Hard to ExplaIn

June 1


I’m on a library computer, type in the web site for airline tickets, hit enter and up comes the Foundation Center Directory online. I’m reminded I am meeting in the morning with a Christian organization to talk about foundations. I had forgotten how close the meeting is. But God hadn’t.

The log indicates no entry for the Foundation Directory this day. So how did I get this password- protected site I wasn’t looking for but which I needed?

“ For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:8)

God's Thumb Prints

May 31


I sit on a seawall down by the harbor, a scenic spot to read the Bible and be still.

Men are hammering against iron beams of a high rise going up behind me. People will live in that building for the view. From inside they will not hear the Pelican crash into the water, taste the salt air, feel the breeze on their faces or see the foam bubble on the sand while tiny crabs run.

A television or phone will distract them. They will only glance at the artwork but miss the artist. I know because I almost did. Do you know the artist?

"Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Planning a Move

May 30

Joy and I have been looking at homes in a retirement community. It all seems so appealing. Are we ready to join “God's waiting room?” One concern is moving from the church that we love and to which we feel the Lord has called us.

We pray about it. We both feel the Lord wants us to stay put. We obey. This decision is validated. Within three months, we find a beautiful home in a quiet neighborhood a mile from our church.

"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)

Looking for God?

May 29

"I guess I'm looking to see where God wants me," I say to my accountability partner in a restaurant. He places all the silverware in the middle of the table pointing in different directions. "It doesn't matter what direction you go," he says, "God will be there."

My friend is right; I will find God wherever I am.as long as I am open to His leading and then and only then I must act.

"As iron sharpens iron, so man sharpens the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs 27:17)

Memorial Day

May 28


We are frustrated. There is no WW II marker and flag on Joy’s dad’s grave.

The cemetery man says call the VFW who tells us the Boy Scouts replace the flags, and write the VA for the marker.

We buy a small flag and stick it in the ground. What else can we do Lord?

I walk to my van and lying next to my wheel is a 1941-1945 flag holder. Walter, God wants you to have an appropriately marked grave.

“Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Disocunt Day

May 27

It is Super Discount day ( 6 cents off) and I’m waiting to get gas. The driver is front of me is done but is talking. Finally I go over. "Excuse me but will you be leaving soon?" He apologizes and drives off. He returns moments later.

"You are a Christian, aren't you?" I nod.

"It shows, I want to thank you for being so good about the delay I caused you."

He shakes my hand and adds, "It's a nice feeling when it shows." It is.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

Note To Don

May 26



Our Monday morning men's group met again today. We are now four with Don, who visited us last week. He told Steve, " I thank you for showing me acceptance the first time I shared something last week."

He thanked me for the note I had sent him during the week. I am not sure what I wrote but I know Who guided my hand.

"I had a challenging week, " Don said, "and your note came at the right time. I needed those encouraging words."

“Say only what helps, each word a gift.”(Ephesians 4) (The Message)

Dealing with Road Rage

May 24

My lane suddenly became a right turn only. I put on my turn signal and try to ease over. I have room. But the guy in that lane speeds up and honks his horn.

I’m fuming. "Thanks a lot turkey," I yell at my closed window. Yelling is the beginning of road rage, which can lead to violence. I forgive the guy for what he does and I ask the Lord to forgive me for yelling. He does. How cool is that.

"Bear with one another, and forgive one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." (Colossians 3:13)

Flying Standby

May 23



Four of us are waiting standby at O'Hare airport. If we miss this flight we spend the night in Chicago. I silently pray we’ll all make it to Bradley Field. An agent says there are three seats left in coach. The other three men, all much younger than me, sprint through the door and down the jet way.

The agent holding our tickets says, "What's your name?" I tell her. She beckons with a finger and I follow her down the ramp into the full aircraft.

"You get to sit in first class,” she says.

"And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he." (Proverbs 16:20)

Anchor Your Life

May 22

A friend started a ministry on the World Wide Web @ Anchor Your Life. Com.

During one month she had 13,654 visitors ('hits') to the site. Her daily devotional is sent via e-mail to 2300 recipients and there are 350 taking the online bible class. She has received E-mail comments from around the U.S. and from four continents.

Not bad for one believer sitting at home with a computer.

"He (Jesus) said to them, "Go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature."(Mark 16:15)

God's Thumb Pfrints

May 20



May 21

It is a perfect day in Utah, for visiting Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.

At Bryce Point we see rust-colored hoodoos, silent sentinels of centuries past. Approaching Zion from the east we exit a tunnel and gasp at a huge rock wall with two large indentations on it.

Joy says, “I see God’s thumb prints on that rock face.

It is an awesome sight and a special moment with God’s creation. Enjoy what is around you.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

A way to get prayers Answered

May 18-20

The Pfeiffers of Hebron Connecticut, seeking to buy a retreat center, made a wish list. Dad wanted a chapel, mom a large kitchen, the children an indoor pool with a robot cleaner and the teens a tennis court and a jute box. They prayed and gave up TV to show they were serious. And they waited.

A year later a bank foreclosed on a large house with an indoor pool and robot self-cleaner, a tennis court, a large kitchen, a carriage house, big enough for a chapel. Not requested was a party room with a bar, but in the corner stood a jute box.

"And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:22)

Worrying About Stuff?

May 17

A speaker asks, "what were you worrying about on this day last year? How did it turn out?" He waits, letting his questions penetrate.

Jesus asks, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6:27)

Why do I worry about anything? By worrying I am not trusting it with God.

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter: 5:6-7)

Encouraging Praise Cards

May 16

Joyous lets me read unsigned cards of praise she received from other women at a church retreat. My heart swells as I read.

"I appreciate the depth of your heart for God and for others."

"You make me smile, a woman of God.”

When we disappoint God by what we do  He will correct us. When we please Him, He will let us know that. This time he uses 3x5 cards written by others.

"Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I love you." (Isaiah 43:4)

How will our children remember us?

May 15

Our youngest daughter tells her Mom, “one of the fondest childhood memories I have are the tents you made for me out on the deck of our condo. "

One year my granddaughters then eight and nine created a birthday card together and printed their names in large letters with, “I love you, PS Thank you for taking us to Sunday school." If that is how they remember their "Grampy" in the years to come, I consider myself blessed.

"Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged, parents are the pride of their children." (Proverbs 17:6)

Confrontation in the Park

May 14


Helen helps feeds the homeless in the park on Sunday afternoons. She is feeling ashamed. "Last Sunday" she confessed, " Bob called us a bunch of hypocrites and called God names. I lost it and I got in his face. Bob quivered and cried.” Then Wayne talked with him and he was ok.”

We praised Helen for speaking up for God. Helen was having trouble thinking God would use her in such a way.

"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." (John 14:21)

Forest Fire

May 13


In college I volunteered to help fight a forest fire. We are stationed at a farm near the chicken coops. We wait. There is a loud crack, like a crowd reacting at a football game. A wall of fire rushes toward us. The intense heat drives us back. Our small back pumps and shovels are useless against this inferno. The fire pauses at a dirt road. Now is our chance to stop it if the wind dies down. We pray for no wind. The air becomes still and we are able to contain the fire. Thank you Lord. You did it again.

“He rebuked the wind…there was a calm.” (Luke 8:24)

Pondering

May 12

Sitting under a pine tree with my feet in the Gulf is a wonderful place to meditate.

My pondering is interrupted by a voice in my head. “Go help somebody.” I rise taking some bottles left under this tree by people before me. I climb the bank to a walkway to search for a trash can. A woman and a little girl are approaching.

The woman says: "Nice of you to pick up someone else's trash.” How did she know it wasn't my trash? She couldn't see me down the bank.

“The ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths.”

(Proverbs 5:21)

A gift from the Lord

May 11



We met at a church program for singles. She was a greeter and welcomed me with a big smile and she asked, "How was your week?"

I thought, 'it just got better.' I made sure I ended up sitting next to her in the breakout session.And I held her hand during a group prayer. Eighteen months later we were married in that same church.

Long after we had fallen in love I mentioned our age difference, I am eighteen years older. Her response was "I figured if you weren't going to bring it up, I wasn't either."

"A prudent wife is from the Lord." (Proverbs 19:14)

Playing with the Lord

May 10


This morning I woke up with a song in my heart and it brought a smile to my face. "Good Morning Lord. What would You like to do with this day?"

"We" went for a walk around the neighborhood and played a little game.

“We” exchanged I love you every other bird. Of course! I knew He would win. We were playing on His turf with His birds and in His sunlight. I know I cannot out-love my Lord but it is sure fun trying.

“God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God and God in him.” (1John 4:16)

Confronting a Neighbor

May 9

Joy asks the Lord to calm our hearts toward our neighbor and the cut Jasmine on our fence.

Today our neighbor appears, full of apologies. “I was devastated when I saw what our yard man had done.” He offers to make amends and we part friends.
Joy and I are glad we didn’t confront our neighbor last night with our emotions and that Joy had prayed instead.

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”(Mark 11:25)

Trimming the Vines

May 8

Our neighbor asks if he can trim the vines that grow on his side of our wooden fence. Days later the leaves turn yellow. I look behind the fence. I’m shocked. Most of the vines had been cut to little nubs in the ground. Much of what is left hanging on my side of the fence are branches severed completely from their life-giving roots.

"As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:3-5)

Hospial Visit

May 7

Joy enters the hospital room and introduces herself to Jennifer and to her visiting schoolmate. The teenager seems perturbed that a stranger is there from a church she doesn’t attend. She announces loudly that her favorite TV show is coming on in five minutes.

Joy takes the cue and suggests we pray now. We hold hands around the bed while Joy praises the Lord and prays for Jennifer, her family and her school friend and claims healing. I see tears running down Jennifer's cheeks.
"The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. (Psalm 145:18)

What life is all about!

May 6


In our discussion group I share I discipline myself to read the Bible everyday before I go to bed. Ron, our facilitator, contradicts this by telling Steve, "its not about discipline, or systems or planners, it is about loving the Lord with all our heart."

It was painful to hear but I quietly prayed.

I learned a lot from Ron that year until he moved away. I grew to love him as a brother in Christ. And he was right; it is all about loving God with all my heart.(see Proverbs 3-5)

"Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it." (Proverbs 8:33)

Zippedy-Do-Dah

May 5


One evening after a very bad day, the Pastor said he was giving his toddler a bath. The boy was squirming and singing 'Do Dah Do Dah Day' His father yelled; “Will you stop!" The boy faced him and
asked very deliberately, "why?”

"My heart was pierced right there," the pastor said, "I knew I had just heard God."

We need more Zippedy-Do-Dah days.

"Assuredly I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." (Luke 18:3)

Being Thankful

May 4

It’s another great day. The sun is out, the birds are singing and the Lord is near.

I was born in a blessed country where people are free to express themselves, to worship their God and to make choices.

I see His awesome gifts everyday. For me, to be able to write about His presence in my life is pure joy. He is there for all of us. What has God done for you?

“I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.” (Psalm 23:28)

National Day of Prayer

May 3, 2012

Today is proclaimed a national day of prayer. For any prayer to be effective we have to believe in God, pray expectantly and know that God will answer our prayers that are in His will. I think of Miss Jane who fled an abusive situation and found a women's shelter in Southwest Florida.

She said she found a part-time job waitressing but needed a car to secure a fulltime position. She had no money.
" I prayed for a clean Camry" (she had one before) and she added "make it four doors so I can take people with me to church and Lord I prefer brown and beige."

Within a few days a local Christian organization heard of her plight and offered a donated auto she could pickup the next day. When she arrived the car was not there but she was told the donor had taken it to a car wash. Shortly, Jane saw a car enter the parking lot. It was a four-door beige Camry freshly washed and waxed. She knew it was her prayer answered. A gift from God.

"I tell you, then, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours."
(Mark 11:24)

Highly Favored

May 2



How are you? "Good. Fine. Ok." Aren’t these the standard replies.

One lady I admire, who has been through drugs, jail, tragedy, humiliation and rejection always answers, “I’m blessed and highly favored.”

She knows, she is a living example of God’s unconditional love. We all are.

“Blessed be the Lord,Who daily loads us with benefits The God of our salvation.” (Psalm 68:19)

My Guardian Angel

May 1


My guardian angel I call Sam.

I’m standing in my yard during an ice storm when I'm prompted to go onto the porch. Wham! A thick branch falls and plows into the frozen turf right where I was standing. "Your amazing Sam."

I drift over the line on a curve and there is a car coming. We just miss. "Thanks Sam."

We are late arriving at the hospital to pray over a friend and there is an empty parking spot up front. "Nice touch Sam."

“Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place…He shall give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways." (Psalm 91: 9-11)