PSALMS CHAPTER 23, Verse 6

“Goodness and grace will pursue me every day of my life; and I will live in the house of Adonai for years and years to come.‘ (Complete Jewish Bible)

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (KJV)

This verse brings a smile to my face because I saw an illustration of it once. I was young and thought it was irreverent but very funny. The picture was of a man’s back and following behind him were three dogs with names written on them: Surely, Goodness and Mercy. Looking at the Thesaurus today, I found that many synonyms for “pursue” are: follow, chase, hunt, trail, track, tail, shadow, dog and hound. Sounds like the illustration was right on the mark!

Think about it—maybe there aren’t dogs but there could be lots of people following us or maybe there are those hunting for us like the enemies from verse 5. I’m mulling over the idea that having a buffer of God’s goodness and grace between me and those enemies would be extremely helpful. The concept that any of the weapons they launch at me being required to pass through God’s goodness and grace is definitely comforting to me.

Our enemies aren’t the only people following us; there are masses of lost and searching people out there and some are attracted to the lovers of God (that’s me). Hopefully, they see God’s goodness and grace following me, so they want what I have! Sometimes my actions less like who I am striving emulate (that's Jesus) than I would like. In spite of the stressful and insufficient attempts, others can still see Jesus in us because there’s a trail that His goodness and grace leaves behind us; it’s kind of like a “scent of His essence.” That’s because our life is not about us; it’s all about Him!

The reason God’s goodness and grace follows us is not only that we are lovers of God but because God lives within us. 1 Corinthians 3:17 (b), “…For God’s temple is holy, and you yourselves are that temple.” (CJB) Therefore, the second part of verse 6 is a declarative statement of my intention to let myself be the “House of ADONAI (Lord/Master).” And that’s not for just the remainder of my life, but for all eternity. Within me my God reigns forever! I will serve Him with the goal of letting Him perfect His Kingdom in me and increase His Kingdom on Earth.

So, my interpretation of verse 6 is this: “Because you live within me, the aroma of your exceedingly great goodness and overwhelming grace is detected by those in search of you. May your Presence in me, your abiding place, lead the ‘seekers’ to become ‘lovers’ of God.”

Ladying for today: “God-within-us leaves a trail, a fragrance of His goodness and grace, that leads any who are looking for Him to me—a point of contact to find Him. The challenge is to lead others to become lovers of God also.”

PSALMS Chapter 23, Verse 5

Psalm 23:5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

When reading through this Psalm, this verse often gets passed over quickly in the recitation, but it contains an incredibly profound concept. The idea of sitting down to eat a meal with Jesus while my enemies look on is mind-boggling! Wouldn’t time have to be suspended for that to happen? Especially for David because you will notice that he mentions his enemies in every chapter he wrote except the last two. He knew what it was to have enemies and at no time did he sit down to a meal without being aware of them and where they were in relation to him.

But David also knew what it was like to have God protect him from the arrows, the words and any other manner of weapons that were meant to harm him. He gave all praise to his protector, God, in Psalm 7:15, “I couldn’t begin to count the times you’ve been there for me.” (The Passion translation) Through all the disappointments, betrayals, running and dodging, David did not succumb to the evil that was tenaciously determined to destroy him. He knew the who he could turn to for help.

We also are in a very real spiritual battle—against evil and its initiator, satan (sic). The attacks launched against us subtly invade our minds, violently batter our emotions and never stop blitzing our spirits. Surrounding us with hostile lies and menacing deception, with full-blown emotional damage and violent suffering, and with debilitating physical disease and oppression, satan sets out to “deceive, kill and destroy us” with a passion. His business is to take out as many people as he can before they come to fully understand and accept God’s extraordinarily loving grace. His next goal is to defeat as many Christians as possible with clever confusion and guided misunderstanding of that grace. When faced with satan’s ploys, we must know what God’s grace provides for us!

I am overwhelmed by the immensity of God’s provision! So, this is my interpretation of verse 5: God calls us out of our world, where our enemies are banging on our door and throwing rocks at our house, to commune with Him and receive sustenance that nourishes us physically, emotionally and spiritually. After the meal, He arranges for the Holy Spirit to accompany us providing wisdom and guidance from God for moment-to-moment instances in our daily lives. Then, He empties His dump-truck-load of favor and blessings into our coffee-mug-sized hearts until we can’t endure any more.

God is calling us out—to come to Him. Really!? Yes! Kinda amazing, huh? When we get that one-on-one time of connection with God, we could get some strategic advice for the war; we could get clarity of mind for a critical problem or healing for our gaping emotional wounds. Wouldn’t that help us a lot in our daily battles? God desires to and will provide those benefits for us when we are “at table” with Him--in spite of what is going around us. Some people call that connection a “Quiet Time” or a “time of prayer and devotions.” Will He find you looking for Him? Don’t try to walk through the battles of Life alone when you have Almighty God offering to be your tank!

Ladying for today: My God is calling me out of the world because He has so much to give me—time, the Holy Spirit and blessings galore—so I will passionately seek Him.  “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

PSALM 23, VERSE 4

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Dave’s mom, Elsie Florence Dodd Cook, died December 16, 2010. We had been living in North Carolina for five months after leaving her in Kansas City at a facility that could manage her Alzheimer’s. The possibility of death came on very suddenly and it wasn’t expected at all. Dave was attending an end-of-the-year sales meeting in Minnesota when he got the call. When the company President found out about Elsie, he insisted Dave leave the meeting immediately. Dave drove to Kansas City to join his sister, Nancy, and brother, Bob, at their mom's side that evening, and they spent the night reminiscing with laughter and fun. Although Mom was unconscious, they talked to her, including her in the conversation. They left close to midnight and Elsie passed away about 3:00 the next morning.

The funeral was in Kansas City a week before Christmas and we lived in North Carolina. It was a disruption, for sure; but it isn’t abnormal. Death happens, often spontaneously, just like the joyful events of life. They occur despite the calendar or the expectations we have for our lives. No one wants to interrupt the joyous celebrations and events we enjoy around Christmas with the sadness that accompanies a funeral. Yet, we manage to handle it, don’t we?

As a corollary to the initial event, the fact is, the loved one is missed during the festivities each year. Not everyone can cope with the juxtaposition of joy and grief. But do you realize that, as Christians, we are the only people who can do that? Because of our Lord’s sacrifice, we can know the grief of His death and yet, we cannot keep from rejoicing that His sacrifice gives us the opportunity to know the Father. Grief and joy, rejoicing and sadness. How…?

I think David explains it well in verse 4. (I’ve taken the liberty to paraphrase it.) ‘When sadness brings me to a place of despondency and my heart is assailed with gloom, I am reminded that I can have joy despite my sadness, because you are still beside me and will walk me through it.’ Isn’t that right? Grief is a natural emotion as a personal (as opposed to making a public display) response to death, loss and separation. Experience it, walk through it and, when the intensity has diminished, you can respond with joy—to memories and the knowledge your loved one will be waiting for you in Heaven.

Ladying for today: God gave us the emotions of grief and joy. Grief helps us walk through loss and we can look forward to joy. Because of Jesus “…you may not grieve as others who have no hope.” I Thessalonians 4:13 (MEV).  Satan capitalizes on tragedy…don’t let him steal your joy while your guard is down! And you, don’t give up your joy for continued grief and sadness. Let the life of your loved one settle in your heart alongside the joy his/her life brought you. Then, you can pass it along to those who come behind you. There’s no higher honor than to share another’s life with those you love.

It’s Christmas and the Savior has come!

PSALM 23, VERSES 2 & 3

There’s nothing like being out in Nature! Well, maybe some of us prefer viewing it through a window…, but that “voyeur” type of observing can’t have the impact of being there in the body. The view is only part of the experience.

I was fortunate enough to grow up in Red Bluff, California, a small town in the northern part of the state, where I could absorb the essence of Nature firsthand. The forest fires that burned Redding and are still burning in the Paradise area are less than 50 miles from my hometown. Even though the physical vestiges that were part of such beautiful memories are literally disappearing, the essence of those recollections remain in my mind and heart. They still bring joy and peace to me.

Our church camp was located in the higher foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of 4,900 feet close to a three-building town called Mineral, CA. Since it was only about an hour from home, my family traveled up there several times during the year, not only during the summer “camp meeting” time. There were all sorts of sights to see: the campground with cabins and a church; the railroad tie bridge that crossed ice-cold Battle Creek to get to the campground. There was a campground for RV’s and tents and Mineral proper with a restaurant and general store. Not too far along the highway you could find a mountain meadow called Child’s Meadow filled with  

wildflowers and the meandering Battle Creek. Go a little farther to the snow skiing lodge and ski runs or find your way to the trailhead that leads to the still-active Lassen volcano crater.

On Saturdays during the winter our high school sponsored a “ski bus” that students paid $3 to ride up the mountain to the ski lodge. There we could ski, sled or just tromp through the snow to our hearts’ content before returning to the valley. WOW!! What memories I have of those days.

But there were intangible instances that were experienced that we didn’t even register. I mean, who were we but kids, right?! How did the majesty of giant sentinel trees affect our riotous romp through the forest? What impact did a babbling cold creek have on us except to turn the skin bright red on our feet after an ill-advised wading episode? Why would the rainbow of wildflowers or the lush green of a mountain meadow make us shiver with delight at the beauty? Where could we experience the silence of snow so dramatically booming? When, other than after a day on the mountain, could you sleep so deeply that it brought healing?

Verses 2 and 3 of Psalm 23 speak to our love of God’s natural beauty. Through it…

…He leads us—to see His awesome hand at work in creation and lets us experience the peace it brings our stress-ravaged bodies and minds;

…He leads us—in His ways which are upright, noble and blameless to bring us into successful living.

All this is done because of His unfailing love for us!

We, who are unworthy, in and of ourselves, of such a profound love can receive it gladly because He offers it unfettered. We can run in green meadows and drink of clear quiet water. We can regain equilibrium for our minds and bodies. We can walk, or run, or amble beside, or chase after God as He leads us, because He is guiding us into who we were created to be. He—God, the Creator, the I Am—made us as His show-stopping, mind-boggling children. We carry his DNA!

His name is glorified, lifted up and praised by ALL creation.

Ladying for today: God ministers to us: mind, soul and body. It’s all about who He is, and we get the overflow. Receive it, revel in it and let it overhaul and change you!

PSALM 23, VERSE 1

Today I felt a compelling desire to do some devotional writings on Psalm 23. I know, I know...there have been umpteen devotionals and even books written on this chapter. However, since there is only one me, I will write it from my perspective and how it is impacting me this year, between my 69th and 70th birthdays. 

Have you ever reread a book after ten years or so and it seems like a different book? Our life experiences change us and how we look at what has happened and what is occurring to us right now. So, read along with me to see if you can view Psalm 23 in a different way too. It may be totally different than what I have written but, I hope you can see something that will impact your life for the better. Something that will carry you to a deeper relationship with God, our shepherd.

Verse 1

NIV “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.”

MES “God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.”

PAS “The Lord is my best friend and shepherd. I always have more than enough.”

David wrote this Psalm from his own experience as a shepherd. He knew what it meant to care for sheep, for those who were needy and unable to care for themselves. He knew all about sheep—their frailties and their mentality. And yet, he truly cared about them. There was a bond between shepherd and sheep—man and animal—caretaker and those in need of care. I’m sure it could get emotional, yet, there was a love as the foundation for the caring. A shepherd is one who cares as a best friend would care, with love.

And, this caring provides—food, health, protection, even holding close. Everything that was needed was provided. The sheep didn’t even realize they had “needs” because the “needs” were always available for them. How can it be a “need” if it is never gone? It can’t become a “want” if it is always given—with surplus.

David was able to translate and transfer this pastoral knowledge to the God in whom he trusted. Each trait of a good shepherd was a trait David saw in God. As he did tasks of caring for and loving his sheep, he observed and received those same things from God. Is this possibly the start of David seeing God's heart and deciding to pattern his heart after it? Maybe...

David, the shepherd, was chosen as a teenager, to become king of Israel. How would one so young and, supposedly, inexperienced, be considered as “king material?” Remember, David had been pastoring a “flock” that showed him the mentality of most people; he had learned how to work with it. He knew the stubborn, the prideful, the timid, the weak. He became an iron hand, a motivator, an encourager, a physician. As Paul said many years later, David was all things to this flock—just what each needed.

So how does this translate to me? My circumstances are much more limited and I won’t become a king or great leader or pastor…

Not long ago a friend at church brought me a drawing she had done in 2016. She had asked God to help her get back into drawing prophetically when she drew it. On this particular Sunday the Lord brought me to mind to receive it from her—two years later! The picture had a loaf of artisan bread in the forefront with a cluster of wheat atop it. Behind that was a goblet of wine on its side with the wine pouring out and a cluster of grapes beside it. At the far back was a pottery jug that represented the jug of unending oil.

Just two days before this, Dave had looked at his retirement funds statement and found they had dropped drastically. It was a discouraging moment to say the least! But God…had his daughter give me, a new friend, this picture. To me it depicted God’s continual provision and He spoke the words I added to the drawing before hanging it, “Don’t worry, My Pearl. I will always provide!”

What joy this drawing brought me! Not only was it a promise to lift my heart and spirit, it showed God’s provision came when I needed it! Of this I can testify--when others need an encouraging word, when I doubt the promise--God provided. Not only does He provide for the 'now' but also for the 'later.' He gives eternal words and care.

Ladying for today:  Because I have  no “needs,” I rest in Him and can minister to others.

NOTE:

Bible versions: NIV-New International Version; MES-The Message; PAS-The Passion Translation

MEMORIES OF THE PAST ... HOPE FOR TOMORROW ... AND BEYOND

Yesterday was my birthday! Once you pass 65, it's more fun to have them. It's like the game Pick-Up-Stix; you see how many you can accumulate before everything else upsets your progress. Ha! Ha! 

Throughout the day I found my mind wandering back to memories of birthdays past with fondness and smiles. Of course, remembering things and events factually is not always easy. We attach so many perceptions and opinions to Life's happenings, they are often altered from reality. However, I do remember that, as a kid growing up, our family didn't do a lot to celebrate birthdays. The trend now is to have a party with friends -- at home or out -- so each child is made to feel special. That was too "way out there" for my parents. 

We were individually honored in different ways at home by those who loved us best. Mom would always fix our "favorite" food for dinner; I always asked for macaroni and cheese. This, of course, was long before Kraft came up with a way to box it. Mom made it best and it tasted gourmet to me! This was a simple dish of pasta but the made-from-scratch creamy cheese sauce dressed it up for a feast on my birthday. It is definitely one of my comfort foods! Our gifts were not extravagant since there wasn't money for that and were often something we needed. However, I do not remember ever disliking my birthday. There are some that might think these activities are too ordinary to be called a celebration; but then birthdays are really just an ordinary part of life. 


My most memorable year's birthday was when I turned 16. I was part of a very active church youth group at Bethel Temple in Red Bluff, California--a small church in a small town...but we were anything but small in heart! There were about 30-35 kids in the group and our status with each other was more like a VERY LARGE family of brothers and sisters. We relied on each other for socializing, advice-giving, accountability and instigating Life changes. We even fought with each other!


In this sub-congregation of the larger church there were several girls who were born the same year and four with birthdays in August and September. This particular summer of 1965 was a "summer to remember"! We, in our adolescent way, attempted to celebrate each always hoping to catch the birthday girl by surprise. Unfortunately, after the first time, the formula was set and surprise was just a wish. Each girl was "kidnapped" by the others, blindfolded and driven around for a while. Then we would end up at the same family's house (the only one that had a pool in our sphere of friends) out in the country between Red Bluff and Corning. We had a party then! It was always fun--even if it was predictable--and still feels very special!

Since then, I have had other extraordinary friends to celebrate with over the years. Each one remains very special to me even if not mentioned here. 

While I was in Liberty, Missouri, there was a group of five, who, over a span of several years, would go to lunch/dinner together or embark on a shopping safari to an antique shop or flea market just to celebrate each other. It was always a pleasurable time filled with hilarious laughter, stressful tears or both, but always accompanied by much conversation. Just to be with friends who accepted each other "as is" and enjoyed being together filled our hearts. The memories are poignant, remembering the adventures of traveling through life together with those women. But, I also know they are lifetime friends and wherever I am or whatever I need, they will give me assistance. This picture was our last escapade together in 2006 and, as Life still moves on, we do also. 

Since that time, I've moved three times and the Lord has always provided new friends. The new do not displace the former friends but add to the number of ladies I love. These women bring perspective and encouragement, they sharpen my Christian walk and give me joy where I am and need it most.

My remembrances have also given me a new realization: that birthdays are more purposeful in one's life than we perceive on the surface. Birthdays are not to be confused with the vanity of attempting to hold on to passing youth; they are occasions of joy to soak in that you have experienced Life and can "chalk up" another year in your favor. They designate a time to other people in your life they have been granted permission to express sentiments that may not always be accepted at other times. A birthday is a milestone in your life that places other events and situations on an emotional PAUSE to allow the spotlight to focus on you. It's not a selfish thing to have and enjoy your birthday. It's an ordinary part of Life which, by the way, is never easy. Every person needs to be celebrated in a manner that will uplift and encourage him/her even in the most difficult of times.

If you think about it, because of the joy experienced during former times of birthday celebration, you anticipate next year's revelries with hope. It's not obvious but the expectancy just lies there dormant waiting for you to revive it with the smallest spark of interest. Our lives, believe it or not, are built on hope. 

• We hope our children see many birthdays and grown up.
• We hope our health remains good and we celebrate another year.
• We hope to see friends again in the next year.
• We hope the crops come in again at harvest or we receive a pay increase at review time.
• We hope next year will be better than the past one.
• We hope our country gets more stable with the next election.
• You will be secure, because there is hope... Job 11:18
•  ..my body also will rest in hope, Acts 2:26
• Therefore, since we have ... faith, we have peace with God through ... Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access ... into ... grace ...  And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2

So don't let the self-centered culture voices instill the lie that we have to remain young forever. Who wants life to be stunted in the selfishness of the immature anyway? Celebrate birthdays!-- with gusto whatever they look like! Celebrate YOU!-- as an experienced Life Participant! Celebrate others' birthdays!--so they can know joy and hope of the future! Celebrate your dreams and hopes and the future! 

Ladying for September 15, 2016:  Our hope can only be built on something which is not reliant on humanity. It must start with the Creator and His immense love for us. Then our foundation can only be built on Jesus' death and resurrection as there is nothing else solid.  "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 

A STORM IS COMING!

When you live on the Gulf Coast, the warning of a coming storm is fairly frequent...but it is just as often impotent. Being this close to the origin of landfall, things can change pretty quickly. However, the change can be for the bad as well as the good: the storm may miss you when you think it's coming right at you OR it can hit you when you thought it wouldn't and you're unprepared. Today, Hermine missed us. Thank you, Lord! It was a hot sunny day on the Emerald Coast.

For that I am thankful because my plate is still full otherwise. Two days ago I received my second regimen of chemotherapy and I'm now halfway through. The infusion session itself is rather boring in & of itself. The 4-hour period of sitting in a BIG recliner/rocker hooked up to an IV is broken only by several necessary trips to the bathroom and any activities I bring to amuse. I had thought ahead of time to include my lunch and a couple of drinks to refresh myself and my computer and I-phone to entertain me. The time passed fairly quickly and it seemed I was not any worse for the time I spent having poison poured into me.

And yet, my physical storm still rages around me. I am, however, comforted by the lyrics of the contemporary Christian song popular now:

"In the eye of the storm,

You remain in control.

In the middle of the war,

You guard my soul.

You alone are the anchor

When my sails are torn.

Your love surrounds me

In the eye of the storm."

The 'eye of the storm' is just a break or lull from the fury of the wind and rain that is still swirling just out of reach of me. Although there is peace in the 'eye', it is understood that the time is a short span and that it should be spent gathering supplies or finding a better place of refuge; a time to be proactive concerning safety.

My 'eye of the storm' is spent gathering energy by eating healthily and exercising when I can. There are unstressful activities I like to participate in: a lace knitting class I want to finish so my next infusion session can be spent knitting a gift; time praying for those God brings to mind or the ones who are praying for me; new books on Christian life; and I've started reading the Sue Grafton alphabet mystery books all over again. All the while my body is fighting! Fighting the cancer, fighting against bacteria in the air around me, fighting the poison itself that claims it will heal my body. But fighting takes energy so I must gather it where I can.

My husband, Dave, has learned to cook again. It has helped that we are eating simply now. There are no sauces or multiple ingredients to make an entree on our diet. We have grilled chicken breast, or chicken sausage or hamburgers cooked on the griddle. Sometimes we have oven-roasted sweet potato bites with coconut oil but more often microwave baked sweet potatoes accompanied by microwaved frozen veggies or a lettuce salad with veggies. Simple yet satisfying fare!

The doctor checked me over before this last infusion session and declared that I was much more fit than some 40 year old women who he had seen. I am thankful for the few months of healthy eating that has helped me get to this place!

We don't eat sweet desserts because sugar is cancer food! So, I stay as far from it as possible. I did, however, find a banana cream pie to try out this week (see link below for the recipe). This pie is sweetened with maple syrup (or honey) and is simply what the name says: bananas and cream.  It was wonderful! And, although my husband was begging for seconds, I was well satiated with a slim slice that gave me the sweetness I think is necessary after a savory meal. I find it's good to have some completeness in one's life!

Banana Cream Pie 

Our grandsons remain a constant source of joy and entertainment in my life. They are now old enough not to require as much care and attention as they needed in the past. This makes it easier to help relieve Kristi and Matt for their ministry as we came prepared to do here. We were able to get a couple of our old computers working with Windows 10 and the boys come into our living room to play games on them. It is quite a hoot to watch them! Life is always an adventure with the "Tribe of Ruckel".

And so, I gather energy from the lives and love around me, from the friends and family far and near
who support me through prayers and words of care, from my Lord who never leaves me. If you are reading this blog, you are part of my support system and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! While I gather myself in and hunker down with the Lord beside me, you help form the barrier around me that will give additional protection for me to go from the 'eye of the storm' through to the other side to become a survivor.

Be blessed because you are loved!

LADYING FOR SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

You may never know whether or not you impact someone's life--but don't let that keep you from trying.