I Must Have Smelled Pretty Good...to That Hedgehog!

"For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."  2 Corinthians 2:15 (NIV)

The morning started off great in my transitional kindergarten class on Wednesday.  We were busy doing all kinds of Christmas-y things, carols playing in the background.  As I walked across the room, I happened to notice that one of our hedgehogs was awake and heading to his drinking bottle...an unusual sighting, as they are nocturnal and we rarely get to see them engaging in any type of activity during the day.  I called the students over, and then decided, "Hmmm, it just might be a great time to wake them up and get them out for the children to observe...and carefully pet a little bit."  So I opened the cage and got Bubbles and Rolo out.  Bubbles is not very into being petted...puffing up in a prickly ball and making hissing noises, but Rolo is more friendly.  A few times we have been delighted when Rolo would extend his little sweet tongue out from under that adorable little nose to gently lick the fingers of the students or myself.  Well, Rolo was very adventurous (and apparently hungry) this particular morning, as he actually started to use those darling little paws to crawl right up in my hand.  We were all delighted.  We were all just so tickled to see him licking my wrist so lovingly.  We decided that he must really like my perfume.  And yes, it was true...so much that quite out of the blue he chomped down!  Now this was not a gentle little nibble, it was a death grip!  You know how you hear that snapping turtles won't let go when they bite until there's lightning???  Well, I was just wishing for a thunderstorm!!!  Fortunately my faithful assistant (who doesn't particularly care for any animals...much less hedgehogs...and who had finally been brave enough to "pet" Rolo for the first time that day) smacked Rolo...and he let go.  It's really quite comical to think about it.  I wish we had it on video!  I'm sure we could win America's Funniest!!!  I'm okay.  Amazingly there was no blood...thankfully since the bite was right at the main vein in my wrist.  All is well...except for the soreness that is right where my wrist rests on the computer when I type.  Whew!  A teacher's life is never boring!

Okay, so I have to admit that I said to my assistant, "Now how am I going to fit this into a blog post with some spiritual correlation???"  Only a God like ours!!!  Here goes.

I have to start with another little story before I get to the point...the beauty of blogging...it's mine and I can do whatever I want.  :)  On our way home from school each day, there is a homeless woman with a sign asking for help.  A couple of days when I went past I gave her a couple of dollars.  I wasn't sure that was best...not knowing what she would spend it on.  However, I really felt God leading me to do something.  And you know that He is "in the details."  I had just purchased the book Gideon's Gift by Karen Kingsbury for some Christmas reading.  It tells the story of a homeless man...a sick little girl...a pair of red gloves...and Christmas miracles.  That book prompted me to look to the practical.  I bought some red gloves, some socks, and a hat.  My daughter and I found such great delight in giving Patricia a gift a day.  Then I thought..what next??  I made some cookies one day and took them to her...warm.  As I rode in my car, the aroma was so delightful.  Aaaaaah, the smell of freshly baked cookies.  You know, you can buy that scent in candles...which I seem to be allergic to...but there's nothing like the real thing!  Plus, with the real thing, you also get to taste them!!!

Just like those candles, we can find some pleasure from "aromas" that the world has to offer.  But we won't find true satisfaction...true joy except in Jesus Christ.  Oh that we would "Taste and see that the LORD is good"!  (Psalm 34:8)  And once that we are satisfied in Him, we can share His love with others and be the aroma of Christ.

And friends, like my little hedgehog friend, after we take that bite, let's hold on!  Let's cling to the one who is our provider, our refuge, our strength, our help, our peace, our joy, our hope!  He is able to be all that we need!

Lord, thank you for hedgehogs and cookies and stories that teach us how to be better people.  Thank you for dwelling in us.  Help us to indeed have the aroma of Christ that others may be drawn to you!

PS  Keep reading!  I did 2 posts today and I don't want you to miss the first!!  :)

Blessings of Obedience

"If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands...All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you...." Deuteronomy 28:1-2

Right off the bat, I must confess that I have been disobedient...even in this post.  It was supposed to be up in November...National Adoption Month.  I have a "junky jotting journal" where I write all of the ideas and promptings that God gives me...usually in the morning...in the shower...while putting on my makeup and getting ready for work...but sometimes in the car...or at my daughter's piano or violin lessons...or wherever.  I jot those things down, knowing that I would forget them if I didn't.  I fully intend to get back to them when I'm at my computer and have the time.  Sometimes the time just isn't there...sometimes I just lack self-discipline...and sometimes I can't remember all that went along with the "jot."  Confession done.  Let's move on!

Every morning...and afternoon...and evening...and in between, my house is filled with the music of our nine year old daughter's choosing...either on the violin or piano.  (I have to marvel at this, as my nest could be empty now.  Our three biological children are grown and gone to build lives of their own, in another city, hours away.)  Sweet notes from the precious fingers of a child given the name "Beautiful Song" as an infant, by caregivers in a cold, damp orphanage in rural China.  How could they have known the gift of music that was such a part of her being...a gift that would be such a blessing to so many in a place so far away?

Her very being is a song...lived out before us...melodic notes of joy and beauty.  She is the blessing of obedience.

You see, at a time when we were past thoughts of a baby in our home...done with sleepless nights, baby food, safety hooks on our cabinets and potty training...when we were at such a comfortable place with our three daughters, all in or nearing middle school age, God impressed upon us His desire to fill that empty chair at our table.  It was a thought that could have easily been dismissed...as impractical, too difficult, or financially unreasonable.  But it was more than a passing thought.  It was a command from God...one that He made clear to us over and over again.  We chose to walk in obedience...and the blessing of that obedience is beyond measure!

What is God calling you to do?  Minister to someone?  Forgive someone?  Accept His love that knows no bounds?  Change your lifestyle?  Change your job?  Be a witness?  Write for Him?  Adopt a child that needs a home?  Obey Him...whatever He calls you to do.  He promises His blessing.

"Look at the nations and watch-and be utterly amazed.  For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."  Habakkuk 1:5  Oh yes, do it Lord!!!

Lord, thank you for your love.  Thank you for the potential that you see in our lives..so much that "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" ! (Romans 5:8)  Thank you for seeing fit to use us to accomplish your purposes.  Help us, Lord, to hear Your voice...to listen...and to obey.  We look to You with excitement and expectation to see Your plans for our blessing! 

Great Gifts!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  He chose to give us birth through the Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created."  James 1:17 (NIV)

I think that my shopping is almost done!  I'm sure that my husband hopes so!  I've "saved" him a lot of money!  Every year I say that I'm going to "cut back."  And I do try.  It's just that I want to give so much to my children!  I want to bless them with every outfit that looks so cute on them...each DVD that is the "best movie ever"...and for my youngest daughter, anything that has to do with puppies!!!  This morning as I looked at the little mountain of bags (all yet to be wrapped), I felt the glee of knowing the joy each gift will bring.

As I pondered my own satisfaction, God brought a verse to mind.  Matthew 7:11 says, "If you, then...know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him."  It brings Him joy to give us "gifts."  He feels satisfaction in granting our hearts' desires.  Oh, may we recognize each gift...large and small...from the gift of life to the gift of the parking space at the mall...from the roof over our heads to the pillow under our heads.  Just like the old hymn says, "Count your blessings, name them one by one.  Count your blessings, see what God has done."   And then thank Him.  He is great...and greatly to be praised!

Interestingly, Luke 11:13 begins like the Matthew passage...but sheds light on an even greater gift than we can imagine!  Look at this!  "If you, then...know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him." (Italics mine)  Wow!  Now that packs a punch!!!!  That's what I want...and what came about through a tiny baby born in a humble stable...the greatest Christmas gift of all time.  Oh, how He loves us.  Oh, how He showed that love.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your love.  Thank you for sending Your Son...the ultimate gift...the ultimate sacrifice...for us.  Thank you for the provision of the Holy Spirit to live in us...to be our Emmanuel...God with us.  Thank you for Your Word...for the promises, the power.  Help us to understand the fullness of the birth...the new life that You have given us through Your Word of Truth.

Arising and Calling My Mama Blessed!

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." Proverbs 31:28 (NIV)


It's long overdue...sharing the blessing of my sweet Mama! Here are just a few verses from Proverbs 31 and thoughts of one who deserves the praise.

My Mama is a "wife of noble character." "She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her....She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." Mama has set a wonderful example of being a Godly wife. She submits, supports, and loves boundlessly. She encourages, strengthens, and helps in whatever way is needed. My Daddy is a retired pastor. Her role as pastor's wife was walked in an exemplary manner. She was surely worthy of that calling. Her graciousness and selflessness abounded. Many lives have been blessed through her. Many have been ministered to through her loving care. Ah, yes, noble character.

She "works with eager hands....She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family....She sets about her work vigorously, her arms are strong for her tasks....Her lamp does not go out at night." My Mama gives of herself...with or without sleep. She cooks. She is one of the most hospitable people I know. She entertains. She does all of the "behind the scenes" things that make every gathering perfect for all who attend. She makes each person's favorite food...bakes the most yummy (even if not always perfectly beautiful *smile*) cakes...laboring hours on end. She welcomes one and all.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." Mama is one of the strongest people that I know. We've walked some difficult roads...Daddy's health issues, my brother's cancer & divorce, my health concerns and bout with depression, and days in ministry that stretched us to our limits. She clings to The Rock...and resembles Him in her own steadfastness. My Mama may worry, but ultimately, she "knows Who holds the future" and trusts completely in Him. When we stumble or get discouraged, she is our guide to The Truth.

"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Mama is one of the wisest people I know. She guides us all...loving us no matter what...children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews. It is wisdom that comes from the Lord.

"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." She manages the finances and takes care of the tiniest details in service to her family and to God. Not only does she watch over her own household, but that of her parents...as her Daddy is in the final stages of cancer and her own Mama battles dementia. She loves. She gives. She walks in the power of the Lord.

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."

Mama, "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all!"

Thank you, Lord, for my Mama. Thank you for her heart, her love, her selflessness, and most of all for Her relationship with You. Thank you for being her strength and her song! Thank you for meeting her needs...as she takes care of so many others...by being her portion and her deliverer! Bless her richly, please.

All in a Morning's Walk

"Yes, LORD, walking in the ways of Your laws, we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts." Isaiah 26:8 (NIV)

I feel that I need to start this off with a true confession. Here goes. I've gotten out of the habit of exercise. And it shows. I hit 50 and bottomed out...pun intended! I asked my hubby to help me...to remind me...to encourage me. I prayed for God to help me...to give me the time...or help me see that I really do have the time.

God answered through my 10 year old. Last night, she said, "Please, Mom, can we take a walk??" Well, I was already feeling bad because we were not participating in the school "Corn Maze outing" and that we probably won't do any trick or treating (Is that a downside of having a 50 year old mother?)...so I put on my walking shoes and said, "Let's go!" We had a nice time...me walking, her zipping past me on her scooter. We chatted with each other whenever she was beside me. We stopped and chatted with neighbors. It was a nice time. So much so, that I thought this morning, "Hmmm, we need to do that again." We did.

We followed our usual path...well, it's usual when I'm disciplined enough to do it. I decided that I'd rather conquer the big hill right off. Man, that's tough. My legs ached. My heart pounded. But I endured. That's when God spoke the first words to me. He said (inaudibly), "The more you do it, the easier it gets." Funny, I had said those very words to Melea this morning as she practiced a difficult piano piece. Yes, those words ring true...for walking, for piano practice, for praying, for studying God's Word, for obeying God, for trusting Him. And I just have to add, for my writer friends out there, that it applies to writing too! (Children's writers, please click on the Write2Ignite icon in the top right hand corner and sign up for our conference!!!)

God also reminded me that we shouldn't give up if we've "fallen off the wagon" with our exercise plan, or our time in His Word, or our prayer life. See, I had started justifying the idea that I had already gotten out of the habit of walking, and that when cold weather gets here that I'm not going to want to continue...just like every year. But...I do have a treadmill...gathering dust upstairs. Okay, so I'm jumping back on the wagon...and hoping to stay...the neighborhood on nice days...treadmill when winter brings blustery ones! Spiritual application: So ladies, if you've fallen behind in your Bible study, don't give up! Don't just quit going. Don't feel like it's hopeless. Get back on the wagon!!!

The next point was that walking is essential...physically and spiritually. It's the only way to stay healthy...and joyful...and feeling good about myself. Just like exercise combats the destruction of osteoporosis, walking in His Word prevents the deterioration the enemy would like to see in our spirits. In the same way that being physically fit will improve my feelings about myself, time in His Word will remind me of the truth of how He sees me...and who I am in Him! As that hill in my neighborhood becomes easier to climb in time, so will my perseverance in the struggles that I face in life...as I remember His strength...and the victories He's accomplished...and the promises He has given.

Oh, and just another thought...whether it's walking or worship or Bible study (or writing!), it helps to have someone to keep us accountable. I know I need that! And the fellowship and encouragement that those who join us brings is just icing on the cake! Okay...so no icing and no cake...let's just say tremendous blessing!

Father, thank You for Your love for us! Thank You for Your Word to us. Thank You for the many ways that you speak to our hearts! You are amazing! Help us to walk closely by Your side all the days of our lives.

Borrowed Words

"Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name." Psalm 103:1 (NIV)

Yesterday morning as I walked outside, the beauty before me almost took my breath away. I couldn't help but raise my hands in praise to the Creator of that glorious sight. My mind flooded with the words from the great hymn, "Praise to the LORD, the Almighty, the King of Creation!" As I drove my daughter to school, we worshipped together as we joined with Travis Cottrell on his Alive Forever CD! Friend, ponder these words anew. Read them, meditate on them, sing them as a praise offering to our great King!

"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty"
(German hymn by Joachim Neander, 1680)

"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, Now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord, who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen How all thy longings have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with His love He befriend thee.

Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly for aye we adore Him."

Oh, I do want all that is in me to adore Him...and praise Him, for He is great and greatly to be praised! Won't you join me??? Go to Psalm 103:1-6 and Psalm 150, and be lead to the throne in praise.

LORD, we praise You with all that is in us..gladly...for aye we adore You!

Ever Thought of Running Away?

"God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12 (NLT)

So, have you ever thought of running away? When things didn't go as you planned? When the going got tough...in school...in your job...in your marriage...in parenting...in life???? In times of desperation, failure, overwhelming circumstances many people consider it. It's surely not a new concept. Running away has been considered...and done...by multitudes who've travelled this journey before us. Individuals have run away. Remember Jonah? He didn't just run away from home....He ran from God! Whole armies have run away. That kind of amuses me...musclebound men (in skirts) with weapons running as fast as their hairy legs will carry them.

From the Old Testament to the New, countless people have encouraged others to endure! Great men have felt like running or giving up...even Moses! But Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, gave counsel to Moses and said, "If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures...." (Exodus 18 NLT) We need to seek guidance from God's Word...from Paul and other Heroes of the Faith who remind us that "since we have been justified through faith, we have peace...and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." (Romans 5:1-5 NIV) Peter says, "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while." (1 Peter 1:6)

Let's join with the One who understands endurance! "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross...." (Hebrews 12:2 NIV) because of His amazing love for us...a "love that endures forever." (Psalm 106:1 NIV)

So, if you feel like running, don't run away. Run to Jesus.

Our precious heavenly Father, thank You for Your love that endures forever. Thank You for the hope, peace, and joy that we have because of Your unfathomable love! Lord, give us strength to endure, patience to persevere, "love that never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." (1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT)