Known

John 3:36a, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life....."

In the past six months I have become a part of two groups of people that few, if any, ever want to join. I have become a widow--what a sad word--and a person with cancer--what a scary word. God has very graciously answered my prayers and the prayers of many, many others on my behalf and has given me a very good prognosis, so I will probably be in the group known as Cancer Survivors for a long time.

As I grew up, I was known because of my parents. I was often called "the little Weeks girl from Scottsboro." When I married and moved to Decatur, my principle identity became that of the wife of John Eyster. Later others began to recognize me as the mother of my children, and many of my grandchildren's friends simply call me "Granny" as they do.

However, in spite of all these roles, the defining moment of my life took place when I was only seven years old. I had learned that God loved me and that Jesus wanted to live in my heart. I understood even at that tender age that I was a sinner. On some level, which I couldn't have articulated at the time, I realized that my parents were God's appointed authorities in my life, and when I rebelled against their authority I also rebelled against God's. I asked Jesus to come into my life and forgive my sins. He promised if we would ask, He would come, and He kept His promise. I have been God's child and walked with my Lord for 69 years. This is the primary role in my life. All the other roles and events are simply the background against which I am living my Christian life, or, as Paul said, "working out my salvation." I hope to be known first and foremost and always in terms of my relationship with My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and God Who is my Heavenly Father.

I hope each of you who read this have come, or will come, to that same crucial defining moment when you acknowledge your sinfulness and invite Jesus to live in your heart so you too can be forgiven and become a part of God's forever family.

Life's Little Frustrations

God uses life's little frustrations as His little tests

That He allows in our lives along the way.

We see them as aggravations, irritations, pests,

But we pass or fail by what we do or say.

Look Up

Psa. 121:1-2, "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

I was taking a walk today, and it dawned on me that I all to often walk with my shoulders hunched over, my head down, and my eyes on the ground. This posture seems to suggest weariness or defeat or preoccupaation wtih problems. So from now on I will make a conscious effort to align my body language wit my faith and spiritual position. I will throw back my shoulders, lift my head, and turn my eyes upward toward my Heavenly fahter Who gives me confiidence, strength, encouragement, peace, and joy. I will also look out toward others who need for God's spiritual gifts to spill over from my life into theirs.

Father, thank You that I can be strong and confident and at peace in You. May my life reflect Your Presence in every way. Amen.

Life's Little Frustrations

I love fall, but I must confess

The weather makes it hard to dress--

Cool in the morning, warm at eleven,

Hot at three and cool again at seven.

Prayer

James 5:17, "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results."

We know it's more blessed to give than to receive because the Bible says so and also because it's more fun to be on the giving end of life. We like to think we are strong and have abundant resources. It offends our pride to be poor and needy in any area. But, of course if there were no receivers, those who give would miss that blessing.

It is hard for me to share my weaknesses and imperfections. When I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, I wanted to keep it a secret, but I couldn't because I so wanted and needed the prayer support of my Christian friends. And one of these friends said she felt she had participated in my wonderful pathology report because she had prayed so much for me, and she certainly had. I'm sure many others have that same sense of participation as well. Had I not been open with my need, they could not have shared in that victory. And had my praying friends not stormed the gates of heaven on my behalf, my news might not have been nearly as good! James tells us that "we have not because we ask not." God does indeed hear and answer prayers.

Heavenly Father, how I thank You and praise You for my friends who have prayed for my health and well being and for Your gracious answer to their prayers for me. Amen.

Life's Little Frustrations

Sometimes something just won't work,

So we begin to pull and jerk

And manipulate, and then we take it

Apart to fix it but completely break it.