ddykema5@gmail.com

May

2020

New Morning Mercies

Are you feeling discouraged over the turmoil and mixed messages we are receving regarding this Covid-19 virus and all the restrictions? We here in Michigan still have a few more weeks for our stay at home order. Now that the weather is nicer, it is harder for people to stay home, plus they have been staying home for seven weeks now. I don’t think staying at home is the worst thing for some people. For some people, the worst thing is the question of their job. Will there be a job for them to have once this is all finished. Will their unemployment run out before they go back to work? There are so many variables that some do not have the answers for.

As I was laying down for my Sunday afternoon nap, I was thanking the Lord for who He is. He is compassionate, loving, and full of grace. Then I thanked Him for His mercies “that are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3: 22, 23). As I was drifting off to sleep, I thought “why is it that the only attribute of God that says that it is new every morning is His mercy?”

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.” (Lamentations 3:22).

“…according to the riches of His grace. Which He lavished on us…” (Ephesians 1: 8, 9)

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you…” (II Peter 3:9).

God’s love, His grace, and His patience are steadfast. They do not change, but God’s mercy is new every morning.

God’s mercy is new every morning not because of who God is, but because of who we are.

If we ponder for a minute the definition of mercy-God NOT giving us what we deserve-we realize that God’s mercy being new every morning has more to do with us.

It is not that yesterday’s mercies were bad or inadequate, rather it is that yesterday’s mercies were for yesterday’s troubles. Today’s mercies are for today’s troubles.

We have a tendency to look at the “what if’s” of tomorrow and try to solve those problems today. Those are tomorrow’s troubles not todays and you do not have the mercy that you need for the troubles of tomorrow.

Does that mean that we should not plan? Does that mean we should not prepare for what will come tomorrow? Absolutely not. We should plan for tomorrow and prepare for tomorrow. The farmer must prepare in the spring to harvest his crop in the fall, but he cannot bring the “what ifs” of tomorrow into today. He must plant his crop in the spring. He cannot be worried about if there will be enough rain or too much rain. That is tomorrow’s trouble and that trouble will have a fresh dose of mercy for that day.

What are you worried about? Whether you will get back to work before your unemployment runs out? Whether you will get sick with Covid-19? Whether this home restriction will ever end?

Those are tomorrow’s troubles and we should let the mercy that God will give us tomorrow take care of the trouble that will come tomorrow.

“Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life what you will eat or what you will drink nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and body more than clothing? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:25, 27).

If you think about tomorrow, will worrying put food on your table? Will being anxious fix that troubled relationship? Will worrying cause you to have clothes to wear? Will being anxious add one hour to the end of your life?

God’s mercies are new every morning. If you get down to your last meal in the refrigerator, God will give you the mercy for that day when it comes. Why worry about it today? If your unemployment runs out, God will give you the mercy in that day that you need for that struggle.

Remember:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations3:22, 23)

Apr

2020

I Hope in Your Word

Here we are facing more days of the “stay-at-home” order from our Michigan governor as she extends this stay home order to May 15. While I appreciate her desire to decrease the spread of the virus, I also think that the citizens of this great state understand the severity of the virus and the risk involved to each individual if one should get the virus. I see people that are careful when they go to the grocery store. People don’t get near each other. People are wearing masks. The grocery stores are cleaning like never before. We have all learned our lessons on how to prevent the spread of the virus.

During my time with the Lord each morning I spend time praying through the Psalms. I am currently in Psalm 119. I especially liked the following verses and felt like they are so applicable to us as we all face different challenges of our own. Everyone is dealing with these restrictions and struggling with them in different ways, yet God’s Word is relevant to each of us in our situation.

¹⁴⁵With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD! I will keep your statues. ¹⁴⁶I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies. ¹⁴⁷I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. ¹⁴⁸My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. ¹⁴⁹Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O LORD, according to your justice give me life. ¹⁵⁰They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law. ¹⁵¹But you are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true. ¹⁵²Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever. (Psalm 119:145-152)

As you read these verses, notice the first part of each verse in the first five verses. Life is hard. We have difficulties and challenges that seem overwhelming. We cry out to the Lord with our whole heart, we call out to God, and we are awake at night because of the challenges that face us in our lives. The author of this Psalm (probably David) knew challenges and heartaches. We have these in our lives too. Those that are facing unemployment. Those that cannot pay their bills. Those that are sick with the virus. Those that are sick with the virus and cannot work. Students who have had their school years disrupted. The list of the challenges that we all face are many. These challenges cause us to struggle emotionally because the current events and the unknown events of the future are challenging.

That is the beauty of these verses. We cannot hope in the circumstances around us. If we spend our time focused on them and worrying over them it will do nothing more than cause us to be discouraged. So what do we do?

The Psalmist says he cried out to the Lord. He asked the Lord to hear him. The last part of each of these verses then tells us what to do. Focus on God’s Word. Keep God’s laws.

This crises that we are in will not be the last crises that you will face, nor is it the first crises that you have faced. How have you handled previous crises?

Over the last year and a half I have been memorizing scripture. I have memorized Psalm 145, Daniel 9:3-19, Psalm 103, and now I am in Colossians 3:1-17. What I have found as I have committed myself to not just memorizing Scripture, but rehearsing it when I go on my walks in the morning, when I drive in the car, or when I lay down at night to sleep is my focus has changed. It has been a slow and a gradual process, but I have noticed in myself that I do not worry as much. I do not focus as much on all the negatives that happen. When something bothers me I do not hold onto the bad feelings for as long.

God’s Word via the memorization of it has transformed my heart. I understand the words that the Psalmist wrote in these verses. I have worried about things and been in turmoil over them, but then I remember God’s Word.

I challenge you during these extended days of our “stay at home” order to memorize Scripture. Do something productive rather than sit and fret over all that is wrong. Focus on what you know to always be true no matter the circumstances: GOD’S WORD.

…I hope in your Words. (Psalm 119:147)

Apr

2020

Are you content?

We are in our sixth week of quarantine. How are you coping? What things are you going to take away from this experience? Have you ever noticed that when a challenge or an obstacle arises it brings out your worst? There is a reason for that.

Here’s an illustration to help you understand this. Say you have a cup of hot tea. When you bump that cup of tea, what comes out of it? Tea, of course.

The same is true with us. When we have a difficult situation come into our life that is the “bump,” and what comes out is what is in our hearts.

So during this Covid-19 crises, what is coming out of your heart making itself evident in your life?

My guess is one of the top things is lack of contentment.

So what is at the heart of not being content? It is an ungrateful spirit. If we are not thankful for what we have, then it is easy to complain about everything we do have. Paul tells us in I Thessalonians 5:18 “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” No matter what the situation we are in, we should be thankful. We should even be thankful for the situation. That is the hardest thing to do, be thankful for the situation. Yet, Paul tells us in this verse to be thankful in every situation. Paul does not tell us that it will be easy, but he does tell us what to do. Be thankful in all circumstances.

During supper at my house, we have been sharing one thing we are thankful for. It has helped us to see the positives like a Zoom meeting with friends, a phone call, playing games with friends online, getting things done we didn’t have time for before, a delivery from Amazon. So many things that we used to take for granted, we now are thankful for.

I hope that this this crises is giving us a new appreciation for things that we once complained about.

Who used to dread going to the grocery store? Now, it’s our favorite thing to do.

What about going to church on Sunday? Did you barely make it in time or wish you could stay in bed longer? Now we can stay in bed till 1 minute before the service starts or we can even wake up and watch the service in our PJ’s in bed. Don’t you miss being with other believers?

How many of us wanted extra time to get some things done. Now we have that extra time to get extra things done. We might be careful what we wish for next timeJ

I would encourage you to think about what your take aways for this are going to be. Take some time (which you have) and consider what you have learned during this time.

Remember how valuable it is to have a schedule. Rather than getting to the end of your day and feeling like you accomplished nothing, arrive at the end of your day with a to-do list or a schedule with everything crossed off. I love the days I make a schedule and all that I am able to get done. I also have some days that I have a general guide to my days, but I leave a little margin in those days too. It is nice for me to have a balance of scheduled and unscheduled days. I appreciate them both more.

If you have not started finding something to be thankful for each day, start today. It will help you to become more content.

If you haven’t developed a schedule yet, start today. Set your schedule up for tomorrow and stick to it.

Don’t let this quarantine be a wasted time in your life. Make the most of your time. What is coming out when you are bumped?

Apr

2020

Happy 22nd Birthday, Denise

Happy Birthday, Denise! You are an incredible blessing to our lives. It is hard for me to remember a time when I was not a Mom. The last 20+ years have been the biggest blessing in my life. I never knew that being a Mom would be so fulfilling and rewarding, and I am so thankful that God has given me the privilege to be your Mom!

I am so proud of the young lady you have become. God has sent to you many trials and you continue to grow stronger and more mature with each trial. I have never heard you complain in the midst of each trial. You just keep looking for the positives and allowing God to stretch you and grow you through them.

You have had brain surgery, two ACL repairs, and now the end of your senior year in college has been disrupted by a small little virus. You have missed out on so many things, BUT you have chosen to not let the trials dictate your response. You have chosen to continue to hope and trust in the Lord. You have chosen to make the most of each situation. You have chosen to take the negatives and make them into something positive.

I love your heart for discipleship. It shows that the love you have for God is something you want to share with those who are around you.

I love your heart for children. You love them with an unconditional love. Not just do you love them, but they love you. Kids are drawn to you.

I love to work outside with you. We seem to be able to turn any work project into something fun.

You love to work with your hands, and get them dirty. You also enjoy keeping them clean while you make something creative in the kitchen.

Your smile and laugh light up any room and bring joy to anyone’s face that hears it.

You have a heart for serving our Lord by serving others.

So today, on your birthday, I know that this is not the way you had planned to spend your birthday, but I hope that you see this day as you have seen all the other days that didn’t turn out quite how you thought they would. I hope you continue to see all the blessings in your life. I hope you see all the people that love you AND you feel loved and cherished. I hope that today is another day in your life that you continue to see God’s faithfulness in your life.

HAPPY 22^nd BIRTHDAY, DENISE!

Apr

2020

Be Thankful

How is your schedule going? Have you put one into place and started following it? Have you accomplished all those things on your “to do” list that you have always wanted to do, but never seemed to have time to accomplish? I am struggling with feeling like there are just too many things to do. Since we all seem to have extra time on our hands, I feel like there are so many different avenues that people are suggesting of things for me to do. There are webinars to watch and podcasts to listen to. The lady that I follow for my morning exercises is taking longer for my workouts, since she figures I have more time. I certainly hope I am in better shape after this is over since my workouts are going longer.

Be selective

Just like when we are able to go out and do anything we want with anyone we want, we still need to say “no” to a few things, we need to practice that same principle. We still do not have to do everything. We must enjoy this time of not having a packed schedule and enjoy the things we are doing rather than rush through them. Just because we are getting suggestions from everyone to do everything does not mean that we have to say “yes” to these things. Make your schedule and be selective at what you say “yes” to. We have had the privilege of having our oldest daughter and her husband here with us for an extended period of time. Rather than go about a regular routine of all the chores and work that I could get done, I have enjoyed spending time with them playing games, watching movies, going on walks, making food together, working on a puzzle together, etc. What a joy to make these extra memories together.

Be intentional with others

During our normal days, we often let our schedule dictate who we spend time with. Now that our schedules look different, we need to be intentional in reaching out to people. Call friends and family members you wouldn’t normally communicate with on a regular basis and check-in with them and see how they are doing. I am sure a conversation with someone new will brighten and cheer both of your days. Get out the stationary out and write someone a letter. The post office is still running. The postal delivery workers practice social distancing routinely in their jobs as they are out delivering your mail.

Spend time in prayer and Bible Study

The most important thing we need to do during this time is to spend time praying and reading God’s Word. We need to be praying as a nation that this virus will cease to spread and those that are infected with it will recover. We need to be praying for the leaders of our country to make wise decisions regarding our health and how to stop the spread of this virus. We need to be praying for each other that we would learn through this experience rather than get angry and resentful over it.

Be thankful

Every day we have a choice to be thankful for the events in our days or to grumble and complain about them. As a family since this has started, we have been sharing one thing at dinner every night that we are thankful for. Yesterday was my birthday. Before all of this started, I was going to be home alone for my birthday. I was so happy yesterday to be able to share my birthday with my family than be home by myself. If I could pick, I would rather that my daughters be at college and my daughter who is a senior be able to continue her senior year at college as normal. However, since that is not part of God’s plan, I am thankful that yesterday was filled with such love and joy and memories with my family.

With every difficult and challenging situation, we must find the things to be thankful for rather than grumble. We must be sure to enjoy our days and not fill them to overflowing with too many things. Enjoy each day, don’t rush through it. Be sure to spend time reading God’s Word and praying.

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chron. 7:14)

Mar

2020

A Homeschool Mom Perspective

Mamas and Daddies…parents…or anyone that is struggling with this situation we are in….what an unprecedented time we live in. We have such an opportunity to teach our children so many things through this challenging part of history we are living. Those of you parents that already homeschool know what to do-your life has not changed that much. As a Mom of three homeschool graduates, I had my girls home with me all the time, and I loved every minute of it. Those of you that are used to sending your children to school and are having a hard time managing a job from home and the children at home, please let me offer a little assistance to you as you are now home with your children.

Schedule

You must have a schedule. Do not attempt to go through your days without a schedule. Start at the beginning of the day and put everyone on a schedule. Everyone needs to get up at the same time every day. Everyone needs to go to bed at the same time. If you as a parent got up at 6:00 and the kids got up at 7:00, keep the same schedule. There can be some adjusting since there is not any transportation time that is needed. The goal here is to be consistent. The same with bedtime. Keep it consistent. Then schedule the rest of your day, and post it so everyone knows exactly what is expected of them.

Together Time

Since everyone is in the house together, make the most of it. As part of your schedule, plan all meals to eat together. During mealtimes, talk together. If you feel like you don’t know what else to talk about since everyone knows what everyone else is doing then go online and find some questions. This link has 100+ questions that can be asked at mealtime. Make mealtime a fun time together that brings good conversation and laughter. We all need to laugh during this serious and difficult time. https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/100-mealtime-questions

Alone Time

Your together time will be so much more enjoyable if everyone has time to be alone. Make this a priority. Everyone needs to go to their room or somewhere in the house and spend time alone. This can be time to read a book, do schoolwork, write letters to friends, take up a new hobby, read your Bible and pray, etc. The time that everyone spends together will be so much better if everyone spends time alone. Let’s admit, after a while even our sweetest sister, spouse, or friend gets on our nerves if we are together all the time. Spend time alone. Schedule this in everyone’s day. This alone time is a perfect time for parents to get their work done that they need to do for their jobs.

Read a Book Out Loud Together

Some of my favorite memories with my girls was our time together when I would read out loud to them. The characters in those books became friends and became part of our conversation and a part of our everyday life. One of our favorite series to read aloud was “The Chronicles of Narnia.” I know that our library is closed down and we cannot check books out, but hopefully you have some good books at home or you can rent them online from the library. I am currently listening to a book on tape from the library, but you can also get a book from the library and download it on your hand held device and begin reading it out loud. Again, this needs to be part of your schedule.

Play Outside

The children and the parents need time outside. I used to make my girls go outside and play every day. Two of them liked to be outside and one of them did not. We always called her our indoor flower, but she still had to go outside. If she decided she didn’t want to play outside, then she could take her book outside and read. The point is that we all need fresh air. Especially during this time of a pandemic, we all need fresh air. So go outside and play ball or foursquare or swing on the swings in your backyard or make a fort. There are so many fun things, and this will give your children the chance to be creative.

Miscellaneous Time

What other things can be part of your schedule? Do a puzzle together or separately. We would pick puzzles according to the girls skill level and they would have a puzzle contest to see who could put their puzzle together first. Do a scavenger hunt. When our second daughter was born, my oldest always needed a little bit of entertainment during feeding time, so I came up with a game she could play. The game is called the touching game. I give her an object and she had to go touch it and come back. Then I would give her second object, then she had to touch the first object and then go touch the second object, etc. They get a little exercise and they learn words and objects. This game has become such a hit that my daughters have played it with their friends. It is something to play this game with 7 teens and for me as the object giver to try to remember what objects I gave to whom so they didn’t touch the same thing or I didn’t send any of them in the same direction. Play other games together, such as board games.

The Week-end

Do things a little different on the week-end. Make a schedule, but make it with some different things. The children can help you clean the house, work in the yard, plant a garden, cook some meals. This is the perfect time to teach them a new hobby that you want them to share with you.

Redeem the Time

The word “redeem” means to rescue or to buy back. Make the most of this time. Don’t look at it this time of quarantine as a negative, look at it as a positive. Be creative in the way you manage your time. Don’t get caught wasting time. Just because there is so much free time does not mean that we should waste it. Make the most of it. Rescue or redeem your time from being wasted. I want to say again, make a schedule. You will be so glad you did. A schedule is similar to a crib for a baby. A crib is used to keep the baby from falling out of bed-it is for the baby’s protection. A schedule will help your children to feel safe and secure because they know exactly what to expect out of their day. It will also minimize the amount of times you hear, “I’m bored.” Those words were not permitted at our house.

Dear parents, this situation that we are all in can be used in our lives and the lives of our children in a mighty way. Make the most of it. Redeem the time.

(The picture with this post is my Grandma teaching our daughters (Denise, middle daughter pictured) how to sew.

Mar

2020

Prayer and Peace

As I sit here in the peace and tranquility of my house looking out the windows at the beautiful sunshine, I so appreciate the calm that I enjoy here. Only a few hours ago, I was out in the chaos with more shoppers at Sam’s Club than I had ever seen and more empty shelves at Meijer than I had ever seen. People in the stores wearing masks and gloves. The news awash with “school closings, restaurant closings, virtual meetings” and canceled gatherings of more than 10 people depending on what state you live in. We are all living in this historical moment. The moment that our children or grandchildren will read and study about in the history books.

What I think everyone needs is a little perspective.

God is Sovereign

First, we all need to realize that God is sovereign. No matter what happens, God is on the throne and He is not surprised by any of this. We can trust Him and know that He always has a purpose for all things that happen to us. We may not like anything about any of this, but we do know that nothing is outside of God’s control. God “works all things according the counsel of His will.” (Eph. 1:11).

Wash your hands

Second, as with any other sickness, the same hygienic rules need to apply. WASH YOUR HANDS! It is proven that washing your hands is better than using hand sanitizer. If there is no way to wash your hands, then use hand sanitizer. Also, if you are sick, stay home and keep your germs to yourself. This is one instance where selfishness is preferred.

Don’t panic

Third, don’t panic. “God has NOT given us the spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control.” (II Tim. 1:7). When I was at the store today, I did not see any fighting or brawling but there definitely was fear. The biggest fear that most have is the fear of the unknown. No one knows how long this is going to last for or what the outcome will be. Let’s be examples to others and not live in fear.

Be respectful

Fourth, when did it become okay to disrespect those in authority over us? I know that no President has ever been perfect but I do think that President Trump is doing his best to serve our country well. He has advisors around him that give him sound advice. It is sad that he was so criticized for his speech that he gave closing down flights to Europe. I heard he wasn’t sympathetic enough or caring enough for the predicament of the American people. I feel so bad for President Trump. Constant criticism and yet I wonder how much sleep he gets, how much time to rest, how much time to enjoy dinner with his family. There seems to always be one crises after another. I think we should be praying for our leaders rather than constantly criticizing them. I am glad that they are working at trying to do their best at protecting the American people. The leaders of our countries are not making arbitrary decisions, they are making decision that are informed.

Let’s be people of prayer and peace. I Timothy 2:1-3 tells us to “…pray…for kings and all who are in high positions, and that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. For this is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.”

Let’s be people of prayer and peace.

Mar

2020

I confess I…

“Sorry.” Is this word quick to come off our lips? Not even “I am sorry, but just “sorry.” When someone has wronged you or hurt you, does saying a quick “sorry” make you feel like they really do realize the pain they have caused you? Does that one word invoke a response on your part? There is no question, so rather than an “I forgive you” we usually say “it’s okay.” Is it really okay?

Do we teach our children the proper way to make an offense right? Is it something we have put effort into and have been intentional with? If we have more than one child there are bound to be multiple opportunities to work on teaching these children the proper way to say “I am sorry.”

When our girls were young, our dining room was the place of correction and discipline. We would go in the dining room after the offender was found out and talk about the offense. We would talk about why it was wrong. The offender would pray “Dear God, I am sorry I hit my sister. I was wrong. Will you please forgive me?” Then there would be some punishment. Then the offender had to go talk to her sister (we only had girls) and say the same thing. “I am sorry I hit you. I was wrong. Will you please forgive me?” The offended sister would say “yes.” And then they had to hug each other. (I think the hugging was their least favorite part.)

A few weeks ago, an incident happened and it was all captured and sent to me thanks to Snap Chat. First, I received a video of the offense. Next, the offender said “What did Mom teach us…I am sorry I (she named the offense) …I was wrong. Will you please forgive me?” I was tickled to hear that they remembered what I had taught them and used it. The only part they forgot was the hug.

After some study over the last few months regarding forgiveness, I would tweak a little bit of what I would teach my daughters. Now I would have them say, “I confess I hit you. I was wrong. Will you please forgive me?”

(Just to be clear in my example from a few weeks ago, there was no hitting.)

“Confess” means to “say the same thing.” Both sisters knew that one hit the other. It is like they are agreeing about what the offender did. “Sorry” can have a meaning of feeling bad only because you were caught. When we are confessing to another, we are saying the same thing about our offense. What we did was wrong. We know and so does the one that has been offended.

Wouldn’t forgiveness be so much easier if the person that hurt us, provided us with a genuine expression of their feelings for their wrong doing?

Too often today I hear parents tell their kids to say they are sorry. No punishment. No time spent explaining how the process needs to go. No teaching time in the midst of the correction. So the kid who offended looks at the other kid (if they are lucky) who was hurt by the offender and says “sorry.”

Just a measly little offhanded “sorry.” What kind of message does that convey to either one of these children? That I can do whatever I want, whenever I want and I just have to say “sorry” and I can keep doing what I want.

This weak system we have developed is not helping make our children less selfish, rather it is making them more. We do not have to teach most of our children to be selfish, rather we have to teach them to look out for the needs of others and be kind and considerate to others.

If we began to deal with each incident in a way that helped the offender to see that their actions harmed another individual and they need to take ownership of that wrong, we might have a different society.

It is never too late to start teaching your children. There may be some pushback, but be strong parents and hold your ground. Someday, they may do something to you, and if you have taught them the correct way to verbalize their wrong, they may look at you and say “Mom/Dad, I confess I did … I was wrong. Will you please forgive me?” At that moment, all the work you put into it will make it worth it.

Feb

2020

The Value of Honor

“Honor” is not a word that we use as much these days. We may use the word respect instead. When we honor something or someone we place a high value on the person or the thing. How do we treat someone with high respect or with honor?

Words

I think the first thing that we can do to treat someone with honor is by what we say about them when we are with that person and most often times when we are not with them. We know the old adage, “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” It seems in our culture today, we want to make sure we are heard. We want to make sure our opinion or thoughts are heard. This is an age of constant communication. If I am thinking something, even if I am by myself, hundreds of people will know what I want to say once I put it on a social media forum. No longer do I have to keep my thoughts to myself. They can be broadcast to hundreds, thousands, or millions of people.

Another phrase that I am troubled by regarding our words is “I need to speak my truth.” What does that mean? The facts are the facts. And yet it seems that in our culture today too many people want to live their life by their own version of the truth. If their version of the truth does not agree with another person’s version of the truth, then what do we do? We are seeing this in the impeachment trial of President Trump.

There never seems to be a loss for words these days, but there seems to be a loss of respect a loss of honor for other people with those words.

My dad and my daughter both called me the other day. One right after the other. As I hung up with my daughter, I began to consider this concept of honor. Ephesians 6:3 says we are to “honor our father and our mother.” I began to think about and consider that my daughters are watching how I treat my parents.

This am reminded of a story from the Brothers Grimm called Grandmother’s Table

Once there was a feeble old woman whose husband died and left her all alone, so she went to live with her son and his wife and their own little daughter. Every day the old woman’s sight dimmed and her hearing grew worse, and sometimes at dinner her hands trembled so badly the peas rolled off her spoon or the soup ran from her cup. The son and his wife could not help but be annoyed at the way she spilled her meal all over the table, and one day, after she knocked over a glass of milk, they told each other enough was enough.

The set up a small table for her in the corner next to the broom closet and made the old woman eat her meals there. She sat all alone, looking with tear-filled eyes across the room at the others. Sometimes they spoke to her while they ate, but usually it was to scold her for dropping a bowl or a fork.

One evening just before dinner, the little girl was busy playing on the floor with her building blocks, and her father asked her what she was making, “I’m building a little table for you and mother,” she smiled, “so you can eat by yourselves in the corner someday when I get big.”

Her parents sat staring at her for some time and then suddenly they both began to cry. That night they led the old woman back to her place at the big table. From then on she ate with the rest of the family, and her son and his wife never seemed to mind a bit when she spilled something every now and then.

Actions

So what does this story say about our actions. Others are watching our actions. We also must honor others with our actions. How do our actions show honor? By inviting others to eat with us. By holding open a door. By letting another go first. By being the one that asked about the welfare of others rather than always waiting for others to ask about ours. By choosing to sit next to that person that seems all alone. By talking to that person that seems alone or always acts a little awkward. By noticing when others need help rather than always waiting to be told. By treating others how we want to be treated. So many ways we can show honor to others.

“Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Rom. 12:10). Do we ever consider how important it would be to have a competition in honoring others? This friendly little competition is not for the sake of looking better than another, but rather it is show honor to others. It has nothing to do with us and everything to do about the other person.

I wonder how many friendships, marriages, parent-child relationships, boss-employee relationships, etc. would not disintegrate if we all “died to self” (Luke 9:23, 24) and worked harder at “outdoing each other in showing honor?” (Rom.12:10).

Showing honor is a sacrifice. Sometimes it is a sacrifice of our own needs. It might be a sacrifice to our reputation if we show honor to “the least of these.” (Mt. 25:40). Jesus did not care what others thought as He cared for so many. His goal was to show love and honor to others. He also wanted to make sure that He always spoke the truth. As He spoke the truth, He did so with honor for the other person.

I find that as I make honoring others my goal, it removes my focus off myself and on to others. As I am showing honor and love in a sacrificial way my needs seem to pale in comparison.

So Mom and Dad, when you’re drooling at the dinner table or can’t seem to find your mouth or you spill your water all down the front of you, I promise to clean you up and speak kindly to you. After all, you cleaned up after me when I was a child…and I was a pretty messy one at that.

Jan

2020

Do you choose to believe the truth?

There are so many lies out there that we start to believe about ourselves. We have no value. We are not good at anything. We are not good enough. No one likes us. No one loves us. If I was happy then everything would be good. And the list could go on and on. Where do these thoughts come from?

We tend to be influenced by what we perceive the world thinks is valuable.

We should rather be feasting on the truth of what God’s word says about us.

While Jesus walked on this earth, the people that seemed to have value according to the world’s standards were the religious leaders and the wealthy. Yet, who did Jesus spend all of His time with? The tax collectors. The fishermen. The ill. The homeless.

After Jesus went back to heaven, who was it that God used to change the world with His Gospel?

The fishermen. A murderer. A tax collector.

What is the truth? God can take anyone and use them for His honor and glory and to proclaim His message which has more value than any message the world tries to get us to believe.

The question is who do you believe?

If God can take fishermen, a murderer, a tax collector, those that were ashamed of Him, and someone willing to deny Him, then what does that mean about you?

God saw these people as so valuable that Jesus came to earth to spend time with them. He came to earth to live with them and to teach them the truth.

What about the woman at the well? She was a Samaritan-that race of people that the Jews hated-Jesus spent time with this woman teaching her the truth. Not only was she a Samaritan, but she had been married multiple times. She obviously did not feel as if she had any value. If multiple men had rejected her as their wife, then she must have had no value. YET, Jesus spoke to her. The Son of God spoke to this woman who had been rejected by her multiple (5) husbands. If anyone has any reason to believe they have no value, this woman did. YET, Jesus spoke to her. She did have value. (John 4)

God wants to speak to all of us through His Word. He wants all of us to know that we have value.

He loves us so much, He demonstrated His love for us. (Rom. 5:8).

We all have a choice. We daily choose whether we will believe the truth about who God says we are or the lies that the world and Satan try to get us to believe.

What will you choose?

ddykema5@gmail.com

New Morning Mercies

I Hope in Your Word

Are you content?

Happy 22nd Birthday, Denise