Day 52 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Never stop memorizing scripture!

Well, it's the last day of the quest that I began on my 52nd birthday. I'm not sure if you learned anything new, were encouraged by something you already knew, or were in some way entertained by the ramblings of this old lady, but I must admit that I enjoyed writing them! I also found it helpful to review some of the things I've learned during my years of growing up and growing older. Thanks for sticking with me these last 7+ weeks!

This last word is a reminder that memorizing Bible verses is not just for children. God's Word is what guides our lives. The Psalmist even describes it as a light for our path (Psalm 119:105). Think of the Bible as your spiritual flashlight!

As important as the Bible is for moment-by-moment guidance it would seem reasonable that we should be committing it to memory to light those dark paths. And make no mistake! When Psalm 23 says that we walk through the valley of the shadow of death it isn't talking about the time immediately before we die. Each of us is walking through that valley right. this. very. moment. Need a light to help you see your way through it? That would be the Bible.

Aging and other um, life changes can make it harder to memorize scripture. I've found that putting verses to music can help. Or sometimes I'll pull out a recorded Bible version (we used to have a fantastic Alexander Scourby version on cassette tapes that is now available in mp3 format) and listen to someone else read it repeatedly. Or I'll take out pen and paper and dictate it to myself just to see if I can do it correctly. I'm one of those teachers who believes that we all have a learning style and you probably already know what yours is. I require a little bit of everything: auditory, visual, and kinetic.

There are so many silly songs and thoughts rattling around in my head that prove that repetition of the kind above works for me. If product advertising utilizing commercial brand logos and accompanying jingles can get me to memorize something whether I want to or not I know that the process will work with scripture memorization as well.

So maybe your Sunday School class no longer has a sticker chart for you that shows that you've said your memory verse this week but I'd like to encourage you to secretly make one for yourself, find a verse each week (or month, if that's more do-able), and get busy memorizing. It is my intention to do the same so maybe we can encourage each other along the way.

Day 51 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

God is more interested in our devotion than our devotions.

I heard one of my friends say this about 20 years ago as part of a woman's seminar and it stayed with me. I did not trust Christ as my Savior until I was in my mid-teen years so I was probably spiritually in my adolescence when I heard it.

I began regularly reading the Bible soon after I trusted Christ but many times I could recall very little of what I'd read. Like a physical teenager, as a spiritual teenager I heard what my Parent said but I wasn't always listening. Later, as the parent of teenagers of my own I became acutely aware of how disrespectful my behavior toward my own parents and my Heavenly Father had been. My children were not (and the teenager at home now is not) bad (nor was I) but I saw evidence that the act of not listening is arrogant and disrespectful.

Once I realized that God wanted my love and respect and not just the legalistic act of reading the Bible my spiritual life changed! I repented of my disrespect.  I began paying attention to what God was saying and started showing devotion when I had my devotions. This made all of the difference. When God spoke through His Word He found a willing listener.

To the Descendants of John and Hannah Bridges: A Petition

(Important Edit! Anyone may sign the petition!  You do not need to be a descendant.  Your help is greatly appreciated.)

It has recently come to my attention that there is an active petition that the descendants of John Bridges and Hannah Garland Bridges may sign requesting that the township provide an access drive to their graves. The cemetery containing their remains and those of several other family members is now landlocked and it is impossible to visit there without disturbing the residents who live in the closest house.

John Bridges was born in York Co., Massachusetts, now Maine, and migrated west following the Revolutionary War. It is well documented that he is the first resident of Anderson Township, Hamilton County, Ohio having arrived in 1790. The township itself is proud of its history and the name of Bridges is a prominent one in the community.

If you are a descendant or the spouse of a descendant please visit HERE and sign the petition. I did not write the petition but I did sign it. The township has agreed to accept an Internet petition but they require valid mailing addresses for each signer. There is no space provided for this information so my suggestion is to put it in the "Comment" field.

Thank you very much for your help. The last time I visited this cemetery was in 2004 on behalf of an out-of-state descendant who wanted pictures of his ancestors and it was not an easy endeavor.

Day 49 Postscript

Yesterday I posted this:

You don't need to know how God will work everything out. You just need to know that He will work them out.

And today I was finally catching up on some of my reading of friends' blogs and saw the perfect post here written by one of my missionary acquaintances that provides the explanatory material for yesterday's tidbit.  It was said so much better than I could ever say it.

(By the way, the blog title "More Than Survival" comes from the author's  battle with depression.  Yes, missionary wives are women just like we are.)

Day 50 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Make opportunities to show hospitality.

The Bible encourages hospitality in many places. Sometimes it makes a simple statement about how we've freely received so we should freely give. (Matthew 10:8) This admonishment was for the disciples and preachers as they went forward healing the sick and performing other miracles. Perhaps the circumstances are not quite the same today, but when I think of all who helped us when we were the family of a struggling ministerial student I can't help but want to help others. That's one of the reasons I try to open our home to visiting missionaries and guest speakers if at all possible. We might only be having chili and sandwiches but we're willing to share our humble meals. I guess I think of it as Jesus's version of "pay it forward."

That tends to segue into another one of my favorite verses about hospitality.  Later in the same chapter (Matthew 10:41) Jesus said that those who receive a prophet in the name of a prophet would receive a prophet's reward. I like the sound of that!   :)

Other scripture passages (I Timothy 3 and Titus 1) make hospitality a requirement for a man who desires to pastor. Most of the pastors I know need a hand making that happen.

Okay, so perhaps you're reading this and you're not blessed to live in a pastor's household. That's okay because God expects you to be hospitable, too! The writer of Hebrews tells his readers (that's us, by the way) to entertain strangers because some who had done so entertained angels and didn't even know it! I suspect this to be a reference to the visit Abraham and Sarah had from the men sent to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, but it doesn't specifically say. I doubt I've served angels around my table, (although there have been times when I've suspected some young ones of being of the fallen kind - just kidding) but we're told of the possibility of heavenly visitors and that's good enough for me.

Don't be afraid to prayerfully share a meal with someone who needs the encouragement. This is the perfect time of the year to do so. There are many people missing loved ones during the holiday season and the thought of being alone is overwhelming. 

Share a meal. Share your heart. Share the love of the Lord.

Possibly entertain angels!

Day 49 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

You don't need to know how God will work everything out. You just need to know that He will work them out.

Day 48 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

People are more important than things.

So simple yet so profound. Most people would say they believe this but anyone who wanders into a store on Black Friday may wonder about the sincerity of some.

Day 47 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Never forget that you are always in the presence of the living God.

When we are young we think that when grow up we will no longer need to answer to anyone. This thought is usually directed at our parents. I had this thought as a child and I was (and still am) aware of it in my own children.

While it is true that we eventually grow beyond the "children obey your [earthly] parents" stage of life we NEVER outgrow being God's child. It is also true that earthly parents cannot be with their children at every moment or even be aware of their children's every action or thought but that is not the case with the omnipresent, omniscient Heavenly Father.

The thought that "God is always with you" is not supposed to evoke negative emotions like fear even though it often evokes them. Once the child of God matures spiritually he becomes aware that what his Heavenly Father really desires is a loving relationship with him.

The same could be said for earthly parents.  As children, with maturity we usually come to our senses about our relationship with them but some never mature to that point in their relationship with their Heavenly Father.

Whatever your perception is of what it means to be constantly in the presence of God, start now remembering the fact that you are!

Day 46 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

People who are the most grateful are those who have been delivered from a recent adversity.

It seems to me that people who live charmed lives tend to take their blessings for granted and those who have come to an end of suffering see their new circumstances something that they do not wish to take for granted!

Take a lesson from American history. Those who gave thanks had endured several years of great emotional and physical distress in at least two countries (England and The Netherlands), and upon two continents (Europe and North America), and had witnessed the deaths of half of their family and church (which were the same people in this case). These are the people who represent this holiday in this country. Other countries and cultures have their own representative personalities. The Bible itself is full of psalms written by individuals who just could not keep their jubilation under wraps after God had delivered them from certain death and destruction.

At this time last year I had no clue that things inside my body were not working the way they should.  This year I am very thankful for my new perspective on health.  God intervened so that surgery was not necessary but even if it had been I'm grateful for the kind of advances in medicine that would have removed the growth that was causing me such pain.

If you're reading this today I pray that between the feasting and the football you'll spend some time today searching your mind for ways that the Lord has worked the seemingly impossible on your behalf and giving thanks in your heart to Him for the mighty works that He has done!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Day 45 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

A lesson should be learned from each mistake. To do otherwise wastes the whole miserable experience.

How many people do you know that just keep on making the same errors in judgment over and over again? Don't answer that.

Hopefully you aren't one of those people. And if you are, stop it!

We all make mistakes, both intentional and unintentional, both sins of omission and co-mission.  Make amends and make sure not to do the same thing again.

Yes, to err is human and to forgive is divine, but to keep repeating THE SAME errors is just plain stupidity.  Learn the lessons your mistakes were meant to teach you and you'll be a lot wiser AND a lot happier, too.

Day 44 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

When you count your blessings make sure to include your in-laws (of all generations) because they have (or had) a great part in the development of your loved ones.

Your spouse's parents? Check
Your child's spouse? Check
Your spouse's siblings? Check

Each contribute to the development of someone you love dearly whether that be your spouse or your grandchildren.

And while you're counting your in-laws as part of your blessings make sure you say a prayer for them if they are still an influential part of a loved one's life. I'm sure they'd appreciate the Godly guidance.

Day 43 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

There is great joy in receiving but even greater joy in giving!

I thought this might be an appropriate reminder at the start of this holiday season.

Day 42 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

The following appears courtesy of my husband. His congregations have heard him make this punny statement through the years. I post it here for your amusement (and because sometimes there seems to be an element of truth to it.) :)

Pastors are paid to be good. Everyone else in the congregation must be good for nothing.

Day 41 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Anyone who truly loves you will love you no matter what.

(I'd like to thank my immediate family for teaching me this, especially my husband and children who make it clear that I'm "just mom!")

People who love you will do so no matter

• how you look
• how old you become
• how much (or how little) money you have
• how ill you are

Circumstances don't matter to someone who really loves you.

Day 40 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Learning should not end when one graduates. It is to be a life-long endeavor.

A brain is a terrible thing to waste! It would be such a shame for it to be retired by the time it hits its mid-20's.

Day 39 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

If you spend the night wrestling with God don't be surprised when you get up in the morning with a permanent limp.

Take a lesson from Jacob! Only through permanently disabling him could God make him totally dependent upon Him for deliverance from the problems that pursued him. (Genesis 32:9-11, 24-25)

(If you would like to read the devotional I wrote about Jacob,including this episode, as part of a series on depression taken from the lives of people from Genesis click here.)

Day 38 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Beauty changes with age. Give up on the idea of trying to look 15 your whole life.

Not only is it practically impossible to do so but how ironic that great amounts of money and time are spent trying to keep a look from one of the most self-conscious periods of one's life!

A better idea is to reevaluate your features as you age and determine a plan for accentuating the positive while drawing attention away from the negative. After all, isn't that what you did when you were 15? It works just as well when you're 51. (Which I was a year ago.)  :)

Day 37 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Every so often, make an attempt to take your prayer requests to God without having a preconceived notion of what the outcome should be.

You just might be surprised at the creativity of the answer!

Day 36 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

A little bit of practical advice for the traditional Monday laundry day:

Take the time to learn how to treat different types of stains on clothing.

If you do, your clothing will last a whole lot longer. This one doubles as one of those frugal tips I've been known to throw out there every so often.

There are many more that can be researched on the Internet but here are just a few that I've learned by experience through the years {sigh}:

• Blood stains can be helped along by dousing them with hydrogen peroxide prior to washing.  
• Tomato-based stains can be removed by wetting the stain and then laying the clothing in the sun.  They will be bleached out of the fabric.
• Berry stains can be removed by pouring boiling water on them.  (This goes against everything you've ever been taught about not setting a stain!)
• Some magic marker stains may be removed or faded significantly with rubbing alcohol.  (Crayola used to have a wonderful help line prior to their invention of washable markers.  Perhaps they still do.  I don't know. My kids stopped playing with markers several years ago unless Lulu still does in which case she is responsible for doing her own laundry.)    :)

As you probably know, but I'll say it anyway, always test an inconspicuous part of the fabric for color-fastness before proceeding.  My theory has always been that the clothing is ruined anyway so what have I got to lose by giving it a try?

Day 35 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Make worshipping God your first priority.

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name:

bring an offering,

and come before him:

worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

I Chronicles 16:29

Day 34 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Do your best, but don't obsess.

For most (including me), this is easier said than done.

Day 33 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Consider keeping checking and savings accounts at two separate banks.

I know this post might be a bit controversial but it is a piece of practical advice that I feel compelled to share. You remember that old adage that said, "Don't keep all your eggs in one basket"? Well, it's right and we learned it experiencially a few years ago.

I won't tell you all the ways that your accounts can be breached. I'm hoping that I don't know them all, being the honest person that I am! Again, the only ways I know are those I've been warned about through media and those I've experienced.

Our worst experience happened several years ago when our checking account was cleaned out one night and because we had it tied to our savings to provide overdraft protection our it was cleaned out, too. Since we are diligent to check our accounts we noticed the problem within hours and alerted the bank so they could try to track the theft.

Then came the part about recovering our money. It can take many days for these things to go through all the proper channels so that the money is placed back in the proper accounts but the banker manager at our branch vouched for us and our money was returned immediately. End of story.

Then our banker retired.  We got to thinking about the possibility of a "next time" so we opened accounts at another bank and divided our funds between them.  We're very glad we did because there really was a "next time" and even though it was a much smaller theft it was still a theft. And over 3 months later the bank has still not resolved the situation even though the theft was reported literally within minutes.  Minutes!!

If you listen to Dave Ramsey you know that when it comes to investing in mutual funds diversity is the key. I'm not Dave and I'm not famous but my advice today is to make sure your liquid assets are diversified also. That old "don't put your eggs in one basket" advice still applies today. Those who don't heed it could end up with egg all over their faces.

It's 11/11/11 and It's Veteran's Day

Today's the day we honor our dead heroes:

(All photos taken by the author when she visited Arlington National Cemetery in June 2010)

And our living ones, too. (No pictures of them in order to preserve their privacy.)

Day 32 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

If you go above and beyond what is expected of you make sure that after the task is done you neither brag about it nor complain.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus told the listeners that if someone asks them to walk one mile they should go two. The principle here is to do more than what is asked or expected. This is such a well-known principle that it has universally become known as "Going the Second Mile."

Too bad most people stop paying attention there. Jesus also told his audience that if they brag about what they do the Father will see no need to reward them for their efforts because the recognition they receive will suffice. (Matthew 5:41 - 6:4) So if you have the desire to be a recognized do-gooder feel free to tell people about the nice things you've done but be sure to notice all of their smiles and remember those pats on the back because it's a possibility that this will be the only reward you receive! And justly, because if the reason you do things is so that others will admire you got what you wanted and God might just consider you paid in full.

That part about complaining isn't specifically mentioned in this Sermon on the Mount passage but researching words like "grumbling" or "murmuring" in any Bible concordance will give a clear indication of God's feelings about that subject, too. Often complainers in the Bible were the recipients of severe consequences.

So do what you do for God. Let your "Second Mile" travels be a little secret between you and God. Then someday God will reward you openly when He reveals your deeds for everyone to see.

Day 31 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Try to find the spots of color even on the gloomiest days. Sometimes they are hidden right there in the middle of the depressing things and we need to search diligently to find them.

All photos taken today while it was raining.

I was reminded of this while reading The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. She said that her sister (Betsy?) was always able to find the good in any situation and seemed always able to thank God for everything even if she didn't know why it was important to do so at the time. For instance, she said that in the room where they were confined there were fleas within the straw of their bedding. Even though all the other women thought she was crazy, Corrie's sister thanked God for them. Later it was discovered that the matrons wouldn't come into the dormitory because of those fleas so the ladies were able to have Bible studies without harrassment. Extreme example? Yes! In comparison, what in the world do I have to complain about?

Day 30 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

If you plan to write consecutive blog posts for 52 days make sure you have enough material to write and enough time to post it.

Especially enough time to post.

I rarely run out of things to say; however, some days it is hard to get to the computer and get something typed. Or even several days' worth of material typed.  Jesus said something about counting the cost before embarking on a building project. I should have paid attention.

(That's the story of yesterday's delay. Thanks to both of my readers for their patience.)

Day 29 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

We've all been told that we only get one chance to make a good first impression, but I suggest allowing others the chance to have a second or third one.

Think of the friends you might make if only you'd get past that first impression! It doesn't always work out that way, though, because some people are jerks no matter how many chances they get! But others are not and experience some of the same social ineptitude that we do. They get nervous, or talkative, or jittery and would probably like to have the opportunity to start again. Oh, how many times I've wished that someone had just given me a "do over!" And sometimes they have.

Conversely, sometimes a person can make a very good first impression and they later prove to be "a one trick pony." They know how to put on a good show if it ends quickly enough.

Bottom line? It takes more than a first impression to know whether someone is worth knowing or not.

Day 28 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

If you plan to leave a gospel tract for your server when you eat out plan also to leave such a generous tip with it that the person might actually consider reading your literature.

(Tip for next year: I find this principle useful when giving out gospel tracts to trick or treaters, too.)

Day 27 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

I keep my religious beliefs separate from my genealogical research, that is, until I visit a family cemetery and am reminded that one day I'll be forced to join them!

(Hebrews 9:27)

Day 26 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Time is a gift from God that must be opened one second at a time.

We're midway through our 52 days and here in the extended High Hill family we've just completed about 6 weeks of birthday celebrations from the oldest of our family's 4 generations down to our youngest. That's how we do things around here. We like some months so much better than others that we tend to group the births! :)

And because "time" is such a wonderful gift that God has granted to us we feel it appropriate to celebrate birthdays as a way of commemorating the "time" that has been given to the celebrant and thanking our Creator for the gift. Are we honoring the birthday boy or girl? Oh yes! But we're also honoring our Lord! The gift of "time" is a wonderful thing to celebrate!

If you know someone who is having a birthday today there is no better "time" than now to help them celebrate this wonderful gift that God has given them to unwrap each moment of their life.

Day 25 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

There are some ailments that nothing can cure except chocolate!

Day 24 Days of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

We need to make sure that we're doing well in order to keep from growing weary while doing it.

It's hard for a task that a person isn't doing to make them tired! (Galatians 6:9; II Thessalonians 3:13)  That's like me saying that farm labor has made me tired when actually I cleaned house all day.  I might still be tired at the end of the day, but farm labor can hardly get the blame!

Paul admonished spiritual farm laborers not to grow weary during the time of harvest. It's harvest time!  We need to get to work! (John 4:35)

Day 23 Words of Wisdom

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Do not punish children for accidental behavior but do not reward them for misbehavior either.

Being punished for accidents confuses a child as to what is right and wrong and makes them afraid of trying new things.

Being rewarded for misbehavior confuses a child as to what is right and wrong and makes them unafraid of trying their parents' nerves.