Category: Uncategorized

VEIL

VEIL

This month in our ladies’ devotional, a dear friend of mine, talked about the veil that was between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place in the temple. Such a great lesson, Paige, and caused me to do some thinking and researching afterwards. She talked about when Jesus died on the cross, that this veil was torn from TOP to BOTTOM and of the significance of from TOP to BOTTOM. So, I am going to mingle some of my thoughts together with hers in this blog.

Let’s first figure out what a veil is and why it was used and is used today. In the Old Testament, in Exodus 34:29-35, we are told that when Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the tablets of the ten commandments, “…the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.” He shone the glory of God after being in His presence. He then wore a veil over his face, when he came before the Israelites. God had just told the Israelites in the chapter before, in chapter 33:20, “…You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.”  No wonder they were afraid!I see in these verses that Moses had to use this veil, when with the people, not in the presence of God. It was only after he had been in God’s presence, that his face shone so brightly that it scared the Israelites.  

In 2 Corinthians 3:7-18, Paul talks about the veil that Moses had to wear because of the glory of the Lord. This represented when the Old Law was in affect; then, in Corinthians, Paul contrasts to after Christ came. We can come boldly, without fear, without veil before Christ in the New Law. Paul could be frank and courageous to God, instead of being fearful or reluctant, like the Israelites were. As Moses veil concealed the fading glory of his ministry, the New Law became a ministry of freedom to be able to come to God at any time, ourselves, without fear. Whenever Moses turned to the Lord, he took off the veil. Likewise, we find freedom in Christ by looking without veiled face, to Him. Verse 16-18 in the 2 Corinthians passage says, “Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the spirit of the Lord.” We behold the glory of God today, through unveiled faces. We can come boldly to Him!

It was the custom in the old covenant, for a young woman, who was coming into the presence of a man, to cover her face with a veil. (Look at Rebekah when she saw Isaac coming towards her. Genesis 24:65) This symbolized modesty, respect and cultural customs of the ancient East. We have no idea what the veil’s material was made of, but it had to have been something that could be seen through. Paige pointed out that, in Genesis 29, Laban, Leah’s father, veiled Leah’s face to conceal her identity from Jacob and tricked him into marrying her instead of Rachel. Paige talked about her father teaching her how to visualize the Bible teachings and how they become a part of her memory and heart. (It is hard for me to visualize the fact that Jacob could have been so fooled by a veil on the wrong woman; on his wedding night, non-the-less!)

Brides today wear veils either cascading behind them or as a covering over their faces. Meaning of the modern veil is: something that covers, conceals, separates, disguises-symbolizes purity and modesty-to honor tradition-unveiling can symbolize the transition from single to married life-some just like to wear one because they like the look and feel of it because it adds elegance. 

Paige focuses on the veil in the Old Testament tabernacle and later temple, that was between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. She referred to what Jewish lore tells us that it was 60 feet high, 30 feet wide and 4 inches thick. Can you imagine making such a huge, thick covering? I can’t even imaging, being an artisan and using a bone or rock needle to do that, can you? They had no sewing machines then or special sewing equipment. Read Exodus 26:31-33, and read of how God gave instructions for the type and color of the veil. God even instructed them what the hooks and clasps were to be hung and made of. It had to have been magnificent to see in person.

 Then she talked about how this magnificent veil, tore from TOP to BOTTOM, when Jesus died on the cross. Matthew 27:50-51 reads “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom…” There is no way that any human would have been able to go to the height of that 60-foot veil and torn it from top to bottom! So, what is the significance of this? Let me quote from Paige’s words. She said: ‘Hebrews 10:19-20 says, “therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way which He consecrated for us through the veil that is His flesh.” Jesus, by offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice, removed the physical, symbolical and spiritual barrier of sin that separates us from God. Formerly, the veil stood as a symbol separation of, not only between God and His people, but between priests and people, between Jew and Gentile. Its removal signifies an inclusion that wasn’t previously available; that anyone who has belief and love for Christ, confesses and has a repentant heart, now has FULL access to God. Ephesians 2:14 tells us that Christ has broken the wall of separation and verse 18 says that through Him we all have access by one spirit to the Father.’  In verse 14 Paul says, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.” Verse 18 says “For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Praise God!

The tearing of the veil gives each and every one of us direct, personal and bold access to God! We have the ability to talk to God directly and from our hearts! God is our Father and just like a good earthly father does, God always has His arms wide open for us to reach out to and run to! We don’t need a priest to go before God for us. Because of Christ dying on the cross, with His arms wide open, and the veil being torn, top to bottom, WE can go to Him directly! Go to Him 24/7! Anytime, anywhere! This concept should pierce our hearts in thanksgiving!

Now, I want to leave you with this paragraph from what Paige said that Saturday, about how we separate ourselves from God. ‘Sometimes we can fall into the trap of living as though the veil still exists, putting our own barriers between us and God. Sometimes the veil can masquerade as guilt or shame, allowing us to believe that we are not worth enough to approach God. Perhaps the veil presents itself as grief or anger from suffering and we block ourselves from Him. Maybe our veil is disguised as comfort; we become too comfortable and contented with our lives and the fullness of the world’s offerings that we simply “forget” that we have a direct line to the ultimate blessing Giver. Or maybe some have exchanged the veil for idols of today! Love of self. Love of money. Love of technology.’

And this is the prayer she prayed at the end. I want you to think on the words she said. I want you to say your own prayer in thanksgiving and sincerity of heart, for what God has done for you. I want you to think about your own life and see how you can have a closer relationship with our blessed God and Father.

‘Dearest and almighty Father, today I come before You asking for forgiveness for the times, I have taken Your presence for granted. I confess my casual attitude, distracted mind and my neglect of the sacred gift You have given me through Your Son. Thank You for tearing the veil and inviting me into an intimate fellowship with You. Please restore me to a sense of awe and gratitude. Help me to approach Your throne daily, not out of duty or obligation, but from a heart overflowing with praise and love. Teach me to treasure Your word, to seek You in prayer and to walk in Your Holiness. May I never lose sight of the precious access You paid so dearly to give! In Jesus perfect and Holy name, I offer my prayer. Amen’

I think we can all say amen to that!

I know this blog was lengthy. Sorry about that but there is so much more that could be said about the veil in the temple showing separation and how we can separate, veil ourselves, from Him. Remember this direct access we have to our Father God and use that access several times daily. Thank you to Paige for such an amazing love for the Lord and understanding of His Word. (Maybe a collaboration on a book someday?)

Till next time!

                                               Keela

(My blogs will be sporadic through the rest of this year. My book, “Deep-Press-On: A Caregivers Story” is now in the Christian publishers’ hands and there is much to do to finalize all that has to be done. Projected date when done and published by January 2026. I will try to keep you informed. And “shoot-out” a blog here and there! Keep this book, that I give all the glory to God for, in your prayers. The purpose of the book is; speaking about God, “…who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. I would have you to pray that it will touch someone’s life, to help them on their journey on this earth, thru the testimony of mine.)

TIME IS

TIME IS

The tick of the clock. The chime of the bell. The blink of the eye. The breath in and out. The sting of death. The tear on the cheek at the graveside. The first kiss. The first step down the aisle as a bride. The first steps of a child. The smile of a new born baby. The laughter of a grandchild. The raising from the water of baptism. The next birthday on the calendar. The song from the lips. The time spent with a loved one. The time you are singing and having fun at Bible camp and the next minute, fighting for your life because of a flood.

I have a big birthday this month. One day it just “hit” me that I was approaching my last years on this earth. A rude awakening! I have been doing a study about David from the Old Testament. 2Samuel 5:4 reads “David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.” So, he was approximately 70 years old when he died of natural causes. Psalm 90:10 reads “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years…” Earlier in history, Abraham died when he was 175 years old. (Genesis 25:7-8) Methuselah was 969 when he died! (Genesis 5:27) I am thankful we don’t live quite that long. But we all know that deaths’ sting can happen to any age. I remember one time when my husband was in the emergency room, I saw a teenager friend from church, who was there with his buddy. I was concerned of course that he was there in the emergency room. His buddy had done something that teenage boys like to do and broke his leg. My friend then said, that they were young, nothing was going to happen to them!

This last week, we have watched the devastation of the flood in Texas. So many precious children and counselors who were at a Bible camp, got swept away and died. What a tragedy! When those parents left their kids at camp, they had no thoughts that would be the last time they would see them on this earth. Three of my grandkids have gone to Bible camp this week. A precious friend, from the church I attend, has been at Bible camp this week. I have been praying hard for them this week. Death has no time span. Death affects the young and the old. Death has no respecter of age.

When I read about the approximate age David was when he died and I started looking at scripture that talk about the aged, there are so many! Let’s look at just a few.

Psalm 92:14 reads “They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.” My uncle Jerry, when he was in his 80’s, the congregation he attended, stopped using him as a teacher of any of the classes and did not let him get in front to preach, pass communion or even lead a prayer. He had his doctorate from college. He was well versed in scriptures. He had been a deacon and then an elder. He had preached many times to several different churches. A man of so much knowledge and wisdom, they just set him aside! When he was telling me about it, he was so sad that they had just pushed him away.  That set of men who did that, I wonder if they will have to answer for that on judgment day? They lost an amazing man’s ability to teach and help in so many different ways. My 91-year-old dad, who sits in a wheelchair at church services, is asked to read scripture and say prayer during services, at the church we attend. The men bring the microphone to him and when he finishes, they take it back. He can’t stand to do the many things he has done in years gone by, but he is allowed to use his ability to show an example, that no matter how old you are, you can still contribute to services. After church, a friend wheels him to the vestibule and people and little ones, talk to him as they are leaving. It has truly lifted him up to be able to contribute. I am so thankful for the men who made the decision to use him in the services. Psalm 71:9 reads “Do not cast me off in the time of old age: do not forsake me when my strength fails.”

When my husband was in his mental and physical illness, he told me one day, that he was just useless now in service to God. He had been such an amazing influence to others; preacher, elder, servant for the Lord. What could he do from his bed or computer? I didn’t say anything, but I went to my kitchen table and wrote down 100 things he could do from his room and computer. We can’t push aside the aged! They are to teach, pass on knowledge, wisdom and faith to generation to generation. Job 8:8-10 reads “For inquire, please, of the former age, and consider the things discovered by their fathers; for we were born yesterday, and know nothing, because our days on earth are a shadow.”

In my study, I especially like Proverbs 16:31 “The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.” And Proverbs 20:29 reads “The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head.” I have that gray hair. My mother use to tell me, I earned every one of them.  

When I think back on my life, it seems like yesterday that we were bringing our oldest son home from the hospital. He will be 50 this year. I now have a great-granddaughter who is 7. Where has all that time gone? It is like I want to turn around and grab hold of the past, like pulling on a rope, to get back to shore from a boat. But I don’t really want to go back. Yes, to when my kids were young, and I could physically do more than I can today. But no, to when my husband was mentally and physically sick. Those years were full of so many trials. Ecclesiastes 7:10 reads “do not say, why were the former days better than these? For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.” We can’t bow down to the temptation to wanting to go back to the past, because we will miss the goodness from the Lord in the present.

A friend of mine was talking about something the other day. She felt since becoming older, she was being pushed aside. Her family were too busy. If you are a younger family or friend, do not push us away and think we are of no value just because we are getting older; like the men thought about my uncle. But rather, spend time with us. How honored and full of joy I am when my family are around me! I have some sweet young girls at church, who make it a point to give me a hug and visit with me. Today we are in times of convenience, but yet are busier than ever. We are a microwave society. We are on our devices, wasting time. Instead of actually talking to each other, we fill our time with too many things and activities. I came across this on Facebook and thought it applied here.

‘The last paper towel on the roll. The one nobody wants. Some say it serves no purpose with all that glue on it. It was the foundation for all the other paper towels on that roll and now it has no purpose. Now think of a family member. A grandparent perhaps. For some they are like the last paper towel on the roll. We think they have no purpose yet they have been the glue that has held the family together for many years. They were the foundation for who we are. Hold on to those grandparents and make sure they know their importance. Without the last paper towel of glue, we would all just be napkins.’ -author unknown-

James 4:14 reads “whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” Whether you are 1 minute old or 95 years old, life comes and goes so quickly. Stop and think about your life up to this point. Look at all you have been through and remember how God has been there for you in the hard times and good times. Stop and think, is there someone I need to reach out to today. When I was in the age of raising my kids, I remember one night I felt like I needed to call my great-aunt. I got busy and when I went to bed, I realized I had forgotten to call her. I thought, I will just call her tomorrow. Well, she did not have tomorrow. My grandmother, found her dead the next morning. If you “hear a little voice” telling you to reach out to someone, do it right then. Take even five minutes and talk to them or even text them and let them know you are thinking about them. What joy you will bring them! My oldest grandson, who now lives in Wyoming with his wife, every once in a while, texts me about something. It is hard to explain how much joy that gives me; to just realize he is thinking about me. One of my granddaughters lives five and half hours from here, she sends me pictures of her little one. Since I can’t spend actual one on one time with her, those little things help me to keep going. My daughter posts on Facebook activities that her four are doing. They live so far away. That helps me to feel part of their lives.

Is there someone you need to reach out to? How long has it been since you sat and just spent time with an aged relative or friend? How long has it been since, you, as the aged, have reached out to the younger? We are to be an example, by taking our time for them.

Time is fleeting! We never know how much longer we will be here on this earth. Is there something you need to do, by reaching out to another, that makes better use of your time? Time is so many things. Part of our service to Him is to reach out to others and spend time with them. Don’t take each other for granted. Even the precious young leave this earth. Are you being the best parent that you can be in all the ages of our children? Before you know it, you will just be a memory, held in time, to generation to generation.

Till next time!

                                                         Keela

DEEP IN THE MUDDY MIRE WITH THANKSGIVING

DEEP IN THE MUDDY MIRE WITH THANKSGIVING

Psalm 39:1 “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry, He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.”

Our preacher at church has been talking about prayer in our Wednesday night service. This week, it was about praying with thanksgiving. He opened up to the members to tell when and what they pray, in thanksgiving. This could help the other members to have ideas how they could pray in thanksgiving. I didn’t speak up, because I was not feeling my best and was afraid, I could not get the right words out. I was thinking about when I get in the shower in the morning and I thank God for the hot water. Every night on my way to bed, for fifteen years, I have looked out through my blinds in my living room. I thank God for helping me to find this home and this neighborhood, after my husband died.

But I also thought of another time, years ago, when my life was so hard, tiring and stressful. When my husband was sick with depression. I was so often, deep in the muddy mire of life. On this particular day, I had taken my husband to the emergency room at 4 am, because he once again was having trouble breathing, because of congestive heart disease. This had become a couple times per month event. He told me to go ahead and get ready for work. Then, I could leave from the hospital to my twelve-hour day. At the hospital, I made sure he was ok and headed to a room. I left towards my first job. After working both jobs, I went home to get a few things for him because he was staying in the hospital for a couple of days. Also, our dog had been home all day and she liked to take car rides. It was already dark and cool outside, so I knew she would be ok in the car while I checked on my husband in the hospital. After I left the hospital, I had to go to Walmart for a couple of things. I remember trying to walk to the car when I left there and I could barely drag my feet to the car. The darkness of the day and night, weighed on me like a wet blanket. There was our dog, Roadie, looking at me through the window, looking like she was giving me encouragement to make it. ‘Come on, Nana, you can make it!’

I got in the car to head home. Started the car and backed up. That is when I felt and heard it. Plunk-plunk-plunk. I had a flat tire. I pulled back into the parking lot under a light and reached for my phone to call my son to help me. Well, guess what! In all the hurry that morning, I had forgotten to get it. It was still plugged in at home. I sighed a big sigh of defeat. I saw a young couple with a baby loading their car and I asked them if I could use their phone. I thought they looked safe for me to ask. Guess I looked safe too, and they said yes. Now this was before the newer phones that have all the phone numbers in them and you just have to push the number. Thankfully, I knew what my son’s phone number was. He said he would be there in a little bit.

I got Roadie out of the car on her leash. She laid down and I leaned up against the car, in total defeated exhaustion. Here was another expense I did not have the money for! With tears running down my face, I started to pray. With my eyes closed, I looked up to the dark sky. Then I opened my eyes. I will never forget what I saw. Even under the Walmart huge parking lot light, there was the most beautiful, huge array of life-giving stars! I felt immediate peace.

Did God just zap those stars up in the sky for me at that moment? No. They had always been there. I had been looking down at what was happening to me in this world of pain and sorrow. But when I reached out to Him and looked up, searching for Him, He let me see that beautiful array of His beauty and promises. I started praying and thanking God.

My son came and changed the tire for me and told me that I needed to get a new tire soon because that spare tire was not in good shape. Well, I looked up, needing those God-given stars once again. Fresh tears were running down my cheeks. I did not have the money for a new tire. But I knew somehow, God was going to help me; just like He had so many times in the past. The light from those beautiful stars made me remember God is my light and help. Psalm 46:1-2a reads “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…” I was sure glad to fall into bed that night. Roadie knew I needed her special kind of love and she decided to sleep with me.

The next morning, I got up and went to my first job and then to my second. I was a receptionist at my second job. I was waiting on a client and then I looked up. Standing there was a dear friend of mine. She didn’t have a dog so I thought something was wrong. But I was wrong. She said to go get my keys for my car. She and hubby were getting me a new tire and a new spare tire. I just looked at her with my mouth open. I never did find out how she knew what had happened the night before and the fact, I didn’t have the money for a new tire, more less a spare tire also! But I cried fresh tears, praying thank you God. I went and got my keys.

So, you are thinking, why did she tell us that story? Well, I was definitely deep in the muddy mire of this life, like so many times during those ten years. But by my looking up that night and putting my focus back onto God, away from all the exhaustion and stress of this earth, God helped me to remember He was there with me. Then, I started thinking about my blessings from that day. I was thankful God had helped me that morning, to get my husband to the hospital and all would be well. I was thankful God was helping me to not have a blowout on a busy highway I had to travel to get between jobs. I was thankful God helped me to take one dragging step at a time to get me back to my car at the store. I was thankful to God, that He had given me a son who lived in the area I lived in and could come help me. I was thankful to God for that beautiful array of stars that helped me to remember His goodness. I was thankful to God, that He had given me special Christian friends who could help me get a new tire and new spare tire. I was thankful to God that my husband could be released that next day. And I was also thankful to God that we had a very special dog who always seemed to know when I needed her comfort and love. I was thankful to God for always being there for me.

Philippians 4:6-7 reads “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

We all go through so many types of heartaches on this earth. But I hope by telling you, my story; that the next time you are faced with what seems, an insurmountable trial, or even in the small aggravations of our days; you will remember that God is always there for you, like He was with me. We just have to reach out to Him in prayer and He can bring us much needed healing.

When we are deep in the muddy mire of this life, we need to remember to be thankful to the only One who can truly help us dig ourselves out of that mire.

Till next time!

                                                        Keela

DEEP-PRESS-ON

A CAREGIVERS’ STORY-BLOG

When my husband came back, it was like a light switch was turned off. He was such a light to everyone. The life of the party, preacher, elder, boy scout leader, mailman. Now, that light had been turned off. He was now in darkness!

He had been sick. We had been to Mayo Clinic. They found out what was wrong and prescribed medicine, but he was not doing well. So, we knew it was time to apply for disability-retirement from his job. It took them seven months to approve it. We had no money coming in from his job, while they processed his application. I was working two, sometimes three jobs to help us barely get by. Our church family helped us, as did other friends. We finally got the approval. He got in his little pick-up truck and left. I have no idea where he went. But when he came back, he was a totally different person. From light to darkness!

This started our journey, my caregiver story, of his depression; a ten-year disease of his mind. I said our journey, because as a wife, we all know that when our spouse changes, or has a health issue, life as we know it is never the same again. In the place of positivity, negativity raises its ugly head.

I am working on a new book. My hope is to get it published by the end of the year. Why have I divided Deep-Press-On in this way? Because when a person is depressed, he or she feels the pressure of the disease, deeply-pressing-on their hearts and also those around them.

At the start of my husband’s depression in 1999, I looked for help from books and other resources. At that time, there were not many and none from the caregiver’s angle. I knew that one day I wanted to write a book to help other caregivers put one foot in front of the other. Help them to not let themselves get swallowed up in the negativity, the shame of their feelings and depression surrounding them. To not let their definition of themselves become the same as the cared for person. I did not want my husband’s definition of himself, become how I defined myself. I want to share how I struggled and where I turned for help. I want caregivers to know it is ok to be angry, bitter, impatient, guilty and all the other negative emotions a caregiver experiences. But we cannot stay in those negative emotions, without hurting ourselves and others. We had a young daughter at the time. Most of those years, she was a teenager. She did not always have her dad to go to her sports events, school functions, to laugh with, or have a father who was available to her. Because of her, I knew I had to do something to not be swallowed whole by his depression and his negativity.

In my new book, I will show you how I worked on those negative emotions; even though it was truly one of the hardest things I have ever done. I want to show how I found hope thru God. I want to show how I found peace thru God. I show scriptures, that helped me to wade through the dirty puddles that I kept falling into.

The verse that has given me strength to tell my story, is 2Corinthians 1:3-4 which reads. “Blessed be the God and Father, of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves have been comforted by God.” I feel if we have faced the trials of this life, we are to share our story so we can help others. I feel I need to put myself out there by opening up my old wounds and share the journey I have been on, to help others navigate and cleanse their own wounds. We need to share so those hurts can be healed and they can know they are not alone.

There are many types of caregivers: of a parent or grandparent (I currently have my 91-year-old dad living with me)-of a disabled child-of a spouse-as one who is paid and comes into homes-as a nurse either in a hospital or who comes into the cared one’s home. I could go on and on. No matter what season of life you are in, either you will currently or in the future, care for someone or be cared for yourself. So, this book will apply to everyone at one time or another.

As part of my research, if you are struggling with being a caregiver of a family member who has the disease of depression or another type of caregiver who struggles, please email me at: keelight@sbcglobal.net and share with me your current story or one from the past. I will never include your name, but your story could help another to maneuver through their darkness. No judgments will be made on my part. This will just be used as part of the healing process of another or to enlighten others with the struggles that go with the hard job of being a caregiver.

If you know someone who is a caregiver, pray for them-give them some of your time-give them encouragement-take or bring them lunch-send a card or text-don’t be judgmental thinking you could maneuver better than they are-give them a hug or a simple smile.

I will try to post when this monumental task of publishing a book, is finished. I currently have an appointment in July to talk to a Christian publisher to see if they are interested to publish my manuscript. I ask you till then; to please pray for me that God will give me the words to explain, what I went through, with the hopes and goals of helping another caregiver.

Caregiver-such a hard, complicated and sometimes thankless job! But also, rewarding knowing you are making a difference in another’s life. You will have no regrets when you care for another!

Till next time!

                                                                           Keela

BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED

That saying was something Barbara Johnston, one of the original “Women of Faith,” founders said and even published a book by that name. They came to Kemper Arena here in KC for many years. I was one of the ones who was blessed to go several times. Roger Shouse, who was a preacher at my congregation for many years, sat next to her on a plane and got to know her a bit better. She even gave him about a dozen tickets for the next event. She had many trials she went through and with God’s help, she realized she had to hold onto her faith and hope. One thing she emphasized as an author and speaker, was that no matter what a person goes through, they should bloom where they are planted. In other words, no matter what season of life you are in-no matter what trial you are going through-no matter what you were defined by in your past-no matter how dark the future seems to be, we have to still serve God in the middle of it. Even when we don’t think we can take another step. Even when we are searching for God’s light in the middle of all the darkness. Even when we don’t feel we are worthy or enough. Even when we have sinned so much that we can’t see the possibility that God will forgive us and for sure can’t see how we can possibly serve Him.

When we plant a garden of flowers or fruits or vegetables, there is work associated with that. We have to get our hands dirty. Our nails get dirt under them. Sometimes, even our hands get cut. We have to prune some plants to keep them growing. We have to nurture-water those plants to make them grow. Keep the pesky weeds from growing. We are going to get “dirty” in this life with the everyday happenings. No matter what we are going through, we have to serve in whatever way we can. Those different seasons of our lives, are all different and we have to learn how to pull those ugly weeds and look at the fruit that we can share with others to help them.

We all have different talents in service to God. Every single person on the face of this earth has a God given talent. The only way that we can use our talents, bloom where we are planted, is to get out there and do service to and for others, no matter how small it seems to us. We may not be able to do the miracle Jesus did, to turn a small number of 5 loaves and 2 fish to multiply to feed the 5000. (John 6:1-14) But maybe we are like the boy who provided the fish and loaves. We might not be the one who is visibly doing great things. But we are just as important. We are letting our talents shine to the world. When my husband preached to small congregations, I was the one making sure he had a clean, ironed shirt. I took care of our little ones, even trying to potty train our oldest on the road. When my husband was a chaplain at Boy Scout camp or at the local hospital, I was the one he threw ideas off of. The one washing and packing his needed clothes. When he was an elder of the church, I was the one who he took with him when he went to someone’s home to counsel them. It takes people reaching out with the things they are good at, to all work together to work for the Lord. (Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27) These verses emphasize that all of the parts of our bodies work together. In the same way, all of us need to do our part in the work for the Lord!

So, how do I know what I am good at? You first have to think about what you like to do. Maybe you like to read. Take a book and read to the elderly or kids at your local library. Share books with friends. Maybe you like to cook. There is always someone who is sick or having a hard time or elderly. Fix them a meal, take it to them, and stay and visit for a little bit. Our cupboard was very sparce at times and I was always so tired when I got home from my jobs. When someone brought us a meal, wow, what a blessing for us. Maybe you like to write. Get some cards. I received and still do today, receive cards of encouragement that make my day. You don’t have to spend much money. (Our dollar tree has cards for $1 apiece.) Mail them to the sick, the struggling, the elderly. Write something encouraging to the parents of children and teens in this world today. Maybe you like sports. Be a coach for your son or daughters’ team. There are so many children who are being raised without a father. Search them out and play catch. When our boys were in sports, we made so many friends who I still hear from today. Maybe you don’t like things to be a mess. Pick up trash in a parking lot. Organize the church’s teachers resource room. After my husband passed away, a precious friend came over and just started cleaning and doing our laundry. What a blessing! Maybe you like to talk. There is a huge need for people to go sit and visit with the elderly. Use your voice to encourage, to teach, to give comfort. Share a hug! There were many who gave me hugs during my dark years and that helped me to take one more step. Teach a children’s class at church. Maybe you have been blessed with a good bank account. Search out people you can help by paying their electric bill. After my husband passed away, the post office took his check he just got deposited, out of our account. We had no money. A friend came over and sat at the kitchen table with my son, opened her check book and paid some bills that needed paid. Buy a gift card to help someone struggling. During our rough times, a precious lady at church sent or gave me a gas gift card every month. That is how I got to my two jobs. Help finance a missionary. There are so many things we can do, behind the scenes to use our talents. What is sad is if we leave them dormant and don’t use them for the glory of God. If we hide our talents, we are too scared to use them, we waste them. We might have been someone else’s salvation, their calm, their peace, their difference between having something to eat that day or going hungry.

In Matthew 25:14-30 and in Luke 19:11-27, we read about the parable of the talents. Three servants were given a certain amount of money by their master who left his home on a trip. One was given five talents. One was given two talents. The other was given one talent. A talent was equal to one man’s daily work. The first two used their talents wisely and gained from their service. The last one hid his talent and did not use his, because he was afraid. Their reward was not based on the amount they received but rather how they used their talent, or money. Their faithfulness and knowledge, of how to use it. What we consider to be something very small for someone, can affect the rest of their lives, and give the giver many rewards as well. Jesus shows us that it is important to use our talents wisely or we will have to give account of the unwise use of them, at the end of time on judgment day. Have you ever thought about that?

No matter what season of life we are in, use the talents that God has given you for His good. Life changes. We change. But we have many talents given us, in service to God, in our different seasons. No matter where you find yourself today, think about what God has given you and the passion you have for a certain thing and use it for His glory.

1 Peter 4:10-11 reads “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks let him speak as the oracles of God. If any one ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Remember, BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED!

Till next time!

                               Keela