KEY #SA: GOD'S SPECIAL AGENTS

Are you one of God's special agents?  Two influences have recently directed my thoughts towards this area.  First of all, I want to make it clear that this discussion is not based on a theological fact, just my own mind delving into areas of interest to ponder.  I have never seen the term "special agents" in my Bible!  But I would love to help stimulate your thought process and welcome you to ponder along with me.
First of all, as I was watching a television show the other night about special agents, it suddenly occurred to me that God may have His own special agents!
When I was a teen-ager, my secret aspiration was to become a spy.  I even mentioned that in a yearbook article that was written about me.  OK, so it lost it's "secret" status.  But why such a strange ambition, you may ask?  Probably the idea of a mysterious life full of thrills and adventure enticed me at the time.  My life was good, but rather "set" in the ordinary realm.  As true with many young people, I craved excitement!  And no, in case you are wondering, I never did get into that field.  But would I tell you if I did?!?  :o)
Secondly, in my Bible these past days, I have been reading about the life of Job, the righteous man who lost all his children, livestock and health at the hand of Satan, but remained faithful to God through it all.  And, at the end of the book, God rewarded Job's faithfulness by giving him more than he had before the tragic circumstances happened to him!
But of course, Job was not a spy, or even a government employee, so what on earth could he have in common with a special agent?

Let's consider the likely job description of a special agent.  Here are some ideas I came up with:
1.  Being called upon for a specific, challenging task.  Only the best men and women are even considered for this type of devoted work!
2.  Going way beyond the normal "call of duty," often working behind the scenes with little or no public recognition.
3.  Living a focused and prioritized life, giving one's whole all . . . mind, body and soul . . . for a noble cause.
You may have more to add.  Anyway, keeping all these characteristics in mind, which children of God  do you think would qualify for the position as a special agent of God?
Some whom I personally would vote for include:
1.  Someone who is living with constant pain or suffering from a debilitating or terminal disease.
2.  A child of God chosen for a specific purpose away from the spotlight in an unobtrusive place, such as caring for a vulnerable person (ex:  the elderly, small children, or one who is mentally or physically challenged).  Their work is highly regarded by God as important,  caring for the "least of these."
2.  Someone who is mentally or physically challenged, facing misunderstandings and rejection from others who don't know how to relate to them.
Can you think of others?  Maybe even yourself!

Next, let's consider how could these situations possibly fit into the category of being a special agent of God's.   When sin came into the perfect world God made through Adam and Eve's choices, it became a constant source of trouble for everyone born after them.  God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for sin on the cross, and everyone who choses now to surrender to God and accept Jesus' sacrifice for them will have God's free gift of eternal life.  In the meantime, while we co-exist with evil on earth, God is quite capable of using the evil for His good purposes, one of the greatest being to share this Good News and bring multitudes of people to heaven.
God sometimes "calls" an individual for a specific, challenging "task" that will stretch them way beyond the normal existence.  These chosen "special agents" face a lifetime of questions, often setting aside their own dreams and personal expectations so God can use them in ways that only He sees as purposeful in this world.  The truth is that a child of God who is assigned this type of confusing and uncertain place is given a high trust from his or her heavenly Father.  And that trust is, as Job experienced, to accept the situation without losing faith in their loving heavenly Father.  God expects them to trust His goodness to use them in a very special and powerful way even though they don't understand what He is doing at the time.

If you as a Christian find yourself existing in this type of cloudy circumstance, you can be assured that God has chosen you for a special honor.  He knows that when we are faced with a difficult situation and do not turn away from God, we become a tremendous influence, an example to show others that God alone is enough . . . that He alone can make life worth living.  Others who see our God-given peace through hardships may be convinced to accept God's free gift of eternal life through observing our patience and hope in the midst of trials.  Some of us are also selected for a one-time "special assignment" before returning to a life of normalcy.  The trust we hold in these temporary situations is also of critical importance.  
I know it does not seem like an honor when the days are dismal, painful or full of turmoil . . . when the light at the end of the tunnel is not only unseen, but extinguished.  But the fact is existence on this earth is only temporary.  The "real" forever life is yet to come, when God "shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."  Revelation 21:4
When all we have is the hand of God to hold, that is enough.  His grace will enable us to carry and protect the large trust He has placed in our hands.  And when we get to heaven, we will see with clear sight how God has used our trials in this world to work miracles for eternity!
I confess, at this time in my life, with more experiences behind me than I posessed as an idealistic teen-ager, I have no desire to become of of these "special agents."  I can only pray for God's grace to handle whatever comes my way with a child-like trust in His love and goodness.

My novel, The Rose Journal, addresses in an imaginative story the questions and possible outcomes through one woman's life when she is given an opportunity to accept a trust from God with no guarantees of a positive outcome.  If you are interested, you can go to my website, www.rosejournal.com to check it out. 

NEXT WEEK, I PLAN TO START A NEW SERIES ON FINDING MY WAY THROUGH ROADBLOCKS IN THE LAND OF ABUNDANT LIVING.   I'D BE DELIGHTED TO HAVE YOU JOIN ME!

KEY SB#16: "Go Deep into the Woods . . . "

"Where is the path, Grandma?"Big C turns and lifts his arms upwards in frustration.  "I can't find it with all these trees!"  I tighten my grip on Little c's hand and together we hurry to catch up with him.  My seven-year-old grandson had run ahead in his eagerness to discover the hidden pathway through the woods to the secret place I had promised to show him and his two-year-old brother, Little c.

(*NOTE:  IF YOU WANT TO READ OF OUR PREVIOUS SUMMER ADVENTURES IN THE LAND OF ABUNDANT LIVING, PLEASE GO TO THE ARCHIVES ON THE RIGHT!)

"Hmmm, it was around here somewhere.  My friend, Marian, showed me the path a while ago."  We hunted for a few moments.  

"No sekwet pat," Tears start to form in Little c 's eyes.  "Me no see sekwet."  

My heart melts as I try to encourage him.  "I know it's here somewhere.  Let's keep looking."

"Here it is!"  Big C suddenly exclaims with delight.  "Is this it, Grandma?"

Little c's tears evaporate as quickly as they had appeared and he rushes ahead of his brother.  

"Watch out for fallen branches and eye-pokers!" I shout in warning.

"Eye pokers?" Both boys turn mid-step and stare at me with bewilderment.

"Those are the branches on the trees that stick out at you.  Push them away or walk around them."

"I know that, Grandma," Big C reminds me.  "I'm old."  He adds with caution, "But you watch out, Little c." 

"Okay."  His younger brother nods solemnly as he pushed a branch out of his way. 

We plunge on ahead between the large trees for a few minutes when Big C thinks to ask, "What are we looking for, Grandma?"

Just then, I trip and squeal, toppling forward and hitting my chin on the ground.  Now tears form in my eyes as I roll over on one elbow and rub my tender chin with one hand.  

Little c, who is the closest, rushes to grab my arm and tugs on it in an attempt to help me up.  "Gamma," he admonishes me, "You watch out!  Be care-fo."

Laughter replaces my tears.  'Yes, Little c, I'll try harder to watch where I'm going."

I stand up and brush myself  off.  "We are here, boys!  We're at the secret place!"

The boys gaze around in puzzlement.    

"Me jest see twees," says Little c, "Aw awound."  

"Oh, but look, Little c," exclaims his big brother, pointing towards the sky, "That tree is reeee-aaa-lllly huge!"  

Oooh," Little c cranks his neck upwards trying to catch a glimpse of the tree top.  "Goes up aaw da way to hebben!"

"My friend told me that this tree was written up in the Minneapolis paper a long time ago, because it is one of the oldest and largest cottonwood trees in our state of Minnesota!" I explain.  "I brought my camera with me.  Why don't you two stand by the tree and I'll take your picture?"

"Can I take your picture instead, Grandma?  I like to use the camera!" Big C offers.  

"Me help!" Little c joins in.  

"Very well!  Here, hold it just so and push this little button," I give instructions as I hand the camera to Big C.  You may each take one picture."

"I'll take a picture of you, Grandma and Little c can take one of the top of the tree," Big C suggests. 

"Grandma, you are hugging the tree backwards!"  Big C bursts into giggles.  So does Little c.  They hold their tummies and grimace with joyful laughter.

"Well, I want the picture to show how wide the tree is!" I explain.

"Now pwease move, Gramma," Little c requests politely.  "Me take my picture."

"Whoops! Ouch!"  Little c topples backwards onto the leafy ground in his efforts at photography.  "Me not hurt."  He pops up quickly.  "Big twee.  Berry big twee."  He picks up the camera and hands it to me.  "But me got da picture!" A beaming, proud smile adorns his precious face.  

Minutes later, as the three of us sit on a blanket spread out on the grass by the church, we examine the pictures and talk.  

"Grandma, we wouldn't have ever found the huge tree if we hadn't gone into the woods," Big C pondered.  "I wouldn't have known it was there."

"Yes, just think.  I've been here many times during the past years and didn't know it was there either.  I never looked for hidden paths or went deep into the woods.  " I answered him, then added,  "It's kind of like the way some church-attenders are.  Many times I've visited this little church but never searched for hidden paths or walked deep into the woods around it.  Lots of people go to church on Sundays and hear some parts of God's Word.  But that's all they do.  They never read the Bible on their own to discover the hidden truths God wants them to learn.  They never "walk deeper" into God's Word looking for special surprises that God has to encourage them along the Path of Life.  

"I read my Bible everyday!" exclaimed Big C, "and sometimes I read it to Little c, too."

"That's a great habit to start at a young age," I affirm him.  

"And I'm glad you told us about the path, too, Grandma. And the tree."  He thinks for a moment.  "You showing me about the secret path and the tree is sort of like me showing my friends at school the story of Jesus!"

"Yes, God wants us to share the news of salvation, of His great love for us!  That makes me think of one more song, which is a good one to end our summer's journey in the Land of Abundant Living  before you return home and go back to school.  It's a song my mother . . . your great-grandmother  . . used to sing often . . . 'I love to Tell The Story":

"I love to tell the story of unseen things above, 

Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story, because I know it's true.

It satisfies my longing as nothing else could do.

I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems

Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.

I love to tell the story; it did so much for me.

And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

I love to tell the story; 'tis pleasant to repeat

What seems each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.

I love to tell the story, for some have never heard

the message of salvation from God's own holy Word.

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best

Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it, like the rest.

And when in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song, 

'Twill be the old, old story, that I have loved so long."

PLEASE COME ALONG WITH ME NEXT WEEK WHEN I START MY NEW SERIES IN THE LAND OF ABUNDANT LIVING!   WE'RE GOING TO RUN ACROSS SOME ROAD BLOCKS AND DISCOVER HOW TO COPE WITH THEM.

KEY #SB9: JESUS LOVES ME

"Here's another song I love!  You know it, too.  I've heard you sing it."
I hand the songbook that we found in the old treasure chest in the little country church to my grandson, Big C, and he reads the words clearly, "Jesus Loves Me."
"Is that an old song, Grandma?" he asks excitedly.
"Yes, it is very old.  I learned it when I was a child and I still like to sing it."
"But I thought that was a kid's song," Big C says doubtfully.
"Je-sus wuvs me, dis I no . . . " Little c sings exuberantly, "for da BiBo tells me so. . . " Then he takes another book and sits down to look at the pages and a few pictures.
"Jesus Loves Me' is a simple song that tells how Jesus saves us," I explain.  "That is why it's easy for children to learn and understand, but it also makes God's plan of salvation very clear to grown-ups.
"My mommy used to sing this song to me sometimes when she tucked me into bed at night, especially when I was sick or feeling sad."
"My mommy sings," Little c pipes up.
"Yes, dear, and your mommy has a beautiful voice.  My mommy did, too."  The boys are respectfully silent while I reflect for a moment.
"When I was in the hospital before your Uncle J was born," I continued, "I was very, very sick and hurt really bad.  My mommy and daddy came to visit me then,  and my mommy sang 'Jesus Loves Me' to me there, too. It comforted me a lot, even though I was a grown up at the time.
"Hearing or singing that song reminds me to think about the important things of life.  When things around us make us feel hurtful or sad, or when we are sick, it's good for us to remind ourselves that the only real important thing in this earth is our relationship with Jesus.  And because He comes to live in our hearts when we tell Him we are sorry for our sins, He gives us lots of love, too, so that we can love each other.  And no matter how weak we feel, we know that He is strong enough to take care of us.
"Other things in life come and go, like baseball and soccer games and school and parties.  But God and people are the only things that really matter in the long run.  
"When we get to Heaven, we'll live with Jesus forever and ever."
"Sometimes," Big C pondered, "I wish I could take my favorite toys to heaven with me."
"Well," I think before I respond.  "God has so many surprises waiting for us that are so much more special than anything we have on this earth."
"Really?"
I nod.  "And remember I told you earlier that Jesus said he is preparing a house for us to when He comes to take us to live with Him."
"Oh," Big C's eyes light up.  "I know when Jesus lived on earth He was a carpenter.  Do you suppose that's when He learned how to build our house in heaven?"
"No, but I'm happy that you knew that.  And the things He made while He lived on earth must have been very well built.
"But the Bible tells us in the very first book of Genesis that He made the world and all that is in it for our temporary home here.
"My daddy, who is your great-grandpa, built the house that we lived in by a lake.  He built some other houses, too, and sold them to people.  I don't know this for sure," I lowered my voice as though to share a secret.  "But sometimes I wonder if Jesus is letting him help build my house in Heaven.  Of course, I won't know until I get there."
I sit back and stretch my legs.  "But do you know that there is something you can take to Heaven with you?"
"What is it, Grandma?" Big C asks, his eyes round with surprise.
"Wat, Gamma?" Little c gives me his full attention, too.
"You can take people!  When you tell someone about Jesus and they ask Jesus to come into their heart to live, they will also go to Heaven.  So it's sort of like taking them with you!  God loves everybody and wants us to tell others so they can come to.  And I know you are doing that already."
Big C nods solemnly.
"I tell too," Little c announces.
I hug him and say, "Yes, whenever you sing 'Jesus Loves Me,' you are telling other people about God's love!"

"Jesus loves me, this I know;
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
they are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me,
The Bible tells me so!
Jesus loves me, He who died,
Heaven's gates to open wide.
He wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in!"

PLEASE JOIN US NEXT WEEK FOR ANOTHER "SONG SESSION" WITH MY GRANDSONS!

KEY SB#7: THE OLD PEDAL ORGAN

"That was a great picnic lunch, Grandma!" Big C rubbed his full tummy.
Little c smiled with satisfaction and rubbed his tummy, too. "I wike stwawbewies."
We approached the big double wooden doors of the little country church that stands only a couple of miles from the lake where I grew up.
"It's a Swedish church," I explained as I pushed the doors open with the help of two eager boys.
"Is my church Swedish, Grandma?" asked Big C.
"Swe dis?"  Little c looked puzzled.
"Well, it just means that people who came to this country way across the ocean from the land of Sweden started this church to worship God together.  When I was a child, services weren't held here anymore except for once every summer and then the Swedish language was still spoken for the service."
"Did you go then, Grandma?" asked Big C.
"No,  since we couldn't understand the language.  My family came from Norway.  But we like to come here every now and then just because it is a special place and honors God."
The boys walked around slowly and respectfully, inspecting the antique, wooden pews and the simple pastor's podium.
Suddenly, Little c ran to the old organ with a beaming smile on his face.
"A piano!" he shouted.  "Me pway it, Gamma?"
"Of course," I smiled.  "Just be very careful with it."
He nodded and climbed up on the bench, patting the seat next to him.  I sat down on one side and Big C squished in on the other side of his little brother.  Little c pressed some notes but no sound came out.  He looked up at me, frustrated.
"This is an organ, not a piano," I explained.  "And it won't make a sound unless the pedals are pushed.
The boys looked down to the pedals.
"Feet don't go," Little c was trying hard to stretch his chubby legs to the floor.
Big C quickly knelt down on the floor and began to push the two large pedals alternately with vigor.
"Now try it, Little c," he spoke with encouragement.
When Little c pressed the next note,  a tuneful sound was heard and his mouth opened wide in amazement.
"Tank oo," he told his kind and helpful brother.
"As Little c continued to play, the notes began to turn into real praise songs that we recognized, and when Big C took a break from pedal-pushing, the organ continued to play!
"I didn't know Little c could play real songs," Big C said with awe.
"Well, remember Boys, we are in the Land of Abundant Living!" I said.  "Strange and wonderful things can happen here!"
We started to sing the words which all came easily to our minds, even to Little c's.
We went from song to song, without a pause:
"Shine, Jesus, shine; fill this land with the Fa-ther's glory!"  Big C's face shown with delight.
"How majestic is Your Name in all the earth!" I sang with power.
"Grandma, I've never heard you sing so good!" exclaimed Big C.
"Remember, this is the Land of Abundant Life," I reminded him again.
Little c blasted out the words of praise, "He is ex-awe-ted!  The King is ex-awe-ted on hi!  I pwai-ai-sse Him!"
Together we finished with "I could sing of Your love forever!" Then, a refreshed quiet settled on our little group.
"Grandma," Big C looked up at me.  "This is just like real church!  We sing those songs in our church!"
"Yes, Big C.  This is what church is.  Today we studied our Bible together while we had our picnic lunch and now we are worshipping God together.
"Having church is God's people getting together to learn about God and worship Him."
"Pway." Little c contributed.
"Yes, that is very important, too, Little c."  We bowed our heads and each talked to God.
Opening his eyes, Big C spotted something in the corner that had gone unnoticed until now.
"It's a treasure chest!" he exclaimed.  Both boys ran to see what was in it.  I couldn't recall ever having seen it here before.  "But,"  I reminded myself with a smile, "this is, of course, the Land of Abundant Life.  Strange and wonderful things can happen here."

Please join us next week as we find out what is in the Treasure Chest!

KEY #P6: ALLIGATOR IN MY SINK

Thank you, Father God, for the alligator in my sink!  
. . . We interrupt this blog to share some good news!  WE HAVE A CONTEST WINNER!  Congratulations go to Rose Finstrom from North Dakota for her answer of "Talks."  If you remember, the contest was to take the first letters of each title word from my "Library Stack" series and rearrange them to spell out a word that could be another word for "Prayers." After all, even though the process of praying involves many components, it is basically  simple communication with our Heavenly Father by "talking" to Him. 
So Rose will receive her free Joshua Story book, which tells the true story of the miraculous birth of my youngest son.  
Next week I'll blog about one of my children using the Easter theme, and the following Wednesday a new series will begin!  Thanks, again, for being my "blog friends!"  I hope that these blogs are a source of encouragement as we journey together in the Land of Abundant Life!


And now we return to our final story from the "Library Stacks"series:  
Thank You, Father God, for the alligator in my sink.  
I'm in the midst of re-arranging and re-organizing the week after my oldest son, K, left for college.  How I miss him!
We switched the boys' bedrooms around to give J the largest one now since he is the only child left at home.  J, my just-turned-twelve-year-old, is happy about his new bedroom, but sad to have his older brother gone.
I'm packing boxes, throwing junk that's been hoarded for years . . . usually by me.  Once I had to take the same item, a treasured memory, out of K's wastebasket three times.  Talk about frustrating! He finally got the idea so now I am the one sorting through treasures and non-treasures.  :)
As I hurried past the bathroom I caught a glimpse of something green in the sink.  Peering closer, I recognized the shape of J's "pet" alligator.  K brought it back for him a couple of years earlier as a gift from a trip to Florida.
The toy alligator "grows" if it is soaked in water.  J evidently discovered it beneath a pile of stuff in his former bedroom and decided to revive it . . to set it free.
Oh, Lord, in my sorrow over the absence of one son, you chose this way to remind me that there is still a child in the house . . . soon to be a teen-ager . . . but one who still relies on his mom.
Like the alligator grows as he absorbs the water, immerse J in the water of life so he will grow in wisdom and compassion as he shoots upward in stature.
Help me be the kind of mother J needs.  Show me how to provide an environment of spiritual growth for him . . . the kind of stretching, yet secure, surroundings that he needs.



Thank You, Father, for once again showing me the work You have planned for me to accomplish during my time on this earth.  Focus me on the job yet to be accomplished!

KEY #P5: KEEP ME CHATTERING, LORD!

Let's pull another story out of the library stack and find another piece of the Prayer Puzzle . . .


"Help, Father God, I'm going through "kid withdrawal" again!
I thought I was over that when my oldest, E, left for college a couple of years ago.  After crying oceans of tears, I began to adjust.  I got busy with life again and contented myself with phone calls and occasional visits.
I remember the aching emptiness when my youngest child, J, started first grade.  But I got to know myself again.  And there were unexpected surprises.  The first time I baked cookies, it suddenly occurred to me that both beaters were mine to lick.  I didn't have to share them anymore!
But now, Lord, my middle son, K, is a high school senior.  He's got a new job and works twenty hours a week.  He cut his hair short and looks a year older.  His new haircut is fuzzy and he let me rub it.
I hardly see him now. . . between school, jobs and friends.  I write him a lot of notes.
I remember two years ago when I went with him to purchase his first suit.  It was a tender moment.  He turned into a gentleman before my eyes.
Now K is also gradually drifting away.  Oh, he'll always love me but he won't live with me. . . share my home and my daily life.  I'll always have my children's love.  The future offers promising visions of holiday celebrations, weddings and grandchildren.
But it's different.  Life changes.  I miss my daughter's bubbly chatter about friends, boys and dreams.
Joshua still chatters.  Keep him chattering, Lord.
Still, I'm happy.  This is what I wanted.  I yearned for my kids to grow strong in Christ and independent of Mom and Dad.
My heart soars on wings of joy when I see how responsible, motivated and thoughtful they are becoming.  That is the way it should be.


How do you feel, Father God, when I get too busy to chatter to You?
That is not the way it should be!
I will never be independent of You.  In fact, as I get older, my dependency on You increases.
Keep me chattering to You, Lord.  Always.

KEY #P3: LET ME TALK!

"I'm mad at Mr. Rogers!"  my three-year-old son, K, announced.  He had been engrossed in the popular childrens' television show hosted by the gentle, tender-hearted man called Mr. Rogers who inspired self-esteem in his listeners as he entertained them.
"How," I thought to myself, "can anybody be mad at Mr. Rogers?"
Aloud I said, "Why are you angry?"
My son's lower lip protruded slightly as he protested, "Mr. Rogers never lets me talk to him."
Smothering a smile, I attempted to explain how television relationships operate differently from real life situations.  
Enlightened, but somewhat disheartened, K returned to his play.
As I went about my work, I pondered over the frustration I encounter when I try to communicate with someone who rambles on and on without giving me a chance to get a word in edgewise.


Then I thought of my own prayer life.  Does God get frustrated with me when I bombard Him with request after request, then tie it all together with a quick "Amen" and go about my busy-ness?
Lord, help me to pause frequently in prayer, to give You silences to fill with Your thoughts and directives for my life.

Are you keeping track of the letters to spell a word that can mean "Prayers?"  Today we have "L".  Last week, we used "T."  Watch next week for the next letter.  Remember, they are not necessarily in order!

KEY: #P2 THE TRAVELING TEDDY BEAR

Here we are again at the library,  putting together the puzzle pieces of life.  Thanks for joining me . . . I need your help!
Just a reminder that since I have a very busy schedule this spring, we'll spend some time gathering a few previously written stories about my children, towards completion of the huge picture of the Prayer Puzzle.  Of course, I don't ever expect to actually finish it, but each piece we put together will be helpful since we expect to spend Eternity communicating with our heavenly Father.  So let's get started!
Oh, one more thing . . . A new contest begins today!  This one will be shorter but more challenging.  The prize will be the booklet ("hard copy," not an ebook) of "Joshua's Story."  This true life tale of God's miraculous intervention in the life of my youngest son's birth is a great gift book if you have already read the story.  We have plans to replace the FREE gift of "Joshua's Story" as an ebook for those who sign up to receive my blogs in their email box with "The First Ten Keys to the Abundant Life." So now is the time to sign up for that if you wish.


So here goes . . . "The Traveling Teddy Bear"
I was taken aback by my three-year-old daughter's question as I tucked her into bed one night.  We had just finished reading a brief devotional about Jesus' second coming.
"Will Jesus come to take us to Heaven tomorrow, Mommy?" E inquired.  Her long, silky blond hair spread over the pillow like a golden scarf and she curled on her side clutching her treasured friend, Teddy Bear, close to her heart.  Clear blue eyes flooded with anticipation as they fixed their gaze on mine.  The thought occurred to me that even Teddy seemed to have an unusually exited look about him tonight.
"Dear Jesus," I silently prayed.  "I'm glad Heaven is a reality to her, but she talks like she expects You to meet us at a bus stop.  Help me to handle this the right way."
Cautiously, I explained to E that we won't know ahead of time when Jesus will return.  But that He will meet us in the air and then take us up to be with Him forever.
Somewhat disappointed, she rolled over on her back and turned her eyes heavenward.  Then her face lit up.  "When I go to Heaven, I'm going to take my teddy bear up with me."
A slight pause, then a concerned look captured her expression as she added.  "If I don't drop him!"
The picture flashed through my mind of poor Teddy with tears in his eyes falling all the way back down to earth and I struggled to contain my smile as I reassured her with the promise that God has lots of special surprises in store for her.


How like the desires of my own heart!
I cling to my family and possessions as though by doing so, I could "add on" to Heaven's glory.
Father, please forgive me.  May my only longing throughout eternity be to see my Savior face to face and wrap myself in His loving arms.
And also, Father God, please make Your truth so real to me that my prayers are filled with the same expectant attitude of anticipation as expressed by my precious daughter.  


Back to the contest:  The titles of each letter when put together with the rest of the letters will spell another word for "Prayers."  But this time they will not be in order!  So you will have to gather them . . . as you would puzzle pieces . . . and place the letters in the proper order upon completion of this series, or maybe a bit sooner if you are sure of yourself.  In other words, the letter "T" is not necessarily the first letter of the correct word.  So just "hang onto it" until you receive more letters. . .
How many letters, you may ask?  I'll let you know later.  :)

Have a wonderful week walking and talking with our Savior!

KEY: #P1 PUZZLE PIECES

"Lord, help me get it all together while I can still use it!" is my heartfelt cry today as I begin the process of putting an assortment of puzzle pieces together to assemble a "life pattern."
Please join me!  We can help each other!
This spring will be a very busy time for me, so I've decided to park my little, personally designed lavender vehicle in the parking lot of the Living Library in the Land of Abundant Living. My intention was to request from the helpful librarian writings that I had started years ago, when my children were young, to use for my next blogs.  As I headed for the stacks to pick up the requested materials, I happened upon a large oak table with a bunch of puzzles pieces scattered all over it.  Intrigued, I turned the cover of the puzzle box over to see the picture of the resulting scene. To my surprise, I found that it was blank!  Inside the cover were these instructions:  "A collection of pieces uniquely designed for your personal life pattern.  Join them together to discover wisdom that will enhance the rest of your journey in the Abundant Land."
Well, I admit I got sidetracked; so here I sit, attempting to fit the various pieces together, with no success.  However, the librarian, who evidently noticed that I failed to show up at the stacks, just brought my original writings of long ago to me at the table.
"These may be of some assistance in completing your puzzle," she suggested and then left me alone to work.   Now I am even more excited as I open the folders and inspect my previous writings.   Yes, the first ones are clues to the puzzle which is beginning to fall neatly into place!
Hmmm, let's read the first writing . . .
When I was a little girl, I thought that Wisdom was a state you arrived at.  When a woman turned the magic age of, say 23 or 24, all of a sudden she would be wise.
Now that I am past 60, I know better!  I have discovered Wisdom is not a state of being, but a process.
God has provided me with little chunks of Wisdom here and there, sort of like bits and pieces of a puzzle I need to fit together to get the whole picture.
My 85-year-old grandmother, Nonnie, whom I regarded as very wise, used to say, "You learn something new every day."  She went home to her Savior still in a state of learning.
The Bible tells us to seek Wisdom:  "Acquire wisdom!  Acquire understanding!  do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth."  Proverbs 4:5 
If I spend my whole life gathering bits and pieces of Wisdom, yet never quite seeing the whole picture, it will still be my greatest achievement.
Here in the Abundant Land, it is my pleasure to share some of the puzzle pieces God has placed into my hands, pieces gleaned from the fields of my own experience.
Your life pattern is different from mine.  My prayer is that you can add my puzzle pieces to the unique collection that God is giving you to put your puzzle together a little faster.
Then, as God directs, we can use the expanding picture to inspire and encourage others.
Someday, those of us who belong to Jesus will be permitted to view the whole picture.
When I arrive at Heaven's gate, God will unfold His final masterpiece, where He links the lives of all His children to form His perfect eternal plan.  My personal viewing will reveal the complete and final explanation in vivid detail of all I have experienced in His testing ground on earth.
All the whys will be answered . . .
     All the tears will be justified . . .
          All the hurts will be erased.
"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face."  1 Corinthians 13:12
Next Wednesday I'll begin to share puzzle pieces on the subject of Prayer that I've gathered from observing my own children.  I'll also offer a New Contest!  Please join me on our next exciting journey in the Land of Abundant Living!

KEY #20: SEIZE THE MOMENT!

Have you ever felt so eager to share the "Good News" of Jesus Christ with others, but didn't know how to begin?  Well, I have more good news for you!  It can be very easy!  Yes, just ask God to provide the moment and give you the wisdom to seize it and put it to productive use!  
Maybe you've noticed that the last key in what was originally a 19 letter phrase contest is now changed to 20 . . . good for you!  I like things tied up neatly, so decided I preferred a 20- Key series instead of one with 19 Keys.  I can do that if I want to; this is, after all, my blog.  :)  And since we ended last week with the Emergency Key, I thought it appropriate to tack on some encouragement with which to handle the Emergency.
I remember a short true story I wrote many years ago about an experience I had when my daughter, E, was just a toddler.  This seems to be a good time to share it . . .
God taught me the value of seizing the moment many years ago.  We had just moved into a new country house in Minnesota.  The inside of our home was completed, but the outside still needed some work.  
One hot, humid day in July, my two-year-old daughter, E, and I were home alone when half-a-dozen workmen arrived to paint the outside of our house.  We didn't have air conditioning, so I kept the windows open to catch some fresh breezes.  Almost immediately, the workmen started exchanging swear words and put-downs.
Horrified at the thought of exposing my young daughter to their crude language, I asked God for help.  An inspiration came.  If E could hear uplifting music, maybe she would ignore the men's rude comments.  So I put her favorite "Little Marcy" record on the phonograph.  Little Marcy is a woman who sings in a sweet, child-like voice about the joys of loving people and being kind to one another.  E was soon engrossed in the lilting melodies.  I breathed a sign of relief.
Before long, I noticed something else.  The swearing and insults had stopped and I began to hear phrases like "please hand me the hammer" and "excuse me a minute."  Obviously, the men could hear everything coming from inside the house as well as we could hear them!  And the words of Little Marcy were definitely influencing them!
So when Little Marcy finished her last inspiring song, I replaced the record with a selection of lively gospel sons by a male quartet.  It grew quieter yet outside.  I knew our guests also needed to see the love of Christ in action so I made a batch of brownies.  On their noon break, E and I brought the treats out to the men where they sat clustered in the shade of a few trees, eating their bag lunches.  By now, they were all perfect gentlemen.
Isnt' it amazing what God can do with small efforts on our part?  Let's keep looking for opportune moments to be used for Him!
"So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men . . . "  Galatians 6:10a


Would you like to share an interesting experience you had telling the Good News to someone?  I'd love to hear it and it could be an encouragement to others!  Just scroll down a bit to the Comment section. . .


Next week I plan to begin a new series, not sure what it will be yet, but we will continue on in the Land of Abundant Living.  I never want to leave it!  Agreed?  
I have a very busy spring so will do something a little different with my blog until about the end of April.  Please join me next week to find out where I'll be parking my little vehicle for a couple of months!  

KEY #19: EMERGENCY!

I keep turning the EMERGENCY KEY over and over in my hand, wondering what possible kind of emergency could cause an upset in the Land of Abundant Life?
Two of the companions I picked up along the way, Daeli and Tricca, are still traveling with me.  The older man now has a vehicle of his own . . . a huge, bright green truck . . . with plenty of room to haul more passengers, if they don't mind riding in the "box!"
As Daeli, Tricca and I cautiously approach the big, red Emergency Door that pulses with flashing lights, we hear dim sounds of sirens coming from behind it.  Suddenly, the door is thrown open and a young man rushes out.  He appears to be about 17 or 18 years old, of a thin build but not scrawny, sporting pleasant features and a spiked hair cut.  He pauses as he notices our presence, yet his entire frame remains poised, a still life portrait of frozen energy.  Then his head swivels from side to side with a frantic motion as if he can't make up his mind where to go to what to do next.  Eyes agonizing with urgency lock with my own curious ones.  Quickly, he strides towards us.
"Do you know?  Have you heard?" He pants, out of breath.
"Heard what?" I asked, glancing at my two companions who appeared as confused as myself.
"I just learned," he peered around anxiously, "that the people who don't enter the Land of Abundant Life are destined for . . ."  he gulped, "an eternal hell . . . the . . . the Land of Unending Torment."
"Ohhh, that must be the Emergency," I thought to myself.  
He stared at me.  "You don't seem surprised," he remarked.  "You know this already?"
Solemnly, I replied.  "Yes, I know."
Shock transformed his countenance.  "Then . . . what are you doing about it?"
I was dumbstruck.  I had been enjoying my time here in the Abundant Land, learning new things, meeting new people, trying to encourage others and to be helpful to everyone I met.  Yet, he was right; there are others . . . others who are in desperate need.  My spirit began to absorb the contrast between my lack of insight and involvement with this young man's fervent desire to act, provoked by his first confrontation with the desperate need of those still outside of our place of security.  At the same time, I was struck with the overwhelming task of reaching them.
"But what can I do?"  I cried.
Daeli added, "What can one person do?"
Instead of answering, the young man beckoned to us.  "Come.  Come with me."  Hesitatingly, we followed.  He led us around behind the long, narrow building through a dense woods.  We must have faithfully trudged on for about ten minutes until we came to the other side of the woods where we found a vast highway we had not yet seen during our journeys in this Land.
"There.  See."  he pointed.
Along the highway walked a multitude of people, all ages . . . all sizes . . . all colors.  Some danced and sang along the way, some plodded dismally as though they could barely make it one more yard ahead.  All had the same empty look in their eyes, although their facial expressions tried to hide it . . . despair and resignation as they scanned the road ahead.  A few looked around uncertainly with a glimpse of some deep emotion I could not identify. . . maybe a combination of yearning and a glimpse of hope.
"Look at their eyes," he said.
"Yes, I see," I nodded.
"I have a plan.  Let's walk to the edge of the Land of Abundant Life.  We don't have to leave it, but see here.  We can go to the border with no trouble.  Then we can call out to them and warn them of the dangers ahead."  Excitement began to build as he talked.  "I can't reach all of them, but I can tell a few how to find the Door to enter our Land, and maybe they will tell their companions and bring them along."
His sober gaze fastened on my face.  "We can't ignore these people just because we can't tell all of them."
Tricca started to get excited, too.  "I'll run ahead to the corner.  See where the road narrows there.  Maybe I can yell to a bunch of people as they gather closer to get through the gap in the highway."
Daeli broke in, "I'm going to look for someone I can walk besides for a while before I talk with them."
"Great ideas!" I said.  "We'll separate to reach more travelers."
The young man turned to go, eager to initiate his plan of action.
"Wait!" I cried.  Suddenly, it seemed important to know his name.
"What is your name?" I asked.
He stopped and faced me.  "Ican,"  he answered.  "Ican Yucanto."
I smiled.  "Shall we pray first?"
"Of course," He looked sheepish.  "I guess I'm in too much of a hurry."
"That's okay, I admire your enthusiasm to save others from disaster.  But we need God's help.  We can't do this on our own."
We all grasped hands.
"Father God," began Ican, "Please lead us by Your Holy Spirit to the people You have prepared to hear our message."
"Give us opportunities to speak to them," was Daeli's request.
"Put the words in our mouth that you want us to use," asked Tricca.
"Please use us . . . work through us . . . to save lives.  In Jesus name, Amen," I ended the prayer.
"Let's return to this spot tomorrow and share our experiences and encourage each other," Ican suggested.
We all nodded in agreement and set off on our separate ways.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the  Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  Matthew 28:19-20

KEY #A18: LAUGHTER . . . JOY OVERFLOWING!

Laughter . . . We all need it!
"A joyful heart is good medicine. . ."  Proverbs 17:22a.  We can't experience the Abundant Life without it!  When we are filled with the joy of the Lord, we often find that we are able to laugh even in the midst of trying conditions.
Today, in the middle of winter here in Minnesota . . . admittedly the mildest winter that I can remember . . . still a bit of "cabin fever" seems to be going around.  So I decided to share some laughter with you today.  I have my husband's permission to publish a short story I wrote many years ago, when my two oldest children were still young.  E, was 7 years old, and K was 4 years old.
Both previously divorced, Gary and I had gotten re-married about a month earlier.  Gary normally had to work on Sundays, but my parents, who lived at a lake, were on vacation and my dad told us to feel free to come over and use his boat whenever we felt like it.  So Gary decided to take the day off and treat the family, along with our dogs, Abby and Dolly, to "A Day at the Lake."  The following is what happened, in vivid detail,when my husband borrowed his brand new father-in-law's boat for the first . . . and last . . . time!
Please note:  I have written the story in the old "Dick, Jane, and Sally" format.  Anyone remember those books that we learned to read with back in the "olden days?"
Sample:  "See Dick run.  See Jane run.  See Sally run.  'Come here, Dick,' said Jane.  'Come here, Sally,' said Jane." Got the idea? 


"A DAY AT THE LAKE" by Linda Ruth Stai
"Let's go for a boat ride," said Daddy.
"Ok," said Mommy.  "I'll go and get the life jackets."  Mommy went into the house.
E climbed into the boat.  Abby jumped into the boat.  Dolly jumped into the boat.
Daddy started the motor.  Slowly they backed off from the dock with E, Dolly and Abby in the rear of the boat.
K yelled, "Wait for me!"
"Sput, sput," went the motor.
"Oh, oh," said Daddy.  "The motor is not working properly.  I will jump into the water and keep the boat away from the rocks."  Daddy jumped into the lake.  The back of the boat went down.  Water rushed in.
"Eek!"  screamed E.
E swam out of the boat.  Abby swam out of the boat.  Dolly swam out of the boat.
"Oh, dear," said Daddy.  "I did not put the plug in the boat.   Mommy!!!"
Mommy ran down the steps to the lake.  "What have you done, Honey?" she said.  "Oh, my."
"Help me," said Daddy.
"The boat is full of water," said Mommy.
"I know," said Daddy.
"Where is the plug?" asked Mommy.  "Why don't you put it in?"
"I cannot find it, dear," said Daddy.
"Why are you turning red?" asked Mommy.
"Grrr," said Daddy.
"Daddy," said K.  "Look at the big waves coming in the boat!"
"I see them," said Daddy.
"Daddy," said K. "Why don't you put the boat in the boat lift?"
"Grrr," said Daddy.
"Can we help?" said E.
"Go get some cans and start bailing," said Daddy.
E and K ran into the house.
"Help me lift the boat up," said Daddy to Mommy.
"It's heavy," said Mommy.
"Grrr," said Daddy.
Mommy and Daddy pushed the boat up.  Then the boat went down.  More water came into the boat.
E and K came back with two little plastic bowls.
"I will go find buckets," said Mommy.
Mommy ran upstairs and got two wastebaskets.  Daddy and Mommy bailed water out one side.  Waves rushed in the other side.
"I don't think this is working," said Mommy.
"Help me lift in onto these cement blocks," said Daddy.   Mommy and Daddy lifted the back of the boat up. A tidal wave filled up the front.
"Why don't you put a plug in?" asked Mommy.
"Grrr," said Daddy.  "Bail."
Mommy and Daddy bailed.  Waves kept coming in.  E and K watched patiently.
"I think we need help," said Mommy.  "I'll go and get the next-door-neighbors."
Mommy went to get the neighbors.  They were out for a boat ride.
"I've got an idea," said Daddy.  "Let's push the boat to the lift."
Daddy and Mommy pushed the boat under the water all the way to the boat lift.
"Isn't the boat supposed to go on top of the water?" asked K.
"Go away," said Daddy.
Mommy and Daddy tried to lift the boat onto the lift.  It didn't work.
"Go and find some other neighbors," said Daddy to Mommy.
Mommy and K went to find some other neighbors.  Daddy hung onto the boat in the water and waited . . . and waited . . . and waited.
Mommy came back with two little boys.
"Is that the best you could do?" asked Daddy.
"There are more coming," said Mommy.
Three men came over to help.  A crowd gathered on a neighbor's dock to watch.  A few children offered to help.  The men lifted the boat onto the lift.  A waterfall fell over the side.
"Thank you," said Daddy.
"Thank you," said Mommy.
"That was fun," said E.
"Let's do it again," said K.
"No," said Daddy.
THE END
May you have a day that is blessed with laughter! 

KEY #A17: ULTIMATE RELATIONSHIP

The Ultimate Relationship . . . between an individual and God.  Last week we talked about Relating in Relationships.  This week we are focusing on the Ultimate Relationship, between God and me . . . or God and you . . . expressed primarily through God's completed Word, the Bible, on His part and through prayer on our part.
Since prayer is so crucial in developing this relationship, how do we go about doing it?  Again, this is a huge topic and unsure of how to even make a dent in the topical surface (especially since I am no expert and fall far short of my desires to excel in this area!), I am going to visit the Ultimate Relationship Room for thoughts to consider and to pass on to you.  The door is nothing fancy . . . obviously not intended to intimidate . . . God wants all of His children to approach Him on a continual basis.  He tells  those of us who have accepted Jesus' sacrificial death and ressurrection in our behalf to "pray without ceasing." We read in Hebrews 4:16, "Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need."
Once inside the door, I find myself surrounded by the most glorious stained glass windows.  Overhead, I catch just the glimpse of the four enormous legs protruding from underneath a mass of heavy clouds.  Somehow, I know in my spirit that they are the foundation of a Great Throne.   Splendid wisps of fabulous colors wave and dance around the legs, constantly moving, leaving hazy trails that last for seconds, then disappear and are immediately replaced by more tremulous, glowing forms.
Turning my attention to the beautiful stained glass work,  I ponder their significance, and am immediately confronted with the similarities to those windows and to the concept of prayer.  Prayer is composed of words . . . my heart, mind and soul pouring out fears and feelings and gratitude to my heavenly Father.  But prayer is so much more than words.  I visualize prayers as a stained glass window . . . each separate piece a work of art in itself, yet connected to make up the whole image.
Images . . . that's it!
Here are some images I have experienced in my life, expressing what it means to pray:
Every evening, especially in winter when the darkness arrives early, I have a ritual of going to different rooms in my house, drawing the drapes in the living room (unless my husband beats me to it!), and pulling down the shades in all the bedrooms, closing the blinds in our bathroom.  Having practiced this ritual for many years, to me it symbolizes the closing out of the world's business and influence on the life of my family, as we wind down our day, settling in, enjoying the security of just being a family together . . . or these days of the empty nest, just a couple.  That is how I want to come to prayer, closing out all other influences . . . just resting alone with God, relishing the security of His presence.
Of course, at other times, I pray "on the run," as I do my housework and errands.  So many practical prayers through the years: "God, please don't let K throw up when he gives his first speech today in school."  "Put the kids to bed earlier than usual tonight at the slumber party since J needs his rest."   "Please make this dessert turn out good, because I don't have the time and energy to make another one."  In all our daily problems, God hears and cares and answers.
In the face of hardship and suffering . . . kneeling down at the bedside with my husband, holding hands while he leads us in prayer for a loved one, or direction we desperately need.
Saying the same words over and over to God for 25 years before I even see the beginning of an  answer.
Lying in my bed, too sick to think clearly, closing my hand and imagining that Jesus is sitting by my bedside and clutching my weak hand in His strong one.
Forming portraits in my mind of specific people I want to lift up in prayer when I am too weak to form words.
Inadequately groping to form the right words for my request and then remembering the the Holy Spirit prays for me with "groanings too deep for words. . ."  Romans 8:26
Trusting God when I can not only not see the end of the tunnel, but not even its entrance!
Letting the dust settle and the dishes wait until I have spent time with my Lord.
Shedding tears of confession when once again I have failed God or taken it upon myself to worry . . . again.


From God's point of view . . . sometimes when I am worshipping God with others who love Him, I wonder if maybe when God looks down on this world He created . . . now overcast with sin . . .  maybe He sees our prayers and praises rise up as tiny lights penetrating the dark shroud that envelopes our world . . . to give Him joy in return for all that He has given us.
Even little children can appreciate prayer, long before they understand what it is all about.  I was playing piano and singing with little c (my youngest grandson) one day last week, and in between every "Jesus song," he wanted to stop and pray.  He closed his eyes, bowed his little head and folded his hands until I finished saying a short prayer.  Many times, he wanted more than one prayer before we could resume singing!  Yes, there is much about prayer he doesn't understand, but he realizes how special it is . . . thanks to the way his mommy and daddy are raising him!
Have you ever considered that when you are praying for another person and if that person is praying for you at exactly the same time, it is as if your spirits are joined "in hand" around the throne of God?  What an awesome thought! Will you join me at God's throne soon?  I need your prayers and ask God to help me be faithful to pray for you!
As we close today, I'm sure you can recall many images of your own stained glass prayer window to add to my list.  We are told in Rev. 8:3-4 of "the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.  And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand."  Our prayers are continually rising before God's throne.  He values our prayers that much!  How much do I value the invitation He extends for me to pray?

KEY #A16: RELATING IN RELATIONSHIPS

Relationships . . . a huge topic!  So huge that I don't know what to say in a short time that could be meaningful,  so I dug out my old Webster again, and looked up "relate."  Once again, I was surprised!  (I'm really enjoying these word studies, which expand my own understanding of the English language.)
The first definition listed is "to bring back" (taken from the word "relatus"pp. of "referre").  Interesting . . . but as I think about it, don't relationships often require the "bringing back" of persons to each other who have drifted apart because of sins common to the human race or simple misunderstandings?  Consider the concept of establishing a relationship between us and our heavenly Father.  Didn't Jesus' death on the cross and subsequent resurrection provide for the possibility of re-establishing, or "bringing  back" the relationship between God and mankind?  The original relationship God had with Adam and Eve that has been disrupted by our sin?
Then we move on in the definition to "have connection, show sympathetic understanding and awareness." Traveling with my new four guests in my little lilac vehicle this past week in the Land of Abundant Life has been a study and an exercise in relationships!  Our close quarters during driving time have tested and stretched each one of us, but I have also been encouraged to see increasing efforts to communicate ("connect and sympathize"), therefore producing greater understanding and listening skills.
We arrived together today at the RELATING DOOR, and I approached it with my key, prepared to lead the way inside.  To my surprise, a man stood outside the door, presumably guarding the entrance.  He was dressed all in white and his face glowed with peace and joy.  Assuming he was an angel, my hands began to shake as I clasped the precious key tightly and glanced around to see the others hanging way back.  Wish I could have hung back too, but I was the key holder!
"Please leave your possessions outside the door," the guard addressed me kindly.
I thought I had left everything in the car and glanced down to my hands, where he was staring.  "Oh, I just need my lunch bag and my lap top . . . and my cell phone . . . and my purse . . . "
"You don't need to take any possessions inside this door."
"But . . . " I hesitated.  Not knowing if there were thieves in this Land, I had been careful up to this point to protect my possessions.
He seemed to read my mind.  "I'll keep your belongings safely for you."
Still I hesitated, admitting to myself that those simple possessions did mean something to me.  The lap top could be replaced, but its case had been a gift from a friend and is engraved with a favorite Bible verse.  My lunch bag, of course, isn't important, but I chose it because it is designed with artwork that suits my personality.  How important was this RELATING ROOM anyway?  Maybe I should just skip it altogether.
"There is something you can bring with you, my friend," he spoke with encouragement.  "You can bring people."
I looked at my new friends waiting patiently behind me.  Then I faced the decision that I evidently was intended to face:  which was more important . . . my stuff . . . or my friends?  Should I be selfish and deny these people the enriching experience that no doubt waited us behind these doors?
Quietly, I set my stuff down besides the angel, turned and beckoned for my companions.
Once inside, I realized the foolishness of my hesitation.  I saw only people . . . in a gorgeous setting of nature, of course.  No televisions, games, stores, or any kind of material pleasures.  Not even chairs or tables.  Some sat on rocks or grassy hillsides, others on the ground.  Children explored objects of nature and played games of imagination.  Plenty of people were quite obviously finding simple pleasure in each other's company.  And I did too!  The time flew by.  I found my load lighter, and my self free of accumulations, able to focus my complete attention on another person and share with them, heart to heart. (Even as I write this, my husband is trying to talk with me and I am hurriedly writing these words down so as not to lose my train of thought.  Honey, do you want to take a break with me in an hour or so and have tea and relate?  I make a mental note to invite him.  :) )
Once again, I have taken up more space here than I intended!  One more thought to leave us with today . . . the importance of communicating properly with each other, which is vital to the process of relating.  I personally think that the most important tool for good communication with another person, especially one whom we love, is to speak words that he/she will understand the same way we intend for them to hear.  And this takes practice, on both the speaker's and the listener's part!  As an example, I recall an incident where my oldest son, K, was in kindergarten.  His class had just finished a session of informing students what to do if they or their house caught fire.  He got the "Stop, Drop and Roll" part, which was fortunate.  But then he explained to me that if our house caught on fire he was supposed to take his shoes off and run outside!  Further questioning revealed that the teacher had actually told him that if the house was on fire, he was supposed to run outside immediately, not even stopping to remove his shoes.  Which of course, made far more sense to me, and eventually to him, too, once he gave it some  thought.  I don't know what words the teachers used (most likely at least part of the miscommunication involved poor listening on his part (!)  But this example does show the importance of expressing ourselves in ways that will reach the other person with the appropriate understanding, and also the importance of checking to make sure the other individual did get the concept you were initially trying to get across!  
Let's return for a moment to the first definition: "bring back."  That sounds like the process of reconciliation to me.  As Christians, let's make it a point to be conscious to speak and relate in ways that will help others to reconcile to Christ, which is truly all that matters in this world!  "Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,"  2 Corinthians 5:18
Thanks again for each of you who have told me that you read my blogs! I hope they are a source of pleasure and encouragement to you.  Keep in mind, that if you want the convenience, please feel free to sign up in the box at the right and my weekly blogs will be delivered to your email address!  

KEY #A14: ENTHUSIASM AND EXCITEMENT

Congratulations go to Kyle Dimler from Willmar, Minnesota, for winning the contest for this series!  He correctly guessed the phrase, "I LIVE BY THE GOLDEN RULE."  Remember learning it as a child?  Or later on?  "Do unto others as you want them to do unto you."  Matthew 7:12  A wonderful guideline for success in relationships, which seems to be a hot topic today!   Kyle will receive two free books: my novel, The Rose Journal, and its companion Bible study, The View From Eternity.  Six more weeks until the next series begins!
This is the first week of the Year of our Lord, 2012. And with the whole new year ahead of us (unless Jesus comes back for us before it is over), it seems appropriate to hold the Key for Enthusiasm/Excitement in my hands as I approach a brand new, shiny, silver door displaying a glittery calendar posted on the front.  The first page, January 1, is waving in the wind as though personally anticipating the excitement the new year will bring.  I open the door and find myself in the midst of the most fabulous party scene I could imagine, full of enthusiastic people . . . Vital people adorned in Vibrantly colored costumes exploring Various aVenues of creatiVe endeaVors (maybe I should have chosen "V" for this blog!   I like to play with words :)
Oooh, how fun!  I love parties!  In fact, I have planned and helped to plan a ton of parties through the years, including a "This Is Your Life" for one of my dad's special birthdays (maybe his 80th?), my daughter, E's, first slumber party where we played a game (my foolish idea) with a blindfold and chocolate pudding.  I ended up washing nine little girl's blouses and one head of hair.  One of the girls  asked me if I knew where the bathroom was (in my own house)!   Yours truly also had the bright idea of putting my husband's extremely realistic gorilla mask on his sister, B, who does the world's best vocal gorilla impression, and invite each girl in to meet the "wild animal" in person.  Plenty of deliciously frightful screams.  Girls actually make more noise at a party than boys do, if you can believe that!  
Years earlier, at E's second birthday party, one of her little friends (a boy) picked up our dog's dish and passed it around to half of the children before I caught him.  (Not my idea this time!) All the guests survived.
Growing up in the country, I planned the games for our annual Christmas parties with the neighbors.  Everybody, young and old, participated in our silly games.  What a super-fun way to bridge the generation gap!  I do like to laugh . . .  and to see others laughing and having a good time!  Don't you suppose it warms God's heart to see me laughing and enjoying a good time?  And seeing you, too?
Getting back to the party going on the the Enthusiasm/Excitement Room of 2012 . . . Here I am surrounded, not only by a host of enthusiastic people to meet and get to know, but also tons of objects and activities, books and other media resources . . . more than I could even begin to explore in many years to come.  So I have lots of decisions to make as I consider my goals for the coming year.  Fasciated as I am with the vast assortment of choices, the most exciting thing is the presence of God's Holy Spirit hovering near and directing each person's attention and efforts.  Does God have something special already chosen for me to do for Him in 2012?  And for you?  I know whatever He has in His plan for us will be infinitely rewarding and fulfilling!  "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."  Ephesians 2:19
However, at this time, I am feeling sort of overwhelmed by all my plans for January, not to mention the whole year!  And I need God's gift of enthusiasm right now . . . today!  So I took out my faithful 1953 first copyrighted Webster's dictionary to see exactly what I am asking for and was surprised to discover the following definition for "enthusiasm":  "orig. (origin, originally), supernatural inspiration or possession." Imagine that!?!  I guess I'm going to the right source to receive the gift of enthusiasm!  It also says "intense or eager interest; zeal."  So when I ask for enthusiasm, I am asking God to give me His "supernatural inspiration" along with "intense and eager interest, zeal" for whatever work He has chosen for me to do in the coming year.  And do you know, I think He's already answering my prayer?  Once again, I remind myself that I have chosen to submit to His plans and trust Him to give me the time and energy to tackle His assigned projects with a great measure of enthusiasm, "working unto the Lord."
Back again to exciting parties: Let's consider the biggest party of them all!  In December, I just finished reading through the book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, during my daily "devotion" time (Remember last week's blog on "devotion?")  What an exciting book!  So many people avoid reading the fascinating book of Revelation because it is complicated and hard to understand, but this is the revelation given by Jesus Christ about our eternal future.  What could be more important?  Our greatest Hope is contained and set forth in this book!  Knowing that Jesus is always with me and has planned a special place for me in His perfect and glorious Kingdom is what keeps me going in this world contaminated with sin and suffering.  In fact if we ignore the last book of the Bible, we miss the end of the story . . .  God's Story . . . that He has been recording for His people from before Time began!  Why would I read all the chapters of my favorite mystery novel and skip the last chapter?  I wouldn't!  So why would I read all about God's story and skip the last chapter?
We are even promised a special blessing if we read the book of Revelation.  "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it . . . "  Revelation 1:3a 
Yes, Revelation does talk about the horrible, indescribable eternal future waiting for those who reject Jesus Christ's love and that, admittedly, is hard to read when I think of loved ones who are journeying on the Dead End Road instead of the Road of Abundant Life.  But it also begins to share a glimpse of the state of total joy and excitement that awaits God's children, those who have received His gift of salvation and follow Him along the road to Heaven.
Especially exciting are the last chapters where we read about the Wedding Feast of the Lamb, where believers become the Bride of Jesus Christ.  God is planning this party to reward His children for their faithfulness and to shower His unending supply of bountiful gifts upon them.  What a celebration that will be!  What a glorious party planned by the Creator of all things!
I'll look for you there and save a seat!  :)

KEY #A13: "D" DEVOTION

Anyone ready to venture a guess for the contest and win two free books?  My novel, The Rose Journal and its coordinating Bible study, The View From Eternity.  So far we have ILIVEBYTHEGOL....  and today you get a great big hint!  Just 7 letters to go including the one for this week, which is D, so that leaves only 6!  Only immediate family are not able to participate! Each person gets one guess, and does not qualify to win more than one time in each series.   We start a new series mid-February.
I hope you had a fabulous Christmas, celebrating the birth of our precious Savior!
Today my mind is focused on the future, the Year of our Lord, 2012.  And the best way for me to start the New Year right is to determine to spend quality time each day with my Lord!
Today I open the door to the Devotion Key room.  (Did anyone notice that I didn't enter a door last week?  The "Light" door?  Maybe it is because the light would have been far too strong for me to handle this side of Eternity.  Or maybe it is because I wrote the blog the week before Christmas when my brain was stuffed with holiday preparations and the concept of the Key slipped out???  I'll make up for it today!  This Devotion Door is nothing fancy, simple sturdy wood with beautiful, artistic grain designs.  I open it, expecting to see the grandeur of a garden, ocean or mountain setting, perfect for a quiet time to share with my Lord.  But no . . . it is instead filled with people going about their routines of daily life.  My hopes for an ideal place for Bible reading and prayer are dashed.
So what am I expected to learn here?  Yes, it is coming.  Bits and pieces of insights are poking through my tired, semi-muddled mind.  Of course!  If I was not engaged in the midst of active humanity, what would I find to pray about?  Yes, I understand the importance of following Jesus' example of regularly leaving the multitudes to be alone with God.  But I must also learn to cope with the interruptions of daily living and recognize those situations as topics I need to talk about with God.
So while I search for that private place . . . which may be over in that corner where I catch a glimpse of fresh air and greenery . . .  I will mingle with the crowds, listening for their prayer needs and knowing for a certainty that God is as near to me in a crowd as when I come to Him alone for my "Devotions."
Please notice that the key word"Devotion" for today's blog, is singular, not pluralized. That is because the word "devotions" symbolizes to many of us a duty to preform, not a joy to discover.
Once Jesus becomes the object of my "devotion," my devotions are no longer a duty but a desire.
I checked my old faithful dictionary, copyrighted 1970 (which doesn't seem that old to me!)  for the meaning of the singular word "devotion."  Here is what I found:
Definition for "devotion":  piety, religious worship, prayers, loyalty or deep affection. . . or the state of being devoted." 
Let's concentrate on that meaning "loyalty or deep affection."  You see, it helps me personally to realize that my Devotions (devotional time with God) springs from my Devotion to Him as my loving Father.  Then daily devotions become not a duty, but an opportunity to express my "loyalty and deep affection" to Him!  And I want to do that so much, because I earnestly want to be loyal to God because I do love Him, even though my love falls far short of His love for me.  Besides that, when any issue or concern enters my mind, my first inclination is to talk it over with Him and ask for His wisdom and peace about the matter.  However, I struggle, as I assume many of you do, with setting aside quality time each day to spend alone with God.  It seems like at my age, I should have "it all together"  but that doesn't appear to be happening!

Here are some ways that have been helpful to me for my own daily devotions, and might be to you, too.  I'd be happy to hear suggestions you might have also!
1.  Bible before breakfast . . . my husband told me this was a policy at his Bible school.  Sometimes I read the Bible before breakfast, but often I read it with my breakfast and my first cup of tea.
2.  Accountability . . . A close friend and I have the same chronological Bible (which she gave me :)) that takes us through the whole Bible in a year.  We have committed to reading it through every year for the rest of our lives.  And sometimes we'll share thoughts and insights with each other, since obviously, we are "on the same page."
3.  Keep Bibles in many rooms of the house.  . . (Aren't we fortunate here in the United States to be able to own several of these precious books written by God?)  Then, if we are caring for children, we can grab a Bible and read some at those unexpected times when they are playing quietly.  (I think I remember reading this suggestion by Ruth Graham, and I want to give proper credit! Hope I'm right about that . . . )
3.  Pray before getting out of bed in the morning. . . I always make a point to pray at least for my immediate family as soon as I wake up, unless my husband yells "fire" or something of that nature.  That tunes my heart and mind to God immediately and gives me the satisfaction to know that my husband, children and grandchildren have prayers "covering" them at the start of their day.  I know some of them awake before me, but I assume that my bedtime prayers "held" them until I awoke.  :)  Or my prayers for them during the night. . . and of course, it is God that "holds" them; my prayers are just a tool He choses to use for His purposes.
4.  Have a prayer list or prayer journal . . . Sometimes I pray for others while still in bed, but my schedule is different each day.  And if I refer to my prayer book, I know I won't forget to pray for specific people.  (I think I'll "devote" a blog to prayer at some point.  Too much to even begin to cover in this blog.  More than I could ever begin to cover in my lifetime, actually!  And, of course, many who are much wiser than me have devoted books to the topic; their books are helpful for me to read.) Some days, I use my prayer book right away in the morning; other days I find some time later during the day to kneel at my bedside; sometimes I pray while I drive (with my eyes wide open :)).
5.  Talk to God all day long. . . The Bible says to "pray without ceasing."  Even if I am not forming words, I can be aware that God is with me at all times and hears my fervent prayers and understands my quiet appreciation of His companionship.  And of course, He's right there to prompt me whenever I need to confess a sinful thought.  Wish I didn't have those . . . when I get to heaven, I won't.  What a relief that will be!
The main thing is to remember that our Devotional time with God needs to come from our genuine desire to show Him our loyalty and love.  And that I is what I want to do all day long!