Awkward Moment in China

February 27

We visit a classroom in a model Chinese village. The children rise and sing with coordinated hand movements. We applaud. An awkward silence follows.

“The children are waiting to see what you have prepared for them,” our guide says.
A dozen stunned Americans huddle. Our leader prays for help. Someone suggests “London Bridge is Falling Down.” Bingo! Prayer answered. The children catch on quickly and each one takes a turn with lots of laughter. The moment is precious.

“Who ever receives a little child in My name receives Me.” (Matthew 18:5)

How Rich Are We?

February 26

On stewardship Sunday at the Federated Church in Sturbridge, Massachusetts the pastor, Graig Peel, uses an acrostic, RICH, to convey his stewardship message.
"Receive everything from God.
"Invest in others cheerfully
"Choose what you really want and let God guide your choices
"Hold onto the one who holds onto us."

Since I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. I can’t be any richer than that.

"If you abide in My word, you are My disciple indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:3)

Count Your Blessings

February 25

How has God blessed me this day?
I slept in a warm comfortable bed.
Next to me is a loving mate, His gift.
My home has plumbing and a roof.
There is peace and quiet.
Drinkable water and food abounds..
I am free of pain.
I have family and friends
There is laughter, joy and found memories
Forgiveness and grace have been given.
I live in the land of the free.
My Lord loves me.
There is so much for which to be thankful.

“This is a day the Lord has made. We shall rejoice and be glad in it.”(Psalm 118:4)

A Fish Story

February 24

One year I put together tidbits about hunting and fishing for The Record of Bergen County N.J. That summer I talked my editor into letting me cover the R.I. Tuna Tournament providing I wouldn't charge for my travel. At the time my folks lived in Rhode Island so I could visit and stay with them. God arranged for a fisherman from Bergen County to catch the largest tuna and my story and a picture made page one.
Now I have a manager Who wants me to make a bigger catch..

"Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Mark 1:17)

Little Things

February 23

Joy and I try to not let the little things get to us. She had a habit of piling things in front of the door she didn’t want to forget. I objected lovingly. The next day things were piled to the side of the door.
I would leave grooming gear out on the bathroom counter and Joy would quietly put it away. I take the hint, now I do it.
There is a saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff and it is all small stuff.” We try to live by this and one of us will remind the other by saying, “small stuff."

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
(I Corinthians 14:4)

House Sale during a Recession

February 22

It is a recession and no time to be selling a house, but we have to sell to move into one we purchased. Literally on a Friday evening I'm pounding a for sale sign into my front lawn when a car slows and the driver asks, "Are you the owner, I've been looking for a house in this neighborhood."

We sell the house in two weeks. Realtors call but can't believe we sold the house that quickly, but then they didn't know we had made God our real estate agent.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

How a House is Build

February 21

Driving back from an Open House, Joy looks at me with loving eyes and says, "Thank you for wanting to buy me a bigger and better home. We really can't afford that house right now and besides the master bedroom, bathroom and hallway need a lot of work."

When we arrive, our home it doesn’t seem so small and it feels comfortable. I literally open my Bible and read:

"Through wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established;
By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."
(Proverbs 24:3-4)