Rindy's Devotional Tidbits
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The Spiritual Cafe is pleased to share her daily facebook thoughts. It is our hope that her reflections will be a service to you on your spiritual growth journey.
Week 19 Archives
Year 5; Day 128 Just a Minor Adjustment
I copied something on a scrap of paper from somewhere...and now I can't find it. The first part says, "A minor adjustment can lead..." and I can't remember the rest. So I am going to add my own ending. "A minor adjustment can make a big difference." Sometimes it takes so little to change an outcome. How many times as parents have we over-reacted to something said or done, not because the incident deserved it, but because we were already frazzled by something else? Instead of resolving an issue we made it worse just by a tone of voice or the use of sarcasm. I remember going on a trip with daughter and getting very frustrated with someone (not her). She heard the change in my voice and reached over and put her hand over mine. It was enough to stop me from saying anything more. Just a minor thing, a touch of the hand, but it was enough and probably prevented an argument. Once when I was flying somewhere, I sat next to a man and we never spoke. Not a word. As we got up from our seats to exit, he looked at me and said, "God bless you." It was so unexpected that my eyes filled. That stranger's voice and the blessing behind that statement stayed with me for hours. As I wing it to the US to visit family and friends, my prayer for this trip is that God will use me in small ways to make a difference. A smile, a touch, a conciliatory tone, a few words of recognition or thanks. Maybe this will be a mustard seed visit. "...Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move...". (Matthew 17:20) A mustard seed is tiny. I believe I have at least that much faith...mustard seed faith. Today is Monday. I can't wait to see where God is going to take me!
I copied something on a scrap of paper from somewhere...and now I can't find it. The first part says, "A minor adjustment can lead..." and I can't remember the rest. So I am going to add my own ending. "A minor adjustment can make a big difference." Sometimes it takes so little to change an outcome. How many times as parents have we over-reacted to something said or done, not because the incident deserved it, but because we were already frazzled by something else? Instead of resolving an issue we made it worse just by a tone of voice or the use of sarcasm. I remember going on a trip with daughter and getting very frustrated with someone (not her). She heard the change in my voice and reached over and put her hand over mine. It was enough to stop me from saying anything more. Just a minor thing, a touch of the hand, but it was enough and probably prevented an argument. Once when I was flying somewhere, I sat next to a man and we never spoke. Not a word. As we got up from our seats to exit, he looked at me and said, "God bless you." It was so unexpected that my eyes filled. That stranger's voice and the blessing behind that statement stayed with me for hours. As I wing it to the US to visit family and friends, my prayer for this trip is that God will use me in small ways to make a difference. A smile, a touch, a conciliatory tone, a few words of recognition or thanks. Maybe this will be a mustard seed visit. "...Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move...". (Matthew 17:20) A mustard seed is tiny. I believe I have at least that much faith...mustard seed faith. Today is Monday. I can't wait to see where God is going to take me!
Year 5; Day 129 I Cried; He Answered
"In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free." (Psalm 118:5) Except the last couple of days I cried to the Lord in my anxiety. As I was getting ready to fly to the States, Toronto airport was having lots of rain and cancelled flights due to runway repairs. I kept checking Newfoundland to see if flights were leaving for Toronto and then checking Toronto to see if their flights were leaving. Then we were suppose to have fog and freezing drizzle and well, I was anxious. I have been looking forward to seeing family and friends for months. Customs always makes me anxious, as well. So Sunday I had a good cry out to the Lord. I told Him all my fears and worries about missing connections, putting people out, and being sent home because something wasn't right. I did my best to leave it in the Lord's hands. The fog wasn't too bad and we took off for Toronto a bit early. Even after circling Toronto for 10 minutes, we still arrived right on time. The sun was shining with no rain in sight. Customs was a breeze. I felt the Lord's smile on me and His loving touch on my heart. He knows what this trip means to me. Friend met me and we are in the midst of an adventure. I can trust the Lord. I am His child. I felt the anxiety melt away. He set me free to enjoy this time...to enjoy Him. Today is Tuesday. I am free indeed!
"In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free." (Psalm 118:5) Except the last couple of days I cried to the Lord in my anxiety. As I was getting ready to fly to the States, Toronto airport was having lots of rain and cancelled flights due to runway repairs. I kept checking Newfoundland to see if flights were leaving for Toronto and then checking Toronto to see if their flights were leaving. Then we were suppose to have fog and freezing drizzle and well, I was anxious. I have been looking forward to seeing family and friends for months. Customs always makes me anxious, as well. So Sunday I had a good cry out to the Lord. I told Him all my fears and worries about missing connections, putting people out, and being sent home because something wasn't right. I did my best to leave it in the Lord's hands. The fog wasn't too bad and we took off for Toronto a bit early. Even after circling Toronto for 10 minutes, we still arrived right on time. The sun was shining with no rain in sight. Customs was a breeze. I felt the Lord's smile on me and His loving touch on my heart. He knows what this trip means to me. Friend met me and we are in the midst of an adventure. I can trust the Lord. I am His child. I felt the anxiety melt away. He set me free to enjoy this time...to enjoy Him. Today is Tuesday. I am free indeed!
Year 5; Day 130 Making Opportunities
One of my hopes for this trip is that God would use me in small ways to make a difference in people's days...bring a smile, lift some spirits, something. Today I had the opposite happen. I had someone do something for me. It wasn't large but it brought a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart. You know the little figurines that come in boxes of Red Rose tea? They are called Wades. They are collectible and are sold for various prices but mostly between $3-5 apiece. Friend and I were at an antique mall and I saw a humpback whale figurine for $2. The store has people that will take your "treasures" up to the check-out and put them in numbered boxes for you so you are not wandering around with an armload of stuff. When the worker saw I had some items, he took them and walked away. Then he came back with my little humpback Wade and said, "You know, I know another booth that has a humpback Wade and he sells them for $1 apiece. Would you like me to show you?" So he took me to another booth and sure enough, there were several Wades all $1 each. He took the $2 one back and I ended up with a whale and a swan. I know it wasn't anything large but it touched me. This man was a stranger. He didn't have to tell me anything. He got nothing from it except my appreciation. It was such a little thing but it brought a smile to my face and the affect of his kindness lingered. The apostle says in Galatians 6:9, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people..." This man created an opportunity to do me a good turn. He could have said nothing. Sometimes opportunities present themselves and sometimes we can create them with very little effort. Today is Wednesday. May we be open to opportunities however they present themselves.
One of my hopes for this trip is that God would use me in small ways to make a difference in people's days...bring a smile, lift some spirits, something. Today I had the opposite happen. I had someone do something for me. It wasn't large but it brought a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart. You know the little figurines that come in boxes of Red Rose tea? They are called Wades. They are collectible and are sold for various prices but mostly between $3-5 apiece. Friend and I were at an antique mall and I saw a humpback whale figurine for $2. The store has people that will take your "treasures" up to the check-out and put them in numbered boxes for you so you are not wandering around with an armload of stuff. When the worker saw I had some items, he took them and walked away. Then he came back with my little humpback Wade and said, "You know, I know another booth that has a humpback Wade and he sells them for $1 apiece. Would you like me to show you?" So he took me to another booth and sure enough, there were several Wades all $1 each. He took the $2 one back and I ended up with a whale and a swan. I know it wasn't anything large but it touched me. This man was a stranger. He didn't have to tell me anything. He got nothing from it except my appreciation. It was such a little thing but it brought a smile to my face and the affect of his kindness lingered. The apostle says in Galatians 6:9, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people..." This man created an opportunity to do me a good turn. He could have said nothing. Sometimes opportunities present themselves and sometimes we can create them with very little effort. Today is Wednesday. May we be open to opportunities however they present themselves.
Year 5; Day 131 No Confusion
I have had a great couple days antiquing malling with my college roommate. I bought a particular pattern of cups the first day but did not record it. The next day I had the same cups put aside while I continued shopping. You are given a number that corresponds to a box and as you go around, anything you pick up gets taken to the box until you are ready to check out. So I had my two cups put aside and then I found two more that were cheaper. I gave them to the "walker" and told him to exchange the more expensive ones for the cheaper ones. Later I realized they were the same pattern of cups I had bought the day before and I didn't need the ones I'd picked out at all. So when I got to the check-out I said I didn't want the cups and they put them aside to be returned to their proper booth. All that goings on and I didn't even need them! Imagine if God were like that with us. Suppose He picked someone to do something special. Then He forgot and picked another person to it. Then maybe He looked around and decided so-and-so would be better for the mission...only to remember He already had picked someone else for the job. I think there would be some pretty hurt feelings. But God doesn't work like that ever. He doesn't forget what He has, who He has chosen, or for what they are needed. He doesn't have to take back what He said or return anyone to the shelf. God has no trouble keeping things straight. I forgot what I had previously purchased, then traded one for another, only to remember I had what I needed. The Lord never forgets those who are His and He never confuses His purposes for each one of us. Today is Thursday. "...for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye---" (Zechariah 2:8) That's what we are...the apple of His eye and He never gets confused!
I have had a great couple days antiquing malling with my college roommate. I bought a particular pattern of cups the first day but did not record it. The next day I had the same cups put aside while I continued shopping. You are given a number that corresponds to a box and as you go around, anything you pick up gets taken to the box until you are ready to check out. So I had my two cups put aside and then I found two more that were cheaper. I gave them to the "walker" and told him to exchange the more expensive ones for the cheaper ones. Later I realized they were the same pattern of cups I had bought the day before and I didn't need the ones I'd picked out at all. So when I got to the check-out I said I didn't want the cups and they put them aside to be returned to their proper booth. All that goings on and I didn't even need them! Imagine if God were like that with us. Suppose He picked someone to do something special. Then He forgot and picked another person to it. Then maybe He looked around and decided so-and-so would be better for the mission...only to remember He already had picked someone else for the job. I think there would be some pretty hurt feelings. But God doesn't work like that ever. He doesn't forget what He has, who He has chosen, or for what they are needed. He doesn't have to take back what He said or return anyone to the shelf. God has no trouble keeping things straight. I forgot what I had previously purchased, then traded one for another, only to remember I had what I needed. The Lord never forgets those who are His and He never confuses His purposes for each one of us. Today is Thursday. "...for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye---" (Zechariah 2:8) That's what we are...the apple of His eye and He never gets confused!
Year 5; Day 132 In His Presence
It has been so wonderful being with college friend. We meet the first day of college some 48 years ago. Her husband came home yesterday and my brother came today. We went out to lunch, went to a small antique shop and then came back to their house. They have a stocked man-made pond so brother and friend went fishing (strictly catch and release). Brother managed to catch one fish. I went down as I have never caught a fish before. First couple of casts I got my worm nibbled off. The next cast yielded a blue gill and the next one a nice bass. Another check on the bucket list. We had grilled hamburgers and played a game of Rook. The ladies soundly, roundly, and thoroughly thrashed the men. It was a wonderful day of fellowship and fun. But it wasn't the best part. It wasn't the part that brought tears to my eyes. The best part was when we gathered around the piano. Friend-husband played and we all sang. Sometimes one voice, often two, then three or four. Melody and harmony. Friends gathering to sing to the Lord. To praise Him because He is worthy. Often I just sat and listened as friend-husband filled the room with music. Voices chimed in to sing choruses but mostly I listened and felt...felt the presence of God, felt gratitude to have such wonderful friends, felt grateful to have a sibling standing near, felt thankful to have a personal relationship with heavenly Father. "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20) That is what the Word of God says. That is what I experienced last night. Today is Friday. My cup is full and running over and I am drinking from my saucer.
It has been so wonderful being with college friend. We meet the first day of college some 48 years ago. Her husband came home yesterday and my brother came today. We went out to lunch, went to a small antique shop and then came back to their house. They have a stocked man-made pond so brother and friend went fishing (strictly catch and release). Brother managed to catch one fish. I went down as I have never caught a fish before. First couple of casts I got my worm nibbled off. The next cast yielded a blue gill and the next one a nice bass. Another check on the bucket list. We had grilled hamburgers and played a game of Rook. The ladies soundly, roundly, and thoroughly thrashed the men. It was a wonderful day of fellowship and fun. But it wasn't the best part. It wasn't the part that brought tears to my eyes. The best part was when we gathered around the piano. Friend-husband played and we all sang. Sometimes one voice, often two, then three or four. Melody and harmony. Friends gathering to sing to the Lord. To praise Him because He is worthy. Often I just sat and listened as friend-husband filled the room with music. Voices chimed in to sing choruses but mostly I listened and felt...felt the presence of God, felt gratitude to have such wonderful friends, felt grateful to have a sibling standing near, felt thankful to have a personal relationship with heavenly Father. "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20) That is what the Word of God says. That is what I experienced last night. Today is Friday. My cup is full and running over and I am drinking from my saucer.
Year 5; Day 133 Treasures
I have seen a lot of "stuff" in the last few days. Literally tons of it. Especially glass. Dishes upon dishes of umpteen patterns and style. Everything from elegant glassware, to lead crystal, to plastic and much in-between. I have admired vintage hats and handkerchiefs and old books and embroidered pillowcases, quilts, tea-towels, and thread on wooden spools. I have seen jars of buttons, bags of costume jewelry, shelves of tools, a moose head, street lamps, and beds with humongous headboards. Where did it all come from? It must have belonged to someone...either bought, inherited, or given as a gift. Some of the stuff was hand made or hand done. Time and effort went into finishing it. And now it is just sitting in a booth, often gathering dust, waiting for some stranger to come along and buy it. Someone's once treasured possession is now just a thing to try and sell. The story behind the piece is lost and appreciation for the item is often gone. Jesus said in Matthew's gospel, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,...but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." (6:19,20) Treasures on earth get left behind. They often wind up in a stranger's home or collection. Eventually they may get lost or destroyed, or even thrown away. They are temporary. But treasures in heaven are eternal. They never lose their value. They never wear out, rust out, or change hands. I am enjoying finding some collectibles and other "treasures" but I know they won't go with me. They can't take the place of a kind heart, a listening ear, a helping hand, or a warm smile. Today is Saturday. Sometimes we need reminding about what is truly important...treasures in heaven.
I have seen a lot of "stuff" in the last few days. Literally tons of it. Especially glass. Dishes upon dishes of umpteen patterns and style. Everything from elegant glassware, to lead crystal, to plastic and much in-between. I have admired vintage hats and handkerchiefs and old books and embroidered pillowcases, quilts, tea-towels, and thread on wooden spools. I have seen jars of buttons, bags of costume jewelry, shelves of tools, a moose head, street lamps, and beds with humongous headboards. Where did it all come from? It must have belonged to someone...either bought, inherited, or given as a gift. Some of the stuff was hand made or hand done. Time and effort went into finishing it. And now it is just sitting in a booth, often gathering dust, waiting for some stranger to come along and buy it. Someone's once treasured possession is now just a thing to try and sell. The story behind the piece is lost and appreciation for the item is often gone. Jesus said in Matthew's gospel, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,...but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." (6:19,20) Treasures on earth get left behind. They often wind up in a stranger's home or collection. Eventually they may get lost or destroyed, or even thrown away. They are temporary. But treasures in heaven are eternal. They never lose their value. They never wear out, rust out, or change hands. I am enjoying finding some collectibles and other "treasures" but I know they won't go with me. They can't take the place of a kind heart, a listening ear, a helping hand, or a warm smile. Today is Saturday. Sometimes we need reminding about what is truly important...treasures in heaven.
Year 5; Day 134 Rejoicing in the Lord
Yesterday I attended my aunt's memorial service. It was quite wonderful. I doubt if there was a person there who didn't know her favourite verse was, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24) They had a time when people could share their favourite memories of Aunt Ruth. Many of them included her verse and how she lived with such joy. So many people said the same thing. She loved her Lord with her whole heart and considered each day a joy to serve. A legacy is not made in a few days. It is something that is carved out over time. It is something that requires consistency. As we live each day we are creating our own legacy. We are accumulating the components that will make up our memorial. What will people say about us? What impression will we leave behind? How will our lives be summarized? Over and over people remembered my aunt's desire to serve...her Lord and others. How will we be remembered? As givers or takers? As people of joy or as complainers? As people of dissension or peace? As people of entitlement or as servers? Today is another tally of life. How shall we mark it? What will the end look like? Will our testimony be so certain, so strong, so undeniable that people will say with absolute certainty, "Today she is rejoicing with her Lord," as they said about my Aunt Ruth? I hope so. I want a faith so strong in life that it becomes my legacy in death. Today is Sunday. Even as we grieved, we rejoiced in the certainty of Aunt Ruth's destination ... at home with her Jesus she loved. Rejoicing, I am sure!
Yesterday I attended my aunt's memorial service. It was quite wonderful. I doubt if there was a person there who didn't know her favourite verse was, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24) They had a time when people could share their favourite memories of Aunt Ruth. Many of them included her verse and how she lived with such joy. So many people said the same thing. She loved her Lord with her whole heart and considered each day a joy to serve. A legacy is not made in a few days. It is something that is carved out over time. It is something that requires consistency. As we live each day we are creating our own legacy. We are accumulating the components that will make up our memorial. What will people say about us? What impression will we leave behind? How will our lives be summarized? Over and over people remembered my aunt's desire to serve...her Lord and others. How will we be remembered? As givers or takers? As people of joy or as complainers? As people of dissension or peace? As people of entitlement or as servers? Today is another tally of life. How shall we mark it? What will the end look like? Will our testimony be so certain, so strong, so undeniable that people will say with absolute certainty, "Today she is rejoicing with her Lord," as they said about my Aunt Ruth? I hope so. I want a faith so strong in life that it becomes my legacy in death. Today is Sunday. Even as we grieved, we rejoiced in the certainty of Aunt Ruth's destination ... at home with her Jesus she loved. Rejoicing, I am sure!