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Created to Fly!

While in Shenandoah National Park, we saw a couple of caterpillars and a lot of butterflies!

True Brushfoot: Question Mark caterpillar taken in Shenandoah State Park by George September 2019

Would you believe I once filled an entire dresser drawer with caterpillars? I did! Unfortunately, Momma discovered them. My plan was to feed them azalea leaves until they became pupae (chrysalis). Then they would become butterflies and flutter out into my room when I opened the drawer. Cool idea, right?!

Monarch taken in Shenandoah State Park by George September 2019

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the differences in the caterpillars and butterflies since we took our day trips. The caterpillars were working hard to climb those stems; using all their legs. Meanwhile, the butterflies were flitting from place to place, and able to easily evade anything trying to harm or devour them.

Red-spotted Purple taken in Shenandoah State Park by George September 2019

That had me thinking. Those caterpillars were always meant to be butterflies. They weren’t created to be eggs, larvae (caterpillars), or pupae (chrysalis). Nope! They were always meant to become butterflies!

Red Admiral taken in Shenandoah State Park by George September 2019

Just like people were always meant to be in relationship with God and live with His indwelling Holy Spirit power. That was God’s plan for us from the very beginning. He never meant for us to live apart from Him; struggling to live in our own strength.

Red Comma taken in Shenandoah State Park by George September 2019

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (ESV)

Spicebush Swallowtail with blue-green cloud taken in Shenandoah State Park by George September 2019

“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.” John 1:12-13 (NLT)

Unlike the caterpillar, which has no choice in it’s life stages, we are given the freedom to choose whether or not we will be in relationship with God. Jesus is the way of salvation from eternal separation from God, and He is also the way for us to live transformed lives (John 14:6 and 2nd Corinthians 5:17). We can choose to live the life we were created to live by just asking Jesus to make it happen (Romans 10:13).

Spicebush Swallowtail with green cloud taken in Shenandoah State Park by George September 2019

How about you? How have you changed since becoming a Christ-follower? Were there challenges from within yourself or others? What are the benefits of those changes?

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Hold Tight!

George and I recently took a couple of different day trips to Shenandoah National Park. We stopped at every overlook, took lots of pictures, picnicked, and even explored some of the side trails.

We saw a caterpillar at one of the overlooks. I couldn’t stop thinking about all those little legs clinging to the stem. I knew there was a lesson there.

Caterpillar taken by George on September 8, 2019

Sure enough! Look at the verse the LORD pointed out to me.

“Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.” Deuteronomy 13:4 (NLT)

What does it even mean to cling to something? According to dictionary.com, the word cling means “to hold tight, as by grasping or embracing; cleave:”

So is it even possible for us to cling to more than one thing at a time? I’m beginning to think the answer is, “No!”

That presses me to ask myself, “What am I clinging to right now?“

A concern? A pain? An offense? My own way? Someone? Something else?

A couple of my favorite verses are:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (TLB).

These verses tell us to trust the LORD with everything. Hmmm…trusting Him makes it possible to let go of everything we’re holding onto. Letting go frees us to cling to Him.

Wait! These verses also tell us we will experience God’s peace when we trust Him with everything! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to start practicing my clinging to the LORD skills. You with me?

How about you? Do you have a life verse? If so, please share it with us in the comments section below. And while you’re there, share some of the ways the LORD has shown you He is trustworthy?

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Staying in Step

We visited George’s family in England last summer. I’d never been. It’s hard to believe none of us knew the other existed until just a few years ago, but that’s another story.

The final four days of our trip was spent in London. It was an amazing and fun time. We saw a city perfectly blended with both old and new.

View of London Bridge from our Water Taxi taken by George

We rode water taxis up and down the Thames River. We visited Greenwich and stood in two time zones at once. We tried to explore and experience as much as possible.

The London part of our trip has one moment that seems to bring the most conversation, teasing, and laughter. It was the afternoon of our first full day of exploration. We were exhausted, but fairly close to Buckingham Parade Grounds. We decided to walk over and see it before returning to our rooms.

We entered through an area where two of the Queen’s Lifeguards stood and stepped into a short line on the left. This Lifeguard was tall; the front portion of his boots were close to hip height on me! When it was our turn to step up, I spoke to him.

Me with the Queen’s Lifeguard taken by George

No, he didn’t answer, but I saw his eyes move in my direction. That was all I needed. He was aware of me and hearing me. I told him about seeing the Trooping the Colour Ceremony on TV just a few days previously.

I was super excited to share with him all I’d seen and learned, and he was a captive audience. Right in the middle of my commentary, he stomped his feet, rearranged his sword position, stomped again while turning, marched a few steps, stomp-turned again (very loudly), and marched out right where I was. I was thrilled. I turned around and walked right by him. I hardly missed a beat in continuing my one-sided conversation. I felt encouraged by his occasional eye glances. I was sure he was listening.

Marching with the Queen’s Lifeguard taken by George 2018

He stopped, stomped, and turned, and we headed in the direction of the street. I stayed right with him and continued sharing. He stopped, stomped, and turned a third time to cut across the arched entrance. That’s when I realized where I was and became embarrassingly aware of the two hundred plus sets of eyes watching me.

I stopped talking and peeled off, scurrying over to where George and the rest of his family were standing. They were shocked. I’m told they asked George what I was doing. It’s a great family joke now, but they were more appalled than teasing in the beginning. It seems what I was doing could be construed as mockery. I assure you, it was not!

You may be wondering the point of this story. Here goes. I want to walk in step with Holy Spirit and be unaffected by the misunderstanding of those observing my walk. I want to NOT peel off when I see them looking, but invite them to join me in walking by Him.

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 (NASB)

The CJB version says it like this…

“Since it is through the Spirit that we have Life, let it also be through the Spirit that we order our lives day by day.“

I was in perfect step with the Lifeguard that day. I was so focused on him that I didn’t even realize how in step I was. He was my focus. I didn’t hear the gasps or the questions. I was delighting in the experience.

How about you? Do you have a memory of being so tuned into who you were with that you forgot to worry about what others were thinking about you or your actions?

Fun Fact: The Trooping of the Colour Ceremony is an annual event to celebrate the Queen’s birthday, but does not take place on her actual birthday.

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Legacy of Light

George and I have visited two decommissioned lighthouses of the Chesapeake Bay. Both are in Maryland.

Turkey Point Light Station is part of Elk Neck State Park and can be toured each weekend. It’s no longer a light for those in the Bay, but it’s story of light is still told to all who care to hear.

Turkey Point Lighthouse taken by George in 2003

Hooper Strait Light is a screw-pile lighthouse and now part of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. It is no longer in the strait, but it’s story continues to be told.

Hooper Strait Lighthouse taken by George in 2004

These lights remind me our story will continue, even after we step into eternity, and have me wondering which stories will be told about me in years to come.

Will they be stories of light in the dark? Will they illuminate Jesus and encourage those listening to trust Him when it doesn’t make sense? Will the stories of my life create in the listeners a curiosity and desire to know the LORD for themselves?

Our days are numbered! We cannot get them back once they are gone. We cannot rewrite the story of those days already lived. We can only choose how we will live going forward.

“Lord, help me to realize how brief my time on earth will be. Help me to know that I am here for but a moment more.” Psalm 39:4 (TLB)

We will all leave a legacy. And our days in which to create our legacy are numbered. So, what legacy are we going to leave? I don’t want my legacy to be only the things of this world, but of lasting eternal value, as well. Every single one of us will one day step into eternity. What will we leave behind?

How about you? Is there someone who left a legacy of light for you? If so, please share something they said or did and how it helped you in the comments section below. We want to see the light of their legacy too!

Fun Facts: Four of the ten Turkey Point lightkeepers were women. Hooper Straight Light was moved by barge to St. Michaels, MD in 1966.

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Fog Horns

George was sent to Brunswick, Maine for several months back in 2005 while the USS Bainbridge was under construction at Bath Iron Works. I went up for a visit and we explored some of the area together.

One place we went was Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. Portland Head Light sits nearby the old fort and is a fully automated light station equipped with a foghorn.

Front view of Portland Head Light taken by George

The Portland Head Light Station uses an air-chime diaphragm horn. It only sounds when a vessel is in the channel. A laser beam is shot out to sea; if it bounces back, the horn will begin to sound continuously. The horn at Portland Head blows a four second warning, every twenty seconds, when vessels are present during foggy conditions. The interval and duration of each light’s fog horn sound is different, which is another way for sailors to identify where they are.

Fog limits visibility; it also muffles sound. Limited visibility can cause disorientation, panic, and danger. Muffled sound makes us unaware of our proximity to danger. When fog prevents visibility, the intermittent sound of a fog horn helps vessels navigate safely through the channel.

Something I find interesting about fog horns is they don’t just blast out any loud noise. The horns must emit a specific frequency for clarity and distance in foggy conditions.

All this has me thinking about the importance of both light and sound for safe navigation on the waters and in life.

Letting my light shine may not be enough. I may need to speak truth to those around me. In fact, Christ followers have been commissioned to do just that.

Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Mark 16:15 (NLT)

I can’t just be a blast of noise. Not all words penetrate the fog of circumstances that limit visibility and muffle the ears of our hearts. I must use the right frequency when speaking truth to others. I must speak in the frequency of God’s love.

“Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.” Ephesians 4:29 (GNT)

I’m also reminded to surround myself with those who will do the same for me. I want to hear words of truth spoken with love during times of difficult circumstances; times when I’m unaware of my proximity to danger.

Side view of Portland Head Light taken by George

How about you? Has someone spoken a timely word into your life and helped you avoid unseen danger? If so, why not tell them? Who knows how timely your word of thanks will be for them?

Fun Facts: Portland Head Light is the oldest lighthouse in Maine, was commissioned by President George Washington when Maine was still part of the colony of Massachusetts, and was the first lighthouse to be built by the United States Government. It was dedicated by the Marquis de Lafayette and was the inspiration for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “The Lighthouse.”

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Immoveable!

A lighthouse doesn’t move. It remains in one place at all times. That’s one of the reasons it is so helpful in navigation. It is a reference point for those navigating the local waters. Sailors cannot see hidden dangers beneath the surface, but remain confident they’re in the shipping lane. How? They know where the lighthouse is always located which allows them to take a “fix” and “plot” their location.

New Cape Henry Lighthouse taken from top of Old Cape Henry Lighthouse by George

The same is true of our LORD. He is immoveable! He doesn’t shift positions on us. We can count on Him remaining steadfast in times of trouble or uncertainty. We can be certain of His presence and know which way to move based on His position.

How do we find His position? Seek Him! He says,

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)

What are some of the ways God reveals Himself to us when we seek Him?

His written word, the Bible. It points us to Him and His ways.

Trustworthy Christ Followers. They share their experiences of God’s steadfast presence when they were faced with uncertainty or danger. They also prayerfully seek His direction on our behalf.

Holy Spirit. He’s always with us and is making petitions to the Father on our behalf. But are we talking to God about it or looking for out own way out?

Old Cape Henry Lighthouse taken by George

Sometimes I just need to be still long enough to acknowledge His presence. I need to cease and desist my own striving to find which way to go. Look for God. Allow Him to be my reference point. Stop leaning on my own understanding of where I am and what I’m facing.

How about you? Has there been a time in your past when you found your way to a place of safe harbor because you trusted the LORD’s position and didn’t go your own way? How has that experience enabled you to seek Him quicker in future times of uncertainty or trouble?

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Mine!

I was a grade-schooler when my mother started keeping Charlie. It helped his parents and provided additional income for our family.

Charlie’s story is not mine to share, but he had already faced much tragedy and sorrow. He needed to be loved and feel loved.

Charlie adored me, but I considered him a rival for my mother’s love.

He acted like he was a part of my family! He would beg to stay with us even when his parents weren’t working. I came to resent him with a passion I’m not proud to admit.

While reading the end of Jonah, I realized I can foster those same feelings in my relationship with God. Any time I don’t share His Good News of salvation, I’m basically saying, “Get your own family!”

You’re right!

I cannot choose salvation for anyone else.

I cannot invite Jesus Christ to be LORD in their lives.

I cannot walk by Holy Spirit for them.

But…

I can tell them the Good News of Jesus and invite them to become my brother or sister in God’s family (Romans 10:14-15).

I can genuinely desire for them to escape eternal death (Romans 3:23).

I can tell them their sin has been paid for by Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).

I can value them, be available to them, and let my light shine brightly at all times. Praying they will see and call on the LORD for salvation (Romans 10:9-10 & 13)

I can point the way to safe harbor in Jesus, who is our salvation.

St. Michaels MD harbor taken by George

“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,
    and he saved them from their distress.
He calmed the storm to a whisper
    and stilled the waves.
What a blessing was that stillness
    as he brought them safely into harbor! Psalm 107:28-30

I’ve spent the morning thanking God, for the blessing of being His daughter, for His continuing mercy and compassion for me, His slowness to anger and overwhelming grace. I have so much to be thankful for, and my Father desires to give those same good gifts to those around me.

So I’m asking Him for a generous heart. A heart that genuinely wants others to know Him as their own Abba Father. I’m asking for a willingness to share Him with others, and not begrudge anyone the opportunity to experience the joy of His salvation or the abundant life He has for them. I’m praying my Father will teach me to love others as He loves me. And, yes! I know I’m asking for a multitude of miracles when I ask those things of Him!!!

How about you? Are you a member of God’s family? If you are, do you freely invest in others and invite them to be a part of our family too? If you’re unsure of whether you’re a member of God’s family, I’d be delighted to share the Good News with you or answer any questions you may have. (No, I don’t have all the answers, but I have others I can ask for help in finding them.)

Charlie’s name is fictional to protect his identity!

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Storms!

Jonah 1:12b (CJB) “I know it’s my fault that this terrible storm has come over you.”

Jonah didn’t want to obey God, so he got on a ship going in the opposite direction. What did God do? He sent a storm so violent it threatened to tear the ship to pieces.

USS Simpson FFG 56 taken from deck of USS Bainbridge DDG 96 by George

Dangerous and stormy waters are one of several reasons sailors need lighthouses. But reading Jonah chapter 1, had me thinking less about lighthouses and more about how our choices bring storms “over” others.

I grew up hearing the quote, “No man is an island unto himself.” But it’s easy to forget that, isn’t it? It’s easy to think our choices don’t really affect others.

It’s easy to dismiss the slight bump we make against others and the subsequent movement in their lives. We don’t even consider the choppy waters we’re creating. We’re oblivious to our decision’s impact on them. We’re like Jonah, sleeping below decks and blissfully unaware.

Meanwhile, their lives have been turned broadside to the waves. The possibility of capsizing increased exponentially. Lives in danger of being torn apart.

Taken by George while standing on deck of USS Bainbridge DDG 96 during a storm at sea

Jonah confessed and was thrown overboard. The seas calmed immediately and the sailors were “seized with great fear of Adonai, they offered a sacrifice to Adonai and made vows.” (v 16)

The sailors experienced the sovereign, all-seeing might of God that day. They understood more of who He is. Oh! Jonah didn’t die, just in case you’ve never heard his story.

The book of Jonah is a great read; one I find easy to relate to. His book is about rebellion, repentance, obedience, and even petulance over God being as gracious with others as He is with us.

Why is it we want God to forgive us our sins and punish others for theirs? That’s a question for next week!

Today, I’m asking myself how my choices are influencing the lives around me. Am I ignoring the impact of my influence because I want my own way?

How about you? Have you found yourself in a storm of another’s making? How did it reveal something new about God to you? How has it changed your life going forward? Has it caused you to consider others before making your decisions?

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Let Your Light Shine!

I’m still thinking about our lighthouse visit. Without the light, it’s just a house with a tower, and incapable of providing safe guidance into ports or through dangerous waters or weather.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14a (NASB)

Christ Followers are the light of Christ in this world. He puts us in a specific place at a specific time and equips us with everything needed to be light for those around us. He even gives us a resident light keeper, Holy Spirit, to ensure there’s fuel for our lamp and our lens is cleaned, sealed, and operational.

Jesus also said, “Let your light shine…” Matthew 5:16a (NASB)

Wow! The use of the word “let” tells me we can hinder the work of Holy Spirit in our lives and prevent our light from shining.

Our lives will shine bright for all to see if we cooperate with Holy Spirit. He is every Christian’s God-given Helper and He lives in us; available at all times to meet every need!

Paul wrote often about relationships and warned Christians not to grieve or quench the Spirit. (Ephesians 4:30 & 1 Thessalonians 5:19)

Am I hiding my light when…

I don’t live my life with others?

I act as if I have nothing to share with others?

I’m not transparent with others?

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG)

How about you? Has someone been the light of Christ during a dark and/or stormy time in your life? Did your experience help you see the LORD differently? Has it changed the way you live?

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Lighthouse Views

I recently discovered George had never been in the St. Simons Island lighthouse. How could this be? He grew up right there on the island!

Right then and there, I made it my mission to take him to the lighthouse. It was a perfect July day! Blue skies, ocean breezes, and bearable humidity. We arrived early, watched a short documentary about the lighthouse, climbed all one hundred twenty-nine steps, explored the museum where the light keepers and their assistants lived, and took lots of pictures.

The galleries view was spectacular and extemely different than the view from below. It wasn’t long before I started pondering how much our point-of-view influences our trust in the LORD.

Galleries View

“My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares 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 (NASB)

These are some of my favorite verses. It’s been many years since they first caught my attention and pressed me to take a more honest look at myself. Even now, I find almost all my struggles can be traced back to a lack of trust in God. Thankfully, I’ve learned to recognize the signs and stop the progress.

Procrastination is my first indicator. If I’m alert, I will catch myself. If I miss or ignore the warning signs, I’ll slip and slide my way down to reading my Bible from my own perspective and agenda. Soon after, I lose sight of the LORD and His sovereign goodness and love. Troubles always follow.

Don’t be discouraged! Our LORD always hears and answers our cries for help; even when it’s a mess of our own making. Sometimes there is mercy and grace, so we are spared the consequences. Others times we receive mercy, but the consequences come anyway. Either way, forgiveness and restoration is immediate. All we have to do is confess our sin of pride, and ask for help. And yes, trusting my own understanding, instead of God’s, is pride!

Most days, I read my Bible because I’m eager to hear God’s heart and learn His perspective on, well, everything. I’ve discovered something wonderful. When I choose to follow God’s way, my trust in Him grows. Next comes confidence in God and His ways. Confidence helps me let go of my need to understand God’s reason’s, so I can act. Putting action behind my beliefs is being faithful. And the faithful are overcomers!

My View from the Bottom

Our lighthouse experience was a gentle reminder to remain self-controlled and alert; trusting the LORD with all my heart and not leaning on my own understanding (1 Peter 5:8 & Proverbs 3:5).

How about you? Does God remind you of lessons already learned? Why do you think He does that?

George and Me
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