Category: Christian Living

The Spare Moments

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Fill up the spare moments of your life with praise and thanksgiving.

Sarah Young

I like to read about efficiency. I enjoy watching YouTube videos about cleaning and organization. The topic of ‘minimalism’ has been of great interest to me in the last few years and I especially like Joshua Becker. Recently in his video, “20 1-Minute Habits to Keep Your Home Clutter Free”, he said, “Clutter free living is more than a project, it is a process.” Sometimes, the house and yard work can feel overwhelming. When I break a lot of it down into one minute tasks, they are a lot more manageable. Wipe down the counter, shred the junk mail, empty small trash cans throughout the house, sweep the front walkway, replace bathroom towels with clean ones, put away dishes – all tasks that can be done quickly when I purpose to do it. It came to mind recently that the one minute moments, the spare moments, can also be used to offer a quick praise, to read a few Bible verses, to pray for the family member or friend who has been on my mind. It declutters the mind and makes room for rest. Spiritual growth is more than a “project” we aim to achieve, it is a process of making good decisions in every opportunity of the day.

In spare moments, too, don’t forget to look for stray gifts!

Stray Gifts Outside: Alyssums are one of my favorite flowers. They smell like honeysuckle and are fairly easy to maintain. Not all are doing well in the heat this year, though, but this one is doing ok so far. • Our new passionflower vines are stretching quite nicely over the new netting we bought for support. • Our tiny tomatoes are coming in and they are delicious!

Stray Gifts Inside: Although meat prices have gone up, a local family owned butcher business we like to buy from is keeping their prices the same as they have been. • Pothos seems to be the magic plant I am able to keep alive for years on end. I have quite a few in various stages of growth in different places in the house. I am experimenting with ivy and spider plants (again). We’ll see what happens.

Stray Gifts Not Pictured: I lost my address book last week. I could not find it anywhere in the house or in the car. I went back to the postal annex thinking maybe I had left it there when I mailed a few cards out to a friend. Sure enough, an employee found it on the counter and put it in a safe place. Whew! • A yellow butterfly has been hanging around the yard lately. It was fluttering outside the kitchen window the other day – so much so, I felt it wanted me to stop and watch it. So I did. • Jonathan brought all of our clean laundry upstairs without me asking for his help (it took several trips). I didn’t even know he had done it until I went to bring them up myself later that evening. • A ladder was in the middle of the highway one day and I just “happened’ to be in the lane where I could avoid running into it. I guess it fell off the back of a truck sometime during the day. • A new (to us) neurologist listened to John during his appointment and really showed she cared. She is changing up his medicine for his migraines. It will take a few months to wean off the old and get used to the new, but she offered hope for better days. An appointment is coming up for John with a pain management specialist. This doctor is the one who has helped my dad with his back issues for years – and he is amazing. We are so glad the VA approved the consult. • And last, but not least, there was a bit of rain one night this week. It didn’t last long, but we enjoyed watching it come down for a bit.

Even the Valleys Are Higher Ground

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Trials are brutal. Faith is tested. Life grinds hard some days and I live as if I have been amputated from grace. The labor is strenuous when I fail to trust in what God allows in my life – illness, heartache, loss. It is the “ugly-beautiful” where suffering births transfiguration. When I let go of pride and self-reliance, I become humbled and dependent.

When I was on Facebook awhile back, I had posted something similar about valleys and my Aunt Carol had responded, “Even the valleys are higher ground”. That has stuck with me ever since.

The song I share with you today is one that has been on my mind. We used to sing it as a family while on deputation and it was one of our favorites. I hope it will be an encouragement to you as well.

Without A Valley – Gospel Song by Rodney Griffin

“I’ve been walking through a valley
It was dark, and it was drear.
Yet in the middle of my sorrow
I heard Jesus say, “Child, I’m still here”.

But without a valley
How would I ever know
That His strong and gentle hand
Would never let me go?
How would I know for sure
That I’m secure and safe where’er I go?
Without a valley
How would I know?

So I thank you, Lord, for each trial-
How You’re teaching me Your perfect love.
For You have shown that I can still have joy inside
Even though the road seems long and rough.

But without a valley
How would I ever know
That His strong and gentle hand
Would never let me go?
How would I know for sure
That I’m secure and safe where’er I go?
Without a valley
How would I know?”

Listen to the song sung by Florida Boys:


Peace Bread

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Peace Bread

Ingredients:

2 c. unbleached thoughtfulness

2 c. patience

1 tsp. empathy

2 Tbs. melted love

3 Tbs. sweetness of honey

1 c. warm milk of kindness

2 tsp. forgiveness

Instructions:

Combine kindness, sweetness, and forgiveness in a small bowl until frothy. Mix with the remaining ingredients and gently knead. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm place until double in size. Remove dough and knead again. If dough feels stiff, add up to a quarter cup of compassion. Form into desired shape for second rising. Bake in oven until golden. Serve warm.

Illustration from the book: Almost Amish – One woman’s quest for a slower, simpler, more sustainable life, by Nancy Sleeth

Make Christmas a Verb

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Poem by Mark F. Stone

For many, the gifts are the be-all and end-all:
the big screen, the tablet, the Barbie and Ken doll.
For me, gifts I get are like ice in the sun.
I cannot recall them. No, not even one.

How did I find a true way to remember
the import of each twenty-fifth of December?
The quest to acquire is an urge one can curb.
The lesson I learned was: make Christmas a verb.

Knock on the door of your neighbors who deal
with aging and loneliness. Bring them a meal.
If you have means and you live in fine fettle,
drop off some greens in that little red kettle.

Visit our vets who are hurt and express
your thanks for their service as they convalesce.
Deliver to others a luminous glow.
The gifts you will cherish are those you bestow.

Silent Gratitude

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Silent gratitude isn’t very much use to anyone who has done a lot for you. 

G. B. Stern, Robert Louis Stevenson: The Man Who Wrote ‘Treasure Island,’ 1954

Two years ago, I starting looking for what I call “stray gifts” in a day. Stray gifts can be anything- a surprise note in the mail from a friend or family member, a beautiful day in which I just feel really good and alive, or quiet moments to rest, read, and relax. Every day, there is something new to discover that causes me to feel grateful and to say, “Thank you, Lord.” I hope these entries reach someone else who will engage more in life and who will choose to participate in God’s treasure hunt for all the good things He gives. Here is the most recent record of graces. (Photo collage below)

Gifts Written: Three cards for me in the mail in the last few weeks and a cross-stitched bookmark made by a friend with my favorite Bible verse.

Gifts in a Whistle: We used to buy electric kettles to heat water for hot chocolate, tea, or instant coffee. We’ve had to replace a few over the years because they just quit working. This time, I decided to buy an ‘old fashioned’ kettle with the whistle to heat water. It should last a long time! With the electric kettle shutting off automatically when ready, I would walk away from it and do other things. Usually, I forget about the water because I get busy. With this one, I need to be more mindful of what I do since the water is heated on the stove. I stay around the kitchen and do some tidying while waiting.

Gifts of Time: We spent one day last week with some friends we hadn’t seen in a long time. We enjoyed a good meal out together and a leisurely walk around the town square, poking around some of the shops there. I stopped to take a photo of the courthouse clock because I wanted to pay attention to the time – the time we are never guaranteed. Back at their house, we enjoyed coffee and talked for more hours, then stood outside to quietly watch the sun set. On the way home, the moon was bright and our hearts full and grateful for the day.

Gifts of Life: It has been very sobering to realize especially this year that life is fragile. With many lives lost to the virus, we are more aware of the gift of today. In the photo below, I am with our church ladies in Mexico. Two of these women have lost their husbands this year – one to COVID and the other to years of illness. Our lives are better for having known these women and their husbands who were part our church family for years.

Gifts of Encouragement: One of the best things I hear almost every day is John encouraging an elderly veteran who struggles with the online VA health websites, “That’s ok, sir. You know a thousand different things that the younger generation will never know.” (John works from home helping other veterans navigate the VA health website.)

Gifts Welcoming: I love a pretty wreath on the front door. I found this Boxwood Wreath for 50% off at Hobby Lobby and I had a 40% coupon for the ribbon!

Making Amends

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Fear not November’s challenge bold—We’ve books and friends, And hearths that never can grow cold: These make amends!

Alexander L. Fraser (1870–1954), “November,” c.1918

Amend: to make better, to improve

While looking up inspirational quotes for a blog title, I noticed that November quotes seemed dark and dismal. The trees will be bare soon and the cold winds are coming. Darkness falls early and the nights seem longer. I did find one quote that was positive that I used. Of course, in my stray gifts scavenger hunt, making amends with the season appealed to me. “We’ve books and friends”, wrote Fraser. There are other gifts of the season which can help improve the overall mood for the coming months. Here is my latest record of graces. Photos added in a collage below.

Gifts in a Park: John and I went to a local park last week and found a walking trail. I’m thankful he can get out and walk – especially on uneven surfaces such as a nature trail. Last year at this time, he was recovering from two hip replacement surgeries. The view of the rock and the trees from the road was what made us want to park and explore. I love to see the changes in leaves every week.

Gifts Fascinating: I was bent over trying to get a good photo of a spider on the side of the path when a lady walking by stopped and asked if I was trying to identify a plant. I pointed out the spider web and told her I thought it was really interesting. I had never seen one like this before. “Oh wow”, she said. “I would have never noticed that!” As far as I can tell, this is a garden spider or “zipper spider” and is harmless – but I still don’t want to get too close. It’s huge!!!

Gifts Big: They say everything is big in Texas and I believe it- especially after seeing that garden spider and a large bee during our walk! It was pretty buzzing around the flowers.

Gifts in Perfect Days: Last Sunday was a perfect fall day. Little by little, colder weather is creeping in. We have had a few days cold and rainy, but that’s ok. Everything is cyclical and warm days will be here again. In the meantime, I can enjoy comforting soups and homemade bread, hot cocoa – rich and chocolaty, and cozy blankets to wrap up in when I’m cold.

Gifts Simple Pleasures: Things that feed the soul: fresh air, blue skies, peaceful days and pathways, simple activities like fishing, bike riding, frisbee golf, walking dogs. Many people were out enjoying the day as well.

Conscious of Our Treasures

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We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.

Thornton Wilder

This week’s Stray Gifts:

Gifts of Respect: I hear John every day on the phone guiding other veterans through the government health computer system. Some are sons and daughters calling on behalf of their father. Some are wives calling for their husbands. Some are elderly veterans who do not want to even bother with the internet but are being forced to through the changes from paperwork to updated technology. Some veterans call needing to set up a way to renew their medicines or to contact their doctor through the veteran’s health site. John is tech support, yet he gets calls for all types of reasons. Many times, he is on the phone listening to a widow wanting to know what is the next step. Some are frustrated veterans who are upset and need to check up on a complaint filed. Some are veterans trying to go back to school or who need to know where to file for disability compensation. By the end of the day, John is mentally tired. So many people need help – and not just with tech support. He does the best he can to listen and help or to transfer the veteran to someone who can. Each veteran who calls or family member who calls for a veteran, he shows them respect and always says, “Thank you for your service to your dad” or “I appreciate the care you show your husband in helping him with this issue” or “Thank you for your service to this country”. Respect. It is a small word, but has the potential to change someone’s day from a hurting one to a hopeful one.

Gifts in Reading: With all of John’s joint issues (ankle, hips, and shoulder), I’ve been doing more research on the benefits of collagen rich bone broth. I’ve been making my own broth for years, but I might learn something new here. The local grocery store sells packages of just bones. He wasn’t ready to add chicken feet to the broth making, 🤣 (even though I’ve read they are good for it). I’ve always used bones leftover from rotisserie chicken. Thankful for research and guidance in health and wellness.

Gifts in New (to me) Music: One of my New Year’s resolutions was to explore new Christian music. I came across the group Southern Raised and have been enjoying this talented family, their bluegrass style, and the encouragement they share. One of the songs, “Ravens Still Fly” is about how God took care of Elijah by the brook Cherith (I Kings 17). This powerful song is one of my favorites.

“Are you deep in despair? You feel like nobody cares? You can’t find your way or the words to even pray. Just hold on, He’s not gone. Rest by the brook. Take another look. Lift your eyes to the sky – ravens still fly.”

Gifts in Work: With John working for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, it is nice that they work with his disabilities. He worked half a day today fighting a migraine. After lunch, he was able to call in sick, take some medicine, and go to bed.

Gifts from Others: I have a few friends who text me their beautiful gifts often. Just this week, three friends shared something that caught their attention. The cover photo was shared by a friend in New Mexico. She and her husband had gone for a ride out in the Zuni Mountains (near Ojo Redondo Campground) and enjoyed the beautiful day. What a striking site with the bright yellow leaves of the Aspens, the deep green of the Ponderosa Pines, and the very blue sky. “‘Nothing like the beautiful blue skies of the Southwest,” she said. The photo of the deer was shared by a friend in Pennsylvania. The acorn photo was sent by a friend in Texas. She liked the acorn’s really big hat! Sometimes, when maybe it’s difficult to find a “stray gift” myself, I look through photos that were shared with me. A flower shared earlier in the year by a friend is currently my laptop background photo because its beauty took my breath away. I like to put reminders in my sightline around the house. Even if I don’t step outdoors some days, I still am surrounded by nature that nurtures.

Tonic for the Soul

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Wouldn’t it be an exhilarating tonic for the soul to take a moment to appreciate the simple, good things in life which are so bountiful…? 

Author unknown, c.1949

Tonic (definition): a medicine that invigorates or strengthens: anything invigorating physically, mentally, or morally

Finding stray gifts in a day is exactly like taking a dose of medicine. There are so many aches and pains which ail us in a day – and I don’t mean just physically. Our souls feel battered by watching too much news, or by having to work too hard, or by just taking care of all the life-things. When do we get a break?

When I take time to appreciate the simple and the good, right there is when I get a break. It stops my thoughts from going down the path of the Prodigal Son and the “Why not me, Lord?” All along, I have my very own gifts lovingly placed in front of me, strengthening me, causing me to keep looking for more of God.

Here is this week’s compilation of stray gifts. (Photo collage below)

Gifts Shared: 1) Quietness as John was in bed one day with a migraine. It may not sound like much, but we were together, at least, in our shared apartment. 2) Time shared watching a few movies after he woke up and then walking to the mailbox tonight. 3) It always brings joy when others share their #straygifts throughout the week – a deer in the yard, a beautiful tree against an October sky, a freshened up flower box, gentle music from a neighbor’s wind chimes, a pumpkin pie made for a hard working husband…and more. What a blessing to me to receive these messages from those who are looking too.

Gifts Country Rodeo: 1) Respect for God, the flag, and our country 2) Families spending time together having fun 3) Fresh air and freedom (Oh, and funnel cake!)

Gifts in Animals: 1) A frog in the same spot every night on our walk around the apartment complex 2) Friendly neighborhood dogs out with their humans 3) A cute little rabbit hopping across the lawn

Gifts Blooming: Jonathan sent me a photo of some of the roses blooming in our yard back in El Paso.

Gifts in Imagination: John and I were driving around Waco last weekend and spotted this house on the corner of a busy street. I can’t imagine that someone built this house in the current state of traffic here. Maybe it was built when the area was farm lands, I don’t know – but it was ‘swoon-worthy’. This house, all fixed up and in the country, would be a dream house for me. I imagine roses around the perimeter of the house, maybe hanging ferns and a swing on the front porch, fresh paint. It’s fun to dream. I wonder what the inside looks like! I love to see beautiful old homes and their architecture.

Gifts of Change: Cooler weather calling for cozy soups and comfy sweaters

Tell Me Something Good – MaLinda’s Story

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I have been sharing some good news here lately! After my friend Sheilia told me that she has been nine years cancer free, I wondered what other good news was out there. I started asking friends and family if they had something good going on and I have received a few responses! This year has been rough for a lot of people with COVID, the changes in daily living, and the overall concern for the health of our country. I’m thankful for the stories shared and the permission to write about them for you to read.

MaLinda and I have been friends for twenty five years. I met her the same time I met Sheilia in church in Washington State. I was a young newlywed joining my husband in the church where he was a member. She and I hit it off right away, especially since we both loved singing. We sang in the choir together and then later, I was invited to join her and another friend in a ladies’ trio. I learned so much about music from MaLinda and Anita and I loved being a part of the group. We called ourselves “Higher Praise” and even made a cassette tape of the songs we sang. We have kept in touch and have been able to visit with one another in person throughout the years.

“Well, my sister is better. Recovering from COVID, ” she wrote. “My job is letting me work full time again and all my kids and grands are happy and healthy! Don’t know what more I could ask for.” She then mentioned the transformation in her oldest daughter. In August of 2010, twenty-seven year old Amanda was arrested for meth possession with the intent to distribute. She wasn’t even the one the police were after in a drug bust going on when she was caught. She had an unpaid parking ticket and had a warrant out for her arrest. She was sentenced to federal prison for thirty months, but spent twenty months instead. Four months were in a halfway house and two months in home confinement. Amanda was granted three years probation but was let off ten months early for doing everything she was supposed to do. She said being arrested saved her life.

“My advice for parents is to watch your kids and their friends”, MaLinda contributed. “Be a parent, not a friend. It’s hard because no one wants to be the bad guy. Parents don’t want to invade their privacy…too bad. I hope that her story helps save some mammas out there some heartache.”

MaLinda was looking through old files trying to remember the trial and came across e-mails begging Amanda to get help and telling her that her kids (an almost nine year old and a seven year old) need her. “The worst day of my life was when I went to court and had to see her in shackles and cuffs”, MaLinda shared. Some of the details are a little fuzzy now for her and Amanda and hard to remember. Time, healing, and moving forward has a huge part in that.

Amanda’s road to trouble didn’t start right before she went to prison, but she has now been clean and sober for eight and half years! She turned her life around and is doing great now. She would love to share her story someday in churches or wherever she can to hopefully help keep someone from making the same mistakes she did. And MaLinda would love to put it on a billboard because there are so many out there with addictions.

“We had a lot of people praying for her”, MaLinda commented. When I asked her if I could share these photos, she said I could and that they remind her to not give up. It took longer than they wanted for things to change, but God answered their prayers.

First photo: Left – (2012, the day she was arrested) Right– (2018) Middle photo: – her kids visiting in California Last photo: A more recent picture

Other “Tell Me Something Good” entries: Sheilia’s Story Michelle’s Story

The Best Light

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Treat your friends as you do your pictures and place them in the best light.

Jennie J. Churchill

Looking for the best in those around us -whether in the home, out in town, or on social media – can turn someone’s day around. We never know what others are dealing with behind closed doors. The family member, the co-worker, the neighbor, the waitress, the cashier, the teacher, the pastor – they have needs and strengths, too. Compliment, love, be generous in encouragement.

Romans 15:5-6, “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”