Building Relationships and Playing Canasta

When I was about 8 years old, I lived in the high desert in Southern California.  We had 5 acres of land, most of it a field. Aunt Margaret and Uncle Jimmy lived on the other side of the field, about a mile away.  

We were pretty close and liked to spend time together.  I had a pony named Frosty and I rode him across the field to their house every week.  Aunt Margaret taught me how to play Canasta. We played every week for about 2 years until they moved. 

 

Not only did I learn how to play Canasta, I got to spend time with Aunt Margaret.  She taught me how to be a “good loser” by saying, “if you’re gonna cry, I’m not going to play with you.”  I really wanted to play, so I sniffled, blew my nose, and stopped crying.  In other words, it worked.  Now I enjoy the game and Aunt Margaret and I have a good relationship as adults. And, of course, good memories from some 40+ years ago.

It didn’t take a lot, but Aunt Margaret’s spending time with me on a regular basis, made an impact on me and is a special memory I cherish.

God's Love Letter to His Children

This world gives us lots of ideas of who God is.  But if we want to know the truth, we have to read what He tells us about himself in the Bible. 

 My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in My image. Genesis 1:27

In me, you live and move and have your being, for you are my offspring. Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake; all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. John 8:41-44

I am not distant or angry, but am the complete expression of love. I John 4:16

And I desire to lavish my love on you. I John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your father. I John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48

Every good gift you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.  Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalm 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and soul. Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

For I am the one who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13  

I can do more for you than you can possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.  II Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. II Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.   Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes, Revelation 21:3-4

And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.  Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23

He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not opposed to you. Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins against you.  II Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so you and I could be reconciled. II Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. I John 4:9-10

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. I John 2:23

Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7 I have always been Father and will always be Father. 

My question is: will you be my child?  John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love, 

Your Dad, Almighty God

   

Making A Difference In The World Today

Sometimes it seems like I don't make a difference.  Maybe you've felt the same at some point.  Just watching the news, reading the newspaper,  or seeing things online  can be depressing with all the wars and senseless tragedies we hear about.  

But the truth is we can and do have an impact.  We may not solve all the problems in the world, but the small, seemingly insignificant actions can impact someone more than we know.

I ran across this story recently that illustrates just that.

Book Review: Marrying His Best Friend

Today's the 3rd Friday of thew month,so  I'm posting a book review on Favorite Friday Fiction on  Jennifer Hallmark's site. Read more here.

Worship Music Brightened My Day

It was over a decade ago, but I still remember it well. I’d been in the hospital for a few months, recovering from complications of a surgery. I was getting better, but the hospital isn’t a good place to spend your days—especially for so long. I was surrounded by white walls, sterile air, and machines that beeped constantly every day. The environment only worsened how bad I already felt.

I’d been in the acute care for several weeks after surgery and had finally been transferred to rehab, where I was re-learning how to sit up, stand, and walk in physical therapy. Read the rest of the story here.

Mothers' Day

Since today's Mothers’ Day, I want to take a moment to publicly thank my mom, Jean Andersen, for all she means to me.   

We’ve always been close and to this day I consider her to be one of my most trustworthy friends. She gives me her time and makes me laugh.   

Mom’s an encourager too and sometimes says just what I need to hear. Sometimes I need a different perspective about something and other times I just want to unload on someone.  Her shoulders are broad enough for that too. 

So thanks for all you do and everything you mean to me.  You’re the best!

Birthday Surprise

I've been blessed with the opportunity to travel quite a bit in my life.  When I was in high school, I was a foreign exchange student

An Opportunity to Help Someone In Need

The weather’s been a bit dreary lately here in SC, with lots of rain. Even when it’s not raining, there’s lots of clouds overhead. Not exactly uplifting, in my opinion although it is good for the gardens. 

A few weeks ago though, the sun was out and I took advantage of it, taking Tommy for a walk. We headed down the street and I unexpectedly met up with a neighbor of mine. She needed some help and I was there to provide it.  Read the rest of the story here.

Suspense-Filled Story by Lynette Eason

It's the third Friday of the month, so  I'm posting on Jennifer Hallmark's blog, Small Acts of Kindness Favorite Fiction Friday.  Lynette Eason has written over 20 books over many years. Today's post is a review of one of them, Don't Look Back. Learn more about it at  here.

Even Little Things Can Make A Difference

Sometimes I feel insignificant. As if  the things I say or do don't matter because they only affect one or two people.  But what if I'm wrong?  What if those things, even small things, DO matter?  Perhaps making a difference in one person's life reaches more than just him or her?  Could it be that those people can bless others  because of what we've said or done?  We may never know, but it's possible.  Read more here to see an example of what I mean.