Probably the most frequent phrase I heard in my childhood was “Finish your food, Adele”. I had next to no appetite, except for tiny amounts of chocolate, peanut butter, waffles….that sort of thing. Nevertheless, I was more active and lively than my brother and sister combined and showed no signs of malnutrition; however, I was very, very skinny. I grew out of that particular problem and am totally grateful for and enjoy the food our Lord provides. He is ever-faithful.

During our early years of marriage, money was scarce. It wasn’t unusual to find a note on the bananas, “Hands off. These are for your lunch bags”, or in the refrigerator a note on little plastic dishes, “Nope! Stay away. This is for supper.” They soon learned to ask first.

Through the years our finances became less strained, but I never lost my appreciation and gratitude for our Lord’s generous supply for all our needs. I rarely fail to thank Him out loud for all the food we carry into the house after a visit to the grocery store. I’m truly grateful and know He is the One and Only provider.

“Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.

He did the same with the fish.” 

___John 6:11

I remember how touched I was when I first comprehended that verse. The Lord and creator of the universe, (Colossians 1:15-16) was giving thanks to His Father for their food at that amazing picnic. What a rich blessing to know that grace and humility are natural characteristics of our Lord Jesus Christ and He never changes. He is so worthy of our praise, and gratitude. If He feels the need to give thanks for His food, I will thank Him for my food, before I eat, wherever I am….at a picnic for 5000, standing by a food truck, enjoying afternoon tea and a cookie, or waiting in line at McDonalds. I even thank the Lord for providing fast-food restaurants, with inexpensive food. It comforts me to know someone short on money can still buy lunch.

This Thanksgiving, I’m thanking Him more than ever. He has blessed us so far above our hopes. I’m grateful and praise Him for who He is, for what He has done, and for all He has in store for us.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

___Ephesians 3:20-21

‘Til He Shouts!

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” _____Romans 12:18

It’s time again to select a verse to live by for the month of November. Actually, I had trouble deciding between two, so I’ll add the other, also. They seem to be related.

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you.” _____1 Thessalonians 4:11

Someone wrote in a book that to have real peace and freedom in the world we must reduce  the number of people in our lives that we depend on. If you think about it, you’ll probably find a little bit of truth in that statement. Clearly there would be less chance for disagreements or irritations if we lived on a deserted island all by ourselves, but that’s not me, and I doubt it is you, either.

I really like people; I enjoy being around them, sharing opinions, hearing about their lives, showing them my latest artwork (I couldn’t resist!), playing games like “Clue”, (which our grandson, Gavin, at age 9 never failed to beat me playing), taking trips together,  keeping in touch and making plans to see them again. We need each other….for fellowship, love, spiritual growth, buying and selling our products or services, whatever they may be. Our lives are intertwined and that is wonderful, isn’t it?

However, right in the middle of all this “intertwining” is our human nature……..with its selfishness, covetousness, impatience, ego, on and on the list goes. Disagreements, hurt feelings, arguments, imagined slights, and critical attitudes will show up. Sooner or later!

We quickly realize that we need some advice, some guidelines, some wisdom to live by.  Our Lord has always been way ahead of us in knowing what we will need. He has given us His Holy Word with instructions for righteous living and strength to “be at peace with everyone”. It’s up to us to believe His Word, and to use it.

‘Til He Shouts!