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While staying at our favorite vacation spot, we rose early the first morning expecting to enjoy the usual spectacular view of the harbor. However, a shroud of thick fog had done a disappearing act over it all. The charming little boats, bobbing seabirds, shoreline shops, and their mirrored reflections were invisible. The only thing breaking through the murkiness was the revolving light of the lighthouse. When the fog continued throughout that day and into the next, we began to wonder if we would ever get to see the view on this vacation. It seemed as if it had just disappeared. That it was gone! I grumbled in complaint.

Thankfully, another day later, the fog began to lift revealing the stunning harbor was still there with all of its’ sparkling beauty. Of course, we knew it hadn’t gone away, but the fog had clouded our memory of just how beautiful it truly was. We’d forgotten so many of its’ colorful details that are doubled by their reflections and create a peacefulness that’s hard to beat. Worst of all, my own fogginess had become moody doubt and despair.   

This moment of clarification made me realize how often I find myself in a spiritual fog. How I can let the things of this world cloud my memory to all the wonderful things God has done. Then, just about the time I start to feel down and doubtful, He reveals Himself in all His spectacular glory. It might be in the joyous laughter of a baby. Or it might be like the kindness I saw in the toothless smile of a homeless woman. Happily smiling as she received a free cell phone from a nonprofit program, she told me she was concerned about a certain group of homeless people and wanted to offer them some of her money. I was humbled beyond words at her generosity and joy.

However it happens, and whatever He uses to lift the fog from my spiritual eyes, He breaks through my haziness. And like the light in the lighthouse that never stopped shining through, God reveals that He is always there. 

Is it just me, or do you also find that the storms in your life, or even plain old worry, tends to cloud your memory of God and the times He was there for you? Perhaps He even did some amazing thing or answered a long-held prayer, yet most of us struggle to remember the feeling we had when His answer came like a flash of lightning. And in case you haven’t noticed, the difficult times we face are when we need faith the most. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Despite my own dark and murky view of His presence, when I manage to keep my trust and faith in the Lord those are the times when I realize that God has been there all along. That it was my own foggy notions that had kept him hidden and at bay.  

Yet, we shake our heads in appall at the memory lapse of the Israelites after all the amazing miracles they’d witnessed? Spectacular miracles like the parting of the Red Sea, or the angel of death passing over their houses, yet they forgot them only a few days or weeks later? They even began to imagine that their lives were better off as slaves in Egypt. Moses frequently got frustrated with them. Perhaps they were still wearing the clouded vision of slaves—physically free but emotionally and mentally still captive in many ways.

With a hindsight look through the lens of Biblical history, we might criticize their lack of faith, yet we do the same thing. Only, for us, much of our foggy thinking comes from today’s captive culture in the form of social media, unsettling politics, and confused, distorted values—a different kind of slavery. 

As I considered that wonderful emancipation story, an irony occurred to me. The Israelites were instructed to follow a special cloud by day and the fire by night as they ventured away from Egypt towards the promised land. When attempting to understand the concept of the trinity I’ve often thought about water, which can be liquid, solid, or gas and yet at the same time be water. If we think of God in the spirit form, it reminds me of the vaporous substance of clouds.

Hebrews 12: 2 tells us to “keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross.” So, the Israelites were told to look at a cloud and we are told to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. How do we as believers keep our focus on Jesus in today’s world? How do we best keep the foggy haze of our world from clouding our memory of God’s power and interaction in our lives? 

Stop by my blog next week for a few suggestions on ways you can keep your spiritual focus clear. You’ll also read a new revelation God gave me that will enlighten your view of Easter with joy and encouragement. So, tune in next week to see my four ways to keep a clear spiritual focus.

If you’ve had a blurred view of God that you’d like to share, leave a comment here and perhaps it’ll be an encouragement to others. Or just comment so I know you read it. And don’t forget to check my blog post the week of March 26^th. 

#fog #focus #Jesus #emancipation #author #artist #joy #clouds #inspirational #faith #trust #encouragement #spiritual 

Do you get bored easily? As an active person who loves to stay busy, if something slows me down for more than a few days, I find myself looking for meaningful things to do. So, after three weeks of recovering from foot surgery, I couldn’t help myself. I just had to do something besides lay around, watch tv or read. Looking around as I propped my foot up again, I noticed how messy my office was. So, I got busy cleaning up my bookshelves and desk area. The surprising payoff turned out to be more than just a neat office space— I discovered some hidden treasures that brought rejuvenation and joy to my spirit. While rummaging through some old articles and story ideas, I came across a story I’d written before I got my first computer. Typewritten on my electric typewriter, I read it with special interest and delight. 

“Have you ever had any miracles happen to you?” The account began of a time many years back while visiting relatives in Georgia. My uncle had asked me that question as he sat elevating his injured foot that hot summer day. Ironically, he was probably feeling some of the same pain and boredom I was coming out of now. 

I pondered his question as all of Georgia’s humid heat seemed to collect in my brain fogging-up my desperate attempt to recall some thrilling tale that would quench Uncle John’s thirst. He’d just finished reading a book I’d given him about trusting God in the trials. It was filled with stories of miracles, and I sensed he wasn’t convinced they were all true. 

“Well,” I said, “there haven’t been any really big ones, but there have been plenty of little miracles and small favors.” I told him as a look of disappointment crossed his face. “There was one time, though.” I began and swallowed hard trying to focus while pushing back the heat. “It was about two years ago, and it was pretty amazing.”

“He sat up with interest now. Of course, there wasn’t much else he could do, with his foot perched high upon a nearby chair to alleviate the swelling from the deep gash in it.” No doubt tedium had set in for Uncle John that day too. After-all, “it was supposed to be his vacation and like the rest of us, he had come to ‘the Camphouse’, as we called it, “for some rest, relaxation, and fishing. The unfortunate accident had rearranged his plans and eliminated his favorite part—fishing.”  

I didn’t know much about Uncle John. It was the first chance we’d had to get acquainted since his marriage to my aunt Valeria a few months before. I had assumed that he was a Christian too, but something told me a lot was riding on what I said next. 

“It happened when Larry and I made our trip to Maine so I could meet his parents.” I began again. “Since we were newlyweds, we were on a pretty tight budget then, you know.” 

“Uh huh!” He nodded.

Thinking back to that day as I told him the story, I recalled how I was a little nervous about meeting my in-laws for the first time. Larry’s father had been too ill to make the trip out from Maine to California for our wedding and his mother needed to stay and care for him. I knew beforehand, that I’d like these two dear people that I’d already grown to love through Larry and the many calls and letters we’d exchanged, but I wasn’t sure they’d like me. I was, after all, the Baptist blonde who had snatched their Catholic son from them fresh out of the Navy and before he’d had a chance to prodigal his way back home from the “wild life” of California. 

If my husband had any doubts about my acceptance by them, it hadn’t shown. He had other things on his mind. #1 What would his parents say about his conversion from the Catholic church to my Protestant beliefs? #2 Could our tight budget handle the strain of an expensive trip?

“We had decided to take five hundred dollars in cash from our account to use for spending money. I’d put half of it in my purse and Larry put half in his wallet. It was the first time I’d spent Christmas away from my family, but I was excited to see a white Christmas and my love for Larry had glossed over any fears and doubts I had about anything else. We decided to use the airport limousine service from Boston airport to South Berwick because there had been a lot of snow that week. To my Southern California eyes, renting a car would mean seeing a beautiful scenic drive, but to Larry’s experience the limo would alleviate a dangerous two-hour risk.” I informed my Southern uncle. “So, after we got our luggage, Larry went to see about getting a ride.” I went on. 

“A man who seemed to work at the airport flashed a friendly smile at Larry and offered to help us get a limo ride. But when Larry reached for his wallet to give the guy a tip, it was gone. Larry told me to stand guard by our luggage while he went to report the missing wallet. As I did, the same friendly stranger approached me. He started asking questions and giving me advice about the necessity of using travelers checks. His unwelcomed, talkative, and dilatory advice was anything but consoling to me. As you might imagine.” I checked to see if I still had Uncle John’s attention. 

“But, when the man suggested I go over to a certain official counter to report the missing wallet and he’d ‘be glad to watch our luggage,’ an uneasy feeling came over me. He’d also asked: ‘Was all your cash in your husband’s wallet?’ Thoughts of that comment stopped me in my tracks. I quickly pivoted back around, deciding not to leave my post.”  

“Smart thinking.” Uncle John affirmed. 

“We finally gave up looking for the wallet and went to catch our ride. I remember walking out of the airport that day with suspicious thoughts and mixed feelings about the guy.” Uncle John nodded again. “But just before reaching the door, I turned and wished the man a Merry Christmas. I remember the startled look he gave me and in that instant his face became etched in my memory. Larry was very upset about our loss, but I was determined not to let it ruin our vacation.” 

“Larry’s folks were just as I had expected them to be—warm and loving, just like him. There were a few homesick moments but over-all our stay was very enjoyable. While we were still there visiting, word had reached my parents and church family back home and they were all praying about the lost wallet. I too had continued to pray for its’ recovery, mostly that Larry would get his identification back. The money, I figured, was too big a miracle to expect.” Uncle John shifted his sore foot to another position and I continued. 

“Well, would you believe, about two weeks after we had returned home, a letter came in the mail from American Airlines. It said they had found the wallet and would be sending it by package. Enclosed with it was a check for the full amount that had been in it, $249.50.”

“Really?” Uncle John brightened. “That’s truly amazing.”

“Yes.” I confirmed. “But that’s not all of the story.” I went on again. “We had a chance to meet that suspicious man again. It was almost exactly a year later when we made the same trip again. This time for somber reasons. Larry’s father had passed away and we went back for his funeral.” 

Thinking back again, the dreary skies above and muddy slush under our feet were a fitting welcome to that mission of grief and sorrow. That flight to Boston had been a difficult one as I struggled to hold my emotions in check. Tears won out several times as I thought of this dear father-in-law, whom I’d just begun to know, passing away at the young age of fifty-nine. The weight of my four-month pregnancy strained my emotions further as I thought of lost relationships. He would never have the chance to see our firstborn and our children would miss the love of their paternal grandfather. The value and timeliness of affections exchanged is rarely realized so quickly, but I was thankful we had made that previous visit. 

“When we arrived at the airport that second time, we saw the same suspicious man from the previous year. We found out he wasn’t an employee there and never had been. Although not as friendly this time, I recognized him immediately. Tapping on his shoulder to get his attention, I asked if he remembered us. I refreshed his memory by telling him about the lost wallet the year before. And, to our amazement, he said he not only remembered us, but that it was he who had found the wallet and turned it in. ‘In fact,’ he said, ‘I found two wallets that day and turned them both in.’” 

“That’s a pretty miraculous story, alright.” Uncle John remarked. “You know,” he put his foot gently back on the floor, “I never was a very religious man, but I guess there just might be something to all of this.”

That all happened many years ago. Since that day many more little miracles and small favors have occurred. The returned money, which we likely would have spent on frivolous souvenirs if it hadn’t been lost (or stolen) that day was banked for more important things like baby accessories. We never knew for sure if it was a real or sudden case of integrity in that man’s heart that brought Larry’s wallet and cash back to us. But that amazing experience somehow seems insignificant and more of a small favor now as I compare and reflect upon two other precious moments during those days.   

The memory of my father-in-law’s glowing face and bright smile as he said proudly to Larry’s mother: “Did you hear that? She called me Dad!” is a valuable souvenir I will treasure forever. Especially since he only lived one more year after that visit. Aside from the returned wallet and money, another miracle that happened back then, was reported to us through an even more exciting letter. My Uncle John wrote us a few weeks after our conversation and said that after his return home, he and his entire family had received Christ as their savior. Oh, what joy!

Since that day, the verse: “For we know that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes.” Romans 8:28 and “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5, have never been more meaningful to me or applicable than they were during those incidents of adversity—the lost and found money, the gain of precious memories during grief and loss, and John’s injured foot that led me to an opportunity to share a small miracle resulting in his whole family’s salvation.

On top of those joyful discoveries, finding this wonderful story happened as a result of my own boredom and sore foot, much like my Uncle John’s that day. It rebooted (No pun intended) my joy in the midst of my current melancholy doldrums. Who would’ve thought a sore foot and a mundane chore could lead to untold joy?

Have you ever discovered something special while going through a trial or mundane task? Tell me about it here in the comments.

#joyful #joy #Scripture #Weeping #reboot #spiritual #rejuvenation #foot #purpose #treasures #inspirational #miracles

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Are you looking forward to having a little chocolate this week, or are you going to be “good” and have some fresh fruit instead? Being a chocoholic, as some call it, the only way I want fruit on Valentine’s Day is if it’s part of a chocolate dessert. But there is another kind of fruit that I do crave every day—the fruit of the Spirit.

Galations 5:22 tells us that the “Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.” It’s a wonderful fruit salad isn’t it? It’s not only healthy, it’s helpful and CALORIE FREE. And since we are celebrating Valentine’s Day this week, I’d like to focus on the fruit of “love.” Similarly, I Corinthians 13:1-2 tell us that love is the best of all fruits to have. That even if we have all kinds of other spiritual gifts, like prophecy, or speaking in tongues, or even if we can move mountains, without love we are “nothing.” 

From the time we are born, we all crave love. Just look into the eyes of a newborn as it stares at his or her mother and you’ll see it. I Corinthians 13: 4-8 goes on to say that “love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy: love does not parade itself, is not puffed up: does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil: does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth: bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” 

WHEW!  That’s quite a list, isn’t it? I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been able to consistently express all of those qualities towards anyone. Certainly not at all times— even those I love the most. Just this week I experienced an upsetting squabble with one of my dearest friends. And though I know she is a strong believer and we both have the Holy Spirit, in that moment of conflict, both of us failed to demonstrate godly love towards one another. And being married for many years to a wonderful husband, does’t exempt us from times of failure in God’s test of love.

How is it we all have struggles and failings with some of those characteristics when it comes to relationships?  And when we do fail, is it an indication that we don’t really love someone or that we don’t have the Holy Spirit?

Let’s get back to the verse in Galatians. It tells us that love is the fruit of the Spirit. I believe it is telling us is that all of those kinds of loving qualities like joy, peace, and kindness etc, flow out of God’s Spirit and love is at it’s best when it comes from God’s Holy Spirit. So, when we do something hurtful and harmful to someone, it means we probably weren’t letting God’s Spirit work through us at that moment. Instead, we were likely letting our own human desires, perspectives, emotions, and weaknesses fuel our actions instead of God’s Holy Spirit. 

Worse, still, when we allow God’s enemy, the devil, to use us for his evil purposes, we fail every time. We know that Satan is the enemy to all true fruitfulness, especially love. That he wants to divide us, create hate and destruction to relationships. And it’s evident by the kind of hateful things occurring in this world today, that his works are the kind of destructive fruits he is working extra hard to produce. 

And while there are many things that can lead us away from being spiritually fruitful, there are also some things that can lead us towards failure in love. They can make us particularly vulnerable to the enemy and impede God’s effectiveness for good. Ephesians 5:18 says: “Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation: but be filled with the Spirit.” The use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol are two very real spirits that NEVER bring the fruit of true love. In fact, the use of either of those, even in small amounts, can often lead to terrible failures, distortions of love, destruction, raunchy or terrible behavior, and even death. They fuel our failure and enable the influence of evil. Yet, how often do we depend on that spirit to calm us, make us “happy” or help us in any way versus a dependance on the Spirit of God? Even if it’s just a little, those spirits are not going to help us exhibit love. While I occasionally have an alcoholic beverage, I mostly avoid it because I know it interferes with God’s Spirit and His effectiveness in me.

I am happy to report that the “squabble” I had with my longtime friend was resolved in a loving and forgiving way. Though we both struggled for a few days over our own feelings and understandings, after praying, God gave us reconciliation with one another by placing kindness and forgiveness into our hearts. It was truly an example of letting God affect our hearts towards love. But I know that I will continue to have conflicts in relationships as long as I am still in this imperfect world and wonder when they will end. 

Looking for answers to that we read further in I Corinthians 13: 9-13 where, it says: now “we know in part… but when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away….For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now we know in part, but then we shall know.. and we should continue to “abide in faith, hope love, these three: but the greatest of these is love.”

As you continue in this week of love and Valentines, or even in the everyday expressions of any relationship, it’s my prayer that you will allow God’s Holy Spirit to lead you and fill you with His true fruit. 

In my next post I’ll be offering one of my original poems that speaks about the fruit of the Spirit, so be watching for it. My poem- THE FRUIT, can also be found in my book Fresh Eyes: Seeing God in the Unexpected. I’d also LOVE it if you’d leave a comment here below this blog post.  And don’t think it didn’t get through to me if you don’t see it posted immediately. It’s just that I have to approve of the comment before it’s published.

Have a Happy and fruitful Valentine’s Day!

#Valentines #Love #fruit #Holyspirit #chocolate #truelove #poetry #God #relationship #friends

#failure #believer #Fresheyes #drugs #alcohol #faith #hope #scripture #prayer #abide #HolySpirit

February is the month of Valentine’s Day which brings thoughts and expressions of love to mind.

What kind of relationships do you think about when you consider love? Do you think mostly about romantic love, or the love between a parent and child or between friends? And what do you imagine are the best demonstrations or expressions of love in those kinds of relationships? 

In Zephaniah 3:17 God brings new perspectives and dimensions to the meaning of love that you may not have considered. “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

My heart is overflowing with joy today because of that kind of love. The kind of joy that can only come from God’s expressions of love to us. Just a few days ago my husband and I were blessed to participate in the delight that God has for his children. We were blessed to witness the demonstration of God’s mighty hand to save a lost soul and rejoice with God in it. And amazingly it all came to fruition within a short time. 

My husband and I lead and teach a small Bible study group in our home each week. Last November a new couple joined our group. We were thrilled to have them but noticed that the gentleman was especially shy and detached in his behavior. However, as they continued to attend and we continued to love on them some surprising things began to emerge. Rudy started opening-up to us. 

Then one night, just a few weeks ago, he confessed his struggles with an addiction and how it held him captive. So we placed him in the middle of the room, gathered around him, placed our hands on him, and prayed fervently for God’s Holy Spirit to help him. 

The following week, Rudy returned as a new man. As he entered our home, we observed a bright new change to his countenance. His wife was also beaming with a new joy.  Rudy told us that after our prayers for him he went home and poured his heart out to God asking for His help and forgiveness. He said that God gave him a peace he’d never had and revealed a scripture to his heart. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13. It was a wonderfully appropriate verse that dealt with his battle against drug addiction and his need to turn it over to the Lord.

Now, just days later, we marvel at God’s grace and mercy even further. Two days after Rudy revealed his conversion, both my husband and I felt a strong urge to suggest he get baptized. Yet we knew it wouldn’t be easy to orchestrate one even if he agreed. Our church wasn’t planning to host a baptism for at least a month and in less than a week Rudy and his wife would be moving to a new home across the country. To our delight and without our asking, he expressed his wish to be baptized. We were more than happy to help organize it. However, we were out of town visiting relatives in Arizona, that weekend and wouldn’t return until two days before they planned to move.

How could we possibly make it happen before they left? There was a lot that needed to come together in order for it to happen in timely fashion and we only had a few hours to do it in. We needed to find a heated pool or spa for this impromptu immersion during the middle of winter. We also needed a pastor who was available on short notice. 

“With God, all things are possible.” God whispered in my ear. So we got busy texting and calling for help as we took turns driving home from Phoenix. Sure enough, God showed up in style. He found a backyard spa that was graciously offered for our use by two strangers who’d been referred to us. They even promised that it would be toasty warm on that cold Tuesday morning. At the last hour God also gave us a wonderful pastor to officiate in the baptism.  

So, the very next day, 1/31/2023, Larry and I, along with Rudy, his wife, kids, and a pastor it all came together. After a beautiful explanation of the meaning and importance of baptism was provided by pastor Curtis, we all ventured outdoors, then stood in the cold morning air, brimming with excitement and anticipation. Rudy’s wife, stood by the spa watching with tears of joy rolling down her cheeks as he was immersed. We can only imagine how many hopes, prayers, struggles, and tears of disappointment had preceded this day of redemption. “Dead to sin. Alive in Christ!”, we all shouted joyfully as Rudy came up out of the water. 

Through the nearly miraculous expediency of organizing a baptism in less than two days, we experienced how God delights in us when we come to him. It was one of the most intimate and joyful baptisms we’ve ever experienced. And I’m sure God, along with lots of angels, were also singing over Rudy and his family as he demonstrated his new faith through the obedience of baptism. 

I would also bet that it was a unique expression of love that most of us would not imagine or plan for the upcoming Valentine’s Day. For me, though, it brought new depth and dimension to God’s perspective on love and how our relationship to Him, and to others, all works together for true joy. It also demonstrated how we can be strengthened and blessed when we turn our hearts towards God.

It’s so easy to miss God’s delight and love for us in the midst of our daily routines. Take a few minutes to quiet your heart today. Pour a cup of your favorite hot beverage, go on a walk, or grab a pen and paper. LOOK and LISTEN for how God delights in you and shows you His love. 

I pray God reveals His love for you in a fresh and beautiful way during the month of February. 

#hearts #love #Valentines #baptism #God #prayer #fresheyes #redemption #miraculous #strength #possible #author #writer #inspirations #inspirational #delight #joy #God’sdelight #romance #friendship

I did this painting about 25 years ago and it makes me shiver with chills every time I look at it.
But it also has a peacefulness about it that is calming to my spirit. Hopefully the gentleman 
who purchased it enjoys its’ serenity when he gazes at it. 

That makes me think of how winter can be a both chilling and peaceful. Just Think. All the 
wintery Christmas cards and pictures we like viewing also have a quiet serenity to them 
and going to the snow to play, ski, or just retreat can create a warm and exciting mood.
But, in reality snowy weather is very cold. 

Guess it’s a kind of dichotomy.

Living in Southern California, we seldom get snow or temperatures below 45 degrees, so
our idea of being in that kind of environment is mostly romantic. My husband grew up in

Maine, and when asked if he liked the cold snowy weather, he would likely respond as he

always does: “It’s a nice place to be from.” 

So, if it weren’t for cozy warm coats, snow-shoes, and hot chocolate, we might not like

being in the snow.

Too much of a good thing is hardly ever good. Although we’ve experienced a 

lot of warm comfortable weather for the past few years in So Cal, we’ve also had a 

terrible drought. Thankfully, our parched and thirsty land has been getting a lot of 

rain lately and it’s been a welcomed relief. However, as I write this, we are getting 

flash flood warnings and strong winds. 

NOT GOOD!

While checking on the potted plants and furniture in our backyard, I was relieved

to see our large patio umbrellas were closed and tightly secured to the sturdy posts

of our patio cover so the wind wouldn’t blow them away.  

Much like the weather, going through stormy times in life can also be hard. Few, if

any of us, crave or welcome troubles. Like you, I’ve had such times too. If you read

my latest blog. “Shaky Paths” you’ll get a clue about one such trial I’ve been dealing

with. Mathew 5:45 says: God “makes the sun rise on the evil and the good and 

sends rain on the just and the unjust.” 

It sounds like another dichotomy doesn’t it? 

I’ve always tried to see the good that can come out of life’s storms. Maybe it’s because

my name, Iris, means rainbow. And one of my favorite scriptures is Romans 8:28, “for

we know that God causes all things to work together for good, to those who love God

and are called  according to his purposes.” To me, it says that trusting in God means

staying tethered to Him. And when we do, no matter what storms come our way, we can

have peace knowing that He is working out his purposes for us. 

And THAT’S GOOD!

So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and snuggle-up to a warm cozy fire as you contemplate 

God’s secure and loving hand in your life. In the meantime, I pray the climate of your

spirit remains peaceful, the condition of your heart, warm, and all the rainy weather

is the kind that comes from the Holy Spirit with replenishment, refreshment, and

the filling of your thirsty soul.

#snowyweather #winter #rainyweather #inspirationalwriter #purpose #peacefulness #rainbow 

#drought #artist #purposeful #Holyspirit #rain #storms

Don’t know about you, but I’m scrambling to get all my holiday chores finished in time. What else is new? Right? Yeah, like many of you, I often find myself running late with everything this time of year and when that happens, it’s easy to miss out on the truly important things. Things like our kids wanting some affection or helping someone in need.

How many times have we all found ourselves in a fog as we rush down a road or highway and in an instant our distractions cause us to miss a sign or turn? Likewise, our own personal distractions, foggy spiritual focus and fears can take us off course or cause us to miss out on blessings waiting along the way. And though I try to stay fixed on the true meaning of Christmas, sometimes it’s hard to discern between all the voices that call to us.

Yet there he was, a young homeless man, standing outside my favorite grocery store calling out a humble thank you to someone who’d given him a few dollars, and his voice seemed to reach into my own soul too.

Thoughts of a couple of heart tugging incidents flooded my mind with a convicting pull. There was that time three years ago when the piercing look of a homeless woman called to me as I drove out of a shopping center after finishing my last Christmas errand. Her look of desperation had tugged at my heart causing me to ask God if I should turn around and give her some money. Then, the instant I finished that prayer for a sign, a song came over the airwaves of my car radio with stunning clarifying lyrics—“She’s on the corner with a cardboard sign and it’s tugging at your heart.” The song answered. So, of course I’d turned around and went back to give her a hand up.

Maybe that’s why the plight of that certain young homeless man was weighing on me. There was a certain reminiscence about him that had me thinking of that incident and another one many years ago. A moment in time when my own distracted busyness caused me to miss out on a special blessing. I wrote about it in my book “Fresh Eyes: Seeing God in the Unexpected.”

So, as promised, here’s another true miraculous story to ponder as we rush through our holiday goals.

It was just such a day about 30 years ago, when my own languid response to an opportunity resulted in a missed blessing and years of regret.

I was at a choir rehearsal that evening, and the director realized that we needed more copies of the music we were learning. Our pianist, the pastor’s wife, and I, volunteered to go down to the church office to get the needed copies. The sun was beginning to set and a light rain had begun to fall as we entered the office on the lower part of the campus that evening.

Finished with our business and having turned off the lights, we stepped out into the garden path. Startling our exit, several strangers suddenly approached us. All of them were dressed in biblical-looking attire. One of them stepped forward and introduced himself as a fellow believer and “traveler.”  He then asked if the church might have a room where they could rest for the night and be sheltered from the rain. I started to respond positively but was quickly cut short by my companion. “We don’t have the authority for that,” she responded. Of course, being the pastor’s wife, she did indeed have the authority, but was obviously cautious about allowing strangers into church property.

“It doesn’t take authority,” the young man said. “It just takes a heart!”

The strangers walked away briskly, and we stared at each other with pricked conviction.“Maybe we could let them sleep in the early childhood room where there’s a bathroom,” she quickly revised.

“Sure,” I said and immediately we turned back to give them the hospitable good news. It couldn’t have been more than a few seconds, yet they were nowhere to be seen. They had simply vanished. There was nothing nearby that could possibly hide the conspicuously dressed group and no crowds of people to blend in with as they departed, yet we could not see them anywhere.

Looking at each other in wonder and dismay, words failed, and expressions revealed our obvious regret and curiosity of the blessing we’d both missed that night. We had forgotten to entertain strangers and likely missed out on “entertaining angels.” 

Can you imagine the regret the innkeepers had after learning about the special birth of the Messiah that they missed that serendipitous night? It must have pierced their hearts with remorse at the thought of turning away the parents of the baby Jesus. No doubt some of them never connected the dots or made excuses for their unsympathetic refusal of a room. We can only surmise that many, like myself, may have realized their mistake and lived with long regrets for the blessing missed.

So, as I considered that story and those experiences, I found myself doing all I could to help the young homeless man without putting myself in danger. Knowing that all the local winter shelters were still closed in response to the Covid epidemic, I called our church hotline to ask if there was something they could do to help him get out of the cold rainy night. One very caring pastor called me back and offered some information and suggestions. I learned that much like that little town of Bethlehem 2000 years ago, our local motels were fully booked, because of a government order. But it wasn’t because of a censor being taken, our government was using hotels and motels across our nation to house thousands of immigrants who’d stormed through our borders in recent months. So, even though our church and others had funds set aside for helping the homeless get rooms, churches and innkeepers efforts were thwarted.

So, as another freezing cold night began and still no room for the young man, I felt guilty crawling into my warm cozy bed. I said a prayer for him and found myself pondering the scripture and comment I’d placed at the end of that story with heartfelt worry.

Hebrews 13:2 shines a light on the importance of attentiveness and brotherly love while on life’s highway.  “Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”

At this point, in the plight of the homeless man, I haven’t been able to get him into a shelter or motel room and one of the last times I spoke to him he mentioned waking up encrusted with ice all over his damp clothing. I did give him another, more generous, gift and encouraged him to get some food in a warm restaurant where they welcome paying customers and stay open long hours. He wasn’t at his usual post the last time I was there, so I’m praying he was able to find shelter from the storm. I pray that he has and hope I haven’t once again missed a blessing that was actually an angel in disguise.

What would you do in this situation? Tell me or share your Christmas story in comments here.

In the mean time, I pray all of you will have warm and wonderful holidays.

#holidays #Inspirations #miracles #Christmas #fresheyes #winter #homeless #miraculous #angels #prayer #songs

Have you ever had a small miracle that encouraged your heart? I’ve had quite a few in my life. So many, if it weren’t for noting them in my journals and books, I’d probably forget most of them. Yet, when I pick up an old article or story, that I’d written years earlier, and read about one of them, it can lift my spirit in much the same way it did then. Just today I came across one of those. So, as we prepare for Christmas, I thought I’d share that little miracle with you. 

A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS SIGHT

Perhaps it was the nudge of an angel that woke me that morning or maybe it was just my husband’s restlessness. Whatever the case, something woke me from my deep slumber with a frightful startle.

I thought I’d heard someone walking through the house. It wasn’t the sound of loud footsteps, but a soft shuffling—like feet across the carpet. Yet, despite the subtle noise, I awoke with heart thumping concern. My heavy eyelids resisted opening and my first thought was that we might have a prowler. Considering it was nearly Christmas and there were presents lying under our tree, I prayed a silent prayer for protection. 

Listening intently, I heard nothing, but needing to go to the bathroom I got up. Forcing my sleepy eyes open, and with some trepidation, I glanced down our long hallway as I cautiously made my way to our ensuite. On my return trip I decided to look out our bedroom window for any evidence of an intruder.  

To my amazement and awe the most beautiful star I’d ever seen was glistening brightly in the early morning sky. I blinked away any remaining sleepy glue and waited to be certain it wasn’t some sort of aircraft. It was clearly brighter and bigger than all the other stars in the sky but it wasn’t moving. So not an aircraft. Sirius, the morning star, was one I’d observed before, but this was much larger and more brilliant by far. Then, I remembered hearing a report on television a few days earlier about a special constellation in the sky that was going to be visible. They said something about it possibly being the same sight that brought those famous, wise astronomers, or Magi as the Bible tells, to Christ’s birth 2000 years ago. 

Surely, it was the reason I’d been wakened.

Excitement rose inside and I wanted to wake everyone in the house, so they could see it too. Glancing at the clock, I noted it was 4 a.m. and considered the consequences of waking four grumpy people at such an early hour. Motherly wisdom vetoed the idea. With joyful exuberance flooding my heart, I hoped my husband’s restlessness meant he was only half asleep.  

“Are you awake?” I whispered gently as I slipped back into bed.  

“No,” he said.  

“I just saw the most beautiful star ever!”  

“What were you doing outside at this hour?” He mumbled with a sleep-deprived edge to it.

“I wasn’t outside. I just looked out the bedroom window. It might be the same star the wisemen saw at Christ’s birth.”  

His reply came with surprising alertness. “Was it in the eastern part of the sky?”

“Yes! Yes! It was in the eastern sky,” I nearly squealed back. 

“I’ll see it when I get up later,” he said rolling over.

Saying a prayer of thanksgiving for the special Christmas gift God had given me that early morning I fell blissfully back to sleep.

Whether it was the brush of angels’ wings, the Holy Spirit, or something else that woke me on that morning 30 years ago, this experience continues to shine in my heart today. It is one more amazing sign of the Lord’s meticulous and stellar details related to the birth of the messiah. The magi, or wisemen, were excellent astronomers; and they knew about the prophesies as told hundreds of years earlier. They not only observed the sign but acted on it in great faith by traveling hundreds of miles to witness this miracle for themselves and to worship the newborn king it foretold. 

Laughing to myself, I thought: All I did was to travel to the bathroom and gaze out the bedroom window. 

Numbers 24:17 prophetically foretells the story hundreds of years before it happened. “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.” In the gospel of Matthew, we see the fulfillment of this prophesy as well as other prophecies regarding the messiah. Matthew 2: 2 says: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”  

As we look forward to the bright star of Christmas, I hope this story encouraged your heart and prepared you to celebrate the light of Jesus. May His light shine in your heart throughout the holiday season.

Need another amazing Christmas miracle story? My next blog post in December will tell of a night when I witnessed a whole group of travelers disappear before my eyes. It will be entitled “Distracted Focus/Missed Blessing.” 

My book, “Fresh Eyes: Seeing God in the Unexpected” is chock full of similar inspiring true stories, including the story of the beautiful star. In it you’ll find encouragement, community through shared experiences, and a sweet dose of laughter for your soul. If you already own a copy—Thank you!

Consider gifting a copy to a friend or loved one—providing encouragement and laughter for their hearts this holiday season! For a limited time only, when you purchase a copy of my book, “Fresh Eyes: Seeing God In the Unexpected,” you’ll get a FREE copy of my children’s book, “Moriah’s Wings.” See below for details.

Perfect for filling the stockings for your children or grandchildren, or a treat to read by the light of the tree! 🎁 🎄

👉 Fresh Eyes is available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Westbow Press. 

**Giveaway Details**

*To receive your free copy of “Moriah’s Wings,” submit proof of purchase of “Fresh Eyes: Seeing God in the Unexpected” along with your name and address to Iris Carignan through the contact page of this website. https://iriscarignan.com/contact/ Proof of purchase must be received on or before December 15, 2022. Purchase date must be after June 1, 2022. While supplies last. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram or Facebook.

#iriscarignanbooks #stillwatersstudio #authorlife #christianauthor #christianpoetry #christianinspiration  #christianblogger #fresheyesbook #findingpeace #holidaystories #inspirations #fresheyesbook #magi #wisemen #Christmasstar #miracles #holidaygift #Christmas #blogger #stellar #prophecy 

Well, it’s official, now that November is nearly here and the sun is quickly rising on the holidays. But are anxieties rising within you too? Maybe you’re remembering a few holidays from the past that were not so bright or cheerful and you’re wondering if things will turn sour again this year. Or maybe, as you glance at the smiling faces in a few family photos and postcards, you have a romantic picture in your mind about how wonderful they all were. 

No matter how wonderful a family may be in the snapshots of our hearts and minds, none of them are perfect. And no matter how hard you may try to make things joyful, the variety of different personalities and perspectives can sometimes bring a collision of tensions when everyone comes together. 

In my book Fresh Eyes: Seeing God in the Unexpected, I wrote about this very topic in a chapter entitled “Unexpected Holiday Perspectives.” I begin by telling a story related to the 4^th of July and how we had the awesome thrill of seeing fireworks from the perspective of an airplane. That heavenly view had me considering: “We all like to celebrate and some of us look for the smallest reason to throw a party.” 

I wonder, though, how much of what we do for holiday celebrations like the 4^th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, etc., actually expresses, or produces appreciation and reverence for their true meaning?” Take, for instance, Thanksgiving. Shouldn’t our main focus be on giving thanks?

As that holiday chapter in my book continues into a particular Thanksgiving celebration, my own vision for what’s important gets a fresh adjustment. Recalling how I’d tried so hard to make everything perfect that year, you read about how all kinds of grinches had seemingly worked against that happening. It begins when a beautiful glass goblet is smashed to pieces as someone attempts to adjust the table size with another leaf. “It’s just a glass and more importantly your guests will be much more comfortable now that we’ve added the other table leaf.” My son tried to put things back into a good perspective that day. 

Of course, I knew he was right. But this minor foible seemed perfectly timed by the same grinch who had stalked us for more than a month. The shattering sound of the breaking glass might just as well have been a clanging bell signaling the end of round 6 and the start of another in this boxing match of disappointments and changes to our holiday celebration. I had surmised. You see that Thanksgiving wasn’t like all the others. That year my husband and I were also celebrating our 45^th wedding anniversary. Yet as hard as we had tried, everything we’d planned had been changed several times.  

The story continues with disappointing detail after detail that occurred that year, including a planned anniversary vacation that got unexpectedly canceled. But as it wraps up, you’ll also read about the unexpected fruit and fresh perspective that happens as a result— the fruit that comes from gratefulness. It’s a lesson my Lord continues to drive home every time things go wrong, or trouble comes my way. 

Philippians 4:4-7 says: “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all…Do not be anxious for anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

So, regardless of your intentions this holiday season, as you make plans for the upcoming celebrations, I hope and pray that we can all approach things with fresh eyes and grateful hearts. And when we do, no matter how it may go, I’m certain that thankfulness will allow us to find joy and purposeful meaning in them. 

If you’d like to read the entire holiday story mentioned here as well as a poem and lots of other true stories of inspiration, go to “Books” on this website to order your copy of Fresh Eyes: Seeing God in the Unexpected at: www.iriscarignan.com  I’d love to hear what you are grateful for this year too, so leave a comment here if you’d like. 

#fresheyesbook #holidaycelebration #gratefulness #thanksgiving #unexpectedtrials #poetry #inspirational #holidayseason #holidayperspectives #inspirationalbooks