Yes, that’s right.  My neighborhood had an exhibitionist.  We found out because of my afternoon skate-boarding adventure.  Those of you who read My Morning Cup will not be surprised to hear of this experience. .. it sort of goes with the flow.

As a preteen, or perhaps young teen (it was a long time ago; can’t remember my age at the time) I wanted to learn to skateboard.   Back then, the devices used were called “turfboards” and most were handmade. I persuaded my dad to make me one.  He took a plank of wood (which I painted and decorated), and then he lovingly attached skate wheels to the bottom of the board.  Voila!- my wonderful turfboard. I discovered that the best place to practice was in our neighbor’s driveway, across from the pond that was in our back yard.  So, one afternoon I took my new board and practiced my “moves” over and over again.  As I was walking back up my neighbor’s driveway and facing the house across the street a man was standing outstretched in front of the picture window – in all his glory (or lack thereof).  I had 3 sisters.  This was a man.  This view scared the bejeebies out of me (def.  bejeebies –  emotions laying inside of you that when activated  cause“freak-out”)

I did not “stop to pass go”.  I ran, ran and ran.  I told my mother what I’d just witnessed, and she then reported it to the police.  I have no idea what happened after that.  I just know I never practiced in that driveway again, or walked down that street alone.

I’ve been thinking about doing some running and remembered this experience where I ran to purposely to get away from something!  Yesterday I did some running in order to get to get to the bank before it closed as I had parked on the complete opposite side of the mall from the bank.  I decided to read some scriptures about  “running”.   Here are a few that strengthen and challenge me about  running “toward” and running “from”:

    Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Cor. 9:24

    Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Cor. 9:26-27

    Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

    Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  2 Tim. 2:22

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  James 4:7

 I ran hard to get away from the exhibitionist. Ask yourself as I ask myself:  How hard do I run from things that aren’t good for me or that will distance me from God?

I ran hard to get to the bank before it closed.  Ask yourself as I ask myself:  How eagerly and purposefully will I run toward God and His will for my life today?

Children and teens go back to school each year.  So do I.  It seems there’s always a new “class” I’m taking, like it or not.  However, the beautiful thing is that my teacher is perfect.  He expects my best – but he genuinely loves me and stays with me to continually tutor me.  It’s like having an “open book” with me at all times.  I just have to make sure I open it and listen to it.  Psalm 25:4-5

    Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths;

    guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,

    and my hope is in you all day long.

I’ve spent more time than usual in hospitals and hospices lately.  It’s been good for me but I haven’t particularly liked it.  Hospitals make me feel uncomfortable.   Just the smell, (which isn’t bad but is distinct) brings memories of pain.  Some are personal and some are from the pain of others.  The memories include feelings of fear mixed with uncertainty.  Every time I see someone walking the halls I feel some angst about burdens they must be carrying.  I don’t think I’m  “good at hospitals.”  My first real encounter was as a patient after a bike wreck.  I went home and fully recovered.   My roommate didn’t recover and never made it home.

Later, as a young teen, I went to the hospital as a Candy Striper.  Candy Stripers wore pink and white jumpers and did “odd jobs”.  I quickly learned I was not meant to be in the medical profession.  My first assignment was to fill the patients’ water bottles with ice.  I scurried down the hall while completing my task when a patient with an inquisitive tone made the comment, “This gives ‘on the rocks’ an entirely new meaning.”  I had no idea what he was talking about until he explained that I had just filled all of the urinals with ice.

Other encounters  in hospitals have included emergency rooms, surgeries, living births and still births, deaths…waiting and waiting — Joyful times and tearful times.

I’ve learned a lot over the past few weeks.  I’m reminded again of the mortality of our flesh.  I’m reminded of the need for tender compassion.   I’m reminded that many things in life are not comfortable, but they are needed.  I’m reminded of the urgency in gaining a right relationship with God.

As I boarded a plane (to join my husband as he was with his dad) and waited for take-off I watched as a mom and her adult daughter exchanged hateful words and angry stares with each other.  I heard a woman behind me cursing and expressing hatred for her former companion.   I was reminded of the black hole of bitterness that Satan plans for us as opposed to the sweet unity that God desires.  I was grateful for the way of escape that he so generously offers us.

Going to school is not always easy, but having a perfect teacher makes it all good.

Psalm 86:11

    Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth;

    give me an undivided heart,  that I may fear your name.

Psalm 90:12

    Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 119:66

    Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.

Psalm 119:68

    You are good, and what you do is good;  teach me your decrees.

Psalm 119:71

    It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

 Psalm 119:73

    Your hands made me and formed me;  give me understanding to learn your commands.

We buried my father-in-law Saturday.  He was our last living parent.  It was a difficult few weeks for the family as his life left his physical body.  I felt honored to be there as he breathed his last breath.  He passed peacefully, and was appropriately honored.  I will miss him.

Often when we go through difficult times it seems to completely sap our energy.  We returned home Sunday –completely exhausted and a bit numb.  It seemed hard to re-engage in activity here, though we knew we soon needed to do so.  I realized it’s also been a while since I’ve written or wanted to write.  I felt the reality of a little anecdote I once read.  Can’t think. Brain dumb.  Inspiration won’t come.  Poor ink, bum pen.  Best wishes. Amen  …  Just felt I didn’t have a lot to give at the time.

I went to my Bible, where I knew I could regain focus.   I was reading from the book of John and this scripture ministered to me.   During times when you may feel a bit empty, I hope it will encourage you as well.  John 2:1-10 

    On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, [2] and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. [3] When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

    [4] “Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”

    [5] His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

    [6] Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.

    [7] Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.

    [8] Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

    They did so, [9] and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside [10] and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

I realize that I have felt sort of like an empty stone water jar.  So I took the lesson from Mary, Jesus’ mother and asked Jesus to be involved.  I asked him to refill my jar-= spiritually.  Though the jars Jesus filled began with nothing and were then filled with water,  he turned that water into the finest of wines….his first miracle.  I have often felt that resurgence of his presence in my heart through his Spirit.   I delved into his Word and  asked him for the energy that he powerfully inspires within me as I try to do His will.  He promises it.  He delivers.  I am so grateful!

²⁸ It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. ²⁹ For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me. Col 1:28-29 (NRSV)

Just fed my dogs.  This is a routine my husband and I share every morning.  Our dogs never cease to thrill at this very predictable routine. Jordan, our 14-year-old Golden Retriever, has always been fed in the basement, where we keep his giant tub of food.  (No worries dog lovers…he owns the rest of the house.)  Lately, his arthritic hips make it difficult for him to maneuver stairs — so we began feeding him upstairs.

Occasionally, on days like today, he forgets this “new routine” and in his eagerness scurries downstairs to eat.  Then, after eating, he barks and barks again, not thinking he can make it back up the stairs. (Yes, I know his thoughts.)  I just heard him bark, and so stood in the doorway where he could see me.  When he feels he can’t make the climb, all he needs is for me to look at him and tell him I’m here and that he can do it. That’s all.  A few times, I’ve had to go down and walk with him, but most of the time an encouraging word is all he needs to muster the strength to do something he doesn’t think he can do. And it’s not in the words I say, since he can’t hear anymore.  It’s just that I’m there and care.

I realize I can at time be like Jordan, barking about something I think I can’t do.  Jordan reminds me I need to always look for ways to encourage people.  Their “barking” may mean they need some encouragement.  At least it’s worth a try.

I told him he was a great dog and that he could do it.  He quit barking, looked at the stairs  and came right up as if he was a few years younger.

The Scriptures are full of messages on encouragement.  I’ll share two of my favorite from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament.

Psalm 10:17
You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted;
        you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

Isaiah 1:17
  learn to do right!
    Seek justice,
        encourage the oppressed.
    Defend the cause of the fatherless,
        plead the case of the widow.

Hebrews 3:13
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

It takes courage to live a life pleasing to God.  I’m reminded of the encouragement I need to have, and the encouragement I need to give.

Wyndham and I were on a prayer walk this morning.  Feeling a lot with the near-at-hand loss of his dad, we felt the urgent need to pray. Since we are near an ocean, we went there.  As we were praying, the waves were particularly high and loud.  As I watched the waves crest, I focused on the curl inside of the wave and many memories flooded my mind. 

I hold a treasured memory, as a young girl, of riding the waves with my dad.  Having grown up on an island, Dad spent a lot of time in the water.  He taught me to ride the waves, which I loved doing. I still enjoy it. I remember the lessons he taught as he showed me how to find the “sweet spot” in the curl of the wave. He reminded me to keep my hands outstretched as I got caught up in the curl — and to allow the power of the wave to take me to shore.  If I got in at just the right place, one wave could take me all the way to the shore.  He had this down to a “fine art”.  I was amazed at how far the waves would take him… as the sand would scrape his stomach.

As I stood there watching the waves, and remembering my dad, I was struck by two things.  One was the bigness of God compared to my insignificance… and yet somehow God thinks I am significant.  As I stood there feeling so small, I remembered Psalm 8:3-5
When I consider your heavens,
        the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars,
        which you have set in place,
    [4] what is man that you are mindful of him,
        the son of man that you care for him?
    [5] You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
        and crowned him with glory and honor.
Just then, several small birds flew overhead, reminding me of the significance God places on me.  It seems unfathomable.   Matthew 10:29-31
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. [30] And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Feeling the sorrow of losing my father-in-law brought me back to the times with my dad.  In my mind’s eye, again I could picture the exuberant rush in catching the power of the wave and being carried in by its power.  I could almost feel the water rushing over my head and beside me, forcing me toward the shore — all the while tucked into the power of the curl.  That, to me, is what it feels like to be tucked inside of the shadow of God’s arms.

Psalm 36:5-7
Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens,
        your faithfulness to the skies.
    [6] Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
        your justice like the great deep.
    O Lord, you preserve both man and beast.
        [7] How priceless is your unfailing love!
    Both high and low among men
        find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

The following Psalm describes well, to me, the power of God as can be felt in the curl of the wave.  I want to know him, continue to feel the protection of his arms — and to know and reflect his mighty power!

Psalm 93:3-5
The seas have lifted up, O Lord,
        the seas have lifted up their voice;
        the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
    [4] Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
        mightier than the breakers of the sea–
        the Lord on high is mighty.
  [5] Your statutes stand firm;
        holiness adorns your house
        for endless days, O Lord.

I slept last night to the sound of a steady, yet gentle rain.  I stayed awake purposefully, just for a while,  in order to hear the rhythmic sound.  It was nice.  Even though I’m sitting in a three day meeting – it’s a time to be not only with fellow workers, but also with dear friends.  We have prayed together, done strategic planning together, brainstormed, laughed a lot, eaten together…and some even shed a tear together.  It’s good to hear the sound of the rain, and to sit with friends.

Later in the day, I enjoyed an ice cream cone.  Very different from my usual choice of flavors, I ordered vanilla.  Sometimes it’s just good to keep things simple.

Amidst this simple moment, various not as simple situations seek to grab our attention.  However, the day described above reminds me that amidst complication,  I should never forget the “vanilla” simplicity of the purpose of my life. “Fear God, and keep his commandments.” I am taught by this scripture:

Eccles. 12:11-14

    The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails–given by one Shepherd. [12] Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.

    Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.

    [13] Now all has been heard;

        here is the conclusion of the matter:

    Fear God and keep his commandments,

        for this is the whole duty of man.

    [14] For God will bring every deed into judgment,

        including every hidden thing,

        whether it is good or evil.

I’ve shed tears already this week and it’s only Tuesday.  I’m sure many of you have also shed tears.  My granddaughter sobbed as she buried “Sweetheart”, who for those who read my earlier posts, have met.  Emma, through her tears, said, “I know I can move on… but there will never be a better butterfly than ‘Sweetheart’.”  This morning I received a picture of my oldest grandson on his way to his first day of kindergarten, with the accompanying message from my daughter – “He did great and I’m still crying.” I still remember my children’s first days of school – and the first days of college. Tears flowed.  I’ll never forget telling each of my parents goodbye for the last time, and then yesterday, crying with my husband after he had told his dad goodbye for the last time.  (His dad is still living at this moment, but does not have many hours left.)

“Real life”, and the way we live it is what gives rich meaning to the “endings” we experience.

Today it seemed appropriate to read the endings of the letters within the Scriptures.  I thought they might help me with endings I experience.  These Scriptures encouraged and challenged me, so I’ll share just a few of them with you.

    Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, [26] but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him– [27] to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.  Romans 16:25-27

    Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.   [12] Greet one another with a holy kiss. [13] All the saints send their greetings.   [14] May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  2 Cor. 13:11-14

    Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [24] Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  Ephes. 6:23-24

    Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. [18] But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.  2 Peter 3:17-18

   To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy– [25] to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.  Jude 1:24-25

Don’t you just relish making a call – and before you can even say “hello” you are placed on hold?  Sometimes it’s a short time, sometimes long, sometimes you get disconnected and you may even be forgotten…  Not my favorite scenario!  We had lots of plans this week — beginning yesterday with a family group leader cookout at our house and then later today spending a few days with some friends who are flying in from California.  Their tickets are non-refundable, can’t be changed.  This meeting and visit has been planned for months. Also, the stack of burger buns still line my counter and the shelf load of meat is still in the refrigerator.

I still plan to pick up our friends this afternoon.  Two bags are packed — an overnight one for this meeting/trip that must be made without my husband’s presence.  And another bag is packed with several changes of clothes, including clothing for a funeral.  Likely, I will have to leave with this bag tomorrow.  All plans are on hold. My husband spent another night in the hospital with his dad.  His dad’s condition continues to deteriorate. He is no longer conscious.  Now we wait.   As I walked and prayed this morning several scriptures ran through my mind.  The first was this. Proverbs 16:9
In his heart a man plans his course,
        but the Lord determines his steps.

In fact, Proverbs 16 is filled with wisdom about plans.  My plans are on hold. My plans, however, don’t even seem important in the big picture. It took that prayer walk to get surrendered, however. I’m helped by what we call “the Lord’s Prayer”… Matthew 6:11
Give us today our daily bread.

I’m reminded that the Israelites gathered manna for one day (except when gathering enough for the Sabbath as well).  Jesus teaches me in Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I will pray to live today well.  That’s all I can really plan for.  And actually, even the day is broken down into minutes and seconds.  That’s sort of encouraging.  Right now, I can choose to be surrendered to God.  I can choose the hope, joy, peace and comfort that he offers me.  Aaaaaaahhhhhhh.  Sweet surrender….at least at this moment. I will probably have to revisit this prayer and these scriptures throughout the day.

I am confident that though I may be on hold, God will not forget me or hang up on me.

Isaiah 49:15
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
        and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
    Though she may forget,
        I will not forget you!

Hebrews 6:10
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

Yesterday was a “heavy-hearted” day. A dear friend lost her sister.  Also yesterday, another friend lost his mom.  Last night I drove my husband to the airport, after receiving word of his father’s “dire” condition after suffering a heart attack.  Three of my husband’s sisters have had surgeries or hospitalization for illnesses over the last month. Another friend is having trials in her marriage.  A scripture in John 16:33 comes to mind.
  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble…”This is quite true.  In this world we will have trouble.  However, this verse continues – “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Friday night, (Nana and Papa night), I was privileged to meet a butterfly named Sweetheart.  My grand-daughter, Emma, brought her over to our house to continue to care for her.  About three weeks ago, this deeply compassionate eight-year-old found the injured little insect on the ground.  Noticing that it had only one wing and could not fly, Emma brought it in and made it a home in a tupperware container. She named it “Sweetheart” and  surrounded her (Emma somehow knows it’s a girl) with grass, twigs and other plants which she learned were pleasing to butterflies.  Every day she takes it outside to drink sweet nectar from a “butterfly bush”.  This little butterfly has already outlived its normal life expectancy.  It has survived, and dare I say thrived (living with one wing and sitting in a  tupperware container), because of the tender compassion of my granddaughter.  As I think of my trials, and also as I pray for those who are particularly hurting today, I picture one- winged “Sweetheart” being gently lifted onto the nourishment-giving nectar of the butterfly bush.  And she thrives.  I then remember one of my favorite scriptures.

Isaiah 40:10-11
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
        and his arm rules for him.
    See, his reward is with him,
        and his recompense accompanies him.
    [11] He tends his flock like a shepherd:
        He gathers the lambs in his arms
    and carries them close to his heart;
        he gently leads those that have young.

Whether or not we are able to “fly” today, may we all feel the strong arms of our Father’s compassion– and thrive.

Yesterday was a “heavy-hearted” day. A dear friend lost her sister.  Also yesterday, another friend lost his mom.  Last night I drove my husband to the airport, after receiving word of his father’s “dire” condition after suffering a heart attack.  Three of my husband’s sisters have had surgeries or hospitalization for illnesses over the last month. Another friend is having trials in her marriage.  A scripture in John 16:33 comes to mind.
  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble…”This is quite true.  In this world we will have trouble.  However, this verse continues – “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Friday night, (Nana and Papa night), I was privileged to meet a butterfly named Sweetheart.  My grand-daughter, Emma, brought her over to our house to continue to care for her.  About three weeks ago, this deeply compassionate eight-year-old found the injured little insect on the ground.  Noticing that it had only one wing and could not fly, Emma brought it in and made it a home in a tupperware container. She named it “Sweetheart” and  surrounded her (Emma somehow knows it’s a girl) with grass, twigs and other plants which she learned were pleasing to butterflies.  Every day she takes it outside to drink sweet nectar from a “butterfly bush”.  This little butterfly has already outlived its normal life expectancy.  It has survived, and dare I say thrived (living with one wing and sitting in a  tupperware container), because of the tender compassion of my granddaughter.  As I think of my trials, and also as I pray for those who are particularly hurting today, I picture one- winged “Sweetheart” being gently lifted onto the nourishment-giving nectar of the butterfly bush.  And she thrives.  I then remember one of my favorite scriptures.

Isaiah 40:10-11
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
        and his arm rules for him.
    See, his reward is with him,
        and his recompense accompanies him.
    [11] He tends his flock like a shepherd:
        He gathers the lambs in his arms
    and carries them close to his heart;
        he gently leads those that have young.

Whether or not we are able to “fly” today, may we all feel the strong arms of our Father’s compassion– and thrive.