Happy coincidences may often be God’s secret delights.
While the rest of our flowers are submitting to Autumns floral destruction, this nice wild rose came up and visited our permanent plywood Nativity Scene on our front deck. Sheer happy coincidence…you think?
This kind of stuff happens all the time. This reminds me of the old hymn “Oh Worship the King“. I love symbolic pictures. I pray our Wild hearts bow before the King of Kings.
Gary
With dawn breaking darkness my woods walk found me pondering one of life’s questions. “Why am I not enough?” If I telescope the universe, I am small. I cannot blip the “important” scale, or any other. It’s really quite simple. I am not enough.
Silk worm (like me) just hanging in there…
I find ways to be important. Causes, being a voice, influencing, money, power and being bigger-better-smarter than “those”. All zeros as life slips into the ultimate irony when all my numbers and zeros are worth…”ZERO” I cannot be enough.
As my walk nears the open field, I can barely see the sun through the fog. The sun, much bigger than me. No life without the sun. No questions without the sun. Enough to see. Enough to be. Why do I think there’s more?
It’s sad when two are not enough for each other. One cannot deny the divorce commonness. Deflections, clamoring’s and finger-pointing abounds when nothing can fill the voids of life. Even in mourning I still find myself collecting grief shells in a small overflowing time bucket. It’s written in the DNA; No one is enough.
I gaze at the sun gradually melting the fog. The Son. Predictions and promises of enough. “I am The Way, The Truth and The Life. NO ONE come to the Father (ENOUGH) but through Me”
So I, in dew drenched knees, dump out my “enough” bucket of shells, trinkets, plastic trophies, grief shells, aspirations, zeros and accolades. I reach for the outstretched hand of the Son and hear the familiar “follow me”. I leave my bucket. I smile as an odd thot crosses my mind, “I am filled with enough and have plenty to share”. The next time I walk by my old bucket I may just kick it.
“Whoever has the Son has life (ENOUGH); whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” 1 John 5:12
I have found I am not enough, but walking, talking and being fulfilled in a relationship Jesus is my enough.
Gary
Our furnace quit as the outside weather decided to sit at -25 (f). The first “emergency” furnace guy didn’t have the right igniter. The second “emergency” furnace guy didn’t either, but he banged on a bracket with a hammer to make a “close enough” igniter long enough to spark in the “propane path”. HIs parting words were “it works for now; we will let you know when the right part comes in.” Meanwhile, I get to choose how much to worry or not. I have thoughts about how to protect our handicapped daughter’s inability to control her bodies temperature as well as freezing the waterpipes in the house. A bridge to cross if another emergency happens. I now have 5 electric heaters I can borrow and use in case of another emergency. I’m also going to have a spare igniter handy.
In northern Minnesota it’s wise to be prepared for extreme weather. One can blame the weather for life problems only so far. I like to define “the weather” as the circumstances we live in today. Our political circumstances, choices made by our leaders, choices made by our neighbors and even crimes that affect us is a part of “the weather” and climate we live in. It’s life. It’s always been that way in every time and culture that has ever lived.
Some of our winter weather coping pictures…we are ok. I keep some outdoor Christmas till Easter…The birds and squirrels add to the decor.
I like nice weather. I like comfort. It’s attractive. While we hit our high weather temperature today of -6 (f), my wife was browsing at condos on a warm beach on the internet and checking the numbers in our savings. “Wow they all look new” she said. “that’s because they just built them after the last hurricane” I said.
I cannot help but feel very blessed. Despite “the weather” of life I have a wife who loves me, Great kids and grandkids, Knowing God loves me and wants to shepherd me through all life’s weather. I have been reading and rereading Psalm 23. A simple psalm with layers and layers of depth, laced with scriptural threads of truths about our Shepherd weathering us through life. I also want to share the best book I have used in going through Psalm 23 by Brian Troxel from “A Word In Season.” Go to Brians site, sign up for his Blog and buy some books to read and give away.
You will want to buy extra for gifts. Trust me on this one…Depths shared simply.
My last thought about being ready for “the weather”. One should walk with God and let his spirit make us ready for anything. His fruit is much better than what the world tells us how to believe and behave. Galatians 5:22-23: “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
I hope you are wintering and weathering well.
Gary
Awhile back I was the speaker for a church fish fry. I was supposed to tell some fishing stories, share some fishing tips and present a challenge for each individual to know where they stood in a relationship with God. I didn’t really know anyone. I quickly sized up the rough and tumble group and concluded that a relationship with God might be another dimension for at least some of them (Yep, I judged them, and told some of my tips and stories).
After I spoke, a man leaned both hands on the table by me. With a low voice he said, “I brought my fishing buddy here tonight. You said all the words he needed to hear”. The room was filled with people around tables talking in subdued tones with some good laughter now and then. I noticed the stark contrast. The beginning of the evening, leading up to the church fish fry, was full of loud boastful voices with some serious put-downs. The winds of thought had brought us as a group to another place. A good place. Another dimension of relationship. God was involved. “A miracle happened” I thought.
“Will your friend listen to those words?” I asked. His reply was immediate…”I’m going to find out”
Concerning many relationships, what we want to hear is often so different than what we need to hear. When we begin to talk about having a relationship with God, it’s like going to another dimension. Many will not go there. Those of us who have a right relationship with God experience the initial changes as well as the gradual transformed life. God’s agenda for us, as we walk with him, is becoming more like Jesus.
I’m still pondering the dynamics, from start to finish, of a small group of mostly guys at a church fish fry. It seemed the whole group went to another dimension, or at least stood by the opened portal-door. Yes, last night I observed the secret to world peace, in those finding personal peace with God. The church seemed more peaceful. As I walked out to find my car, 2 Corinthians 5:17 came to mind…“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation (as in new species) : old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new!
What a fun evening. New friends, good food, lots of stories and laughter, God moved in people’s lives. I’m quite familiar with this dimension in everyday life. Another dimension? Only if a relationship with God is not a part of your everyday life.
…Sigh, I just realized I forgot to tell my big fish, no net, from a canoe on 10 lb test-story….huh
Gary
Uh-oh, was the name of our handicapped daughters first doll. Poor dolly had a lot of those moments, so the expression stuck. Ironically, that was the same expression uttered by the attending doctor when our middle daughter was born. He quickly noticed the purplish bulb on her back containing the unfinished spinal column.
I uttered uh-oh 3 days ago while sawing firewood with the chain saw as I lost control of my legs and fell forward towards the running saw. My back had suddenly gone out of place and my limbs instantly quit working. Thankfully my thumb was by the shut off and the saw quit immediately.
After 3 days, I am finally able to walk with help. Actually, I call it the four-inch-sideways shuffle. My wife thinks we are dancing. This uh-oh is painful and slow healing. I am hoping to be able to get in a car and ride to a chiropractor this next week, which will be painful. I tell myself it’s a good pain. I tell myself I will go back to doing what I have been doing. Soon. Maybe. Have a look at some pictures of my doings in semi-retirement. Click to enlarge. I wish the fish got bigger that way…
My year has been filled with able bodied tasks, till now. Cutting and splitting firewood, cutting out wood plaques, making a covered home for the snowblower attachment to the skid steer, ice fishing, cleaning up the woods from dead standing and fallen trees, grilling, making jerky and planning more wilderness canoe treks. The list goes on. Those plans are on hold, if and until I get my body back to being able. I think I have been taking the able body thing for granted more than I thought. An accident-prone person ought to know better.
Meanwhile, I am getting claustrophobic in a body that can’t do anything or go anywhere, yet I am really good and content inside. My wife loves me, possibly too much for her own good (I chose well, we have grown well together). I’m accepting of the possibility that my life’s plans and even passions may take a back seat to reality. My wife and I talk of how many hard things have happened to us and also how much of our lives have been enriched and blessed in spite of the hard things. I see these tensions that seem to combat one another, how good they are and understand that all the contentment comes from many years of having a right relationship with God. No other explanation exists. I’m overwhelmed and good inside. I sometimes struggle with the right words or word pictures, but it’s important. How many people can get to be content inside themselves with this crazy upside-down world? I say we all could.
Everyone has a pail full of faith. Everyone’s pail seems to be a different size. Some have filled their pail with themself. Their opinions, learnings, education, perceived facts and experiences and whoever they may listen to in doing life. They may be labeled atheist, agnostic, or whatever, but they live by faith. Religious people live by faith. Some have a bucket full of beliefs, rules, people they follow and a perceived way to live like God wants them to believe and live. Much of the world is a combination of both. I would also dare to guess that many do not know what’s in their faith bucket, and some don’t care. We sit in a chair believing it will hold us up. In money some trust (if I could just go viral,,,) and life would go well.
The object of our faith is important. I know that I am not enough. I don’t belong in my faith bucket. Right now, I can’t walk across the room without help. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.” He addressed the what’s in your faith bucket. Millions of books are written on why and how Jesus needs to fill our faith bucket while so many people stuff their faith bucket full of books and a bible that talks about it (ugh, there are so many ways to try to be God).
A part of eternity is lived here, day by day. Someday when we are gone from here, there will be a moment when we make eye contact with the king of kings. The one who died for our sins so we could be declared perfect to God. Will this king have that tinge of recognition in his eyes, or will we be seen as a stranger? He will only invite those he knows inside forever. It will be beyond important then, which makes it important now.
I still do not enjoy uh-oh’s, but in the context of life and where I’m sitting, I’m really doing well. My pail of faith may be way less than the size of a mustard seed, but I want only Jesus in it. Whether I live in pain or die in luxury, I am really alive because of Jesus.
Her middle name is Joy.
37 surgeries at this time,
some life flights, lots of pain.
A radiant smile. coincidence? I think not.
Gary
Some of you have a great Bible verse or passage, so post in comments.
I stepped it off. 79 steps from the end of the wheelchair ramp, at the end of our house, to the oak block steps leading to the little rustic cabin in the woods. The two spaces are worlds away. It’s a different universe in the woods than where our house sits in the open spacious yard. One represents the hustle and bustle of daily life while the other a “getaway” to peace. Is it that easy?
So far, all who have stayed there quickly mention the word “Peaceful”
Built from mostly left over and donated materials, the largest expense has been running electricity to it and my personal labor. I used lumber from piles by my brothers sawmill, left-over windows and decking material from other building projects, donated second hand flooring and a menagerie of nails and screws to build quite a solid cabin. I believe it’s “bear proof” and “insect proof” unless the door is left open. I doubt that a medium size tree would break the 2×10 oak rafters falling in a storm. It’s quite solid.
Notice I used the word “rustic”. Aside from the setting, it has no running water and it has some features to make it feel rustic. Birch trim with the bark still on is rustic to me. Ironwood trees for posts on the deck. rough cut siding with live edge on the exterior. 10 species of wood make up the interior. Oh, you caught the “no running water”; ah, there are pictures and bowls in the bathroom and kitchen and jugs of water for all your needs. A hot pot quickly makes hot water and a propane gas stove and oven is handy for cooking. An under counter refrigerator with freezer helps as well as a ceiling fan for moving air nicely for one’s comfort. I know, I know, I am borderline on the rustic claim…right? Click to enlarge
The cabin was built for my wife and I for some “getaway time” in 24/7 caregiving. It’s also a writers cabin and personal retreat cabin. Friends and family are welcome. I do have quite a few bloggers I follow that I would consider “friends”. This is to be shared. How can one have such a place of peace and not share?
I want to give a special thanks to Alicia of “For His Purpose” blog She contacted me and offered to put a verse on the wall with her cricket. When someone gets out of bed in the morning, they are greeted with this verse above the window…thanks Alicia
This brings me back to that tricky thing called “Peace”. If peace could be found in a place, this little cabin would be the ticket. World peace is a stones throw away. 79 steps to world peace?? It’s peaceful here. But, no. The kind of peace that lasts is only given by God and put inside of us as he resides to exude his peace to the rest of the world around us. The kind of peace that withstands life’s storms ripping up the terrain around us and falling trees our direction. The kind of peace I saw in both my parents eyes as we said our goodbyes. The kind of peace uttered “it is finished” and offered freely as an undeserved gift to anyone who would believe in Jesus. Way beyond world peace found in the smallest of spaces…my heart.
These are my thoughts as I built this small 12×16 little cabin in the woods….It’s peaceful here. It’s OK to ask if you come this way
If you have not seen My other blog and some more pictures, check out “Outside”
Gary
Oh, the bathroom looks like this…Yep, small but nice.
This, after reading Cindy’s post realchristianwomen.blog/2023/01/06/fridays-verse-1-6-23/
I had clicked on Cindy’s post and notice she used a picture I had taken from a boat by the Apostle Islands in lake Superior. When I read the bible verse she had posted I got excited. Not only did the verse fit the picture really well, but there was so much more to what she was posting. More than Cindy could know and more than the reader could know. Take a look and read the verse.
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8 NIV
Here is what no one else knew. The rock in the picture is one of the outermost apostle Islands. The area is dangerous for big ships in the dark or any weather with low visibility. I also took a picture of what is on top of the rock.
In matters of God and faith, there’s more. Only because God is so much beyond our wildest imaginations is there more when we completely trust him. Those who have walked in that kind of faith have stories of God’s leading, guidance and provision. Someday they may find out how much more there was to their stories. God leads us into so much more when we follow him.
I remember telling someone who had fallen on some very desperate times “don’t worry, trust me when I tell you that God is working behind the scenes” They did not know several of us had already raised the money to take care of the issue. I could say with 100% certainty that God was taking care of them because I was in on the solution. Jesus said a lot of things to his disciples with 100% certainty. God’s promises come from 100% certainty for those who will know him, follow him and live by faith.
Now you know why I got excited. I knew about the lighthouse. In matters of life, faith and God, there is so much more. I’m 100% sure.
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man. The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
Gary
I said “yes” a couple days ago when our once a month men’s breakfast cook asked me to take his place as he was sick. It’s not a milk and cornflakes kind of deal for our little country church. It’s supposed to be the best breakfast in the region. A “no excuse” kind of breakfast for the hungry as far as the food is concerned. Vision.
The guys put all kinds of money in the donation basket as all of it goes toward helping kids go to summer camp or a weekend winter camp. The kids raise half and they can get a scholarship for the other half. many of the guys will hire any kids needing to raise the rest of the money. If kids have nothing invested, they are more likely to get less out of camp. A life principle truth learned early is a good thing. Vision.
A good 30 to 40 minutes of eating, visiting and story telling round the tables and the rest of the hour one of the guys has been asked to prepare a spiritual challenge or story for the group to chew on. Often many guys stick around awhile to make their own comments before heading to work, back to the farm, maybe the shop or the lake. A few guys stick around and help clean up and make the kitchen look good for the next use. Value.
A long time ago, before moving away 10 years ago, this was men’s breakfast. Now that I have moved back I secretly wonder if the mission of the breakfast has drifted. I wonder if it’s still an entryway for neighbors to be fed physically, socially and spiritually? I wonder if the first Saturday of the month has been cheapened? Any Vision or value?
We often had up to 5 guys cooking and baking. Fresh from scratch and hot is important. One might have pecan and some plain caramel rolls while another has an egg bake loaded with ham or huge sausage pieces and one half is covered in cheese peppers and mushrooms. Someone is making biscuits and another making sausage gravy while stirring the fried potatoes with a pound of bacon pieces and onion. A couple serving people making tables ready with coffee crofts and syrup pitchers. Real plates and nice coffee mugs (actually created for this breakfast) make a statement of value to those being fed. Real coffee is sometimes debated but the guys are reminded they can water coffee down but the gospel will not be watered down here! Vision and value.
This morning I was sad in a way. My suspicions were correct. Our vision had become a program. The 40 guys who used to “own” this vision are mostly gone. I suspected things had changed when I asked what seasonings the men’s breakfast cabinet had on hand, “I’m not sure” prompted my subtly coded question with a picture added “can I bring mine?” (sent picture below).
I waited until the meal ended to ask the one guy helping me who was supposed to have a challenge ready for the guys. He said he was but he probably couldn’t make it through without his voice giving out (just recovered from losing his voice). I asked if it was ok for me to say a few words. “Yes please do”
When I said yes, I weighed the cost. I didn’t know if I would have help so I had the ham diced for the eggs, the onions and bacon sliced and diced to put with the 3/4 baked potatoes which were sliced for american breakfast fries. The biscuits and gravy was made the night before (just heat them up). The Pancakes could be made and kept warm in the oven. If no one showed for giving a spiritual challenge with good stories…I was ready. I actually used 3 blogger stories as illustrations (15 minutes as promised).
There is hope. One of the guys who came was a neighbor. He brought his kids. They loved the food. He liked what was said, He was part of the conversation after and he helped clean up the kitchen just to get to know us. There will be more to come on his part and hopefully on ours.
Work is the word I left out of “Vision to Value” Work is not a culturally fond word even though it’s a necessary ingredient for vision to have any sensible shape. A workable vision (have the best men’s breakfast around) must be worked through to have any value (those eating would agree and come back for more). The cost of saying “Yes” for me would have been way less if I had no vision (you guys are eating corn flakes with milk because I don’t want to work any harder than that).
Perhaps the cost will be greater than I thought since I would like to see 40 guys “owning” this “vision to value” again.
Gary
What comes to mind when I say just one word and then you get a glimpse of what I watched for a couple hours.
“Someday“
My response: Someday…It’s autumn stage in my life, so…Yes, it matters how I live. It matters that I know my creator. “Someday” is coming kind of fast.
Gary
I’m enjoying God’s artwork today. He makes his stuff come alive. The human race must be jealous, especially those who say “no one created that”.
Click to any picture to enlarge and use slides show.
Gary
OK, saw the owl last night, does that count??
Gods Ways are...Different 