A few mornings ago, I set out for a long walk on the country roads near my home; I had a lot of thinking/praying to do about life and its "stuff." Not too far into my walk, however, I noticed everything was a little blurry. I cleaned my sunglasses, but to no avail. It was then that I realized that I had forgotten to put in my contacts.

Wow, what a deficiently far-sighted walk this was going to be: "Is that a rabbit or a squirrel... a butterfly or a leaf... a stick or a snake?" The trees were even making me a little dizzy due to their wind-blown massive movement.

These swaying trees made me think of this Scripture passage:

And they came to Bethsaida. And they brought a blind man to Him, and entreated Him to touch him. And taking the blind man by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting on his eyes, and laying His hands upon him, He asked him, "Do you see anything?"

And he looked up and said, "I see men, for I am seeing them like trees, walking about." Then again He laid His hands upon his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. Mark 8:22-26

Ok, first of all, what's up with the "spitting"? I guess we have to remember that Jesus is fully God and fully man, and men like to spit. I'm sure this kept the attention of all the tough guys in the crowd watching this restoration process. And secondly, what's this: "I see men... like trees walking about?" What an odd line of scripture to decipher.

I think this peculiar encounter with Christ teaches us about faith. First, we read that the blind man was brought to Jesus by friends. Then the blind man was willing to be led by Jesus Himself to an appointed place. Consequently, Jesus began His wonderful work, in His time and in His way. As the blind man waited on the Lord, his faith grew in the Lord. He didn't waver or run half-way through the process. He simply trusted the hands that held him.

What about you? Are you wondering what in the world God is doing in your faith walk? Do things just not add up, almost to the point you are dizzily confused? Be willing to be led, my friend, and believe He is always at work for your good and for His glory. And as you wait on Him, do not waver in the truths of His word. Because God's word to you, is just like Jesus' hands were to that blind man long ago.

The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130

How thankful I am for His word as I journey through this chaotic world with a simple faith. Likewise, how thankful I was to put my contacts in my eyes after that confusing country walk. Because I can see clearly now, they are one and the same.

Photographs have such a wonderful way of capturing a cherished memory. In the same way, my mind has recently taken in small "snip-its" of people that have crossed my path only briefly. These short encounters, however, have left me with long-lasting impressions. I would like to share three of these with you:

1. I have been trudging through the P90X workout program with my highly intense and determined daughter Maggie. In one of the videos (labeled "the mother of all P90X workouts"), a young man is exercising in extreme fashion... with a prosthetic leg! His ferver as he jumps up, down, and all around, and the overjoyed expression on his face is incredibly inspirational.

2. A few days after the tragic flood in Nashville, I was in Home Depot, standing in the check out line behind a country-guy wearing ragged jeans, a cut-off t-shirt, and unlaced work boots. He was filthy! I overheard him talking to the check-out man: "Yea, my house was flooded, but I am so thankful because it could have been so much worse... and I'm so glad I know how to make the repairs... and I am so thankful that I can help others who had more damage...". And then, with a smile and a nod, he hobbled out on his bum-ankle.

3. I was in San Francisco for a few days with my husband Mac. At one point, we sat in a taxi and listened to a Filipino driver tell us about his life. The fun part of it was that every other sentence, he burst out in bubbling contagious laughter. "I love my wife of 40 years... ha ha ha... we have four grown children, two are married... ha ha ha... one daughter has MS, but she lives with us and my wife cares for the children... ha ha ha... I love my yellow taxi; it is the best... ha ha ha!" I loved how he loved life!

As these "snip-its" come and go throughout my days, I realize that God Himself has put these people in my path to teach me something-- perseverance and joy in trial, thankfulness in all things, and contentment in every circumstance.

And then this thought occurred to me: I am somebody's snip-it. Wow, that's humbling. In a brief encounter with a stranger, what impression am I leaving with them? Do they see Christ in me? Am I an encourager or discourager, gentle or rude, becoming or bitter, kind-hearted or cruel?

The apostle Paul put it well when he said, "And they were glorifying God because of me." Galatians 1:24

Yes, these three strangers, whether they knew it or not, pointed me to an aspect and character of Christ. May you and I be the same as we are somebody's "snip-it" today.

I love the lines of this old song that I learned growing up:

"There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God's own Son; precious lamb of God, Messiah, h...o...l...y One."

In this short tune, the Good News is beautifully told: on the cross, Jesus, the Redeemer, exchanged His life for mine. God judged His perfect Son instead of me.

From the cross, my Redeemer was put in the tomb---crucified, dead, and buried. But the rest of the Good News is: the third day He rose again, conquering both sin and death! Yes, this I know, my Redeemer lives (Job 19:25). And I also know, my Redeemer is strong; the Lord of Hosts is His name; He will vigorously plead my case (Jeremiah 50:34). Indeed, He fought for me then, and He fights for me now. In Him, I now have eternal life instead of certain death.

After Jesus rose from the grave, He ascended into heaven, yet not without promising to send you and me a Helper. Another line in the same old song is: "Thank You, O my Father, for sending us Your Son, and leaving us Your Spirit 'til the work on earth is done." Because of my Redeemer, God has begun a new work in me, and I can now daily live the "instead of" life. My soul now possesses:

a garland instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the mantle of praise instead of a sprit of fainting...

a double portion instead of my shame...

and everlasting joy instead of humiliation. Isaiah 61:3,7

What an amazing exchange from my gracious Redeemer. And it doesn't stop there. He offers you and me peace instead of confusion, courage instead of fear, rest instead of weariness, hope instead of despondency... on and on and on.

Dear Jesus, precious lamb of God, Messiah... REDEEMER... how I do thank You for purchasing the "instead of" life for me.

I have four "babies." I blinked and they became four toddlers. I blinked again, and they are now four teenagers. Wow, it's been a wonderful whirlwind. I must admit, however, sometimes I feel like I am going to be blown away (or wish I could be!) as I attempt to oversee the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each of these "sweet ones."

With this in mind, I penned another devotional prayer that begins with the phrase, "God, You are...". I must remember Who really is in charge of their days, as well as mine. Please read this prayer and claim it as your own. Also, if time permits, look up the Scripture that I derived it from, and be blessed by God's promises.

God, You are the Overseer. For You are a great God, and a great King above all gods; in Your hands are the depths of the earth; the peaks of the mountains are Yours also. The sea is Yours; for it is You who made it; and Your hands formed dry land. Yes, You own and oversee it all--every star that shines, every raindrop that falls, and every flower that opens. You hunt the prey for the lion... You prepare the raven its nourishment... and observe the calving of the deer... You cause the grass to grow for the cattle, and the vegetation for the labor of man. Indeed, You are the Creator, Provider, and Sustainer of all Your creatures both great and small. I thank You, O God, that this truth includes me! I know You have numbered my days on this earth, and each one has been pre-planned by You. I thank You for consistently meeting me morning by morning in order to fill me with confidence; I do not have to worry about the day, for You have already laid it out. Yes, I praise You, Overseer of the Universe, for watching over every step I take.

Psalm 95:3-4; Job 38:39, 41, 39:1; Psalm 104:14; Psalm 139:16; Isaiah 50:4; Proverbs 5:21

Last Saturday morning, we watched the rain fall--another rainy Saturday, bummer.

... And keep falling--wow, that's a lot of rain.

... And keep falling-- goodness, our back yard has a fast flowing stream in it now. Drats, our barn is flooding.

... And keep falling-- there goes our newly planted vegetable garden... now that's what you call a "tossed salad."

We looked out front to see that our road was more like a small river. We counted our two horses in the field, our two dogs, our two cats... eight of us were in the house...arc?

On Saturday at noon, we could joke about it, but by that evening the rain was far from funny. Much of middle Tennesse was undergoing the "flood of the century." Wow... speechless. From this experience, however, I did have some overflowing thoughts:

1. A "for sure" Celebration. On Saturday, we were to give my daughter Maggie a Graduation/Birthday party. So for two days prior to this event, we all joyfully prepared. Many (and I mean many) ham rolls were made by both of Maggie's grandmothers, tasty dips were put together, and so on. The house was clean and ready for friends to enter. But of course, by 2 pm, the only way anyone could get to our home was by boat; needless to say, the party was canceled. My happy, hopeful thought from this disappointment kept running through my mind: I know of a future Celebration that will NOT be canceled, and it's a sure and beautiful thing.

Heaven is coming, my friend; Jesus is preparing a place for us right now, and it will be eternally delightful! He has said, No eye has seen, no ear has heard... all that God has prepared for those who love Him (I Corinthians 2:9).

2. Never in vain. My biggest concern about the cancelled party was the abundance of food. Well, God had a purpose that we party-planners did not presume. Little did we know, that the labor of love done on Friday was going to be food for flood victims on Monday. Ham rolls (and company) were distributed to neighbors, to different families, and to a devastated church site.

How delightful to be used unexpectedly by God who had prepared this work beforehand, that we should walk in it (Ephesians 2:10).

Christian brother and sister, know that your labor here, no matter how menial, is never in vain.

3. Advance Notice. This thought is a little more sobering, but just as true. If I had known in advance that the flood was coming, I would have called every person that I knew to tell them about it. Get ready; move your stuff upstairs; don't drive this way or that...

I know that something far worse than a flood is coming; for the Bible tells me so. The refusal to believe in Jesus Christ, God's Son, will result in certain eternal separation from God, (which would be hell). In His word, He pleads over and over and over again, "Come to Me." Mohammed can't invite, Buddha can't invite, neither can Gandhi or Mr. Good Works; these are mere men and ideals. But Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature (Hebrews 1:3). He IS God who came down to rescue us. And He has invited you to be with Him forever.

I pray these thoughts will flood your heart like they have mine. Let's look forward to our future celebration; but while we wait, let's labor here with God's love and give all those around us advance notice so they can join us... "Upstairs."

I love how the Lord speaks to me in His word and in His ways. This past weekend He had a lesson for me concerning..."whiteness":

On Friday, I had the pleasure of riding in a golf cart with my 14 year old son Davis while he played 9 holes. He would make his drive, and then we would ride off to find the ball, which was (most often) sitting on the plush green fairway. The white ball against the grassy backdrop was pronounced and distinctive.

On Saturday, I went to a bridal shower for a beautiful young lady. At the luncheon, there were white flowers, white gift bags, and white tea cakes (yum). All this white was pure and lovely.

Then on Saturday night, my 17 year old son Bink took a sweet sweet sweet family friend to the prom. He persistently persuaded me into getting a... white tuxedo. After much debate, I relented, and rented. Needless to say, he was absolutely set apart and, okay yes, striking.

And then finally, early on Sunday morning, my avid turkey-hunting husband came barreling in the house announcing with excitement that he had gotten the long-pursued ultimate bird... a white turkey. Mac said these kinds are rare and awesome.

Now, as I was pondering all of this whiteness on Monday morning in my quiet time, trying to make sense of it, listen to the very next Bible verse that I "happened" to read as I turned the page in a devotional book:

Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light. (Matthew 17:1-2).

Like I said, I love the way God works in His word and His ways! All the white this weekend, helped me understand this passage in a deeper way. Jesus Christ is the pronounced, distinctive, pure, lovely, set apart, striking, rare and awesome One. No need to look further for the truth! The passage goes on to say this:

...a bright cloud overshadowed them and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5)

God promises, He has all the answers for our good and His glory. The amazing thing is this: when we stay still enough to listen to Him, and then choose to obey Him, then we will become like Him. We too will be different in a beautiful hope-filled way. Because of Jesus Christ alone,

Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow..." (Isaiah 1:18).

My friend, for the sake of this dark, confused, lonely, broken world, let us choose white, white, white, white, White.