Author: LifeBoat

  Babies bring hope to the spirit! The waiting can seem lengthy even when we know the approximate number of days and months before the actual birth.  In the midst of daily events, that birth day will indeed arrive in the fullness of time. Oh what joy! The other side to life does not tend to bring joy, only sadness. During the same months of waiting for new birth, a family might experience illness or emergency events, perhaps even grief. Life brings both extremes. It often seems that life is in conflict with life, but it is the natural way of things on this fallen earth. Life begins and life ends; in between is growth and joy and difficulty and success and stress and fun and each other.

New life in Christ begins with new birth and baby steps also. As we grow in faith, we gain wisdom and knowledge, strength and fortitude. Life no longer seems long or hopeless, even as we wait for the fullness of God’s time for us to serve Him here on earth. Eternal Life is not in opposition to this earthly life. It is the result of what we wait confidently to experience, but, in the meantime, we must continue to go through daily life and whatever the day might hold for us. We do better when we go together and we do best when we go with God.

  Mid-January, in many locations, can be a mixture of freezing temperatures with wonderful sunshine and beautiful scenery, but, also, mild weather and dreary days. The cold season typically includes cold & flu season. Schedules are disrupted by weather or illness, quite often at the same time. Hopefully, there are enough days of fun winter activities to enjoy, as well. Most likely due to the shorter daylight hours, the dark of the evenings stretch ahead of us seemingly at a slow pace.

It is a time to rest a little more because activities might be limited. That can be a good thing for many of us. It can bring some issues for some of us who crave warmth and sunlight. For many years, I had despised January with all its dark unending days which moved too slowly after the busy holiday weeks. Cabin fever reigns easily in my case.

When I eventually realized that enjoying the different pace, even with the disruptions of my schedule, was a blessing in disguise, January became easier to navigate. Blizzards are not something I look forward to, but some snow is acceptable. The peacefulness and beauty which spreads across the landscape is wonderful. The sunshine can reflect God’s artistry with a new perspective each time. It is still difficult to feel so closed in because of the inconvenience and several layers of warm gear. The blessings are there in knowing that we have enough to wear and whatever heating source is available, stores to buy supplies ahead of the storm, and freezers stocked soup for the duration.

The longer evening hours forces a focus on finishing that book or project left undone. Perhaps extra sleep is exactly what is needed for better health. When the curtains are thrown open as the new morning arrives, a variety of birds are flitting about gathering seeds while the astounding sunrise blesses the spirit. The cold winter eventually moves on toward spring’s revival of the earth. Cabin fever recedes and energy rises in the soul.

It is alright to rest. It’s necessary too. Enjoy the slower pace, and then throw that door of your ‘cabin’ wide open for some fresh air! God’s creation is waiting to be enjoyed, no matter the season, no matter the storm. He provides what is needed for each day.

  In all things, may God be magnified.

Despite all things, because of all things, during all things, for all things, after all things, and in all things, God is still God. Almighty God will provide a way for whatever we must endure and His way is always perfect. We can’t understand or imagine His reasons or plans but we must stand on His promises. Keep the faith and watch what God will do!

Twelve months seem to move more quickly each year, do they not? At the conclusion of each year, we review our successes and our losses with a new determination to live ‘better’ or to ‘become a better person in some way.

The turning of a final page on the calendar somehow brings a renewed spirit or a new goal.  After we turn that last page of one year to the first page of a new year, what comes next? A few days of celebration dissolve into the day-to-day routines and soon another twelve months have come and gone again.

As we begin this brand new calendar year, let us resolve to face the challenges ahead, to accept each day as a gift from our Lord, to encourage others on their journey, and to reach out for encouragement when we need it. Lift each other up without expecting anything in return. Lend a helping hand when a need arises or disaster strikes. Pay attention to each other with fresh eyes instead of the jaundiced views of the past. See yourself as God sees you, not what you think you see reflected in that cloudy mirror.

We are His favorite creations, His masterpieces! Move into this new year with the assurance of His promises and His plans. He will make a way when there seems to be none, and His guidance will lead us where we need to go much better than we can imagine or plan. Enjoy the journey! and have a very blessed and happy new year!

  Each December, the world takes a bit of a break from selfishness, disagreement, and bitter discord. At least, we make an attempt to live peacefully, and we realize for a short time that our hearts long for a new way of living. We celebrate with family, friends, and even strangers. We set aside dislike and competition at our workplace. It seems that we truly can get along. Why does it not last? When will the new way become the everyday way? How can we learn to love? When will our hope of a new way, a new life, a new world  finally come to be?

The answer, of course, is the ‘reason for the season’! The birth of a small baby born on this earth many generations ago but who desires to live in our heart. He alone brings new life to our weary soul, new life to this hurting world. If only we will ask Him to dwell within us so that His way becomes our lifelong desire and guidance. Only then will new life be born in us! His Name is Jesus! born in a lowly stable to bring new life to all who will accept His gift. Take heart world! Your hope has come! Accept His gift of Love.

Life. Death. Joy. Sadness. Loss. Gain. Grief. Memory.

Loss and death are part of life. Life changes. Strength fails. How do we manage to go on? Memories are vibrant, become bittersweet, than mellow into precious moments. Joy seems difficult to reclaim in the midst of such extreme sadness. How do we find our way? Those who walk with God, and live this life as believers in Christ, go on to their eternal reward but leave a huge hole in our hearts. We find joy in knowing that they have gained so much more than can be imagined here on earth. It was good to sail awhile together and we are thankful for their support and love. We rejoice that their struggles are over and their pain is replaced with wholeness and new life in the presence of God. That does not end our sadness and grief, it only eases the pain of saying farewell for now. There really is never a straight timeline of emotions. There is a place in our boat which will always remain empty but we must sail on without them. Take heart in the love which they shared and the moments of remembrance will continue to bring blessings.

Are there specific things on your journey which lift you up in spirit or energy?

Perhaps it is as simple as taking a nap, reading in the quietness, or treating yourself to that special dessert once in awhile.  Sometimes, though, we find that we need the support of others to keep us afloat or to keep us from stranding ourselves on a sandbar. How do we lift others up when the waters are too rough to navigate alone? How do we help each other to keep watch for those hidden submerged dangers? Take time to get to know the others in the boat of life. You might be the one whom God uses to rescue them.

There is something peaceful and calming about walking on a beach. The sounds, the smell, the breeze, the beauty seem to restore the mind and body. When it is too cold to totally enjoy the water or no sign that the sun has much warmth to share, there remains a sense of powerful energy.  The freshness of sea air is restorative.

Sometimes, our spirit needs a similar time of rest on the God’s shore. He alone can restore our soul after the ravages of  illness, distress, or a change in our life’s direction. The ship of life is indeed too rocky, too often. God’s peace is abundant, though, when we breathe in His warmth and His strength. We are restored in the freshness of His Love.

Take a walk on shore when you need it. You will find others walking beside you.

 Each year on this date, America takes time to publicly, locally, and sincerely honor and recognize all who have served our nation during wartime and peacetime. The day was set originally to commemorate the ending of WW1. The Second World War followed, in the 1940’s, Korea in the 1950’s, Vietnam in the 60’s & 70’s, and a too-long list of overseas wars continue still. The sacrifices of life or limb or mental stability is overwhelming to even think about for most us. Many of us are blessed to be children of the Greatest Generation who earned respect for their bravery and for rebuilding their lives when they returned home. My generation, when we sent our family members off during the Vietnam Era, sacrificed that sense of security which our parents were diligent to provide after the horrors of  WW2. Few were rewarded when they returned, and instead were vilified for serving in a divisive war. Terror seems to reign on through the years, but those who believe that God is in control can be content to wait for the rewards promised for our service in His Kingdom. Praise God for His grace over our country in such perilous times, and thank a veteran for their brave choice to serve and to protect

  In America, the freedom to vote our conscience is precious to most of us. That freedom was fought for and won through fearsome war and deep debate. It is a bit disheartening for many of us to hear and see the lack of pride in our national heritage of those precious freedoms.  As Christians,  our personal freedom to worship our God and to celebrate our Savior are even more precious to us.  The choice to follow Christ is a personal matter of free-will. The offer is freely given but was paid for by Jesus freely dying on that cross. God’s grace is available to all who choose to follow the Lord of Lords.   Vote for your political choices as an American, but, more importantly, vote for your spiritual leader each day – Jesus, Savior, Lord, King.