Seeing God's Handywork

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 on 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 scurry away.
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)

A Note to Don

May 30

Our 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)

Accountability Partner

May 29

"I guess I'm looking to see where God wants me," I say to my accountability partner over breakfast. 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. I need to be 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)

Plans to Move

May 28

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 few miles from our church.

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

Super Tuesday

Super Tuesday

May 27

It is Super Tuesday (6 cents off) and I’m waiting to get gas. The driver in 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)

Memorial Day

May 26

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 the scouts tell us to write the VA for the marker.No marker, no flag.
We buy a small flag and stick it in the ground. What else can we do Lord?

I walk to my van and lying on the dirt road 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)

Think Twice

May 25

Where has she been for four hours? Why is she so vague? This is not like Joy. I think twice and say nothing.
Sunday after church we go for brunch. Surprise! Several friends, two of my children and my grandchildren begin singing happy birthday. My birthday isn’t for two weeks but this was the only day everyone could get together.

Now I knew what my loving wife had been doing yesterday. Am I glad I thought twice and bit my tongue. I should have know.

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