God spoke to Moses in Numbers 6:23, saying, Tell Aaron and his sons how you are to bless the Israelites. The benediction God communicated to Moses included an intriguing phrase. Aaron and his sons were to ask Yahweh to make his face shine upon them.
The Power of Blessing
Through the years, I’ve had the opportunity to correspond with Christian friends from various countries. I’ve particularly noticed that they always include a blessing at the beginning and the end of their correspondence, whether written or emailed. My typical American reply seems shallow in comparison to the richness of theirs, yet attempting to add a benediction always seems somewhat contrived.
Opportunity
As we drove away, my children went on and on. “Mom, I’ve never seen you so friendly!” While this wasn’t necessarily encouraging, I also wondered what had come over me. For some reason the young woman working the drive-thru looked like she needed encouragement. I asked her a few questions and realized she was new to town. Would she like to attend church with us? The answer was yes!
Lifeline
My children have recently earned the privilege of staying home alone. At first, my husband and I would only take a walk around the block. Next, we felt comfortable running an errand, and now we leave them alone for a few hours at a time during the daylight hours.
Borders
Sleep is the most precious commodity to a new mother. She will do just about anything to ensure her baby rests for as long as possible. Note on the door? Check. White noise machine? Purchased. Whisper and tiptoe. Obviously.
Unplug
Social media. We have a love-hate relationship. While I do see it’s merit for connecting with friends and sharing God’s Truth, there are other aspects that irritate me. This is probably how most people feel – happy to stay current with friendships, tired of what they consider bragging.
Old Lies
As we stood at the sink washing Thanksgiving dishes, the family secret was revealed. My mom casually mentioned how sad she was when they “put Dudley down.” My hands stopped scrubbing as I turned to her in unbelief. More than 30 years ago, I had believed my parents’ story about our dear German Shepherd they would take to live “on a farm with lots of kids and dogs.”
He Hears My Voice
My precious, elderly mother doesn’t engage in conversation like she did up until a few years ago. I live a few states away from my parents, so our communication is by phone. Dad talks freely while Mom is silent on the phone extension—until we begin our “goodbyes.” Then Mom pipes in, “It’s so good to hear your voice, Karen.” I’m grateful she still recognizes my voice and knows me by name.
I Don't Want to Go
I can’t remember a time when I wrestled so much over a situation. My younger brother, Dave, had just died—unexpectedly and tragically. He had lived thousands of miles away, both physically and emotionally. Only in the last couple of months of his life had we begun to cautiously reconnect.
Buttons and Triggers
We talk about having our “buttons” pushed when someone says or does something that ignites powerful emotions. An array of ugly feelings burst forth when a sensitive spot in our souls is suddenly triggered. We all know at least one difficult person who provides opportunities for us to do the things we don’t want to do (Romans 7:15).
Hope as an Anchor
The largest anchor in the world remains on the deck of the doomed luxury ship, Titanic. It was forged with sixteen tons of high-grade steel in 1910 in Netherton, England, by Hingley’s Anchor Works.
Theives in the Night
We never heard a sound and there was no visible evidence left behind. My newly planted marigolds had mysteriously been stripped of all their foliage. My flowerbed looked like rows of lemon lollipops—flowers on bare stalks. Within days, the vibrant blossoms withered. Their source of life had been consumed. I stood dumbstruck. By the time I figured out what happened it was too late.
What's Your Name?
What is your name? This is one of the first questions we typically ask people upon meeting them. Names are the primary means of identifying each other. Moses was no different in the wilderness when he asked God, “What is your name?”
It's Just a Little
An idea - that’s how it all began.
Pregnant Pause
Pregnancy. I remember those days! Heartburn, trouble sleeping. But also excitement and hopeful expectancy.
The One Thing
My daughter pulled a tangled mass of necklaces from her jewelry box. The intertwined chains resisted her attempts to untangle them. Not to be defeated, my daughter retrieved some wire cutters and began snipping some of the chains.
New Beginnings
A new year has begun! Excitement is in the air! New Year’s Eve parties are celebrated. Fireworks are ignited. New Year’s resolutions are made. Diet and exercise regimens are started. Strategies to read the Bible through in a year are planned. Something about a new year inspires us to attempt new adventures.
Christmas and Changes
Changes. The Christmas story revolves around changes.
Light into Darkness
It was an ordinary night. The shepherds were attending their sheep and watching for intruders by the light of the moon. They had grown accustomed to the darkness, accustomed to watching for shadows that might present danger.
Never Alone
A few years ago, we had a most unusual Christmas day lunch. It was the “in-law Christmas,” and so, our girls and their families were coming the day after Christmas. I had been busy preparing food for the week and just didn’t have the energy to prepare another meal for Christmas day. Therefore, we went to eat at one of the few restaurants open.