Monday, August 27, 2012

To Be Called As One Jesus Loved

I’ve been thinking about how we express love. Close family, friends, and even pets have habits that represent their love.
 
Wesley has grown up using me as a racetrack, her bed, and her comforter. She doesn’t know she’s a cat; she’s our baby. She loves to lie on her Daddy’s belly and fusses if he moves. She often climbs into bed with me where she slowly circles into my reach then collapses, pinning my hand beneath her. If I’m on the telephone, she’s perched on my chest. 

Our daughter, Kari, has also grown up in the knowledge that she’s our baby and I’ve noticed she does things similarly. Daddy’s belly is her favorite pillow and Momma’s bed has just enough room for her to lie by my side—pinning my arm beneath her. When I’m on the phone, she’s usually on the other end. 

Earl and I were at a local restaurant recently and while we waited for our lunch, I lay back in my wheelchair. Oliver, the hostess’ son, came over and asked, “Mrs. Berta, are you sleeping?” I told him I was resting and we talked awhile before he moved on, talking to others. Loved children are comfortable in loving others. 

I want to be like Wesley, Kari and Oliver in the presence of my Heavenly Father. I want to recline against Him as John lay against Jesus’ breast, to be called as one Jesus loved,* or to rest at His feet as Mary chose.**

Whom do you love, or who loves you, and impresses that love of Christ in your life?

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:9-13 NKJV)
 
In Christian Love,
Berta

*John 13:23 NKJV
**Luke 10:9b NKJV

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Sing To The Lord A New Song

My parents owned several small businesses when I was a little girl. At eight, I began helping in their candy store. “Yeah,” I thought, “chocolate and me, alone.” I worked my way up in the next business, a pool hall for teens. I served burgers, fries, and sodas while I learned how to shoot pool, dance to whatever was playing on our jukebox, and play pinball. By the time they had Don andfaith Barb’s cafĂ©, I was working seven-days a week for tips. I grilled, fried, cooked, served and cleaned.

As a Navy corpsman, I again worked my way up. I improved my skills by putting all my effort into every task I was assigned. I continued to grow through becoming an LPN then an RN.

When I met Christ and sought His will in my life, I opened my heart to His teachings. Christian saints took me under their wings and by their example’s my faith increased. In Bible study, they patiently taught me to read and discern God’s word. I learned to talk to Him and listen for His “still, small voice.” I began looking for Him every day, in every way and you know what? He was always there.

When I have good days, or moments—He’s here. When I cry—He’s here. When my husband, daughter, sister or friend needs Him, we pray and He’s there. Don’t read this wrong, God isn’t a fixer. His Spirit is the comforter and guide.

Jesus words, “I will never leave you or forsake you” are true. But WE have the need to continue to grow in Christ all the days of our life. Pray to Him and listen. Worship Him. Sing psalms and praise Him. Read His word. Tell others what He’s doing in your life.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
    proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Psalm 96 NIV
In Christian Love,
Berta