God’s Hands Create

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

God’s Hands, 1

My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; 
when I summon them, they all stand up together. Isaiah 48:13

Selah. Pause and calmly think about that—God’s hands laying the foundation of the earth and spreading out the heavens. What a picture, whether you see it literally or figuratively. And do you smile when you read the last line? When God summons them, “they all stand up together.”

Oh, the power, might, and sovereignty of God! I’m reminded of the question asked in Genesis, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (18:14). Let our rhetorical response be an impassioned, “No.”

Every aspect of new life demonstrates God’s creative hand—a child in the womb, a seed sprouting in the spring, a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. Every expression of beauty from our easel, pen, or potter’s wheel displays God’s creative power. The way we think, imagine, and solve, reflects the God who made us in His image.

Although we live in a broken world, where decay and depravity litter the landscape and threaten our peace, let us be mindful and not forget that the God who created in perfection will come again to redeem and restore—our world and us.

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to
a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13

God is Good

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

No, we did not return to Lancaster! This week we spent a few days in Cooperstown and it was peak season. The colors were breathtaking, the rolling mountains stunning, and God’s handiwork glorious. It was all we hoped for and more.

Although we didn’t particularly choose to be there on October 11, we were mindful of the calendar. For eighteen years we have been acutely aware of when Stacey Day falls—the day our daughter went home to beauty that makes the scenes I just described pale; the day that left us with gaping holes in our hearts. But I’m still here, still remembering, still wiping unbidden tears. And God is here—as seen in creation’s beauty and felt in the calm of my heart.

He gave me a special gift this year and I want to share it with you. You may not have lost a daughter (oh, I hope not) but we all lose people we love, who mattered deeply, who left us with memories, sweet and bittersweet. So I share these words that just happened to be next in my reading of Charles Spurgeon.

Suppose that you are a professional gardener, responsible for a garden that is not yours. You take great care of several prize rose bushes. You fertilize, water, prune, and train them. Now that they are blooming in great beauty, you take considerable pride in them.

One morning you come into the garden and find that the best rose has been taken. You are angry and accuse your fellow workers of taking it. They declare their innocence, saying that they had nothing to do with it. But one says, “I saw the Master walking here this morning. I think he took it.”

Is the gardener still angry? No, he immediately says, “I am pleased that my rose’s beauty attracted the master’s attention. That rose was his, and he has taken it. Let him do what seems good.”

It is the same with your loved ones… Thank God that He let you have the pleasure of caring and tending for them while they were here. Thank Him that as He gave, He Himself has taken.*

God is good.

*Beside Still Waters, Charles Spurgeon, Lest You Sorrow, 1 Thessalonians 4:13

I Love Fall

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

The Light Side

We’re one week into the fall and I love it!

I love the thrill of spotting the first tinges of color accenting the trees as they prepare for their winter nap.

I love apples—fresh from the orchard, baked in pies and crisps, warm and oozing out of my apple mill, and cold, brisk cider.

I love the warmth of fall colors—the accent of orange pumpkins and purple cabbages on front porches; spotted and striped gourds on my table; and cheerful mums of rust, burgundy, and yellow.

I love the nip in the air that prompts sweaters and hoodies and gives reason to light a fire.

I love the ever-changing carpet of red, yellow, and brown leaves, the swishing sound when I shuffle through them, and the piles at the curb inviting the child in me to jump in.

I love the aroma of pumpkin bread in the oven, the salty crunch of toasted pumpkin seeds, and a slice of pumpkin pie (with real whipped cream).

I love the creeping darkness that edges in a little sooner each evening, enticing me to curl up earlier with my book.

I love the anticipation of Thanksgiving, retelling the pilgrims’ story, writing what we’re thankful for on a large white poster, counting our blessings, a roasted turkey with stuffing and sweet potatoes, and too many dessert choices.

What do you love about the fall?

Be Strong and Courageous—Even when Opposed

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

9/22/2022 (239)

Did you sense God’s presence giving you strength and courage this past week? Did you savor His promise to be with you wherever you go? Was your journey less lonely and more focused? In Joshua 1:17-18 we see why it’s essential for us to be confident of God’s unremitting presence.

The people Joshua was leading acknowledged that he would meet with rebellion but they wanted him to succeed. They promise their fidelity to Joshua—and then they repeat the words God previously spoke:

“Only be strong and courageous!” (Joshua 1:18)

Last week we talked about opposition, enemies who seem to pop out at the most annoying times. They approached you before and you shooed them away, only to discover they’ve returned. One is named Fear, another is Insecurity, and they are joined by Doubt. Don’t be surprised if you also find Self-Pity and Grumbling crouching around the corner.

Do not yield to the enemy—turn your back on his taunts, silence him with a rebuke, denounce him with the Word of God. You have been called. You have a work to do. You are involved in purposes higher than you know.

The Lord is for you.

The Holy Spirit is in you.

God’s people need you to succeed.

Listen only to them—the Lord above, the Spirit within, the saints beside you.

Don’t be distracted or discouraged. “Only be strong and courageous.”