Category: Whispers (Page 2 of 170)

There have been a few times in my life when I was really thirsting, like in the mountains when my mouth felt parched but there was no water available. I didn’t think of a hamburger or hotdog, but just a cool glass of water. Water is not only essential to people, but also to animals, plants, trees, etc. I read that a tree is 80% sap which is mostly water, but also is full of minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins and proteins that circulate to feed the tree. Trees are watered through their roots with dew, clouds, fog, mist, rain and snow. They do not hoard the moisture, but after it circulates, it is released into the surrounding air, emitting a fragrance when combined with oxygen.

We can learn lessons through nature, and the tree speaks to us that we must be well-watered in the Word and His Spirit if we are going to bless others. If we are dry and empty, we will have nothing to give out, for we are all shriveled. But when we drink deeply of God’s Word, it will speak to us and permeate us with His love, joy and peace. Let us not be shriveled, but overflowing and giving off His fragrance to those around us. When Al and I went to a Christian community in Wisconsin, it was as if the whole forest was filled with a lovely fragrance!

I recently got a phone call with the news that my dear friend Susan, who so many of you have prayed for over the years, died suddenly. We went to see her three days before Christmas as she was in the hospital in Brainerd with a broken leg and had been recovering from Covid. She was still upbeat and thankful that all her needs were met, for she had many physical needs. She hasn’t walked for many years and was wheelchair bound; she was hard of hearing, legally blind and had a special cup for her coffee since her hands were so gnarled by arthritis. She listened to tapes each day and didn’t feel sorry for herself when there were things she couldn’t do. Susan was a light shining just where the Lord put her as she witnessed to those around her.

I learned a lot from Susan, for she was so thankful and appreciative even though she had so little in worldly goods. Her son and grandson lived far away and rarely came to see her, but she still wanted to buy them a gift each Christmas and we would look for that special something at the Art Fair. She thought she had the best room in Birchwood and often remarked, “How could it be any better?” Each time I visited, she shared any concerns and we prayed over them. She loved when I brought chocolate cake with lots of frosting and cookies on a stick, and she spared some for her closest friends. She loved to give to others, even though she had so little.

I could go on and on, for God brought Susan into my life to help me rejoice in all circumstances, to trust in deeper ways, to not focus on material things or even on one’s health, but to be thankful, to give and that even the smallest gifts can bring joy to others. It’s not to say I haven’t shed tears as I miss her, but I rejoice for her that she is now with Jesus and can walk and leap and hear and see and know how much she is loved.

Challenge for today: Use the opportunities each day to share Jesus with others and learn along the way from those whom He sends into your life.

1.     What do you need to leave behind in 2025? (Toxic mindsets, sin patterns, addictions, toxic relationships, etc.)

2.     What word or phrase is going to define 2026 for me? (Spend a great amount of time on this one.)

3.     Jesus, what do you want my spiritual life to look like in 2026? (Time in the Word, prayers and church)

4.     Jesus, how can I better steward my soul this year? (Emotional health and hobbies)

5.     Jesus, how can I be a better steward of the body you have given me this year? (Health and fitness)

6.     Jesus, what does relational health look like for me this year? Who do I need to invite in and where do I need to put up boundaries? How can I better steward my marriage?

7.     Jesus, how can I be more generous with what you have blessed me with this year? (Commit to tithe, give to missions, serve, etc.)

8.     Jesus, how do you want to use me this year at work and in my sphere of influence?

I hope you will spend some time with these questions and begin the New Year with anticipation for what the Lord will do in you and through you.

thing but he has thanked me numerous times!

Then it is good to leave behind the work and have a little playtime and unstructured time to relax and enjoy life. All work and no play is not good for our souls, and each of us may find different ways to find balance. Just like children who are in school all day and hear the bell to go home: they switch gears and begin enjoying some fun free time. Some people even write “Play Time” into their datebook to be sure to rest from their work. I often refer to free time as my reward time when I sit down and play a Scrabble game online after cleaning or working a long while in the kitchen. A time away from work actually makes us more productive and frees our mind to think more creatively.

We need to acknowledge the Lord in all we do, and as it says in Proverbs 3:6 & 8: “Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track…Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!” Throughout our day let us acknowledge the Lord and at the end of the day, let us give thanks.