Lifetime Love

  It was back in the day of simpler times. Yes, she was young — very young in fact. He was a little older — not THAT much — but enough that they married and started married life — together.

Blessed with twelve children the road of their lives had it’s twists and turns, but whatever came, they met it — together.

  Dating their grandson, he and I took a trip. Up to the state of Michigan to meet Grandma and Grandpa. By this time, Grandpa had undergone surgery for cancer in his throat, and talked through a little machine. But they had weathered this storm — together. Learning to understand him was difficult for me. But Grandma could. The smile’s they shared back and forth — and easy going chuckles were some of the very first evidences I saw of a deep and lasting love.

Grandma had a specialty from her many hours in the kitchen — home-made bread. Grandpa AND the family benefited from this wonderful dough mixed with love. We enjoyed it — together.

They read the Bible every day — taking turns reading — together. They loved to play Scrabble — together. In the “early retirement” years they took many “breakfast dates” right to the “Golden Arches” — together.

The years went by, and every time we visited them they showed their deep commitment for one another — and for the Lord. They changed, they got older, but the glimmer in their eyes for one another never faded. They were always — together.

Grandma loved any kind of flower, but Grandpa had a favorite — he especially liked yellow roses. They had some in their nicely kept yard, at the house beside the railroad tracks. He enjoyed them immensely as they sat on the porch — simply being together — watching the trains go by.

Then, the “golden years” began to fade and nursing home days came calling. Now they were both in the same nursing home — same room — together. Grandma became bedridden, but Grandpa’s love for her was deep. He would get out of his bed and sit in his wheelchair all day, beside her bed and hold her hand — they were together.

Grandma secretly called in one of her daughters. She had a request. Not for herself, but for the man she so dearly loved. She wanted her daughter to go to their yard and cut some of his yellow roses and bring them to him.

Her “love of a lifetime” was still her lifetime love . . .

Her selfless act of love from the bed of a nursing home inspires my heart today. They both new the secret of a love that lasts. True love is commitment . . . Pass it on!

Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13

A Grateful Heart

Rrrring! The body jerks, and a benumbed hand reaches across to silence the incessant noise. The ring of the alarm awakens us to another day of looking at watches, clocks, planners, calendars, cell phones, computers — all to keep us doing the thing we are supposed to be doing at the “time” we are to be doing it!

God even has appointed times for things both in history and days yet to come. There was an appointed time for Christ to come to earth. A time appointed for Him to die on the Cross and rise again. An appointed time for the Holy Spirit to descend. And, there is a time, which only the Father knows, when Christ will come again!

In our personal lives, God has “appointed times” for things. Letting His Spirit direct our lives is our surety — even while we wait on Him to move. The assurance that his ways are “higher than our ways” keeps us trusting the love of His heart even in trying days of testing. We know pure gold is His goal — so pure gold is what we desire to be.

The law of the harvest has it’s own “appointed times.” After the hard work of planting, the discipline of watering and fertilizing, then comes the joyful celebration time of harvesting! What joy there is in reaping a harvest — and when the harvest is eternal souls, what lasting joy!

There is one thing that is always in order. It doesn’t have to “wait” for an “appointed time.” Giving thanks. A thankful heart is a healthy heart to possess. It’s gratefulness overflows in all kinds of situations. Even in times of grief — times of hurting — times when clouds hide the gorgeous ray of the sun — somehow the grateful heart finds its way back to being thankful for something. It may have to look outside of a current situation to locate it, but somehow it finds a way to praise. It is purposed to be thankful.

Look around you for the people of a grateful heart. Find it in the willing smile, the oblivious whistle, the subconscious humming under their breath as they work — these are the people of a grateful heart.

Here am I — I’m joining the ranks

The ranks of the army that’s giving thanks—

Thanks for the blessings — the ray’s of sun,

Thanks for the good things God has done.

Here am I — I’m joining the ranks

The ranks of the army that’s learning thanks—

Through shadows and sometimes skies of gray,

Learning to find a way to praise.

Here am I — I’m learning to see

His way is always best for me—

Of this joy filled group I will be a part,

Those who have chosen a grateful heart.

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

“. . . Giving thanks always for all things to the God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. . .” Ephesians 5:20

Coming Home

She was gone! We called and called her name. We looked everywhere we could possibly think of. As a last resort, my parents and I loaded into our blue Buick and headed up and down the Ohio roads . . . Looking where we thought she may have gone. Stopping the car along the way, calling her name . . . “Shabu, Shabu . . .”

Why would she trade the wonderful comfort of her luxurious, hand-made, heated dog house to head down some unknown trail? This beautiful Collie/German Shepherd mix was fairly new to us . . . But we loved her already, and now, now she was gone.

Our “driving search” took us past a small ravine where a farmer had some pigs. One of my parents wondered aloud if she could be down there among them, but we soon returned home from our pursuit — dejected, empty handed and uncertain what to do next! She was definitely not responding to our urgent calls.

Life had to continue, and we went about our normal duties with a heavy heart. How long it took, the years have erased, but the event I remember quite well! Here came Shabu — returning from her excusion “away from home.” We were thrilled! Then, our sense of smell overtook our sight! Whew! Along with Her beautiful collie markings being caked with mud, she reeked with the obvious company she had been keeping! Creatures other than her own kind — most likely the PIGS!

It didn’t surpress our joy at all! We were amazingly overjoyed that she had come home. We let her know it too, and then got right to work! Washing and scrubbing away the remains of her infamous adventure. Taking her back into our loving family. Giving her food, water, and yes, her luxurious dog house!

Just a simple, earthy story, yet how much more the elation, the joy, when we apply it to people! Wandering the path of self will, leads to unexpected trails with undesirable endings! When a son or a daughter “heads for home” — this causes the family of God — and even angels to rejoice! Father longs for the day, the Holy Spirit pulls on heart strings and Jesus waits — ready to wash the repentant heart clean from the stench and blackness of sin.

Tired of the aftertaste of sin? Come home! He calls us to “taste and see that the Lord is good!”

Weary of the journey of the “self-made” life? Come home! His arms are open as He says, “Come, you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Weary of wandering? Come home! His love is waiting at the end of the road!

 

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

 

Take it with You

“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

Luke 15:20

To Look Like Him

The likeness of You, Lord, in me

Is my desire – Lord, let it be!

O, let me know Your love in place --

Tho’ mud be plastered in my face.

Peel back the calloused layers of hurt --

Let me not stoop to pick up dirt.

The likeness of You, Lord, in me

Is my desire – Lord, let it be!

Let humbleness of soul remain --

No arrogance or foolish pride --

Let me not take that empty ride --

But in me, Lord -- please Lord, abide.

The likeness of You, Lord, in me

My greatest longing, Lord, You see.

Tho’ others do not understand --

You know the Truth – there’s nothing left.

You are the freedom in my breath --

Surrender -- brings life after death.

The death of self to embrace Christ

O, Jesus, is that sacrifice?

To lose myself – and gain You Lord

The gain is so much, so much MORE!

I would not trade an empty life

For one that’s filled with sacrifice.

                                                                                  By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

The Right Kind of Hint

Fresh baking cookies seem to bring quite an effect on a household of five children. “Come to the kitchen,” they seem to beckon. “See if there be any batter left in the bowl,” it repeats in their brainwaves. “Cookie dough, cookie dough, cookie dough is calling!”

May as well plan on giving them a spoonful – much more peaceful that way it seems . . .

The aroma draws them!

Have you ever been around someone with a “winning personality?” Maybe it’s a smile of warmth or a “radiant face” that makes you hungry for whatever or Whomever they possess. Whatever the reason, you know you are drawn to that person. A dear friend of mine who has a wealth of wisdom – and the right kind of “winning personality” was once accused of being a “people magnet!” What draws them to her? She truly loves God, and truly loves people. She is genuinely concerned about them, and what is happening in their lives.

Our subconscious minds are powerful things. We are drawn to those we desire to be like – affected by who we hang around with, or what we allow into our minds, our hearts, and our lives.

King David reminds us that we also have the capability of being drawn into things that are not good – solicited in a moment when our guard is down to participate in something that is far from what God has in mind for us. In Psalm 141:3-4 he says, “Post a guard at my mouth, God, set a watch at the door of my lips. Don’t let me so much as dream of evil or thoughtlessly fall into bad company.”

See, there are “winning personalities” that are capable of drawing us into the wrong kinds of things. Perhaps they say they love God, but they constantly dabble around the edge – just to see how much they can get away with. They are “sort of” committed, but ask, “Really, can’t Christ just be a part of my life?”

There are also “winning personalities” who are not following God and His plan. They are enjoying a sinful lifestyle – “for a season” and their false sense of happiness causes people to stick around. Many times it becomes a web that draws someone closer and closer and then the enemy has engaged them into activities that certainly shouldn’t be allowed in a Christ-filled person’s lifestyle.

“Don’t let me so much as dream of evil or thoughtlessly fall into bad company . . .” (Psalm 141:4 The Message) What we dream about, think on, and who we associate with has a powerful impact on our lives.

The fact of the matter is that we are responsible to guard our heart. As long as we desire God first and foremost, He is able and willing to keep us from falling. Of course He is willing to pick up any truly repentant heart that has fallen and redeem them to Himself – but we can be KEPT by Him as well! (Jude 24)

We must learn to recognize the very hint of evil – and denounce it immediately. Our hearts are steadfast – we have given our WHOLE selves to God. We don’t want Him to be a “part” of our lives; we want Him to be very life! Until EVERYTHING revolves around HIM! Our will becomes one with His. We delight in Him so much – we see Him giving us the desires of our hearts.

We must learn to recognize the very hint – the first sweet smelling aroma when His Holy Spirit is bidding us come and meet in a quiet place. The hint of His voice speaking to our hearts. The hint of a new depth of love He wants to take us to.

“Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness – faith, love, peace – joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God.” (II Timothy 2:22)

O God, help me be aware of the right kind of hints – and run accordingly! Away from evil – and toward righteousness – every time! In Jesus’ name, Amen

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take It With You

“Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness – faith, love, peace – joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God.” (II Timothy 2:22)

A Pair of Shoes

   Mike* was a young man who lived with an actively, giving heart -- not generously found in the ways of the young. As a teenager, he loved life, did well in school, and pursued his sport-- which was soccer. After graduation in 2007, Mike joined the Marines, and it was here that he literally gave his all for our country.

   As his friends gathered and mourned their loss, one shared a story — a story very few knew — a story about pair of shoes. Mike lived to the fullest. He did things "with all his might." When he played soccer, he played hard. He gave it his best.

   One day his mom became aware of a personal need. His soccer shoes were worn out — he was needing some new ones. Being a good mom, she went to the store and bought him a new pair.

   Not after this incident, she was picking him up from practice when she happened to notice the shoes he was wearing. “Why are you wearing your old soccer shoes?” she asked. “Why aren’t you wearing your new ones?” Mike’s response showed the bigness of his heart. To his mother’s surprise, Mike had given his shoes away!

   You see, there was another boy on the team who’s shoes were worn out too — so, Mike saw the need and filled it — by giving this boy his brand new shoes.

   He and mom never spread the story around, but in his death, others told his life story. This, and other things he did echoed in the hearts and lives of those he associated with. It was they way he lived that followed after.

   Mike had no idea his deed that day would be part of the story characterizing the legacy of who he was. It was “just a pair of shoes.”

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25:40

*real name withheld

Heart Cry

If easy means shallow -- I don't want it.

  If smooth means passive -- don't lead me there.

Just promise when the waves would swallow up my very soul

  Your Presence would make the wounded whole.

If I can only see your face by trusting --

  Help my human spirit trust Divine

If fear can only turn to faith by facing

  Things too hard for me -- Lord, make them mine.

If there's a place within me with a shadow of a doubt

  Erase it, Lord. Please fill me with Yourself.

Lord, change me -- make me steady -- make my eyes of faith to see

  Beyond this earthly vapor -- to eternity.

                                                                          Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

God Is

God is . . .our refuge and strength. Psalm 46:1

God is . . . our rewarder when we seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

God is . . . Our Father who loves us. (Matthew 6:9)

God is . . . Our Creator. (Genesis 1:26)

God is . . . Our peace. (Ephesians 2:14)

God is . . . Our Rock. (II Samuel 22:32)

God is . . . Always with us. (Hebrews 13:5)

God is . . . Our light and salvation. (Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 12:2)

God is . . . Our King. (Psalm 47:7)

God is . . . Our provider. (Philippians 4:19)

God is . . . Our comfort. (II Corinthians 1:13)

God is . . . On our side. (Psalm 116:6; Psalm 124:1; Rom. 8:31)

God is . . . Love. (I John 4:8)

So when the load seems heavy, the road seems long, the night seems dark, the victory long in coming, just take a little time to pause and remember who our GOD IS!

Hold your head up and listen — listen for the sound of hope He brings, grasp His provision of grace, accept His provision of love and peace. He is our God! And He will be our God — even to the end.

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

What Mom Didn't Know

May I give a large round of applause to any mom who home schools her children?! For two years of my older sons education, I attempted to home school them. We had many interesting experiences, to be sure, but one I’m quite sure has probably been unmatched.

At this particular time, we were living in Florida in a double wide trailer with a nice sized wooden porch on the front. Floridians – whether true or transplant – will know what I mean when I say we deal with “creatures” down there that are either non-existent or not as prevalent in the northern parts of our great country.

Such as coral snakes, armadillos’, palmetto bugs. . . the list goes on. However, being a “transplant” I certainly hadn’t memorized the list of “endangered species.”

Therefore, one day my boys came bringing me a large tortoise. My home school antenna popped right out of my head. Why, this would be a great activity! We could look it up on the internet and write a paper on it. So, I got a box and the boys put the tortoise in it.

Some of our neighboring missionary friends came up and had a look – one of their boys even mentioned tortoise soup – a delicacy I think his family enjoyed in Africa.

Life got so busy the next few days, I felt sorry for the tortoise, so, before we even had a chance to do any research, the boys let it go.

The next morning there was a knock at the door. Opening it, I was most surprised! There stood a man in uniform – looked like a police to me. “Have you all been catching gophers?” he asked me.

“Oh, no,” I replied, my Midwestern upbringing instantly thinking of a tiny, furry, animal headed into a hole in the ground. “We haven’t caught any gophers. We did catch a turtle. You can see the box right over there. My kids were going to do home-school research on him . . . but, we felt sorry for him and let him go.”

Well, in the next few minutes I received quite an education! We had caught a “gopher tortoise.” They were an “endangered species” and we could have gotten in really big trouble! Furthermore, our neighbors had heard the comment about “tortoise soup” and thought for sure we were going to kill it!

Once he realized my innocence – or utter stupidity -- the man was very nice. I imagine he and his buddy had a good laugh when they got back to the car – and I was very thankful for his kindness and mercy! Believe me, we never caught another one!

Sometimes in our Christian walk we are tempted to be hurt by something someone says or does. “Makin’ mountains out of mole hills” seems to be some folk’s specialty! Could we learn to extend grace – show mercy – give the love of Christ. It is possible they do not even realize what they have done. (I certainly didn’t know we had captured a member of the endangered species!) And, even if they do, the God of all sees and knows all.

He desires grace in our speech, mercy in our actions, love in our lives.

Even when we knowingly turned our back on God, He KNEW it – yet, he loved us anyway! Let’s walk in His footsteps of love today.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8