Skipping Stone Ripples & Circles of Honor

Have you ever tried to skip stones across a peaceful pond or calm lake?  The skip point sends out ever widening concentric circle ripples and if the 'skip' is close enough, those circles eventually intersect each other.  It's quite fun to try to do this.  One of my brothers invariably was able to do this better than I.  

These were the thoughts I had after my morning Bible devotions today.  I'm working on a reading plan called "When Faith Catches Fire" written by Samuel Rodriguez and Dr. Robert Crosby.  Today's text was taken from John 17:21-22.  The authors ask if anyone has ever thought to answer Jesus' prayer where He asks His Father God that may all His disciples...

 "be one, just as You, Father, are in me, and I in You, that they also be in us,"

Verse 21 finishes...

"so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

Jesus further asks His Father...

"May they be one even as we are one...." (verse 22)

Rodriguez and Crosby say that we all expect Jesus to answer our prayers we ask of Him, but do we ever consider answering His, as seen in these verses?

New concept to me.

I like how they explained how they thought this could be brought about.  They say to "draw circles of honor" around people.  Not false flattery but sincere words of praise or encouragement, not just to an individual but in the hearing of others.  This builds others up instead of tearing them down.

The opposite can happen when we slander another which usually gets done behind another's back creating ugly situations.  The words usually get back to the one spoken against.  That's where the tearing down comes in.

Yet, when we purpose to praise, and in front of others, a "circle of honor" will materialize.  That person will then be uplifted and enabled to do so for another.  This helps to bring greater unity in our circle of friends and family and no less among the people of God in any given congregation.  This, in turn, brings forth that unity God desires.

So can you visualize all this?  Can you visualize why the skipping stone image?  

As we choose to create "circles of honor" here, and there, you will be "answering" Jesus' prayer.  

Rodriguez and Crosby end with the question,

"Who are some of the people you want to honor this week?"

Let us be doers and not just hearers of God's word, and of godly wisdom spoken by His children.  Skip a few stones along your way today.  Happy skipping and 'circling'.

                                                ~ERC  October 2017~

Refreshing Wells

Looking for verses about a connection between salvation and happiness I happened upon Isaiah 12:3, which really 'spoke' to me.  Here's what it says...

"With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation."

It struck my fancy and got me cogitating about wells, water, springs, geysers and fountains.  

Once upon a time while growing up we got water from a well at our house in Sambro, Nova Scotia, Canada.  There's good and not so good about that.  The good is it had refreshing water with none of the additives a city run water supply would dump into the water.  The not so good was that in the summer we had to really ration the water because the well could run dry.  In the winter we had to stick a big light down the well to keep the water from freezing solid.  

The waters from the well were there to give us life and 'save' us yet it could and would and did fail us at times.  It didn't always 'save' us, we had to 'save' it.

And that is just like salvation.  We cannot earn it in any way, shape or form.  Works or keeping a set of laws, even when they are good morals and lead us to have right and better thinking so that our actions will be good, the 'well' itself cannot save us.  We need the Living Water, Jesus Christ (John 4:1-14).  His well is never empty and never puts a freeze on anyone trying to 'drink'.  Drink freely and find great joy in salvation through Jesus Christ; He is the one who earned this privilege for one and all who avail themselves thereof.

Then there was the little spring that was behind our Sambro house.  It was unobtrusive yet had a wee-sized might of its own.  It ran from the back of the house and wound around to the side and then down to the drainage ditch out the front.  It minded its own business and pressed on with its springing, watering the area as it meandered along.  

In the winter my Dad and brother would harness the water with a wee dam and create a mini ice-skating rink for us kids which was also a magnet for some of the other neighborhood children.  We had grand times imagining ourselves as great figure skating divas or ice-hockey stars.  There was a lot of joy from that wee spring.

When we come to salvation through Jesus Christ, the joy of the Lord can be our strength and there is no limit to that.  We can draw from this 'well', again and again.  

From wells and springs my mind then jumped to Old Faithful, the geyser.  It was named a way back in 1870, according to Wikipedia, and since the year 2000 'geysers' every 44-125 minutes.  When it spouts up its boiling hot water, it can often sustain as long as 1 1/2 to 5 minutes doing so.  Amazing.  Awesome.  I have never seen this with my own eyes unfortunately,  but just thinking of it stands me in awe.  How magnificent it must be close up.  Well, not too close.

May I direct your attention to a key word here; faithful.  Old Faithful was named in 1870, but it must have been gushing forth for ages prior.  It is still ongoing.  Our God is the ever faithful one.  

``The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you, He will never leave you nor forsake you.``  Deuteronomy 31:8.

These words are repeated in Hebrews 13:5.  Granted for a different reason, yet despite our situation in life, God`s promise to be with us and to never forsake us, still stands.  That sounds a lot like faithfulness to me and encourages me to press on with life.  Once we have salvation through God`s Son Jesus Christ, we are secure.  Does this thought and promise give you joy...it does for me.  That springs from the well of salvation.

And then fountains were mentioned...

Picture in your mind a fountain in the middle of a town square.  Cobble stones surround.  It`s summer and hot.  The fountain cascades water in circumference and children splash and squeal with gleeful abandon playing under and in the water falling gently upon them.   There are several adults dodging in and out; parents attending to their offspring.  It`s cooling and joyful.  Relaxing, and relief from the heat.

Other adults won`t be caught dead frolicking publicly there like a child.  They hurry on their way.

That`s like salvation.  Those who choose to accept Jesus as Savior can have their burdens lifted.  He gives rest (Matthew 11:28).  Perhaps the troubles they may have do not go away, but they can find relief; Someone to confide in who really cares.  May His love and care cascade upon you as that fountain.  This too, comes from the well of salvation.  

Draw again and again from the refreshing wells of salvation and may you have the joy that accompanies.

                                                ERC  October 2017

Out of the Blue - A Story - Part 25-27

Blue Topaz

Part 25

The friends and folks in Borneo were all a-flutter; their Ruth E was getting married and she had invited any who could come!!  

Likely none of them could but if they pooled their resources one or two of them might brave the "great-unknown-world-across-the seas" where Ruth E comes from.

Jacey and Jacinth had both gotten personal emails inviting them to be her bridesmaids.  Would they come if Shem and she sponsored their tickets?

Would they??  Of course they would!  "Oh but Ruth E we are scared to death to go to your world!!"

Ruth E had to calm them with many an email and map out just what they'd need to do:  valid passports; some warmer clothes; they'd send them the e-tickets; explanation step-by-step through immigration and visa obtaining, etc.

"Over here," she'd told them, "we eat, sleep and go to the toilet as much as you do over there; just maybe a little bit differently.  But, don't worry, we will eat some rice when you come.  Fret not.  My Mother will take the best of care of you.  She knows what to do as she learned from me," Ruth E assured them.

In the end the villagers decreed that the headman and his wife would accompany Jacey and Jacinth as they were the ones who could speak some English (Ruth E wondered what happened to all the ones she'd taught English to but figured they were apprehensive of coming).  The headman and his wife were only tolerable at English but she was so pleased at least these four would come.

The others sent so many congratulatory emails; some wanting to know all about this Dr. Shem guy.  He better treat her well or they would all come and teach him some tribal discipline.  Was he a Christian they wanted to know; and many other things.

Finally Ruth E sent out a general email to them all describing Dr. Shem and his girls and telling them, "Yes, he's a Christian and loves God very much.  He even does some mission work too."

That quelled their misgivings as to whether or not this Dr. Shem was a good man.  After all, he kind of came out of the blue and snatched their Ruth E away.  Ruth E had to laugh but all this endeared them to her even more.  She was still very much one of their family and they were looking out for her.  Shem was somewhat chagrined by all the censureship but understood their love and protectiveness of their 'family' member.  Ruth E was a precious person and he'd do his best not to take her for granted.

Ruth E was a bit saddened that none of her Borneo branch members would be able to attend but she knew the logistics of all that would be tricky.  She thanked them for their advance wedding gift and for their love, prayers and moral support.

Hannah and Heather were besides themselves to be asked to be flower girls but turned their noses up when Ruth E told them there would be ring bearers.  However when she explained that they'd be their cousins, that was ok then, they'd suffer it out.  Ha, ha.

Sapphire was well pleased to be asked to be maid-of-honor but felt Ruth E should postpone the wedding for another few months so she would have a chance to lose some weight.  Ruth E laughed, "You look fine enough Sapphy.  You lose too much you'll dry up and blow away.  We can't have that."

"I suppose you are correct as usual," Sapphire conceded, "but you know, you never know if I can catch the eye of the best man."

"The best man is your cousin Navy," Ruth E giggled gleefully. "He'll be eyeing others."

"Phewy!  Why must we have so many cousins!"  Sapphire mourned.

"Well, there will be one of Josie's brothers as a groomsman; perhaps he'll do?" offered Ruth E.

"Nothin' doin'!" Sapphire fired back, "He's not my type."

"Seems there's many who aren't your type Sapphy; there's no one perfect ya know, not even though made especially for you."

"I know," sighed Sapphire.  "That's why its a shame we have so many cousins who are such fine up and out-standing men.  By comparison, all others pale."

"Oh Sapphire!  I found one."

"Yeah, just my luck-you won him!  He doesn't have any long lost brothers that you know of does he?"  Sapphire lamented hopefully.

"If such a brother is to be found, you'll be the first one I'll tell.  But Sapphire...in God's good timing.  Wait for Him and His will," chided Ruth E.

"I know, I know.  But if only someone "out of the Blue family" could be in attendance;  how nice."

"We can pledge to pray together for such a guy Sapphire.  God knows the desire of your heart and I know you actually want what God wants for you.  Why not get Great-granny praying too.  She's good at that.  It's a big part of why Shem and I are together now-due to her prayers and relationship with her Heavenly Father."

"Yes, you are correct Ruth E, cousin."

"I'll need your assistance with Jacey and Jacinth when I'm otherwise occupied, Sapphy.  Take them for a jolly holiday afterwards.  My folks will tend to Mr. and Mrs. Kiamson.  They'll need a slower pace.  I'll be back from the honeymoon in time to say a day of good-byes.  Oh Sapphy my heart is bursting."

"Sure, I can handle it.  Just give me some hints on some of the hurdles of culture shock they'll face.  I know some from you but you were originally from here so have the advantage."

"Ok, let me think of them and write them out for you.  Let you know later.  And Sapphy, thanks for all the help.  Thanks for being such a wonderful cousin-sister down through all the years."

"Oh Ruth E, you're the best-est."

The cousins hugged and shed a few tears on each others' shoulders.

And so on as The Day approached.

Part 26

The Borneo contingent were dazzled and rather overwhelmed with Ruth E's world but true to form, adapted fairly well.  They loved her parents straight off, were somewhat in awe of 'Dr. Shem', as they insisted on calling him, and ever the child-loving people, made quick friends with Hannah and Heather.  

There was mutual admiration there.  Hannah and Heather were rather enthralled with "the folks from afar" as they explained to their Grandmother H later.  "Miss Ruth E can talk to them in their language; it sounds so cool.  But they can speak a bit of English with us too, but have a funny accent like Miss Ruth E used to have but they're good people, no mistaking."

Ruth E was so touched by the Borneo love.  All the village women had banded together and made her a traditional bead dress.  Normally such a dress would take about three years to make, little bit by little bit.  The women had kept at it almost night and day for two months straight to complete it.  What a gift!  What an heirloom!  She'd treasure it forever.

This is what a mother would do for a daughter and present to her upon her wedding day.  Ruth E decided she would change out of her wedding dress and into the traditional bead dress for the wedding reception.  What an awesome gift; beaded with love and affection and village family togetherness.  She was still, one of them.

Part 27

The Day arrived.  All was in readiness.  The strains of "Here Comes the Bride" floated up the aisle to meet the Bride and her Roy L Dad coming down.  Shem was having trouble breathing in his tux he was so jubilant. He couldn't keep his eyes off Ruth E even if he tried.  Good that the flower girls came first so he could wave to them.  They'd be after him otherwise.

"Why did brides have to torture their intended to the last minute though," he wondered impatiently?  "Flower girls & Ring bearers.  Bridesmaids.  Maid-of-honor.  Only then, The Bride."

At last the Father gave the Bride away, placing her hand in Shem's.  "You look stunning, Blue Belle", Shem mouthed to her.

The minister cleared his throat to get Shem and Ruth E's attention.  He waited.  He cleared it again, a little louder, a second time.  He might have to shoot a gun into the air with this couple, he mused.  Finally they turned to him as if, "Ah you said something?"

He got on with it before he lost their attention again...and now, I pronounce you "Husband and wife...You may kiss the bride but don't forget where you are."  The minister chortled.

Shem and Ruth E kissed.  Hannah and Heather squealed in delight and everyone else broke out in uproarious laughter.  "Let them laugh with joy," Shem thought, "I've secured my Blue Belle, at last."

And so the marriage of Dr. Shemuel Paul Hutchinson and Miss Ruth Elizabeth Blue began...

                                                 ~ERC   2017~

Out of the Blue - A Story - Part 22-24

Blue Topaz

Part 22

Achsah Hutchinson, Shem's mother, was a woman of intuition and having realized for some time now her son appeared to be spending more and more time with Ruth Elizabeth Blue, a one time sweetheart, took it upon herself to remonstrate with him.  She'd have to catch him when the girls were not around.  That niche of time would not be easy to come by so she made a date with him for Saturday morning while the girls were at Ruth E's and before Shem went to the senior's home-a window of opportunity she'd grab.  And grab, she did.

"What is it Mama?" Shem asked innocently after they'd ordered their breakfast.

"It's Ruth E, that's what.  Shem, please be careful with her.  She's a wonderful person but you hurt, no rather, broke her heart once upon a time."

"Yes, Mama, I'm keeping that in mind and it keeps me humbled and at a snail's pace with her."

"What about the girls, Shem?  Yes they love her but if this climaxes into a wedding, are they prepared to have a new Momma?  Think especially of Hannah.  She was affected, and long-term, by Josie's Homegoing.  Be careful of them too Shem.  They are your first priority right now."

"I didn't tell you this before, Mama, because I wasn't sure of Ruth E's feelings but I do believe we are making good and steady progress with each other and with her and the girls.  She's really been gracious and giving me a second chance."

"Yes, I still miss Josie and think of her often but I believe she would also want me to move on.  I was wondering, Mama, if you could do me a favor.  If I arrange with Josie's parents to have the girls for a couple of days during school holidays, could you take them there for me?"

"I think it is time for me to collect Josie's things and box them up and send them to the Salvation Army Store.  I want to spend two evenings doing so and remembering her and our relationship.  Then I need to put it behind me.  I'll go bring the girls home afterwards and take her folks some memento or other of Josie's they might like to have.  I think I will then need to tell them of my renewed relationship with Ruth E.  They deserve to know straight from me and not via the grapevine.  What do you think?|"

"Sure.  I can do that and I think you're wise to tell them."  Achsah replied.  "And yes, it is time to pack Josie's things away but you will have to tell the girls you are doing that.  They too may like to keep some of her things, to have and hold now.  You could pack some of the others away in the attic so when they are older they will have a keepsake or two of her. Perhaps some of her special jewelry and China dishes; things like that.   They are very perceptive and observant and would know things are different upon their return."

"Yes, Mama,"  Shem said.  "Thanks for this chat.  It's good to stop and smell the roses; you are a wonderful rose among roses.  I really appreciate all the help over the years you've given so unselfishly and uncomplaining.  You are certainly, "adorned" with God's love.  I also appreciate the advice."

"You are my son, I  could do no less."  Achsah replied, smiling. "A mother's love encompasses much."

Part 23

The days marched on merging into weeks, and months.  Shem would pop down to visit Ruth E on Wednesday evenings for dinner and then slip home late night.  The first time he came, Ruth E was so surprised to see him standing before her at the office reception counter she blushed like a schoolgirl.  Shem was amused but didn't tease.  The office director looked up from his cubical and said to himself, "Oh, Ruth E has a beau; that's news.  He kept it to himself and monitored from a distance.

The girls were so fond of Ruth E and she for them they already felt a lot like family.

Then one Wednesday evening, Shem took Ruth E to a cozy little restaurant about twenty minutes ride out of town.  There Shem proposed to Ruth E and there Ruth E accepted, saying, "Shem I really believe that the Lord brought us together again to renew our relationship and to be united in marriage, so 'Yes! I will marry you!"  

Shem slipped a beautiful blue topaz engagement ring onto her finger and explained, "Blue Topaz is a symbol of my love, care and affection for you, Blue Belle.  The blue color, well, I think you also know, being from the Blue family and all."  And he smiled into her eyes.

Shem had apparently already asked Ruth E's father's permission and permission had been granted.  "But what about the girls, Shem?"  Ruth E had asked.  "Are they ok with this?|"

"They sure are, Ruth E.  It was all I could do to keep them at home tonight, they so wanted to come and join "the proposal".  You know all the prince and princess videos they've seen-they feel they are missing out on romance."

"What does your Mother think, Shem?"

"She's all for it, Ruth E.  This Sunday, would you dine with us for lunch please?  She asked."

"Sure, but I must be sure to spend that evening with my folks."

Shem's phone rang and rang.  He finally let go of Ruth E's hand, where he had placed the engagement ring, to answer.

Before he could get "Hello" out, Ruth E heard the distinct voices of the girls in chorus, "What did she say, Daddy?"

Ruth E had to laugh.  Shem chuckled, "Well, sweetpeas, why don't I let you talk to Miss Ruth E yourself and ask her?"

Shem passed the phone to Ruth E but she too couldn't get a word in edgewise, "Miss Ruth E, are you going to marry our Daddy?  He wouldn't let us come and ask!" they said indignantly.

"Yes, girls, I will be very happy to marry your Daddy."

"Yippie!  Yippie! Yippie!" they shouted with glee.

"OK sweethearts I'll hand the phone back to your Dad, Good Night!"

"Good night soon-to-be-Mommy" they said.

Shem took the phone and in his best father's tone told them, "This is all very exciting, I know girls, but you've got school tomorrow, and need to settle down and go to sleep now.  Love you.  Be good for Grandma H and I'll look in on you when I get home."

"Yes, Daddy.  Good-bye."

"Ok, good-bye."  Shem hung up and turned to Ruth E,  "I'm not sure I can settle down and go to sleep tonight though. Let's get you back to your office room and I'd best skedaddle home.  Maybe the drive will help lull me to sleep."

"Well, don't go to sleep before getting there."  Ruth E cautioned.

Parked in the office parking lot, Shem turned to Ruth E, "Some time ago I kissed your hand and you took off out of the car like a bullet out of a gun.  I'd like to see what would happen if I gave you a good-night kiss on your very tempting lips."

"Try it and see," replied staid, Ruth E, "but I warn you..."

She didn't get any further than that because Shem stifled her words.

Ruth E took to giggling and Shem let her catch her breath, "Oh my Shem.  I think I'm going to suffocate."

She opened the car door, stepped out, took some deep calming breaths and said, "Til next time..."  She  hurriedly shut the door, raced up the office steps and let herself into her accommodation.

When her lights winked on Shem sped off grinning into the night.

Part 24

Ruth E called her parents next morning with the engagement news they'd likely already surmised yet she knew they'd want to hear it from her directly.

"Oh we are so happy for you Ruth E," her mother rejoiced.  "Can I go over and tell Great-granny today?  She'll be dying to know."

"Sure if you think she can't wait til I come up on the weekend.  Better she hear from one of us rather than from the gossip section."

"OK, bye.  See ya Friday afternoon."

The branch mission director was an observant sort of  man, after all, his wife had been honing these skills on him for the past forty years or so, so it was not surprising that when he came into the office and saw a beaming Ruth Elizabeth that he knew he'd best glance at her left ring finger as unobtrusively as possible.  Sure enough, he saw the sparkling rock, "Congratulations!"  he greeted Ruth.

"For what?" she asked.

"It so happens I see a very nice gem on your left ring finger that was not there yesterday.  I believe I recall correctly." he said.

"You deduce correctly, Director.  You don't miss a trick.  Thank-you."  Ruth E purred.  "I'm kinda new to this sort of stuff."

"Sort of stuff, is it?" the director laughed his big hardy guffaw, "wait til I tell Madeleine, she'll be in here as fast as you can say, 'applesauce' wanting to know details.  Be forewarned.  Oh, Ruth E; so happy for you."

"Thank-you, Sir Matthew."

True to Matthew's prediction, Madeleine came in all a bustle.  She brought some very fine homemade applesauce too, which amused Ruth E.  No wonder Matthew had made the applesauce comment.  It was one of Madeleine's many specialties and it was indeed delicious.

After Ruth E was plied with applesauce, she was then plied with Madeleine's questions.  Ruth E answered as best she could.  She really was a dear soul and Ruth E didn't mind the 'interrogation'.  She knew it all wouldn't be discussed outside these four walls except likely with Matthew at home.

"Do you know what this calls for tonight, Ruth E?"

"Not really."

"A celebration!  Please come over for dinner and I'll make you a dinner fit for rejoicing."

She was an endearing woman and loved to do such things for others.  Ruth E accepted the invite.

"You come over with Matthew.  He can bring you back afterwards."

"Thank-you Madeleine.  You are so good to me."

"Nonsense.  It needs to be done."  She hustled into Matthew's quiet, commanded him to bring Ruth E home to dinner that evening and then took herself home.

Ruth E went back to her tasks but it took real effort to concentrate.  And speaking of endearing, Shem had sent her messages at her break time and lunchtime.  She sent back not to call til about 9 pm as she was having a celebratory meal with the Director and wife.

He'd complained that he should have been invited too.  "I'm so happy," Ruth E sent back.

"I'm about to burst with happiness," was Shem's rebuttal.  "Was dancing around at the hospital.  The nurses had a job to keep up.  They knew something was up but didn't dare ask.  I want to savor the news to myself for now.  Can't wait to see you though.  BTW, did you catch your breath yet?"  he teased.

Ruth E blushed, "Almost," she warbled.

                                           ~ERC  October 2017~