Time to Rejoice

Have you ever lost something valuable, searched everywhere for it, and rejoiced when you found it?

My husband, Kenn and I took a trip last weekend to Corpus Christi, Texas. We spent time at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in pursuit of whooping cranes and roseate spoonbills. There we saw several egrets, herons, pelicans, and sandhill cranes—all lovely, but not our primary goal. We returned a second time two days later. Still none in sight. But a person at the visitor center mentioned another nearby location where sightings of both species had occurred. Off we went to the Big Tree in Goose Island State Park.

I love trees, and the Big Tree was no exception. This ancient live oak, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, stood majestically with its branches outstretched. And across from it we found whooping cranes and roseate spoonbills. My pictures aren’t great because we couldn’t get close. But we were grateful to see these birds.

One morning, we toured the USS Lexington—a World War II aircraft carrier that became a museum in 1992. We visited the flight deck containing many aircraft, which included the plane used in the 1986 Top Gun movie. We also toured the junior officer’s quarters, captain’s cabin, engine room, and more. As we ventured from one area to the next, I noticed my purse didn’t feel as full or heavy as usual. I dismissed the thought when I realized I’d stuck my phone in my jean’s pocket and not in my purse.

A few hours later, when I opened my purse, my heart fell. My cash, credit card, and driver’s license were gone, along with my wallet. Had I dropped it? We called the USS Lexington to inquire if anyone had turned one in. They hadn’t. I did my best to remain calm, and we prayed. When we returned to our hotel room, I searched in my suitcase, on the bathroom vanity, and on the bed. I grabbed my camera bag, but I was certain my wallet wasn’t there either.

That’s when my foot touched something underneath the bed. My wallet. It must have slipped out of my purse without me noticing when I took out a pair of clippers that morning. I would have expected to hear a thud when it hit the floor, but I hadn’t.

Not only was I grateful and thanked the Lord, but I couldn’t help but rejoice. If I hadn’t found it, I would have been stuck in Texas. I needed my driver’s license to board the plane home the next day.

When I found my wallet, I imagined that’s how the women in Luke 15:8-10 must have felt when she found her lost coin. She lost something of value and rejoiced when she located it again.

And when she finds it, she calls her friends and
neighbors together and says,
‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’
Luke 15:9, NIV

Kenn and I rejoiced with thanksgiving together.

And I have another wonderful reason to rejoice. When I was lost, the Lord found me. Time to celebrate my Savior—Jesus Christ! Time to rejoice in His birth!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Banner Photo by Joshua J. Cotten - Unsplash

Goodbye Matilda

The time of year has arrived when I need to say goodbye to Matilda—my last ruby-throated hummingbird of the season. But she’s still here. I’m surprised to see her because we endured a severe freeze last week. Hopefully, she’s not too old, young, or ill to make the 500-mile non-stop trip across the Gulf of Mexico.

I’ve enjoyed observing these tiny, yet territorial birds from my dining-room window. When there is more than one bird at the feeder at a time, they become rather rowdy. Their aggressiveness amazes me.

These little creatures know what they want and make sure none of their fellow beings interfere. I chuckle when I see a bird perched on the feeder, not interested in eating, but acting as a lookout to ensure no other birds stop to eat. After a brief skirmish, where one scares off the others, he or she returns to their perch to stand guard once more.

Even though I know this is their typical behavior, I’ve attempted to step outside and share the Word of God with them. Sadly, without success. As hard as I try, they’re not interested in the Golden Rule.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Luke 6:31 (NIV)

Do they want their fellow beings to treat them this same way? Unlikely, but I’m fascinated because they might have chased away their own babies. I suppose, once out of the nest, it’s a fight for survival, where only the strongest can thrive.

I hope I’m not like this, but I know that sometimes my human nature takes over and I’m ready to fight for what I want too. Selfishness is a battle I face every day.

As a silly example, don’t try to steal a slice of my pizza. Just ask my husband. Like the hummingbirds, I’m ready to defend my favorite food, though with less aggression.

Instead of selfishness, I desire to follow the example of my Lord and become a generous giver of good gifts.

Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.
Philippians 2:4 (TPT)

If I hand you a slice of pizza, you’ll know I’m giving you something significant. But if you’re in need of a loaf of bread, I’ll do my best to help with that instead.

I hope Matilda completes her migration, but if she stays, I’ll look after her and provide her with her favorite food. And with Thanksgiving almost here, I’ll be savoring several of mine, but I doubt pizza will be on the menu.

May you experience a wonderful, joy-filled Thanksgiving with family and friends without fighting over that last piece of pie.

A Goofy Daughter

Our youngest daughter described herself to a new acquaintance as goofy. Her friend and I chuckled over that confession, and I shared the story of how our daughter gained Goofy as her nickname when she was eight years old.

My husband and I discovered a remarkable camp in Colorado that gave families with adopted Cambodian children the chance to learn about their cultural background through various activities. We thought the camp would be a great opportunity for her and for us.

The three of us boarded a plane in Nashville, Tennessee, and flew to Denver, Colorado. There, we rented a car and drove to Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby for a few days of camp.

The camp provided a fun environment for adopted children to not only learn about their cultural roots, but to make new friends. She delighted in every moment of the trip, while we captured digital memories to cherish for years to come.

After camp ended, we made our way back to Denver for our flight home. Still settling down from all the excitement, she asked if she could borrow my camera to take pictures from the backseat window. Seemed reasonable. With majestic mountains, peaceful streams, and winding roads, the area was a photographer’s dream.

But she wasn’t captivated by any of those breathtaking sights. She was on a mission to document every outdoor bathroom she encountered, snapping pictures of rest stops and portable toilets. Her new hobby earned her the playful nickname Goofy.

As I shared the story with her friend about how she earned her nickname, the sound of our daughter’s belly laugh got her friend and me laughing too. Once our daughter composed herself, she asked, “But why did I want to take pictures of bathrooms?”

Well honey, I guess it’s because you really are goofy.

Even at twenty-four, her nickname still suits her. She’s quite an amusing character, or as we say in the south, a real hoot.

A joyful, cheerful heart brings healing to both body and soul.
Proverbs 17:22a, TPT 

Do you or someone close to you have a childhood nickname that still fits?

Hope and Promises

Have you completed a reading/study plan with YouVersion’s Bible app? This year, I’m working on “The One Year Chronological Bible” plan. I did well for several months, but now I’m a little behind and trying to catch up.

Throughout the Book of Isaiah, I highlighted several verses that spoke to me. According to my study Bible,* Isaiah’s greatest purpose, “... was to lay a foundation of hope and promise for the faithful remnant of God’s people.”

I’d like to share a few of Isaiah’s words of hope and promises with you.

There are several well-known and often quoted verses in Isaiah, such as Isaiah 40:31, 41:10, and 61:1. You may also be familiar with these quoted below from the New Living Translation.

See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.
Isaiah 12:2 

He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
Isaiah 40:11 

For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, “Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.”
Isaiah 41:13

Isaiah 12:2 speaks of God’s salvation, which gives me eternal hope and strength to face each day.

The Lord’s gentleness is on full display in Isaiah 40:11 when I picture Him carrying a lamb in His arms. He promises to meet my needs, carry me when I am weak, draw me near to His heart, and lead me through everything I encounter.

Isaiah 41:13 is a promise that I hold on to. It fills me with peace to know that God is always with me, especially when I drive (not my favorite thing to do). I reach over to the passenger seat, offer the Lord my right hand, and acknowledge Him sitting next to me. “Thank you, Lord, for riding along and watching over me as I drive.”

The hope and promises I found in Isaiah’s words can be a source of comfort and inspiration for you too. Among the above verses, was there one that spoke to your heart? Please share in the comments below.

*Hayford, Jack W., et al. New Spirit-Filled Life Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2002.

Photo by Dan Meyers - Unsplash

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