Eating Elephant

Maybe you're not into eating elephant. That's okay, although if you are, I've heard you can purchase pre-packaged elephant ear in some U.S. grocery stores. But eat a whole elephant? Not impossible, although looking at the creature may seem so.

Of late we've been bombarded with numerous challenges and decisions. When this happens, I want to throw my hands up and quit. Just then hubby asks, "How do you eat an elephant?" And I grudgingly reply, "One bite at a time."

Many of life's issues overwhelm. If you are "facing an elephant," try "taking one bite at a time"~one day at a time. Are you steeped in grief and cannot make it through a whole day? Then try one step at a time. And if you're totally spent, how 'bout a moment at a time?

My life's verses are Proverbs 3:5,6~"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." I learned this Scripture in the King James Version (KJV) as a child and still remember it best this way.

Although I like some newer translations, I disagree with those that read "...and He will make your paths straight." God never promised an easy journey. He does promise, however, to take the journey with us. If you've asked Jesus Christ to be your Savior and Lord, you do not travel even on the roughest, most crooked paths alone. What comfort to know He has gone this route! We can trust Someone Who already knows the way.

So the next time you face something that seems too large, remember that "elephant in the room." And mind your manners! One bite at a time.

"Who loves you best?"

Photo by Laura Kee Clouse

Every morning we read some sort of devotion to start the school day. These are short and on the age level of our child at that time. 

When our youngest was in elementary school, we usually read a short biblical account, followed by questions. Sometimes our learning disabled son could answer, sometimes not.

One particular day I wanted to help him get the correct answer ~ boost his morale. Question: "Who loves you best?"

He guessed ~ his mom, dad, brothers, Grandma. 

I tried again~simplifying my question. Still no correct answer. Then I said, "I'll give you a clue. This is how you spell the answer: G-O-D."

Our very good speller's eyes lit as he clapped his hands together and exclaimed, "The dog!"

We had a good laugh over that one. And, although the dog did love him very much, that wasn't what I was going for either. Yet several times since I've thought about our son's connection to animals~man's best friend in particular~and seen correlations between the dog and God.

Please do not throw your computer and scream, "Heretic!" I mean no disrespect to God, as I revere Him above all. But think about it. On an earthly scale, aren't dogs great examples of unconditional love? Parents or friends can be, but they aren't always. Yet the family dog will greet you like you're royalty every time you enter your home, lick you and show affection even when you've wronged it, and remains loyal and true.

Photo by Laura Kee Clouse

God's love is unconditional. I cannot compare His amount of love with anything on this earth~only use one of His creations as a mini-example. Our dog, however, didn't lay down her life and die for us. (Who would? Military? Parents? Given that choice.) Only Jesus, God The Son, did that and then rose again~proving He is our Living God.

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God ...

1 John 3:1 

God loves so much He's made a way for us to be with Him for eternity. You can click on one of the tabs near the top of this blog to learn more about that. If you're not His child, you can become His today. If you are His yet have erred, He hasn't stopped being your Father or ceased loving you. 

So, who loves you best? I'll give you a clue. This is how you spell the answer: G-O-D!

Storm-takers & Hope-givers

Tornadoes ravaged our part of the country 11 days ago. Although numerous twisters touching down here, most damage occurred on the Ohio River's western side. Marysville, Indiana no longer exists, and most of neighboring Henryville lies in ruins. One of our church families lost their home this side of the river.

Government arrived on day 4 to assess damage. It deemed Henryville hadn't sustained enough damage to qualify for help, "only" having 300 homes in shambles, not the 400 or more required.

Community began clean-up as soon as the storm passed. And one standing church in Henryville served meals and provided needs~not days later, but immediately. One report told of a man going to his truck to get some sleep and finding food and blankets placed there by people who just did what needed to be done.

So it was with our church family's home and property. Pastor, other family & friends, folks from the community, and 4 other churches showed up to help. Mark, the husband, relayed, "They were like a human vacuum, cleaning so much so fast, I couldn't believe my eyes." The ones who gathered that day came to restore hope to this devastated family. Pastor said the helpers were equally blessed by one another.

Houses and material possessions are gone, but those hit by these storms haven't lost hope, and neither have those who've stepped in where government hasn't. We need each other.

Our Army National Guard son called, telling us of storm-torn counties in Eastern Kentucky~one town  nearly gone and another calling in the guard for road-clearing. State funds were not available to do more. Yet, newspaper articles report people didn't head to shelters or to the Red Cross for help. Family and friends took them in. That's what mountain folk do~and do it so well.

Storms take away (weather-related and life ones both) ... yet God gives hope, and so do those who share Him with their community. Thank you, hope-givers! You're an amazing blessing!

Is This All Worth It?

1. As I wrote last week's blog, a hymn played repeatedly in my mind. I decided to post When I Get to the End of the Way* ~ an "oldie" revived by Gaithers in their Homecoming series and sung by Lynda Randle. If you'd like to listen, here's a link: 

http://youtu.be/aUCF9RbAbOg

The sands have been washed in the footprints of the stranger on Galilee’s shore, and the voice that subdued the rough billows, will be heard in Judea no more. But the path of that lone Galilean, with joy I will follow today; And the toils of the road will seem nothing, when I get to the end of the way.

1. There are so many hills to climb upward, I often am longing for rest, but He who appoints me my pathway knows just what is needful and best. I know in His word He hath promised that my strength, “it shall be as my day”; and the toils of the road will seem nothing, when I get to the end of the way.
2. He loves me too well to forsake me, or give me a trial too much; all His people have been dearly purchased, and Satan can never claim such. By and by I shall see Him and praise Him, in the city of unending day; and the toils of the road will seem nothing, when I get to the end of the way.
3. When the last, feeble step has been taken, and the gates of that city appear, and the beautiful songs of the angels float out on my listening ear; when all that now seems so mysterious will be bright and as clear as the day, then the toils of the road will seem nothing, when I get to the end of the way.
4. All our trials will be naught when we see Jesus. Heaven ~ where Hope lives! Can't wait!

*By Charles Tillman ~ public domain.