God's Gates

Psalm 100:4-5
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

We were driving from the restaurant to my condo when my grandson, Zeke, piped up from the back seat. "Do you think God is looking at us?" My response. "Sure, I know he sees us every day. Why do you ask?" Zeke in his matter-of-fact way said, "Cause I see his gate. See it. It's where the sun is coming through the clouds." Sure enough, the sun shined between two billowing clouds. A few seconds later he said, "Me and my sister saw his big gate the other day. The sun really came down." Out of the mouths of babes.

Zeke was pleased that God was watching us. Happy that God's sun broke through the clouds and shone on us. Quite often, I'm reminded of God's love through my grandchildren. In their innocence they understand God's open arms. Adult lives can get messed up. Sin sneaks in or sometimes walks in boldly and causes chaos. Frustration rears its ugly head. Anger seeps out. It's easy to forget that God is right beside me, wanting to help if I just ask. This sweet little boy's reminder of God's presence fills my heart with joy. I praise God for his love and care. I'm thankful we have visible reminders of the One who loves us most.

No matter what your going through God is beside you. He wants to lift you up and give you hope. Just ask.

What other ways does God show himself to you?

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Have you been Binge Reading?

People binge watch television shows, several seasons in a row, one after another. When Downton Abbey was in its prime, I admit to binge watching the first two seasons so I could catch up with my daughter. Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu make watching show after show easy.

Maybe you've tried this fad of binging on television, but how about books? Many authors pen several books in a series. From my experience, I love reading a whole series. One after the other. I think the first set of books I binge read were the Cat Who books by Lilian Jackson Braun. She had not written all of them at the time, but I dove into the first 12 or 13, one after the other. You get to know the characters, that's for sure.

Recently, I've read two series with great enthusiasm. Melody Carlson's Dear Daphne books follow Daphne Ballinger on a roller coaster ride as she inherits her aunt's home with some interesting and unexpected expectations. The other series I've binged on, Deb Raney's Chicory Inn novels, has entertained me for hours. I've enjoyed following the lives of Grant and Audrey Whitman's family.  I'm about to finish book four this week, then I get to complete the series with book five. I'll write a review on that one in March. I highly recommend either series for great entertainment. Both authors write excellent stories filled with heart.

Have you been binge reading? If so, what books?

Nonfiction Book Review: The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines and Mark Dagostino

Book Description:

Are you ready to see your fixer upper?

These famous words are now synonymous with the dynamic husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. As this question fills the airwaves with anticipation, their legions of fans continue to multiply and ask a different series of questions, like—Who are these people? What's the secret to their success? And is Chip actually that funny in real life? By renovating homes in Waco, Texas, and changing lives in such a winsome and engaging way, Chip and Joanna have become more than just the stars of Fixer Upper, they have become America’s new best friends.

The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together. From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together, to the project that nearly cost them everything; from the childhood memories that shaped them, to the twists and turns that led them to the life they share on the farm today.

My Review:
I am a fan of the HGTV show Fixer Upper. If you're familiar with the show that focuses on a young couple who buy and flip homes for their clients, then you know Chip and Joanna Gaines. They bring a positive energy to the show and a sincere, self-deprecating truth through their story. The Magnolia Story also reflects their genuine and transparent lives. Their book shares their ups and downs in the restoration business along with a touch of their faith in God. I enjoyed reading about the way they met, their courtship, and the addition of each child to their growing family. If you enjoy a positive story about good people mixed with a large dose of reality, you'll like The Magnolia Story. For what it lacks in glitz and glamour, it spills over with hope and love. I purchased my copy from Amazon.

Hope through Restoration

John 14:1-4
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  You know the way to the place where I am going.”

I've always appreciated the process people go through when they restore an old home. With each floor board they replace, kitchen they refurbish, and wall they rebuild, the contractor breathes new life into a worn and weary structure. One of the homes we moved into had been uninhabited for months. Windows were broken, animals had left behind messes, and floors were warped. The home had deteriorated into an unlivable environment. But when Tim and I walked through the house we saw potential. A place to share with our children and for them to invite over friends. After weeks of work, thanks to several of our family members, the old place took on a renewed life.

I think God views us like we saw that old house. Whether tired, broken down, disappointed, or lost in the shuffle of life, God sees us for who we are. He recognizes our potential and restores and gives us new hope if we ask. I enjoy watching the HGTV show Fixer Upper. At the end of the program they ask the new homeowners, "Do you want to see your fixer upper?" When they pull apart a giant picture of the original house that they have on wheels; a new, beautiful, and restored version of the old place stands before them. God can do the same for people. There was a time I was a broken down, weary version of myself. But after I asked Jesus to renew my spirit, he breathed new life into me and filled me with his hope and joy.

Jesus told his disciples that God created a beautiful mansion. A place for us to live in and invite our friends to. A place in heaven that will never be destroyed. I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to living in one of those rooms he's prepared. I thank God for restoration and hope.

How has Jesus renewed you?

What Did Mark Twain Have to Say about Forgiveness?

Hard Work and Handiwork: Growing Up Blue-collar

I come from a solid stock of blue-collar workers. Clear back to my great-great grandfather and his father who labored as blacksmiths. According to a family story, my great-great-great grandfather Abbott, from Dundee, Scotland, shod Queen Victoria's horses.

I've heard some concern from family and friends that young people are not being taught to work with their hands; they're lacking the advantage of learning a trade or a skill. Growing up, we planted and tended a garden, my dad, a welder by trade, fixed all of our cars and any other machinery around our home as did my brothers. My mom and grandma canned all kinds of veggies and fruit. My sister and I both learned to sew, cook, and clean. I love to sew. The cooking and cleaning, not so much, but I still know how when I need to.

My granddad on  my mom's side farmed, built furniture, and worked as a barber. Grandma cooked for farmhands and later worked at the hospital cafeteria. Dad's father farmed. My brothers both build and refinish furniture and they've done factory work. My sister operated a telephone switchboard. Years later she drove an escort truck across the country with her husband. My uncles owned carpentry businesses. In other words we've always worked hard and with our hands.

My brother, Ron, and I had the opportunity to attend college and graduate with degrees. Even with my B.S. in Digital Communication I still prefer hands-on work. My degree led me to a staff position at the local college. As the Library's Technical Services Manager, I'm quite content to roll in the background as a support person.

I hope anyone who has an influence on children that happens to be reading my ramblings, takes the time to teach their kids everyday skills. If you know how to fix a car or appliances, teach a young person. If you sew or do a craft, share that with a child. If you garden or farm, include your children or grandchildren. I'd hate to see the art of hard work and handiwork disappear.

If you're like me, as you teach your children, you'll learn from them at the same time. That's the blessing of passing it on.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.