Grams Writes

“In the cover of your presence you hide them . . .” (Psalm 31:20, ESV).

If you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, you will remember this scene well. Sam has fallen down a mountainside and Frodo is forced to come to the rescue. The rattle of rocks sliding and the dust Sam’s fall kicks up draws the attention of some soldiers on patrol and a couple of them come toward Sam and Frodo to see what’s caused the noise and dust. Seemingly there is no place to hide. They are completely exposed and will be easily seen. Frodo throws a cape over the two of them, which blends in with their surroundings and takes the shape of a boulder. They are as hidden from the soldiers as if they were not even there. In fact, the soldiers are unable to see them and return to their post.

I thought of this scene when I read this psalm. There is a hiding place for the follower of Christ and while one is there, he or she is just as hidden from the evil of this world and its minions as Sam and Frodo were from the evil soldiers.

This is not the promise of protection that lasts for a little while. It lasts for as long as you take advantage of it. For, you see, there is a condition that must be met. To avail yourself of the cover of God’s presence, you must, first, belong to Him. God has not promised this covering of protection for just anyone. And, that makes it very special. It is just for me, and for you, if you know Christ as your Savior.

The rest of that verse mentions “the plots of men” and the “strife of tongues.” That signifies the evil of this world. We do not have to face these sorts of things alone. God has promised to hide us with the cover of His presence. Think about it; if you’re in God’s presence what harm can possibly happen to you?

Sure, life will happen and it can get hard sometimes. But, if you’re covered with God’s presence, He’s not going to let anything happen to you that will not be for your good; that which will make you more like Christ. And that’s the key to all of life, for the follower of Christ anyway. We are to “strive” to reflect, to represent, Jesus Christ while we wait for our eternal home.

The cover of God’s presence . . . nothing I know of packs a greater punch than that thought.

Grams

It sat among others just like it, jammed together in an effort to park as many on the small lot as possible. They were all different colors and sizes, but one thing they all had in common—they were run-down, propped up with bits of wood, wire, and cardboard, almost dilapidated but not quite.

I had driven past that trailer park everyday for almost 10 years and had never really paid much attention to it. Sometimes I might acknowledge God’s blessing on me, thanking Him that I didn’t have to live in a place like that. Other times I would feel a sense of regret and even grief that anyone had to live in such conditions. Then, when I would see someone living on the street, I would make the comment that at least those living in the trailer park had a roof over their heads. Day after day, year after year, I passed the same bleakness, the same gray, lifeless, despondency.

A few days ago, again driving to work, a flash of color caught my eye. At the end of one of the run-down, gray trailers someone had dug up a small flowerbed and planted flowers. As far as I could see, it was the only one in the park. The thought immediately came to mind that regardless of a person’s circumstances, everyone likes a little color in life, something of beauty; something pleasing to the eye, the senses. Even there in a small trailer park on a low-rent side of town, someone had taken the time to dig up a small plot of dirt and plant a few flowers.

As is often the case, my mind began to follow the threads of this thought and I eventually made my way to the beauty of Jesus in our lives that should be seen by passersby. We are run-down, dilapidated, lifeless, despondent, without hope, but when we meet Jesus, He offers new life and restoration. As we become more and more like Him, His beauty becomes more and more evident to those we meet along the way.

I remember an old song that said something about letting the beauty of Jesus be seen in me. What hinders that burst of color from shining through? What do you need to do so others who pass by will want to spend some time with you because they see something in your life that is appealing to them? Maybe we need to dig up the dirt, clear away the refuse, and plant some flowers.

Grams

It will soon be a year since I blogged. No excuses offered; just haven’t been in the blogging mode, I guess. Anyway, I’m making a concerted effort to blog at least 2 to 3 times a week. I don’t think I have a full week’s worth of blog material. So, I’ll see how it goes.

To bring my readers up to date, there have been some changes in the dynamics of my family and there are others coming just a short distance down the road. My last blog paid tribute to my mother who went home February 23, 2010. Her generation is almost gone in our family. Mother’s youngest brother, Uncle Ross, is the only one left. That means my generation has become the “older” generation in the family. And, that is hard to digest.

It really seems funny to me that I have taken the place in the family once held by my mother and my children look to their Aunt Judy as I once did to my Aunt Mae. All this brings to the forefront the fleeting of time. All things come to an end; the next generation steps up to take the reins of those who have done their due; those who have paved the way for those who would follow after.

My youngest son, Chris, is taking a position as Young Adult and Youth Pastor of a church in Joplin MO. He, Tori, and Ellie will be moving there in July of this year. During June 2011 he and Tori will lead a team of high school kids on a mission trip to Panama. In all of  this, I’m trying to decide when I can see them. At least when I visit them I won’t have to drive through Atlanta GA. And that’s a good thing.

Life Church in Smyrna TN will soon be a year old. We are experiencing a vibrant ministry there, with people being saved, going through discipleship classes, and becoming part of the church’s ministry. Sunday, May 15, 2011, we will baptize Gina, a young lady from Ghana, West Africa who has been coming to Life for about 3 months. She is a joy to know and has become a good friend. I will have the privilege of serving as her mentor.

Yes, life is good, especially when you serve the only living God, the maker of heaven and earth.

Grams

What’s going on in my world? My first response is . . . oh, nothing much. But that’s really not true. A lot has happened and is happening.

My mother passed away in February and I’ve been amazed at how much I’ve missed her, although the person she had been, that I grew up knowing, had long since departed. Still I find myself wishing I could tell her something I thought of today or tell her something the grandkids did that would make her smile. But, I would not bring her back to this world for anything. She is completely at rest; no more pain or suffering. I think of her with daddy, her mom and dad, other family members who’ve made the trip ahead of her and almost envy her. She will get to see my firstborn, my son Billy who died when he was a year old. I look forward to seeing him again.

My youngest son and his wife are leading a group of teenagers on a mission trip to Uruguay for 2 weeks in June. Ellie, my granddaughter, will stay in Nashville with friends while they are gone. I’ll be able to spend some time with her and that is always a joy.

Oh, and I think there is a family reunion planned for the end of the summer.

I would like to spend some time with Will and Neil, but that will have to be worked out. Maybe it will.

And then there is always work; friends; church, and then more work. All in all I’d say that there’s a lot going on in my world. That should make mother happy for she always said idleness bred discontent. I’m very content.

Grams

One of the hardest things my sisters and I have ever done was admit our mother into a senior care facility, a nursing home. She would be 88 her birthday, January 21. For eight long years she had lived confined to a wheelchair, the result of a leg amputation. She did not want to live in a nursing home and was quite adamant about that, but her care now required more than either of us could provide. There was no choice except the one we made.

After mother settled in, she seemed to do OK. She made some friends and joined them in the common area where they talked and watched everything that went on. She called it the “gossip corner.” The family began to feel like this was going to work. Then things began to change.

She came to my house for Thanksgiving and seemed to enjoy herself. Then there was Christmas at Mary’s. Mother wasn’t doing well then at all. A sense of foreboding settled over all of us. She was going down, fast, and there didn’t seem to be anything we could do to stop it.

January came and her last hospital stay. She was in renal failure. Mother refused to eat. She was through living. She was tired. She was ready to go home. When we left the hospital, hospice took over the management of her case. Death was not too far down the road and with each step, his pace increased.

Nothing any of us brought for her to eat tempted her. She would eat a few bites, but that was all. We visited with her as often as we could, although mother wanted one of us with her all the time.

The staff at Green Hills Health and Rehab Center were very good to mother and our family. The hospice nurse kept a close check on her and also kept  our family informed of her condition. Then on February 20, 2010 mother suffered a major stroke. She died three days later.

During those last three days, several members of the staff, the hospice nurse, the hospice chaplain, and some of her friends at the nursing home told about coming to mother’s room just to talk with her because it was so peaceful. One man even said he’d come in her room when his work was caught up and just sit by her bed. There was just something about her room that gave them all a sense of peace and calm. The hospice nurse and chaplain told us that they had learned a lot about dying when the patient was one of faith.

Mother was a simple woman. There was nothing fake about her. She cared for her family; she had been a faithful and loving wife and mother. Her family was her responsibility. Times were not always easy and she did without so we could have. Mother portrayed a dignity of spirit that was often misunderstood, but was genuine nonetheless. Even in death, the calmness, peace, and dignity of spirit that was my mother showed through.

Today, mother is talking with my dad; she’s once again held her oldest grandson, visited with Aunt Mae (oh what a time they all are having!), and spent time with friends. Most of all, she’s met her Savior face to face. She is alive, happy, and well. As my sister’s grandson said, “I bet Maw Maw is running all over heaven on two legs”!

Would I bring mother back if I could? No, not at all. I miss her, but I am so happy for her and thankful she no longer suffers. She lives because He lives!

Grams

Faithful to the End

Legs pulled up under him, the old man sat quietly on the sand. The waves rolled gently toward him, tugging at his toes. To the passing observer, he was just an old man enjoying a moment in the sun. But, he was more than that, much more.

John slowly got to his feet, brushing sand from his robe. The low rumble in his stomach told him it was time for lunch. After a short nap he’d come back and watch the sun slide into the sea.

His home was a small island called Patmos. He did not see his family and close friends anymore, but he didn’t mind. He chuckled to himself. He had not known he was such a troublemaker. The emperor had exiled him here in an effort to squelch the spread of Jesus’ followers. Somehow John knew man’s efforts would not stop the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The hardest part of his day had become the walk back up the hill to his cottage. It wasn’t very far but the pain in his knees made it seem longer than it was. Someday soon that would no longer be a problem. The anticipation of a new body and being at home with his Lord and friend brought a smile to his lips.

John finished eating the bit of baked fish left from his last meal. He’d have to do something about food for tomorrow, but right now he just wanted to lie down. He spread out his sleeping mat and settled down for his mid-day nap. These were becoming more frequent and necessary. He had finished the writing and had sent it by courier to the leaders of the church in Jerusalem. When one’s work is finished, it’s a good time to rest.

A gentle breeze ruffled the edges of John’s robes, but he didn’t seem to notice. He turned toward the open door where he could catch the glint of the sun’s rays as they danced across the water. It was a quiet time, a gentle time. It was a good day to go home. Well, why not? Slowly John’s eyes blinked, he let out his breath, and smiled. He was home.

Faithful to the end.

Scarecrows in a Cucumber Field

I enjoy reading the ESV translation of the Bible. It has a feel or cadence if you will of the KJV, but with simpler wording. For some reason, I am able to gain a greater understanding of difficult to understand Scriptures. One such Scripture is in Jeremiah 10:5a.

The prophet Jeremiah is describing for the idolatrous Israelites the futility of worshiping idol gods. He says they are like “scarecrows in a cucumber field.” That phrase caught my attention and has stayed with me for several days. I couldn’t help but wonder about the significance of those words?

My first reaction was: I’ve never seen a scarecrow in a cucumber field. Cucumbers grow on vines, on the ground, and are practically hidden from any birds flying over, so really there’s no reason for a scarecrow to be put in a cucumber field. It would be completely useless. Ah! The light came on. The worship of idol gods, regardless of the form or substance they may have, is totally and completely useless; as useless as a scarecrow in a cucumber field.

Jeremiah is reminding his people that they are wasting their time and efforts in trying to appease gods who are powerless, useless, non-effective. Why spend time in a futile endeavor. There is only one God, creator and Lord over all the earth. It is to Him we owe our allegiance and devotion. He is the only one who can help in time of need. He is the only one who can save from the dominion of sin and bring us home to live with Him when our time on this earth is done.

Worship of Jehovah God is not useless or futile. Our God is NOT a scarecrow in a cucumber field.

Grams

An endless stream of worshipers poured through the gates; the rich and poor came from lands near and far and Jerusalem welcomed them. The cool, crisp air of an early spring crackled with the squawk of merchants; men, women, children, and animals jostled each other as they made their way through the narrow streets. A sense of expectancy enveloped the city.

It was time. It was time to remember the steadfast love of a holy God, the Maker of all mankind. It was time to pay homage to the God of all the earth for it was He who had redeemed His people from Egyptian slavery so many years in the past. Because of blood applied to the doorposts of Jewish households, the firstborn in that house lived. Since that time each year God’s chosen people celebrated the Passover, Israel’s most holy week.

It was time. God’s plan for His Son was near its completion. Underneath the excitement of Passover week, forces gathered for its climax. Envy and jealousy consumed the hearts of the Jewish religious leaders and they had decided upon a course that would forever doom their souls, yet at the same time bring deliverance to the entire human race. Jesus of Nazareth, who claimed to be the Son of God, must die for He had turned the hearts of the people. The scribes and Pharisees did not intend to lose their position with the people or with the Romans.

It was time. At the end of the Psssover week, evil forces were defeated. The plan designed to retain control worked to bring total and complete freedom for all who believed Jesus was truly the Son of God. The crucifixion was past. Hell’s smug shout of victory remained only a whimper.

It was time. Jesus stood on the Mount of Olives. It was the last time He would be with His trusted disciples here on earth. He looked them in the eye, gave them a job to do, prayed blessings upon them, and said all that needed to be said. Slowly He ascended back to His Father. It was time.

Grams

Beasts of Burden

The oxen strained against the weight of the loaded wagon. Just over the hill water, feed, and rest. But for now, the oxen stepped into the yoke, responding to the lash of the whip as the driver flicked it across their backs. Relentlessly, they plodded on; just a little farther and they’d be home.

Now put yourself in the place of the oxen. You say, “No way.” But consider this:  “These things you carry are borne as burdens on weary beasts. They stoop; they bow down together, they cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity. ‘Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save’” (Isaiah 46:1a-4 ESV).

God is confronting Israel, once again, through the prophet Isaiah about their propensity to idolatry. It seemed they would never learn. In this Scripture God says the Children of Israel are like weary beasts and the idols are as heavy burdens they struggle to carry. They are weary and miserable, toiling their life through with no relief from the terrible weight they carry. In essence, God says they have become captives to the burdens they bear.

But God comes right back with the assertion that He has carried them from before their birth, from the womb, even into old age. He declares He made them and He will bear them up; He will carry them.

What a contrast! Oh the freedom that is ours if we simply unyoke ourselves from whatever it is that is strapped to our backs and climb up into the arms of the gentle Shepherd. He will carry all who will come to Him.

The stallion stops and sniffs the wind. Turning quickly, he gallops across the plain, his mane glinting in the brightness of the mid-day sun. His mares race after him. No one rides their backs; no one has harnessed them to a wagon or a plow. No toil; no worries; no troubles. Just complete freedom.

Which had you rather be–the ox, a beast of burden, or the stallion enjoying the unbridled freedom of the open range?

Grams

I’m back at work, in my office, thinking. Close friends tell me I do too much of that, and maybe I do, particularly when I’m trying to figure out what God’s doing. Those who care will be happy to know that I do less thinking now than I did last year. It has been an effort like no other I’ve undertaken. You see, it goes against my personality. I call it being realistic, planning, practical, logical, and a myriad of other adjectives I could use to explain this process of thinking too much about too little.

I use the term little because when I compare those things that occupy my mind to the plan God has and is working out in my life, it is too much about too little.

Does God expect us to be organized, logical, practical, etc.? About some things. The rub comes in when we try to apply these processes to God. He can be organized, logical, and practical; creation proves that, but that’s another topic for another day. However, God is often disorganized, illogical, and impractical when it comes to guiding the lives of His children, or so it can seem. And that is what makes faith the only element that will hold it all together.

Am I still a thinker? Do I tend to view life from a logical and practical standpoint? I’m afraid so. But has my faith grown? I’d like to think it has. All I know is that I’m able to put my life as it is now and what it will be next year in the hands of God with complete assurance that He is in control; He loves me like no other ever has; my days are written in the palm of His hand and there I am content to reside.

Grams