profitable for instruction. Inspired by the Spirit. Worn on the hand and forehead. Written on the doorframes. Studied by rulers. Taught in the Psalms. Delight of the righteous. Effective. Enduring. Perfect. And Pure. Reverenced by people who stood when read. Left on the shelf. Never opened. Ignored.
It’s a book, not a napkin, not insignificant, not something to be thrown away. It’s meant to be read, not dusted once a week. It’s made people become martyrs because they proclaimed it. Yet it stays on the shelf waiting to be read by weak Christians.
Like Tonya and Bo Reh and Ku Reh’s napkin, The Bible is not just words written on a page, it’s about relationships, i.e. the author’s relationship with me, and my relationship with Him. It’s about names. Knowing His name and Him knowing mine.
It’s about being a student reading his book—his love letter to me. Reading. Studying. Memorizing.
It’s about a journey that takes me from where I once lived in a miserable condition, to being saved, with a Heavenly home.
It’s about someone who knows the very hairs on my head.
It’s about someone who supplies my every need and more.
It’s about being with someone who never leaves or forsakes me.
It’s about learning to speak His language (knowing I never will but trying).
God’s will for me is to be in his Word – to sit at His feet and listen. The natural progression of learning is to read, study, and memorize and to read, study and memorize some more.
Memorization starts with reading, which means if I want to memorize it, I must start reading it. Memorization makes me familiar with His words. With memorization His words are hidden within me. I take them wherever I go. If I really do know His words and do what He says, it’s hard for me to separate myself from Him. I do what He says. I recognize His voice. His words are life-changing for me. I start hearing them all the time. I can’t hear anything else. I have to speak them to others because they’re in my mind and on my tongue. Some people love talking to me; some people don’t. I eventually have no words but His – no life but His; I have died to myself and He now lives in me. I have tried, tested and approved His will. I have come to know it as His good, pleasing and perfect will.
I have made memories with God; I have been with Him so much. My relationship with Him is so much more than reading words on a page. What starts out as just sitting at his feet changes me into His image.
Maybe........that's why Satan........tries..........to keep me........from it.
Ancient Words
Ever New
Changing Me
And changing you
We have come with open hearts
O Let the ancient words impart.
Psalm 119:105 Monday
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path,” is the familiar way we normally say Psalm 119:105, which is taken from the NIV. But for this week, I want us to meditate on the Complete Jewish Bible's translation.“Your word is a lamp for my foot and light on my path.”
Psalm 119:105 According to the Hebrew, this is the more accurate translation. By the end of the week, I hope you understand why and that it’s the version you’ll always remember, whether you quote it that way or not.
In September we meditated on God and who He is. In October we meditated on who we are as a result of who God is and how we should respond. This month I want us to meditate on the Word of God, specifically as depicted in Psalm 119. I wish I knew who wrote this beautiful, incredible chapter, so I could give him credit for writing it. Even though Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, I want us to read it in its entirety at least once a week for the next four weeks – more often if possible.
Today's words are Your word. A quote I read years ago, but have never forgotten--simple yet profound--states the message I want to convey.
"THE WORD became flesh to become words again." Think about it.
Psalm 119:105 According to the Hebrew, this is the more accurate translation. By the end of the week, I hope you understand why and that it’s the version you’ll always remember, whether you quote it that way or not.
In September we meditated on God and who He is. In October we meditated on who we are as a result of who God is and how we should respond. This month I want us to meditate on the Word of God, specifically as depicted in Psalm 119. I wish I knew who wrote this beautiful, incredible chapter, so I could give him credit for writing it. Even though Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, I want us to read it in its entirety at least once a week for the next four weeks – more often if possible.
Today's words are Your word. A quote I read years ago, but have never forgotten--simple yet profound--states the message I want to convey.
"THE WORD became flesh to become words again." Think about it.
With Gratitude in Your Hearts to God
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16
I’ve kept a gratitude journal off-and-on since 1997. When I saw Sarah Ban Breathnach on the Oprah Show I was amazed that something like a gratitude journal could become a best seller on the New York Times bestselling list. But it did. There must be something to this gratitude thing, I thought.
On March 14, and 15, 1997 the church in Jackson, Tennessee asked me to speak at a ladies’ retreat. The theme for the week-end was gratitude. The ladies had planned that each woman would receive a gratitude journal with a message inside written by her husband. Somehow, without me even knowing it, Phil dedicated one to me and they surprised me with it on Friday night. I was floored, not expecting one at all. Even though I was not faithful keeping it at first, I have been faithful to write in one for the last six years. I write down five things I’m thankful for, for that day, every night.
It’s very revealing to look back over these journals and see exactly what happened each year – every year telling a different story—what we went through—my attitude toward it. I thought, for this meditation, I needed to go back, the last four years in a row, to see what I was grateful for July 28 through August 2. Notice the dates; they will tell the story.
2006
July 28– Going to the lake with Ruth and Larson, Rest, Relaxing, Time with Ruth to talk, Friends, Honesty
July 30 – I was born 51 years ago, Prayers, Burdens lifted
2007
July 28, – Dot (my mother-in-law) is 82 today, Playing pool with Clinton and Laura, doing something you’re bad at but having a good time, A new swim suit for Destin, Amazon approved me today
July 30 – Phil went to Dr. Phillips, Phil went to Dr. Gaba, Phil went to the hospital, I am 52 today, I have a husband today who thinks the world of me. And then I add in the margin: hope of better days to come, Friends singing “Happy Birthday” to me in Phil’s hospital room.
At the end of each month there is a blank page where you can write to summarize the month. This is what I wrote for July of 2007.
The world has stopped right now and is only centering around what really matters. Phil is having open heart surgery tomorrow and I know it’s a win/win situation for him and changes are in store for all of us. There will be much suffering and hard, hard days but God will get us through. I have prayed for him to slow down and not be so busy and now God has “made him lie down” to look more closely at the green pastures. I prayed for this and God answered…not the heart attack but the result. He has been my rock for 32+ years and now I can be his. Thank-you God I have a son who would die for him and who will help me get through this with Phil. They both broke down today and I did not. Clinton came, went back and will come again tonight. Phil and I are blessed with closeness of family and friends. This too will pass and we’ll be better.
August 1– Peace in the storm, saying what matters, time alone on a little bed, knowing God is in control, knowing God.
August 2 – Dr. Carter and Dr. Moore, A very skilled surgeon, Waking up, Great nurses, Modern medicine, Hearing the words “It was a success.”
2008
July 28 – 1st anniversary of Phil’s heart attack, Curd Thomas went home, Laura called, Went to movie with Deborah & Leah, Have been to see Mama Mia 3 times, Just a normal day, Phil said “Life is short. God got it right when he said ‘life is a vapor.’”
July 30 – My 53rd birthday. Nashville with David, Kelly and Bella, John Deeb bought our supper, Free facial and hand cream; Made it to Dr. Crevar’s after quick shower and make-up. (And that’s something to be grateful for, for me.)
On the blank page after the month of July, 2008 I wrote, “This has been one of the most stressful months in our married life.” (In a period of 18 months we had had five hospitalizations, two house payments, a heart attack, a triple by-pass, and a wedding.)
August 2 – Bella said Nanna 3 times this a.m. at Bob Evans—first time; supper at O’Charley’s with Ruth and Larson; Ruth gave me a linen outfit; Watching the Bucket List with Ruth and Larson; Bistro chicken at O’Charley’s; Phil’s heart surgery was 1 year ago today—(a day so different from last year’s.) Thank-you God he’s here.
2009
July 27 – Planned Angie’s funeral. (Angie was a thirty year old girl who attended our church who came to my Bible classes and had many health problems, to say the least. She had had 4 back surgeries in 4 years, had sugar diabetes, HBP, asthma, an enlarged heart, balance problems because she was deaf in one ear, Crohn’s disease, and had just found out she had glaucoma. Angie lived alone, so when we found her, the coroner said she had been dead at least 10 days, before my husband, a friend of mine and I found her.) I asked if I could speak at her funeral. Her mother said yes.
July 28 – Angie’s funeral; Great funeral – 1 hour long; I spoke; Did well; So did Karen and Russ; 100 or so at funeral (realistically, maybe 50); Laura (my daughter) was there.
July 30 – My birthday; Owensboro with Ruth and Larson; Saw Marilyn; Courage to walk out of a movie; Ate at Olive Garden; Ruth bought me a purse.
What do I see when I look back over the last four years? What do I see written within the pages of my gratitude journals?
I see good times and bad—sometimes in the same day. This is what I wrote on the day I found Angie. Walked at Parks & Rec. with Ruth at 10:00; had lunch at Ichabon with Phil, Ruth and Larson at 12:00; we all went to see the movie (The Proposal) at 2:40; grilled steaks at the lake at 6:00; took boat ride at sunset; found Angie dead at midnight. One of the best days of my life ended in sorrow.
I see relationships with family (Phil, David, Kelly, Bella, Laura and Clinton).
I see good times with friends, especially Ruth and Larson.
I see heartache and pain, with sickness, heart attacks and hospitalizations.
I see celebrations of joy in birthdays -- my birthdays – knowing they come, but never knowing what to expect.
I see supper at Cracker Barrel with friends and breakfast at Bob Evans with family.
I see times of strength and times of weakness.
There were times I thought it couldn’t get any worse and it did. There were times I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel but it came.
My sisters, gratitude is an attitude. It is not something that comes out of good fortune or fame, feeling good or “having the world by the tail.” In 1997 when Phil wrote in my first journal I had no idea what the future held. But, I did know who held the future, even though I had no idea the heartache it would bring. I have chosen to be grateful.
In 2006 on the inside cover of my new gratitude journal I wrote, “Last year was one of the worst---May this year be one of the best.” And it wasn’t. 2007 was the year of Phil’s heart attack. On the blank page after July of 2008 I wrote, “This has been one of the most stressful months in our married life. ….. We could not have written a script that would have been any worse.” But God could and He did. From May 19 to June 9, 2009 our daughter Laura was hospitalized. Those of you who were in the Titus 2 Group then, know what we went through. It was the darkest days of our family’s life.
Why do I present such a bleak picture? To let you know I kept, and keep, a gratitude journal in the midst of turmoil and pain. As a matter of fact, the gratitude journal gets me through the pain. When Phil had his heart attack and our house wouldn’t sell and Laura was hospitalized for 21 days, knowing every day I had to come up with 5 things to be grateful for, caused me to be grateful. I looked for those five things.
James tells us to "consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds, because the testing of our faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. But if any of us lacks wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” I believe the wisdom James is talking about here, comes from us asking God how to deal with the trials were having, that tests our faith. I believe if we ask him for wisdom (wisdom: the right use of knowledge) he will give it. Paul tells us in Colossians 3:16 to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, which is what God gives us, if we ask, when we have trials. Then he says “as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” which we cannot do WITHOUT GRATITUDE IN OUR HEARTS TO GOD.
On August 1, 2007, gratitude is what enabled me to write, “The world has stopped right now and is only centering around what really matters. Phil is having open heart surgery tomorrow and I know it’s a win/win situation for him and changes are in store for all of us. There will be much suffering and hard, hard, days but God will get us through.”
This is what Phil wrote in my journal back in 1997.
Dear Teresa,
I knew that the other wives were getting a message from their husbands and I didn’t want you to feel left out. I know that you will do a good job on the lessons that you have prepared. I hope that it will be a spiritual experience for the women that you teach. I believe that God will speak through you to touch many lives this weekend.
Love,Phil
Ladies, I have sat for years at Jesus’ feet, listening to his words, pondering, growing, meditating. I am amazed at how comforting his words can be. Only by listening to his voice have I been able to sing when sadness prevailed. Only then could I have gratitude in my heart.
I’ve kept a gratitude journal off-and-on since 1997. When I saw Sarah Ban Breathnach on the Oprah Show I was amazed that something like a gratitude journal could become a best seller on the New York Times bestselling list. But it did. There must be something to this gratitude thing, I thought.
On March 14, and 15, 1997 the church in Jackson, Tennessee asked me to speak at a ladies’ retreat. The theme for the week-end was gratitude. The ladies had planned that each woman would receive a gratitude journal with a message inside written by her husband. Somehow, without me even knowing it, Phil dedicated one to me and they surprised me with it on Friday night. I was floored, not expecting one at all. Even though I was not faithful keeping it at first, I have been faithful to write in one for the last six years. I write down five things I’m thankful for, for that day, every night.
It’s very revealing to look back over these journals and see exactly what happened each year – every year telling a different story—what we went through—my attitude toward it. I thought, for this meditation, I needed to go back, the last four years in a row, to see what I was grateful for July 28 through August 2. Notice the dates; they will tell the story.
2006
July 28– Going to the lake with Ruth and Larson, Rest, Relaxing, Time with Ruth to talk, Friends, Honesty
July 30 – I was born 51 years ago, Prayers, Burdens lifted
2007
July 28, – Dot (my mother-in-law) is 82 today, Playing pool with Clinton and Laura, doing something you’re bad at but having a good time, A new swim suit for Destin, Amazon approved me today
July 30 – Phil went to Dr. Phillips, Phil went to Dr. Gaba, Phil went to the hospital, I am 52 today, I have a husband today who thinks the world of me. And then I add in the margin: hope of better days to come, Friends singing “Happy Birthday” to me in Phil’s hospital room.
At the end of each month there is a blank page where you can write to summarize the month. This is what I wrote for July of 2007.
The world has stopped right now and is only centering around what really matters. Phil is having open heart surgery tomorrow and I know it’s a win/win situation for him and changes are in store for all of us. There will be much suffering and hard, hard days but God will get us through. I have prayed for him to slow down and not be so busy and now God has “made him lie down” to look more closely at the green pastures. I prayed for this and God answered…not the heart attack but the result. He has been my rock for 32+ years and now I can be his. Thank-you God I have a son who would die for him and who will help me get through this with Phil. They both broke down today and I did not. Clinton came, went back and will come again tonight. Phil and I are blessed with closeness of family and friends. This too will pass and we’ll be better.
August 1– Peace in the storm, saying what matters, time alone on a little bed, knowing God is in control, knowing God.
August 2 – Dr. Carter and Dr. Moore, A very skilled surgeon, Waking up, Great nurses, Modern medicine, Hearing the words “It was a success.”
2008
July 28 – 1st anniversary of Phil’s heart attack, Curd Thomas went home, Laura called, Went to movie with Deborah & Leah, Have been to see Mama Mia 3 times, Just a normal day, Phil said “Life is short. God got it right when he said ‘life is a vapor.’”
July 30 – My 53rd birthday. Nashville with David, Kelly and Bella, John Deeb bought our supper, Free facial and hand cream; Made it to Dr. Crevar’s after quick shower and make-up. (And that’s something to be grateful for, for me.)
On the blank page after the month of July, 2008 I wrote, “This has been one of the most stressful months in our married life.” (In a period of 18 months we had had five hospitalizations, two house payments, a heart attack, a triple by-pass, and a wedding.)
August 2 – Bella said Nanna 3 times this a.m. at Bob Evans—first time; supper at O’Charley’s with Ruth and Larson; Ruth gave me a linen outfit; Watching the Bucket List with Ruth and Larson; Bistro chicken at O’Charley’s; Phil’s heart surgery was 1 year ago today—(a day so different from last year’s.) Thank-you God he’s here.
2009
July 27 – Planned Angie’s funeral. (Angie was a thirty year old girl who attended our church who came to my Bible classes and had many health problems, to say the least. She had had 4 back surgeries in 4 years, had sugar diabetes, HBP, asthma, an enlarged heart, balance problems because she was deaf in one ear, Crohn’s disease, and had just found out she had glaucoma. Angie lived alone, so when we found her, the coroner said she had been dead at least 10 days, before my husband, a friend of mine and I found her.) I asked if I could speak at her funeral. Her mother said yes.
July 28 – Angie’s funeral; Great funeral – 1 hour long; I spoke; Did well; So did Karen and Russ; 100 or so at funeral (realistically, maybe 50); Laura (my daughter) was there.
July 30 – My birthday; Owensboro with Ruth and Larson; Saw Marilyn; Courage to walk out of a movie; Ate at Olive Garden; Ruth bought me a purse.
What do I see when I look back over the last four years? What do I see written within the pages of my gratitude journals?
I see good times and bad—sometimes in the same day. This is what I wrote on the day I found Angie. Walked at Parks & Rec. with Ruth at 10:00; had lunch at Ichabon with Phil, Ruth and Larson at 12:00; we all went to see the movie (The Proposal) at 2:40; grilled steaks at the lake at 6:00; took boat ride at sunset; found Angie dead at midnight. One of the best days of my life ended in sorrow.
I see relationships with family (Phil, David, Kelly, Bella, Laura and Clinton).
I see good times with friends, especially Ruth and Larson.
I see heartache and pain, with sickness, heart attacks and hospitalizations.
I see celebrations of joy in birthdays -- my birthdays – knowing they come, but never knowing what to expect.
I see supper at Cracker Barrel with friends and breakfast at Bob Evans with family.
I see times of strength and times of weakness.
There were times I thought it couldn’t get any worse and it did. There were times I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel but it came.
My sisters, gratitude is an attitude. It is not something that comes out of good fortune or fame, feeling good or “having the world by the tail.” In 1997 when Phil wrote in my first journal I had no idea what the future held. But, I did know who held the future, even though I had no idea the heartache it would bring. I have chosen to be grateful.
In 2006 on the inside cover of my new gratitude journal I wrote, “Last year was one of the worst---May this year be one of the best.” And it wasn’t. 2007 was the year of Phil’s heart attack. On the blank page after July of 2008 I wrote, “This has been one of the most stressful months in our married life. ….. We could not have written a script that would have been any worse.” But God could and He did. From May 19 to June 9, 2009 our daughter Laura was hospitalized. Those of you who were in the Titus 2 Group then, know what we went through. It was the darkest days of our family’s life.
Why do I present such a bleak picture? To let you know I kept, and keep, a gratitude journal in the midst of turmoil and pain. As a matter of fact, the gratitude journal gets me through the pain. When Phil had his heart attack and our house wouldn’t sell and Laura was hospitalized for 21 days, knowing every day I had to come up with 5 things to be grateful for, caused me to be grateful. I looked for those five things.
James tells us to "consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds, because the testing of our faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. But if any of us lacks wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” I believe the wisdom James is talking about here, comes from us asking God how to deal with the trials were having, that tests our faith. I believe if we ask him for wisdom (wisdom: the right use of knowledge) he will give it. Paul tells us in Colossians 3:16 to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, which is what God gives us, if we ask, when we have trials. Then he says “as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” which we cannot do WITHOUT GRATITUDE IN OUR HEARTS TO GOD.
On August 1, 2007, gratitude is what enabled me to write, “The world has stopped right now and is only centering around what really matters. Phil is having open heart surgery tomorrow and I know it’s a win/win situation for him and changes are in store for all of us. There will be much suffering and hard, hard, days but God will get us through.”
This is what Phil wrote in my journal back in 1997.
Dear Teresa,
I knew that the other wives were getting a message from their husbands and I didn’t want you to feel left out. I know that you will do a good job on the lessons that you have prepared. I hope that it will be a spiritual experience for the women that you teach. I believe that God will speak through you to touch many lives this weekend.
Love,Phil
Ladies, I have sat for years at Jesus’ feet, listening to his words, pondering, growing, meditating. I am amazed at how comforting his words can be. Only by listening to his voice have I been able to sing when sadness prevailed. Only then could I have gratitude in my heart.
Colossians 3:16 Wednesday
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16
On Monday, Kristen Bridgman wrote a blog, before she even knew what the question of the week was going to be, called The Old Hymns. I asked her if I could use it for today's (Thurs.'s) meditation since the words for today are, "as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs." I think you'll understand after reading it, why I asked her if I could. In the same message where I asked her permission, I also asked her forgiveness because if she hadn't gotten back with me, I was going to use it anyway. :)
During a difficult period in my life, my aunt, gifted in music, encouraged me to read the words of the old hymns and take comfort in them. This turned out to be wonderful advice.
I love the praise and worship music sung in the churches today but they are not quite like the old hymns. The words are deep and meaningful and you can witness this by scanning the church during a hymn and more than likely you will spot an older woman with tears streaming down her face because the words speak to her, she is identifying with the truth behind those words. I have come to be one of those women now. Here are just a few of the sacred ones:
“When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrow, like sea billow roll; whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, “It is well, it is well, with my soul.”
“Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word; just to rest upon His promise; just to know thus saith the Lord. Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!”
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.”
“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone, because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living, JUST because He lives.”
I am so thankful for God inspiring the hearts of these hymn writers hundreds of years ago and that they stood the test of time just like His Word. They have given me strength, have lifted my spirits, and helped me to go at those times when I just wanted to crawl under the covers and not get up.There is such power in singing the hymns and we see this with Paul. He was nearly stoned to death, three times beaten with rods, received 195 lashes from the Jews, and bloodily beaten in the Philippian jail. After all this he endured, he sits in jail and we read this about him:
“About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25
We know what transpired next because of this hymn singing. Not only were they ministering to the neighboring prisoners, but a great earthquake shook so that their chains were broken and the prison doors flew open. The jailer and his family were all saved and baptized that night and they were all filled with joy! Wow!!!
Amazing grace, we believers have it. We may not always feel it but we can reach down inside of ourselves for it by belting out one of these beloved hymns. You don’t have to feel it to praise, just do it! There is power in praise and in these old words.
From Stream in the Desert,
Oh, let us rejoice in the Lord, evermore, when darts of the Tempter are flying, for Satan still dreads, as he oft did before, Our singing much more than our crying.”
I believe in a good, cleansing cry every now and then. But let’s also remember to raise our voices with the wonderful words of the old hymns. Really pay attention to what is being said. It not only will lift your spirits, give you courage, and please the Lord but will send the ol’ devil fleeing. It’s worth it just for that!
Remember, Jesus Paid it All, At the Cross, The Old Rugged Cross. We have been Washed in the Blood and can now say I am Thine, O Lord, I am Thine O Lord. We are leaning on the Everlasting Arms and Bringing in the Sheaves. We believers can gather together and sing, When We All Get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.
“God be with you till we meet again! By His counsels guide, uphold you, with His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again!
Are you humming yet?
On Monday, Kristen Bridgman wrote a blog, before she even knew what the question of the week was going to be, called The Old Hymns. I asked her if I could use it for today's (Thurs.'s) meditation since the words for today are, "as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs." I think you'll understand after reading it, why I asked her if I could. In the same message where I asked her permission, I also asked her forgiveness because if she hadn't gotten back with me, I was going to use it anyway. :)
During a difficult period in my life, my aunt, gifted in music, encouraged me to read the words of the old hymns and take comfort in them. This turned out to be wonderful advice.
I love the praise and worship music sung in the churches today but they are not quite like the old hymns. The words are deep and meaningful and you can witness this by scanning the church during a hymn and more than likely you will spot an older woman with tears streaming down her face because the words speak to her, she is identifying with the truth behind those words. I have come to be one of those women now. Here are just a few of the sacred ones:
“When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrow, like sea billow roll; whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, “It is well, it is well, with my soul.”
“Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word; just to rest upon His promise; just to know thus saith the Lord. Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!”
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.”
“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone, because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living, JUST because He lives.”
I am so thankful for God inspiring the hearts of these hymn writers hundreds of years ago and that they stood the test of time just like His Word. They have given me strength, have lifted my spirits, and helped me to go at those times when I just wanted to crawl under the covers and not get up.There is such power in singing the hymns and we see this with Paul. He was nearly stoned to death, three times beaten with rods, received 195 lashes from the Jews, and bloodily beaten in the Philippian jail. After all this he endured, he sits in jail and we read this about him:
“About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25
We know what transpired next because of this hymn singing. Not only were they ministering to the neighboring prisoners, but a great earthquake shook so that their chains were broken and the prison doors flew open. The jailer and his family were all saved and baptized that night and they were all filled with joy! Wow!!!
Amazing grace, we believers have it. We may not always feel it but we can reach down inside of ourselves for it by belting out one of these beloved hymns. You don’t have to feel it to praise, just do it! There is power in praise and in these old words.
From Stream in the Desert,
Oh, let us rejoice in the Lord, evermore, when darts of the Tempter are flying, for Satan still dreads, as he oft did before, Our singing much more than our crying.”
I believe in a good, cleansing cry every now and then. But let’s also remember to raise our voices with the wonderful words of the old hymns. Really pay attention to what is being said. It not only will lift your spirits, give you courage, and please the Lord but will send the ol’ devil fleeing. It’s worth it just for that!
Remember, Jesus Paid it All, At the Cross, The Old Rugged Cross. We have been Washed in the Blood and can now say I am Thine, O Lord, I am Thine O Lord. We are leaning on the Everlasting Arms and Bringing in the Sheaves. We believers can gather together and sing, When We All Get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.
“God be with you till we meet again! By His counsels guide, uphold you, with His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again!
Are you humming yet?
Colossians 3:16 Tuesday
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16
A few years ago I was attempting to get the last piece of a frozen fruit salad out of a 13 x 9 x 2 pan as my husband was wrapping up watching the Jay Leno Show, taking off his shoes, and heading to bed. Little did he know at 2:00 a.m. we’d be heading to Kutz and Klinart to repair a severed artery. (It’s a really gross story that involves a five inch blade going through the palm of my left hand, coming out on the other side. Just ask my daughter what the kitchen looked like when she had to clean it up. The triage nurse had to change his scrubs when he examined me.) You should have been there. Anyway, I severed an artery because I mishandled a knife and used it in a way it was never intended.
Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15 to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” The word for “correctly handles” here is the word orthotomeo which means “to cut straight.” The reason I went to Kutz and Klinart in Louisville to have my hand surgery is because it is a world-renowned hand clinic, known for its doctors who do impeccable work involving instruments that require exact precision, i.e. scalpels—scalpels that have to “cut straight” to keep from doing more damage; I did not cut straight. Likewise, when we use the word of God as a weapon, we do damage God never intended. We cut like a chainsaw that has a jagged path, that does not lead in any direction.
My sisters, how many arteries have we severed, how many people have we injured, how much damage have we done because someone's mishandled the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God? How many battles are going on right now within the “brotherhood” over who’s right and who’s wrong, what should we do and what we shouldn't? How can we possibly think we can sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in our hearts to God when we can't get along with each other?
I trust that you know the word of God. I trust that it dwells in you richly. I trust that you know for yourself what you believe and why you believe it. Or better yet, I trust you know the One in Whom you believe.
My sisters, if I were to ask you the question, “Do you know that you know that you know that you know?” I trust you could answer with conviction, you do. Could you?
I want us to note once again Matthew Henry's words I quoted yesterday, especially because of the word doctor which, ironically, goes along with today's illustration. "The proper office of wisdom is to apply what we know to ourselves, for our own direction. The word of Christ must dwell in us, not in all notion and speculation, to make us doctors, but in all wisdom, to make us good Christians, and enable us to conduct ourselves in every thing as becomes Wisdom’s children."
A few years ago I was attempting to get the last piece of a frozen fruit salad out of a 13 x 9 x 2 pan as my husband was wrapping up watching the Jay Leno Show, taking off his shoes, and heading to bed. Little did he know at 2:00 a.m. we’d be heading to Kutz and Klinart to repair a severed artery. (It’s a really gross story that involves a five inch blade going through the palm of my left hand, coming out on the other side. Just ask my daughter what the kitchen looked like when she had to clean it up. The triage nurse had to change his scrubs when he examined me.) You should have been there. Anyway, I severed an artery because I mishandled a knife and used it in a way it was never intended.
Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15 to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” The word for “correctly handles” here is the word orthotomeo which means “to cut straight.” The reason I went to Kutz and Klinart in Louisville to have my hand surgery is because it is a world-renowned hand clinic, known for its doctors who do impeccable work involving instruments that require exact precision, i.e. scalpels—scalpels that have to “cut straight” to keep from doing more damage; I did not cut straight. Likewise, when we use the word of God as a weapon, we do damage God never intended. We cut like a chainsaw that has a jagged path, that does not lead in any direction.
My sisters, how many arteries have we severed, how many people have we injured, how much damage have we done because someone's mishandled the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God? How many battles are going on right now within the “brotherhood” over who’s right and who’s wrong, what should we do and what we shouldn't? How can we possibly think we can sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in our hearts to God when we can't get along with each other?
I trust that you know the word of God. I trust that it dwells in you richly. I trust that you know for yourself what you believe and why you believe it. Or better yet, I trust you know the One in Whom you believe.
My sisters, if I were to ask you the question, “Do you know that you know that you know that you know?” I trust you could answer with conviction, you do. Could you?
I want us to note once again Matthew Henry's words I quoted yesterday, especially because of the word doctor which, ironically, goes along with today's illustration. "The proper office of wisdom is to apply what we know to ourselves, for our own direction. The word of Christ must dwell in us, not in all notion and speculation, to make us doctors, but in all wisdom, to make us good Christians, and enable us to conduct ourselves in every thing as becomes Wisdom’s children."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)