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Morning Devotional


by Colleen Swindoll

When I was growing up as one of the four children of Chuck and Cynthia Swindoll, people often assumed our home was some quiet spiritual habitat, as if we discussed theology, fasted, and softly hummed hymns for family fun. Truth be told, the Swindoll family functioned like most families: there were always dishes to clean, socks to fold (they never matched), conflicts to resolve, animals to feed, instruments to practice, and a garage that continually collected stuff. Our lives held lots of noise and loads of laughter, but we also experienced tragic heartbreaks and seasons of sorrow. We, too, knew the unexpected and unwanted invasion of deep pain, dark betrayal, and difficult circumstances. This is simply the result of life lived in a sin-saturated world.

I sometimes chuckle when I think about people's inaccurate perceptions of my family. What isn't funny, however, is when members of God's family have unrealistic expectations and false beliefs about what life should be like in His family. Those false beliefs are often at the root of spiritual conflicts and bewilderment. If you've asked God "Why?" or thought I never expected this — or questioned His goodness, faithfulness, justice, or kindness — it's essential, I've learned, to examine your expectations. Why? Because we all have assumptions and beliefs about the Christian life.

As a preacher's kid, I was taught about God's unchanging nature, His promises, His forgiveness and, best of all, His grace. I also learned the truth of God's inspired Word, including difficult passages such as 1 Peter 2:21:

This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. (MSG)

All of this was true, I knew . . . in my mind. But without realizing it, I also clung to unrealistic expectations and false beliefs about the pleasant, happy life of good Christians. When things began to fall apart in my adult life, my picture of the serene Christian life did not match up to my daily realities. In 2005, I lost nearly all of my hearing. That same year, four or five very complicated, disabling conditions were added to my son's previously diagnosed autism and developmental delay disabilities. And slowly, my false beliefs about Christ blew away like dust in a dry wind.

After several years of spiritual bewilderment, I ceased wrestling with Jesus for control of my life. In humble submission, I accepted Christ as He really is — Lord over every aspect of my life. Surrendered, I experienced the sustaining presence of God's mercy, grace, and peace . . . and I accepted that my new reality included hardship and suffering. I had spent many days in anguish, wondering Why? But once I surrendered fully to God's sovereignty, I began to replace that question with another: "Lord, for what purpose?"

My friend, this may be where you are in your relationship with Christ. Letting go of false notions of the Christian life and embracing Jesus as Lord will profoundly affect your life. As mine did, your life will undergo revolutionary change when you learn to turn the accusatory attitude often hidden behind the question "Why?" into a submissive and teachable spirit. Each time your life doesn't meet your expectations, I encourage you to ask Jesus, "Lord, for what purpose have You brought this grief, this tragic accident, this horrible loss, this unchanging diagnosis, this child with disabilities into my life? What am I to learn?" Suffering is a profound mystery. Asking this question doesn't mean that the answers will suddenly become clear or that the situation will change . . . but your heart and your perspective will. It helps me to remember that God never gave suffering Job the answers he asked for. Instead, Job got more of God.

Samantha good to see you again!  Glad things are coming around for you.  I am continuing to pray.

Jeanne and Al your help has been invaluable.  Thank you

Have a good night/week everyone.

Judy, you did it!  Thanks for the devotional.  I have always enjoyed Colleen Swindoll.

Quote"My friend, this may be where you are in your relationship with Christ. Letting go of false notions of the Christian life and embracing Jesus as Lord will profoundly affect your life."

How true is this!!

Hi everyone.  Woke up fairly early this morning and have time to write a little before leaving to pick up my friend and go to coffee. 

Today at lunch time my men's luncheon group will be going to Five Guys Burgers and Fries.  I have been to one of their places not long ago and the burgers are very good and very filling.  I haven't tried the fries. 

The housekeeper is suppose to be here today.  She was ill last week and not able to come so the house is needing a little attention.  Pat and I don't really mess it up very much but it does get dusty and floors need to be mopped or swept, etc.  You all know the drill.

Judy, that is a very good devotional for this week and what she talks about is so true.  One lesson I have learned that helps me stay in today and not dwell on tomorrow is that it is fine to make plans but don't plan the outcome because that creates an expectation and often God has some other outcome in mind for me so that the expectation becomes a disappointment.  It was such a relief to me when I stopped worrying about what was past since there is absolutely nothing I can do to change what has gone on before in my life.  Similarly, I have no idea what tomorrow holds so I best enjoy today.  This has allowed me to enjoy the day and be thankful for it rather than missing the day because I am consumed with what is to come.  Often what I think might happen doesn't  so why worry about it.  (Sorry for the long discourse this morning.)

Samantha, nice to know you haven't forgotten about us.  I enjoy your postings and am happy to see that things appear to be working out for you all in terms of a church life.  I believe God leads us where he wants us to be when we seek his will for our lives.

Janet, it appears the vandalism wasn't done by children but rather by a tenant of the building, perhaps someone facing eviction.  You get all types of people in a large 15 story apartment building.  I will be watching the postings here to see if Dr. Jost does visit Beth today and has some encouraging news for you.

Good Morning everyone...

It's a lovely day here in Virginia...not too hot!  Not sure yet what the week has in store for us but we'll know soon I'm sure.

Thanks Judy for opening a new place for us to post in.  Good devotional.

Yes, Judy, good material.  I had never read anything by her before. (Where have I been?)  I will read it to Beth.

Larry, that is great advice.  I am trying to do the same thing, but still catch my mind darting to the future, or sometimes to the past.  As you intimated, that is futile, we can only live this day, this reality, so we need to stay in the now.  About the vandalism, I think that stuff often gets blamed on kids, when adults are the culprits.

Hey there Pat!  Good to "see" you.

Beth is feeling better today, ate a real good breakfast and it stayed.  Also knew when she needed the bedpan--she doesn't often have any warning.  So we are just waiting for Dr. Jost.  I came over early so as not to miss him, so of course he didn't come in early.

The gal at Critical Care Transfer with whom I made arrangements to take Beth home called earlier to ask if we had word yet on her release.  No.  

Samantha, you obviously know more about your cell phone than I do.  I can't even manage to retrieve my voice mails.    Thanks for the prayers.

Etta Sue and Jane, thanks for the get-well-o-grams!  Those always bring smiles to Beth's face!  She also got a very sweet and meaningful card from one of the CNAs at the care home.  Jennifer says Beth is her very best friend, and I want to share with you what she wrote in the card:

Beth:
All of us cannot wait until you come home.  You are an amazing person and I know God has been with you all the way.  I know that God brought me to Kansas and away from the pitiful excuse of a life I was living.  I also know that He wanted you and I to become friends.  Beth, knowing you has taught me some things about life I might have never known.  You have done for me far more than I can ever do for you.  Please come home soon because I miss you.
Love you and see you soon.   Jennifer

Day 52 and holding on..............

Great devotion, Judy!  I don't think I have read her before either but she is a very good writer...holds your interest to the very end. 

Larry ~  Life is too short to worry about yesterdays and tomorrows.  I just wish I could take that advice when holidays come around or when I feel I have been slighted!  I am generally an upbeat person but there are times I get down and then I get down because I am down!   !

Janet ~ I am praying that Dr. Jost comes today and gives everyone the good news that Beth can go home! 

We didn't go to Chinese yesterday.  Seems that Ivalou and Marge went the night before...I told Ivalou that I was hungry for Chinese.  But Ivalou's birthday is Wednesday and she wants to go back for Chinese then.  I love this Chinese place south of us.  It is a sit down Chinese and you really feel pampered.  I think whenever you have cloth napkins, it is a special place to eat for me!  It is a nice, clean area with all the niceties.  We don't do buffets after church because of some ladies that have a hard time seeing.  We can help them but they don't like to impose on us to help them.   

Today I need to mow and perhaps Ivalou and I can go somewhere and have supper tonight.  She needs to get some pizzas for Euchre tomorrow and I need some milk.  Isn't that a good excuse to get supper while out?

You know Janet perhaps it is the "Holding On" that is the lesson.

I think you may be right about that, Judy!

Still no Dr. Jost, but a couple of his interns came in, looked at the wound, someone had said it had developed a new fistula (it hadn't).  I asked if they were going to remove the Malencot tube, and the male resident said NO, in a snotty way, and marched out.  Well....about ten minutes later the female intern came in with some supplies in her hand, and removed the tube!  I asked why the sudden change, and she said because the care home said they wouldn't take Beth back with the tube.  I had just told that guy that very thing!!

Anyway, she is rid of all the tubes and drains except the Foley, and she's had that for a long time.  They have a call in to her admitting doctor to see about when she will be released.  When things start moving, they move quickly.  I guess when they do release her, I will have enough time to go check out and clean my room ar RMc.  

The Malencot tube has had no drainage the past few days except the Sprite they flushed it with.  The infectious disease doctor said she will keep Beth on the antibiotics for a few more weeks until she is rechecked with another CT scan to make sure no fecal matter is seeping into her system.

Anyway---I hope that bright light I see at the end of the tunnel isn't an oncoming train!

Ohhhh, Janet...

My heart goes out to you.  I'm so happy you've had this laptop to use to keep us all informed during this time.

Let's all pray together that this might be the end of this chapter for awhile for our Beth.

Janet, what a difference a day makes.  It sounds like things are really improving quickly and you both will be headed home soon.  The note that Beth got from the aid at the home proves once again, to my way of thinking, that God has a purpose for each life regardless of our physical problems.  That was such a wonderful note.  Years ago I was a Deacon in our church in Missouri and one of the joys I had most Sundays was to deliver the sermon tape to a lovely lady who was basically bedfast from the effects of polio many years earlier.  It just brightened my day each time I visited with her and was blessed by her sweet disposition.  God knows where he needs each of us to be. 

Thanks LARRY!!!

What a wonderful hymn to sing.  We don't need to worry about tomorrow or the future because that is all in the Blessed Controller's hands!

I love that song, Larry.  I've sung it many times, but now I associate it with the memory that it was the song my daughter, Jean, sang at church after receiving her diagnosis of "diabetes" which turned out to be terminal pancreatic cancer.  People in attendance that Sunday still remark about that day and the great faith Jean exhibited.  Now, whenever I sing it (or try to) I tear up and have a lump in my throat that makes it difficult to get through it.  

Could we all please go and encourage Bob HERE?

Thanks so much!

I wrote a note and it was not posted because of a glitch.  And, it was soooooo interesting.  hahaha \

Al:  We are in Eureka tonight and have a long drive tomorrow as we go around Crater Lake and north - this part of the trip was not planned very well.  I have a very good friend from teen years who lives in Silverton and we
only have time to meet her for morning coffee on Wednesday and then we drive on until north of Seattle.   

Today, we drove through the Avenue of the Giants - the redwood tree forest in this area.  Inspiring and so terrific to view.  Everyone is always looking UP.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone always looked UP for guidance in everything?  I could be better at checking out what is the "right" thing to do more often, myself.  I am truly grateful for a chance to sit by the water today even though it was really chilly and windy.

Carol, you should at least phone Alan!  He's great to talk to on the phone.  Or are you near to where he is?

Carol - you basically drove within less than a mile of me!  In fact, we may have been out and driving up or down the highway the same time you were.  It would be great to get to talk with you, but I understand the need to hurry on by.

Hi everyone.  Since I posted late yesterday afternoon this will be mainly a quick check-in this morning.  Other than a meeting to attend this morning and a quick trip to return something to a store where Pat bought it yesterday, I will have a day at home unless God has something else in store for me today. 

Carol, that sounds like quite a trip.  I am sure you will be glad to get to where you are headed. 

Can't stay long.  Ivalou and I are going to the east state line this morning to get her daughter, Jo and g-daughter, Lydia.  Her g-son is driving them to Richmond from Dayton and we are bringing them back here for a day or two.

Then Euchre is at noon.

Bright and sunny.  Not good for driving east but we will manage.

Carol - say hello to Silverton for me.  We've been through there hundreds of times when we used to live just south of Portland.  There's a park there called Silver Falls State Park.  It's extremely beautiful, with seven major waterfalls.  I've held a baptism there and hiked the trails many times.  I preached at a church in Silverton, too.

Memories eh Al?  All pleasant.

Wish I could be a fly on the window of Carol's car to view these wonderful sites!

Good morning everyone, just stopping by to say hello and be on my way to other things more pressing.

Today is sort of a bummer thus far.  No difinitive word on a release date, no CNA to help the nurse, so mom gets the job.  Beth ate well but then threw up at least half of it.  Truth be told I am feeling grumpy today.  In spite of taking loads of vitamins, I feel like I might be coming down with something---and I don't have time for that.  So I must pray, and 'buck up' and get on with it.  They said maybe tomorrow or Thursday we can go home.  But I want a day without the 'maybe' in front of it.

Carol, that sounds like a lovely trip.  Enjoy it for me, as I would love to be traveling there with you.

I think that after I feed Beth her lunch, I will try to get a nap.

Here comes a doctor--or maybe he is a resperitory therapist.  Darn.  He just walked in, said hello, walked back out. 

I'd better go now and come back when I feel brighter about things. 

I got all my pressing things taken care of, shampooing my hair and drying it, running the dishwasher and putting  the contents away after they were done and general straightening up and dusting the chandelier over the  dinging room table as well as replacing a bulb.

Janet what a bummer, I know how bad you want to go home and stay there.

Carol I know how much you have enjoyed traveling up Highway 101 through the Redwoods. Did you come on up the Oregon coast a little bit? Where did you cross over to inland Oregon? Was it one 199? that road sure has a lot of curves?

Pat how much longer are you going to be in Virginia? How is Geordie doing?

I am doing  fine, no pain today except for the tension in my shoulders that I get when  on the computer too long. I fell yesterday while walking Bebe and skinned up my left knee, wrist and hand. I had to hike back up hill for about 3 blocks; by the time I got up that far  to turn the corner and  walk down hill to the house there was blood running down her leash. I got home cleaned myself up and took a Happy for his walk.

Keith's youngest son, Corey, is in town for a week working for his dad doing some chores around the office. So Keith brought him home for lunch yesterday and I got to meet him.  He sure is a  nice kid and really took to the dogs, even took their photos with his phone.

Corey wanted to see his old room yesterday and a bunch of my boxes and tubs are stacked in there, he couldn't even get to his closet where Keith put all  his stuff when he cleaned up the room so I could put some of my stuff in there. Yikes what a mess, I am still unpacking and trying to find places to put the stuff out of the garage so I can get my car in there. I have my china cabinet in the garage and another cabinet that I really want in the house.

Elizabeth and I have had a good day.  We picked up her glasses.  Zellers offers two pair for $99. and we got the 2 pair.  They look good on her and her words were "I can see!"  She then bought a pait of shoes and an other trinket she had been wanting.  So now to wait for the next baby sitting job!

She is now mowing the lawn for me. 

Have a good day.

Coming in for a minute to say Hi!  We are having very hot weather here on the island.  Forcasting in the 90'sF. for the weekend.  I like it around 75F. but thats life.....

Nice devotional Judy.  I have not come in to post Happy Birthday to folks, so Be-lated Birthday Greetings to all who were missed.

Still following your reports Janet and praying. 

Not much new to post.  Watched the Space Shuttle pass over us last night at 10:14 P.M.  That was kind of exciting.  Got a stiff neck from looking up as it went past.  One of the guys on the Space Station was  from the valley and his folks went to my church.  Strong Christian family....Hope everyone comes back okay.  We are living in exciting times.  My daughter sang 'Happy Trails' to the shuttle as it went past.


I am going to go and finish an interesting book by Susan Wiggs.  Her books usually take place on an island off Seattle and are always good.
The garden is beautiful and I am real lucky to have a cool spot to read.  Misty usually joins me......of course the fact that I also bring along a cat treat does help!

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Where do I begin - just tuckered out.  We drove out of Eureka today and so sorry Al - I was wondering where you would be - took the long and beautiful drive around Crater Lake & jumped out a few times for viewing.  Loads of road construction put us way behind then there was a fire near Crater Lake & we sure could see the smoke, the fire trucks too but they kept the north entrance open so we were able to not have to go back, thankful for that nice happening.  Oh, for trucks & they are triple here in Oregon.  Oh, my goodness, they go one forever & tail-gate each other.  Must say that they drive 10 mph slower than where we live so that much is safer. 

I have spilled coffee enough & other happenings so I had to wash clothes tonight & just made it when they were closing the door to get my dry stuff out (almost dry).  Meeting my good friend tomorrow - she used to own the Silverton Bible bookstore, Al.  I will try to see where she attends church.  We have a huge bed in this place and I think it is wider than any we have seen. 

Janet - strength and patience sending them to you'

I have not forgotten anyone - just too tired to name names.  Going to just north of Seattle and sometime tomorrow I will be watching the ferries come and go from a little park, sipping coffee or perhaps a paper cup of clam chowder.