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. Maybe we should revisit that thinking.
"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)
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Picking out a Christmas Tree
December 6
Every year when I lived in Connecticut we’d head out to Bob Merriman’s Tree Farm in Burlington to pick out a live tree. The kids and dog loved roaming the woods searching for the perfect tree.
My children and now grandchildren are like those trees. We get them as seedlings with a short time in which to shape them and give them roots. I’ve shared the excitement of searching for a Christmas tree with them. I must share with them the joy of knowing the maker of that tree.
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
Every year when I lived in Connecticut we’d head out to Bob Merriman’s Tree Farm in Burlington to pick out a live tree. The kids and dog loved roaming the woods searching for the perfect tree.
My children and now grandchildren are like those trees. We get them as seedlings with a short time in which to shape them and give them roots. I’ve shared the excitement of searching for a Christmas tree with them. I must share with them the joy of knowing the maker of that tree.
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
Christmas at Home
December 5
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)
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)
Thursday, December 3, 2009
History Lesson
December 4
In Westminster Abbey there are statues to British figures dating to the 17th century. In the crypt are graves that predate the Mayflower. Outside of London I tour the ruins of an old Roman garrison. Yet we are told in the history of our planet the last five minutes has been mankind.
“Indeed, You have made my day as handbreadths. My age is nothing before you; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Surely every man at his best walks about like a shadow; surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches and does not know who will gather them.” (Psalm 39:5-6
In Westminster Abbey there are statues to British figures dating to the 17th century. In the crypt are graves that predate the Mayflower. Outside of London I tour the ruins of an old Roman garrison. Yet we are told in the history of our planet the last five minutes has been mankind.
“Indeed, You have made my day as handbreadths. My age is nothing before you; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Surely every man at his best walks about like a shadow; surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches and does not know who will gather them.” (Psalm 39:5-6
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Selling a Home
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 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)
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 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)
He is always Near
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,
“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)
My van is zipping along when I hear “whap.” The battery gauge drops to zero. I exit and head for the nearest gas station,
“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)
Every Day is a Gift
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)
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)
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