My Soul's Sunshine

It's been a good summer for us so far, even though it hasn't been an easy summer. I know that it might even seem odd to some that I can walk around with a smile on my face and a song spilling forth from my heart.

(For those who may not know, my parents, siblings, and I have lived with my dad's mom for almost the past 10 years, taking care of the needs she has had due to Alzheimer's Disease. But Grandma [or "Grammy" as my littlest siblings call her] has not had an easy time physically for quite some time, especially since early summer. Soon, yet oh-so-slowly, August was upon us. On the 24th her suffering ended when she went to be with her Saviour Jesus Christ ... and so peacefully too, without any pain or agitation, not even needing any medications to assist her comfort level.)

So, in the midst of a time of pain & grief, I can see why others might not understand. But it's because we have so much to thank & praise the Lord for, that I can carry on as I do. As I alluded to in the paragraph above, our greatest comfort & confidence is knowing that Grammy is now with our Lord, because there was a time when she put her personal trust in Jesus Christ alone. It's also wonderful to know that she's now reunited with my grandfather & other loved ones as well, including her twin sister, and no longer confused nor mostly blind & deaf. Also, there are so many answered prayers to think back upon, and the way we have already been able to reach out to family & friends has been a joy. Now, our greatest desire & prayer is that all glory & honor would go to our Lord Jesus Christ, and that our friends & loved ones would come to know His saving grace.

I know we'll all miss her. Indeed, we already do! There have already been so many times I've thought of her, anticipating her needing something, or expecting to hear her clear her throat to get our attention. And yet, if you could see me now, you'd also know that I'm not sorrowing my days away. Instead, you would see my heart is full with a deep, resounding, peace-filled joy ... and yes, a smile to fill my face.

With that in mind, I'd like to share a hymn that I've always enjoyed, and now has become extra special to me over the summer.

Sunshine in My Soul

Eliza Hewitt

There's sunshine in my soul today, more glorious and bright

Than glows in any earthly way, for Jesus is my light.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,

When the peaceful happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in my soul.

There's music in my soul today, a carol to my King,

And Jesus, listening can hear the songs I cannot sing.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,

When the peaceful happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in my soul.

There's springtime in my soul today, for when the Lord is near

The dove of peace sings in my heart, the flowers of grace appear.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,

When the peaceful happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in my soul.

There's gladness in my soul today, and hope and praise and love,

For blessings which He gives me now, for joys "laid up" above.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,

When the peaceful happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in my soul.

Redeeming the Time

I just want to take a moment to publicly honor my grandmother. Today she celebrates 90 years of life! When she sees her cards and gifts, she doesn't always believe us that she's 90 ... 40 or maybe 60 - and that's a BIG maybe - is more like it. But that's okay. And when she does believe us, she laughs and says she doesn't feel 90. And that's a good thing.

Helping provide my grandma's care every day has taught me so much. Patience, for instance. I know there have been times when I have chosen, whether subconsciously or unintentionally, to suppress and ignore such spiritual lessons, but they are lessons all the same. Back in 2001, if I had tried to think ahead to the years to come, I think I would have said that 90 is so far away. Yet 90 is here today! And I wouldn't trade these years away.

90 years is a long time... and yet it's not. Compared to eternity what is 90 years? James 4:14 says, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." Life, the length of our lives, compared to eternity is a vapor. Not even a drop in the proverbial bucket! The Psalmist accurately says, "The days of our years are threescore years and ten." What a blessing the Lord gives us when our lives surpass that number! The Shepherd-King David goes on to say in Psalm 90, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

What are we doing with our years? I'm 24. I'm almost halfway to 50. If I live to be 72, a full third of my life has passed! Where has the time gone? I'm not really sure how it has gone by so fast. And so I wonder, "What have I done with my life thus far? Have I done anything important, that truly matters?" I hope so. I think I've strived toward that goal. More importantly, I hope that when I look back I can say I truly did redeem the time I have been given.

Psalm 90 concludes, "And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it." In order for the work of our hands to be established, then we have to be doing the Lord's work. We must be walking in wisdom and redeeming the time as the apostle Paul says in Colossians 4:5 & Ephesians 5:15-17, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."

Redeeming the time, an important thing to do. I pray that we seek after it.

Teach me, Lord, to number my days.

What God Hath Promised

Throughout our lives there are points in time that will mark the end of something special. With my grandmother's promotion to Glory in the month of June, these past few months hold the last of some precious memories for me. She was so dear to me, one of my most favorite people in the world, and when I recall our special moments from years past, I also see just how blessed I am to have her for a grandmother.

There is much I could tell you about her, about all the times we shared together, and the close relationship we shared. I could tell you about how sweet and caring she was, the hand she had in training up this child in the way I should go, and all she meant to me. Or I could tell you what made her to be everything she was, which is the greatest impact she had on my life. I could list the many titles that describe the special bond we had, just a few of which are my confidante, prayer warrior, encourager, & beloved grandmother whom I called "Grandy". Then I could work my way down the list one by one, recalling memory after memory, and ending with the most important. Or I could offer a glimpse solely at what defined her most, and this is what I shall do.

The thread that binds the tapestry of memories of my Grandy together, whether picking berries from her berry patches, shopping in the grocery store, or going to monthly checkups at the clinic, is the love for her Lord and mine, Jesus Christ our Saviour. No matter where she was, who she was with, or what she was doing... Oh, how much she loved Jesus! She placed her trust exclusively in Him when she was a teen, and it was her deepest desire to live her life fully dedicated to Him. Even to a child, her devotion to Him was evident, for her life was indeed a living testimony of His love. She truly wanted everyone she met to come to know Jesus as their Saviour, too, and indeed a shining light for Him she has been.

As for me, she helped nurture my love for Him, first by telling me of His love and His sacrifice on my behalf, then after I came to know His saving grace by placing my own trust in Him, she encouraged my walk with Him. There was always a verse or passage in the Bible that we could share in as we enjoyed the moments we had together. She was always directing me to the promises and truths He gave to us through His Word, and I often looked to her as an example of a lady striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman because her life was a wonderful example.

In light of her love for Him, I should like to take a look at a poem that was special to her, a copy of which she gave to my mom some 30 years ago.

What God Hath Promised
Annie Johnson Flint

God hath not promised skies always blue
Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptations, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.

God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

I love how the poem ends with the things that God has promised! The promises we have in God's Word are so special. Sometimes it takes the hard times to realize just how special. Let's look at the poem again. However, this time let's not focus on just what He has not promised for the first three stanzas, but rather on the promises He has given for all the stanzas with some of the corresponding Scripture verses it brings to my mind. There are some, such as II Corinthians 12:9, that I have looked to time and again over the years, and have shown themselves true once again. Then there are some, such as Philippians 4:7, I am coming to see that their depths are incomprehensible, that I have just scratched their surfaces even now as I am experiencing the promise and feel it in the very depths of my soul.

God Hath Not Promised & What He Hath Said:

Skies always blue: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Luke 12:27-31

Sun without rain: For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

Joy without sorrow: Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. II Corinthians 1:3-4

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4

Peace without pain: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

Toil and temptations: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. I Corinthians 10:13

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12

Trouble and woe: Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. Psalm 34:19

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. Psalm 91:15

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Many a burden: Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

Many a care: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:7

Smooth roads and wide: Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13-14

Swift, easy travel, needing no guide: Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:24

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalms 37:23-24

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Never a mountain, rocky and steep: He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places. Psalm 18:33

Never a river turbid and deep: When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2

Strength for the day: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. II Corinthians 12:9

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: Isaiah 26:4

Rest for the labour: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Light for the way: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

Grace for the trials: Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Help from above: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:5-6

Unfailing sympathy: Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful [extremely compassionate, sympathetic], and of tender mercy. James 5:11

Undying love: The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3

Speaking of promises, this wouldn't be complete without a closer look at greatest promise of all, the one that all the others hinge upon: the promise of salvation. God, in His great love for us, gave us the greatest gift ever when His Son Jesus came to earth to pay the price for our sins. This gift is ours for the asking, and all we have to do is ask. He knows our hearts, so He knows if we truly trust Him. And when we come to Him with a repentant heart, He saves us for all eternity, once for all - past, present, and future - never to be lost.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16-18

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; Titus 3:5-6

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:9-10, 13

We love him, because he first loved us. I John 4:19

The Virtuous Woman

The example of a faithful woman is so important to everyone around her. When you think of all the things about your mother that meant so much to you, it's not a wonder the Bible has much to say about them.

Her husband can trust her. "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." (Proverbs 31:11-12)

He can count on her to help prepare, keep, nurture, and care for their home. "Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands." (Proverbs 14:1) "She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness." (Proverbs 31:13-24, 27)

Her children watch her, listen to her, learn from her. "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." (Proverbs 31:28)

They and others know they can look to her, trust her words, and heed her advice. "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." (Proverbs 31:25-26)

And it's even more than that. In the Scriptures, the apostle Paul speaks of the impact the lives of two women had on Timothy's life. "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." (II Timothy 1:5) Their faith and trust in Christ were evident and true to those around them. Their testimonies loudly proclaimed His Gospel, and they were used to show others that Christ is the one and only Way.

I am so thankful that I have had the examples of godly women in my life. Much like Timothy, my own great-grandmother trusted Christ, then led her children to Him by her faithfulness to Him as she lived her daily life. My grandmother also led her children to Christ, and I was with my mother when I trusted Christ and asked Him to come into my own life. It is because of their testimonies that I have come to know the love of Christ and have seen what it means to live a life for Christ, well equipped and prepared for what each day may hold.

I'd like to wish a happy Mother's Day to my mom and grandmothers, and to all the moms who may be reading this. I encourage you to keep modeling the life of a faithful woman, intent on seeking to draw closer and closer to Christ's perfect example, living out the fullness of joy found only in Him. I imagine there are some moms who may have regrets or feel that it's too late to be the great mom you wish you could have been. None of us is perfect, which is why Jesus came to suffer and die for our sins. Anyone who will place their trust in Him will become His child and be saved forever. And with His help, each of us can become the person we should be, the example we should be, the faithful woman we ought to be. "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." (Proverbs 31:30)

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." (Proverbs 31:10)