Barbara's Banter

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…..

A few years ago my cousin Brenda gave me a decorative tin bucket with a slotted lid. It’s labeled My Bucket List. It came with small pieces of paper for me to write down things I want to do and place them in the bucket. When each desire is completed, I’m supposed to remove it from the bucket.

Looking at this little tin bucket makes me smile. My bucket list philosophy is slightly different. I always put things on my list after I do them. That way I can say I’ve done everything on my bucket list.

You see, for me, life has been an adventure. Probably one I wouldn’t have chosen because my expectations as a child were never that high. Born in Missouri, I had never seen an ocean, never traveled outside of a five state radius, never flown in an airplane, or even ridden a train before I was eighteen. Poor families can’t afford to do a lot but we were happy just watching Disney’s Wonderful World of Color on a black and white TV.

Oh sure, I dreamed of being a famous singer or successful actress just like every other kid. But to be honest, I was thrilled to graduate from high school, be the first in my family to go to college, and study to become an elementary school teacher. However, God had other plans.

During my senior year in high school, I felt God calling me into a deeper relationship with Him. So after graduation, instead of applying to Harris Teacher’s College in St. Louis, I applied to a Christian college in Texas. When I received my acceptance letter, I was flooded with emotions—most were a mixture of elation and fear. I would be on my own with no friends or family. I had never lived away from home so the thought of being alone and that far away overwhelmed me. I spent much of my preparation time crying—mostly tears of apprehension, not joy. I’ve never been a “crier” so my parents didn’t know what to do with me. Of course, if I didn’t like it I could always come home, but if I was so miserable, why go in the first place? During one of my weepy sessions, my dad in exasperation said, “You won’t last two weeks down there!”

I sniffed and replied, “Oh, yes I will!” I think I was still tearing up when I boarded the train for Texas – my first train ride!

Now going to this Christian college was not on my bucket list, but it should have been because God used it to open all sorts of doors to adventure. Adventure means unusual, exciting experiences and activities. You know, things you would put on a bucket list.

While at college, I got to travel to California with our choral group. I saw my first ocean, my first palm tree, the Grand Canyon, my first desert, and even Disneyland – in color. Our senior trip was to Mexico City, my first time in a foreign country.

Getting married right out of college was not on my bucket list, but it should have been. Oh sure, I would get married eventually, but first I wanted to travel and see the world. I said yes to the proposal even though I cried the night before my wedding. It was that old elation mixed with fear feeling again. I still remember my future husband patting my shoulder and saying, “Don’t worry. You’ll like being married.”

Being married to a pastor is not the easiest of lives, but oh what adventures we’ve had! We have lived or traveled through all but one of the fifty states. (Somehow we missed Maine but plan to get there after we retire.) We’ve worked in so many wonderful places from sunny Florida to mountainous Appalachia to inner-city Detroit. We’ve enjoyed down-home cooking and ten-course meals served by white-gloved waiters.

Having a child during the first year of marriage was not on my bucket list, but it should have been. I wanted to wait until we had been married a few years before we had children, so I could spend a few years with just my husband, but that’s not the way it worked out. What a joy our three children have been! How much I have learned from each one of them! It’s as if God said, “You need children and you need them now.”

Sometimes my bucket list items came just by saying yes to opportunities. Going to China wasn’t on my bucket list but we jumped at the chance to go with a Better Business Association at an unbelievably low price because they needed people to fill their quota. We jumped at the chance to go to Nigeria and Ghana on a mission trip because our way was paid. We jumped at the chance to go to Italy because friends had a daughter there studying fashion design and we had free lodging. We’ve ridden camels to the Great Pyramids in Egypt, gone on safari in Kenya, leaned with the Tower of Pisa, climbed the hill to the Parthenon, walked in Paul’s footsteps in Ephesus, taken a gondola ride in Venice, taken a helicopter ride to a glacier in New Zealand where I ended up in waist deep snow, and trust me—this just barely scratches the surface.

Last year I added skydiving, parasailing, and zip-lining to the list. So you see, I write things on my bucket list after I’ve done them. Truth be told, I’m not wise enough to know what I should even put on my list. I’ve found that God knows better than I what I really want to do—and with God, the adventure possibilities are endless. And praise God, I’m not nearly as fearful as I used to be.

Have I done everything on my bucket list? Yes, I have—and I plan to do even more.

*****

Lord, I can’t thank You enough for all the experiences You’ve provided in this adventure called life. You’ve taken me places I never dreamed I would ever go. Sometimes I have to look back on life to appreciate it because it’s hard to see the beauty of something when I am too close. It has not always been an easy ride, but You have been with me every mile of the journey. I give You praise and thanks! Not only is my bucket list complete but my cup runneth over.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

One of my philosophies is not to worry about what I can’t control. Boy, do I love to be in control! Unfortunately, life is full of uncontrollable situations. It’s then I say to myself, “It is what it is!”

Say you are seated in a restaurant, they bring the menu, and you notice there are no prices. You are too embarrassed to ask what the items cost or leave, so you order. When the bill comes—“it is what it is”—and you pay it, but the tip may be a little low.

Say you are traveling and have car trouble in a remote town. There is only one gas station and you need your car fixed. When the bill comes—“it is what it is”—so you just pay it.

Life is full of what I like to call “it is what it is” situations. Some are inconveniences such as: Your child gets sick at school and you must leave the big meeting you planned to go get him. You have a really, really bad hair day. Your car won’t start and you are late. You get lost. Men forget to shave. Women get a run in their pantyhose. Do women even still wear pantyhose? Whatever! “It is what it is”—so you deal with the situation.

Some circumstances are just so unfair. The other person gets the promotion. A debilitating illness strikes a loved one. Your girlfriend breaks up with you. Someone gossips about you. You do the work; your supervisor takes the credit. “It is what it is”—so you cope.

Other things may be unfair but you get the benefit. You get the promotion when the other guy should have gotten it. You survive the accident when you should have died. The cop didn’t give you a ticket even though you were speeding. “It is what it is”—so you rejoice!

I have learned that I can’t control life, but with God’s help I can control my reaction to it. That’s what the first part of the serenity prayer is talking about. “GOD, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…”

The serenity referred to here is not complacency to what we are going through. The prayer goes on to ask God for “the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” This serenity is a peace that can only come from God. It passes all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). We don’t need to fret or worry. We know God is with us. This kind of peace or serenity can only come through participating in a relationship with God.

Much of life is a mystery. I don’t know what will come next all the time. It is what it is! I think God planned it that way. If I knew everything, I wouldn’t need faith. I don’t know what tomorrow holds. It is what it is! Fortunately, I know Who holds tomorrow. And God will see me through whatever lies ahead, if I let Him.

There’s much comfort in knowing that the great “I AM” (John 8:58) can help me make it through any “it is what it is” situations that come along in my life!

*****

O God, You are the great I AM! You always were and You always will be! I’m so thankful You hold my life in Your loving hands. You never promised the Christian walk would be without problems, but You promised to be with me through it all! And You have been and You will continue as long as I rely on You. I know You can help me cope and survive the confusion and uncertainty in life. Grant me Your peace when those “it is what it is” moments come my way.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

When I was sixteen I had a rude awakening. Actually, I had many rude awakenings at sixteen, but I’ll just focus on one. It happened at a sleepover. There we were—six giggly girls in pajamas all barefoot. Suddenly, I looked at one girl’s foot and said, “Your foot is shaped kind of funny, isn’t it?”

She said, “I don’t think so.” To prove her point, we all formed a little circle and put one foot in. To my chagrin, everyone’s feet looked the same and mine was different. Not just different, but a little misshapen and sort of ugly. Fortunately, my friends did not ostracize me, but having funny-looking feet is a burden I carry even to this day.

Now don’t get me wrong. I walk just fine, have no foot problems, and have not been traumatized for this less than perfect feature. My feet are sturdy and serve me well. However, I’m not the first one to say, “Let’s go get a pedicure!” Who wants to draw attention to funny feet?

Therefore, poetic, biblical metaphors about beautiful feet fascinate me. For example, Isaiah 52:7 (NLT) says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” Leave it to God to use a metaphor about feet and make it seem beautiful—especially during a time when no one could boast of pretty feet!

In biblical times the custom was to go barefoot or wear sandals that could be easily slipped off and on. People walked to their destinations on dusty, unpaved country roads or through filthy streets, so feet took a lot of abuse. They were rough and calloused. When people visited or came home, they left their sandals at the door and washed their dirty feet before entering a house.

When these people heard a statement about feet being beautiful, they would probably look down and say, “How can my feet be beautiful?” But it’s the message that makes the feet beautiful, not the feet themselves. Everyone loves good news. Good news gladdens the heart and inspires. And if ugly, dirty feet are bringing the good news—well, then they are considered beautiful.

Feet that carry good news remind me of missionaries who feel called to share the gospel in remote areas, sometimes placing their lives in danger. Some live in mud huts with no running water and face cultural mores we can only imagine. We take literacy and written communication for granted but some missionaries struggle with languages no Berlitz program has heard of—some with no alphabet, no written word, and no Bible. Yet, the love of God can transcend the heaviest challenge.

There are many places beautiful feet take the good news of peace and salvation in America. Christian volunteers do it all the time in prisons, hospitals, retirement homes, veteran’s facilities, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and rehab centers.

Sharing the gospel isn’t just for Bible teachers, preachers, and those inclined to serve in some areas already mentioned. All who know Jesus can share Him on a personal level with friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members. We can share the good news of Jesus with all we meet. 

My feet are not beautiful. They are misshapen and border on being ugly. But even funny feet become beautiful when they share the good news of Jesus Christ. That brings me much joy!

*****

Oh Father, You make all things new. One day the imperfections I have will melt away and I will truly become beautiful. Until then, how amazing it is that You can still use me to spread the good news of what a great God You are in spite of my flaws and blemishes. Thank You for letting me participate in showing others Your love.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

I must admit that I balk at the idea of being a witness for Christ. The word “witness” conjures up negative images of Christ being on trial in a court of law and I must testify to His innocence. I finally figured out that Christ does not need me to defend Him. However, He does want me to attest to what He has done in my life if someone should ask (1 Peter 3:15). It doesn’t say to pounce on unsuspecting people and shove Christ down their throats. And, yes, people do that!

Yet the scripture clearly tells us we should be witnesses for Christ. “You shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and all of Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Since I need to be a witness for Christ I decided to explore the subject further.

Many think this passage in Acts commands us to go out and witness for Christ. Although that could be one interpretation, it could also be stating a fact. It could be telling us that the gospel will spread to the ends of the earth and as it does Christians will be witnesses for Christ—not by trying to persuade skeptics to follow Him, but by showing how the fruits of God’s Spirit can be manifest in our lives so others will want to follow Him.

If we call ourselves Christians, then our lives are a witness for God. Our lives are either a good witness or a bad witness—but they are witnesses just the same. Hopefully our lives are a living testimony for God’s goodness, so others might say something like, “WOW! That person has a peace that passes all understanding. I’d like to have that kind of peace in my life.”

I don’t think being a witness for Christ is as difficult as I thought. I don’t have to convince others to follow Christ. Christ does that. I don’t even have to go out looking for people to “witness” to. God will do that. God will make sure I come in contact with the people He wants me to know. He will even put it in their hearts to ask me questions about Him that I can answer.

The early church knew this. They continued steadfastly doing what they had been taught. They met together, ate together, worshipped together, and prayed together. They were happy and got along with all the people (Acts 2:42-47). “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). The early church members devoted themselves to living a Christian life. That’s how they witnessed for Christ. They didn’t talk people into becoming Christians. They didn’t “lead” people to Christ. They allowed the Holy Spirit to transform them into what Christ would have them be and then God added to the church.

Hey, I think I can do this. It’s not as difficult as I thought and that makes me happy!

*****

Father, help me live my life reflecting the fruit of Your Holy Spirit so I can witness in a way where You get all the glory. I don’t need clever arguments or profound doctrine to convince others to follow You. It’s all about You and what You do. It’s not about me at all. Let Your love overflow from me to others so You can be glorified.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

A number of years ago someone asked me how I came to know Jesus Christ as my Savior and I must admit, I didn’t know what to say. Did I love God? Yes! Did I believe Jesus died for my sins? Yes! Did I believe God was actively involved in my life? Yes! Was I a different person after Jesus came into my life? Yes! Then where was my story?

That bothered me—a lot! So I started praying and asking God to help me develop a story to share with others. I asked Him to bring back to memory the events in my life that He used to draw me to Him—and He did. I think everyone should have a concise story they can share with others if asked.

Mine is not a very dynamic story. I wasn’t struck blind on the road to Damascus like Paul and I had never literally killed anyone. Not all stories are dramatic but that doesn’t make them less valuable. Some have grown up feeling they have always known Christ. That’s their personal story and someone they come in contact with will be able to identify with it.

It gives me great pleasure to share my story with you.

When I was a senior in high school we moved. I had been with the same group of friends since first grade, so it was pretty devastating for me. I went from being involved in everything to not being involved in anything at the new school. I had no friends and we lived too far away for me to be involved in any school activities. It was obvious that it was going to be a long, hard year—not the great year I had always envisioned my senior year to be.

My mother had been attending a church for several years but my dad and I never went. Every year in the fall, they had a weeklong church convention/festival they attended. For five years she had asked Dad and me if we wanted to go and for five years we said, “No.’’ I had always been far too involved in school activities to take a week off. However, this year when she asked I was so miserable I said, “Yes!” Anything had to be better than what I was going through, even going to church for a week.

Going to that church festival really impacted my life. I had never seen such happy people. They had a love for God and a love for each other I had never experienced before. Some of the people were camping that year and I remember many got rained out, but their attitudes were still full of jubilation and praise for God. I didn’t know what they had, but I wanted it. It was also obvious to me that I had done some things in my life I wasn’t too proud of and had done my best to drive my folks insane. I just felt like I needed a change in my life and knew I was incapable of producing that change myself.

On the way home from that festival, I was sitting in the back seat of the car with my eyes closed, praying. I hadn’t done a lot of praying before so I didn’t really know what to say. So I just asked God to give me the kind of love those people had. I asked Him to forgive me for every rotten thing I’d done and help me make changes in my life.

Was I immediately a different person after that prayer? No. But I know God heard that prayer because He’s taken me on a spiritual journey ever since. There are many other stories to share about my journey but I’m focusing on when I first felt the presence of God in my life and when I realized that Jesus died for my sins—and I, just like the people I had spent a week with, could have God’s love in my life. Not only could I have His love but actually have Jesus Christ live His life in and through me.

What a joy! To realize that God knows everything about me and loves me anyway. That no matter what happens in life God will be with me every step of the way.

Well that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

*****

O Lord, how I love to sing that Fanny Crosby song, “This is my story; this is my song. Praising my Savior all the day long!” I do want to praise You all day long. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me and coming into my life. These are gifts I do not deserve which makes them all the more precious to me. If someone asks me to share my story, fill my mouth with words that will bring You praise and glory!

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

The Bible says to always be ready to give an answer to those who ask for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). Some preachers use this verse to encourage us to study our Bibles so we’ll know what we are talking about if asked a question. Others think it means we need to be leading people to Christ. Both concepts have merit.

However, no matter how much I read my Bible I still feel ill-equipped to answer technical Biblical questions. Plus, I can’t always remember where certain passages are found, which can definitely give someone the impression I don’t know what I’m talking about.

Also, I’m not sure that it is our job to actually lead people to Christ. Jesus said no one can come to Him unless He draws them to Him (John 6:44). Some feel they must force Jesus on people all the time, whether they are interested or not. I don’t think that’s wise. However, I don’t want to hinder the process of conversion by not being willing to give an answer for the hope that lies within me. 

The intent of this passage is that when others see Christians go through trials they are amazed at how well they handle what life throws at them. The reason for this is hope. Christian hope has a positive, encouraging energy that others can’t quite understand. This hope is attractive to a hurting world. This hope gives a peace that passes understanding even in the worst situations (Philippians 4:7). It’s natural that others would be curious about where that comes from and ask questions.

What might some ask? Maybe they would notice we aren’t reacting the way they think we should and ask, “How can you remain calm in all this turmoil?” This opens the door for us to tell them our relationship with Jesus helps us weather life’s storms. If they want to ask us more about that, they will. We won’t need to force it or give them a crash course in salvation.

Some might ask, “Where is your God while you are going through this?” We can share the times God has delivered us. Then we might recount the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the fiery furnace. They knew God could deliver them but said, “We know our God is able to deliver us from this situation, but even if He chooses not to, we will still trust Him” (Daniel 3:17).

We can share our convictions of knowing we have assured promises that come through our relationship with God and that what we experience on earth is only temporary. Trials can’t be compared to what lies ahead or Who lives in us (Romans 8:18). Jesus lives in us! 

When people have questions, Jesus is the answer and I shouldn’t be afraid to share personal examples of my life to show this if someone asks. Is someone sick? Jesus is the healer and great physician. Is someone seeking knowledge? Jesus is the great teacher. Is someone weary? Jesus gives us rest and comfort. Is someone worried? Jesus gives us peace. Does someone think nobody cares? I care and more importantly, Jesus cares. Does someone feel like a loser? The world may think we are losers but Jesus does not. His life in ours makes us winners regardless of circumstances.  

It gives me great joy to realize I don’t have to convert people or lead them to Christ. When someone asks me a question about Christianity all I need to do is pray about it, be available, and gently point them to Jesus.

*****

Thank You, Lord, for not putting the burden of converting the world on my shoulders, but when I am asked anything about You please put Your words in my mouth. My desire is to be a help to the process You set in motion, not a hindrance. I once heard that people become Christians because they’ve known a Christian, but others do not become Christians because of Christians they’ve known. Let me be a reflection of You to all I meet.  

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

One of my favorite words in the English language is “stuff.” It’s just so versatile. If you look it up in Webster’s Dictionary, you will find it has a bazillion meanings: material possessions, supplies, equipment, bullets, personal property, textiles, literary or artistic production, ideas of little value, trash, an unspecified kind of matter, scattered miscellaneous articles, talk, actions, construction material, subject matter, something consumed in the body, special knowledge or capability, a great baseball pitch, cram in, fill up, thrust, and the list goes on and on.

People got lots of “stuff.” People strut their “stuff.” People know their “stuff.” People show their “stuff.” People pick their “stuff” up and put it away. People spread their “stuff” all around. Honored baseball pitchers have what is known as tremendous “stuff.” People buy “stuff.” People sell “stuff.” People have the “stuff” of greatness. Some people “stuff” their heads with knowledge. In fact, a little knowledge can be heady “stuff.”

People “stuff” their faces. People “stuff” their pockets. People “stuff” their bags. People “stuff” their birds. Some people are “stuffed” shirts. People dish out “stuff” in conversations. Some people take that “stuff” from others and some people don’t. And all people go through “stuff” they don’t want to go through. “Stuff” happens.

At times we all wish we had other people’s “stuff” instead of our own. Rich people got lots of “stuff” and sometimes their “stuff” looks better than our “stuff.” Some of us carry around a lot of excess emotional and psychological “stuff” that weighs us down and prevents us from making the progress we’d like to make. Sometimes the “stuff” others are going through doesn’t seem as hard as the “stuff” we’re going through. But one thing is for sure. All people got “stuff” they have to put up with. No one goes through life without dealing with “stuff,” no matter how charmed you may think someone else’s life is.

God never promised us we wouldn’t have “stuff” to deal with or “stuff” to go through. However, He did say He would be there with us. Hebrew 13:5 says we should be content with such “stuff” as we have for God said He would never leave us or forsake us. Psalms 37:39 says that God is our strength when bad “stuff” happens. Proverbs 11:28 says that those who trust in their “stuff” will fall, but those who trust in God won’t.

When people have God, they can take just about any old “stuff” this world throws at them. Only God has the right “stuff” to help us in our time of need. Only God can help us keep our perspective when “stuff” happens. And I happen to think my “stuff” is personalized just for me. God said that He’d never give me more “stuff” than I could handle. So when people ask me if I want some of their “stuff,” I just say, “No, thanks!” I got plenty of “stuff” of my own.

*****

O Lord, I praise and worship You! When I see the word “stuff” I laugh. How can one word have so many meanings? Thank You for letting me see the funny side of life. Put in my heart Your gift of laughter so I will smile more and complain less when I’m dealing with my “stuff.”

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

I love to sleep. I love my cozy bed. I’m not a morning person so I love to sleep in. Some people can get by on six hours a night, but not me. The recommended amount of sleep to function at one’s best is between seven to nine hours. I’m definitely a nine-hour person. I don’t always get that much, but would love it if I could. I can get by on seven hours for a night or two, but nine keeps me at optimal productivity level. Did I mention that I love to sleep?

Our bodies need to rest. Sleep is therapeutic, healing, and replenishing. Old sayings like “The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep” and “a good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book” seem to be rooted in truth.

Unfortunately, people find little time for sleep in this 24/7 world. The results are problems, frustrations, and anger. Poor sleep habits create mistakes and miscalculations. Lack of sleep affects concentration and coordination. Many driving accidents can be linked to driver fatigue. Not only does lack of sleep make people testy and accident-prone, it makes them vulnerable to disease and infection.

Years ago people went to sleep when it got dark. The invention of electricity and the light bulb changed all that. Today video games, television, and computers provide us with scads of late night options. Grocery stores are open all night long. Telephone service is available all night long. We can literally wake up in a city that never sleeps all over the world.

Although I love to sleep, it doesn’t always come easy. The pressure and stress of life can weigh heavily on my mind. Fortunately, God never slumbers or sleeps (Psalm 121:4). Sometimes I forget He stays awake 24/7 to watch over me so I can sleep. God has everything under control.

If I have a hard night, I think of Psalm 30:4-5. “Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning!” There is much comfort and joy in sleep – and in resting in the Lord.

*****

Father, I know You created us to need sleep and rest. Not only do You provide physical rest from my daily labor, but ultimate rest from the burdens in life. When I am weary You tell me to come to You and You will give me rest. My soul can find rest in You!

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

Everyone’s life is full of turmoil and trials. We all have times when we feel like we don’t know what to do. What should we do when life gets overwhelming, hard decisions need to be made, or the enemy is attacking?

One thing I try to do is stay focused. I need to be looking to God. Only He has the power to save me (Isaiah 45:22). I fix my eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). I lose power, hope, and purpose when I don’t focus on the right things.

A wonderful biblical example of this is found in 2 Chronicles 20.

Jehoshaphat’s kingdom of Judah was being threatened by the armies of many nations like Ammon and Moab who joined together to annihilate Judah. These huge armies were strong and surrounded Judah. There seemed to be no chance of survival. So people from every town came together to seek help from the Lord. The men, their wives, and children stood in the courtyard of the temple and Jehoshaphat prayed a heartfelt prayer extolling God’s greatness and acknowledging Judah’s lack of power to withstand the inevitable attack. It ended with, “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

God told the people not to be afraid or discouraged. He told them to face the enemy and stand firm. They would not have to fight this battle because it was the Lord’s. The people fell down in worship to God.

Early the next morning, Jehoshaphat encouraged the people to have faith in the Lord. As they headed off to battle, he appointed men to lead the way by singing and praising God. “Give thanks to the Lord. His love endures forever” 2 Chronicles 20:21. As they sang, a miraculous thing happened. These armies began to attack one another instead of Judah. By the time Judah got to the battleground, they saw only the dead bodies of their enemies.

Now the path I need to follow doesn’t always become immediately crystal clear, nor does deliverance come quickly. Sometimes waiting is part of the process. That’s all the more reason I need to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. I need to be continually praising Him for His greatness, for what He’s done in my past, and what He will do in my future. I need to let Him know I’m looking to Him because I have no power and very little strength. I’m relying on His strength.

It comforts me to know that I am never alone or forsaken (Hebrews 13:5-6). The world around me might feel like it is crumbling at times but the Creator of the universe holds me in His loving hands.

*****

Dear Lord, You know my life is filled with problems I am not equipped to handle. Without You to lean on and look to, I have no hope. My hope is in You alone. Let Your loving hands hold me close and keep me safe. Help me see clearly the paths You want me take. When I must wait for answers, fill my heart with peace, patience, and praise.  

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

By Barbara Dahlgren

Independence Day gives all Americans a reason to celebrate. The parades, the barbecues, and the fireworks are all part of the fun. However, I want to appreciate the freedom I have that make these activities possible.

Years ago I wrote a weekly newspaper column called Patterns of the Past which required a lot of research. Being a student of history made these articles a pleasure to write, not a pain. Around Fourth of July I always tried to include something about our forefathers. So I found out some interesting facts about the signers of the Declaration of Independence.   

Signing the Declaration of Independence was more than just putting your “John Hancock” on a piece of paper. Those men had courage. From the moment they signed their names, they became traitors in the eyes of the British. They sacrificed a lot so I might have freedom.

Did you know the British considered John Hancock and Sam Adams criminals and had a price on their heads? The British chased Thomas McKean, George Reed, and William Hooper like foxes. They had to move their families from town to town to escape being captured. Ned Rutledge, the youngest signer, and Thomas Hayward Jr. were made prisoners of war. Richard Stockton was captured, tortured, and killed. James Otis was beaten by the British and left mentally deranged.

William Floyd, Lyman Hall, George Clymer, and Lewis Morris had their homes plundered and destroyed. While “Honest John” Hart was away, his wife died during an attack on his home. His children had to flee to neighbors for refuge. Francis Lewis had his Long Island mansion destroyed. His wife was imprisoned and tortured. The Revolutionary War swept away his fortune.

War costs money so many other fortunes were lost, too. Lewis Morris was the wealthiest merchant in Philadelphia. His home and business were destroyed. He ended up in debtor’s prison. Thomas Nelson died, leaving his family deeply in debt.

John Morton of Pennsylvania had all of his friends who were mostly Quakers turn against him. These stories could go on and on. The hardships and trials of all 54 men are too numerous to mention. They did more than sign a historic document; they sacrificed their lives so I might have freedom.

Someone else sacrificed His life for my freedom as well. His name is Jesus Christ. He was rich and for me, He became poor (2 Corinthians 8:9). He died to give me freedom from sin and freedom from bondage (Romans 6:18, 22; Galatians 5:1). He gave me the free gift of righteousness and the free gift of grace (Romans 5:7; Ephesians 2:8).

The month of July always reminds me of freedom. I don’t want to ever take my physical or spiritual freedom for granted.

*****

Dear Jesus, I can’t begin to understand what other Christians go through to worship You in countries where freedom is a dream and not a reality. Be with them. Give them strength, courage, and protection. Help me to always appreciate my freedom in America and my freedom in You! May I never cease to give You praise and glory and honor!