… About Returning to Grand Cayman – Part 2

A lot of preparation had to be completed for our trip.  We had to pack items we would need.  I did research on the internet to discover what we were allowed and not allowed to take.  if we took anything along that we were not allowed to take, we would have to get rid of it. There were size limits of liquid items.  We knew there were stores on the island; so if we needed something we had not packed, we would be able to purchase whatever it might be. We would not be checking our luggage; but would be taking them on the plane with us.  So we were limited to the size of our luggage.  Therefore we were limited as to how much stuff we could take with us.  Top priority was our medications, next some clothes for warm weather and the clothes we would wear when we attended Worship Service on Sunday.  We also needed personal hygiene items.  I wanted to take some snacks to eat on the plane, some books to read, a notebook and pen, my phone and my camera. Finally, I wanted to take my computer; but I ended up leaving it behind.  I made a list of what we would be taking and checked it more than twice to make sure nothing would be left behind.  What a relief it was when our luggage and all our items passed inspection.  We had what we needed and we were allowed to take everything we had packed onto the plane. 

As I thought about our trip to Grand Cayman and returning to my childhood home, I thought 
about another trip all of us are taking, our trip to our final home, heaven.  Just as I learned what I would be allowed or not allowed to take on my trip to the island on the website, we can learn what we need and what is not allowed on our trip to heaven in God’s Word, the Bible.  We read in the Scriptures what clothes we should have – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12 NIV)  Certainly during these trying times with the coronavirus, we should be thinking about ways of showing “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  

Consider the words of the following song:
Try a Little Kindness  by Curt Sapaugh and Bobby Austin 

If you see your brother standing by the road 
With a heavy load from the seeds he's sowed
And if you see your sister falling by the way 
Just stop and say "You're going the wrong way"

Chorus:
You got to try a little kindness, yes show a little kindness 
Just shine your light for everyone to see 
And if you try a little kindness then you'll overlook the blindness 
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded street

Don't walk around the down and out  Lend a helping hand insead of doubt
And the kindness that you show every day  Will help someone along their way
********

We also read in the Scriptures about things we should get rid of as we make our journey to heaven. “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” (Colossians 3:8-9 NIV)  Reflect on the words of the following hymn: 

Take My Life by Frances R. Havergal,

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee. 
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.

Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.

...About Encouraging Thoughts for Today - 001

You may remember the AT&T slogan, “Reach out and touch someone.”  I’d like to change it to “Reach out and touch Someone, Jesus.”   During these times of “social distancing,” we are being encouraged to stay 6’ from each other, don’t shake anyone’s hand and certainly don’t hug anyone.  I miss that.  I miss going to my church, I miss seeing my mother, my family members including my granddaughters, and my friends.  I am so grateful for modern technology.  I have been calling my mother every night on the telephone to make sure she is doing OK.  My husband, Wilbur celebrated his birthday on March 27^th.  Since we have been instructed to stay at home we were able to setup a video chat with our daughter, Melissa and her family.  I lit candles on a cake for Wilbur and we sang “Happy Birthday.” Just before midnight we had a long conversation with our daughter, Amy on the telephone. She was able to wish her dad a “Happy Birthday.”   Although we were happy to see and hear each other it just was not the same as if we were together in person.  

Social distancing has been going on for quite some time.  In Biblical times, leprosy was common.  Anyone who had it had to go around saying, “Unclean, unclean!”  They too were isolated from family and loved ones.  Ah, but then Jesus came.  He did NOT practice Social Distancing!  He reached out and touched others, bringing hope, comfort, healing and forgiveness to everyone.  Here are some words of the song, When Jesus Comes: 
            When Jesus Comes by Oswald Jeffrey Smith
Verse 3:  “Unclean! unclean!” the leper cried in torment, The deaf, the dumb, in  helplessness stood near; The fever raged, disease had gripped its victim, Then Jesus came and cast out every fear. 
Chorus:  When Jesus comes the tempter’s pow’r is broken; When Jesus comes the  tears are wiped away. He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory, For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay. 
We could replace the word “tears” with “fears” for Jesus can certainly wipe away our fears. Today, centuries after He walked this earth, we can reach out to Him.  He cares about us and He knows what we are going through. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 NIV.} "Don't you see He did all this for you!" He offers us hope, comfort, healing and forgiveness! Be encouraged by these words: 

Photos taken by Lela

Reach Out to Jesus by Ralph Carmichael 
Is your burden heavy as you bear it all alone 
Does the road you travel harbour danger yet unknown 
Are you growing weary in the struggle of it all
Jesus will help you when on His name you call

Chorus: He is always there, hearing every prayer, faithful and true Walking by our side, in His love we hide all the day through  When you get discouraged, just remember what to do  Reach out to Jesus, He's reaching out to you

Is the life you're living filled with sorrow and despair
Does the future press you with its worry and its care
Are you tired and friendless, have you almost lost your way Jesus will help you, just come to Him today