Author Archives: susantrinitysite

Unknown's avatar

About susantrinitysite

I've been married for almost 40 years and have two adult children, one granddaughter, two grandsons and expecting our second granddaughter in April 2020. My business career includes over 20 years of banking, personal sales, and working in a small local newspaper office. I also served 8 years on our local board of education. I've an active member of our church for 30 years where I enjoy serving with the Connections Team, KidMin, Prayer Team, and as a mentor for the MOPs group. I love to write which gives me opportunities to express my thoughts as well as encourage my readers whenever they stumble onto my page!

GOD VS. gods

Posted on by
Reply

Admittedly, I’m far behind in a reading plan for the Bible which is taking me on its chronological order versus the way our scholars have given us today’s versions of scripture. Here it is January of 2026 and I’m still in April of 2025, landing me right now in the Book of Isaiah, one of my favorite prophets.

In the four chapters I read today, Isaiah is expounding on man’s foolishness to create graven gods from earthly materials such as wood or precious metals. As I read, I imagined the guy who goes in search of just the right kind of wood or the exact amount of gold or silver needed to form the image he’s created in his mind. To fashion his “god” he needs to cut, hammer, pound, shape, cut some more, chisel the rough edges. All his effort is poured into creating “something” he can talk to, plead his requests, look to for favor and relief from his troubles.  Reading man’s attempts to create his own god confirmed God’s command to the Israelites–upon their release from Egyptian captivity–that “you shall have no other gods before me”. It’s actually one of our ten commandments.

Fast forward to today’s culture. Are we–in some parts of our society–not unlike those ancient people who were always looking for a way to escape life’s daily or stretches of hardships? In every people group known to me, there is a form of religion based on a “god” or a “concept” hoping to find purpose, peace, provision, favor. I think of the account of the prophets of Baal, 450 men under King Ahab’s rule who came against God’s man, Elijah. On Mt. Carmel there was a challenge. Whose God would show up to bulls laid on a wood pile to be offered as a burnt sacrifice? It’s a very intriguing story recorded in 1 Kings 18: 20-40. If you haven’t read it, I encourage you to do so. It’s a gruesome story to say the least. There’s even some sarcasm as Elijah comes out victorious, exposing the falsehoods of their “gods”.

Much can be learned from Elijah’s encounter with false prophets. As believers we also must exercise caution creating our own “gods”. What! Yes, too often we see how professional athletes are elevated to hero status. Some individuals know more about Hollywood celebrities than current events. Political parties and leaders have received more trust in all the areas that belong to God. And, once again, admittedly, as I’ve watched a variety of news interviewers travel college campuses or visit spring break beaches, asking questions of the youth they encounter, ignorance and knowledge is gravely lacking.

In Hosea, another of God’s prophets, he says “My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me. Since you priests refuse to know me, I refuse to recognize  you as my priests.  Since you have forgotten the laws of your God, I will forget to bless your children.” (Hosea 4: 6 New Living Translation)

I don’t want to see people and families destroyed. I don’t want to witness our nation becoming further and further away from Judeo Christian values, teaching, and knowledge. I don’t want to see people forget about God and who He is along with our children losing His blessings. Yet, I do see it. I read about it. I scroll social media and shake my head some days, even wondering if we’ve entered the days described by Isaiah declaring “what sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.” (Isaiah 5: 20-21 (New Living Translation)

However, as much as I can lament about the negative behaviors taking place in our culture, I also rejoice at the positive revivals happening in churches, especially with our youth. Relying on social media once again, there are numerous accounts of our young folks waking up from lies the world offers, turning to find out who Jesus is, getting back to church, filling their empty hearts and bellies with the truths found in the Bible. When I witness all the excitement and fervor in our youth, I have hope, the kind that is fueled–like Eliajah’s fiery challenge–by a living God, and not from some crudely handmade object that will only rot or tarnish.

If you’re tired, if you’ve been complacent in pursuing knowledge and understanding of who Jesus is, I invite you to return to church or go for the first time. Find out that God is light. He’s sweet. And He’s good.

TIME DOES FLY

Posted on by
Reply

Happy New Year! 

In my younger years I often heard my “elders” declare  with each passing year that common phrase “my, how time flies”. I honestly didn’t give much attention to that thought, until now. I “get it”. Passage of time since our own children entered adulthood seems to have caught me up in this  perceived acceleration of time. Maybe I can credit this due to a lightened schedule–no full time work requiring me to report to five days a week, parenting of small children behind me now, less bills to pay.

Sitting here on a very cold day I can’t help but reflect on the past year. It truly seems like yesterday when I drove north in the month of April to enjoy a four day sabbatical. Except for a few times when my husband was away for a weekend, I hadn’t been truly “alone” since my mid 20s when I lived in an apartment with no roommate. Last April, warmer days teased  us with opportunities to be outdoors, heavy coats no longer necessary, promises of sunshine on our faces overpowering the previous weeks of cloudy wintry weeks.

The opportunity to be alone for four days taught me a lot. I learned that I am fully capable of taking care of myself. Awkward at first, with no one to talk to, I grew comfortable in silence.  I let the natural rhythm of sunrises and sunsets dictate my schedule, not relying on a clock. With the exception of using my phone for assisting me with scripture reading or watching a movie, there was no noise in my northern habitat  from TV or radio. What a wonderful break from outside interference!

On two occasions I stepped out of my comfort zone–no pun intended–and ventured on two hikes on trails near where I was staying. I’ve been on hiking trails before, with friends, but this time in April I was alone. My only company was April’s cool breezes, wind in the trees, and the sound of crunching leaves under my feet, accompanied by my increased breathing as I pushed my body to new limits navigating each trail. Though I was apprehensive at first, being alone in the woods, any fear I initially embraced soon waned, making room for excitement and exhilaration at achieving a bucket list goal–go on a hike without anyone else tagging along. 

As much as I thought I was alone though, in reality I was not. The entire purpose for getting away for a few days was to allow me time to dive deeper into scripture, spend uninterrupted stretches of time listening and talking to God. Each morning gave me well over an hour–even two–accomplishing this desire, yet I found that during  both hikes in the woods God continued to speak, be present, and reveal Himself to me, reminding me that I am truly “never alone”.  What a gift, what a promise!

As 2026 has arrived, it is hard for me to comprehend that soon it will be a year since my sabbatical. Thankfully, the memories I created from my four days are journaled in a book set aside for just that time. Hopefully, I’ll be able to create a few days in this new year to embrace another stretch of time alone, get out pen, paper, Bible, and notebook to dig a little deeper into scripture that is alive by the power of the Holy Spirit, who still teaches and speaks new things from generation to generation.

Yes, I will agree that “time flies” as one gets older. And, I’m okay with that because God “is the same, yesterday, and tomorrow.”  (Paraphrase from Hebrew 13:8) He’s the One who exists outside time as we humans know it; He’s the One Who will sometimes speak in a still quiet voice whether we find ourselves on a winding hiking trail or sitting under a cozy blanket as the sun rises, giving us the promise of a new day with “new mercies every morning” (Lamentations 3: 22-23).

I’m ready for what 2026 holds. I’m excited to look back next year and see where God showed up, how He spoke, what He taught–not only for me–but everyone I love, and for our community!

RESOLVE ‘NOT’ TO RESOLVE

Posted on by
Reply

Well, we’ve come to the time of our year when all major holidays are behind us. Christmas decorations will remain in place for a few more days, the anticipation of what’s inside wrapping and stockings has worn off. Bags of trash created from the frenzy of opening beautifully wrapped packages along with remnants from many dinners fill our waste cans or spill over in garbage containers waiting for the next pickup. As excitement over gifts begins to wane, many of us turn our thoughts now to a new year soon approaching, one last flip of the calendar. Ah, 2025–with all its wins and losses small and big–is behind us as we welcome 2026 in a matter of a few days. 

In many households indulging in favorite holiday foods and candy will be replaced with dieting ideas, returning to a somewhat normalcy in daily meals. Some of us will welcome January 1st by making a list of “new year’s resolutions”. Each stroke of our pen brings with them a promise to “stay the course” and not “break” our simple oaths that we make to ourselves.

Just where did making resolutions in the new year originate? If you’re like me, I often wonder the “why” behind practices that people adopt over years. It’s one thing to be committed to taking on a challenge, it’s another to understand the why behind it.

A quick search online showed me that resolutions began about 4,000 years ago in the Babylonian culture. These ancient people made oaths to their “gods” in order to gain favor. Part of their ritual was a commitment to pay off all debt and return items that had been borrowed. What a novel idea!

Now, we make promises to eat better, exercise more, drink more water….our self made goals seem to focus on “self”, the physical aspect of our bodies versus our minds and hearts. While that’s a genuine goal, what if God desires something different than a fit and beautiful toned body? What if He would have us choose to develop and transform our minds and hearts that lean towards Him?

2 Corinthians 10: 5 says  the “We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” (New Living Translation) True to my nature, comparing different versions of scripture, I like how the Common Jewish Bible states this verse: And every arrogance that raises itself up against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey the Messiah.” Both versions make me say “ouch”, not because the words hurt me physically but rather the strong directives given to me by a loving yet righteous God.

I gave up making resolutions in the new year long ago. Why? Because I’m a failure. The month of January often looks successful in many ways for me until my old habits creep back, luring me into comfort instead of diligence. When I always try to “lean on my own understanding and will power”, I lose my ambitions. This is why I need God. I need Holy Spirit to spur me on much like a sideline coach. I need the words from Galatians 6: 9: “So let us not grow weary of doing what is good; for if we don’t give up, we will in time reap the harvest”. (Common Jewish Bible) The New Living Translation says “we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

As Christians, we are called to rely on our Father, Who is the One and Only, the King of Kings, a God who told us over 4,000 years ago to “have no other gods before Him.” Man has been pretty good at creating other gods, then finding ways to appease and plead for earthly comforts, thus the example of the Babylonians giving us the idea to make new yearly promises to escape hardship. God’s version of living “with” hardships that are not withheld from our lives is the gift of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace who comforts all who mourn. He’s a Mighty Counselor guiding us how to resolve conflict in relationships. He’s Jehovah Jireh, the one who provides. He’s much much more.

So, as we close out 2025 I invite you to throw out the idea of making “new year’s resolutions”. May I suggest that you pick up pen and paper, find a comfortable spot and make a list of all the things you’re grateful for this past year. Then ask God “how can I know You better? What kind of good things can I do to help reap harvests in our families? In our community?”

I promise you that answers will come. God WILL speak to you by the power of His Holy Spirit. If we as true followers of Christ listen, obey, and act…well, think of the blessings that will be poured out on our families and this town we lovingly call “the ‘Ville’”. That’s a harvest I can get excited about!

JESUS, THE PERFECT GIFT

Posted on by
Reply

In a recent devotion I read this Advent season, the author asked us readers to close our eyes and think about a memorable gift we received at Christmas. We were asked to go as far back into our childhood for possible images. While I thought I might remember one, I actually thought of two gifts at different times in my life.

I admit the first gift I thought of was my Barbie Dream House. I would have been about 8 years old or so. It was the first one on the market, green, compared to pink versions that came along later.  The house opened up with walls, and inside she had a living room, bedroom, all the rooms in a home. There were small storage spaces for her accessories. A carry handle allowed me to lug it wherever,  even to a friend’s home where we combined our Barbie accessories for hours of play.

I also remember when I was 11 or 12, my brother Mark bought me a pair of ice skates. He had taken on a paper route that year so he was floating in money! I wore those skates well into my late teens as I was fortunate my feet had stopped growing. I brought them with me to Fowlerville when we moved here in 1989 but sadly, the skating opportunities here weren’t the same as my hometown Saginaw.

Another gift that had a tremendous impact was actually one my father gave to my mom. Her parents both died well before my birth. We had our share of snapshots of them that were stashed away, but dad was able to borrow their formal portraits from a cousin, had them professionally duplicated and gifted them to mom. This was in 1979. By then, I was 25, had my own apartment and to make Christmas special that year, I slept at my childhood home Christmas Eve so I could wake up in the morning as a “little kid” so-to-speak. That Christmas was probably one of my favorites until our children came along, making celebrations through their childhood years fun and memorable. Now we have four grandchildren which absolutely brings about more merriment, laughter, and memories.

Christmas 2025 is but a few days away as I write this. Our home is ready. Decorations have been in place for a couple of weeks. Gifts are wrapped–well, all but a mere few. Chex Mix has been made–and enjoyed–for a week. Almost time for another batch!

As I’ve been out on my errands, I have to admit it’s rather sad there’s not much evidence of Christmas in some of our public spaces. I fear that being politically correct has stripped away former years of beautiful decorations and Christmas music in the background. I’m thankful, though, for the beauty of our downtown streets with lights, garland, and yes–even a tree that has a slight lean. While there’s been those who wondered why the village couldn’t do better, I beg to differ. There’s beauty in imperfection and I think a tree that has a slight lean to its stature is a good reminder we are all imperfect people in one way or another! Afterall, it’s our great imperfections–our sinful lives–that caused God to have a plan of salvation in place to redeem mankind. We need not look too far to realize that our world is ever changing–some for good and much towards evil. 

Furthermore, I think our current world climate exemplifies words spoken from the prophet Isaiah in Chapter 5: “They say that what is right is wrong and what is wrong is right; that black is white and white is black; bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.” (Living Translation)

It’s my humble opinion that much of our culture is upside down and most of what I call “common sense” has been exchanged for worry over offending someone. While common courtesy and kindness should never be excluded from how we treat others, there is also a responsibility to understand God, His purpose and plan for sending His Son to save all of us. This is why Christmas is important. Although December may not be the actual birth month for Christ’s arrival on earth, we celebrate because He CAME to dwell among us. And, sure, there weren’t Christmas lights, trees, Santas, reindeer–all the trimmings you and I adorn our homes–but there were angels, shepherds, and a star. The latter are now woven into some decor. Some homes even set up nativity scenes, another rarity in our culture as blow up snowmen, santas, elves–even dinosaurs–adorn front lawns.

This Christmas, close your eyes and think about the best gift you ever received. A favorite toy, a pair of skates, precious photographs–those hold special memories for me, yet they pale in comparison to me realizing I was a sinner in need of a saviour. THAT gift, given to me over 2,000 years ago, is mine now. I opened my heart to God’s gift in 1979 and it’s one that isn’t old, remains undamaged, not stored away, but hopefully shines brightly in my life as I live and breathe through each day I’m blessed to be share with family and friends.

Merry Christmas 2025!

SNOW ANGELS, JOY & DELIGHT

Posted on by
Reply

Ah, fresh snow. That’s what I’m enjoying seeing outside my window as flakes large and small fall, making piles on the ground, covering plants that have long died to summer’s heat and beauty. My mind wanders to all the activities that a good snowfall offers, having read on social media last evening that a friend tried snowboarding for the first time which is quite a feat considering she’s now 40. I actually did the same thing at that age, only it was the smaller hill by Torch 180 and admittedly, although it was great fun, I went down quickly on my behind. I haven’t attempted snowboarding since.

When was the last time you made a snow angel? This simple act of artwork in freshly fallen snow is a favorite among children and well, I have a dear friend very close to my ripe age of 72, who keeps the beauty of snow angels alive. We refer to it each winter as “our own personal challenge”. There’s no pressure to get outside to participate, however, we are required to give “proof of life” by snapping a picture and texting it to one another on our phones. How fun is that! 

Lisa and I are both pursuing living the older portion of our lives without losing our inner child joy. Even though getting down on snow covered ground to make our angel is more difficult than our fond childhood years, we do it. We giggle. We feel each other’s pain when it’s time to get up, trying to do so with as much grace as achy and tight joints allow. As much clumsiness is involved, the end result of feeling joy and laughter on an otherwise ordinary wintry day is worth all the struggles within our effort.

Joy and delight. I read those words in my devotion this Wednesday morning after hearing from Lisa. “Hey, have you made your snow angel yet?”  They’re found in Luke Chapter 1 when an “angel of the Lord” visited Zechariah during his priestly duties to announce that he and wife Elizabeth–in their old age!–would welcome a son, commanding him to name the babe John…”he will be a joy and a delight to you”. What a beautiful description and promise! Wouldn’t all of us as parents love to have a personal word spoken over our babies yet to be born? Actually, we do have a way to speak loving and powerful words over our children!

Proverbs 18: 21 is perfect guidance for us…”the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit”.

I’ve been around some awesome parents who truly encourage and love their children, choosing their words very carefully. Unfortunately, I’ve also witnessed firsthand those who are very harsh with their children, screaming and using obscene language when making minor corrections to behavior. The latter breaks my heart every time. Expanding on the author’s words found in the proverb, later James wrote to us in scripture: “And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right”. (New Living Translation)

Snow angels are fun. Messages directly from God’s angel to Zechariah–or anyone for that matter–are powerful and should never be dismissed or go unnoticed.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were old, far beyond childbearing years. But God. There was a plan written long before they were born. From their old age, from their faithful prayers asking for a child, God used their barren years to produce a miracle named John, who indeed brought them much “joy and delight”. More importantly,  John was also considered as “great in the sight of God” and as a man became His messenger who would prepare the Jewish people for the arrival of the Messiah, taking his rightful place announcing the earthly ministry of his cousin, Jesus.

As we think about Christ’s birth that we will celebrate in a couple of weeks, my challenge is this. First, have a little bit of fun and make a snow angel. If you’ve got kids, do it as a family. Second, read about John in Luke chapter 1. Third, be a blessing to your children–and others– by speaking words of “life” and “love” over them every chance you get. 

Words have power. They speak of life, creation, destruction, even death. Jesus’ words brought healing and His teachings show us how to be encouraging and gracious not only to our family but everyone we meet throughout our day. May we all strive to be examples of  “joy and delight” in our homes, workplaces, and community!

FROM SIMPLE TO EVERLASTING

Posted on by
Reply

What does a clothes hanger bent in the shape of a circle and small strips of green and red tissue paper have in common?

Reflecting back on a Christmas season in my fifth grade class, where art projects were created under the guidance of our primary teacher, this particular year Miss McKenzie taught us how to make a simple–and by no means elegant–Christmas wreath. 

I’m pretty sure each one of us kids in her classroom provided our own coat hanger. As was custom in her class, every Friday afternoon was dedicated to art. This meant that when we returned from lunch break, we had about two glorious hours to focus on working with our hands to create art projects that came alive using simple materials.

Making our wreath involved twisting and shaping our wire clothes hanger into a good circle–no wood or plastic ones would host this project! Layers and layers of red and green tissue paper were then gently torn or crudely cut to form strips of paper that we twisted around the wire, pushing each strip close to its neighbor until the entire circle was full. Then, we checked our final work, fluffing and adjusting each strip where necessary. Ribbon to form a bow was provided by our teacher as well, giving our wreath its final touch.

Where did Christmas wreaths originate? If we can trust wikipedia this site says:

The Christmas wreath originated from ancient traditions where circular arrangements of evergreen branches symbolized life and renewal during winter. It became associated with Christmas in the 16th century when Christians in Germany began using wreaths to mark the Advent season, representing eternal life and the promise of Christ’s coming.

One of my daily devotions from this week focused on the words found in Jeremiah 31: 3 where God spoke through this prophet…Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. (New Living Translation)

As I listened to the short reflection from the devotional reader, I learned that our tradition of putting up evergreen trees and hanging a wreath of greens on our front doors symbolizes love and hospitality. In addition, it’s common understanding that a circle is eternal; it has no beginning or ending which depicts God’s love and promises for us perfectly! Evergreen trees represent life, hope, and actually fare well in cold winter months thus reminding us of how our own lives can be resilient under pressures from outward influence and circumstances.

My tissue paper wreath from that long ago year of 1963 is long gone … .I remember taking it home when it was finished and my mom hanging it on our front door. I don’t recall if it survived being packed away with other decor when the holidays ended but I have fond memories that a simply crafted 5th grade art project helped to adorn my childhood home, hopefully letting all who entered know they were welcomed and much loved.

Now, in my own home, we have a beautiful lighted wreath that we display every year. It’s too large for the front door but absolutely beautiful hanging on the front of the house near the living room window. My hope is that passersby enjoy the beauty of its glow in night skies and all who enter our home feel welcomed and loved, enjoying hospitality blanketed under the beauty of the Advent season.

As much as I love having our modern wreath I admit a bit of melancholy emotions rise inside me as I think back how my simple 5th grade tissue paper wreath didn’t survive from year to year, yet as it eventually made its way to being discarded, the memories still linger and fill my heart with great joy.

Kind of what Jeremiah said about God’s love. Everlasting. 

WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THE LEFTOVERS

Posted on by
Reply

Leftovers.

Thanksgiving 2025 is behind us now. Remnants of family dinners together linger in the form of uneaten turkey or other meats, scrapings of mashed potatoes stuck to serving bowls along with other delicious side dishes we all typically enjoy on this holiday that brings family and friends together around food laden tables.

Leftovers. What to do with all the food that didn’t get eaten? Maybe as the host you fill take out containers or zip lock bags with whatever you can pawn off, saving room in your own fridge for the remainder. Or, if waste doesn’t concern you, unused portions are easily tossed in trash bags that will make it to the curb on your next pickup day.

Leftovers create two camps. One, is made up of those who absolutely love having extra food on hand for a few days, thus alleviating the need to prepare fresh meals. The second is folks who don’t enjoy dealing with the quantity of food that leftovers creates, out of sight, out of mind.

Thinking about leftovers has me reflecting on a time in Jesus’ ministry where leftovers didn’t happen because of an ordinary meal. Rather, an ample amount of leftovers actually occurred from two separate miracles involving a mere loaves of bread and two small fish from a day’s catch.

In Matthew 15, he records about the afternoon that Jesus fed 4,000 people, using seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. Before the meal was given to the people, Jesus gave thanks for the provision. Then, the disciples distributed the food.

In Luke 9 he wrote about Jesus feeding 5,000 people using five loaves of bread and two fish. Again, before the meal was given, Jesus gave thanks as He looked up to heaven.

It’s worthy to note that in both scenes, although we are told 4,000 and 5,000 dined, the numbers were most certainly larger as women and children may not have been counted in the attendance figures. Also–and I believe most worthy to note–is that in Matthew’s account we are told the disciples filled seven baskets with leftovers. In Luke’s account, the guys filled 12 baskets.

Leftovers. Only these were of a different variety than the turkey carcasses and mashed potatoes scrapings we manage today. These leftovers had been blessed by the Master’s own hands and although considered as remainders of a meal, all words of thanksgiving and blessing lingered in permanency.

I find–in curiosity and amazement as I read these accounts–that Jesus not only fed hungry bellies, He allowed there to be leftovers. I have to ask myself “why”? What was His purpose?

I think He did this to extend the astonishment of the miracle. I also think He was continuing to show His disciples the level of power He possessed to turn ordinary things into something of great benefit. In these circumstances, He and the disciples were faced with thousands of hungry families and by using a very small amount of food–insurmountable odds by human measure–He satisfied empty stomachs and opened spiritually empty hearts and eyes to the glory and wonder of God!

Digging deeper into the meaning of our 7 and 12 baskets of leftovers has significance, too. In Hebrew the number 7 represents completion, perfection, and divine intervention. The number 12 refers to a perfect government. God established 12 tribes in Israel. The gates and foundations of the New Jerusalem number as 12, and Jesus chose 12 disciples which revealed the rule and authority of Himself.

Pretty interesting leftovers. Even in what may be considered as food suitable for a takeout container or filling a trash bag by today’s measure, Jesus used the opportunity to teach further lessons beyond the mere satisfaction of a full belly.

Another interesting phrase–and don’t miss this–as Jesus took the bread to feed the multitudes, along with giving thanks He “broke” it while praying. Where do we see this again in His ministry? At the last supper with His disciples. “He took bread, gave thanks, and broke it….”

What do you think went through their minds as He spoke these words during a passover meal with them? Do you think they had an a-ha moment? Hey, remember when He did the same thing a short while back with some bread and fish? Human nature tells me they most certainly recalled those miracles. Were they able to also remember when Jesus described Himself “as the bread of life”?

Certainly, they would face a near future reality that His body would literally be “broken” as He hung on a Roman cross.

Leftovers. I hope you won’t think of them the same way anymore. I hope you’ll fill takeout containers with excess food and share with someone who needs a bit extra between paychecks. When you sit down to a meal, I hope you remember to first give thanks. You don’t necessarily need to “look up to heaven”, although it’d be a beautiful act of worship if you did, but assuming a posture of gratitude for provision and abundance reflects a satisfied heart. And a full belly.

YES, I’M WAITING FOR SNOW

Posted on by
Reply

This past week I was faced with a gentle tease from nature–a forecast of snow–possibly accumulation of three inches. I got excited. I began fixing my eyes upward as I gazed at gray clouds covering overhead skies. As temperatures stayed steady, a few wet drops hit the windshield of the car as we drove home from getting haircuts. In the course of the next few hours I accepted disappointment that any hopes for any significant snow fall were not part of my Tuesday this past week. 

I live among family and friends who have created a great divide regarding snow. I have loved ones who grumble about snow because of its impact on driving conditions. I have grandchildren who are excited to don snowpants and boots to play outside in its freshness, hoping to build snowmen, maybe even help parents clear driveway and sidewalks. I have friends who can’t mention snow in the same sentence using the word happy. I get it. I understand both sides. Yet, in my determination to keep the peace, admittedly I’m taking up my annual position waiting for snow and reveling in how the beauty of it makes me feel inside and out! Like football fans who banter who’s the better team–MSU or U of M–I am unapologetic regarding my love for snow!

Sitting here in mid November feels like a tease. Halloween is behind us and our next expected holiday is Thanksgiving. Fall decor which includes pumpkins, ghosts, witches, corn stalks, etc. usher in a few Thanksgiving decorations–cornucopias, wreaths fashioned from fall leaves, figurines of pilgrims on tables still laden with pumpkins. And, to my surprise, some homes are already decorating with Christmas lights and other holiday decor. Personally, I have always thought putting up Christmas stuff before Thanksgiving didn’t give this day of gratitude proper observance, but then, I’m only in charge of my own choices, not my neighbors or anyone else for that matter. As a matter of fact, I’ve had conversations with a few people who took advantage of our unusually warm weather a few weeks ago to hang Christmas lights. Doing that chore under sunshine’s warmth certainly makes that job go easier and faster. You get no argument from me for making that decision!

Other teases I’m experiencing–telling me that Christmas is approaching–are increased ads on programs we’re watching. The number of fragrance ads are up. It’s fun to watch and listen to how each new fragrance is described. Because it’s impossible to actually “smell” what’s in the beautifully  fashioned bottle, we are teased with a very handsome man or gorgeous woman trying to convince us against backdrops of music and cleverly designed scenery the advantage for purchasing a new heavenly scent, guaranteed to enhance one’s romantic life!

Then, there’s some of our major stores that have begun incorporating Christmas shopping into their ads, too. There’s the familiar Target logo popping up now. And WalMart’s logo, too. Soon Macy’s will join the ongoing ad streams that interrupt favorite programming. Radio stations will most certainly begin playing Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving. Afterall, all the Black Friday shoppers need help getting in the mood, right? As if an avid shopper needs any outward stimulus other than a “good deal” to hit open stores at 5 am….a practice I have nor ever intend to participate in as I’m not drawn to that sort of chaos. Again, each to his own.

I like gentle teasing, knowing when temperatures drop and more gray filled skies fill the calendar versus sunshine and puffy clouds against blue hues take over November. I’m that person who loved winter as a child, now as an adult who still embraces the beauty of snow, knowing I can dress according to temperatures if wandering outside, or cozying up inside our home with a mug of hot tea or chocolate. There’s something warm and endearing about being under a comfortable lap cover, hands wrapped around a hot mug. For me, one of winter’s happy places is merely that–a cozy chair, warm blanket, a hot beverage–and in my case, I guarantee that mug will have a snowman on it. My favorite place in our home is by the large window in our living room where I can watch snow fall, when those days of merely teasing me actually turn into action and accumulation.

So, mugs are ready. Cupboards are stocked with a variety of beverages. My chair and blanket are always ready. The gentle teasing of the first snow can come anytime now, only make it the real deal please. I’m ready! I’m also ready to be sympathetic to those who are less excited for snow. I can’t change how you feel about the splendor and beauty of each snowflake, but I’ll gladly share a mug of hot chocolate or coffee with you in my warm home as we discuss pros and cons.  

As I wait for my first snow day, I’d like to bid you to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving, one that is surrounded by loved ones under a warm blanket of love, laughter, and above all–gratitude for every good gift given to us from a generous God who provides and protects!

CAN YOU HANDLE THE TRUTH?

Posted on by
Reply

One of my favorite sayings is “there’s three sides to the truth, my version, the other person’s perspective, and that of God”. Especially when actively listening to two different people describing a problem (think marital discord) there’s “her side”, “his side” and then the absolute truth–”God’s side”. Because I believe that He is an all knowing God, sifting out truth in the course of resolving conflict can be tricky. Which leads me to my own slight disdain at popular phrases that have popped  up in our culture which steer people completely away from God’s truth.

Here’s a few examples of words that sound good, tickle ears and totally distort who God is and what He desires for us.

“God loves you and accepts you as you are”. While the basic truth IS that He DOES love and accept you, He also calls us out of sinful activities into pursuing a heart of repentance. The simple truth of the matter is that God loves us TOO much to allow us to live in ways that dishonor Him. In my reading this week, I found evidence of this desire in 1 Peter 4 where Peter’s words to early Christians he was writing to reminded them “you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose–living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. Remember, early Christians were living in Roman culture which embraced every activity listed above. Furthermore, Peter reminded his readers that although man would judge all behavior done in the body, it will be God who judges the soul.

“Follow your heart”. These three words are very dangerous. The prophet Jeremiah warned us with these powerful words “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”  We need look no further than King David who actually serves as a very good example of following his own heart. He lusted after another man’s wife, took her as a lover and later as wife, had her husband killed in battle to cover up a pregnancy. By human standards David should not have been elevated as King or described as “having a heart after God”. But–David came to a place of deep regret and repentance. Assuming humility did not save him from consequences–one of which was the death of a son–yet, God loved him enough to continue pouring into his life in order to be the leader over God’s people. Often–without sounding trite–God’s ways don’t match ours–but that’s why He’s the final authority and we in our selfish desires are not.

“Good people go to heaven”. By nature, we humans don’t like suffering. Pain and trials that crush hopes and dreams are too much to bear at times. We want comfortable lives and we’ll do anything sometimes to achieve harmony and success. Along the way of chasing “the good life” many through countless generations have pushed God aside, filling empty hearts and longing emotions with all the world offers–success, status, wealth, relationships that don’t last, drugs, alcohol, pornography, over spending, fighting to maintain position in a “dog eat dog culture” that doesn’t include God. Then, at the end of life, when last breaths are taken and loved ones surround a casket or urn, we hear “he’s in a better place….”

Paul, who wrote the book of Romans, is quite clear when he wrote that …”for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Ruminate for a moment on that tiny word “all”. What does it mean? All means all. Not a few, not some, not those who are special or excused. All. 

So, quite honestly it all means your loving grandmother who never said a harsh word her entire life, but never spoke of God as having a relationship with Him. She didn’t need to attend church. She didn’t need God telling her how to live. Someone she believed that by being “good” she would go to heaven.

Compare her to the most evil person you can think of. Who came to mind? Hitler? Stalin? Ted Bundy? Jeffrey Dahmer? Those four men are included in our tiny word “all”. By human standards which measure their respective atrocities they should certainly be excluded from God’s mercy and gift of eternal life in heaven, right?

Here’s the complexity of those who go to heaven and those who don’t. Even though bible writings are pretty clear about this topic, it boils down to God’s judgement and a person’s actions  when taking final breaths. Personally, I don’t have any resources telling me what Hitler and Stalin decided on their death beds. However, I’m old enough to remember the horrific deeds done by Bundy and Dahmer and while inexcusable, both men chose to repent of their sins and came into relationship with Christ. In Dahmer’s case a man named Roy Ratcliff ministered to him while incarcerated. Ratcliff met with Dahmer, teaching him scripture, baptizing him while in prison. Dahmer was later murdered by another inmate which doesn’t justify any wrongs by any sense of the word. 

So, should we excuse people’s choices and behaviors simply because “that’s who they are?”

Should we risk following sinful hearts to satisfy sins of the mind and flesh because we don’t want to live surrendered to an almighty God?

Can we understand the complexity of life and death–knowing that none of us are “getting out of here alive” is reality, and that there are two places of eternal rest. One has been prepared for we who embrace Christ’s sufferings on the cross as payment for ALL sins. It’s called heaven. The other–a place of total separation from God–commonly called hell is a second reality. The latter is not a place I wish on anyone, no matter their level of depravity or outright rejection of all that is good…God’s deep abiding love for everyone to not perish.

I leave you with these beautiful words penned by Peter: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade–kept in heaven for you…”

Be careful what you take as absolute truth. Be mindful of careless living. Be aware that God’s salvation is for everyone, but it’s not an automatic gift He gives. It’s a partnership He’s waiting to establish with you between Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. 

Maybe we all could learn something from Roy Ratcliff, too, be willing and available to minister God’s truth to those we often prefer to “judge” according to the sins of their bodies, forgetting that there’s a “soul” inside that will is bound for one of two resting places.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations”. (Jeremiah 1:5)

Posted on by
Reply

“For He chose us in Him before the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.” (Ephesians 1:4)

Two very profound statements about a person’s importance in God’s eyes are contained in these two verses. There’s plenty of others in both the Old and New Testaments that describe how God views and cherishes us as well as giving us purpose and value that stand out from things that perish. In my current study time which is camped out in 1 Peter I’m learning that because of my relationship with Christ I have an inheritance that “can never perish, spoil or fade.” Furthermore, my salvation cannot be destroyed; it was purchased (redeemed!) by the imperishable Christ’s blood shed on a cross. Talk about a WOW factor!

Today, my typical day to sit and write is Wednesday. It also happens to be my 72nd birthday. I honestly have a hard time assigning a larger number to my life with each passing birthday because even with a few aches and pains, reduction in complete flexibility of limbs at times my mind still thinks like a young adult. Celebrating another year of life–which is a true gift–also allows me to reflect back on my life. Many memories flood back, mostly very wonderful, others bittersweet.

Born as the last of three children to my parents, coming home to two older brothers, I rounded out the family they had dreamed of creating in the aftermath of World War II and the Korean Conflict which saw dad serving in the U.S. Navy. After living in their first house, land was purchased where dad built the family home I grew up in and upon completion in 1954 I took my first steps as a toddler.

My entry into our world was a whirlwind. I still smile as I remember hearing how mom told dad “it’s time…” and he didn’t fully believe her. His hesitancy to drive her to Saginaw General Hospital resulted in my arrival 13 minutes after getting there. It’s a screenplay my mom didn’t enjoy watching or experiencing over and over again but she wasn’t mean spirited about my birth event, merely sharing the reality she endured of a hard fast delivery!

My birthday–though very much a joyful event–was also bathed in sadness. I dmy arrival with the departure of an older cousin who lost her battle to polio. This is a disease myself and many other parents have not had to fear because of wonderful medical breakthroughs which gave us a vaccine. Thankfully, my uncle and aunt, who lost their oldest daughter, embraced me with incredible love and their home became a favorite place to spend summer days playing with my other two cousins who came along after their sister’s death.

My life also causes me to reflect on my origins. When the 23and Me DNA testing came along as a way to discover one’s ancestral roots, I sent for the kit. I’ve always been curious about who I am and where I came from. Well, my DNA revealed no great surprises. I’m mostly Northern European with a little bit of Irish and French sprinkled in. The research showed my origin back to the Balkans as far as the 1600s. From there my long gone ancestors’ journeys will forever remain a mystery until hearing how mom’s parents came to America in the early 1900s, their past lives shrouded in many unknowns, too. Dad’s folks have been traced back to the 1700s with names written in the Jewell Family Bible. Woven in the mysteries of their lives is one important thread–the brilliant color of Christian faith which began “somewhere” and was adopted with each subsequent generation on both sides of my family.

The world has changed immensely since November 5, 1953 to the one of 2025 as I sit here. I admit what I see and hear coming from news outlets doesn’t give me much hope in mankind–but God! Our world is broken. It has been since Adam and Eve ate forbidden fruit. But, God in His mercy, had a plan in place before He laid the foundations of the earth! We read in 1 Peter 1: 24 which quotes the prophet Isaiah: “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever”.

One day I will join my loved ones in heaven who have gone before me. But, for now, I will celebrate being 72 and living life covered in great love and affection from my Creator, Who knew me before He created all that we know and call our “world”. I’ll try to wrap my mind around the mystical and imperishable ways of God…smiling about how I “arrived” here while rejoicing about “where I’m headed” as I continue living wrapped in God’s abundant promises!