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 50 Archives
Year 5; Day 345 Making Room
We sang "Joy to the World" in church yesterday. Part of the first verse says, "Let every heart prepare Him room..." I would think it is especially appropriate to prepare room for Him during Christmas. But do we? Consciously, deliberately, on purpose make room for Jesus...especially during the Christmas season? I make room for gift buying and house decorating. I make room for sitting in front of my tree with a cup of tea. I make room for baking and having family over, for reading, and television. But do I make room for Jesus? Well, I read the Christmas story. I usually write a few posts on Christmas. But do I make room for Jesus? Somehow I think it means more than all the above. Do I make room for Jesus to speak to me? To correct me? Teach me? Challenge me? Change me? Do I make room for His thoughts? His whispers? His ways? His character? His will? Do I make room for listening instead of a steady one-sided talking on my part? Do I make room for whatever He would require of me? No matter what I may answer...maybe, sometimes, mostly, partly...I feel something different this season. Perhaps it is having so much family around. Or maybe it is the heightened sense of love and appreciation to God, son, and his family for this marvelous gift of a visit. My heart is filled with a desire to know Jesus on a deeper level...to make room...to make more room. Today is Monday. "But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29
We sang "Joy to the World" in church yesterday. Part of the first verse says, "Let every heart prepare Him room..." I would think it is especially appropriate to prepare room for Him during Christmas. But do we? Consciously, deliberately, on purpose make room for Jesus...especially during the Christmas season? I make room for gift buying and house decorating. I make room for sitting in front of my tree with a cup of tea. I make room for baking and having family over, for reading, and television. But do I make room for Jesus? Well, I read the Christmas story. I usually write a few posts on Christmas. But do I make room for Jesus? Somehow I think it means more than all the above. Do I make room for Jesus to speak to me? To correct me? Teach me? Challenge me? Change me? Do I make room for His thoughts? His whispers? His ways? His character? His will? Do I make room for listening instead of a steady one-sided talking on my part? Do I make room for whatever He would require of me? No matter what I may answer...maybe, sometimes, mostly, partly...I feel something different this season. Perhaps it is having so much family around. Or maybe it is the heightened sense of love and appreciation to God, son, and his family for this marvelous gift of a visit. My heart is filled with a desire to know Jesus on a deeper level...to make room...to make more room. Today is Monday. "But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29
Year 5; Day 346 Uniquely United
Living with five grandchildren over these last few days has caused me to marvel at the uniqueness of their individual personalities and interests. One is quiet and wants to be an engineer. Another has decided to never grow up and intends to live in an amusement park. A third would like to be a pastry chef and another a stay-at-home mom with a big fruit and vegetables garden. She would provide fresh produce to the pastry chef in their business partnership. And another wants to be a veterinarian with an animal shelter or live on a farm. Quite the diverse interests considering they all come from the same home. They are all reflections of a Creator who, despite billions of people, stamps His hallmark of uniqueness on each one. And at some point in time, all of us, no matter where we live, what we do, or who we are, will be, despite our diverseness, united in an action. "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." (Philippians 2:10,11) For some it will be an acknowledgement. For others it will be an act of worship. For some it will be for the first time. For others it will be as natural as breathing. Like a four part choir that all of a sudden unites in singing in unison, the diversity and uniqueness of creation will come together in one huge, unifying act. I can't imagine. It is hard to get five grands to all agree. How will it be with billions in agreement? I intend to be a willing participant. Today is Tuesday. When I bow my knee, I want it to be as natural as breathing.
Living with five grandchildren over these last few days has caused me to marvel at the uniqueness of their individual personalities and interests. One is quiet and wants to be an engineer. Another has decided to never grow up and intends to live in an amusement park. A third would like to be a pastry chef and another a stay-at-home mom with a big fruit and vegetables garden. She would provide fresh produce to the pastry chef in their business partnership. And another wants to be a veterinarian with an animal shelter or live on a farm. Quite the diverse interests considering they all come from the same home. They are all reflections of a Creator who, despite billions of people, stamps His hallmark of uniqueness on each one. And at some point in time, all of us, no matter where we live, what we do, or who we are, will be, despite our diverseness, united in an action. "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." (Philippians 2:10,11) For some it will be an acknowledgement. For others it will be an act of worship. For some it will be for the first time. For others it will be as natural as breathing. Like a four part choir that all of a sudden unites in singing in unison, the diversity and uniqueness of creation will come together in one huge, unifying act. I can't imagine. It is hard to get five grands to all agree. How will it be with billions in agreement? I intend to be a willing participant. Today is Tuesday. When I bow my knee, I want it to be as natural as breathing.
Year 5; Day 347 A Child's Example
You forget what it's like to have children around when you're retired and family lives away. The activity, the voices, the laughter, the comments, the energy. Something was being said about money and grand-daughter #1 said she could live on $100 a month for food. To back up her claim she said she felt she could "live conservative". Good advice. Grandson #2 came in from a ride on the quad and said he loved the "bite of the wind" on his cheeks. Grandson #1 asked for paper and made a paper airplane. He proudly announced it was his own design and gave it a zoom. It twisted, staggered, and fell to the floor. We all laughed. He was undaunted and worked until it worked. They have all plunked away on the keyboard with determination. The living room is the center of activity and I have looked up to see schoolwork being done, a book being read, a game being played, or a bowl of blueberries being devoured at the table temporarily set up. But it is the innocent voices in prayer each night that get me the most. They talk to God easily and naturally. They live life with an exuberance and joy. They are a good reminder to us "oldsters" that while the body might age, the heart and mind can still laugh and enjoy the blessings of each day. Grand-daughter #1 asked me if I was going to get "glassy-eyed" when they left. When I asked her what she meant, she said, "You know, full of tears." I expect so. Today is Wednesday. "...and a little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:6)
You forget what it's like to have children around when you're retired and family lives away. The activity, the voices, the laughter, the comments, the energy. Something was being said about money and grand-daughter #1 said she could live on $100 a month for food. To back up her claim she said she felt she could "live conservative". Good advice. Grandson #2 came in from a ride on the quad and said he loved the "bite of the wind" on his cheeks. Grandson #1 asked for paper and made a paper airplane. He proudly announced it was his own design and gave it a zoom. It twisted, staggered, and fell to the floor. We all laughed. He was undaunted and worked until it worked. They have all plunked away on the keyboard with determination. The living room is the center of activity and I have looked up to see schoolwork being done, a book being read, a game being played, or a bowl of blueberries being devoured at the table temporarily set up. But it is the innocent voices in prayer each night that get me the most. They talk to God easily and naturally. They live life with an exuberance and joy. They are a good reminder to us "oldsters" that while the body might age, the heart and mind can still laugh and enjoy the blessings of each day. Grand-daughter #1 asked me if I was going to get "glassy-eyed" when they left. When I asked her what she meant, she said, "You know, full of tears." I expect so. Today is Wednesday. "...and a little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:6)
Year 5; Day 348 An Oasis
I love that God has our best interests at heart. That His decisions and precepts are not based on whimsy or after-thought or faulty reasoning. Like family. Family was God's idea. He could have created us to live in isolation or only be together for short periods of time but that wasn't His best for us. He gave us the family unit in which to love, nurture, and grow all of us...children and adults. Last night most of us sat at the big, folding table in the living room. Four at one end playing Masterpiece and four at the other end playing Quixx. All participating. All interacting. All safe and warm. Snacking on Bits and Bites, Munchies, and Dill Pickle Chips. All known and loved and wanted. Just being together. Parents, children, grandchildren. As I looked around the table, I wanted to stamp the image on my mind. Every night during devotions when it is my turn to pray, I want to say the same thing..."Thank you, thank you, thank you." I know they will be leaving soon. That all this is not permanent. But it is like an oasis on the journey of life. A time of concentrated family and love and making of memories. Memories that will bring a smile and an inner warmth when it is cold outside or encouragement when discouraged or joy when sad. Life isn't always like this but this is a season for us...a time to remember and cherish. You will have your times too. Today is Thursday. "May the Lord bless you...all the days of your life;...and may you live to see your children's children." (Psalm 128:5) I am thankful.
I love that God has our best interests at heart. That His decisions and precepts are not based on whimsy or after-thought or faulty reasoning. Like family. Family was God's idea. He could have created us to live in isolation or only be together for short periods of time but that wasn't His best for us. He gave us the family unit in which to love, nurture, and grow all of us...children and adults. Last night most of us sat at the big, folding table in the living room. Four at one end playing Masterpiece and four at the other end playing Quixx. All participating. All interacting. All safe and warm. Snacking on Bits and Bites, Munchies, and Dill Pickle Chips. All known and loved and wanted. Just being together. Parents, children, grandchildren. As I looked around the table, I wanted to stamp the image on my mind. Every night during devotions when it is my turn to pray, I want to say the same thing..."Thank you, thank you, thank you." I know they will be leaving soon. That all this is not permanent. But it is like an oasis on the journey of life. A time of concentrated family and love and making of memories. Memories that will bring a smile and an inner warmth when it is cold outside or encouragement when discouraged or joy when sad. Life isn't always like this but this is a season for us...a time to remember and cherish. You will have your times too. Today is Thursday. "May the Lord bless you...all the days of your life;...and may you live to see your children's children." (Psalm 128:5) I am thankful.
Year 5; Day 349 The Greatest is Love
So much of life is waiting...and then the event happens...and then it is over. Last night was the last...the last movie watched together with the grands (The Lorax), the last game played (Masterpiece), and grandson#1 came over to especially give me his last hug good night. I was "glassy-eyed". One grandchild had a bit of a tiff with a sibling and I went up to try and mediate (parents were having a date night). She was crying and I started to also. The next thing I feel is two little arms going around me and a comforting pat. How I will miss them all. I thought about Jesus as He spent His last hours with His disciples. Their last supper, their last conversations, Jesus trying to prepare them for what was to come. Did His heart ache a bit at parting with His disciples? Would He miss the day-to-day interaction? I would like to think so. But He knew, just as I do, that parting among believers is never final. Barring the unforseen, I will see my son and family again. Discussion is already under way. Before that comes a tearful (very glassy-eyed) good-bye and back to waiting mode. But I have the comfort of faith, the assurance of hope, and the joy and memories of love. I look ahead with expectation. Today is Friday. "And these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (I Corinthians 13:13) I treasure my glimpses of heaven while here on earth.
So much of life is waiting...and then the event happens...and then it is over. Last night was the last...the last movie watched together with the grands (The Lorax), the last game played (Masterpiece), and grandson#1 came over to especially give me his last hug good night. I was "glassy-eyed". One grandchild had a bit of a tiff with a sibling and I went up to try and mediate (parents were having a date night). She was crying and I started to also. The next thing I feel is two little arms going around me and a comforting pat. How I will miss them all. I thought about Jesus as He spent His last hours with His disciples. Their last supper, their last conversations, Jesus trying to prepare them for what was to come. Did His heart ache a bit at parting with His disciples? Would He miss the day-to-day interaction? I would like to think so. But He knew, just as I do, that parting among believers is never final. Barring the unforseen, I will see my son and family again. Discussion is already under way. Before that comes a tearful (very glassy-eyed) good-bye and back to waiting mode. But I have the comfort of faith, the assurance of hope, and the joy and memories of love. I look ahead with expectation. Today is Friday. "And these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (I Corinthians 13:13) I treasure my glimpses of heaven while here on earth.
Year 5; Day 350 Grateful
It is hard to put into words what these last 10 days have meant to me...how they have affected me...changed me...taught me. I think it will take time to ponder and reflect. I will miss all their faces so much. Every morning there were hugs without asking. A lap was rarely empty. One loved my cherry cheese cake, another my fruit cake. All the girls loved blueberries and the youngest would have a blueberry smile every time she finished a bowl. All are excellent game players and I lost fair and square numerous times. Grandson #1 and I made a pact to think of each other whenever we ate Pringles. It wasn't without squabbles but under, surrounding, and supporting everything was love. Yes, I was "glassy-eyed" at the airport (and several times before) and grand-daughter and I shared a laugh when she looked at me and saw the sheen. My heart overflows with gratitude to son and wife for undertaking such a cross-country endeavor. I am grateful to daughter-in-law who felt impressed in church to take this trip and followed through. And to God, I still have no words to adequately express my heart. This was so beyond anything we ever prayed for or imagined. I know I won't be staying on this mountain top forever. Life isn't like that. But for now I will enjoy the view, bask in the memories, and be strengthened for whatever lies ahead. Today is Saturday. "...Who, O God, is like you?...I will praise you...for your faithfulness, O my God;..." (Psalm 71:19,22)
It is hard to put into words what these last 10 days have meant to me...how they have affected me...changed me...taught me. I think it will take time to ponder and reflect. I will miss all their faces so much. Every morning there were hugs without asking. A lap was rarely empty. One loved my cherry cheese cake, another my fruit cake. All the girls loved blueberries and the youngest would have a blueberry smile every time she finished a bowl. All are excellent game players and I lost fair and square numerous times. Grandson #1 and I made a pact to think of each other whenever we ate Pringles. It wasn't without squabbles but under, surrounding, and supporting everything was love. Yes, I was "glassy-eyed" at the airport (and several times before) and grand-daughter and I shared a laugh when she looked at me and saw the sheen. My heart overflows with gratitude to son and wife for undertaking such a cross-country endeavor. I am grateful to daughter-in-law who felt impressed in church to take this trip and followed through. And to God, I still have no words to adequately express my heart. This was so beyond anything we ever prayed for or imagined. I know I won't be staying on this mountain top forever. Life isn't like that. But for now I will enjoy the view, bask in the memories, and be strengthened for whatever lies ahead. Today is Saturday. "...Who, O God, is like you?...I will praise you...for your faithfulness, O my God;..." (Psalm 71:19,22)
Year 5; Day 351 The Gift of Grace
I read (or heard) a devotional that asked if God's grace was the only gift we received from Him while here on earth, would that be enough? Would we be content with that...salvation, forgiveness, eternal life...and everything else be considered gravy, extra, added blessings? The visit of son and family was truly wonderful but it didn't last forever. They have gone home. Gifts break, get outgrown, get used up, lost, forgotten. Usually a gift is meant for a specific person and it may or may not suit them. Who hasn't received a gift of some sort that begged the question, "What were they thinking?" When son was a teenager he received some birthday presents in the mail from my mother. I still remember his diplomatic response of, "That's interesting, " as he held up a distinctly feminine vest. My mother had accidently mailed him my sister's Christmas gifts. But the gift of God's grace is unlike any other. It came in the form of a baby. The sacrifice, death and resurrection of that life made available a gift of personal salvation...an opportunity to repair and restore a broken relationship. The gift of God's grace is universal. It is available to "whosoever will". The gift of God's grace is eternal. It does not get left behind. It starts in this life and carries over into the next. It never wears out, expires, or gets broken. In fact, God's grace grows, expands, and increases with age. If we never received another blessing from God apart from His grace, we have received a gift beyond measure. Today is Sunday. "But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people." (Luke 2:10) The best news ever!
I read (or heard) a devotional that asked if God's grace was the only gift we received from Him while here on earth, would that be enough? Would we be content with that...salvation, forgiveness, eternal life...and everything else be considered gravy, extra, added blessings? The visit of son and family was truly wonderful but it didn't last forever. They have gone home. Gifts break, get outgrown, get used up, lost, forgotten. Usually a gift is meant for a specific person and it may or may not suit them. Who hasn't received a gift of some sort that begged the question, "What were they thinking?" When son was a teenager he received some birthday presents in the mail from my mother. I still remember his diplomatic response of, "That's interesting, " as he held up a distinctly feminine vest. My mother had accidently mailed him my sister's Christmas gifts. But the gift of God's grace is unlike any other. It came in the form of a baby. The sacrifice, death and resurrection of that life made available a gift of personal salvation...an opportunity to repair and restore a broken relationship. The gift of God's grace is universal. It is available to "whosoever will". The gift of God's grace is eternal. It does not get left behind. It starts in this life and carries over into the next. It never wears out, expires, or gets broken. In fact, God's grace grows, expands, and increases with age. If we never received another blessing from God apart from His grace, we have received a gift beyond measure. Today is Sunday. "But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people." (Luke 2:10) The best news ever!