Eternal Summer

HE SAID – He Said
You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them. Psalm 89:9

The crocodile in the lineup was almost as long as my board: and I ride a long surfboard. The waves are taller than me, the air warm and the wind howling. This is the dream of a surfer: large waves in a Banana Republic.

On the sidewalks of Tamarindo (mud path), I catch snippets of conversations. Most begin with, “I caught this right and…” Tamarindo is “ground zero” for the Endless Summer. Here Robert August introduced the surfing world to Costa Rica. Southwest swells roll in from the Pacific, hit sand and reef bottoms and pitch: often pitching beginners and advanced board riders over “the falls.”

The psalmist says God stills the waves but at Witches Rock, Ollies Point and Marbella locals and landlocked surfers wait for swells. Not too large, not too fast. Just right… and lefts.

Does God hear our surfers prayer for waves? Does He answer a sailor’s plea for wind or a skier’s request for snow? I don’t know. But I am comforted to know, no matter how large the sets are today, He could smash them with one word. This is part of the lure of the Endless Summer: to tease death and escape the clutches of the waves that threaten to pull us under.

Over dinner tonight I’m sure I’ll say, “I caught one great left and it…” I pray God hears the joy in my voice and knows how grateful I am that His hand moves the waters. For me and others, sitting on a board in the ocean with the sun warming our shoulders, is not just the dream of an endless summer but an endless time of worship with the One who sends perfect waves.

Thanks Lord for the waves. And thanks, too, for the endless Son.

I’m thankful for what didn’t happen.

Most people pause, however briefly, to be thankful for their blessings around this time of year. Usually, we even include things we’ve taken for granted all year. But have we ever stopped to be thankful for things we don’t have; for things that didn’t happen?

I’m thankful I didn’t spend time this past year as a hospital patient. I’m thankful I wasn’t in an accident that left me injured, with a long recovery time.

I’m grateful our community wasn’t devastated by a fierce tornado or hurricane this year. I’m glad no trees fell across the roof or through a window, and no power lines lay tangled in the yard. In the past I’ve gone a while without the convenience of electricity, but I’m thankful this year I didn’t have to do it again.

I’m thankful that Santa Ana winds didn’t whip across our state like they do in California, fueling raging fires which consumed everything in their path.

I’m glad my community didn’t have an outbreak of dreaded infection or contagious disease like those that hit some locations. I’m grateful that malnutrition and hunger don’t bring pain to children’s faces in my community like those situations I see on television.

At the same time I’m being thankful for having missed some bad events this past year, I’m also thankful for the good things.

I’m thankful for the privileges I have because I live in America and for the responsibilities those privileges bring to me. I’m grateful for teachers, from pre-school through college, who teach because they love students and want to help each student discover learning.

I’m thankful for my community’s police department and fire department, which provide for the safety and well-being of our citizens. I’m grateful for every health care worker and medical professional in my area who remain dedicated to the health and welfare of their patients.

I’m thankful for all things electronic. They make my life easier and more interesting even though I can’t understand them.

I’m grateful for neighbors who care. I’m thankful for books to read, sunsets to enjoy, and grandchildren to love.

Most of all, as I count my blessings this Thanksgiving, I’m glad I have Someone to thank. Have you taken the time to count your blessings?

Jo Huddleston is the author of four nonfiction books and the coauthor of an E-book on writing for the Christian marketplace. Her more than 200 devotions, articles, and stories have appeared in over fifty publications, including Guideposts and The Upper Room. You may visit with Jo at http://www.johuddleston.com.

Read Jo’s devotions.
Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Traditionally, my family celebrates Thanksgiving at my parents’ home. Not this past year. My parents were sick and by the time other relatives bowed out for various reasons, we were left with four people.

I felt bad my parents had to miss Thanksgiving dinner. It was the first Thanksgiving without Grandpa too. Rather than feeling sorry for myself, I offered thanks to God that I had other family to celebrate with. There are many who spend holidays alone, others who can hardly afford to feed their family, much less provide a bountiful feast. I thanked God my parents are alive and healthy, suffering only a temporary setback, although the atypical Thanksgiving Day did remind me how much I have to be thankful for.

God calls us to be thankful in all circumstances out of the hope we have in Him. We can be grateful God is always with us, caring for and loving us. A spirit of thankfulness is an attitude independent of circumstances. We are called to offer thanks to God even if our current situation is less than positive. Storms will rage in our lives but God is good all the time, turning even the worst circumstances into blessings.

It’s easy to be thankful when life is good, but it’s difficult to be thankful when the going gets tough. God calls us to rely on Him and He will help us grow stronger in our faith. He cares for His children.

Each difficulty is a chance for me to see God at work in my life. A beautiful blessing has blossomed out of each bud of pain.

May you have a heart of gratitude and give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. May God open your eyes to the bountiful blessings He’s poured out on you.

Kelli Kossel is a licensed acupuncturist and, as part of her practice, counsels people about nutrition, stress management, and other lifestyle behaviors related to health promotion and prevention of disease. She has a passion for writing Christian philosophy, Christian living, devotions, poetry, and health related topics. Kelli is known for taking difficult biblical principles and teaching readers how to apply them to their everyday lives. She shares her heart in both her work and writing.
Read Kelli’s devotions.
Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!

Two young moms having lunch with their daughters caught my eye as I enjoyed a meal with my friend Bev. The girls wore pretty smocked dresses and as one mom passed our table, I felt a tinge of nostalgia. I found myself wishing I could go back in time and have my little girls again. I mentioned that to Bev.

“She’s probably wishing she could be in our place. Two women having an adult conversation and an uninterrupted lunch,” she replied.

Isn’t that the way it often is? We wish for another season of life, wanting to rush through our present, thinking that the next season will be better, or linger in the past. Yet this scripture reminds us each season and each day has its merit and purpose. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the “present.”

God is interested in doing something in our lives in every season. Some seasons are strengthening and character building. Some are quiet times where we learn to wait, others are filled with activity. At times, different seasons seem to put our gifts on hold—waiting for another time and opportunity to be expressed. Some seasons hold change…as in new jobs, children, or a move. Opportunities, busyness, the status quo—our days look different but God has a purpose in and for each one.

What do you think about your current season? Are you contented or anxious? Adjust your attitude. Make a list of what you are learning and what opportunities and benefits you have. Take time to listen and look for God at work and the gifts He is giving you.

Marilyn Nutter is the author of three devotional books: Dressed up Moms’ Devotions to Go, Tea Lovers’ Devotions to Go, and Diva Delights Devotions to Go. She and her husband are new residents of the Charlotte, NC area. Marilyn enjoys speaking to women’s groups about discovering extraordinary treasures in ordinary days. Her blog, http://grandmothersviews.blogspot.com/ is designed to encourage boomer women to put puzzle pieces together in their new life season. Visit her website at www.marilynnutter.com.

Read Marilyn’s devotions.

Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!

And be thankful.

Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy! I caught myself complaining again.

I have so much to be thankful to God for, yet when I met with a friend for coffee, I griped about all the hard things that had happened to me during the week. Just that morning, I’d been reading in the book of Colossians when this short sentence seemed to leap off the page: “And be thankful.”

Such simple words. So easy to understand. Yet, how hard is it to keep a thankful heart in the midst of unpleasant circumstances?

The Apostle Paul had reason to complain. He’d suffered terrible persecution for his faith. He was beaten and flogged, imprisoned, ship-wrecked, stoned, and in constant danger from those who wanted to take his life. Finally, Paul paid the ultimate price – martyrdom – for his Christian testimony.

Still, he was thankful.

This morning I took a walk. The Rocky Mountains thrust their stark and jagged peaks up into a sapphire-blue sky. Sunshine warmed my cheeks and the heady aroma of pine filled my nostrils. A hawk soared in circles over a nearby hilly pasture where both horses and elk grazed. The sound of gravel crunching under my feet and the croaking calls of ravens seemed to provide a rhythmic accompaniment to a song in my heart.

God seemed to be reminding me, Look at all the blessings I have given you. You have eyes to see the wonders of my creation. You have ears to hear the beauty of bird songs. Your feet carry you wherever you wish to go. And you have a mind to appreciate all these things and a tongue to express your thankfulness.

Appreciating God’s natural world leads me to take a look at all His other blessings: loving friends and family, a warm house, clean water, adequate food, and most precious of all, God’s never-ending love and presence.

Circumstances and relationships may be challenging, but encourage your heart by choosing to thank God every day.

Dena Netherton is a freelance author who loves to write about her Christian faith. She has written for many Christian publications and posts a bi-weekly blog called God n me. Dena and her husband are active in their church as musicians and teachers. They live in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
Read Dena’s devotions.

Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!

Tanks! son

With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
Ezra 3:11

Listen to Tanks! – He Said

My youngest turned twenty-one this week. Now he’s old enough to drink, vote, go to war, buy tobacco products, rent an apartment, open a bank account, and serve on a jury. (He still can’t rent a car.) He’s an adult, but he’s still my youngest, so as we celebrated his birthday with a game of bowling (not that “Wii” stuff), I reflected on his early years. Here are a few of his favorite sayings.

“Guess I’m just not lucky.” “Yeah, you white.” “Tanks!” Translations: “Why can’t I have that cookie?” “Yeah, you’re right.” “Thanks!”

“Tanks!” is perhaps my favorite. At that age he appeared so excited and appreciative. He still says thanks but not with the same energy. But who of us does?

Giving “Tanks!” doesn’t rate high in the socially-networked world where everyone is texting — sometimes to the person sitting next to them — but few appear truly engaged. Perhaps that’s why I treasure these “thank you” cards sitting by desk. Most came from writers I met at conferences: words of appreciating from authors with devotions, books and novel ideas. Each card represents the currency of life. Time. For it took time out of their day to say thanks.

Ezra recalls how the people shouted with joy when workers laid the foundation of the Lord’s house. I seldom say thanks to God with such enthusiasm. The best I can muster is a “thank you” in my prayer journal. But I wish I were more vocal, more animated, more “tankful” for my blessings. I should be, you know. We all should. He made His Son the cornerstone of our salvation, laying a foundation that will never crumble. As a father, I can’t imagine the pain of that sacrifice.

So today let me say: “Tanks, Lord. My boy is special. But yours is, too. Happy birthday boys.” And Happy New Year to each of you!

During his lifetime he deserted steady jobs and compromised financial security. He experienced three moves, a pregnant fiance, and a missing child. All because he married her.

Tucked into a few hundred words of the Bible, what can we learn about the character of the man honored to be Jesus’ father?

Considerate
Once Joseph learned Mary was pregnant and assumed her purity compromised, he’d planned to call off the marriage. Yet we read that he sought a private solution to save Mary’s reputation.

Responsible
He traveled to Bethlehem to register his family for the census, never offering excuses or asking for favors for his pregnant wife, and humbly accepted the manger offered.

Obedient
Angels visited three times telling Joseph to “get up.” He responded. He married Mary, escaped to Egypt to protect his son, and later moved back to Galilee to raise his family.

Loving
Even after Mary bore the title of wife, he had “no union with her” until after Jesus’ birth. He could have cried foul and demanded his wife’s physical attentions, but Joseph loved Mary enough to wait until the proper time for intimacy. Joseph’s character exemplifies patience. Love is patient.

Joseph swallowed pride, protected his family, and raised a son that wasn’t his biologically. The words reveal a man of action, a man who put his family first, a man who listened to God’s direction. Not a single whine or rant is quoted in the four chapters that tell us about Joseph. Yet not one of the circumstance did Joseph plan.

Have you experienced the unexpected in your life? While we’re ripe with the passion of Christmas, let’s get up and ask God to gift us with more love, more empathy, and the motivation to obey like Joseph.

May God shower his blessings on the fathers and step-fathers who get up and do what a man’s got to do. Merry Christmas!

Most especially you, Allan.

Terri Kelly is the Editor of DevoKids.com. She serves as a staff writer for ChristianDevotions.us. She is a featured faculty member at conferences, teaching the art of writing devotions for children and how to start a children’s ministry website. Read Terri’s devotions

I sat next to a dying man on Thanksgiving evening five years ago. He was present mentally, his mind sharp. But his body was barely alive – his heart struggling to beat against an over-sized tumor. In that moment the fringe between Heaven and Earth was transparent. It was a holy moment as I watched a man hover on the edge of eternity. That man was my father.

Such moments in life are rare. It is the only time I’ve ever spoken with one so close to the presence of God. It is no coincidence that it all happened on a day that we are called to give thanks. And I feared it at first. I knew his time had come and I did not want this day to be marked by such sad memories forever. But I learned in those hours, huddled near his shrunken form, that the hardest moments in life are often the ones that call us into worship.

He made a request in the midst of his final goodbyes that forever changed the way I view Thanksgiving. He asked us to sing his favorite worship song. With quivering voices we lifted the words heavenward, eyes closed, smiling at the image of my father in his younger days stomping and clapping his hands to music:

Some bright morning when this life is over
I’ll fly away
To that home on God’s celestial shore
I’ll fly away
I’ll fly away oh glory I’ll fly away (in the morning)
When I die hallelujah by and by I’ll fly away

By dawn the next morning my father had flown away. And now, each year I stop and give thanks to the God who gives and takes away. I give thanks to the God who calls me to walk through heartbreaking moments. I give thanks every year on Thanksgiving that God gave me a father who I often struggled to love. And I give thanks that one day I will see him again and we will pick up right where we left off, in worship to the God who is worthy of thanking – for all the good and the bad we endure.

Ariel Allison writes, reads, and lives in a small Texas town with her husband and three young sons. She is the co-author of Daddy Do You Love Me: a Daughter’s Journey of Faith and Restoration (New Leaf Press, 2006). Her days are filled with toothless grins, muddy hands, and a never ending stream of words that try to find their way to her laptop. She ponders life as a mother of all boys at www.themoabclub.blogspot.com and her thoughts as a redeemed dreamer at www.arielallison.blogspot.com. She and her husband are expecting their fourth son in December.