A Bus Ride to Christmas

 

 

A Bus Ride to Christmas

 

When I was in the crowded store of last minute Christmas shoppers yesterday, I was jostled about, but in a most merry way! People were in a hurry but they took time to say excuse me and even, whish me a Merry Christmas! It was then I remembered of many years ago a very special Christmas Eve when I experienced a bus ride to Christmas.

I was on my first job in the big city away from home as a clerk in a drug sore. And for weeks we worked over time and now I was so tired I could barely move. I was so glad the store had closed early on Christmas Ever.

 People had seemed extra anxious, and even rude as the days had gotten closer to Christmas. Fear and anxiety abounded that year and I could understand. For in this particular year extremely hard times had struck in Seattle. It was 1967 and thousands had lost their jobs and someone had even put on a huge billboard, "When the last person leaves- please turn out the lights."

As we were send on our way out of the store on that dark and cold Christmas Eve I trudged precariously across the ice laden sidewalk to catch my bus on the corner across the street.  I was not able to really go "home" for the Christmas to be with my family, there just wasn't the money to make the trip. It was the first time for me in my whole life to be away from my loved ones at Christmas, where I always knew Christmas was there with them. I couldn’t imagine anything else.

About ten of us huddled around the bus stop all staring up the street hoping the bus would be on time.  I was quiet as I listened to the crowd around me voice their anxiety that they were expecting this bus to be very late tonight. The streets were solid ice and very few buses in Seattle were equipped with chains in those years.  We all stamped our feet, stuffed our hands deeper into our pockets trying to bear the sub-zero air.

Finally one of the oldest shuttle busses I had ever seen came into sight. But hardly moving, it came crawling at what seemed to be in slow motion. The bus literally slid to the curb with a bump! It made everyone jump back in fear of coming right on over and smashing into us. The bus door slid open with a whoosh and warm air greeted us as we crowded inside. Weariness among us was palpable and no one spoke as they found they made their way and sit down for the journey we all prayed would soon begin.

We were grateful when door of the bus shut out the freezing air and we waited anxiously to get going.  But as the driver pushed hard on the gearshift making a horrible sound and that’s when-the engine quit! Over and over again he tried to start the bus. We all groaned in unison a mutual unbelief. The longer we sat there the more the cold air began to seep through the bus with biting, brittle coldness way.  

There were no cell phones back in those days, so the bus driver had to pick up his coin box, put on his hat and gloves and look for the nearest phone booth to call for back up. The minute he stepped out the door and with great effort pushed it shut again, people started shouting, complaining, and even standing up waving their fists in anger!

I felt very small, and very alone, and even frightened.  I huddled down in my seat and said a little prayer to God for help soon.

When I was startled to hear from way in the back of the bus a voice shout out, "Oh for heaven’s sake, be quiet all of you! It’s Christmas! Did ya forget?"

I turned to look down the aisle to see who was talking. I observed it was an older woman who earlier had struggled greatly to carrying three huge shopping bags making her way the last seat in back that could accommodate her bulk and all her Christmas cargo too.

Then the most amazing thing happened! The woman began to sing! Softly at first, then louder with a deep full voice signing with soul filling the bus from back to front. As she sang Away in the Manager one by one― everyone else joined in. The beloved and familiar Christmas songs continued one after another and fear passed away on that bus because joy and peace came singing on in.

Suddenly in mid song we all paused as a rush of cold air blew in as the bus driver jumped in quickly out of the cold wind.  I smiled as I saw his face filled with amazement at what he heard and saw happening on the bus compared to the turmoil of when he left before. He just stood there listening and smiling, for now his bus was not full of strangers, but people in fellowship and song.

"It will be awhile before they come with another bus folks," he said, "I'm awful sorry, and I know, it’s Christmas Eve too."

The song-leading woman drew herself up slowly from the backseat and dragged one of the shopping bags to the front of the bus and said, "Here, we all might as well enjoy ourselves. It’s the season to share, let’s enjoy some Christmas cookies. And let's remember its all about Jesus!"

"Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord "(Psalm 105:3).

As she offered the decorated and delicious cookies all around, people laughed, sang some more and enjoyed themselves.  In the most surprising place I could ever imagine, when I thought home was the only place to find the real Christmas spirit of love and joy, here I was on a very cold bus, among strangers sharing, singing, and believing once again in Jesus’ love in a most unexpected place, with the most unusual company.

I pondered of God’s perfect timing and goodness. And isn’t this how He chose His Son to be born? It was not with family at home he was born, but in a distant place, among strangers. Not in a warm castle as a king as some would have thought He should be.  

It was one of the most memorable Christmases I ever have experienced to this day.  And as I stepped off the bus I felt high in the true joy of Christmas spirit. I was young in years but I became wise in the ways of God’s mercy and love and so happy to have been part of the little celebration on that cold broken down bus. 

I pondered in awe of how I had found the gift of God’s love with unity and peace in the midst of strangers and hard times. That because one woman was bold enough to speak up, to sing out and to share Jesus.

"Giving ourselves is the most costly gift, and the most valuable." Janette Oke

 

“A Bus Ride to Christmas” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© December 24, 2015

Finding Peace in the Most Unlikely Place

 

Finding Peace in the Most Unlikely Place

I leaned over the gigantic counter display of children’s books and reached as far as I dare while still hanging on to my shopping cart for fear it would be swept away in the river of humanity flowing all around me.

I caught sight of a big Bible lying there for sale, and I looked up and smiled and sighed. The woman next to me said, “Wow, you look happy! How can you be so peaceful in this hectic mess?”

I pointed to the Bible, I pointed up, and she smiled too. No words were needed, God had just giving both of us nudge to remember Him there.

 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 NIV

I am reminded once again,  it is only by receiving all God’s Gift of His Son that we can discover the true spirit of season and find joy and a peace that goes beyond all worldly understanding no matter where we are, not matter how crazy loud it might be.

“I didn’t think it possible,

in a crowd, to be

touched

jostled

elbowed into

your peace, Lord.

It makes me smile to recognize your

Suffusing

invading

pursuing presence,

calling, cajoling;

A delicate whisper

overwhelming

even this noise”
―Gary Wilde The Power of Prayer

 

“Finding Peace in the Most Unlikely Place” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© December 22, 2015

He Knows What Must Come First

Winter on Hood Canal by Dee Kamp

 

He Knows What Must Come First

Something most odd is happening ever since I started praying for a specific prayer our family needs. God’s not answering that prayer, but instead He is abundantly blessing us in other ways we didn’t even think to pray for, and didn’t even know we needed them first and foremost.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understating;

 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight…

Do not be wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD and shun evil.”

Proverbs 3:5-7

Is God not paying attention to the priority on our prayer list?  No-that’s not it at all! Think of the times when someone has given you something right when you needed it the most. Was it an encouraging word, a helping hand, an open door when they all seemed closed shut tight? Oh, the divine and wonderful wisdom and timing of God, who knows what must come first and not last.

Turn to God when the struggles and peace of heart are hard to find. Resist the urge to rush God or explain to Him the order and timing of our prayers.

It may seem odd to us that God will sometimes choose to delay a prayer and instead fill our lives with a basket full of blessings of lesser things first. But its proof positive that God loves us more and knows what’s best for us. We can count on God to know what must come first before we can hope to see what will come last in answer to our prayers.

“When we pick at our pathetic little prayer-when we live our pathetic little lives-suddenly we are not alone. Someone has come along side us-none other than the Almighty Spirit of God!-and we have moved into a duet of greatness beyond our dreams.” Anne Ortlund

“He Knows What Must Come First” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© December 21, 2015

You Are Invited to a Birthday Celebration



You Are Invited to a Birthday Celebration

GUEST of HONOR:  Jesus Christ:

Luke 1:30-31

“Don’t be afraid, Mary, “the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus.”

DATE:  December 25- traditionally, but He’s always available, feel free to celebrate when your heart desires.

Matthew 1:23
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.”

PLACE:  In your heart. There you will hear Him knocking, He’s standing there eagerly waiting for you!

Luke 11:9
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

 

ATTIRE:  Come as you are! Clean new clothes not required, the old tattered and soiled robes will be traded in any way for new white robes, palms to wave in celebration for those who plan to stay.

Revelation 7:9
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”

 

Refreshments:  Jesus offers a fantastic refreshment that quenches the thirst of the heart and it’s free to everyone who asks, called the “Living Waters”. There’s nothing comparable on the store shelf, and it’s out of this world!

John 7:37-38

“On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice. Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

R.S.V.P:  Don’t forget, please! It’s very important to get back to Jesus so He can reserve a place for you at the table and add your name to the book He is keeping called “The Book of Life”

Revelation 3:5

The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and His angels.

 

 

 

“You Are Invited to a Birthday Celebration Invitation” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© December 12, 2015

A Heavenly Shield

Fingers of God Photo by Dee Kamp

 

 



A Heavenly Shield

 

It’s raining hard today and in the Northwest we often choose an umbrella, or the hood on a coat to shield us as we venture forth. But sometimes we need a heavenly shield as we face the unexpected that can come along the way.

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.

Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Psalm 5:11-12 NIV

I bundled up in several layers of sweaters, gloves, boots and hat for the walk down to the beach trail over Thanksgiving weekend to spend some quiet time alone along the sea shore with God. It was very cold in the low 20’s, but there was sunshine and no wind. To us in the Pacific Northwest, it’s a perfect time to enjoy the beach.

After a delightful long walk keeping an eye on the every present winter tide pushing in, I stopped for a while and sat upon a huge old cedar log that had rolled ashore on some past storm. Prayer and praise came easily on such a delightful day and I was filled with joy and peace.

I paused a moment before the trail back to camp to watch a some people let their two big breed dogs out of their car to run loose to go play near the surf. I even took a photo of them with my l close up lens and laughed at their folly of leaping and spinning around in such crazy dog happiness. But in an instant the temperament of one dog suddenly changed.

The biggest dog, a German shepherd, raced towards me with not the expected wagging of the tail or that goofy smile they can sometimes get when happy, but with a threatening posture, his head lowered and his tail held low.

I stood perfectly still holding a strong posture praying he would calm down at the last minute. He circled me barking angrily. Several times he tried to push in closer teeth barred to nip at my heels. Around and around he went and out of the corner of my eye I saw him push in to get closer and I held my breath― but oddly he came to a sudden halt instead. It was as if there was a shield around me he could not get beyond. He shook his head confused, and finally the call of his master got his attention and he dashed away.

Though I was shook by the incidence, I felt no fear and a strong sense of peace had flooded over me. I can’t explain the dog not being able to reach me, but what I do choose to believe―is that on this day there was a heavenly shield sent by God around me.

“Strengthen yourself in the Omnipotence of God. Do not say “Is God able?” Say, rather, “God is able.”- Andrew Murray

 “Heavenly Shield” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© December 5, 2015

 

Thankfulness Has a Companion



Thankfulness Has a Companion

Thanksgiving Day is a time of traditions, transitions and a time to be thankful for all God has provided. But it’s also remarkable to realize a thankful of heart comes with a companion– hope.  

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm,

 for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.”

Hebrews 10:23-24 NIV

Hope is sitting right beside a big platter full of thankfulness and close at hand is a cup overflowing with God’s love and mercy.

Hope lifts us up like a play yard swing setting us in motion to spread more hope to others.

Hope is the chauffer who drives us through the day and the blanket covering us in peace when we go to sleep at night.

 Hope comes with an automatic gear which shifts us into thankfulness, even when— there are bumps in the road, wrong turns and disappointments.  

Hope is fixated with a sure destination leading us directly to the heart of God.

Hope is God’s gift, His Son Jesus, wrapped in love and tied with ribbons of thankfulness.  

“Our hope is not mere speculation in what God might do. God has given His word on many areas of life regarding things He will do. We can have confident hope in everything that He has promised.” Henry T. Blackaby, Experiencing God Day by Day

 

Happy and blessed Thanksgiving everyone! May our God of all hope fill your heart overflowing with His love, joy and peace always.

 

“Thankfulness Has a Companion” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© November 26, 2015

A Song in the Storm



Storm by Dee Kamp

A Song in the Storm

I held on tight to my hat as I headed down the long driveway to the mail box the other day. The November gale winds were showering leaves all over me and the snapping of branches high above me was giving me great concern.  

  Just as I was about to pass a thicket of juniper bushes a sound so sweet floated by surprising me and bringing me to a stop, despite the storm.  

 “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” Psalm 5:11 NIV

The joy of the Lord often comes to us in the little unexpected moments. The joy of the Lord is often unassuming and yet it’s so profoundly strong to lift our spirits just when we need it the most. It’s the moments of joy I our lives we remember the longest and we will continue to do so when are in constant awareness of His nearness in our lives.

As stood still I began to turn slowly from left to right trying to see what was making this delightful song at this unexpected time; and I nearly missed it all together.

There just a few feet from me was a little brown song sparrow snuggled under the branches shielded from the storm by our Creator, singing a song so sweet it made me smile and carry this joy in my heart all day.

 “Whether here, or there, in the earth-world, or in the spirit world, this is My reward. Joy. The Joy that carries an exquisite thrill in the midst of pain and poverty and suffering. That Joy of which I said no man could take it from you…”― A.J. Russell from, God Calling

“A Song in the Storm” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© November 17, 2015

Ten Thousand Reasons



Song Sparrow by Dee Kamp

 

Ten Thousand Reasons

 

We all have thousands of human reasons to worry, we have thousands and more worldly reasons to fear thrown at us every day. But we have ten thousand reason and more to sing and praise the Lord every day for all that He has done for us.

And there He is when we call on Him, pleasantly surprising us by how swiftly He comes near, how close to us He is at every given moment, and how sometimes He will even delight our souls in a surprising way.  

“It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High.

It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening,…
You thrill me, LORD, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. O LORD what great works you do!” Psalm 92:1-5 NLT

In my quiet time alone with God this morning, when my heart was still and my mind at rest I heard this sweet old hymn sweep sweetly over me.

Who can but smile at such an experience? I, gave a nod of my head as I looked above and said once again, “That was You God, wasn’t it?”

 Here is one part of this grand old song I heard in my heart today… may it bless you.

Ten Thousand Reasons (Bless the Lord)

The sun comes up,

It’s a new day dawning-

It’s time to sing Your song again.

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me,

 Let me be singing when the evening comes.

....

Bless the Lord O my soul, O my soul

Bless His holy Name

Sing like never before, O my soul

I worship Your holy Name.

“Ten Thousand Reasons” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© November 11, 2015

Like A Ferret in Tall Grasses

Photo by Dee Kamp, Dune Grasses Ocean Shores

 

Like A Ferret in Tall Reeds

Many years ago before it was even thought of to have a ferret as a pet, I had one named Suzie. My favorite memory of taking her for a walk, (yes she had a tiny hand knitted leash) was at the ocean making our way through the tall dune grasses.

Off she would dash with glee loping through the grasses unseen from above  making a path like an invisible hand clearing the a way.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV 

Our family of late has been praying a lot for some important decisions we must make. It’s not easy to know who we can trust at times for wise counsel and good judgement and which path to take. But we are learning from this that when we give way to human reasoning and instead trust in God, He will show us in His special and unique ways, the path to take.

In every circumstance and situations of our lives we have this huge opportunity to learn something new about trusting God and His faithfulness to do as He promised. Often it’s a surprising way to see a new perspective through His eyes and not our own.

To the casual person walking by that path made by Suzie, it was a real puzzle as to how it was being created. But to the one holding on to the leash it was very clear, and even amusing. Let us hold on to God’s hand, and let’s let go of our own understanding to follow God’s lead as He makes a path through the tall reeds our journey in life.

 

As we trust Him more and more clinging to what is invisible for us, we gain a greater faith knowing God can always make a way.  And sometimes, God will even reveal a parable for greater understanding, like a ferret in tall grasses.

“What wings are to a bird and sails are to a ship, so is prayer to the soul.”― Corrie ten Boom

 

“Like A Ferret in Tall Grasses" by Dee Kamp

A Trustworthy Promise is Worth Waiting For Another Tale from Life in Beaver Valley

Beaver Valley General Store 1930's

 

A Trustworthy Promise is Worth Waiting For

A Tale of Life in Beaver Valley

“It may take me awhile, as the work in the woods is slow right now, but I will pay you back for the gas and food I need to keep going,” said the rugged, hardworking logger. He was standing at the counter of our little country store and held out his calloused and deeply grimed hand for a shake on the matter.

My husband and I still enjoy the memory of this particular promise from several years ago when we owned the old Beaver Valley Store. We recalled this man’s promise among many other amazing experiences we had back then. We reminisce fondly about the unique and remarkable people who were our neighbors and who we had the pleasure of doing business. No matter their circumstances or how long it would take― they kept their promises.

“Every good thing the LORD had promised them came true.” Joshua 21:45

Promises and good intentions are not the same thing. A promise is a commitment that is always fulfilled and reflects one’s character. The second, a good intention, lacks conviction and conclusion and is rarely fulfilled. It’s all a matter of the heart.

Our God is not a God of good intentions, but a God of sure and true promises. And the heart of God is pure, holy, trustworthy and true.  Jesus is the perfect example of one of God’s most treasured promises He has given us.

We went about our business minding the store, waiting and trusting this man to keep his promise to pay. For money was short for us too back then and the winters were long and often slow. But true to his word, bit by bit, dollar by dollar, week after week he came in to pay. And then one day he walked in with a big smile on his face, his last payment in hand, and one surprising gift―a huge, beautiful Christmas tree for the store.

A trustworthy promise is worth waiting for. To the heart that is attuned to God’s promises and trusts in Him, one will find He always keeps His promises, and quite often, He comes in surprising ways.

“A Trustworthy Promise is Worth Waiting For” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© November 4, 2015

Five Little Pumpkins





Five Little Pumpkins

A Tale from Life in Beaver Valley

“The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them."

Proverbs 20:7

 

October is such a beautiful time of year in our little valley. This day was post card perfect. Bright blue skies set the backdrop for maple trees so intensely yellow they appeared to have seized ever ray of summer’s golden light. The country road rambled its way past fields of sweet smelling baled hay.

On the wide front porch of the store sat a huge bin filled with freshly picked pumpkins just delivered from the local farmer.  I could hardly wait for the kids to come and pick out one for their jack-o-lantern-carving contest. We charged only pennies a pound to make certain every family could afford to have one. Soon the porch would be filled with every imaginable cut and carved pumpkin entered into our annual pumpkin carving contest. No losers here, everyone won something.

          I stepped into the store when I heard a car drive up. I turned to see a station wagon driven by Mrs. Winfred with her five adorable toe-headed boys. The boys were stair-step in age, with the oldest not more than eight years old. I always looked forward to this family for each child was well behaved.

But it was obvious mom was in a really big hurry today as she rushed in the door leaving the boys in the car parked so close I could see all five little noses pressed to the car window watching intently― hoping I supposed for a penny candy each to enjoy along the way.

In a flash mom paid, dashed out the door and was zooming up the highway.

In a very short time I noticed the whole tribe was back.  I was curious to what she might have forgotten when I noticed with some surprise all five little boys marching single file in the door each hugging a pumpkin.

I thought to myself, how cute, five pumpkins holding five little pumpkins!

"Oh, did you decided to come back and get their pumpkins now instead of later?" I asked.

The eldest boy held up his pumpkin but with his head bent down. I couldn't see his eyes hiding under those long straw colored bangs. I thought, oh boy, he doesn't look too happy right now― how odd.

"Tell Mrs. Kamp you are sorry," the mother said sternly.

"What do you mean sorry?" I asked feeling confused.

"Mrs. Kamp, we thought 'cause the pumpkins were outside all stacked up like..... and -well, we thought they were free! So we jumped out of the car got our pumpkins quick to surprise mom on our way up to town. She was pretty mad when she found out what we did. We're awfully sorry," He said, barely in a whisper.

The picture before me was so precious, and so funny! But this mom took it as very serious business and a life lesson was in the making.

"Oh, oh, a big mistake was made here boys. Thank you for your honesty. You may go out and put them back in the bin now," I said, trying hard not smile at how serious and cute each boy looked.

There isn't a Halloween that doesn't go by that I don't remember those five little pumpkins. And I remember the mother who was determined to make her kids honest. The boys are all grown up now, good hard working boys in the community. And I wonder if they too will ever forget their pumpkin pilferage all those years ago!

 

“Five Little Pumpkins Tale from the Beaver Valley Store” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© October 27, 2015

 

 

Easier to Put Socks on a Rooster

Olympic Peninsula Barn by Dee Kamp

 

Easier to Put Socks on a Rooster

(Tales from Life in Beaver Valley)

“How ya doing with building that new fence down near the creek on your land?” I asked the local farmer and steady customer at the Beaver Valley Store.

 “It’s easier putting socks on a rooster than dig those post holes, but God is always good to see us through,” he declared with a big smile.

                                                “I will praise the LORD at all times.                            

I will constantly speak his praises.

I will boast only in the LORD;

let all who are helpless take heart.

Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness;

let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:1-3 NLT

 

I chuckled at the farmer’s response in typical country jargon that was sprinkled with flavor and humor. But I observed from those years in the store, that those who spoke the most about God’s goodness chose to focus on the Lord’s mercy and grace rather than on their troubles. In doing this, they always tasted God’s goodness and mercy.

It seems to me, that those who have the most to thank God for in their life trials are those who have the most trials to be thankful for. I still have the picture in my mind of the rooster in socks, but the lasting picture for me is how good it was to witness God’s goodness in their life.

With every posthole dug, with every trial traversed over fields and beyond they showed us all how God is always with them every step of the way.

 “Those who bless God in their trials will be blessed by God through their trials.”― Joanie Yoder “God Alone”

“Easier to Put Socks on a Rooster” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© October 26,

All We Need is Found in the Secret Place



Secret Garden Whitney Gardens by Dee Kamp

 

All We Need is Found in the Secret Place

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

 shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

 I will say of the LORD,

He is my refuge and my fortress,

My God in Him I will trust.” Amplified Bible

 

Everything we want from God is found through learning how to abide in Him, and come away to be alone with Him we learn more about His character, His unfailing love.

There is a secret place in God where we will discover an intimacy with Him and know it is all we will ever need― and all we really want. When we start seeking to stop and be still, to make time to sit in His presence, we discover everything else we need is provided for including peace, safety and guidance.

Laying down our life for the sake of the gospel offers one the peace needed for living and discovering time again the joy of living in His glory.

“I believe there is a place in God where He is so near that either way its fine. God calls it His secret place.” Gentle Wisdom for Tough Times by Mary Dunham Faulkner

“All We Need is Found in the Secret Place” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© October 22, 2015

 

 

 

Over Flowing with Thankfulness

the old well house by Dee Kamp



Over Flowing with Thankfulness

It was a day to remember, a story to tell our kids, and even laugh over, but not so much when we were in the middle of a minor flood!

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him strengthened in faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 1:6-8 NIV

It is several years ago now, that on this particular day when our family was so relieved and happy to bring home my husband from the hospital after a long, but very successful surgery. It had been weeks and home and our own bed never looked so comfy.

My sister-in-law was staying with us then and as we were about to say good night, we both jumped at the sound of a “pop” and noticed water coming down the hallway!

“It must be something with the hot water tank!” I yell.

Dear Bill was too weak to help, of course, and we ran around trying to find the water shutoff knob, but to no avail.

From the bedroom Bill called, “It’s up at the well house, run up there and turn off the switch!”

Praying all the way. Batting away my fears of the spider webs inside the well house, grabbing a flashlight I climb my way into it. With a shove the old door opens and with a sigh of relief, I find the shutoff switch.

But now, what to do with two inches of water back in the house? That’s when I remembered our new neighbors saying call if there was every anything at all-call them, day or night.

I call the neighbor, but my heart falls as I discover the husband is on the nightshift and not at home. “Oh, but I’ll be right there!” the wife shouts into the phone and hangs up before I can say a word.

Its late now, most would be asleep, but here she comes running from across the acres, down the driveway shuffling awkwardly. She is in a long fluffy bathrobe, waving a broom in the air like a sword for battle and wearing knee high yellow boots with frog eyes painted on them!

We are bent over in laughter at such a silly sight. “What are you going to do with the broom?” I call out after I can catch my breath.

“Oh, I don’t know, it was all I could think of to grab. Perhaps I can help sweep away the water?”

How unexpectedly God can turn tears to laughter. With God we have hope and even in the midst of big messes of flowing water, I could honestly say, “I’m overflowing in thankfulness.”

We can depend on God to answer our prayers, even in the most unusual ways. Together we laughed ―together we waded through it all.

"One joy scatters a hundred griefs." Chinese proverbs “

Over Flowing With Thankfulness” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© October 14, 2015