A Rose That Never Fades

Mother's Day conveniently falls between the birthday and deathday (if I may call it that) of my dear mother, so I can celebrate her memory in a special way today. Not that I don't celebrate that on other days. Hardly a day goes by but that something doesn't remind me of her. OH yes, me, myself, and I remind me of her! Little gestures that I make, the way I cough, some things I say...I'm happy to say that I see some of my own mother in me. It's definitely a compliment if someone says "you look and act like your mother" for I admire her for many different things. So on this day, almost 5 years since I said good-by to her, I would like to say that I am SO very thankful for my lovely mother whom I was privileged to know and have for an example. She was beautiful without and within. She was quiet but she was strong...you know, one of those people with that "quiet strength". Her love for Christ, her husband, her kids, grands and greats was so obvious. Momma...Do you remember that hymn I sang to you a day or so before you left us..."Where the roses never fade"? I remember those moments quite often, glad that I had the opportunity to do that for you. You have gone to that lovliest of places, I am so glad that you are enjoying that. But I just want to tell you that YOU are my rose that never fades. I miss you and will always love you and hold you in my heart.

God's Protection

I was in a grocery store yesterday and noticed that there were 2 armed guards, one in the doorway and the other only a couple yards away from me by the cash register. I had the passing thought that the store may have recently had some problems with robberies so they had upped the security. Then as I was leaving the store I saw the yellow armored car and understood why the guards were there. Almost immediately I had this thought that blessed my soul (to the point of getting teary-eyed), the thought that God guards me like that...and much better, of course! And, yes, I was imagining that my guardian angels were nearby with their guns cocked, ready to protect me at all costs. The incident above happened just a few hours before we experienced the Lord's protection in a very clear way. A gas leak showed up in our car and we realized that the Lord, for 4 days, had been preventing the car from blowing up ! Yes, I do believe our guardian angels had to work double-duty during those days. And all my hubby had to do was tighten a screw on a hose clamp. The Lord's protection...a gift? You bet it is!

Thank You!

...for visiting me here (you are one of my pink roses)!

The First Thing...The Last Thing

Part of a little song that I heard many years ago has been going through my mind the last several days... "The first thing I do every morning, The last thing I do every night, Is pray and give my thanks to the Lord For guiding me right..." I can't remember the rest of the words but it has a delightful little tune and so...I just keep singing it! Does anyone know this song? I've looked for it online but haven't come up with it yet.

Joy, Pure and Simple

Seeing this look on my granddaughter's face over getting a popsicle makes me smile every time I see it. It doesn't take much to make a child happy! Are we like that? Do pure and simple things give us joy? There are a million and one things that can give us joy, depending on who you are and what you like. I'm not taking about what gives you happiness, I'm talking about what gives you joy. Most people might not see the difference in those 2 emotions but those who have experienced the difference know what I'm talking about. The only difference my dictionary gives is the word "great". Well, at least they recognize that joy is something greater than happiness, congratulations to whoever wrote it! I heard a song several years ago about the joy that the Lord gives His children..."He Gives Me Joy". The music is a perfect combination with the words. I have searched but have not been able to find that music in print but perhaps someday I still will. What gives you joy? What gives me joy? I can think of a few things right away: -To love and be loved -Seeing my children walk in God's Way -Giving the Gospel -Seeing a new flower bloom -Holding a newborn baby -Thinking of the smile of a special someone -Smelling fresh bread -Hearing the music of the rain -Knowing that God guarantees my salvation for eternity And on and on I could go. Did you notice that all of our senses and every area of our life can experience joy? I didn't pay much attention to that until near the end of my list. I could post a blog on each of these things! For, after all, God's "good and perfect" gifts are the things that give us true joy. Pure and simple. "The joy of the Lord is your strength." -Nehemiah 8:10 (top photo: J. Reiner)

Time

I refuse to believe that it has already been a week since I posted my last blog! But 'tis true. These roses in different stages remind me of time. So often we hear people say things like "Time slows down for no one", "Oh, how time flies!", "Where did the week go?", or "I don't have time". Aha! That last one just is not true. We all have time and we all have the same amount of time. Learning to organize our time is the problem. And that's where priorities come in...but that's another subject! " We all have time to do what we want to do. Period. God gives us all the precious gift of time but He also says to "redeem the time because the days are evil". That's not just a witty saying, but truth from His Word (Eph. 5:16). Speaking about time reminds me of a little poem that's familiar to some people: Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. I have a little wooden plaque that belonged to my Grandma Odem with that poem on it. It impressed me as a young person and it still does. Our lives go by so quickly. That's difficult for a child or young person to comprehend. To them it perhaps doesn't go by fast enough! I want to make sure I don't waste my time, my days, my life...but make it all count for Him!

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
(Ephesians 5:15,16)

Forgiveness

(photo: J. Reiner)

I've been pondering forgiveness more these days. What a beautiful word! Whether it's from God or from humans, it is something that relieves our minds, hearts and souls. It's a "cancellation of debt", as someone recently described to me. I started to write here in more detail about that but then deleted it. I don't think I could ever adequately describe such a deep thing. If you have ever been on the receiving or giving end of forgiveness, then you know what I am talking about anyway.

To truly forgive means to, afterwards, act as though nothing ever happened to even need forgiveness in the first place! OK, so I'm still trying to express the wonderful beauty of this word. Forgive me.

"But there is forgiveness with Thee that Thou mayest be feared." -Ps. 103:4  

Simple Beauty

Please permit me to indulge in more beauty. There's too much of it around me to limit it to just one post (Feb)! Today, when we went to the house of a church member to hold a children's meeting, I walked around taking snapshots of things that struck me as having a "simple beauty". Is that the right way to describe it? I'm not sure because, to me, if something is beautiful, it is amazingly and strikingly so, not just "simple"! However you want to think of it, let me share with you three pictures that I took there and let you make your own comments since not everyone sees things with the same eyes. But, please, do take time to notice the beauties around you today. And tomorrow. And every day. "Whatsoever things are lovely..."

Peace

Recently in Florianópolis, only 2 blocks from the hospital where our new grandchild was born, I found a most lovely, relaxing and peaceful place. The calm sea, the playful seagulls, the large sturdy rocks, the soft colors of the sunset, the lack of people and traffic, the benches to sit down on and enjoy it all...ahhhh! Peaceful was certainly the word that came to mind to describe this place. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you, not as the world gives, give I unto you; let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). I love this verse! And I love the gift of His peace. I remember the first time I noticed His peace in a very real and comforting way. I was 19 and in love but the one I loved was thinking of ditching me because I wouldn't talk to him. I guess that's a harsh way to describe it but that is how I felt. Well, after talking to the Lord about it all, I was surprised but comforted by His peace that filled me-heart, soul, mind and body. From that day on, the gift of peace has been my favorite of the blessings that belong exclusively to His children. Many have been the occasions during my life since then when I have sensed that same God-given peace. It's a peace that "passes all understanding" because it comes directly from His loving hands and caring heart. HIS gifts are "unspeakable", they are beyond description. Thank You, Lord!

Music

As I sit here and type this, I am listening to music-beautiful music. What a lovely and perfect gift this is! The power of music is amazing, as those of you can attest who have let it be a part of your life. Have you ever looked at photos while listening to music? The difference in what you think and feel is incredible! That's the power that music has on us. We need to let beautiful, inspiring music be a regular part of our daily lives. I'm trying to do that more these days.

What is my music about? Beauty. The Lord. The joy of the Lord! As the Psalmist said, "He is become my song and my salvation". He is the reason we can so enjoy the lovely strains of music that come to our ears from various sources, for He is the Author of beauty and joy. May He always be the theme of my song, the melody of my heart, the joy of my soul.

Thank You, Lord, for this most lovely gift from your loving hands!

New Life!

Life is a gift from God. When our seventh grandchild was born a few days ago, I marveled at God's loving and divine hands to create this little one. Doesn't she just look like a little rosebud? She's perfect, with "ten fingers, ten toes, one mouth and one nose...". She is new and the parents have the wonderful privilege to teach her God's Word and His Way, help her form her beliefs, mold her personality and show her their examples. I love new life, new days, new things! Each one has the potential of many blessings and possibilities. Do you delight in getting something like a new notebook, to write things on that clean, never-before-used paper that are helpful to yourself or others? Help us, Lord, to take advantage of the "clean sheets of paper" you give us, to write on them beautiful and godly things...whatsoever is pure and true and lovely. God, also, delights in new things! "If any man be in Christ he is a new creation..." (II Cor. 5:17). He delights to teach me new things, to mold me into the person He wants me to be, to make my life a blessing to others.

Water!

I already wrote specifically about the rain but I'd like to mention water in general. We all know the benefits of water...or should know. We cannot live without it, it's as simple as that. Who ever dreamed that this (usually) colorless and tasteless thing could be such a maintainer of life?! I'm amazed when some people say that they never drink water. Hellooo...? NEVER drink water? How can you be so cruel to your own body? Sooner or later, you will have negative results from such a habit. OK, so I'm not a doctor. But I have proven to myself the benefits of water to my own body.

Water, in its natural form, is free. That's because it's one of those perfect gifts, as are all of God's gifts. So is water's counterpart, salvation. Jesus said He can give us living water. He can give us salvation. We don't have to buy it, we don't have to work for it, all we have to do is accept it. When we believe in Him, we are accepting His free gift of salvation-that living water that is necessary for our spiritual life. The benefits are not only here and now, they are eternal!

"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him  shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14)

Beauty

In watching some of the winter Olympics these days, the word "beauty" comes to my mind quite often. The breath-taking outdoor scenry, the graceful movements of the skaters, the slow-motion filming of the amazing abilities of the human body, the smiles of victory...these have come to grace our lives for a few days. They say that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", which may be true to a certain degree. But true beauty is in the eye of the Creator. We don't have to go far to see beauty, for all of His creation is full of it! He alone is the Author of it. Even beauty which is "made" by man is only possible because of the beauty of wisdom and skill which God gave to him. How can we set our own standards for knowing what is beautiful? The simple verse of Philippians 4:8 says it very clearly, that whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, virtuous and praise-worthy, these are the beautiful things. If any of these qualities are missing...you can mark it down as not being a thing of beauty. Whatever is beautiful, "think on these things". Take time to notice the details of beauty around you today and be blessed! (photo: seevancouversnow.com)

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,   whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Rain

Rain is certainly a good thing-a perfect gift from Him. He created it to meet some of our most basic of needs and also that of the earth. It refreshes, nourishes, cleans...who can complain about that?! It even makes music-beautiful music! Have you ever paid attention to that music? There's a poem which is entitled "The Music of the Rain", from which come these lines: "...It seems a mighty symphony at times, when down it pours, As it splashes and it crashes as the oceans on their shores. The trumpets, drums and cymbals of the rain together play To make loud, harmonious music and a lovely melody. Then enter the sweet instruments of flute and harp and strings, As the raindrops sprinkle, then they tinkle like the birds that sing...." There is a lovely little phrase that comes from a certain song. It says "into each life some rain must fall". We can't say that it's Scripture, but we can certainly say that it's true. No life, no marriage, no family, no generation can escape the rain that will inevitably fall. But remember that rain is a good thing. Admittidly, at times we think there is an overabundance as we look at the destruction and pain and (what we think is) permanent damage. But whether our rain is literal or symbolic, the truth applies that God is in control. He will not allow more than we can handle. The umbrella of His love and care will be over us at all times, protecting us from the elements..."til the storm passes by".

Take My Picture, Please!

As I said in a previous post, every rose is different. But, interestingly, whenever a new one blooms I want to take pictures of it-even if I have 40-11 pictures of an (almost) identical one from the same bush! Now doesn't that sound just like a mom?? She admires, croons and swoons over each child, thinking it's just the most beautiful one in the world at the moment, worthy of dozens of pictures taken from every possible angle, even though she thought the same thing, umm....3 years ago? Or, as in the case of roses, perhaps just 1 week ago! Ah yes, mothers are like that, they try to capture the moments escaping from their hands, showing, sending and posting these pictures for all who care-or don't care-to see them. And she doesn't care if they don't care...she's oblivious to all of that, only knowing that she loves and admires each little rose as it blooms.

Trust

I am desparately trying to find a "perfect gift" from the Lord in the middle of some painful days. It's difficult to look at a negative time in one's life as a gift given to you in love but I am having to trust Him in an extra-special way, remembering that He is in control, nothing is impossible with Him and He will work things out in the way that will bring most glory to Him. That is difficult for me to see at this point but I know I must trust Him, that He will work all things out for our good and His glory. And also to keep my own sanity. Trust. It's a gift from Him to me. Even more wonderful, is that I have Him to trust!
"Preserve me, O God; for in Thee do I put my trust." (Psalm 16:1)

Morning

I am a morning person...after I have my coffee, that is! But, coffee or not, I just love those early morning hours when the air is fresh, the day is new and those first rays of sun are gently warm-no matter the climate you live in. It's also in the morning when I feel most motivated, ideas tend to come to my brain and I feel like I could conquer the world with my burst of courage! Have you ever watched a sunrise? It is a thing of glory and beauty-a bit of a different flavor than a sunset. One is a beginning, the other is an end. But both are worthy of-you guessed it-reaching for my camera so that I can savor the moment again in the future. Have you ever heard the song, "Morning Has Broken"? I love it, because the words and the music captures some of the essence of what I am trying to say here.

Morning has broken, like the first morning. Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird. Praise for the singing, praise for the morning, Praise for them springing fresh from the Word.

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of morning!

No Pain

Do we take too much for granted? Ah yes, frequently and regularly. But it's not until we are without something that we realize how much we have taken that thing for granted. "No pain" is what I am specifically referring to right now. We go through most of our lives with no pain, thank the Lord, but sometimes He finds it necessary to insert a certain amount of pain into our comfortable existence and routine.

When I was going through chemo a few years ago, every day and almost every hour I was experiencing some sort of pain or discomfot. But I clearly remember one glorious morning when I woke up and noticed that I was not experiencing any of this. The bed was perfectly comfortable, the room was the perfect temperature, my body was in a relaxed, comfy position and...best of all!...I noticed that I was not feeling any pain! I lay there, afraid to move, just enjoying the luxury of the moment and thanking the Lord for such a blessing. It was a small but beautiful moment that brightened the darkness of those months, a startling glimpse of His tenderness to me, a wonderful memory that I'll treasure, amazed and grateful to Him for giving me such a gift. 

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4)

Life!

From beginning to end, life is a gift. A gift is something someone freely gives you-you don't pay for it and you probably don't deserve it. So is physical life. God created it and gave it to us. And, as a gift, we may do with it as we choose. We can cherish and care for it or we can waste and neglect it. Which will it be?? So, too, we have spiritual life in Christ. Freely and lovingly given, those who accept it by faith are the only ones who possess it. Will we cherish it or neglect it? Let us choose the former for it is beyond value. Jesus, Rose of Sharon, bloom within my heart...

"...I am come that they might have
life, and that they might have it
more abundantly." (John 10:10)

God's Word, the Bible

The gifts of God are too many to name but His Word is definitely one of them! What power it has, what comfort it brings, what lessons it teaches, what guidance it gives...there is no limit to what it can do and be in our lives. Those who know, believe, love and obey God will know, believe, love and obey His Word, too. They go hand in hand, you cannot have one without the other. God's Word is truth and nothing needs to be added to or taken from it. He has said it, I believe it, that settles it...as the old song says. There have been times in my life when a Scripture verse was my main source of strength and comfort to carry me through a difficult time. There have been other times when it was the reason for my joy as it called to my attention certain blessings from Him. I cannot live without His Word and I really don't know how I would react to a situation where I did not have it available at my side. Lord, I love Your Word! Help me to always hide it in my heart, practice it in my life and to do my best to make sure that those around me know and love it, too.

"Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy Word is truth." (John 17:17)

An Indescribable Gift!

"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift" (II Corinthians 9:15). What IS this gift that's such that we cannot describe it? You mean, it's beyond beautiful and precious and wonderful? Can it be that it is beyond even...PERFECT?? More wonderful yet, is that it is a gift! A gift is something that is freely given. No payment, no strings attached, you don't even have to deserve it. You just accept it and it's yours. This gift is Jesus Christ. And all wrapped up in Him is His love and salvation for us-the most beautiful and perfect gift ever. Oh wait, that doesn't fully describe it...it's unspeakable and indescribable! What a beautiful gift for us to receive this Christmas! So, how do I receive it? By faith. By believing on Him. By trusting Him, that what He says is true, that what He promises will come to pass. He said believe in Him and He will save us (Acts 16:31). Forever. It's as simple as that. What a...gift!

Love Measures Grief

This title and photo really need no explanation. Someone else has aptly described it as "Love much, grieve much. Love little, grieve little." One's amount and intensity of grief is measured by one's amount and intensity of love. And vice versa. Those who have experienced this know what I am talking about. As the perfect rose with raindrops, love with grief and tears is also beautiful. Love and pain, sunshine and rain, loss and gain...they are all inseparable twins of life. Each one is measured by the other, each one is nourished by the other, each one is necessary in our human lives. Without them we would not grow, without them we would not know...the pure joys of life that God, in His perfect plan for us, gives on a daily basis. Thank the Lord, there is life after grief, no matter the amount or intensity. There is love after grief for true love never leaves us. Love can be resurrected for love has life. Love IS life! God is love and God is life. God, life, love...they all go hand in hand. For this I am very grateful.

A 16-yr-old Rose

This year marks 16 years since a special pink rose bloomed into my life-that of my closest friend. It is an unusual friendship, unlike any I've had before or since. Words cannot describe how amazed and grateful I am over having received this gift...and that I still have it! Some friends are "of the road" and are only in our lives for a limited time. Some are surface ones or fun ones or helpful ones. But this one goes above and beyond all of these.Thank you, my lasting always, 2-4 friend!

My Sunshine Roses!

In 2002 we were blessed with the arrival of our first grandchild-a boy! Thus began a most interesting and enjoyable phase of life. Currently-as in, as I write this :)-we have 6 (oops, now it's 7...AND now it's 8!) of these precious perfect gifts...and 1 more on the way, to boot! Oh, my heart will burst with all this joy someday!

When I was going through chemo a couple years ago, some of our grandkids would stop by with their moms (our daughters) to visit for a few minutes. Even though I was feeling rather raunchy on many of those occasions, to me it was like a lovely, comforting ray of sunshine to see their smiling faces-maybe because I knew they were pretty much oblivious to what was really going on. Their innocence of my situation just made them seem more precious. Oh, how I love each one of them. They are perfect gifts...to us as well as to their parents. May the Lord protect each one of them from the evil influences of the world around them, maintaining their innocence,beauty and purity as the roses that they represent!

Masculine Roses

The next logical pink roses on my list would be my sons-in-law...except I am going to choose another color that's a bit more masculine. For, after all, "pink" in this case can really be any color. We were so happy and relieved when the last perfect rose came along to capture the hearts of our daughters! They are Christians, they are perfect matches (ohhh yes!) for each of them, and are proving themselves to be wonderful husbands and fathers. Thank You, Lord, for these roses that are part of the beautiful bouquet of my life! (photo: C. Dennis)

My Children

My pride and joy are my children! Although they aren't perfect, since no one on earth is perfect, they are certainly God's perfect gifts to me! I already mentioned how each rose is different but each is beautiful in its own way. Each one is unique! It goes without saying, that each of our children are different, each one has their own beauty. Some are serious & determined, others are happy-go-lucky and go-with-the-flow. Some make you cry, others make you laugh. But they all make this mother's heart beat with profound love and joy. I love you, my 5 precious children! My heart will forever beat with intense love and joy for each of you!

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward." (Psalm 127:3)

Love

Before I go further, let me interject this thought: Love is certainly in the "top 5" of perfect gifts from God. For "God is love" as He says in His Word. The more I search the internet for this & that, the more I realize that love is sorely lacking in our world today. There are those who have twisted the meaning of this and are saying that murder is love. Can you believe that? I guess I've been a sheltered person all my life and haven't been exposed (thankfully!) to many people like this. God, the embodiment of love itself, will put these people in their place. Someday. Hopefully soon! How beautiful is the pink rose of love! How intricate its petals, how delicate its color, how fragrant its perfume, how beautiful its form! Even in the darkness of this sinful world around us, it shines, giving its unique and breath-taking beauty. Only God can create beauty, only He can show us true love...so that we, in turn, can show it to others. And, I guarantee, that does NOT include murder.

An Outstanding Rose

That would be my hubby. He is a God-given gift to me whose color shines in the light-or in the dark. For 35 years I have had this rose by my side and we have experienced SO much together. As I told him the other day, "life with you has been fun"! I haven't always cultivated this rose as it deserves to be and I've often taken it for granted but it is certainly among my prized ones...of award-winning quality. Thank you, my dear husband, for all that you mean to me! I admire you immensely and love you so much.