Texts from the past #3: small silly things

Photo by Wendy van Zyl on Pexels.com

I don’t have a date for this one, but it was sometime in the spring of 2018.

I took a picture of a portion of text from a book I was reading. I don’t even remember now what book it was or exactly why I sent it.

“It is all right for me to pray for the small silly things. Do not let me fall. Do not let me get laryngitis – as long as I hand the prayer, no matter how minor, no matter how foolish, to God. Your way, Lord, not mine.”

Fast forward to this year. We prayed for a lot of things, large and small. For wisdom in decisions. For strength to eat. Praise for a bowel movement. The week before Chuck died our pastor visited. Chuck told how he was too tired to pray. I could see he was nearly too tired to think. And I was too undone to pray, but I know it was the prayers of others that sustained me and got us through those days.

Bookcase Browsings #6

Boy and Dog Snuggled in Blanket (C. 1925) – from Norman Rockwell’s American Children by Marian Hoffman

“William’s mother always said, ‘The illness just has to run its course.’ This may have been true, but there were comforts that could be provided to help pave the way to better health.” 

In the front of this book there is an inscription:

To Papa Graham  

From Benji

Christmas Eve Dec. 24, 1990

My dad really enjoyed this book and I plan to pass it on, or back, to the giver, my son, Ben. I love the picture above. It reminds me of my Ruby and what a comfort she is. I don’t need to be sick to enjoy her snuggles. Of course, she benefits, too, as she gets to be on the soft, comfy bed.

I wish we could just say coronavirus “just has to run its course”. In a way it does, but it’s not a JUST when it’s affecting someone you love. Hang in there,work and pray, get your sunshine and fresh air, and snuggle your pet.

Worldview

By Jonathan Pie

 

“It is our way of looking at life, our interpretation of the universe, our orientation to reality. “ – from Christian Worldview – A Student’s Guide by Philip Graham Ryken

Whenever we bump into the world, our worldview has a way of spilling out. It comes out in what we think and love, say and do, praise and choose. – from Christian Worldview – A Student’s Guide by Philip Graham Ryken

Read that again and let it sink in. … what we think and love….praise and choose… . Much of what I think no one will ever know. But I will, and I must live with it. What I love? I’m afraid what I really love shows in what I write about and talk about. My love for Christ often fades into the background, and that is truly telling. And shaming. My worldview shows in what I choose to do with my time.

I’m beginning to think my worldview needs a little adjustment.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

I have been reading Captured by Grace by David Jeremiah and it has brought home to me once again that I must rest in Him. Today I am reminded of the last part that says this promise is for those who love God. This verse is often misquoted by people who have no idea what it really means. I’m not saying I am smarter, I’m just thankful that God has taught, and is still teaching me, that I am His and I need to rest in Him. It’s not because of anything I’ve ever done.

I can sing these words from Derek Webb’s song “Nobody Loves Me”:

I can always tell a liar
And I always know a thief
I know them like my family
Because brother I’m the chief

I know God has used hard times in my life to draw me to Himself. But, I’m saddened with myself that it often takes hard times to draw me closer. Sometimes, in the good times, we often forget to praise Him. In the little daily sweetness of a baby’s kiss or an unexpected breeze on a hot day or beauty of a newly mown lawn, we should praise Him. I challenge you and I challenge myself, to praise Him today in all things.