KEY RB#2: WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

As we begin our new journey deeper into the Land of Abundant Life, I find myself frantically hunting through various compartments in my trusty, lavender vehicle for a road map.  Up until this time, the roadways have been laid out neatly and orderly with prominent signs.  Now I find myself at the start of a new path with many twists and turns.   I'm confused.  No one that I’ve met in this Land has given me any instructions or directions.  I don't know where I am going!

Another scary thought just occurred to me.  If I don’t know where I’m going . . . what my destination is . . . how am I supposed to get there?  All this time, I’ve wandered in the Land, experiencing new discoveries and pleasures . . . finding answers.  Yet, now that I am preparing to journey into the depths of the Land where I hope to discover hidden treasures of wisdom and insight, I am confronted with uncertainty and questions. Where am I going?  Which way do I turn?  How do I know I’m on the right road?  And exactly what is my destination?  
There really is no point in beginning to travel if I don't know where I expect to end my journey!

I remember as a child, my daddy always knew the right direction.  You could place him in the middle of a tall cornfield and he could tell you which way was north, south, east or west.  My mother, however, was just the opposite.  Although she was a very intelligent and competent woman, she could easily get lost because she didn’t have an inborn sense of direction.  Her best friend, Shirley, was also directionally challenged.  Since the two women were my primary role models, I grew up thinking that it was unfeminine to know where I was! 

I guess I’d better make a decision soon or I could just sit here forever clueless as to which way to turn.  But I can’t do this alone.  I need guidance from someone who has been deep into the Land, someone who knows the way.   

Isn’t it a shame that this well-built and classy-looking vehicle doesn’t contain a road map?  The only piece of literature in it is my Bible, which goes with me everywhere. 

Of course, that's it!  The Bible is my Road Map!  There is SomeOne who has gone ahead of me and SomeOne who knows the way.  God provided His Road Map, the Bible, to set before me a choice of destinations as I journey through Life.  And if I choose His Way, He will lead me every step along the correct route.

I realize now that I already made my choice of a destination when I entered the Land of Abundant Living.  By reading God’s Word, I learned that I could choose to proceed to the Kingdom of Light, ruled by God’s Son, Jesus, the Life-giver.  Or I could go to the Kingdom of Darkness, ruled by Satan, the Life-taker.  "For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son."  Colossians 1:13
Come on, this is a no-brainer!  Why would I choose the dark kingdom where my life will be stolen from me?  Why on earth would anyone choose it above the Kingdom of Light?  And yet, so many people do that very thing. . . it doesn’t seem logical to me. 

Maybe some answers await me as I journey on.   

But once again, my mind is at rest.  I remember when I first entered the Land of Abundant Living, Christ met me at the Door and told me that the only way to enter was through the blood of Jesus, which He gave willingly on the cross because of the Father’s tremendous love for me.  So I am safe.   I have nothing to fear. I will follow God’s Road Map all the way to the Kingdom of Light. 

Fellow traveler  on the Road of Life, have you also been through the Doorway of Christ’s blood?  Have you made the decision of your destination as you travel through Life?  Have you confessed your sins against a holy, loving God and accepted His free gift that will transfer you from the Kingdom of Darkness to the Kingdom of Light?  Will you join me in the Land of Abundant Living and travel towards the best Kingdom?

“. . . I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse.  So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants.”  Deuteronomy 30:19b

Do YOU know where you are going? Do you know how to get there?

I hope you join me next week when we take the first road on our journey into the depths of the Land of Abundant Living!

KEY RB#1" FOCUS ON THE LIGHT

Thanks for joining me as we begin a new series in the Land of Abundant Living!  The road we travel together this fall will take a few new twists and turns as we venture deeper into the center of this amazing land.
Oh, thank you for pointing out the first road sign! "WARNING . . . ROAD BLOCKS AHEAD."  I see some smaller writing underneath that is difficult to make out at this distance.  I need to get closer and slow down to read it.   Hold on . . . we'll pull over to this grassy area and stop for a moment.  If I lean out my window and squint I can just barely make it out.
"Patience and stamina are required to continue, but you will be well rewarded!"
What should we do, fellow travelers?  Do you think so?  Are we in agreement then?
Great!  I'm for going on, also!  After all, we are in this Land to find adventures and purpose, right?
OK, let's move on.  Sit back and relax.  I'll tell you when we near a trouble spot.  So far, it's a pleasant day and the view is enticing.  Peaceful hills rise in rounds like a series of cakes frosted with green grass and dotted with purple and yellow candy flowers.  I am reveling in the fresh, gentle breeze and the warmth of the sun on my shoulders.
Oh oh, another sign.  This one is easy to read:  "FOCUS ON THE LIGHT."  We can hardly miss a sign that large, but what could it mean?  The only visible light source is the sun and it is behind us.  If I focus on that, we'll have to drive backwards!
Hmm . . . a memory is pricking at the edges of my brain.  Bits and pieces are slipping through the narrow entrance and expanding as they enter, like a flat sponge that expands when soaked in water.
Yes!  My memory is getting clear now.  Let's pull over here and I'lll share it with you.

One gorgeous afternoon last week, my husband took me out for a boat ride on a small, but pretty lake a few miles from our home.  The trip was a wonderful balance of peaceful, serene contentment as we floated smoothly on crystal clear waters near the shore and exciting, invigorating thrills as we sped up and raced through the middle, bouncing over cresting waves.  Enchanting diamond sprinkles popped up in nano-seconds here and there and burst like the bubbles I blow with my grandsons as the sunshine flicked them across the surface.  I was awed and absorbed by the beauty of God's world.
When we finished the ride, my husband towed the boat out of the lake with his trusty, green truck.  As I stood waiting for him in the parkway, I happened to glance across the highway and noticed a cemetery on the other side.  How strange!  We have lived in our country home for six years and this was the first time I noticed the cemetery.  How could I be so unobservant?
I suppose at some point, maybe the first time I took that road, I saw the cemetery on one side and the beautiful lake on the other and, possibly unconsciously, made the decision that viewing the cemetery was not worth my time.  From then on, my eyes were riveted to the waters whenever I took this route and gradually I forgot the cemetery even existed.

Wow!  What a lesson as we begin our new journey in the Land of Abundant Living!  We have choices every day as to where we will place our focus.   Will I turn my spiritual, emotional, and intellectual eyesight to the Light of God's Word and His holy presence in my circumstances just as I turned my physical eyes towards the light sprinkles dancing on the lake?  Or will I harbor dismal "death-producing" worries and fears about possible calamities to come as represented by the quiet cemetery?


"Every single day, things happen to us that we consider good and bad.  What do you suppose God wants us to focus our thoughts on?  See Philippians 4:8:  "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things."
Why do you think God wants us to think about these things?
God wants His children to live with joy, in the midst of problems and to be happy!  He loves us and He knows that He can handle our problems if we yield them to Him.  He wants us to trust Him and go on our day rejoicing!"  (Taken from The View From Eternity by Linda Ruth Stai)

I have to admit, my thoughts and general well-being are lifted when I turn my eyes towards the sparkling waters instead of gazing on the assortment of tombstones across the highway.  So can I expect my thoughts and sense of well-being to be lifted to a higher spiritual level when I turn my eyes on Jesus, the Light of Life, instead of letting Satan, the dark deceiver of death, control my thoughts?
Yes!  All right, let's travel on together and see what adventures await us . . . full speed ahead! 

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 SB#15: "Return to the Little, White Church"

"Grandma!  I want to go back to the little, old, white church in the woods.  Can we, please?" Big C, my  seven-year-old grandson, asks with an expectant smile on his face.

"Me, too!" exclaims his two-year-old brother, Little c.  "Me pway organ!"
"I think that's a great way to end our fabulous summer adventure together in the Land of Abundant Life!"  I respond with enthusiasm.  "Soon I'll have to bring you back home to Mommy and Daddy and then you will start school again, Big C."
(NOTE:  If you want to read about our previous adventures this summer, please see the archives on the right side of my blog.)
We climb back into my little, lavender vehicle and start up the long, gravel one-car road that has grass growing through the middle of it.  This time, Little c spots the church first.  "There it is, Gamma!  I see it!"  He claps his tiny hands with glee.
"And there is the graveyard that our great-grandma used to study her Bible with her friends," points out Big C as we drive by it slowly on our way to the church.

When the car stops, both boys race me to the church and fling open the heavy double doorway.
Inside, we are once again struck quiet with wonder and awe of the respectful dignity of the chapel.  That is, until Little c spots the ancient organ and runs to climb on the stool.

Little c begins to play a tune that sounds vaguely familiar to me.
"I like the altar," Big C shares important knowledge, "That is where the pastor tells the people about what's in God's Word, the Bible."

'That is very true, Big C," I affirm him.  "The best thing about church is learning about God and getting to know Him better."
Intrigued, I start to hum along with the melody Little is playing.
"OH," my face lights up, "now I remember that song.  It's called 'The Little Brown Church in the Wildwood.'  I sang that song many times when I was a child in country school.  The words starts to flow from my mouth as my grandsons join in:
'There's a church in the valley by the wildwood;
No lovelier church in the dale.
No place is so dear to my childhood
As the little brown church in the vale."
"That's a nice song, Grandma, but this church is white," points out Big C.
"I know, but this church is also in a woods, and it is small and very special to my heart.  My own church was special to me, too, as a child, because that is one place that I learned about God.  I am so glad that you go to church with your Mommy and Daddy to hear God's Word.  Let's sing it again as the 'little, white church by the wildwood."
At the finish of the chorus, I have a suggestion to make.  "Now that we have seen the church, there is one more secret place that I want to take you.  We are going to go deep into the woods behind the church so I can show you something interesting.  
"Hold Grandma's hand, Little c, and let's all go look for the hidden path in between the trees. . . "

PLEASE JOIN ME NEXT WEEK AS WE FINISH OUR SUMMER ADVENTURE WITH AN EXPLORATION OF THE WOODS SURROUNDING THE LITTLE, WHITE CHURCH!

KEY #SB1: "DO YOU DARE?"

"I dare you to jump off the rock!"  Seven-year-old Big C shouts at his little brother, stretching out his arms to catch Little c safely when he jumps.
The two-year-old had climbed onto a large stone, though merely a couple of feet high, in the park where we had stopped for a snack and story on our summer trip through the Land of Abundant Living.
Without hesitation, Little c jumps and both boys roll over in the grass with the impact of the fall.  Neither is hurt and they stand up, laughing as they brush themselves off.
I laugh, too, and praise Big C for his good catch.
"Come here, boys," I beckon to them.  They come and settled themselves next to their proud Grandma, one on each side.  I snuggle them and suggest, "Let's sing the chorus of the Daniel song again."
Three voices sing the catchy tune in unison:
      "Dare to be a Daniel;
        Dare to stand a-looone.
        Dare to have a purpose
        A-and dare to make it known."
"What does it mean to 'take a dare?" I asked.
"Jump!"  said Little c.
I laughed.  "This time it did," I replied.  "What do you think, Big C?"
He squishes his eyebrows together and gives the question some thought.  "Well, when somebody dares you to do something, it means you have to have courage and take a chance."
"Is it always wise to take a dare?"
He shakes his head.  "Sometimes it's dangerous.  I know you mustn't take a chance to do dangerous stuff.  But then," he hesitates and looks up at me.  "you might look like a coward."
"That's a risk, too, isn't it?" I ask him.  "Looking like a coward?"
He nods.
"So you have to weigh the risks and see which risk is better to take, right?"
"Yes, Grandma."
"It may be better to look like a coward than to do something foolish and hurt yourself or someone else?"
Both boys nod.
"Me careful," Little c solemnly shakes his head .  "Me no want to hurt me."
"That's good, Little c.  So why do you think Daniel was willing to disobey the king's command and go into the lion's den?" I asked.
Big C answered right away, "Because he knew God had more power than the king!"
"That's right, and he also knew that even if he died, he'd go to be with God forever, but if he turned away from God he would go to hell forever.  So he made the right decision."
"Daniel stood alone, just like the song says!"Big C noted.
"Yes.  Do you boys have the courage to stand alone if your friends want you to do something with them that you know it wrong?" I asked.
"I hope so," Big C says dubiously.  "If I am strong enough."
"How can do you get strong enough?"
His face brightens.  "I can ask God to help me.  He has the power."
"God help me be stwong," exclaimed Little c.  "I open da twunk!"  (NOTE TO READER: YOU CAN REFER TO ARCHIVES ON THE RIGHT TO READ ABOUT THE TRUNK!)
"That is so true!  And God is happy to give us the courage when we want to obey Him.
"What do you think the song means by "Dare to have a purpose and dare to make it known?"
Silence for thinking time.
"A purpose. . . " Big C turned this question over in his mind. . . " is something important I need to do.  Right, Grandma?"
"It can be," I nod.  "It can also be a motivation, a reason we have to work for a good cause or help
somebody."
"What is your purpose, Grandma?"
"I have many, Big C.  I want to be a good grandma.  I work for an organization that helps save babies' lives.  I write and travel to tell people about Jesus."
"I tell my friends about God," said Big C.
"That is a very good purpose!" I acknowledged.  "And like the song says, sometimes it takes courage to make our purpose known.  Because some people may disagree with us and even make fun of us for carrying out our purpose.  But if we keep our purpose a secret, then we can't carry it out!  We always need to consider the "dare" and decide whether it is more important to do what is right and obey God or let other people tell us what to do and loose our self-respect."  
"Me dare do good!" Little c beams at me.
"Oh, my precious grand-boys!"  I hugged them close and prayed silently, "Father God, help them always to have the courage to do what is right, whatever it takes!"  I thought a moment and added, "And me, too Father.  Give me the courage to stand alone for the purposes You give me."

*ONE MORE SUMER ADVENTURE WITH THE BOYS AND THEN WE'LL DISCOVER SOME ROADBLOCKS IN THE LAND OF ABUNDANT LIVING AND DISCUSS HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM!

KEY SB#11: CLOUDS & CREATION

"I think we need a break," I anounce, yawning and stretching my arms.  "It's such a beautiful day.  Let's go outside and get some sunshine and fresh air."
Both grandsons race me to the doorway of the little country church.  Once outside, two-year-old Little c  jumps and prances like a young calf just let loose from his stall.
"Tag!" he shouts.  "Me it!"
*NOTE FOR NEWCOMERS TO MY BLOG:  I am taking my grandsons for a tour in the Land of Abundant Life this summer.  We are now visiting an old country church that sits near my childhood home.  For more background, please check the archives on the right side.
His older brother,  Big C, laughs.  "You'll have a tough time catching me!"  He takes off like the stream from a water pistol.
"I get Gamma," Little c tags me and I turn around and chase Big C. After about fifteen minutes of constant motion, I collapse on a soft grassy spot on the lawn next to the peaceful church graveyard, panting heavily.
Big C throws his body down next to me and Little c does likewise.  The three of us stretch out on our backs, hands behind our heads for pillows.
"What do you see, Grandma?" Big C asks, "up there in the clouds?"
We gaze intently at the shapes of fluffy, white clouds drifting across a clear, blue sky.
"Me see a bear," Little c sits up and points with delight.  "Dere!"  He nods with satisfaction.  "Wike my teddy."
"Yes!" Big C agrees.  "Do you see him, Grandma?"
"I do.  The big cloud in the middle, right?"
"Yup!  And over there, on the right, do you see the monkey face?"
Little c squints.  "Donno."
"I think so," I respond dubiously.  "Do you know something?  I just thought of a song I learned when I was a teen-ager."  I began to sing:
"Cotton candy clouds so fluffy and white.
Who put them there in a sky of deep blue?
Or do you just happen to float along, 
Pretty and white in a sky so blue?
Mountain, deep valley, fast river, cool stream,
Show grandeur and majesty in some grand scheme.
All of these wonders that we behold, 
Are only a part, it cannot be told,
Master Designer, who ever you are, all of this beauty both near and afar
Can't just have happened; the odds are too great,
There must be a plan, we're not left to fate.
All of this beauty is far too convincing
Master Designer, your word must be true,
Of all your creations man is the dearest,
Help me to simply believe now in You."
"I know God made the clouds, Grandma," says Big C, jumping up, excitedly.  "God made everything!"  He reaches his arms out as far as he can and twirls around.  Little c jumps up and joins him in twirling.
"I see cotton candy clouds!" he shouts with glee.
They stop twirling and land beside me.  We sit together in silence for a moment until Big C thinks of a question.  "The Bible says God made the whole world in only six days.  But some scientists say that's not true.  What do you think, Grandma?"
"Well, Big C, if the Bible says it's true, it is, because God cannot lie.  Scientists are always discovering more facts that support the Bible."
"But one of my friends told me that a day in God's time isn't just 24 hours, like our days."
"Here, look at what it says in Genesis 1:3-5, the first book of the Bible."  I reach over for my Bible that we had laid previously on a gravestone when we had our picnic discussion.  "Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light.  And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.  And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night.  And there was evening and there was morning, one day.'
"You see, boys, God made the first day to be the time when the sun shone between the darkness.  The time He set into place when He created the earth, based on the motion of the sun and moon in a 24-hour period, is the very same time schedule that we still use.  And He says that He created the earth and everything in it in six days and rested on the seventh day.
"In verses 16-18, God tells us He made the sun and moon to "govern the day and the night."  It is very important to remember that God is able to do anything He wants to do.  Nothing is too hard for Him and everything He tells us in His Word is true."
Big C nods in agreement.  "Yes, I see, Grandma.  I love God."
"I know you do, Sweetie."
"Me, too, Gamma!"
I put my arms around both of my precious grandsons and we squeeze into a group hug!

KEY #SB10: THE B-I-B-L-E

"Now, where did I put that blue songbook?"  I look around the room and laugh.  My youngest grandson, two-year-old Little c, has begun to stack the old hymn and gospel songbooks like a tower.
"Here is it, Grandma," says Big C.  "On the bottom of my brother's tower.  Oh, dear."  He starts to gently tug at the favored book.
"My tow-er!"  Huge tear drops form in the eyes of Little c's anguished face.  He grabs the precious book and holds on tight.
The incident shows promise of becoming our first conflict since I brought the boys to show them the old country church by my childhood home.  (*NOTE FOR NEWCOMERS TO MY BLOG:  If you check the archives on the right side, you can read about the previous adventures!)
"Little c," I rush over and kneel down beside my grandsons.  "I think it's time to play one of your favorite songs on the old pedal organ.  Don't you think so?"
Little c thinks a moment.  "Yes," he says.  I breathe a sigh of relief.
"Good," I respond.  "The song is in this book, here on the bottom of the pile.  Let's lift the other books off carefully and set them aside.  Then we can play the song."
"Okay."
Together, we set the other books out of the way.
"What is your favorite song, Little c?" asks Big C.
Little c shakes his head.  "Don't know."  He looks at me and shrugs his shoulders.
"Come and sit on the organ with me and let's play it," I tell the boys.
"My turn to play the organ?" Big C asks.
"Yes, go ahead."
Big C takes the preferred spot in the middle of the organ bench.  His feet are long enough to reach the pedals, so Little c and I sit on each side, like bookends.  Big C starts to play and we all sing.
"The B-I-B-L-E.
Yes! That's the book for me.
I stand alone on the Word of God.
The B-I-B-L-E!"
Suddenly, Little c grabs the book from the organ rack, puts it on the floor and steps proudly on top.
"No, Little c, you can't step on a book!" his older brother protests.
"Song says 'stand on'!"Little c stubbornly stiffens his whole body, crossing his arms.  Such determination; not even a big semi-truck would cause him to budge!
Big C laughs.  I smile, wondering how to explain this concept to a two-year-old.
I needn't have worried.  Big C leans down to his little brother.  "That's not what the song means, Little c," he speaks gently.  "The song talks about the Bible, God's Word, not the song book!  But we don't really put our feet on top of it.  It means that the Bible is the best book in the whole world and it's just like we put our whole lives on top of it."
Little c looks doubtful, but steps off the book.
I take Little c in my arms and cuddle him.  "Big C, you said that exactly right.  When we put our trust in God, we stake our whole lives on His goodness and His love for us.  The precious book that God wrote, the Bible, is the only way that we can find out the honest truth about how the world was made and why we are here and how God wants us to live."
"But how did God write the book?" Big C raises questioning eyes to me.
"God told forty different people who lived on three different continents to write His Holy Book in three different languages  They wrote down the words God's Holy Spirit put into their minds.
"It took many, many hundreds of years to finish writing the Bible.  And, in spite of that, the whole Bible story fits together perfectly from beginning to end, sort of like a puzzle shows the whole picture when you put all the pieces together.  That is one way we know that only God could have written it!  Without knowing God's Word, all people are helpless in this life.  That is why it is so important to read our Bibles every day and tell others about God and where to find the truth."
"Let's sing it again," Big C starts to sing with abandon and Little c and I join in willingly.

PLEASE JOIN US NEXT WEEK AS WE EXPLORE A BIT OF NATURE AND I SHARE A SONG I LEARNED AS A TEEN-AGER!

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 #SB8: THE TREASURE CHEST

"I can't get it open, Grandma!" Big C, my seven-year-old grandson, sounded exasperated.
"Here, let me help," I quickly knelt by his side and together we tugged on the rusty latch on the treasure chest we'd found in the old country church.  Sadly, I shook my head.  "Maybe it will have to wait until we get a strong man to help us."
Little c, the two-year-old brother of Big C, stepped to my side and slowly began to tug on the stubborn latch.  To our amazement, the metal cover began to rise.  Big C and I regarded Little c with awe and he proudly beamed.
"I stwong," Little c stated solemnly and matter-of-factly.
*NOTE TO NEWCOMERS:  I AM TAKING A ROAD TRIP THROUGH THE LAND OF ABUNDANT LIFE THIS SUMMER WITH MY GRANDSONS.  IF YOU WANT TO READ MORE ABOUT OUR JOURNEY, PLEASE SEE THE ARCHIVES ON THE RIGHT.
Big C started digging hastily through the piles inside.  "It's only books, Grandma," he sounded disappointed.  "I like books but I thought we'd find something . . . " he fished for a word. . . "more."
I have to admit visions of gold coins and jewelry swam around in my head for a few moments.  After all, what would you expect to find in a treasure chest?
But Little c reached into the chest, grabbed a book and held it up to me.  "Weed, Gamma, weed," he urged.
I took the book from his hands and started to page through it.  "Oh, this is an old song book," I said.
Placing it down carefully on the floor, I began to sort through the other volumes.
"These contain songs that I have sung many times since I was a young girl," I remarked.  "Hymns and gospel songs."
"Him?  Her?" Little c asked.
I laughed and hugged him.  "Some of the old songs are called 'hymns.' Today we mostly sing praise songs in church, and I love singing them with my Christian sisters and brothers.  I think, when we do that with thankful hearts, we give God joy!
"And I enjoy these hymns very much, too."
"But if they are so old," Big C pondered, "maybe they're not much use any more.  We throw away lots of old stuff."
"Would you throw away your grandma?" I asked with a twinkle in my eye.
"Oh, no!  I love you, Grandma!"  He threw his arms around me.
"I know you wouldn't, honey.  You see, some things wear out when they get old and, you are right, they are not of much use.  But people, if they love God, can get better and wiser as they age even though their bodies are wearing out.
"It's the same with music.  Just because the old hymn books are worn, that doesn't mean the songs are not still useful.
"We can 'enjoy the new, but keep the old.  One is silver and the other gold'. . . hmm, I don't think I have that poem quite right, but it is still true in this case."
I examined another book and sighed, "Oh my.  I have so many memories tied up with these songs."
"Tell us, Grandma, about your memories," Big C begged.
"Mem-o-wes?  Tied up?"  Little c looked around, probably expecting to discover another box with a rope tied around it.
"They're like stories," Big C explained to his little brother.  " 'cept they really happened."
"Me wike stories."  Little c nodded expectantly.
"The name of this song, " I answered him.  "is "Holy, Holy, Holy."  Did you know that every single Sunday when I was a child and teen-ager, we sang this song first of all every Sunday morning at church?"
Both of my grandsons shook their heads solemnly.
"Mostly now," I continued,   "I like to sing different songs each week because there are so many of them that are good for us to sing.  But when I was young, singing this song every Sunday reminded me how awesome God is . . . remember we sang "Awesome God" earlier?"
They both nodded.
"It also helped me remember how fortunate I was to be able to have a relationship with my heavenly Daddy because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.  Sometimes I would walk into church on Sunday feeling sad about something, but singing this song made me feel thankful and happy."
"Awesome God' makes me know that God has enough power to take care of me," said Big C.  "Lots more power than Superman!  And God is very real, too!  Superman is just made up. But I want to learn your song, too, Grandma!"
"Me, too, Gamma!"
"Let's take it to the organ and see if we can play it," I said, rising to my feet and leading the way.

"Holy, holy, holy!  Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy!  merciful and mighty!
God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy!  all the saints adore Thee!
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy!  though the darkness hide Thee!
Tho' the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity."

PLEASE CONTINUE TO JOIN US WEEKLY AS WE "EXPLORE" SONGS THAT GOD USES TO TOUCH OUR LIVES! 

KEY # SB5: THE WORLD IS MINE!

I found the poem!  I've been searching for it and praying to find it for some time now, so I decided that today must be the appropriate time to print it!  Last week's blog was on a "New Song"  and I am continuing on with the theme of praise.
My mother posted this poem on the wall in our kitchen when was growing up, and I think of it every now and then when I am tempted to sink into the Dangerous Mire of the Malady of Discontent.
How can I ever, in this wonderful Land of Abundant Living, submit myself to such a disastrous state?

"The World is Mine" by Unknown Author  (I changed one word because the modern meaning has a different connotation than it did when this poem was composed.)
Today upon a bus, I saw a lovely maid with golden hair.
I envied her, she seemed so free;
I wished that I might be as fair.
And then, when suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one foot and wore a crutch
But as she passed, a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine!
I have two feet; the world is mine!

And when I stopped to buy some sweets
The lad who sold them had such charm
That when he gave my change to me
I gently grasped his out-stretched arm.
I talked to him and told him that
His smile had brightened up my mind.
He said to me, "It's nice to talk with you.
You see," he meekly said, "I'm blind."
Oh God, forgive me when I whine!  
I have two eyes; the world is mine!


Then walking down the street I saw a
Little boy with eyes of blue.
He stood and watched the others play;
It seemed he knew not what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said,
"Why don't you join the others, dear?"
He looked ahead without a word;
And then I knew he could not hear.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine!  
I have two ears; the world is mine!

With feet to take me where I go
With eyes to see the sun aglow
With ears to hear what I want to know
Oh God forgive me when I whine!
I'm blessed indeed; the world is mine!


Please join me next week when I pick up my two grandsons for an adventurous ride through the Land of Abundant Living!

KEY #SB3: OVERHEARD IN AN ORCHARD

I'd like to share an old poem my mother hung on the wall of our home when I was a child.  Now it hangs on the wall by the door in my office, where I can give it a glance when I venture in or out.


"OVERHEARD IN AN ORCHARD" by Elizabeth Cheney  
"Said the Robin to the Sparrow:
'I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so.'
Said the Sparrow to the Robin:
'Friend, I think that it must be
That they have no Heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me."

In Matthew 10:29, Jesus talks about the sparrows:  "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent?  and yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father."
Jesus continues to assure us in the next two verses, 30 and 31:  "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Therefore do not fear: you are of more value than many sparrows."


Isn't that amazing?  God cares so much about me that He even knows exactly how many hairs I have on my head at any given time!  I don't even care how many I have, as long as they are plentiful.  Which, I confess, it getting to be more of a concern as I grow older.  :o)
Let's take that example a bit further.
God cares more about me than I care about myself!
God cares more about you than you even care about yourself!
I also confess that I struggle with anxiety and fear, which I realize very well has no place in the life of a Christian.  Although I do trust God with my life and the lives of my loved ones, as time passes, I am made more and more aware of the suffering and tragedies that even come to the lives of godly people.  But . . . on the other hand, I am privileged to see personally and hear more of God's interventions, even miraculously, in the circumstances of His beloved children!  Which brings me to a stronger faith in the realization that, as we learned last week from the song, "This is My Father's World," God is the One in charge.  God is the authority, the One who holds the world together and keeps our earth in orbit.  As my daddy used to say, "He (God) is the Boss!"  And because "God is Love," I remind myself that He is very much aware and involved with every situation I find myself in, whether joyful or troubling . . .    whether encouraging or heartbreaking.
Because of His love and power, I can trust Him to only allow as much suffering as is necessary for my spiritual growth and my eternal future life.
In the words of the above poem,  there IS a "Heavenly Father such as cares for you and me."
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7
"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."  I Peter 5:7
God cares tenderly for all of His creation . . . and especially for you . . . and for me.

KEY #SB2: MY DADDY'S DAY

My daddy moved to Heaven eleven years ago on May 25, 2001.  I still miss him dearly and would give anything for one more of his strong and tender hugs.  The reason I am writing about him this week of our country's annual Memorial Day celebration is because for many years, I have associated that holiday with my father.  He was a godly man who lived the Christian life before me every day, modeling for me and helping me to understand the character and faithfulness of my heavenly Father.
Daddy had great difficulty hearing as he grew older and his church did not have good acoustics, so he couldn't hear the sermons very well.  But every Sunday in the summer, beginning Memorial Day weekend, his church would have a service at Sibley State Park, located west of New London, Minnesota.  In the close, open atmosphere, he was able to hear every word of the of the scripture message and the singing.
I had other memories of the park also.  As a child, I had camped there with my cousins and attended Bible camp on the shores of Lake Andrew (also my dad's name, by the way, though the lake was not named after him!)  In fact, our youngest son, J, was nearly born there!  (But that's another story.  :))
Buried somewhere in my house is a big dark blue book that contains some of the history of Sibley State Park.  Of course, I couldn't it find today, but I remember Daddy showing me a passage in the book that tells of the influence of his father, Ole, along with another resident known by my grandfather, who were instrumental in working to obtain permission from the state of Minnesota to purchase land for the park setting and to establish it in 1919.  So this preserve was meaningful to my father, personally.
Since I'm doing a series on Songs and Birds, I recall with fondness the opening song that was sung at every Sunday morning service at Sibley Park.  My family often stayed with my parents in their home on a nearby lake in the summers, and would attend the park service with them on Sundays.  The opening song was "This Is My Father's World."  It was written by a presbyterian minister, Maltbie D. Babcock, who was born in Syracuse, NY, in 1858.  When he would leave his home for a walk along the shores of Lake Ontario, Babcock would tell others, "I'm going out to see my Father's world."  Hence, the title for the poem he wrote that was published after his death in 1901, "Thoughts for Everyday Living."
His granddaughter, Mary Babcock Crawford, wrote the second stanza in 1972.
The beautiful park setting by the shores of Lake Andrew was a perfect environment for the words of this hymn and the accompaniment of the birds in the background added to the melodic delight. 
"This is my Father's world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world, 
He shines in all that's fair;
in rustling grass I hear Him pass.
He speaks to me everywhere. 
This is my Father's world;
why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is Kind; let the heaven's ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad."
This special song expresses trust and faith in the Father's provision and the knowledge that all of creation is His own handiwork.  His kingly authority is over all!
Whenever I sing this song, it brings to mind caring and faithful memories of my heavenly Father . . . and also my earthly father.
Next week, we'll share lessons from the birds.

KEY #SB1: SONG BIRDS AND OUR GOOSE FAMILY

I love everything about spring, especially when new life pops up all around me and exploding colors dazzle my eyes:  blooming tulips and irises, bright green leaves, sparkling blue waters of the pond in our back yard and uniquely clothed birds of all kinds that frolic in our bird bath.  The scent of lilacs envelopes me with pure contentment when I sit on our deck and gaze out at our yard and pond.
I love going to sleep with the windows open to feel the rush of fresh breezes and hear God's orchestra serenade me to sleep and call me in the morning to the adventures of a brand new day.  An enormous chorus of frogs living in the ponds sings me to sleep, and the neighbor's roaster wakes me at daybreak.  I listen for a second or two to his arrogant call, then promptly ignore his brash command and go back to sleep.  When I re-awaken at a decent time, the birds have begun their thrilling melody which continues all day long.
Have you ever noticed the unique harmony of God's orchestra?  I remember when my son, K, played the violin in his school orchestra, we would always drop him off early and be treated (?) to the discordant noise of all the students practicing and tuning their individual instruments.  The awful sound made me seriously wonder if the concert would be worth our time.  But when the musicians paraded onto the stage and seated themselves in proper order, and the conductor raised his wand, a magic moment resulted.  Every piece fitted into its place in the whole composition and a beautiful entrancing melody arose from the earlier confusion.
Isn't it amazing how God conducts His orchestra?  I hear the sounds all day long from dozens of different birds, all singing their own particular tune and yet the resulting music never sounds discordant! Their combined melody is always perfectly pleasant and enchanting to my ears.  How does God do it?
I want to be a part of God's orchestra.  I want to "sing" my own particular tune that God put in my heart in a way that honors Him . . . to go through life day by day praising Him for His care and goodness.  Father, make my "life melody" a joy to Your ears and help me to be an encouragement   to others so they will only hear pleasant "music" from me, rather than discordant sounds.
Today, I will begin a summer series on Songbirds . . . or rather "Songs and Birds" and how God speaks to us through both.  
We have one goose family residing in our pond that we believe made their summer home with us last year, too.  My husband, Gary, is somewhat of an authority on nature, with birds a particular interest.  And, although he is getting more and more hard of hearing, his eyesight amazes me!  He calls me to look out at a bird hundreds of yards away.  I can barely make out that it is a bird, and yet he can tell me what specific bird it is, and all about its habits that he has meticulously observed.  I get running updates on our little goose family during the day. Did you know that geese mate for life?  One male and one female begins their "marriage" and stays together.  Mommy Goose (not Mother Goose) sat patiently on her nest for weeks.  Although Gary told me she had a daily habit of leaving her nest early in the morning (while I was still in bed) and take a dip in the pond, preen her feathers for a while (here he would give me a pointed look, knowing I could identify with this bit of daily feminine vanity.)   Then back to her "work" while Daddy Goose skirted the perimeters of their habitat home to ward off any possible danger.  I'd hear of Daddy's courageous escapades which involved chasing away predators from Mommy and their precious developing bird babies.  Once Daddy Goose got carried away with his defensive duties and invaded another bird home only to get chased back himself!
How exciting when the time arrived, just a week before Mother's Day, as four tiny yellow balls of fluff were observed staggering and stumbling in the grasses by the side of the pond!  Then they disappeared for a while and we grew concerned for their safety.  But Gary decided Mommy Goose was hiding them until they grew larger and more competent.  Eventually they returned to swim, "file style" on the clear waters.  Once he told me the baby geese were swimming on one pond and Mommy and Daddy were in the other pond, honking wildly at each other.  I can imagine their conversation:  "I thought you were looking after the little ones!"  "I thought that was your job today!  Where are they?!  Go find them!!!"
Another morning, I arose to find Gary excited about a near disaster.  One rebelliously independent, tiny ball of fluff had been spotted slowly and with difficulty making its way up the hill towards our house, evidently unobserved by its parent geese.  But observed by our dog, Krissa, who is typically a very sweet, quiet, gentle and well-behaved member of our household.  However . . . she is by instinct a good bird dog.  Fortunately Gary was able to distract Krissa while the tiny fluff ball maneuvered its way cautiously back down the hill to safety.  Whew!
That's enough "bird talk" for today.
Please join me next week as I observe Memorial Day in a unique, personal way. . . 

KEY #H4: HELPFUL HOSPITALITY HINTS

Looking for some helpful hospitality hints?  I've asked some friends for suggestions that worked for them when entertaining guests.  It was interesting to notice that the Golden Rule kept coming up in our conversations in various ways.  "Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."  Matthew 7:12.  Or paraphrased, as many of us learned it, "Do unto others the way you want them to do unto you."  After all, isn't that what having good manners is all about?  Showing love and consideration to others by treating them the way we would want to be treated?  It's amazing how following that very simple rule automatically takes care of a host of hospitality questions!  For example . . .
Question:  What should I feed my guests?  Answer:  Ask them if they have any food allergies or preferences.
Question:  What theme should I choose for my party?  Answer:  Think about the interests of your guests and pull those interests into a theme.
Question:  Where should I seat my guests at the table?  Answer:  Consider my guests' personalities, if they would prefer to sit by someone they feel comfortable with or make a new friend.
God's Word is so practical for all circumstances, isn't it?
Let's get on with the tips!  After contacting several friends, here is the gist of what they suggested.  Some overlap, so I tried to minimize repetitions.
"A fun idea," says Tina, "to make your overnight guests feel welcome is to have a basket in the bathroom with little toothpastes, hotel soaps, shampoo, etc.  Also, a mint on their pillow when they open up their bed for the first time is so fun!" (Personal tip from Linda:  Great idea, Tina!  Although if you have a dog that climbs on beds, you may want to close their bedroom door!  Dogs aren't supposed to eat chocolate, you know. :o) )
Bonnie suggests, "I leave their clean bath linens on their freshly made bed before they arrive. Also, I make sure Kleenexes are plentiful."
Rose, a hostess whose overnight hospitality I have personally enjoyed on many occasions, shares the following:  "When someone stays overnight in your home, put yourself in their place (Notice the Golden Rule here?).  If they wake up during the night, is there going to be enough light from a street light so they can tell where they are?  It's often confusing to wake up in a strange house.  Keep a couple of night lights handy to plug in when you have company, even if you don't need them yourself.  We are fortunate to have two bathrooms.  When we get company, we use the one in the basement and let our guests have the main bathroom next to their bedroom.  It's handier for them to have their own space to spread out into.  Keep an eye on the toilet paper supply.  We have friends who keep an extra roll in a little basket in plain sight.  Little things go a long way. "
Rose continues, "People are more important than things.  Usually overnight guests are not coming to inspect your home.  They are there to see YOU!   So be yourself, get a good night's rest so you can enjoy your company without being tired.  What you don't get done, chances are they'll never notice.  If you didn't get that special dessert baked for them, take out the pail of ice cream; they'll be none the wiser.  (Tip from Linda:  Ice cream makes a great treat for drop in guests, too!  Purchase vanilla and keep several toppings on hand.)
The first thing Donna said was also "I put myself in their place" (Again notice the Golden Rule!).  I want them to have all the comforts of home and not have to ask for them. " She mentioned many of the same things others have already said and then gave me additional suggestions of things to have handy for overnight guests.
Donna keeps a drawer in the guest bedroom that contains an assortment items that may be needed including a hair dryer, heating pad, shoeshine, lotions, toothbrushes and toothpaste, aspirin.  Bottled water and drinking glasses are available and she places a bowl of fruit for snacking.  She also suggested that a min-fridge would be a great idea for the guest room!
Deb, the hostess for a party I recently attended, had a delicious and creative, yet simple menu plan.  The entree she served was called "Tropical Mountain" and it truly was a mountain (at least it was on my plate! :0) ), heaped with yummy food.  Set up a help-yourself bar in this order:  lettuce, bag of Fritos corn chips (crushed), refried beans, rice (optional) ground beef cooked with taco seasoning (this she had on the stove; you could use an electric heating plate), onions, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes, black olives, pineapple chunks, and chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and salsa.   Deb's side dishes included guacamole, tortilla chips and salsa. A simple dessert of cookies, bars and fruit easily complete the meal.  For "pot luck" style, each guest could bring a topping.
A very special thank you to each of you who gave me suggestions!  And please feel free to share any additional tips of your own under "Comments."  
Next Wednesday, please join me for a tribute to Mothers, in honor of Mother's Day coming up this Sunday!