A Weekly Walk in the Word

Matthew 9:36 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (CEB)

The past month has left me feeling troubled and helpless most days. I am so thankful for my shepherd who has had compassion on me. Jesus has wrapped me in his love through the hugs and prayers of friends, family and strangers who are becoming fast friends. He has sent angels when I have needed them most. They have held me up when I could not stand. I am able to move forward, because during the darkest days, my shepherd is faithful and has never left my side.

In early November I took a watercolor class at Nash Lake Farm. Seth’s comment when he saw the sheep card I painted was “My made gift for Christmas this year? Please and Thank you” Last week I painted over 100 sheep Thank You cards. I wasn’t able to give Seth watercolor sheep, but I am able to give the painted cards to those who loved him.

Luke 2:8-20 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried on and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. it Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

A good friend gifted me a hand cut wooden cardinal ornament with this poem attached….. HELLO FROM HEAVEN

Seeing a cardinal can feel like getting a little hello from heaven, especially when you’re missing someone who’s passed away. It’s like they’re popping in to say, “I’m here, and I’m okay.” They show up just for a bit, usually when you’re feeling down, as if they’re sent to lift up your spirits. It’s a comforting thought that they’re not really gone, their spirit is still around keeping you company. So next time a cardinal crosses your path, pay attention to its sign. It may have a message for you or a blessing to align.

On Thursday morning with my cup of coffee in hand, I paused from Christmas baking to look out over the freshly fallen snow. Two cardinals flew by. They were easy to spot with the glistening snow covering our yard. And then there were more. I am not sure what you call a group of cardinals, but this flock of red birds began landing in a small scrub tree right outside my window. FOURTEEN cardinals! They lingered most of the morning, flying in and out of the tree. It felt like they were looking in the window as I watched with a smile on my face. God is good. Even in the hardest times. Where have you seen God this week?

Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

God has given me words to write for almost ten years on this blog. Today there are no words, just tears.

http://www.hofmeisterjones.com/obituary/seth-playter

1 Chronicles 16:8-9 Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. The days are growing cooler and the nights are growing longer. As I settle into a new cozy winter routine, it is the perfect time to reflect on all I have to be thankful for. Even though this year has brought struggles, God has seen me through to the other side. And for that I am extremely thankful. God is good. This week, all of my children will be home to celebrate Thanksgiving. A blessing I do not take for granted. I am thankful for each one of them.

What does your thanksgiving list include? Or, better yet…. Who does your thanksgiving list include? Sing praises to God as you give thanks for all the blessings in your life. Share your gratitude with others.

I would be remiss if I didn’t give thanks for all of you. Thank you to my readers who show up every week to read the words God has placed on my heart. Your loyalty and encouragement mean the world to me. I thank God for you!

1 Timothy 5:3-4 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

It is a privilege to care for family. My dad moved into an assisted living facility after mom passed away. I talk to him regularly on the phone, but there is nothing that can replace a big bear hug from your parent. I visited dad this week just to get one of those hugs. He beamed as he introduced me to his friends in the complex. He smiled ear to ear while I cut his hair. We enjoyed eating burgers together. We shared stories from the past. I went to care for my dad, but I was the one walking away blessed. I drove back to Minnesota with a heart full of love, looking forward to the next time I see my dad. Caring for the widows is a gift, not an obligation. How are you caring for the elderly in your life?

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

This time of year, I start planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, parties and preparing the house. In years past I was so proud to do it all myself. I wanted everything to be baked, dusted and hung before any of our guests arrived. I have since changed my thinking. When I was making applesauce this fall by myself, I reflected on the days when Mike’s aunt peeled the apples, I cooked the apples and his mom blended the apples into sauce. I learned so much during those days and felt blessed to be invited to be part of their annual sauce making day. A crowded kitchen is a holy place.

This year at our house, guests will bring their favorite side dishes. We will enjoy a Christmas baking day. And I might even talk the kids into helping decorate the tree with all their favorite childhood ornaments. God created us to work together. By sharing the load, we aren’t only dividing tasks, we are multiplying joy.

Luke 10:29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

An expert of the law asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life. He answered his own question in verse 27 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” Then he asked Jesus for clarification to justify himself. “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus continues by telling the well known parable of the Good Samaritan.

We have a Good Samaritan in our neighborhood. I spent many hours this summer painting a barn quilt on two pieces of 4ft x 8ft plywood. After several coats of polyurethane over the painted star, it was time to hang the 8 foot square quilt. Our neighbor showed up, like he always does. He brought his boom truck and carpentry skills. Within an hour, we had the new addition hung on our barn. When I tried to pay him for his time and equipment, his response was “I am old school. This is what neighbors do.” What an example!

And who is your neighbor? How can you help the young couple across the street or the widow next door? Your outreach doesn’t stop in your neighborhood, but reaches to anyone in need throughout the world. How will you care for your neighbor?

The Parable of the Good Samaritan – Luke 10:30-37 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going Dow from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver counts and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.

When we follow God’s will and not our own, amazing things happen. I never set out to be a writer or a blogger, but God did. He had a plan for me. It took a few years for me to slow down enough to listen and follow. This week I received cover designs for my second book, “Women Walking in the Word”. I can feel God working through my writing as I work on the final edit. I can’t wait to share this book with my girlfriends. God’s will is so much greater than anything I could have ever imagined.