Hands

Hands have always been important to me. The top picture is a picture of my hand holding my mother's hand. This was taken less than an hour before she left us here on earth, and entered the presence of her Savior and Lord! All of my life, from childhood through adulthood, I loved holding my mom's hand. It was a comfort...a connection. The second hand picture is a beautiful, elderly woman from the Dominican Republic. On my latest trip there, I was attending a leadership meeting for local pastors, and when I sat down by this precious woman, she reached over and patted my hand. Instinctively, as I looked at this image (her hand on mine) I remembered my mother's hands. In spite of the language barrier, I once again felt that comfort...that connection. 

Every day you hear of violence and abuse that is brought about by the use of someone's hands. Sadly, this is a choice that every individual makes on their own...to use their hands for evil or good.

In my younger years I would sometimes find myself quite irritated with other drivers as I would make my long commute to work every day. I may have used my hands at one time or another to "gesture" at some ridiculously obnoxious driver. When I moved back to Washington over 18 years ago, I decided that I would become a polite and patient driver. Even though I don't have that kind of commute, especially now in my "retirement" days, I still find myself on the road now and then. Last week was one of those weeks, as I made a couple of trips through rush hour. I determined that I was going to be patient and see if I could get a wave or two out of drivers that needed to merge, or wanted to move over into my lane. In those two days on the road, I received 6 waves! You know what? It felt really good. 

Jesus spent His years on this earth touching people...loving people...healing people; doing good with His hands. "And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them:" Mark 10:13a

As we go through our day, let's use our hands for good. Give someone you love a hug, or a pat on the back for a job well done. Try being a little more patient on your drive home, and see how many "waves" you get!

Enjoyed chatting!

Blessings,

Kathy

Unchanging

Happy Saturday, friends. I've already finished my morning cup of coffee...along with two fresh baked orange rolls. I made them this morning for our two granddaughters who spent the night with us. They both took advantage of their Saturday and slept in! No matter how old they are getting (15 & 8) there is something so precious about sleeping children!

When I got up this morning, the wind was blowing off the water, and it was hailing. Our driveway and yard were covered with white. However, as you can see from the picture above that I just snapped, it is now beautifully sunny out. I think a walk to the beach will be in order today.

As I was thinking about the drastic change in weather this morning, I couldn't help but think that sometimes life can bring drastic changes in just a moment of time. A long-time friend of mine recently went through a lung transplant. In just a moment...one phone call, her life has changed drastically...for the good. 

I have another friend who is getting ready to move across the state. Even though it's been a long time in the planning...suddenly the time is "now." Changes, whether good or bad, can come with a bit of anxiety. That becomes the time when our faith rises. 

Isn't it good to know that there is one thing that never changes? That is the faithfulness of our heavenly Father. He is constant...always has been...always will be, and He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). A few verses later He reminds us that "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8

John 10:10 reminds us that Jesus came to give us life abundantly...to the full! So, no matter what changes may be taking place around you, HE IS THE SAME!

Have a blessed day.

Kathy