WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT

I Peter 15:3 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

Have you ever noticed that when you least expect it, God will put you in a situation where He can use you? If we would begin to view every person we meet as an opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ, we would be amazed at the things God would do. I want to be used by God. Every day I pray that God will not let me miss any opportunity, yet as the day wears on, too often the busyness of life gets in the way of sensitivity to the Spirit.

We were at the cottage Friday and Saturday making sure it was ready for our friends to use for the week. My husband loves the opportunity to sleep late, I have learned to enjoy the solitude rather than resent his laziness. Saturday, I awoke to a gorgeous morning. The sky was blue, no clouds in sight and there was a gentle breeze rustling through the trees. I could not resist. Out came the exercise clothes; I laced up my walking shoes, grabbed my pedometer, cell phone and sun glasses and hit my stride. I love walking at the cottage because there is so much to see. There are small hills to climb, a beautiful lake to walk by and thick woods full of small animals and birds a little further on. I walked at a brisk pace enjoying the freshness of the day, said good morning to a group of early morning bikers, an older man walking a dog and a woman I had seen at about the same time on Friday morning.

I continued by the lake, made a circle and was on the path toward home. I was feeling good, my muscles were warm and strong and I could feel the last calories of yesterday’s much awaited pizza burning at a high rate. The woman I had passed earlier was coming toward me. I smiled, fully intending to say “have a nice walk” without missing a step. She had other intentions. LeAnn, her name I learned later, walked across the road and asked where I lived, where I walked and seemed to want to chat. My expression was friendly, my demeanor was gracious, but on the inside all I could think about was my pedometer doesn’t work when I’m not moving, my time will be messed up, my muscles won’t stay warm, and that piece of pepperoni may turn to fat.

I chatted with LeAnn for a few seconds, found out that she lived in North Carolina, had been at Higgins Lake for the entire month of July and had been coming up here with several family members for 14 years. Then her eyes became teary as she told me her uncle had died this week. The Holy Ghost kicked in and I knew that somehow God would rev my exercise efforts in to high gear and supernaturally burn up the pepperoni, but at this moment, He needed me to speak comfort to a hurting heart.

I made the usual sympathetic comments as she shared her feelings regarding the family’s loss. We shared memories of loved ones who have gone on but I could tell there was an emptiness inside that needed to be filled. She told me of one particular memory of her uncle from last Thanksgiving that was especially precious to her. I mentioned how great God is to allow us to experience something so wonderful to sustain us in a time of loss. I noticed that this seemed to encourage her. Then I told her the same thing I told Uncle Jim when Granny died. When our loved ones die, there is a great big hole left inside of us that we think will never be full again because that space is reserved for that dear one who is no longer here. If we will allow God to comfort us, He will slowly fill that gaping hole with precious memories. Yes, there will be times when we miss them terribly; we will cry and feel lonely, but we will also laugh and feel comforted as we pull out a memory and hold it close.

She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, “I’m so glad I met you today, my name is LeAnn.”

MAINTAINING YOUR STRIDE

I love to walk early on Saturday morning. There is very little traffic racing to start the work day, the houses are quiet with the drapes still drawn, the flowers are fresh and dew-kissed and if you listen very carefully you can hear all of nature sing praises to the Creator. It was one of those beautiful mornings that make you happy to be alive. The sky was blue, the birds were singing and a cool breeze blew softly through my hair. It was an absolutely perfect morning for a walk.

I laced up my favorite shoes and grabbed a bottle of water; with my favorite songs on the mp3 player I set off on a 3+ mile hike. About a quarter mile into my walk, I hit my stride, cruising to the beat at about 3.5 miles per hour. Once I hit cruising speed, my arms swing in a certain rhythm, my back is straight, shoulders relaxed, head back and eyes looking straight ahead. I have learned to observe and anticipate changes in my environment so that I can adjust for the unexpected without breaking my stride. It is important to be aware of uneven pavement, approaching pedestrian and bicycle traffic, intersections and cars who don’t respect crosswalks and of course the inevitable doggie deposits scattered here and there on the sidewalk.

Although Saginaw is mainly flat, there are rises and dips every once in awhile and adjustments have to be made. I know to lengthen my stride, lean forward and dig my heels a little deeper as I approach a rise and to shorten my stride at just the right time as I approach a curb or an uneven section of road. Usually the music on the mp3 player is all I need to help keep my focus, however, on this particular morning I was suddenly distracted. I’m not sure what caused the distraction. It could have been the truck at the intersection, the blare of music, the sound of voices or maybe a combination of all three. As I approached the intersection, I scanned the road for turning traffic, checked the traffic light and maintained my stride. Feeling confident, I crossed the street and stepped up on the curb. That’s when I lost focus. Misjudging the distance of the curb, I landed on the edge and stumbled. I felt a slight twinge in my ankle as I struggled to keep from falling. I couldn’t quit, my final destination was 2 miles ahead. Shaking and stretching my ankle, I continued on my journey and once again regained my stride.

So many times we are walking along life’s pathway. We have been praying, reading our Bible, going to every service and in general feeling very successful in our relationship with God. Suddenly, Satan throws up a distraction or places an unexpected obstacle in our path. If we do not keep our eyes on Jesus, we will stumble and sometimes fall. Although, we may feel a slight twinge, this is not the time to sit down and quit, our final destination is still ahead. We may have to stretch and shake ourselves to regain our focus and regain it we must. Get your eyes back on Jesus, continue doing all the right things you have been doing and find your stride once again.

By being consistent in my daily walks around the neighborhood, I have started to reap the benefits. I can breathe easier, my muscles have become stronger and more toned and the weight has come off at a much faster rate. If we continue on in our Christian walk, we are promised a benefit that eyes have not seen, ears have not heard and it has not even entered into our hearts what the Lord has prepared for us. Eternal life with Jesus Christ is the goal and Heaven is the prize. Don’t let Satan distract you, keep your focus and maintain your stride.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD

Happy Birthday Dad, I wish you were here to celebrate with us today. I can hardly believe that we have been without your steadiness and unique humor for almost 7 years. The spontaneous memories have become easier to handle but the longing to see you and take advantage of your “pearls” of wisdom never goes away.

The best 4th of July ever was the last one we spent with you. How could any of us fathom that in two short months we would return to Missouri to celebrate your life because you had finished the race. All of your children and grandchildren that had been born were there to tell what you and mom meant to us and share a few special memories that were personal to each family member. I loved the fact that you cried when each kid and grandkid read their letter, because it showed your tender heart. I loved when we gathered around and prayed for you, because it portrayed the most important thing to us as a family. I loved it as each one of us sang a special song we had prepared and that they were all praise to God. Finally, I loved it when you joined me in singing “Pity the Man” just like old times in church and then you sang that special song that each daughter and granddaughter thought had been reserved just for them. I’m sure you must have been tired and in so much pain but you were determined to enjoy every last minute and every activity we had planned.

I will never forget your arms around me as you held me and told me goodbye for the last time. Somehow it seemed as if you knew your time on earth was not going to be much longer. Dad I am so sorry I didn’t call you the night before you died. I would have loved to hear your voice one more time. Val told me even toward the end you had to make a joke and Mom said you told her you loved her not too long before you took your final breath. For now I will be content to believe that you knew how much you meant to me and someday I’ll be able to tell you again face to face.

Today on your 73rd birthday, I will pull out some precious memories, shed a few tears, smile as I think about one of your oft repeated jokes and see you in your grandsons’ personalities. The ache in my heart continues on and according to current events it won’t be long until will all be united where every tear will be wiped away. So Happy Birthday Daddy, I love you.

I HEARD THE RAIN

Friday night, Steve and I decided to watch a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie we had previously recorded but never found time to enjoy. With only 30 minutes of the movie remaining, we lost power. Thanks to my conscientious husband, the flashlight had working batteries and helped us find candles and matches. I fully expected the power to come back on at any minute, but the darkness continued. At 11:00, I called it a night and took a relaxing bath by candle light. Sound wonderful? Oh no, all I could do was complain.

It is amazing how many of our things require electricity. How did the pioneers ever survive? My first complaint, I lay down on my Select Comfort bed which had been freshly made that morning with soft 400 count pima cotton sheets and a light summer quilt, sound wonderful? On no, a Select Comfort bed requires ELECTRICITY to bring it to your personal firmness. My number is 40, the firmness was at 100, the only thing comfortable was my memory foam pillow. I felt like I was sleeping on hard ground and I complained.

Have you ever noticed how quiet a house without electricity becomes? There is no hum of the refrigerator, dishwasher, or clothes dryer. The incessant chatter from television and radio is suddenly silenced. Ok, I admit it; I am addicted to back ground noise. I cannot drive without my favorite radio station providing remote company, soft praise and worship music is an inspirational accompaniment to my daily devotions and Fox News keeps me focused on everything from housework to exercise. Every night before sinking into my personal firmness bed, I turn on a box fan. In the winter it blows air toward the wall, in the summer, the fan blows a soft breeze in my direction. Guess what? Background noise requires ELECTRICITY. So, there I lay on my “hard as a rock” bed with no background noise and I complained.

I tossed, I turned, I prayed that God, in His mercy, would give the electric company the wisdom to fix my problem. As the lonely pity party continued, I became aware of a sound that was faintly familiar. It stirred a long forgotten memory reaching back several years, when I could actually sleep on a floor pallet and didn’t require anything but a throw pillow and a blanket to settle in for the night. I HEARD THE RAIN. The steady drumming against the porch and roof became strangely soothing. Once the murmuring and complaining began to diminish, I began to notice other sounds; the soft breathing of my sleeping husband, the tinkling of chimes swaying gently in the breeze and the rustle of parched leaves drinking in each life-giving drop of rain. I slowly drifted off to sleep, a light mist riding on the gentle breeze cooling my face.

Psalm 89:15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. How can we hear the joyful sound when we are surrounded by every other sound vying for our attention? Sometimes we need to turn off all the background noise in our life. It clutters our life to the point that we can no longer hear the Holy Spirit as it rains down around us. He is waiting to pour out “Showers of Blessings,” but we aren’t even aware of the gentle breath of God brushing against our face. I want to return to that place a little more often where I can drink the life giving water into my parched spirit and let all the problems and cares of life slowly melt away because I’m walking in the light of His countenance.

A song by Bart Millard and Pete Kipling says it best:
Verse 1
I'm finding myself at a loss for words and the funny thing is its okay.
The last thing I need is to be heard but to hear what You would say
Verse 2
I'm finding myself in the midst of You beyond the music beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You and in the quiet hear Your voice
Chorus
Word of God speak would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see Your majesty
To be still and know that You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest in Your holiness
Word of God speak

Around 3:00 A.M., the power came on, my bed was adjusted and the fan began its familiar whirr, but I HEARD THE RAIN.

I SURVIVED GRANDKID'S CAMP

I’m not sure how the grandkids are doing, but I survived Grandkid’s camp!!!! About a year ago a “brilliant” idea popped into my brain; during the month of June 2008, the first annual Niswonger Grandkid’s Camp would take place. This would give Grandpa and me an opportunity to spend quality time with our three grandkids, allow the cousins to get to know and love each other and at the same time start a family tradition. I had spread sheets of plans, sent out colorful reminders to each grandkid, and collected all the toys, activity materials and food for 4 days of fun. I was smart enough to bring easy, kid-friendly foods and plan activities that could be adapted to a 1 year old, 2 year old and 4 year old. The thing I forgot was Michigan weather. In Michigan we have sunny 85 degree weather one week and cloudy 50 degree rainy weather the next week. Guess which week I chose to schedule Grandkid’s Camp? Grandpa’s work picked up and he was so busy he could only come for two days, Caleb had a fever on Monday and the weather was cold and damp, but by Tuesday evening, Grandkid’s camp was in full swing.

It was just Girl’s Camp for the first 24 hours and you can’t stop 3 determined girls. Grandma, Mackenzie and Madison loaded the wagon and walked to the beach. On the way we saw several caterpillars, a dead squirrel and a live bluebird. We found seashells and wrote our names in the sand. Mackenzie was very adamant that since it was camp, we had to have a tent. Grandma set up a tent in the bedroom and we camped out. The next morning, there was more rain. After breakfast, we put puzzles together, watched videos, played ring-a-round the Rosie, the Hokey Pokey, colored some beautiful pictures and waited for the sun. Finally, we went outside and dug up pretty rocks, collected sticks and found caterpillars to put in our “bug keeper.” Grandpa arrived about 7 and we ate ice cream with chocolate syrup, whipped cream and a cherry on top.

Wednesday Morning, more rain. More videos, more games, played hide and seek, built towers with blocks; Grandma’s running out of ideas. Wednesday afternoon, the sun peeks out of the clouds for a brief visit. We bundled the kids in long pants, jackets, sun hats and sun block across the nose and headed for the beach. We weren’t there to show off the latest in fashionable beach wear, no, we had more important things to attend to. Grandpa helped make a sand castle, Mackenzie dipped her bucket in the water to make a moat, Madison kept a grip on all the sand buckets and Grandma kept a grip on Caleb to keep him from taking a swim in the chilly lake. We played tag, ate fruit snacks, drank juice, found more seashells, skipped stones and wiped noses. After cookies, chocolate milk, a funny book and bedtime prayers everyone was ready for a good night’s sleep.

Thursday was Zoo Day. The weather was cloudy and misty, so we began to pray. Mackenzie asked Jesus to please take the rain away in Jesus Name. The sun broke through; we went to the zoo and had a great time. We wore our matching “Grandkid’s Camp” t-shirts with our names on the back to the zoo. We were definitely the classiest group there. After dodging mud puddles, feeding and petting the animals, we settled down at the kid’s playground for a picnic lunch and to burn some pent up energy.

Friday dawned an absolutely gorgeous day. Blue skies, sunshine, 70 degrees; time to go home. Grandma took more pictures and packed up each kid. I’m not sure who was more excited to see Mommy; Madison and Mackenzie or Grandma. Grandma and Caleb arrive back in Saginaw, Grandma is exhausted. Caleb goes home; Grandma takes a long hot bubble bath and goes to bed.
The tiredness is gone, but the memories are still fresh. I can’t wait until next year!!!!

GABE, OUR ANGEL DOG

He was an 8 pound golden fur ball that instantly captured our hearts. Steve wanted to buy a memorable present for my 40th birthday and I wanted a puppy. I have always loved dogs and acquired my first, Rex, at the age of 10 months old. This would be a special dog so I spent a month researching all breeds of dogs and finally settled on a Golden Retriever. One sunny Saturday in September, 1997, we paid a visit to a home that had a litter of 5 week old Goldens. One puppy lay quietly in the pen while his sisters playfully nipped each other and yipped for attention. One by one the puppies were placed in the open where we could observe them and make our choice. One little puppy followed us around and began chewing on my husband’s toes; it was an easy choice. One week later Gabe joined our family.

He was house-broken within a week, maybe because I sat my alarm and took him out every 4 hours even in the rain. He went to obedience school but never lost his independence. A year later we acquired a brother for Gabe, another Golden named Charlie. Suspicious at first, Gabe finally accepted and loved Charlie, but let him know that he would always be in charge. Gabe was a true alpha dog. Charlie would stand patiently while Gabe ate, then eat his portion. The played tug-of-war and chased each other across the yard; always on Gabe’s terms. Charlie died of cancer a year ago in April and Gabe never played with another dog.

Although Gabe was getting old and had slowed down, he still managed to play with Caleb. He would lie quietly as Caleb would climb on top of him; use him as a pillow while watching videos; happily share his treats and wait patiently for the crumbs to drop under the high chair. Last Thursday, Gabe allowed Caleb to ride him, check out his tongue and try a piece of his dog food. He lay in the yard as Steve and I completed some landscaping and slowly followed me into the garage to get a drink out of the hose as I filled my watering can. Little did I know that this would be the last evening that we would share with Gabe.

Friday morning he seemed listless and exhausted. He would not eat or go outside. His breathing became more labored and at a little after 2 pm Gabe’s great big heart simply stopped. I knelt beside him as he took his last few breaths and stroked his silky golden red fur and told him how much we loved him; then he was gone.

This week has been a little lonely and the house has been a little too quiet. For just a moment every morning I expect to see him at the foot of the stairs. I am still getting used to coming into a silent house and listening for a door bell instead of a friendly bark to signal visitors. I have no one to eat the crust of my sandwich and share a big bowl of popcorn. There are no hairballs in the corner or dog bowl to avoid in the kitchen and leftovers are placed in the garbage.
Instead of dwelling on what we have lost, I choose to remember what we had. We had a loyal friend for 11 years. We had a faithful companion that tried so hard to please us and always gave unconditional love. We miss you Gabe. You will always be in our memories and in our hearts.

SOMEONE IS COUNTING ON YOU

It has now been FIVE full months!!! Healthy living has its rewards. I have lost over 45 pounds, wearing clothes I have not been able to wear in 3 years and have more energy than ever. Believe me, the energy required to chase after my one year old grandson is a huge reason to continue eating healthy and exercising daily.

I have to confess the hardest part was getting started. For the entire month of December I hated the way I felt, the way my clothes fit, and my appearance in the mirror. Negative feelings are not a good motivator for change. Despite the constant negativity, I continued to stuff cookies, candy and other rich holiday foods into my mouth. Finally, January 2, D-Day dawned. My husband had announced that beginning on that magical day, we were going to start eating healthy. I started off on the right foot with a healthy breakfast and progressed to a healthy lunch with Steve. So far, so good!!!! Then the long afternoon happened, I polished off some leftover holiday dessert, ate two or three pieces of chocolate crèmes and a handful of nuts. I prepared a nutritious supper so Steve wouldn’t know how “bad” I had been. He came home bragging about his “successful” day of dieting and I had a monumental revelation; SOMEONE WAS COUNTING ON ME. I was not on my own anymore; someone was depending on my dieting expertise and moral support. I could be hypocritical and lip sync the experience or I could become committed to the cause and gain the future rewards. I decided to quit fooling myself and become a real part of the team.

There are times we become discouraged. The “whole picture” is so overwhelming that we give up before we can even start. There have been times in my life that I have felt like giving up on my walk with God. One of the things that kept me hanging in there was my husband and kids. It was nothing they said or did because they were not even aware of my secret thoughts. No, what kept me going when I couldn’t make sense of anything was SOMEONE WAS COUNTING ON ME. Influencing someone else to give up on God or bringing a loved one down to my level was more horrible to contemplate then continuing to blindly plod along on an uneven path. Although to some it may seem hypocritical I continued to go to church and give lip-service praise. God rewarded my faithfulness to my family even when I waivered in my faithfulness to Him. The breakthrough finally came. One day I realized I was excited about the Sunday service; I wanted to pick up the Bible again; the tears began to flow as I raised my hands in worship; it had changed from a commitment to my family to a commitment to my God.

Psalms 61:1-5 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings.5 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

Every one of us has someone in our life who is counting on our walk with God. It may be a family member, a co-worker, a neighbor or a friend. If you are in a situation where it seems like too much effort to fully commit, do it for them. As you continue doing the “right” things and making an effort when your strength is gone, God will join you on your journey. Soon you will find a little more strength and a little more joy. The path will become more clear and the burden lighter. SOMEONE IS COUNTING ON YOU; DO IT FOR THEM!!!