Welcome
HE IS THE POTTER, WE ARE THE CLAY
True life stories to encourage and inspire
CHALLENGES
COLD PLUNGE 3/28/2025
With today being so drizzly and gloomy, it’s hard to believe that four short days ago, my parents and I walked on a sunny Florida Beach in 80-degree-plus weather, spending precious last moments with family, dreading the goodbyes to come. I will store away distinct memories of swimming with Linda, searching for shells with Becky, the hugs and kisses from Aunt Pat, watching Wesley play baseball and Ava, spike those volleyballs, a rambunctious little dog named Tucker, the look of disdain on Linda’s cat whenever she failed to avoid me, all the neat shops, restaurants, ice cream parlors, and the wonderful pools and ocean vistas.
NEW EXPERIENCES
In Linda and John’s beautiful, spacious home, the amenities I was privy to, included a sauna and a cold plunge tank. I have a history with saunas and love them, but the cold plunge is new to me. “It helps get rid of the brown fat,” Linda explained, adding a few more benefits. Brown fat? “You need to immerse yourself up to your neck and stay in for 2 or 3 minutes. I’ve been in as long as 15 and John, 10.” Easier said than done. On my first attempt in that 45-degree tank of water, I put one leg in which automatically flew back out! “The next time try to remain there for 25 seconds,” advised the experienced Linda. The following day I put both legs in and stayed for 25 seconds. On the third try, I plunged in up to my waist for 25. I never went beyond this point, but I was proud of my tenacity to stay in there as those seconds ticked by ever so slowly! The result? My lower extremities felt super invigorated and it was worth it!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
We must have the tenacity to pray and study His Word regularly, (Longer than 25 seconds at a time, of course!) In John 15:5,7,8 Jesus explains, “I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth (continues) in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. In this is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As a professional writer, I pride myself on delivering high-quality content that engages readers and drives results. With years of experience under my belt, I have honed my skills in a wide range of writing styles, from informative and educational to conversational and engaging. I specialize in creating content for industries such as healthcare, technology, and education, but I am always up for a new challenge.
PRAISE
BE STILL 3/21/2025
On Tuesday I was scheduled to attend an all-day mandatory meeting starting at 10:00 a m. The first half hour was designated to meet, greet, eat doughnuts, and drink coffee, while those of us attending via the Internet would “join” at 10:30. But I neglected to look at the itinerary, so I DID NOT KNOW THIS until a few frantic minutes passed. Then I looked it up. Oh. When 10:30 came around, I made another attempt to join but had a new dilemma. The email address I’d been sent DIDN’T WORK. Maybe there was an updated one? I checked, but this was not the case. When I clicked the icon on my address bar for online meetings, this message came across the screen, “The account you are using doesn’t have access to this meeting due to organizational policies.” What! The screen suggested I try a different email address, which didn’t work! I made up a new address, WHICH DIDN’T WORK! By now I feel my chest tighten and I am near to frantic! Back to the icon, I go. No help there! I’m in deep trouble. I know this situation is way beyond my technical expertise. About then I FINALLY considered praying, and I’m ashamed it took me so long to get there. Didn’t I recently write about keeping the verse in mind that encourages us to “pray without ceasing?” Oh, it is so easy to advise, yet sometimes difficult to follow your advice. Immediately upon praying… I felt hopeful. His wisdom… not mine…guided me onward. I noticed an option I had missed before. In a couple of minutes, I was in the meeting! Now I admit, no one could see me on the screen – only my name, but I could see the speaker and hear what he was saying. And do you know what? There were 8 other technologically challenged individuals whose names were displayed but bodies were not!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
In Psalms 107:6,29,21&1the psalmist praises God, Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Oh, that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Oh, give thanks unto the LORD for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever.
MARRIAGE
PART THREE OF "YOU HAVE TO CHANGE" 3/14/2025
Someday I planned to write about the miracle God used to heal my marriage, but the truth was, I didn’t want to hurt or embarrass the other person involved, John. But God. God knew how badly I wanted to share my husband’s and my story, so on the second Friday in January, when I settled down to write this weekly blog, out of the blue, a strong impression changed my mind about the subject matter I planned to use. Now, I must add that at this time I had no idea my husband would be passing away in less than a week! There were no signs of decline – although he was a bit depressed about leaving the Cardiac Therapy class he attended for a few weeks. What we hoped would strengthen his heart had to be discontinued because his blood pressure wouldn’t cooperate. Once I finished writing the blog I asked John to read it and to give me his honest opinion. His face showed no expression until the very end when he smiled, and advised, “Yes. Go ahead and use it.”
A NIGHT OUT
Twenty-seven years earlier, two months after the marriage miracle, we were returning home from a “date night.” Sitting as close to each other as humanly possible, we were sublimely happy. However, John knew nothing about the miracle as yet. I asked, “Have you noticed a difference in our relationship?” “You bet I have! What happened?” My reply? “God gave me the kind of love for you, that I should have already had.” I filled him in on all the details (a few I did not share here). When I finished, he cried. He knew everything I said was true because of the change in me.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Genesis 2:24 says, Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh. (Like being glued together). Ephesians 5:33 adds, Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife, see that she reverence her husband.
grieving
TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING 3/7/2025
Most people I know drink coffee and they LOVE it! But coffee is not for me. No. I’m a teetotaler. When the bottom fell out from underneath me in January, I started drinking more tea than usual, so much so that one day I noticed how dark my teeth had become. Immediately I backed off from the tea by drinking hot water instead. I got accustomed to this, going all week without tea until Sunday when I would treat myself to one cup in the afternoon at the farm. Meanwhile, I’m focusing on getting whiter teeth using baking soda and toothpaste. When a grandson heard about this, he told me that charcoal powder works the best for him. My daughter found a home remedy on Facebook and sent me the video. You rub the inside of a banana peel on your teeth for a minute or two each day. (With the high price of bananas these days, I haven’t tried it yet!)
OFF THE WAGON
This week, after returning home from a trip to town, I found a package from a thoughtful nephew and wife waiting near the front door. How sweet! And the contents were right up my alley! Two tins of a fabulous brand of tea, one green and one black – and even packages of biscotti and shortbread! As you guessed it, I fell off the wagon then and there! No cup of green tea ever tasted better!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Paul in I Thessalonians 5:14&15 encourages us, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man, but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men.”
GRIEVING
WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE? 2/28/2025
Will we sit at the feet of Jesus, see his nail-pierced hands and feet, and watch His shining face when He speaks of the kingdom to come? Do we eat food because we want to and not because we have to? Do we need any sleep at all? Will the angels sing? Will we?
GRIEF IS A PROCESS
Looking back these six weeks to the days when l first lost John, I must admit, after the shock of his passing, my thoughts raced to list all the things we could no longer do together, like plant a garden, work in the yard, watch movies, go thrifting or out to eat or hang out with family and friends. Poor, pitiful me, I thought, the one left behind picks up the pieces, alone. After these self-centered moments passed, I stared at the places in the house where he normally could be found. Although he wasn’t present anymore, I could conjure up a mental picture of him at the drop of a hat, and I did. I wanted to share my thoughts with him about this or that and found myself doing so, often. Most recently though, I am finally connecting the dots, considering his lengthy hospital stays (which he hated) and the painful issues he suffered in between. It’s over now, dear one. Rest easy.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
In I Thessalonians 5:17&18, Paul advises, Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. In EVERYTHING give thanks. Even while grieving.
fear
A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER 2/21/2025
Hubby felt right at home in his “office” behind the steering wheel of an 18-wheeler, speaking CB jargon to his “Good Buddies” and keeping a wary eye out for pesky Smokeys. (Which one day he would become for a while!) He hauled commodities across the USA as an “independent,” a rogue, doing what truckers called “gypsying,” until loads were no longer trip leased to owner-operators, and drivers were forced to become company employees. Most of Hubby’s adventures took place in or around vehicles, starting at an early age when he drove farm equipment then worked as a mechanic in the service. Not so with me!
“NOT” A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER
I must have been about 14 when Dad tried to teach me how to drive our old pick-up truck out in a hayfield. I was timid and frightened, becoming overly distraught. Consequently, my next lesson came a few weeks before Driver’s Ed. With me behind the wheel, Dad and I rounded a hidden bend in the road, and to miss a corn picker, I nearly drove us into a fence post, but Dad saved the day by grabbing the wheel. Strike two, and you’re out! No more lessons. The Driver’s Ed car had two experienced student drivers and me. When I took the driver’s test, the examiner gave me 100% for what we called “parking” back then and a 71% driving score. I passed! Yeah! In front of the Municipal building, the examiner stopped me on the road to let him out and he handed me the paperwork. I drove up the road a little way and made a U-turn. When I passed him and waved, he looked at the ground and shook his head.
THE MORAL OF THE STORY
Now that I am alone, I must do all of the driving; and when I am out of my comfort zone, I should remember my successes, like when Hubby taught me to drive a stick shift in 20 minutes. I loved it! My Goliath.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Timothy 1:7 reminds us God is more powerful than our foes, Satan and ourselves. For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Memorizing scripture will lead us in our quest to become overcomers. Psalms 119:11 advises,Thy word have I hidden in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
grief
BE JOYFUL ALWAYS?
When our microwave quit working after Christmas, we didn’t replace it immediately, because Hubby didn’t have the strength to carry it to the car. We should have asked for help but didn’t want to bother anyone. So last week, with the assistance of a friend, the old microwave was carried out to the back of my car to be replaced with a new one. Another friend shared an idea with me to put the microwave in a new spot on the counter to save space. It made sense, but to make everything look just so, I rearranged all the items on the counter – except for my small orange sign, “Be Joyful Always.” This little gem will remain where it is, so I don’t have to look for it when I need it!
IN RETROSPECT
Thank you, Lord, for those loved ones who pray for me as I maneuver through the valley of grief. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of sympathy on Facebook, and through cards, calls, and visits. While I focus on keeping my mind and hands occupied, I will lift my eyes toward You, Father, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the Author and Finisher of my faith!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Matthew 5:4 Jesus said, “Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. The disciple John says this of heaven, And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.
HIS PROVIDENTIAL CARE
"I WANT A RED ONE!" 2/8/2025
It’s a good thing my new car is a “smart car” because I am not mechanically inclined and can use all the help I can get. For example, the shifter confused me. I attempted to put the car into drive, but couldn’t figure out how until the cluster panel lit up with the answer. “Press the shifter side button to shift.” Then I had an issue with the windshield wipers as I waited outside the entrance to the carwash, and it started to rain. The wipers came on automatically and it scared me to death! I was so worried about losing my wipers in the carwash on the auto (Rainsense) setting, and I frantically tried to turn them off! But the car is a “smart car” so I had nothing to worry about. It even senses the interior temperature when I first enter and sets the seat warmer to the appropriate setting. Yesterday I tested my smart car at a red light, on a grade. With no one behind me, I took my foot off the break. Nothing happened. Eerie.
SERENDIPITY?
John informed me on New Year’s Eve Day he thought it was time to trade in our SUV. That night we drove through the car lot in town, and Hubby pointed out a lovely red car with a curious emblem on the front. I liked it very much and spent a part of the next day googling car emblems. The first day of the next week we headed back to the car lot, and Hubby told me I would be the one to drive it, so I should be the one to test drive it. Odd. But I didn’t say a word. We bought the Cadillac SUV and since the weather was not the greatest, we only drove it a couple of times before John passed away. Not surprisingly, a month or so previously, in a conversation with the Lord, I told Him, “If John and I buy another car, I want a red one."
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Psalms 28:7 says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped. Therefore, my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my song will I praise Him. Psalm 105:1 says, “I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”
CHILDREN OF GOD
"'CAUSE, I LOVE YOU!" 1/31/2025
Still reeling from the loss of John, several family members joined forces to eat and visit together at the farm on Sunday. Among those present were six dear great-grandkids. After lunch, a few grown-ups bundled up four of the kiddies, grabbed two plastic toboggans and headed for the hill. Making memories? Yes, Hubby would have asked this of me with a sardonic grin before I went out the door, referring to the day I said those very words and then bruised my tailbone on a sled with the grandkids! Only this time there were no mishaps and everyone enjoyed themselves, including Grandma who giddily hitched a ride or two herself!
TENDING TO THE SHEEP
A few hours later a small group followed me home to assist with the care of the sheep. Waylon is three, and he’s super brave and helpful! With only minor assistance from a parent, I watch him bravely climb to the top of a hay mow four bales high, where he sits and admires the rafters and the interesting view. Then we enter the flock’s enclosure with cups of grain in hand for hungry sheep who jostle us about, but with a little help, Waylon stands firm. I can’t help but think of the hard times I’ve faced over the past two weeks when my Heavenly Father held my hand and kept me afloat. One last precious moment occurred when I swung the front door of my home open wide, and Waylon paused at the bottom of the steps. I teased him. “Waylon, why do you want to come inside my house?” He smiled with the widest grin ever, and said, “’Cause I love you!”
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us, Seeing, then, that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Why would He do this for me, for you? “’Cause, I love you,” says He.
JESUS IS COMING BACK!
THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL 1/24/2025
When the new year arrived, I felt an urgency about the brevity of time left until this world as we know it comes to an end. I considered the two choices everyone must make – to humble themselves before God, admit their sin and repent – or not! It’s pretty simple. Yet many people wait until the last minute, and death can come suddenly, with no warning, and it may be too late. My conversion came about when I was a teen, but in my early twenties, I did not “feel” saved. I wasn’t living as I should, so I repented and rededicated my life to Him. From then on, fellowship with my Savior has been sweet. Two weeks after New Year’s Day, my husband left his earthly home to be with Jesus. I know he is in heaven, and nothing can comfort me more than this.
A GLIMPSE INTO HEAVEN
On January 3rd, John and I headed home after a late doctor’s appointment. Nearly dark, the display of Christmas lights throughout town lent a festive appearance to the houses and streets around us. “Look at that gorgeous place!” I cried out, oohing and aahing at the soft yellow lights emanating from a mansion’s windows. A thought crossed my mind; I was like the hungry, cold little match girl in Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale, looking into a warm, cozy home with a table full of luscious food. This sad story ends on a happy note with an angel taking the child by the hand to go to heaven where the only person who loved her on earth, her grandmother, awaited her arrival.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
In Acts 7: 55 & 56, Stephen, one of seven men chosen by the twelve to care for the widows, sees heaven before he dies. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
I HAVE LOST HIM TO A BETTER PLACE 1/17/2026
This is not my typical blog, but a declaration of love to the man I married 51 years ago and lost yesterday. He was the love of my life. We hung out in next to new shops, antique stores, and flea markets. John loved to grocery shop until he dropped and I would go along for the ride. We enjoyed worshipping with our friends at the Carrollton Bible Chapel for 45 years, where his humor is legendary. He will be missed by his friends, family, and facebook followers for his satirical wit. I look forward to seeing him again on the "other side." His faith in Jesus was the only ticket necessary to go there.
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved," Acts 16:31
DESPAIR
PART TWO OF "YOU HAVE TO CHANGE" 1/10/2025
Last week I shared a personal story about how the Lord miraculously intervened to heal my broken marriage. He could have chosen a different method, like conviction through His powerful word or directing us to the right godly counsellor. Why a miracle? I don’t know. It was His choice. A valuable lesson I learned that night is that I am not responsible for the behavior of others, only my own. In short, we can’t fix them we can only fix us. But the good news is, when we change, they change too.
SPECIAL MUSIC
My favorite place to practice singing is in the basement. I set my CD player on the chest freezer, like it’s my desk, and plug in the cord before setting CDs in an array in front of me. (CD’s? I know. I’m old school.) I start by singing with the artist until I can remember the prompts and go it alone. This reminds me not to handle anything alone without first seeking the original Artist’s help. I love these lines from Lauren Daigle’s song, Trust in You. “I’ve tried to win this war I confess, My hands are weary I need your rest, Mighty Warrior King of the fight, No matter what I face You’re by my side.”
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Psalms 145:18&19 tells us, The LORD is near unto all those who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will save them.
NEW GOALS
"YOU HAVE TO CHANGE" 1/3/2025
Right or wrong, we are alwaysresponsible for reacting in a Christian manner, no matter what. God holds us accountable to a high standard – the life lived by our dear Savior. A long time ago, at the insistence of a close friend, I had to face the facts. Hubby and I were not getting along and if nothing changed, we would remain unhappy forever. I prayed earnestly for a long time until one evening on my way home from work I implored God one more time to intervene. Then something miraculous happened! In an audible man’s soft voice from the direction of the empty seat beside me, I heard the words, “You have to change.” “What do you mean, I have to change?” I retorted with irritation, listing a couple of Hubby’s faults for good measure. When I paused, the voice restated what it said before, “You have to change.” My thoughts? This is either an angel or the Son of God speaking to me! Pay attention! Suddenly I recalled a kind act Hubby did for me every morning and an uncharacteristic softness stole into my heart. Thirty years later, it is still there.
GREAT ADVICE
Today the memory of that night came to light when I considered the three goals I made for myself for the new year: to be less critical, be a better wife, and humble myself before the Lord. “You have to change.” The words once turned my life around, and if I apply them to other circumstances today, who knows what will be the outcome? After all, I can use some tweaking!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY? I always believed those words would not be audible to anyone else in the car, had I not been alone. In Acts 22:7-9 we read in part about Paul’s conversion. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, “Saul, Saul, why persecutes thou me?” And I answered, “Who art Thou, Lord?” And he said unto me, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.” And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of Him that spoke to me.
A NEW YEAR
COUNTING BLESSINGS 12/27/2024
Due to a familiar, instrumental Christmas tune I heard on my CD player, fond memories of The Welsh Horn washed over me. There, among other things, we used to sell Christian contemporary and gospel music soundtracks and listening CDs. Our distributor sent us complimentary titles so we could play them for advertising. This was one of the perks of owning the store; there were many.
TIME CHANGES THINGS
The memories of days gone by are flooding my soul. Why? For one thing, New Year’s Day is fast approaching, and for another, in two days I will turn one year older. This event is monumental because it marks the beginning of a new decade. Maybe I’m a little shell-shocked over the age, or how quickly this particular one has rolled around. Either way, it’s coming and nothing can stop it or slow the process down. I admit I don’t feel my age and will continue to take good care of what God has given me – and "Lord, please let me keep all my marbles in place!"
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
In Ecclesiastes 5:18,19 & 20 the wise Solomon says, “Behold that which I have seen; it is good and fitting for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him; for it is his portion. Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. For he shall not much remember the days of his life, because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.” Be joyful always!
holy spirit
BACK IN THE SLAMMER? 11/29/2024
When the dishes were finished after an incredible Thanksgiving meal at the family farm, Emily and I decided to check on the calves and kittens at the calf barn. Along the way, we untied Dad’s beagle, Red, who couldn’t have been more overjoyed! Emily had a strong grip on Red’s leash until she leaned over for something or another and then off he went like a shot! Past the barn, making a sharp left-paw turn, racing across the pasture toward the township road – Oh no, I worried in despair, he’s heading for his girlfriend's house and we’ll never catch up with him now!
IN RETROSPECT
Later, while the family conversed in the living room about this or that, Emily, Mom, and I sat on a couch discussing Red’s latest escapade. Yes, we did apprehend the roving Romeo, in the neighbor’s driveway after he had the chance to say “howdy” to the love of his life. Mom laughed warmly, saying, “Good, now your Dad won’t have to “spring him from the slammer.”
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
I can’t help but think that Red’s behavior is much like ours. Psalms 143:10&11 says, Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God. Thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Revive me, O LORD, for Thy name’s sake; for Thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.
joy
BOOK 2! 2/23/2024
Throughout the years I had many moments in life that were simply stellar. You know the kind. You’ve had them too. Something extraordinary transpires, random or planned, and you are struck with utter joy, so much so, that you can hardly stand it! This month while I anticipated the publishing of my 2nd novel, I prepared for this. The date for publication was yesterday and the night before, I scrolled to Amazon Books on the off chance that The Abiding Kind would already be listed there. When I spied its now familiar cover, the one I chose out of hundreds of options, I nearly cried. I should have! Or I should have yelled, “Hooray!” or “Yes!” or “Yippee!” Or I should have leapt out of my seat to jump up and down like a crazy banshee! But I didn’t. Instead, I sighed with satisfaction and just grinned.
DO I DESERVE THIS?
Why does He give me what I desire? It seems the closer I draw to Him, the fuller He allows my life to become. Sometimes I even imagine He is smiling down at me when my prayers are drifting upward. Drawing nearer to Him is giving Him His due if you know what I mean. It’s sort of like tithing. A year or so ago I felt like I should step up the amount of money I put in the offering plate, and in turn, the Lord is making sure enough is coming in for me to continue to do so. The other day I stepped it up once more and the same thing is happening all over again.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Psalms 145:18 & 19 says, The LORD is near unto all those who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will save them.
faith
NEVER FEAR, ONLY TRUST AND OBEY 4/23/2021
Our 3 year old great-granddaughter, Oaklynn, and my husband share a special bond they developed when he babysat her as an infant and toddler while Mommy worked. This bit of information will be detrimental as you continue reading, so please keep it in mind.
TOOTHPASTE DILEMMA
While Oakey and I were brushing our teeth, somehow or another, toothpaste got into her eye. Oh - how she wailed! It would be futile to try to rinse the offending goo out with water, so I grabbed the Visine out of the medicine cabinet. "These drops will help." "No-o-o!" she wailed on. John's voice came to us in a clear and unworried tone. "Why don't you come here and let my magic hanky take care of it?" (His what?!) She rushed to his side, weeping less, as he explained calmly how the magic hanky would immediately draw out the pain. She laid down, and he covered her eye with the cloth but a moment, pulled it away with a flourish, and asked, "Does it hurt anymore?" Joyfully she replied, "No!" Although he never tried this before, Oakey trusted him so completely, the ruse worked! A verse from an old hymn reminds me about this kind of devotion.
Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet
Or we'll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do
Where He sends we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
If we trust in God the way Oakey trusts in Grandpa, the peace mentioned in Philippians 4:1-7 will be ours! In Psalms 37:3-5 we see how this actually transpires.
1st, TRUST in the Lord and do good, so shall thou live in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 2nd, DELIGHT thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
3rd, COMMIT thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.