Bragging on a Gift

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©jb katke

Did you ever have one of those days? Maybe that ran into a week? Mine are running into two weeks. Possibly three. Consecutive. It’s best I don’t keep track.

Mine began with coffee. Spilling it. The first time was at Bible Study. “Oh, it’s not that bad,” said a friend. Looking at my no longer snow-white sweater forced me to disagree.

“I have to go change, but I’ll be right back.”

The second instance was spilling all over the puzzle table. Fortunately, not on the puzzle that was on loan from a friend. Things can always be worse. Right? The puzzle was spared of the unintentional baptism. That was a down-right blessing, because it was not ours, but a gift from his kids. And there are those who do not believe in God!

My third escapade with coffee was again at home. During a personal Bible study. Working at an already full tabletop, I juggled a couple books on my lap as I held the coffee cup. The books shifted and you can figure the rest out. I was glad we had ripped out the carpet and installed LVP flooring.

Back at church with my Bible Study table ladies, I shared the above. The consensus was I should not be allowed coffee. But I like my coffee.

I tried to make light of it. “I’s not hard and I don’t mean to brag, it’s a gift.”

And it keeps on giving. A couple weeks ago, my beloved Dave came upstairs from his shop. “What’s that smell?”

Pecking away at my computer, “I don’t know. What does it smell like?”

“If I knew that, I wouldn’t have asked what the smell was.”  Silence.

Last week, again coming up from the lower depths of his basement shop, “I figured out what that smell was.”

“Oh?” I was again at the computer.

“Yeah, it’s you thinking of what you are writing.”

Funny, but true words. It takes time and thought to give voice to things. Nor should it be rushed.

For that matter, neither should I. Quickly I changed my shirt before heading to the beauty shop for a trim job. Getting out of her chair, my hairdresser, “Turn around. Your shirt is on backwards, your pockets are on your back!”

In the words of Charlie Brown, “Good grief.”

They Made Me Cry

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© jb katke

Children do not realize how they can bring parents to their knees. Well—maybe the grown-up ones know.

This has been an emotional week, triggered by our youngest. The text message read: “I’m in a bad place right now and need to talk with you & Dad. But my schedule is full until Thursday, can we meet then for dinner?”

My heart sank. A momma never wants her child to hurt. What could it be? The unthinkable crossed my mind, only maybe she got fired from her job. Then what? There was nothing I or her dad could do but wait it out.

A week went by until our dinner date.

Wednesday night arrived and was told she is on her way here now. What was so urgent that could not wait one more day for us to resolve? (I was proud of myself for not voicing my what- ifs to Dave. He would only counteract them with platitudes.)

Upon arrival, in she walked with her out-of-state brother! Oh no. Things were so bad she had to call upon him to set things right?

As the truth comes out, nothing was wrong. Jamie was here on business and made a point of visiting us. The two of them, correction, three, Dave was in on this surprise too. Tears of joy flowed. Our times together are few and far between.

The evening at the restaurant we were chatting it up. People passed by to be seated but we paid no mind—until a figure out of the corner of my eye stopped at our table. Cindy! Our out-of-state daughter, traveled to join us for dinner. More tears flowed.

Four states of the Union were represented. A rare and precious time was had by all. After dinner we gathered at home, where more laughter and tears reigned. Families that live close by miss out on the thrill of the surprise. Just as Jesus would have it, we were united in spirit.

We reveled in the joy as past memories came to the forefront. In so doing, we made an additional memory. I’ve made a personal decision that has yet to be announced. We can make this an annual event.

It’s not easy for me to say that because of the miles between us. But the degree of love we share does not know distance—we just pick up where we left off the last time we were together. Ditto for the love Jesus has for us. He is capable of pulling off a few surprises too.

TMI Risk

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© jb katke

Can I do this?

I had the best experience from an undesirable situation. But I don’t want to gross you out. Let’s see if I can share without offending you. Let me know if I succeed, please.

The date was set during the Christmas season last year. Not the best time of year, but then when is a good time for medical procedures? This was not my first rodeo. The last time was horrible and wound up making me sick. Just to find out if all my innards are as they should be.

The process began five days in advance of the doctor visit. Happenstantially, it was at this time that something jumped out to me from my Bible study. “Purification ceremony” presented itself for me to contemplate. My five-day advance took on new meaning. John chapter eleven, verse fifty-five is where I was reading.

A little back story for you to understand the scene I had read. This was prior to Jesus being crucified on the cross. It was during the Jewish Passover celebration. People came from all over to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices in worship. The need was for the participants to be cleansed in order to meet the criteria of sacrificing.

Because I was on a special diet that would become more intense as the hospital arrival day neared—I latched onto this purification and took it personally. Literally, I was undergoing a cleansing. The day before was a clear liquid diet.

I was ready for what was coming, with anticipation. For the procedure itself, I’m unconscious. Although waking up is usually difficult, at least it would all be over. To my surprise, I woke up alert! The good news is all is well for me until five years when I get do a repeat performance. I’m not dreading it either.

  1. More than once I discussed this with Jesus. Generally speaking, thinking is always worse than the actual ordeal.
  2. The directions were different compared to my previous experience.
  3. I prayed for an accepting heart to do what must be done.

What made the difference? Was it my nagging the Lord over this concern? The more palatable directions? Or praying for an accepting heart? My answer is yes to all of the above.

The things that concern us, are in Jesus’s wheelhouse. He’s got this. Stuff that we have no control over are his specialty.

Seasonal Place

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I find myself in an interesting place. Writing wise.

Although Christmas is over, the aura of the season continues on until the New Year comes. Currently I am in the process of writing a devotional, unlike most you see. Stay tuned on that, but do not hold your breathe.

It takes time. I am in the middle of April on that project. April is a time of new growth, spring rains, and celebrating Easter. Not everyone realizes that Easter is a religious observance of Jesus’s death—the Creator/Savior of the world.

If ever there was a man on a mission, it was Jesus.

Christmas is the time of year many celebrate the birth of Jesus. Conceived in the most unusual way. The Good Book speaks of him cover to cover. I recommend it if you want to meet the man, the legend, you can read all about Him.

He was not the Savior many created in their minds-eye. A king was expected, a king He was (is actually) but not of this world. He comes from and has returned to another realm.

Without Christmas there would be no Easter.

Both revolve around the same man.

Without Easter, there would be no hope.

Through Easter we observe who Jesus really is and how he died a horrific death. Not as a martyr but for a good cause. He loved people enough that he wants everyone to join him in this other realm. To do that, He had to die so that a comfortor could come and help us persevere until it was time for us to join him. Again, you will find the whole story in the Good Book.

The Christmas hymn Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, penned by Charles Wesley still lingers in the air. It speaks of ‘peace on earth, goodwill to men.’ We will see that in Jesus’s realm.

In the Easter season, we sing, Low in the Grave He Lay, written by Robert Lowry, His words include, ‘up from the grave he rose.’ Not everyone believes that, but know, that is where hope stems from.

As we embark on another new year, I wish for you to have hope. Hope springs eternal and is what keeps us moving forward.

Happy New Year!

Seasons Greeting

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© jb katke

Much of the world is celebrating the birth of Jesus, our Creator Savior.

You cannot do wrong by carrying the memory of all He means to you, because He loved you first. Only Jesus can give the peace we all desire.

My wish for you is to have a safe, memorable Christmas filled with the makings of contentment and good memories.

Merry Christmas!

Have You Been Robbed?

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Has the evil Grinch Dr Seus created in his children’s book How the Grinch Stole Christmas robbed you of all seasonal good will? It takes no effort on our part to feel overwhelmed from the things associated with Christmas. How can a person keep Jesus in mind as we celebrate his birth?

The words I share with you today are not all mine. Recently I listened to a message from missionary, Joy Owens, on how to keep our focus on the true message of Christmas. She helped me see references in the Good Book on how to get through the busy days ahead. I wish to share them with you.

Did you make a to-do list? Joy did.

  • Christmas lights: John 1:9 tells us Jesus is the light of the world.
  • Santa Claus: The original St Nick was Nichalos of Bari, a Greek Bishop known for his many miracles and love of secret gift-giving. He is the forerunner for who we recognize as Santa today. The Wise Men brought gifts to the new baby king.
  • Christmas tree: Think of the history in your ancestry family tree. Some were good, others not so much. The first chapter in Matthew lays out Jesus’s family tree. Notice the imperfection of some folks. Yet Jesus came from those roots. He has the ability to make goodness come regardless of your background.
  • Family dynamics: Despite our best laid plans of what must be, consulting Jesus’s will is crucial.  Jeremiah 29:11 says Jesus has his own ideas meant for our good.
  • Baking: John 6:58 says Jesus is the true bread from heaven.
  • Music: Many of the Christmas carols we sing carry the message of Jesus. Think Joy to the World, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, and more currently, Mary Did You Know?
  • Traveling: Are you planning a trip to see loved ones? Keep in mind the shepherds that traveled to see the newborn baby, the Wise Men noting a bright star and followed where it led, and Joseph and Mary traveling to be part of the census. The one that traveled the farthest was Jesus coming from heaven to earth.
  • Spending money/Gift -giving: It takes time and sacrifice in giving to those we love. Reflect how much it cost Jesus to offer his gift of salvation. His is the to-die-for kind of love.
  • House-cleaning: Forget the house, it will only get trashed with festivities anyway. Instead follow the words of Psalm 51:10. Ask Jesus to give you a clean heart, a renewed mind, and a right spirit.

Let the above words bring joy back into your holidays. Jesus did not arrive in a nursery months in the making, but a stable meant for animals. He is a simple son of God, known as our Messiah, Savior of the world. Allow him to restore your Christmas spirit so you can enjoy the peace he brought to earth.

Thanksgiving Wishes

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© jb katke

Have you ever had a missed opportunity?

My most recent missed event came from a routine trip to my local Walmart for a few groceries. As I went through the store I found myself behind a shopper dressed in her camouflaged Army uniform.

As I passed her, I hesitated long enough to thank her for her service to our country. Her response stopped me in my tracks. Putting hand to heart, “Thank you for the opportunity to serve.” What a gracious young woman.

How I wished I had noted her name, taken a picture—anything to have further honored this soldier. She deserved it as we find our military, police, and first responders being dragged through verbal mud.

I just don’t think fast enough.

We are in the time of year when lots of thinking is going on. We think of the family member that won’t be at the table this Thanksgiving. We think of the gifts we wish to buy for our loved ones. We think of past holidays—when the kids were little and thought they would never grow up.

They are now and have a life of their own that may not include us. We invested so much of ourselves. Missed opportunities to treasure what we had. But they are adulting, and that is commendable of them.

Would it surprise you to learn that Jesus thinks of you daily? He invested too. In mankind. Jesus knows what it feels like to be left out—as we go about our busy lives. He literally gave us his all, dying for our thoughtlessness.

As our holiday season approaches—do it different this year. Instead of mourning lost opportunities, make the best of what you have. Some have more than others, but we all have the same amount of time.

A portion of this afternoon was spent rummaging through a few family heirlooms. I came across a letter my Aunt Jane wrote to Jesus. Some were words of confession over her unmet past opportunities—but in the bottom line of her wishes—she asked for wisdom to live out the rest of her life seeking his direction on how to spend her remaining days investing in others.

I share her sentiment and hope you give it consideration too.

Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving

Elephant Eating

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Today I have tackled eating an elephant. Figuratively speaking. How does one eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

My ‘elephant’ is in the sewing room with a dreaded project hanging over my head. Let it be said here that knowing how to run a sewing machine does not equate to being a skilled seamstress. Or in this case, a tailor. The zipper on my windbreaker jacket broke and needed replacement.

Some time back I ordered a white separating zipper online for a bathrobe. The package was delivered in a timely manner with one little problem—the zipper was black. Realization comes to me slowly at times. The windbreaker is black.

In my thinking spot I realized this was to my benefit. Take out the broken and replace with the already paid for mistake. Easy to say, a challenge to do. What I did not realize is how well made the windbreaker is. Really well made. To ensure that all the pieces of jacket remained in place I basted before I started ripping out. Unfortunately, the zipper also wanted to remain in place. I suspect fabric glue was part of the construction.

As I basted away I came across a surprise. Inside the jacket is a hidden pocket! I love inner pockets and thrilled at what I have hidden in plain sight. Visions of sugar plums dance in my head as to what I can now carry sheltered from wind or rain.

Well—sometime anyway. My days are full and this project will not be accomplished anytime soon. Completion may not come until the dead of winter when it will be too cold to wear a jacket. Baby steps. One bite at a time. This was a dreaded project because seldom can I make a repair on a ready-made garment and have it looking as good as a factory finish. My skills do not match my intentioned goals. But it will work, even though it may look as though I tampered with it.

Look closely at what you may have hidden in plain sight. Whether it be a pocket, an opportunity or something packed away. You know what I’m talking about—that thing you could not bear to part with because someday it could be useful. Today may be your day.

Life is like that. So is Jesus. Do you have circumstances that you dread—fearing it is going to be a big deal? Something you would rather not deal with? I get it.

As far as this zipper project goes, I have decided to ask Jesus to give me the wisdom and skill to get it done. If you like, you can try Jesus with your thing too. I have every confidence he will come through—for both of us.

PS The bathrobe is patiently waiting.

AI Strikes Again!

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© jb katke

How do you feel about Artificial Intelligence? It has been around for sixty years, but that does not mean you have to like it. The average person did not acknowledge it much back in the day. It was too close to wishful thinking—I am sure that is how it all began. I recall the sixties television show The Jetson’s with their robot maid Rosie. Little did I realize how technology would continue to grow to where it is today.

It may have begun innocently, but as you know it progressed through the years. I was using it before I realized what exactly it was…and appreciated it at the time. When texting on my cell phone, often I began spelling a word, and before I was finished, it popped up.

This time though, AI went too far.

Recently, I was invited to interview a neighbor for our community newsletter. I agreed with a little apprehension, I had never interviewed anyone before. When I sat down with—I will call her Diane.  (I know her name and it is not Diane!) But as we visited she was very easy to talk with and open to answering questions that I thought would be relevant to the article.

I was both surprised and relieved at how well it went—this opportunity came at a good time. There was a chance I would have nothing to offer for  the newsletter this month, I had run out of ideas to write about. The down side is I submitted the manuscript without making sure all was correct. It automatically changed her name without my noticing it!

Now everyone will start calling her by the wrong name! Needless to say, AI and I are no longer friends. No matter how convenient it is. At least I have my submission ready for next month’s newsletter—‘Correction from last month.’

Scrubbed Clean/er

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© jb katke

Well almost.

We have this sandstone rock outside our door that looks its age. A quick glance tells it has seen the hard knocks of outdoor living—dirt and dust abound. Along with years of rain, snow, and sleet to ingrain itself into the porous stone— manufacturing mold.

Yuck, what is even more disgusting is we breathe that stuff in. So much for going outside to catch a breath of fresh air, right? Thank goodness it does not seep into our pores for a permanent residence.

As I scrubbed away at the mold, the appearance looked a little better. But I could not help thinking the human race has much in common with the stone. Not the mold, but how the places we gravitate to can unintentionally permeate our life.

The cheaters in the classroom, the office staff that five-finger lifts supplies for personal use at home. Some young moms we encounter at the grocery store give their little ones a fruit to eat as they shop. It keeps them occupied and quiet and we think nothing of it. But its ingested food never paid for. Not true. We shoppers, all of us, pay for it.

It’s just not right. The Good Book calls the things not right as sin. It may sound harsh, but wrong-doing can easily sink into our minds and hearts if we are not alert to it.  That is why Ezekiel,  a priest back in the Old Testament, got a word from Jesus about it that he shares with us today.

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.”       Ezekiel 36:26 &27

What a relief that to know that Jesus can scrub the things we may not even recognize as sin and make us clean. Or should I say cleaner. Like my stone, it still bares marks, but is improved. Living this side of heaven, we may bare a few marks too, but our words and actions will definitely be an improvement.