It’s easy to forget. Sometimes it’s great to forget. Great to forget difficult moments in life, accidents that were devastating, job loss, hurtful words, times we thought we’d never make it through, and more. Sometimes we forget so we can remember only the good things in life.

On the other hand, memories are precious. It’s great to remember. Great to remember good friends, good times, achievements, fun parties, past vacations, and more. Many of us have pictures or mementos that remind us of special moments or special people in our lives.

It seems to me that God knows how easy it is to forget and tragically how easy it is to forget Him and how much He did for us so many years ago. In His Word, He reminds us to continually remember God. All the goodness in my life is from the Hand of the Father. I want to remember each day how He came into my life to give me His life and His truth, and His deliverance and love. I want to remember His care for me and what He did to care for me.

Luke 22.19-20 tells us – “Then He took a loaf [of bread], and when He had given thanks, He broke [it] and gave it to them saying, This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. And in like manner, He took the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament or covenant [ratified] in My blood, which is shed (poured out) for you.”

So, what did He do for us? Isaiah 53.4-10 tells us -“Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has made to light upon Him the guilt and iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, [yet when] He was afflicted, He was submissive and opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away; and as for His generation, who among them considered that He was cut off out of the land of the living [stricken to His death] for the transgression of (all) people, to whom the stroke was due? And they assigned Him a grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it was the will of the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief and made Him sick. When (God) make(s) His life an offering for sin [and He has risen from the dead, in time to come], He shall see His [spiritual] offspring, He shall prolong His days, and the will and pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.”

He gave His life to give me mine. Praise be to God. I pray to always be in remembrance of Him.

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I have read the entire Bible many times. It seems I miss a lot though. One day, while driving, I listened to a minister preaching about the Spirit of God. He mentioned a verse in Romans – 8.11 to be exact – that I have read many times. The verse states  “….and if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you….” Either another translation or the minister emphasized this verse to say ‘the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in me.’ The Words hit me like a ton of bricks. I never noticed these words this way the many times I read my Bible.

The same Spirit – the One that raised Jesus from the dead. God is constantly reminding me of the profound truth and meaning of this verse. I never seem to fully grasp it though. If the same Spirit lives in me, why do I live so below my own expectations? Why do I worry my prayers may not be answered or God may not come through for me? Why do I think my problems and struggles are too great for the Living God or go unnoticed by Him? Why do I think His love and mercy will end or His supply for my life will end? Why do I go defeated, anxious, and depressed at times?

This season of Jesus’ life and death reminds me constantly of the sacrifice my Savior endured so that the same Spirit that raised Him could live in me. The same Spirit that allowed Jesus to cast out demons, heal the sick, raise the dead, and preach the Word. The same Spirit that allows me to be loved by God, be forgiven every weakness and sin, be loved as the imperfect me as God loves Jesus, have everlasting life – here and after physical death, and allows me to pray for the ones I love.

It is the same Spirit that allowed Jesus to turn the water into wine, walk on water, and change His ordinary apostles into committed followers. It is the same Spirt that leads me into truth and truth that allows me to be set free. The same Spirit that is my Comforter, my Counselor, my Way Maker, my Deliverer, my Everything. The same Spirit that was sent from God to me, opened my blind eyes,  infills me with power for the tasks of today,  and blesses me with assurance of being a child of God. The same Spirit that knows my weaknesses and prays for and through me. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in me.

I pray for the deep and wonderful revelation of these Words to penetrate every fiber of every readers’ being this Lenten season and forever.

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I am not sure I have heard sadder words than, “I don’t care” or “who cares?” How important is it to care?

I once heard a young man talking about his relationship with his father. To be honest, his father seemed harsh in his punishment for the things this young man did wrongly. After a number of years of wrongdoing and being punished, the young man was arrested. His father never punished him for this. The young man was confused and asked why? and his father said, “I just don’t care anymore.”

According to the young man, this small, but powerful statement hurt that young man more than all the excessive punishment he had received in the past. For someone to ‘not care’ who was inherently supposed to care was apparently devastating to him.

I have contemplated the words of this young man many times. What and who do I care about? I care about eating and sleeping and exercising and working.I care about my clients and pets. Do I care about my neighbor or family or co-workers? I hope I do.

Some tragic events in the Bible talk about Jesus and caring. The New Living Translation Bible quotes Isaiah 53.3 as “He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.”

Tragic words to me. The Creator of the Universe, the Eternal One, Almighty God came from heaven, became a man, walked among us, did many miracles, taught God’s Words, never hurt anyone, was tortured, and ‘we did not care.’

I realize many do care, but there are many that do not take notice of the profound and ultimate Gift God has given to us and the true impact of the Cross and Jesus’ life and sacrifice.

Matthew 22 tells me another tragic story – “Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.  He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come…..” Some had other things they considered more important – they plowed fields, married off their children, and more. They had no time for God. 

Because of this Lenten season we celebrate – the life and death of Jesus – and His resurrection, we have all been invited to the banquet. It is a season for caring.

I love Lionel Harris’ song – “He paid too high a price to have my soul just stirred at times, but never really changed….”

I pray for everyone to care.

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Since Ash Wednesday, we have entered into the ‘Lenten season.’ It is the Christian season that is a period of 40 days before Easter. It is a time when many Christians choose to fast, repent, do things in moderation, practice self-denial of certain enjoyable activities, or work on spiritual discipline in areas they feel could use some improvement. To many, the purpose of Lent is to take time for reflection on Jesus Christ—His suffering and His sacrifice, His life, death, burial, and resurrection.

Before He was crucified, Jesus spent time with His disciples. He prepared them. He told them about the soon-to-be events. He told them how He would be taken, beaten, and crucified. He told them they would abandon Him, but it would be alright afterward. He told them one of them would be the one to betray Him. He knew Peter would deny Him three times. Jesus knew everything and He spent the time before He left them preparing them and telling them how He knows everything and everything has a plan and purpose.

Jesus could have called thousands of angels to rescue Him, but then He would not been able to rescue us. His sacrifice and choosing to surrender have been the very thing that saves us all today from every failure, every mistake, and every regret. His sacrifice has allowed us to be healed and well. His sacrifice allows us to become the children of God.

I admit my sacrificial intentions usually only last about 6 or 7 days when I try to do things to become a better person and better Christian. I would be happy to give up stress and procrastinating and many of my other ‘bad’ habits. Truth be told, I have been a miserable failure at trying to do better in many areas.  I don’t want to just give up complaining, fearing, swearing, bad attitudes, lack of concern for others, and all my other shortcomings for 40 days, but forever.

I thank Jesus for choosing to come to Earth, be born a Baby, live His life, and suffer and die on a Cross to be raised from the dead three days later for me. I realize I do not have to suffer because He already has, but I want to reflect on Him and His goodness this season and all to come.

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I adore Anne Klein clothes. I bought a beautiful skirt by her once. After bringing it home, I had second thoughts, so I drove back to the store to return my purchase. The clerk asked if there was anything wrong with the skirt. I replied, “No.” She then asked if it looked okay – which I replied, “It is lovely.” When she began to ask a third question, I stopped her mid sentence and tensely stated, “I have a shopping problem, can you please just take the skirt back.” She did so without any further interrogation.

I have given up wanting ‘more’ things, but not more of God. To continue my list from last week, I do want more, much more.

I want more blessing – “The blessing of the Lord, it makes (us) rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10.22

I want more favor – “You open Your hand and satisfy every living thing with favor.” Psalm 145.16

I want more answers to prayer – “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].” James 5.16 b

I want a more of a closer walk with God – “Come close to God and He will come close to you.” James 4.8

I want more inspiration – “..but they were not able to resist the intelligence and the wisdom and [the inspiration of] the Spirit with which and by Whom he spoke.” Acts 6.10

I want more purity – “With the pure You will show Yourself pure.” Psalm 18.26

I want more holiness – “…but as the One Who called you is Holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living.” 1 Peter 1.15

I want to be more obedient – “..and now, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” Deuteronomy 10.12

I want more teaching – “(My) God instructs (me) and teaches (me) the right way.” Isaiah 28.26

I want more of His Word – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119.105

I want more direction – “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37.23

I want more good fruit – “For every tree is known by his own fruit.” Luke 6.44 and  “… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5.22-23

I want more reverence – “Wherefore, we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” Hebrews 12.28

Yes, I am still guilty of greed and wanting more. God bless everyone.

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The concept of more is not a new one. I used to want more and more. I even had people calling me to offer me more – more furniture, more add ons to my home, more, more, more.

I guess it is old age because I have come to a time where I do not want more things. But I definitely want more. I want more patience that takes away worry, weeping, self-works, want, weakening, and wobbling. I want more of His Word in my heart helping me “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.” Psalm 37.7

I want more revelation – “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto (me) the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: The eyes of (my) understanding being enlightened; that (I) may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to (me) who believe(s), according to the working of His mighty power.” Ephesians 1.17-19

I want more healing – “..but he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53.5

I want more peace – “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that ^[b]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall ^[c]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4.6-7.

I want more faith – “Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, (the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. Hebrews 11.1 and the whole chapter.

I want more works for God – “..and I by [good] works [of obedience] will show you my faith.” James 2.18

I want more victory – “But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15.57

I want more worship – “…let us therefore, receiving a kingdom that is firm and stable and cannot be shaken, offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship, with modesty and pious care and godly fear and awe…” Hebrews 12:28

I want more wisdom  – “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone …. and it will be given him.” James 1.5

Yes, I think I am guilty. I want more, Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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I, like just about everyone I know, would love to know the future. I sit and wonder if I will ever own a home? if I will own a horse again? if I will ever fall in love? will my anxiety and sadness at times ever go away for good? Sometimes I tease about ‘being psychic,’ but it just ain’t so. So many say we would really not want to see into the future, but sometimes just a quick glimpse of a certain present circumstance outcome seems like it would be nice.

The truth is that many times I rob myself of the joy of the moments I have being so preoccupied with all the tomorrows of my life. Jesus told us not to be worried about tomorrow when He said ‘So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.’ Matthew 6.34. Yes, tomorrow will have a whole new set of challenges and problems and the God we love will not be scrambling around trying to figure out how to help us. So, I need to stick to today.

Recently, I encountered a situation that has caused me much grief. I did not know which way to turn. Some things pointed to my staying and seeing what happened, and some things pointed to the situation being hopeless and my need to run away from the situation as fast as I possibly could. What to do? Well, I decided to jump ship. I can’t say I have not been confused and disappointed. Why did this happen to begin with? It seems like such an experience in futility to be honest.

While reading my devotions one day, I came across Matthew 24.1-2 -‘Jesus departed from the temple area and was going on His way when His disciples came up to Him to call His attention to the buildings of the temple and point them out to Him. But He answered them, Do you see all these? Truly I tell you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.’ It hit me like a ton of bricks. My Savior knows all about the future. Every minute of my future, your future, our futures. 

When I am disappointed, I lose site of this fact. I lose site of the fact I can trust the Man Who died for me to know all about my future and all about what is good and not good for me. I can trust Him to direct all my steps even when I cry myself to sleep wondering why something did not turn out as I had hoped.

My faith seems like imagination more times than I wish, but after all the wrestling and struggling through everything, God makes His Light to shine on the situation and I want to trust Him. I want to love Him even when I do not understand because I know that I know that I know, He does and does want what is best for me.

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Chance of snow today in Florida (and just about every day) is 0%. This is the funniest thing I heard my mother say when I first came to Florida several years ago as we walked the Florida beaches.

Another Winter is here and for many it is not a 0% chance of snow today. The only thing that indicates winter here is that it is dark early. Everywhere else I have family and loved ones who are bundled up, drinking hot cocoa, shoveling daily, and getting through yet another winter. I don’t know about you, but I hope everyone is making it through again.

It may be warm here, but I remember my days in Ohio. I traveled everywhere with my shovel. I was mocked by a parking attendant who asked about it one time. I told him I never leave home without it. I told him how I had to shovel into and out of my driveway – just the part close to the road – not the entire 500 feet. I then walked down that 500 foot-long driveway to my apartment in the barn. One day, while walking to my truck, my foot landed in a hole, and down I went. I laughed and wondered if my  one close neighbor saw me and had a good laugh herself.

I have so many memories of the over 50 years spent in a Northern climate. I loved ice skating, sledding, and horseback riding through drifts of snow. On still, quiet nights after a light snow when the moon was full, my dogs and I walked around my 1/2 mile horse jogging track. The moonlight lit up the path and we enjoyed the still cold air and were thankful for all our blessings.

The days just keep coming and going. Another season that will soon turn again to Spring! Life seems to stay the same in some ways and constantly changing in other ways. I am trying harder this year to enjoy every day and every moment as I live it and leave the worry over the impending loss to the days ahead. That’s where the worry belongs anyway. I need to cherish the moments I have with aging loved ones and ones I see only on occasion.

I am enjoying my warmer Winter climate. In fact, Mom said she is going to get me a t-shirt she saw that says, “I Wear FlipFlops All Year Long” because I do! Happy Winter 2019 everyone. It will be Spring soon.

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How many times have we heard, “A picture’s worth a thousand words?” I agree. Recently I was asked to write an article titled, ‘How to Photograph an Unattractive Person.’ I found this assignment odd, but rose to the challenge. I am including excerpts from my article. I hope it will inspire all you photographers out there.

“I am an amateur photographer and I never leave home without my camera. Honestly, I consider me and some in my family to be unattractive people and, despite the fact our photos may never market millions of dollars of Ralph Lauren clothing or designer perfumes, the hundreds  of pictures I have of the ones I love are priceless.

How does one photograph an unattractive person? The way to photograph an unattractive person is for the creative genius behind the lens to utilize all the available skills of their craft to capture the uniqueness of every face on film so the person or their loved ones can have the lasting memory of that person or event shared forever.

Attitude – photographers influence the interaction between themselves and who they photograph. The truth is every person is unique and valuable and can be photographed. Remembering this and being confident in one’s ability to capture treasured images is paramount to success in photographing anyone. While it is true, the world places value on certain physical characteristics considered beautiful, most people are average in appearance. Even models and actors can be plain without makeup. People want real and meaningful experiences and they place value in the ones they love. Their hearts and minds do not see every imperfection or consider the photos substandard or shoddy. As artists, photographers can enhance the best attributes of the person being photographed. It should be the goal of every photographer to look for ways to make every photograph excellent.

Expression – this is the most important factor to consider for success photographing people. No matter how often I try to snapshot a ‘good’ picture of an eagle, this majestic, wonderful bird has a ‘mean’ or ‘stern’ look that I find unattractive even though I greatly admire the bird. People can have that same look, however, different than the eagle, they can laugh, cry, love, and show all their emotions to the camera. Life and other magazines have spent many years capturing various emotions. I find it easy to take film of young animals because their eyes and faces are filled with innocence and playfulness. Hint – have the person being photographed share something happy about their life. Perhaps it was a happy time when they were engaged or had a baby or how much they love someone in their lives, won a race or were surprised by a gift or party for a special occasion. Maybe a holiday makes them happy. When they share happy events, and they laugh and smile, these are moments that can capture the inner beauty that shines on their faces because this is what the camera sees as well. True happiness  is real and makes everyone more attractive. No matter how many wrinkles they have or if their teeth are not perfectly straight or their hair is disheveled, their photograph will be priceless to them or the ones that love them – the reason we ‘take pictures.’

The value of smiling – everyone’s face ‘lights up’ when they smile. I once met a Holocaust survivor who was a patient in a nursing home. Most would not have considered her an attractive person. She left Germany and lived in Russia and then came to America. She did not speak English, but when interviewing her to assess her medical needs, she looked up at me and smiled. It was an endearing moment I wish I had a photograph of because my heart was warmed as I thought, “Yes, your smile says you did survive something terrible.” No matter how many wrinkles someone has, or how many blemishes or imperfections, when they smile, beauty comes into their expression. We can capture desperation on film and we can also capture happiness, excitement, joy, and love. Let the person on the other side of the lens make a genuine  connection with you.

Choose a natural position – pictures of people doing normal, everyday things are easier to make more attractive because sometimes ‘posing’ makes the person twist their face oddly. Most agree that animated people are more attractive because as they come to life, their energy is caught on film. Make the photograph as natural as you can as you make them think they are not having a photograph taken at all and the result will be a higher quality photograph.

Pick an angle – it is a well known fact that faces are not the same (or symmetrical) on both sides. There is a more attractive and a less attractive side to every face. Angling toward the ‘more attractive’ side helps enhance the overall photograph as well as avoiding directing the camera to an obvious blemish. Also, if a person has ‘several extra chins,’ have their chin slightly elevated to avoid the exaggeration of these hanging skin folds. Sometimes a playful position of the head or a playful expression enhances a photograph.

Many photos and take your time – sometimes one photograph is not as flattering as another. To be as fair as possible, take many photographs. With today’s digital imaging, this does not waste film or time because one may take 100 photos and only like 2 or 3. This is a method utilized by many professional model photographers as well. There is a split second in time when the facial expression and all parameters are ‘just right.’

Remember what the photographs mean – My brother loved to have pictures taken. I believe it gave him a sense his being here would live on forever in the photo. He wanted us to have something of him to remember him by – and I have many. Some photos are lovely and his face is shining with a happy expression. Others are less attractive because I can see pain and worry over his poor health issues. I have pictures of family I have never met, but been told stories about. Keeping them helps preserve memories.

Beauty in the eye of the beholder  – my best example are bulldogs. I think they are the ugliest breed of dog I have ever seen, however, my family loves them and would have nothing else. I, on the other hand, love manatees. and think there are no more beautiful creatures on this planet, but my girlfriend thinks they are the ugliest things in the world. My family are immigrants from Europe. Some are overweight, some with less than flattering hair styles, larger noses, and some aged. Every inch of their faces are precious to me. The imprint in my brain is enhanced by the photos I have to hold in my heart in that special way photographs do.

To photoshop or not to photoshop – photoshop is great tool, however, there are two ways consider this. Yes, many want to be thinner, bustier, less blemished, etc, but at what cost? Does the person in the photograph want to look like themselves or someone they wished they were? Also, while photoshoping out a temporary blemish that happened at a bad moment may be appreciated, making someone look like a completely different person may give the impression of just how badly they were thought to look to begin with. This may be crushing.

In conclusion – everyone can be photographed. Everyone wants to capture the moments or people in their lives that are special to them – no matter how young or old or injured or weak. I have many treasured pictures and am touched over and over with the cherished memories of those I love and spent time with.”

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