We have come to the most blessed month of the year, December…the month in which our Lord Jesus Christ’s birth is observed. Regardless of all the commercialism surrounding us at this time of year, the Lord’s coming is still remembered and honored in many places and in many ways. Glory!

The very thought that the glorious Second Person of The Trinity made a decision to take on human form and come into the realm of mankind is almost beyond comprehension. But it happened……and we celebrate. It happened and mankind beheld His glory, as best they could. When Daniel, the great prophet, saw an angel, he fell to the ground completely stunned, dazed and helpless. Try to imagine by comparison; what will it be like when we see our Lord Jesus Christ in ALL His glory. I think we will be able to witness that only because we will be in our resurrected bodies, not our old human bodies.

Nevertheless, John and the other Apostles saw our Lord’s glory in their day.

“The word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the

One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14

This has long been my favorite Christmas scripture. It will be my last, monthly New Year’s resolution to observe. I will post it next to my computer and consider it daily.

‘Til He Shouts!

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!

October 1961 calendar

On the first day of October almost every year I remember my big “October Mistake”.

When our third child, Karen, was born, the first one, Kevan, was not quite 4 years old. Yes, that means there was one in-between, Keith. It was a busy time and continued that way for several years. I often say that our children were all born the same year, but that is not quite accurate. But close.

While grocery shopping one day late in 1960 I found this adorable calendar and bought it. I wish I could give credit where it is due, but there is no mention of the publisher or the illustrator on the calendar. I hung it on the wall and talked to the children about it many times. It was a lot of fun.

When Karen was about 2, I made my big mistake. It was October 1 of that year and we four turned the now much used calendar to enjoy the new month. With great excitement I said “Look, Kids, it is Halloween.”

Immediately an enormous celebration erupted, as only a 2 year old, a 4 year old, and a 6 year old can create. Unbridled excitement broke forth!

After their cheers, hopping, laughing, and all around joy died down a bit, they ran to get their costumes. Only then did I realize…….they were ready to Trick or Treat right away….today, tonight, right now…on October 1.

I struggled to explain and correct my mistake.

Therefore….for the next 30 days……every morning……they would come to me begging, “Is it Halloween, yet?”

I’m happy to say that the actual Halloween Trick-or-Treating celebration was a success, even though it took f. o .r. e. v. e. r. to arrive.

I learned a valuable lesson that day.

I first wrote and published this on October 1, 2015. I always remember that day on October 1.

“But you are a chosen people,  a royal priesthood,  a holy nation, a people belonging to God,  that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

1 Peter 2:9

Continuing my commitment to assign a resolution to each month of the year, rather than one for the entire year……..my October resolution is to be occupied with who I am in Christ and where I am in Christ.  A long time ago someone said we believers should be occupied with Christ; we should practice His presence. Since first hearing that admonition, I’ve tried, but now I’ll put it up front in my thinking.

Practice His Presence and Walk In His Light

I firmly believe in the omnipresence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; He is the same yesterday, today and forever; He is with me always and everywhere. My resolution for this fresh, new month is to be more aware of that glorious truth.

‘Til He Shouts!

Computer illustration by Adele Bower

John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Here in Houston and most of the Gulf Coast of Texas, it has been a week that tests each of us. Widespread flooding and winds have caused deaths and destruction. But you probably know all about that by now.

Through it all and continuing into this week, the people of this area have been showing what it means to love one another. I include the many kind people from other states and parts of Texas.

While watching the reports on TV all this past week, it came to me clearly, “I love these people”. Thank you, Lord for giving me the grace to sincerely feel love for those suffering, all strangers mostly. Oh yes, it is easy to love my family and friends, and feel great sympathy for them. The home of our own son and his family was severely damaged by high water inside. Only the Lord can cause us to love  those we do not know. I’m grateful.

I’ve learned another interesting thing: the larger our family grows, the more grandchildren and soon a great-grandchild we are blessed with, the more loved ones there are to love…..

……..the more our emotions and faith in the Lord are tested. 

Why am I declaring a New Year’s Resolution by the month, you may wonder? Last December I tried to come up with one Resolution to fit all year and I couldn’t. Then and there I decided to break it into 12 months…thereby more easily reminding myself of my resolve. Each month I post the Scripture right next to my computer to remind myself.

“Love one another.”

‘Til He Shouts!

Last December I couldn’t come up with a new year’s resolution that I knew I would keep….for one entire year. Therefore, I decided to make twelve separate resolutions, one for each month as they arrived. So far it seems to be working and more effectively.

Since “sharing” my concerns and worries with my husband is part of my daily routine, it occurred to me while reading Philippians that my “sharing” might be just plain, old complaining. Of course, “sharing” sounds much more spiritual, doesn’t it?

“Do everything without complaining or arguing,

so that you may become blameless and pure, children

of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation,

in which you shine like stars in the universe.”

 ____Philippians 2:14-15a

For years I’ve understood complaining and arguing to be sinful, but I must admit I was pleased to know the Lord promises to make me “shine like stars in the universe”, if I give up the habit of “sharing” in this manner.

I am resolved; at least, I plan to review and practice this beautiful verse as much as possible this August. Maybe it will become a habit to “share” only things that are beautiful, lovely, and of good report and leave the complaining and arguing far behind.

‘Til He Shouts!

With all the excitement of Wimbledon 2017 still in the air I’m reminded of my “glory” days in sports. High up on the top of the book shelf in my art studio are my three sport trophies; two bowling and one tennis. I think I’m the most proud of the tennis trophy. It has engraved on it

1976

Kingwood Country Club

Championships

Ladies B Doubles

Winner

Yes, I know…it was country club tennis…….. ladies country club tennis and the B Flight. Nevertheless, I could not be more proud of myself and my tennis partner, Darla.  We developed a pretty good game and loved every minute. Plus I had a great tan.

Back in that day I was an avid tennis player playing 2 or 3 times a week for over 25 years and was a regular sub for the Houston Ladies Tennis Association.  I never quite earned the lofty status of a regular HLTA player, but my tennis partner and I played for them frequently as subs.

Finally I retired from tennis to pursue my art. At the time I thought I was too old to play tennis. Ha! Now I know I probably should have continued for a few more years. But I still have my memories and my trophy, but the tan is gone. However, my art has greatly improved.

Roger Federer’s accomplishments in tennis are almost unbelievable; 8th time Wimbledon winner, plus 19 Grand Slams Championships. Congratulations, Roger, well done. For some reason I have always preferred to watch men’s tennis on television, rather than women’s.

Back to the drawing board!

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands…”

_____1 Thessalonians 4:11a

Paul’s God-inspired advice here sounds very good to me and desirable. Of course, I’m an older woman, retired, and have a hobby (my art) that I thoroughly enjoy. I have very little desire to be rushing around, meeting deadlines, fulfilling the expectations of others……in fact, maybe no desire for those things at all. The way I prefer to do my art hobby is with solitude and quiet. Many of my artist friends get all set up to paint, and then turn on music. I prefer to paint or draw in silence.

Our children are all grown, in fact, our grandchildren are all grown, so I have almost no responsibility in their lives. But I have not forgotten the demands of those years caring for three children and our household; the expectations of our church and community as well as several years working in art and advertising studios.

Considering how blessed I am with such a quiet life, it might be thought I have no trouble at all finding peace and quietness. But at times I do. My joy and peace can be stolen away when I allow it to be; when I carelessly read, or watch, or think about things that are disturbing, or when I try to do too much. When I was younger I managed to foolishly get involved in a lot of activities that were a constant challenge to maintain. It seemed to be the goal of  young mothers back in the day……to be so busy everyone would be very impressed with our accomplishments. Or not. I finally realized  I could do a lot of things poorly or a few things really well and chose the latter. I learned to say a convincing “No” to requests for more of my time. Things got better.

“This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength……….”

_____Isaiah 30:15a

The Lord’s strength was what I needed then and still what I need now. He graciously offers it to you and me if we follow His Word.

I know Abby Cat does very little work with her hands, but she certainly knows how to take it easy and enjoy  a quiet life. At times our other cat, Tomboy, disturbs her attempt to mind her own business but she has a strong will and overcomes even his playfulness.

My resolution for July is to enjoy the Lord’s blessings, small or great and not permit anything to disturb my peace. I’m not even going to “try” to be at peace; but believe His word and promise in Isaiah 30:15a.

‘Til He Shouts!