New Years Eve Baby

December 31

Here we are New Years Eve, two sets of anxious grandparents in the visitors room waiting for the arrival of a granddaughter. The baby has been expected since Christmas day but she is on her own schedule. Her mother is exhausted but finally in the maternity ward.

I'm sure this baby will be born before midnight because I had asked God in prayere two days ago if the baby could be born before the end of the year. The response I heard in my head was "yes, but remove that hat from the top of the Christmas tree and replace it with a light." I complied.

Eleven thirty comes and goes. No Baby. Then midnight and still no word. What happened? The message had been so clear. Did I misunderstand God?

At 12:15 the new father opens the waiting room door and announces the baby is here? Everything is fine. I ask when did she arrive?

"At 11:45 " he says apologetically, "I've been busy cleaning her up.

"Therefore know that the Lord your God is faithful and keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love and keep His commandments." (Deuteronomy 7:9)

What if the world ends?

 

December 30

 

“Everything will be fine you’ll see,” his mother said lovingly.

“But suppose the world does end,” the boy insisted, “I won’t ever see you again.”

She assured him, “I’ll see you in Heaven. You will go up from here and your Dad and I from the Civic Center.”

“How will I find you in Heaven? It will be more crowded than the Civic Center.”

She hugged him. “Remember Heaven has pearly gates? Wait for me there. Ok?”

“That’s a deal Mom.”

 

“Mizpah, because he said, ‘May the Lord watch between me and you when we are absent one from another.” (Genesis 31:49)

A Year End Blessing

 

December 27

 

I was catching all the lights green. I zipped across Broadway to the other side to continue my journey when suddenly traffic was coming directly at me. I was heading right for a cab. Breaks squealed and I swerved to the right and he did the same. Both cars came to a screeching halt side by side.

 

A disheveled cabby whispered, "One way buddy." It seemed all of New York was staring at me. Clearly I was at fault. I didn’t know the city to be driving the way I did.

 

"It is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet."
(Proverbs 19:2)

Christmas, the next day

December 26

 

The Christmas wrappings are trash, the stockings are empty and soon it will be time to store the decorations for another year. I admit to a day after Christmas let down. Why can’t we smile some more and wish each other happiness as we did yesterday. I want to linger a little longer to the notion of peace on earth. I want to hold onto Christmas everyday and not go back to ‘normal.’

 

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14)

Wise men listen

December 23

 

The story is familiar. Magi come from the East, following a bright star. "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary and they bowed down and worshiped him." (Matthew 2:11)

HOUSE! What happened to the stable?

The wise men traveled better than a year to find the new king, who by then was a toddler. The time table also explains when they didn’t return to Jerusalem paranoid Herod orders all children in Bethlehem two years and younger slain. Wise men obey God and act on faith. We should too.

 

"And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod they returned to their country by another route." (Matthew 2:12)

The Real Christmas Spirit

 

December 22

 

The front page of The Hartford Courant has a picture of toll stations on a bridge. Both have green lights but one is empty while the other has a line of cars. The caption explains the commuters are going out of their way to show their appreciation to a friendly toll taker on his last day at work.

That picture shows me I can be God's aroma of love to everyone, no matter what I'm doing or where and not just at Christmas. Isn’t that the best place to be, in His will?

 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
(Colossians 3:23)

Way to find peace this Christmas

 

December 21

 

It is Advent but our nation is at war.

The Priest’s heart is heavy with the killing and by the atrocities men do to other men.

He says he turned on the TV and a woman is asked what she would like most this Christmas. She sings, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."

The Priest says, "I wept. I knew what I had to do and it has to begin with me," We agree, to find peace it starts with us.

 Jesus lived the words of that song, "Let there be peace and let it begin with me."

 "I did not come to judge the world but to save it." (John 12:47)

Its a Wonderful Life

Week of December 17

One Christmas week I purchased a video of Frank Capra's classic "It is a wonderful life." The film starring Donna Reed, James Stewart and Lionel Barrymore has a strong message for all of us.Geoge Bailey, played by Stewart, is a Godly man but who lost confidence and blamed himself when things started going wrong. He had misplaced his faith.

The message is that It is a wonderful life when do what is right and we see God in it.We will be delivered as George Basiley was in the film.

"The blessing of the Lord makes one rich and He adds no sorrow to it." (Proverbs 10:22)

Surprise Christmas Presents

 

December 13

 

 Every year this woman has raised funds and donated gifts to needy families. But she was feeling depressed over not selling her house and had no energy for anything.

 One weekend her house sold and on Monday her boss informed her that all the sales associates decided not to exchange Christmas presents but buy toys instead and donate them to ‘her project.’

 

“It was   God saying, Ok the house is sold here are the toys, now go distribute them. Isn’t our God awesome?”

 

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, For He is good, For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

Give without fanfare

 

December 10

 

As advisers to a handicapped facility we would sometimes learn of needs of the

Individuals. One lady wanted a special attachment for her apartment, which was not covered by financial assistance. I gave the director a small check for the item.

Months later during an open house Joy  went on a guided tour. Driving home she says, “I’m glad I came, otherwise I would never have known about your gift. The resident saw my name tag and told me how appreciative she is.”

 

“and your Farther who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:4)

Being Set Free

 

December 9

 

“You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

 December ninth is Joy’s freedom day. On this day a spiritual sister helped her through The Steps To Freedom in Christ outlined by Neil T Anderson, author of The Bondage Breaker. “Now I know the truth, God loves me, I am His child,” she says. “God used this to open my eyes and ears to His truth.” In a symbolic ceremony Joy gave up those things keeping her in bondage from knowing the freedom that God offers all of us.

 

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”(James 4:7)

Christmas Cards

December 8

 

I look at Christmas cards differently than I did some years ago. I used to send the religious cards to the minister and a few church friends, the Currier and Ives scenes to most people on my card list and the humorous cards to family and close friends. Now I send cards appropriate to the “ reason for the season.” I don’t write Xmas anymore, to me that is crossing Christ out of Christmas.A E-cards and

text greetings seem impersonal...but that is me.

One Christmas card I receive stands out. Its  message is a timely reminder.

 

“From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.”(John 1:16)

Less We Forget December 7

December 7

 

In the motor launch to the sunken battleship Arizona I notice there are as many Japanese tourists as Americans. Pearl Harbor is as much a part of Japanese history as it is of ours. I am surprised by this but not angry. I'm proud that this nation has followed the policy of reconciliation it has with its former enemies. It really is the only way to lasting peace. Jesus must be proud too.

 

"I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)

Home for Christmas

 December 5, 2012

My first Christmas was 1933. I was a depression baby and grew up in a working  neighborhood. Like “The Waltons,” we didn’t have much but we had each other.

Christmas was a special time. We had a cut tree, electric candles in the windows, a fresh wreath on the door. Unlike the Waltons, Bible reading was not central in my family. However, my parents modeled moral values and I know the Lord blessed us. God loves a loving family.

 

“ And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children.

 And the hearts of the children to their fathers…” (Malachi 4:6)

Recession house sale

 

December 3

 

It is a buyer’s market with the average house sale taking six months. We are moving in a month and need to sell fast.

I am pounding a for sale sign into the ground when a car stops in front of our house. The young lady driver says she has been looking for a house on this street. A week later she buys our house. Realtors call and can’t believe we sold the house so quickly. They didn’t know that we had prayed and asked God to be our real estate agent.

 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.” (Philippians 3:6)

Praise God for His mercies

 

December 2

 

My van is zipping along when I hear “whap.” The battery gauge drops to zero. I exit and head for the nearest gas station which is right off this ramp.

“Here’s your trouble, “ the owner says pulling out a shredded belt. While waiting for a tow truck I realize how blessed I am. Yesterday I was driving this van on a dark road with miles between exits.

 

Praise the Lord for his continue mercies.

 

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

Another Day

 

December 1

 

Another day to hear the birds sing,

A chance to see another rainbow,

An opportunity to learn something new,

More time to forgive and to forget,

Another day to appreciate all that grows,

Lord thank you for another day to serve,

Another chance to make a difference,

More time to laugh, linger and love,

Time to embrace the moment

Everyday is a precious gift.

 

“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

(2 Peter 3:13)

What time is it?

 

November 30

 

 While visiting a small Lutheran church in Massachusetts I found a sheaf of yellow dots with sticky backs in the guest register in the pew. A note said to put one of these dots on the face of your watch or cell phone to remind you to take time to pray. Good idea I thought.  

 Every time I look at my watch now I see that yellow dot and pray. I need more yellow dots in my life How about you?

 

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” {1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Rhode Isalnd Accent

 

November 28

 

Native Rhode Islanders have an accent and their own language. I know for I am one.

A cabinet is not made of wood but it is a milk shake with ice cream in it. Some Rhode Islanders have a tendency to pronounce an r that is not there and to leave one off when it is present. To wit; beer becomes bea and Cuba is Cuber.

There really is only one voice we need to hear and heed.

 

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28)

LBJ and MLK Peacemakers

November 27

 

It had been a beautiful weekend to visit our nation’s capital. We visit the White House with a group but President Johnson remains upstairs. On Sunday we attend the National Cathedral where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is guest preacher.

 

 Driving back to Connecticut we hear President Johnson say he will concentrate on seeking peace and will not seek reelection. It is a dark time for America. It would get worse. The following Thursday Dr. King is assassinated in Memphis

 

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

The Scary Hand

 

November 26

 

There it is! The shadow of a hand is on my bedroom floor. I scream as only a boy can. My mother enters my room flicking on the light. I insist the hand was there. My mother turns out the light and sits on my bed. Soon the moonlight reappears on the floor.

 

“Look,” I yell, “There is THE HAND.”I hear her gasp. My mother saw it too. She turns on the light. I can see a frown then a smile. She removes a cutout of Pinocchio waving from the wall. I am thankful for a mother who showed her boy compassion.

 

 “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Be and Angel to someone

 

November 24

 

An angel is “a messenger of God.” This is the first definition listed in the dictionary.

 I stop in a coffee shop in a small city. The young woman behind the counter looks  sad. I ask if she is OK. She tells me she has just come from the hospital where her mother is facing a sensitive operation in the morning. I say I will pray for her and her mom. And I do.

 

A week later as I enter that same cofee shop. I hear her say to another customer, “Here comes my guardian angel.” I’m not but God did use me to bring her hope.

 

“I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Happy Thanksgiving

November 22

 We pack up the kids, the hot dishes and slide off to the church parish house.

There are about fifty adults and children at this neighborhood thanksgiving. We stand hand in hand giving thanks for all God’s bounty. We break bread and share the Lord’s Supper before our own.

We arrived as strangers but we leave filled with fellowship with others who are grateful for God’s blessings. This is a Thanksgiving I shall long remember.

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
(Psalm 95:2 )

Learning from the Geese

 

November 21

 

Canadian geese fly in a V formation, which actually helps the individual bird fly higher and longer than if it flew alone. Several geese honk encouragement to the leader up front and when the point bird tires, another takes its place. If one bird is wounded or sick and leaves the formation, two will go with it for protection. The two will stay with the injured bird until it recovers or dies. The remaining two will return to another flock.

We can learn a lot from those traits of the Canadian geese.

 

“In the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge.” (Psalms 57:1)

Turning Points

 

November 21

 

Turning Points! These are the defining moments in our lives. My wife Joy’s turning point came at a Billy Graham crusade in Hartford Ct. “I responded to the call that night,” she says, “but I didn’t come to the Lord until I decided to follow Him wherever He wants me to go.” The real turning point is when a life is turned from the world to God, from me to Thee. What is your
turning point?

 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)           

Modern David and Goliath

 

November 20

 

This time the battlefield is downtown Montpelier, Vt. Goliath is a major ice cream maker and David is an Italian Ice vendor whose slingshot is a one page flyer protesting being barred from a festival sponsored by the giant. The flyer works. The vendor is invited to the festival. The giant is not slain, just cut down to size. I know God is smiling. I’ll bet an ice cream or a dish of Italian ice on that.

 

“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s. (l Samuel 17:47 NIV)      

November 18

 

A friend in our church is going in for an operation for breast cancer. I pray briefly right then for the Lord’s mercy and hand in that surgery.

Later that day I learn that her operation went well and the surgeon thought it was a success. I quietly say,” Thank you Lord for a prayer answered.” I’m blown away when I hear that her whole office stopped what they were doing and prayed when she went into surgery and didn’t stop praying until she came out.

 

“Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28)          

Election Day-Your Vote Counts

Election Day

 

November 6

 

The election for U.S. President in 2000 was so close we didn’t know who won for 35 days. In Florida the difference was less than one vote per precinct. Who says one vote doesn’t count.

A wise man told me, “Think of your salvation as an election. There are three eligible voters. God has one vote and will always vote yes for your salvation. The Devil has one vote and will always vote no. You have the deciding vote.”

Have you voted?

 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32)

Halloween

 

Halloween

 

October 31

 

“Trick or treat?”  Years ago we didn’t ask we just did tricks. Now children don masks and costumes and demand treats from grownups, like an entitlement. 

The fact that All Saints Day follows Halloween is an appropriate reminder to put away the craziness for another year. Otherwise life could become a series of Halloweens with people wearing masks all the time. I know God wants me to take off my mask and get real with Him. No tricks or treats Lord, just living everyday humbly obeying You.

 

“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)

Special Birthday

 October 26

This is Joy’s birthday. Friends drive us to a surprise gift. We drive through the country.The car slows by a field, then we see.  Gads! It is a glider.

 

The pilot is dressed in jeans and a plaid shirt. “Nothing to worry about,” he smiles, “ the leaves are in full color.” We squeeze into one rear seat and the pilot closes the canopy. “We are in God’s hands now,” I whisper.

 

The tow plane releases us. The noise of the wind is loud. I thought gliding would be quiet. Joy gets her wish for a bird’s view of the countryside. We thoroughly enjoy ourselves.

 

I’m just thankful the surprise wasn’t hang gliding.

 “Give all your worries to God for He cares what happens to you.” (2Peter 5:7 NLT)

Soccer Moment

October 25

 

Mario learned to play soccer as a boy in Italy. Now a waiter in the U.S.,he coached my sons in beginning soccer, stressing the fundamentals and  teamwork.

During a scoreless game there was a break away. My Robbie (10) was back, his brother Steve (9) was goalie. They met the threat, legs went every which way and Rob kicked the ball right past Steve into his own goal.

The booming voice of Mario rang across the field, "It's OK Robbie, even the great Pele' scored against himself.” At that moment Mario was God's aroma to my young boys.

 

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14)

A key to success

October 24

 

His mom raised Dave, and five siblings in a housing project. At 13 Big Brothers matched him with Bob,19. who   encouraged Dave to finish school and go to college. After college Bob offered Dave a job at the TV station where he worked.

 Today, on his own, Dave is literally helping people around the world become successful in business. One of those people is Bob. Accepting an award Dave thanks God, his Mom, and Bob. He tells an audience of 10,000, "To succeed, work hard and pray.”  Not the usual street advice to succeed.

 

"The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it." (Proverbs 10:22)

Are we Deceiving Ourselves

 

October 23

 

Our facilitator, Ron says, deception is looking outward at what the world says instead of looking inward at ourselves and what God says.” We list how we have deceived ourselves. I write:

  "Judging my success by the world’s standard- seeking praise from men. Thinking that if I work hard all will be right and if I do good I am good." How are you deceiving yourself?

 

“The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it? I the Lord, search the heart. I test the mind, even give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:9-10)

Our Real Neighbors

October 22

 

Everything seems fine until I distinctly smell gasoline. I pull off the road, open the hood and find gas seeping out of the fuel line. It is a miracle that the engine hasn’t caught fire. Now what do I do? A car pulls in behind me. The driver sees the leak and proceeds to tape the split hose. What a Godsend he is. Come to think of it, I have had a lifetime of Good Samaritans who have come by and bailed me out of trouble. on the roadways and byways of life. Many of them were strangers but as the parable says, they were my real neighbors.

"Then Jesus said to him, 'Go and do likewise." (Luke 10: 36-37)

Make God Your Bailer

October 21

 

The rock face is straight up. My arms ache as I stretch for the next finger crack. It is out of reach. I stretch and my feet slide out and I fall. Barry Barth, my bailer, is doing his job. He holds the lifeline and I bang against the rock and dangle there. No damage to the bones just to my pride.

God is like that bailer. I can't see Him but I know He is there. He keeps me from falling too far, but allows me to climb my own obstacles. He picks me up when I fall and He renews my strength when I stumble. God can be your bailer too.

 

“The Lord is the strength of my life;  of whom shall I be afraid.”(Psalm 27:1)

Three Keys to a Lasting Marriage

October 20

There are three keys to a lasting marriage and Joy and I have embraced them for 18 happy years.
First you need true love, which is a daily commitment to put the other person first.
Second is keeping God in the center of the marriage.

And lastly pray together about everything. When we hit the inevitable bumps in the road in our relationship at least one of us has to have the wisdom to say, "Lets pray about this." And do it.

"Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perserveres. Love never fails."
1 Corinthians 13:7&8

Cheating at golf

October 18

 

We call it the Woodstock Open, named is for the cartoon character. If your golf ball strikes a tree you get a plastic woodstock. You can pass "Woody" on when another golfer hits a tree. There is a snake for a three putt, a camel for a sand trap, a fish for water etc.

 I play the Woodstock Open once a year. The cashier asks if I'm a resident. I lie. I’m an ex-resident. I save $7. I play awful, costing me  $10 in animals and I lose my self respect. Ok God, no more cheating, next time I play as a non resident.

 

"Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,

But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel." Proverbs (20:17)

God responds thru a TV

October 17

 

She said she was having trouble making her apartment cat proof. Her felines were scratching up the new furniture.

 “I threw my hands up in the air and said, Lord I need help here to cat proof my apartment." When she returned to the living room she inadvertently stepped on the TV remote lying on the floor. The TV changed channels and her jaw dropped when she heard a woman talking about making your house cat proof.

.

“The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty." (Psalm 29: 4)

God uses a calling card

October 16

 

When we were moving to Sarasota a pastor in Hartford wrote the name of a Christian couple to contact. We didn’t contact them.

In Florida, an attorney says, "My wife and I are helping some folks start a church." He hands me a calling card for the church with a map on the back. On Sunday ,after the service we meet the very couple that our former pastor wrote about. We know this is the church where God wants us to be. When a note didn’t work He provided a calling card with a map.

 “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

Successful Marriage Secret

 

 

October 15

 

Joy stands in the doorway to our little office and leaning on the doorframe she says, "I feel overwhelmed." I rise and take her by the hand saying, "You know where we go when we feel overwhelmed?"  We walk to the adjacent bedroom and kneel by the bed and pray.

Keeping God at the center of our marriage and keeping Him our focus and making each other a priority has made for a lasting and loving relationship.Love is not a feeling it is a choice.

 

“Let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33)

When God Speaks--Listen

October 13

 

I can't find my checkbook. Had it earlier in the day. I'm getting really stressed and Joy suggests wisely that we pray about it. Moments later I return to my office and a voice in my head says attaché' case. I open it and there is the checkbook.

 

Joy is having nightmares and asks me to pray with her. We both ask God for help with this. The nightmares stop.

 

Today she says God spoke to her through Proverbs 1:33  "Whoever listens to me will dwell safely and will be secure without fear or evil."

Prayer Answered on Voicemail

October  12

 

Our surrogate son car salesman on voice mail yells he slammed the phone with such force that it breaks. His manager fires him.

While I'm praying for guidance on how to respond. I play the next message. It’s the same voice but only this time his tone is  normal. God answers my prayer for guidance by sending me chapter and verse in the voice of the person seeking help.

"I found what I was looking for in the One Minute Pocket Bible for Business Professionals." My friend reads,

 

"Oh my God I trust in you,

Let me not be ashamed; Let not my enemies triumph over me."  (Psalm 25:2)

Answering a Call

 

October 10

 

She is terminal. I must talk with her now in the hospital.

My sister listens intently but bristles when I read, “the righteous fear God.”

“I always had a problem with needing to fear God,” she protests. I say, “Think of fear as respect.” (Where did that come from?) She says I can do that.Later she recites the suggested prayer asking Jesus to be her Lord and Savior.

Over dinner my nephew tells me that ten years earlier he prayed by her bedside, “Lord don’t take her until she is yours.”

 ( The Lord honored his prayer and took his mother six weeks later.)

 

“In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)

Balloons and Worship

 October 9

I saw a new community church in Florida use balloons to create a cheerful approach.

 There were directional signs with balloons bobbing in the gentle breeze. More balloons lead up to the doors. Every kid loves to see a balloon including the kid in us. By the time people get to the front door they are in a mood to celebrate with those inside singing praises to the Lord.

What a way to begin a worship service.

 

"Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples!

Shout to God with the voice of triumph!

 Sing praises to God, sing praises!

Sing praises to our King, sing praises!" (Psalm 47: 1,6)

The Last Seinfeld Episode

 

   October 8

 

Although we had stopped watching, the hype of the final Seinfeld program lured us to watch..

The episode was surprisingly serious. Jerry and his friends are tried and convicted for their antics and for not being sensitive to the needs of others. The characters, put in jail, don't get it.

. What will the last episode of my life be like? I know I will be found guilty of being judgmental and insensitive to others. But unlike Seinfeld's, my judge will be fair and forgiving. I’ll bet my life on it.

 

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1John 1:9)

Something Told Me

 

October 7

 When I was 19 years old I lived in Tracy, California, and had been out with some friends in Stockton, about 20 miles away.  I was driving home alone about 2 am old Highway 50. The highway splits into two high narrow bridges over the San Joaquin River, one for north bound and one for south bound traffic. The bridges are steep so that you can’t see the other side until you get to the top. 

 

There was no traffic on the road at that hour and I was traveling the speed limit. I was in the left hand lane going up the south-bound bridge when, for some unexplained reason, I steered into the right hand lane. A moment later I was in the middle of the bridge when out of nowhere, a car came speeding the wrong way in the lane I had just left.

If I hadn’t changed lanes there would have been a head on collision in the middle of that high and narrow bridge. There was nowhere to go except over the edge into the river below.  I know that I would not have survived the crash or the river.

 

Decades later I still shiver at the thought of what could have happened that night.  There was no reason for me to change lanes. I was saved by an angel that night, I’m absolutely sure. 

 

“For he shall give his angels charge over you,

to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11

 

Mary (Kiser) Bartlein

Panther Ridge, Florida

A Directed Golf Shot

October 2

 

The first hole at the Blue Rock Executive Golf Course on Cape Cod is 90 yards.  You can see the green from the waiting area. It is crowded and Joy prays, "Lord just let me hit the ball." It is quiet. Whack!

 The ball bounces in front of the green and rolls up to within a few feet of the cup. There is applause. Joy turns and curtsies.

 Joy taps in for a birdie- more applause. She bows and says, "That's it, It’ll never get better than this; I retire." And she did.

 

"I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

(Mark 11:24)

Old Car and Prayer

 

October 1

 

 The car won’t start. Ugh! We are going to Florida even if we have to jump-start this car all the way from Massachusetts. We stay with family in New Jersey. We ride to church in their van. During adult Sunday school I hear, "we need to pray for my brother-in-law's old car, that it will start and make it to Sarasota." The car starts the next three days and we arrive safely in Florida. The next day the car barely starts. I drive it directly to a repair shop grateful that we made it to the Sunshine State .

 

"This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.”(1John 5:14)

Miracle we survive

 

September 28

 

“It is a miracle that they all survived. It is a miracle any of us survive, “ my daughter said. One of her cousins had triplets born six weeks prematurely. They weighed less than seven pounds together. My daughter had weighed more than seven pounds when she was born. I remember peering through the nursery window while a nurse held her to the glass. My first thought was thank God she is all there. I was looking at a miracle. I knew it. Babies are a gift.

 

"You are of God. little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

Hospital Visit

 

September 27

 

Before we enter the hospital Joy goes to an art shop. In her mother's hospital room family sit around the bed talking about medications and pain. Joy parts the curtains, tapes color paper to the walls and ties ribbons on the green plants. Within minutes that sterile room is warmed by sunlight and color and even the bedside conversation brightens.

God loves on us with light. You can’t see  the beautiful colors in the dark.

 

"Then God said, 'let there be light'; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness." (Genesis 1:3-4)

Important Lessom

 

September 26

 

A young electrician gingerly touched the metal box with a screwdriver. I asked him why he did that since he had shut off the power. “I always check twice,” he said. " I was working on a big unit with my boss and he went to grab the cover and I said, ‘don’t you want to test it first?”

He turned to me and said, “Are you telling me how to do my job? He grabbed the cover with both hands and was electrocuted on the spot.”

 

We all need to learn that lesson.

 

“He who hates correction will die.”(Proverbs 15:10)

Two Words

September 25

 

She told Joy things weren't going well at work, her husband seemed distant, she was short with the kids etc. I two talked in the kitchen while I sat in the living room. When we were leaving   I prayed, " Lord give me the words to say." He did.

 I whispered two words in her ear.  

 

Days later Joy reports her friend,” is full of life again and back loving her family.” She said she took your two words of advise; “Tell God!"

 

“Now a word was secretly brought to me, and my ear received a whisper of it.” (Job 4:12)

A neighbor in church

September 23

 

My friend is excited, her neighbor finally attends our church service. She tells me:

 “I ‘m glancing sideways during the service to see how she is reacting.  Her face seems non expressive.. During the message she stares at her feet and I’m confused.” The service ends and I  ask awkwardly,  'Is there anything you liked?”

Her answer surprises me. She smiles saying, “Oh! I saw God’s love before the service even started when your pastor walked in and kissed that boy in the wheelchair by the door.”

 

“Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” (Matthew 18:5)

A way to read the Bible in a year

 

September 22

 

Cliff our men’s Bible teacher passed out an 81/2 x 11 sheet of paper divided into 367 little rectangles with four biblical  references hand written in each box.

He was awakened at three and visualized finishing the Bible in a year by reading two chapters from the old testament, a psalm, a proverb and one chapter from the new testament everyday. The class ended for me a few weeks later when I moved to Florida. I have used Cliff’s outline daily for the past fifteen years.

 

"Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” (Proverbs 30: 5)

Live Each Moment

 

September 21

 

Paraphrasing Thomas Merton Joy says "Live in the moment and see all that God has provided...it’s awesome." She asks how my day has been. I pause. Typically, another day has gone by and I have missed those precious moments. Keeping a daily journal helps as does reading the Bible, taking a hike or listening to a child. Joy listens to chants or other music she enjoys as part of her quiet moments. I think I'll go for a walk and notice what's around me.How about you?

 

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
(Psalm 118:24)

Share Your Hope

 

September 18

 

It has been a week since the horrific events of September 11 when America was attacked by terrorists. The country is still trying to pick its sanity out of the ashes.

Our small group shares feelings ranging from depression and fear to outrage.

“What can we be doing as individual Christians?” someone asks. We are quiet.

A woman responds, “We can share why we have hope. I’m calling my neighbors.”

 

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3: 14-15)

Is that you God?

 

September 17   

 

How do I know when a thought or message is from God? When it is not? When can I be sure?

When I ask the Lord for direction how do I know the response is from God and not the great deceiver? These questions remained until I was shown a simple way to test if the Spirit bringing the thought is of God. I have found that this test works quite well.

 

“By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not from God. (1 John 4:2-3)     

Prayers of Faith

 

September 16

 

At seven she awakes, walks to the bathroom and a minute later I hear a crash and a loud thud. I literally have to push her body along the floor with the door to get in to help her. She is shaking Later the doctor says it looks like flu. I pray for healing. She props herself up in bed for a cherry pop and God provides a phone call from our youngest daughter to cheer her. .

More prayer, several bottles of ginger ale and many pops, God heals Joy. I didn't even get a mild version of what she had. Praise the Healer!

 

"The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up." (James 5:15)

Meeting a Porpoise

 

September 15

 

I never met a porpoise I didn’t like.

 

My first personal meeting with a porpoise outside of an aquarium was in waters off Panama. I was out on the bowsprit of a fishing boat and one swam along side and rolled inside our bow wake, looked at me a squealed. I leaned over and said hello. The porpoise squealed back at me. This eye-to-eye "conversation"went on for several minutes. It was a friendly encounter I still cherish. I wonder what the porpoise was thinking?

 

"So God created great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:21)

Parking Ticket

 

 September 14

 

This morning I drive downtown for a meeting. There are two parking spaces on the street near the hotel. I take the one nearest the corner so I can get out quickly.

 Less than an hour later there is a ticket on my window. I parked in a no parking area and the quarters I had put in the meter were for the parking space in front of me.

A friend says, " Don’t fuss over it, or it will you cost more than the amount on the ticket."  That tip is 2,000 years old.

 

"Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21)

Special Blessing

 

September 13

 

I had completed all my credits at the university except four years proficiency in one foreign language. I had two. I told the visiting professor my situation.By mid summer I wasn't doing well. He advised  a tutor, one of his graduate students. The last week the tutor had me translate the same four pages until I got it right.

The dreaded last day arrived. I opened the final exam and stared in disbelief. The passages to be translated were the same two documents I had worked on for the last week. It was a gift. It was a miracle.

 

“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.”(Proverbs 10:22)

September 11 Remembered

September 11

 

This is the day eleven years ago that there was a deliberate attack on America. We were shocked.

That evening I join others in church. The first prayer isn’t for the victims or their families (although that would come later) it is for repentance. Is this a wake up call for America to stop worshipping idols? What about all the people killed? Then I read what Jesus said in Luke.

 

“Those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem. I tell you, no: but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:4-5)

Remember Your First Love

 

September 10

 

The visiting pastor thought, "I can give a better sermon than this." He listened as the older man listed indicators of a cold heart.

1. No delight to be in God's presence,

2. No desire to be with other believers,

3. Decrease longing for God's word,

4. Less desire to give or serve God

5. Reluctant to tell others about God.

 

The young pastor shared this talk with his own flock asking us to recommit. We did.

 

"You have forgotten your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." (Revelations 2:1-5)

Born Again

 

September 9

 

The real purpose of church camp was to teach young boys about Jesus. I recall one moment. The teacher used a beaker full of a red liquid to represent our sinful self. “This is what happens when we ask Jesus into our lives to forgive our sins.” and he poured something into that beaker. The red disappeared instantly. That was cool to an eleven-year old, yet it would be forty years before I fully understood and accepted what that teacher was illustrating to a bunch of boys that morning.

 

“Truly I say to you, except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

Is you heart Soft or Hard?

 

September 8

 

The preacher came down the aisle holding two cans of putty, one contained putty which, had hardened after exposure to the air and the other was a new can that contained soft pliable putty. "When our hearts are open we are pliable and God can mold us like clay but when our hearts are neglected they become hard.”

I need to give up what I think I am and let God mold me into what He intends me to be.

 

Jeremiah said only with God's help can we be softened.  Jeremiah said God told him, “When you search for Me you will find Me; if you seek Me with all your heart!” (Jeremiah 29:13)

The only Birthday that counts

September 7

 

This is a very special day for Joy and me.  Pastor Pat baptizes us in our lake. We both emerge from the water shivering but it is not from the coolness of the water. We praise the Lord while we huddle together at the water’s edge draped in towels. We are all trembling with excitement and for good reason. This our Spiritual Birthday.

 

"He who believes and is baptized will be saved." (Mark 16:16)

"Indeed I baptize you with water unto repentance but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 3:11)

How do you explain this?

September 6

 

He had come to Providence to help my dad repair the front porch but after a day Papa felt he had to go home.He didn't know why he just knew he had to leave. Dad drove ‘Papa’ to the bus station.

The next day the deadly hurricane of 1938 hit the R.I. coast. All the phone lines were down so dad drove to Tiverton to find the bridge to Portsmouth gone. He rented a boat. On Papa’s road all the houses were crushed or gone, except one. Papa had boarded up the windows and he, his blind wife and daughter rode out the vicious storm safely.

What had urged for my grandfather to return home? He didn’t ever try to explain it.

 

“Whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure without fear of evil.”(Proverbs 1:33)
 

The Power of Prayer

 

September 5

 

Never underestimate the power of prayer.

A granddaughter in Connecticut, who has had diabetes since she was two, is rushed to the hospital. She doesn’t respond to treatment and is listed as critical.

I call a niece in Spokane for prayer. I pray and prepare to fly from Florida. The next day my son reports Jessica is doing so well the doctors are talking about letting her go home. My niece calls and before I can tell her the good news she says, “I have been praying most of the night for Jessica to be healed and back home by the weekend.”

 

‘If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:14)

Enter the Kingdom

 

September 3

 

It’s time to leave the church fair. My three-year-old grandson wants to sit in the driver's seat of the fire truck-again.I carry him screaming and kicking to his stroller.

Joy leans over him and says, "Tommy calm down.” He stiffens and shudders a couple of times, wiped the tears from his eyes and softly repeats, "Tommy calm down." He takes Joy's hand and they walk  to our van. Later Joy says "I have never seen a child get in touch with himself like that, the Spirit was with him

“ I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (Luke 18:17)

Wait on the Lord

 

September 2

 

Joy and I met and later were married in the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Ct.. Since then many of life’s happiest and saddest moments have been connected with this 380-year old church,

 For many years every Sunday service began with the minister quoting Isaiah.

 

“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.”

(Isaiah 40:31)

When your world stops

September 1

 It has been26 years today but in some ways it seems like yesterday.This is the day I receive the call every parent fears.  It is my former wife and she is hysterical.  Our youngest child, Steven, has died in a house fire. He was 18. The world stops. I’m numb. Tears flow freely.

 For many nights after the funeral, I tried to respond to the cards and notes. One night I threw down my pen dropped to my knees and cried out to God. That was the night my Shepherd took this broken lamb in His arms, coddled me and whispered in my ear, “Here I am.”

 

"You shall call and the Lord will answer; You shall cry and He will say Here I am."  (Isaiah 58:9)

Free Lunch

 

August 30  

 

The preacher held up a paper bag asking, “There is a gift in here who wants it?” John, who has cerebral palsy, is the first to respond. In the bag is a gift certificate to a restaurant. The preacher makes the point that salvation is like this gift; you have to receive it.

The next day John is eating his free lunch with such joy that a couple tell the waitress they want to pay for his meal.

Later another couple does the same. Who said there is no free lunch? John had three. 

 

“For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

A Change in Green

 

August 29

 

"What do you mean, do I see the change in green. Isn't green, ah--green?" .

Joy explains that as the chlorophyll production slows the greens become muted, a sure sign fall is coming.  I hadn't noticed the "change of greens " before but then I’m the last to notice a  pregnancy, or that the living room carpet has changed. But I do notice the change of green now.

 

Change is all part of God's plan. I should embrace it and live each moment fully. 

 

"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:”(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Fire!

 

August 28

 

FIRE!. The word yells at you. It demands action." Call the fire department! Let's go!

"Where are Pat and Steve?"  "At the fire!" 

We run up the hill behind the cottage.  "It is steep--and long." "I smell it."  "I see it.”  Finally the top! There are two blackened faces, one boy holds a charged shirt. A circle of flames 10 feet in diameter is growing. Thank God there isn't a breeze.  Finally firemen, who panted up the same hill with back pumps, douse the flames. 

 

"But I have trusted in your mercy;

My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:5-6)

A Tower of Babel

August 27

 

 I"m reading my Bible in a small park when a woman with two girls in the play area says, “Tell me in what book do you find the Tower of Babel? Oh I can look it up later.”

I leave surprised by her question and I look it up. Men decide to build a tower to become famous. In case I don’t get it, the commentary says, "We should glorify God, not build towers (riches) to get our self worth, which become more important than God." (NIV)

 

“Its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth." (Genesis 11:9)

Be Obedient and help others

 

August 25

 

"I had no idea why I bought four bottles of water," Joy tells me, "one bottle would have been enough for the trip home. Something just told me to buy four.

The bottles sit in a bag while she drives down the Mass. Pike to the exit for Sturbridge. "As I approach the toll station, I notice a family of four sitting by the side of the road with a dog. They are beat. I stop, all are thirsty, especially the dog.I gave them the four bottles.

 

“Whoever shall give a drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no way lose his reward.”(Matt 10:42)

Peppy's War

 

August 24

 

My tent mate that summer was "Peppy" our chef. who was a World War II vet. He said, "We were told to prepare positions for the night. I smelled coffee so a buddy and I followed our noses. We came upon three Germans sitting next to a pot of coffee. We stared at each other. One German poured a little coffee in each of our cups. We backed slowly then ran to our unit. We returned in force but they were gone.”

"I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)

Dealing with Stress

 

August 22

 

We are moving and boxes are all over the living room. I fear two things I seek are in one of the taped boxes.  “Let’s stop and pray right now,” Joy says.. “Lord we seek your help here. We need to find the work folder and the gift certificate or gift him peace about it.”

I feel my stress subside. I thank her for her love. As I rise from my knees I spot an open box under the divan. Inside is my business folder and the gift certificate.

 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Whose Yelling

August 21

We received a call that a couple we knew was having a violent argument in front of their children. By the time Joy and I arrive the husband had left the house and the wife was still shaking from anger and fear.

The confrontation started when one of the parents yelled uncontrollably at a child who refused to finish her breakfast. The other parent jumped to the defense of the daughter and a shouting match ensued.  How different things can be when we follow the wisdom of the Proverbs.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

God Gives more

August 20

Yesterday I finally broke down and bought a new printer for my computer to print these pages in draft. It cost $183 with tax.

For the next four hours I’m printing draft text or notes for God's Way in one Life. I finish and get online to check the stock market. A stock I purchased the day before is up two points. I sell it. My profit on 100 shares is exactly $183. Is this Divine payback for finally being obedient and buying that printer? I think so! Now I owe God 10%.

We can't out-give God. Try it.

"Give generously for your gifts will return to you later." (Ecclesiastes 11:1)

Persistance

August 19

Dickey needed to pass lifesaving to be an Eagle Scout. He was handicapped with slow speech and weak legs. All the carries required strong kicking power.  On his last day I said to Dickey, "I don't care how you do it. Bring Jim (my assistant) back,” He wrapped his legs around Jim and while on his back flapped his powerful arms. Jim's head and shoulders were out of water. It was smooth and quick. He met the test.  God rewards honest persistence. Dickey was the real instructor that summer.

"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9)

Unconditional Love

August 18

My teacher told the class my name meant “bald-headed monkey.” Laughter  “Your teacher is mistaken, you tell her your name means bald-headed eagle,” Mom said.

My teacher apologized and told the class.

A loving mother and a compassionate teacher had restored a boy’s self-esteem.

I didn’t fully appreciate my mom’s love for me until she was gone. I bet the Apostles felt the same way about Jesus.

God loves us so unconditionally that, “He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  (John 3:16)

100 Golf Holes in one day

August 17


It is a perfect day to play 100 holes of golf to raise funds for Christian charities. The object is to keep moving and finish. Each of us has raised pledges by the hole.

 I’m leaning on my club when the ground gives way and swallows my putter. I finish with a borrowed one. The golf pro suspects my old putter fell down the shaft of an old well.

At the awards breakfast I win a new handcrafted putter. Now whenever I'm asked about my unusual looking putter, I say, "God gave me this putter. You see I was playing 100 holes of golf one day…

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…" (James 1:16)

Would you like to know God?

August 16,2012

Walter, Joy’s dad, and I are returning from lunch to the Soldier’s Home. We enter the chapel together. I read from "Would you like to Know God Personally?"

There is a suggested prayer to receive Christ through faith. I ask if this is his desire? He nods and he repeats the prayer. I call Joy who is still in Florida. I tell her and hear a gasp. “I can't believe this. God is wonderful. The last two days I have been picturing my dad standing before Jesus, head bowed, fidgeting and holding his fishing pole.” Praise God.


“Rejoice with me; I have found my sheep which was lost.” (Luke 15:6)

Listen, Pray and Wait

August 15

I love my son. For a time we tested each other. He was a "dead head" and I was a dull head. He had long hair, wore genes and smoked stuff. I had little hair, wore a suit and drank scotch. We were both lost.

“I’m leaving school, I can always get a GED.” I pray for the right words. ”An interviewer is going to see GED on your resume and a red flag will go up. You will have to explain these years.” He quits. A year later he says, “I am going to get a regular diploma, a GED will be a red flag on my resume.” I quietly thank the Lord.

"Now go, I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus 4:12)

"Go and be a Man"

August 13

We have completed the 26- week study seeking authentic manhood designed by Robert Lewis. We have unpacked our past, looked at the present and submitted a plan for change. Now is the commencement. With wives and girl friends present sixty six of us are called by name and knighted by our pastor who rests a replica gallic sword on each shoulder..

He sends us off on the rest of life journey quoting what David said from his death bed to his son Solomon.

"Now go and be a man, keep the charge of your Lord to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes.”
(1 Kings 2:2)