Closer Than Yesterday

I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday.

-Unknown

It is a new year with new opportunities for our family. We made a big decision last year to move from a big two-story home to a much smaller one-story. My husband John, a disabled veteran, has had eight surgeries in ten years. Through those years, he hauled himself up the stairs with crutches and casts, and his body is worn. His pain management doctor mentioned a possible back surgery in the coming years, and the thought of climbing stairs through another surgery recovery was not something John felt he could do. The house we are renting now is much more manageable for John’s needs. The quieter neighborhood and smaller town are better for his chronic migraines as well. It has been quite the process to simplify all our stuff as we transition into a different house with less space. After caring for him through all the surgeries, fetching water and food, and helping him up and down the stairs, I don’t think I want to “do” stairs anymore, either! The layout of the rental home is much easier for us. It gets John closer to being more mobile and hopefully will aid in him feeling better than he has in years.

We have been able to do some exploring since we moved to New Mexico last month and I am still recording the graces, still capturing the stray gifts in the day. Here is the latest! Photo descriptions will be shared below the collage.

Top Row (left to right) 1) This was the view from our dining room when we moved in. Our next-door neighbor has a big, beautiful tree in their yard and I love to open the blinds in the morning to see it. 2) We love taking leisurely drives on back roads to see what we can see. The mountains are beautiful here. 3) Cows roam freely on open-range roads – such a neat thing to see after living in the city!

Center Row –1) A sunset over the mountains is such a beautiful scene. 2) and 3) On one of our days exploring, we stopped at this free-admission Space Murals Museum and enjoyed the space program’s artifacts.

Bottom Row – 1) Before we moved, I was able to complete a Christmas card order I had received. I made more than these six, but these were my favorites of them all. 2) I squeezed in enough time to make Christmas cards for me to send out and used an embossing technique to make poinsettia cards. Time to create is always a gift to me! 3) Lastly, here is the container we used to pack our belongings. We hired a company that specializes in moving. They delivered the empty pod and we loaded it with the help of my dad. The company then picked up the pod when we were ready and carried it to the new address. This way of moving was such a blessing and help! We are still in the process of unpacking and figuring out where to put our belongings in a much smaller home. We have been simplifying over the last few years and we’ve made some progress. We aren’t where we’d like to be, but living in a smaller space will help define our priorities as we find balance with John’s health needs.

Things Happen

Things happen which would not happen without prayer. Let us not forget that.

Elisabeth Elliot

Have you ever prayed and felt right then and there that you had God’s attention? Jonathan and I had something happen a few weeks ago when we heard an answer to prayer within seconds.

Due to John’s health struggles and time for healing, our truck has sat mostly untouched in our driveway for two years. John has been unable to deal with getting a new battery, an inspection, new plates, and any repair work needed. Our truck hauled a fifth-wheel trailer on deputation. It carried us to and from Mexico for years as we used it for ministry. It has been good to us and we were saving it for Jonathan to drive if needed once it was all fixed up. Recently, the truck really needed attention because our car was going to the repair shop and we had to have a second vehicle.

On a day when he felt well enough to accomplish a few things from the “to-do” list, John took the truck battery to be replaced and found that, due to a warranty, the battery was exchanged at no charge! Another day, he was able to get the truck inspected, the windshield replaced, and the oil changed. For some reason that day, the truck alarm system was not cooperating and kept going off every time he started the truck. His key fob wasn’t working, so he called me to bring mine to see if the alarm would shut off then. Jonathan and I met him at the Walmart car center with my old key fob. Nothing was working. We bought new batteries for the fobs and that still did not keep the alarm from going off. By this time, others in the parking lot seemed to be getting irritated, but we didn’t know what was the problem. John called the business that installed the alarm to see what was the matter and he was given instructions on how to disarm the system. Still no success. Jonathan and I were sitting in the car watching John struggle with the alarm when out loud I prayed, “Lord, please help John. He’s had such a rough time and he’s doing his best to get things done as he is able. Please help him figure out how to stop the alarm!”. All of a sudden, we hear the truck turn over, but this time…no sound other than the rumble of the diesel engine. Relief! Jonathan and I looked at each other in shock. And then we laughed. We bowed our heads again and quickly prayed for everyone we could think of who has been on our hearts. While we had the ear of God, why not? (Don’t we always, though?) John drove over to the car beaming that the truck started with no blaring alarm set off. We told him we just prayed for him and he agreed that God had heard and answered. He took the truck to the alarm installation business and when they saw our key fobs, there were a few raised eyebrows. Apparently, the whole alarm system is outdated by thirteen years and that’s the reason there were problems. For the time being, we don’t need the alarm since we aren’t traveling anymore and are not going over to Mexico. We do not even need a diesel F-250 truck, either, but since it’s paid for, and unless someone offers to buy it, we will use it for now.

Sometimes, it seems the portals of Heaven open up and our requests go straight to God’s ears and the answer comes right away. Other times, we wait for answers. Things happen in life and at times I feel, “Well, God is in control. He knows what is going on and is working on the other end”, and I leave it at that – not stopping to actually pray about a certain situation in my life or in someone else’s. I believe that day’s short in-desperation request to God made a difference. When I think of that instance, I am reminded that God does care about our life things, even trivial ones. I don’t ever want to forget.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

I Peter 5:7

Where There Is Patience and Humility

Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor vexation.

Francis of Assisi

Recently, my husband and I were watching an extreme adventure challenge through the internet. There were over sixty teams with four members in each one. They all had to find their way through the jungle, through rivers, through darkness, through freezing rain, through mud and they needed to work together to endure to the finish line. The challenge was grueling. Putting themselves down or putting others down did not allow for effective teamwork. Team members offered constructive criticism when needed and provided compliments and encouragement often. To succeed, the teams had to know their strengths and their weaknesses and adjust their mindset accordingly. When questioned in an interview on how their team was doing, one member commented, “Why be angry? When there is a solution, there is no need for anger or frustration”. What patience! What humility! “What wisdom!”, I thought.

When I feel frustrated with myself or with another ‘team member’, I know where to find the solution. God gives wisdom to endure to the end. The only way to make it through life’s grueling challenges with patience and humility and without anger is to seek the solution through Him in all things.

James 1: 4-5, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

The Best Doctors in the World

The best doctors in the world are Doctor Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merryman.

Jonathan Swift

There are days when I struggle to keep up – even though I have a small family. There are moments when everything seems urgent and I feel overwhelmed – even over small tasks that need to be done. I then need to do a check-up and ask myself a few questions. Have I been drinking enough water? Have I eaten a healthy breakfast to start the day? Should I go to bed earlier to get enough rest? Could I use a bit of quiet time today to reset? Did I do something today that brought me joy? These questions help me take inventory of things I tend to neglect because I usually am taking care of others first. If I do not take care of myself, the lack of nutrition, the lack of sleep, and the lack of purposely looking for the “stray gifts” in a day will catch up. The older I get, the longer it takes to recover. When I notice I have had too many days in a row that were rough, I know I can ask God for wisdom to uncover what my body and soul need to lift the burden and to make the necessary adjustments.

Matthew 11:28-30, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 

Tell Me Something Good – Katie’s Story

Katie and I met seventeen years ago in a church in Oklahoma. My husband was in Bible college at the time and we were working in a small church there in the music and bus ministry. Our son Jonathan was seven years old and her two oldest girls were around the same age. After we surrendered to go to the mission field and were on deputation, their home was a refuge for us in between church meetings. We brought ourselves through their doors carrying laundry, tired bodies, and sometimes sick-with-a-cold-bodies, too. They let us sleep and wash clothes, and they fed us well. They took care of us and Jonathan had a place to run around and be a kid. He fed goats, rode horses, jumped on the trampoline with their six kids and we adults visited til way late in the night. Her husband is a professional electrician and came down with a mission group to Mexico one time and helped my dad rewire his church building. The kids still keep in touch here and there. The older ones are in college like Jonathan and busy with classes or work. Katie and I keep in touch regularly.

Recently, one of Katie’s daughters was in a car accident and wrecked the mini van she was driving. The man she bumped into had a heavy duty truck and bumper so no damage was done. He made sure she was okay, that she had help coming, and he didn’t want to file a report. Katie and her husband were trying to figure out the value of repairing the van versus purchasing another vehicle when they heard about a couple who was selling their mini van. Katie never really liked mini vans in the first place. Theirs had issues with the sliding door, the seat adjustments and other things. If ever they were to get another mini van, she had a long wish list of features she would like to have. This mini van that was for sale was four years older than the one that was in the wreck. There were a few things that needed to be fixed, but nothing like a bent-in radiator and fan, though. After the couple had heard about the accident and that Katie and her husband were debating about what to do, they offered their mini van – for free. What did Katie think of the mini van? “It was a major upgrade!”, she said. All the things she had on here wish list? Granted.

Isn’t that amazing? It is so good to hear stories of God’s provisions.

Other Tell Me Something Good stories: Sheilia Michelle MaLinda

The Art of Being Wise

The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.

W. James

The day might start with a bad night’s sleep and then continue on to a hurried morning, troubles with traffic and construction, more bad news on the radio. When I lived in the city, it could take less than one block of driving before frustration would already conquer my day and my attitude. With that frame of mind, an impatient spirit followed closely on my heels in the hours to come. Small annoyances became a bigger problem than they needed to be. It is then easy to overlook my own faults and difficult to overlook those of others. Before my feet touch the floor in the morning, I want to aim for a peaceful day, a gentle spirit, and above all- mercy.

James 3: 17-18, …”the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” 

For Ayden

PRAYER REQUEST!

My cousin Stacy’s son is having surgery tomorrow. He has scoliosis. This surgery is to put a rod in his spine. It will help him not need a brace, will keep his spine from resting on his heart, and will relieve pressure from his lungs. He has been wearing this halo for the last three weeks. Ayden is 12 years old. Please pray that all goes well, and for Stacy as she is SUPER nervous. This surgery is a big deal.

Late Spring Stray Gifts

‘Tis my faith that every flower enjoys the air it breathes!

William Wordsworth

Anyone who has a yard to tend to or a garden to keep up with understands that it is a LOT of work. It is constantly watching for bugs out to harm your precious growing things or minding the feeding, fertilizing, and watering. It is brutally hot here in the summer and I have to get up early if I want to do any work in the yard while the weather is tolerable…and some days I just do not feel like it! But the yard is important to me and since I enjoy the flowers growing and seeing the grass come through, I must put my work clothes on and get out there and do the work. Yesterday morning, I was out pulling weeds, trimming dead roses off the bush, and cutting off dry mums. If I didn’t do the work, I would certainly miss the opportunity to see beautiful things in the yard, smell wet grass after I have watered, or hear the birds sing after I have filled the birdfeeder.

It has been a while since I have shared a “stray gifts” post, so I thought it was time to put together a few photos I have taken and show you a few that have been put in my path.


From left to right, top to bottom:

  • Orange mums are starting to show up. They are so bright and cheerful!
  • Jonathan and I planted sunflowers this year and one by one, they are starting to open up!
  • I love to see where the sunlight lands at different times of the day in the house. This one caught me by surprise as I walked by it. I had never noticed the sun coming through the high window putting a spotlight on a growing vine that is on a tall shelf in the living room.
  • A handmade card from my twelve-year-old niece and a sweet note from her sister, who is four. A note in the mail is always a treat! I love to see how creative my niece gets with each card she makes for me.
  • My dad was a great biscuit maker when I was growing up. He still has the magic touch and is teaching Jonathan how to make them from scratch. Biscuits and gravy on a lazy Saturday morning are amazing.
  • Here is another photo of light landing on a plant in the house which caused me to stop and take notice.
  • This seems to be the “year of the honeysuckle” in our yard. We have had these for a few years now and, for some reason, the vine has just exploded continually in blooms! When there is a breeze in the air, the whole yard smells so heavenly.
  • I jumped on the sourdough bread bandwagon when the quarantine hit. I had tried it a few years ago but became frustrated with the learning process. I gave it another try and realized that making a loaf of bread is much more difficult and I have settled on making English muffins instead. I was determined to make this work after reading the health benefits from sourdough. So far, it is working for me and everyone loves these. I’ve also tried crepes and waffles using the sourdough and everyone gives them a ‘thumbs up’.

Pleasure is spread through the earth in stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find.
-William Wordsworth, 1806

Using the Legs of Faith

It is not the load that breaks you down; it is the way you carry it.

“Use your leg muscles, not your back muscles.” This is an essential rule in movement. Lifting heavy objects improperly may not affect our back the first few times we try it. But over time, injury occurs due to too much wear and tear on the back muscles. The power and stability come from the legs which should be doing most of the work. When we feel strain due to too much back pressure, it can cause a lack of balance and result in suffering.

Using the legs of faith which are grounded in Christ is an essential “must” for movement with the weight of life’s burdens. Trying to journey through illness, loss, and heartaches by ourselves will cause damage to our overall health and wellness. Christ doesn’t want us to carry our trials alone. He wants us to come to Him often, boldly, and willingly – trusting that He will continue to give grace and supply us with strength and wisdom.

Psalm 55:22, “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

He Holds

Perhaps the opposite of faith is not doubt, but fear.

Ann Voskamp- One Thousand Gifts

I call myself a “believer”. I believe that God sent His Son to die on the cross for my sins, that Christ rose from the grave, and that He came to save me. I was saved at a young age and one would think that I, on the sunny side of 49 years old, would have no trouble trusting that God is a good God. I trust the Savior for salvation from sins, yes, but do I trust Him for the salvation from fear? A lot of setbacks, a few surgeries for John (a shoulder one coming up in June), some changes in plans, and the question marks about the next year have caused a bit of worry. Is God surprised by these things? My mind says, “No”. My heart is wary.

Much (if not all) of the apprehension in my life over whether or not God will take care of me (us) has proven a waste of time. If I had stilled the doubts and waited for God to prove He is the “I am” in everything, I would have had a better way to use up my energy.

“Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” John 6:29

Stress and questioning God seem easier than trusting. Fretting and fearing are a lot less work because they require no discipline, no training of the mind to do the hard thing, no letting go of control. They cause the heart to be lazy, forgetful, and wild. Anxiety never brings joy. The work of God for me is to believe on Him, to believe Him – that He is watching, that He is in the making of our future, that He is able to care for all the details in life. With a trusting heart, I can thank Him for salvation from sins to salvation from fear and worry – whether or not I have answers about what the future holds.

“Can God be counted on? Count blessings and find out how many of His bridges have held…Trust is the bridge from yesterday to tomorrow, built with planks of thanks…I can walk the planks – from known to unknown – and know: He holds.”

Ann Voskamp – One Thousand Gifts