Thank You for Being a Friend

 

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. ~Proverbs 17:17

When I stop and reflect upon all the amazing people I've met in my years of writing this blog, I am both humbled and filled with gratitude.  It has been one of the most rewarding, enlightening journeys I have had the privilege to embark upon and I treasure being able to do so once a week.

Living in Blogland is an incomparable adventure.  We connect with others' hearts and minds, and share hopes and fears honestly and openly.  Most of you who follow my blog have become dear and valued friends, even though we've never met in person, I feel that your words, photos, beliefs, and dreams are woven into my being like kindred spirits who always encourage me to be better, to fully become the person God created me to be.

That being said, my hope and prayer is that I've brought the same authenticity and inspiration to your day in my once-a-week message.  Some of you faithfully leave comments to that effect, giving me the feedback that every blogger needs to keep on keeping on.  While I know some of you don't respond to comments left on your own blog, your continued visits here assure me that you are still vested in me and on the same virtual page.

Any way you might choose to acknowledge another's presence in Blogland should be honored and respected.  Please know that when you do leave a comment here, my practice is to respond to it in a timely and positive manner.  Yes, I've messed up with this from time to time, but it's my goal to stay the course I've set out for Mediations of My Heart.

Afraid you might not get back around to see if I've responded?  I have a solution that most of you have probably figured out (I can be a slow learner when it comes to all things tech).  Before you publish your comment, check the Notify Me box just below to the right.  You will not only receive an email message when I've answered, but also you'll have the benefit of seeing the comments of others who are, more likely than not, blogging buddies we share in common.

I've also adopted the habit of using your name when answering your comments.  That way, you can see immediately the response that matches your input without having to return to the actual blog itself.  Easy peasy!

Each and every one of you holds a special place in my heart, and you always will.  Thanks for the blessings your blogs give to me and so many others.  But most of all, thank you for being a friend. 

 

Amen!

Swords to Plowshares

 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ~Matthew 5:9

My generation, the Baby Boomers, and all the ones who have come behind us, have witnessed seemingly endless conflicts between nations around the world.  Sadly, many of those wars involved our country at one time or another, and the loss of human treasure, those brave men and women who willingly fought to keep us free, is incalculable.

Sometimes, conflicts are unavoidable and necessary to protect our country's sovereignty and freedoms.  Just ask any veteran why he or she served in our military.  They are patriots without equal.  And I, for one, am so thankful to each and every one of them for the lengths they were willing to go so that we can enjoy a prosperous life in the United States.

Danny's son, Giovanni, is a staff sergeant in the Air Force.  We couldn't be prouder of him and his honorable and dedicated service to our country.  But like all parents, we pray that he will never be in harm's way because of a decision to put boots on the ground (or planes in the air) in a foreign land.  Yes, we pray for him and all our children, but now, because of President Trump's peace through strength initiatives, we can afford a sigh of relief.

In the short seven months since the second Trump term began, we've witnessed a whirlwind of monumental achievements by his administration, not the least of which is brokering peace between warring nations.  Here's a rundown of clashes resolved:  India and Pakistan; Thailand and Cambodia, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Armenia and Azerbaijan; Serbia and Kosovo; Egypt and Ethiopia, and a cease fire between Israel and Iran.  As of this week, seven countries have nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

We don't yet know what will come of the Russia-Ukraine war, but with such a track record of success, I'm praying that the aggressions can end before the year is out.  Economic sanctions and tariffs have certainly contributed to foreign countries coming to the table to make a deal with the United States.  I believe that no true leader who loves his or her nation wishes to be remembered as someone who financially bankrupted their people because they refused to compromise in some way.

President Trump is masterful when it comes to the art of the deal, and he's employing the skills he's honed over a lifetime to not only make America great again, but to improve the lives and prospects of millions of people around the world.  He and his administration are proving day after day that strength and peace go hand-in-hand.

And someday, when our Lord returns to reign, the prophetic words of Isaiah will see fruition:

He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples.  They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.  Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. ~Isaiah 2:4

Amen!

All it Takes is a Smile

 

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. ~Proverbs 14:31

Here's a riddle for you.  What costs you nothing to give, yet makes you richer in the giving?  The answer?  Kindness!

In my comings and goings, no matter where I find myself, I try to be aware of the demeanor of the people around me.  What expressions do their faces display?  Do they seem worried, preoccupied, frustrated, detached?  Armed with a smile, I will try to make eye-contact.  It's amazing how quickly an unexpected smile will be flashed in return.

Many times, too, when the situation seems appropriate, I'll actually speak my kindness aloud.  For example, earlier this year, Danny and I are dining out and I spot a young couple with a toddler who has the most stunning eyes and excellent table manners to match.  I approach them and offer my sincere compliments regarding their child's behavior.  Their thank-yous and sweet smiles are the only reward I could ever want or need.

I'm willing to wager that all of you who regularly visit my blog practice random acts of kindness in your daily lives as much as you possibly can.  I can tell not only from the encouragement you give me in your comments, but also from the content of your varied and meaningful blogs.  So many of you highlight kindness in words and in the photos you share.  I hope you know, dear friends, that you are making this world a better place with every post you pen.

In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists kindness as one of the fruits of the Spirit.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.  And we know as believers that the source of these virtues does not have its origin in sinful humanity, but comes from God through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  We are only able to nurture these fruits horizontally if first we seek the vertical:  a living relationship with the Lord.

As Solomon states, when we are kind to the needy (and I would argue that we are ALL needy), we are honoring God.  To do otherwise is to pose the lie that we don't need our heavenly Father every single moment of every single day.

When we intentionally practice kindness toward others, we are doing our part, no matter how small, to bring God's kingdom to fruition here on earth.

And sometimes, all it takes is a smile.

Amen!

Slow and Steady

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ~Hebrews 12:1

Danny's doctors advise him that it's safe to resume exercising once he gets home from the hospital, but to take it slowly at first.  I'm not at all surprised by the take-it-slowly part.  After battling his pneumonia-type illness, Danny has quite a way to go when it comes to getting back ho feeling what he would call normal.

In light of that, we go downstairs to our "gym" so Danny can get some time in on the treadmill while I try out the stationary bike for the first time.  It's one that Danny orders when he is trying to heal up his knee a while back.  It works for him, but most certainly doesn't work for me.  I find the bike to be awkward as it places too much stress on my arms when I attempt to ride it.

The solution?  Right here!

Danny orders this "mini-bike" from Amazon (where else) and when it arrives, he successfully assembles it in about an hour.

The best part about this mini-bike for me is I can easily lift it and set it up wherever I am - either downstairs with Danny or sitting in front of my computer watching a show.  I have no excuse to not use it as much as I possibly can.

The older we get, the more crucial it is for us to stay active.  And it's necessary, considering our limitations, to not let the sin of being sedentary hinder our progress as we persevere in the race God has marked out for us.

The days for running like a hare have been replaced with the slow and steady plodding of the turtle, but even that lowly creature makes progress over time.  And in Aesop's famous fable, it's the turtle who eventually wins the victor's crown.

We know when we faithfully traverse the path that Jesus has laid out for us in this life, we can rest assured that we will be with Him for eternity.  Could there be a more glorious win than that?  I think you know the answer.

Amen!

Bye, Little Laptop!

 

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. ~Matthew 24:3

Pictured here is my hard-wired computer.  It sits atop an antique drafting table which my father secures for me when, then a biology professor at Emory University, he finds out that the department plans to toss them before the building is renovated.  I'm thrilled to have it, but never in my wildest dreams could I have envisioned something from the early 20th century being home for a 21st century tech wonder.

I used to have a tall chair to match the unusual height of the desk, but when I read that it's better to stand at your computer while surfing the web, we ditch it.  That set up works well for a time as Danny gets me a cushy pad to stand on.

Sadly, though, after my bout with pneumonia in early 2022, I find it nearly impossible to stand for long comfortably.  That's when my little Chrome laptop comes to the rescue.

She's been my go-to partner ever since, especially when I need to read a plethora of blogs or muddle through emails.  And even before that, this little gem would travel with us on our holiday trips and frequent visits to my mother's before she passed away.

Last Friday morning, it's business as usual when I notice that the laptop needs some juice.  I place it on tope of our printer where its charging cable is readily accessible and plug it in.  But when I check the indicator light that tells me it's powering up, I'm met with darkness.  Bordering on the definition of what Einstein called insanity, I unplug and plug it up again.  Nothing.  Nada.  Zilch.  It seems this poor overworked baby has finally given up the ghost.

This is not a time to panic.  I remember that Danny has a much newer laptop which he rarely uses, bought for the same reasons a mine is originally.  I know he won't mind if I use it during those times when I'm not in the standing mood.

It takes Danny the better part of the afternoon to set up his laptop so I can reach the sites I normally visit, but he's my computer wizard.  He actually enjoys doing things just like this and boy, am I ever grateful!

This laptop is definitely larger than the little one I was using, and the keyboard feels more natural and responsive when I type on it.  It's a wonderful upgrade from my beloved little gal whom I will miss, but I know I'll enjoy using my new-to-me model.

This experience serves to remind me that nothing in this world lasts forever.  Our very bodies will eventually wear out, just like my dear little laptop.  But the words of Jesus will resonate long after the earth and the heavens have passed away, and He will be with our souls for eternity.

Amen!

Goodness and Mercy

 

Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. ~Psalm 28:6

Since his release from the hospital on July 11th, Danny continues to heal from his illness precipitated by the prolonged use of the drug, Amiodarone.  I'm overjoyed by the progress he's making in such a short period of time, and Danny's optimistic about a full recovery down the road.

The Lord has more than certainly heard our cries for mercy in these recent days, and has poured out His grace in abundant ways.

There is one obstacle, however, that casts a shadow on our elation.  Because the doctors have placed Danny on steroids to assist with the healing, it, ironically, compromises his immune system.  He's advised not to be where there are crowds as he could be adversely affected by contagions others might carry.

I never thought I'd ever say anything good about the effects of the Covid plague, but I will state this:  It trains Danny to use Instacart like a seasoned pro!  Just this week, he orders items from both Costco and Whole Foods and both are successfully delivered.  When we have to make the trek to our local Publix, I go into the store with a list while Danny waits in the car, the a/c cranked, where he can stay cool and isolated from the masses.  I'm mindful when I return to the car to promptly use hand sanitizer.  So far, so good!

What makes us saddest about this whole situation, though, is being isolated from our church family.  If Danny had not fallen ill, this past Sunday would have been one of our scheduled services to lead praise songs.  There are also two important events happening at our church in the next two weeks that we would love to attend, but aren't able to.  We know everyone understands the pickle we're in, but that doesn't change our desire to be there with and for everyone we love.

How long will Danny have to be under quarantine?  His doctor advises until at least the third week in August.  In the meantime, he will continue to wean off of the steroids as the weeks roll on.  That's such a good thing, not only because of the immunity issues, but also because steroids can raise glucose numbers if eating isn't closely monitored.  Yes, Danny does the finger prick several times per day to get his readings.

Considering the condition Danny is in at the time he enters the hospital and the condition he is in now, we can't thank and praise the Lord enough for this miraculous recovery.  Your heartfelt prayers have certainly been heard, and acted upon, by our loving Father in heaven.

May we faithfully praise the Lord's goodness and mercy every day we draw breath.

Amen!

What Are the Odds?

 

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." ~Matthew 19:26

Several weeks back Danny notices that one of our backgammon dice is slightly nicked on a corner.  That might seem like an insignificant issue, but any imperfection can affect how a die rolls on the playing board.  He decides to order new dice sets for us.  Mind you, these aren't just any old run-of-the-mill dice, but the very type used in world-wide backgammon championship tournaments.  Talk about upping our game!

We notice right away that the dice will do things we've never witnessed in our previous sets.  We can roll them as usual but at times, one of the other will actually tip up on a barely perceptible edge of a corner and stay there.  Quite the balancing act!  But the photo in the header takes the cake.

No, I don't stage these dice for photo drama.  These are exactly how they land, one neatly stacked on top of the other.  Amazed, I grab my cell phone to document this phenomenon to testify to the truth of what has impossibly happened.  Neither Danny nor I have ever seen anything to match such a stunt in all the years we've played backgammon.

What are the odds of that?  Just being a millimeter off would have made all the difference.

This past weekend marks the anniversary of the infamous assassination attempt made on President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.  As those moments of uncertainty and dread are relived on the news, the undeniable truth becomes abundantly clear.

Because Donald Trump turns his head slightly, with intentions to focus the crowd on a huge chart depicting the drop in illegal border crossings during his last tenure a shot intended to end his life only grazes his ear.

A split second between life and death.

A millimeter of a difference.

How is it even possible that the shooter fails to hit his target?  He has training, experience, opportunity.  By human logic, he shouldn't have missed.

But God.

During those appallingly anxious moments, my first reaction is shock followed immediately by prayer.  My mind races back to memories of previous, gut-wrenching assassinations in our country's past.  In light of those outcomes, my heart fears the worst, and yet, still beats with hope as tears flow unchecked.

And then, the miracle!!!  President Trump is on his feet, his fist pumping the air, blood streaming down his face.  He's not just alive, he's full of life and fight.  What are the odds of that?

What more and more people, including Trump himself, have come to realize since that horrible day is that the God who makes the impossible possible intervenes at precisely the right place and the right time.  In spite of the many in this nation who disavow Him, the Lord still envisions this country as His shining city on a hill, and continually and lovingly calls us back to Himself.

My prayer, today and every day, is that all people in this nation will confess their sins, repent, and commit themselves, heart, soul, mind, and strength, to the One who always knows the odds.

And if we do, I'd say our odds couldn't be better.

Amen!