Cookies and Forgiveness

I ate the cookie. It was both pretty and delicious. I took a bite then saw the expression on my granddaughter’s face go from happy to upset like the flicking of a light switch. Adina had carefully decorated it and probably wanted to save it. I can give excuses like being extra tired, but that is just a dumb excuse. The truth is that I didn’t stop to think about it before popping it into my mouth.

This is before the cookie eating incident.

I’m pretty sure I’ve been forgiven now, and I consoled myself with thinking that resiliency is a good trait to cultivate. My sweet husband, Mike, assured me that it’s something we’ll laugh about. Isn’t it funny how such a little thing can cause you to stop and ponder bigger things. I’m so grateful for forgiveness.

Thankfully, God does not allow my faults to affect His love for me. When I mess up, realize it, and repent, He always forgives. “He forgives us, and He loves us just as much after we sin as He does beforehand.” (Charles Spurgeon)

This Christmas season, I hope you know the good news that Jesus came to make a way for us to be forgiven. His love never changes, and He invites you to put your faith in Him. I also hope you get to enjoy some Christmas cookies. As for me, I trust that He will continue helping me grow and learn things, like to ask before eating Adina’s cookies!

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

God’s love never changes, and He’s always ready to forgive.

The Jump Pillow

She held tightly to my hands and said, “Don’t let go yet.” We were bouncing higher and higher together on the Jump Pillow at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, smiling and laughing with each bounce. Eventually, my 8 year old granddaughter, Adina, was ready to fly solo and told me so. Pure exuberant joy followed as she soared into the air and kept her balance when she landed.

We all need someone to hold our hands at times. We really do need each other, and that is a beautiful thing. Sometimes we are the ones giving support and sometimes we are the ones needing it. Don’t be afraid to reach out, whether on the giving or receiving end. As Henri Nowen said, “We need to be angels for each other, to give each other strength and consolation. Because only when we fully realize that the cup of life is not only a cup of sorrow but also a cup of joy will we be able to drink it.”

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.” (Proverbs 17:17)

Let’s be there for each other.

The Wrong Way

My husband, Mike, was the “catcher”. He stood solidly at the end of a natural rock waterslide to keep our granddaughter safe, because the current was really strong. We were swimming at Haystacks in World’s End State Park, and she had so much fun. I did, too, as I got to follow along behind her!

It took several miles of hiking to get to this swimming area, and the way was beautiful, but not easy. At one point we attempted to take a shorter, older trail, only to find out the way was eventually blocked by downed trees. There was just one solution, to turn around and hike back to the main trail.

The good thing about going the wrong way is that you can stop, turn around and go the right way. You don’t have to continue on the wrong trail. At the end of our day, we had hiked over 8 1/2 miles, but it was worth every step! What trail are you on?

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” – Jesus (Mark 1:15)

“You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.” (Psalm 16:11)

“As I look back, trusting God meant that He opened doors that I could have never imagined.” – Sally Clarkson

You can trust God to lead you the right way.

The Ladder in the Woods

A decision had to be made, and my granddaughter, Adina, chose to turn left. It was a good choice. Much to our surprise, a few steps further along the trail we came upon a ladder propped up against a tree. It didn’t lead to a treehouse or anything. It was just there in the woods. Adina looked at me, and I said, “Go ahead; climb up!” She excitedly scrambled up and told me everything she could see from her new perch. Don’t you just love hidden joys like that?

Throwback to my granddaughters tree climbing at Grandad’s.

Once Mike and I were hiking with our dogs in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania, when we rounded a bend and surprised a stunning bald eagle into flight. I think there are hidden joys and surprises all around. A text from my older granddaughter, Senna. Raindrops hanging like glittering jewels on trees. A smile from a passerby. A hot cup of tea on a cold night. And so on!

What hidden joys have you discovered lately? I hope you discover the greatest joy of all, Jesus. It’s still a mystery as to who placed the ladder in the woods, but I hope everyone who stumbles upon it will climb up and enjoy the view!

“You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.” (Psalm 16:11)

“Reflect on your present blessings – of which every man has many – not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

– Charles Dickens

On the trail with Mike, Kaylee, and Zoey in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania.

More Hugs

As I turned to leave, I heard her loudly yelling, “I NEED MORE HUGS!”. I turned back and gladly gave more hugs, then Adina peacefully went to sleep. I remembered this nap time when I stumbled on a scrap of paper where I had written this story. My now 5 year old granddaughter gave up naps years ago. Thankfully, she hasn’t given up hugs.

Don’t we all need more hugs? Let me boast about God, as it says in Psalm 5:11, “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them shout for joy forever. May you shelter them, and may those who love your name boast about you.” God sheltering me and giving me refuge is like a huge hug. You, too, are invited into this shelter. After all, you’re never too old for a hug.

“How priceless your faithful love is, God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 36:7)

You’re never too old for a hug.

My Room

The yell came from upstairs. I raced up the stairs to find my husband, Mike, flat on his back with green paint splattered everywhere. He was fine, but he had fallen off the little 3-legged stool he was standing on to paint the walls. He couldn’t move without creating more of a mess, so he had yelled for my help. After my laughter died down, I grabbed some wet rags and helped him clean up. I still smile just thinking about that scene. We were getting a room ready for our granddaughter, Senna.

Since that time, we gained another granddaughter, Adina. When we moved to a new home a few years ago, I remember how excited we were about making a special bedroom for our granddaughters’ visits. We carefully chose a paint color for the walls and special forest friends decorations. This time there weren’t even any mishaps, probably because Mike now uses a ladder for his painting. We had so much fun getting everything set up to surprise them and even more fun watching their excitement when they saw it.

All this made me think of how Jesus promises that he is preparing a place for us. If Mike and I had so much joy in preparing a place for Senna and Adina, I can’t even imagine God’s joy at making a place for us. I also cannot imagine how amazing it will be! Just think of God’s creation – the colors, the variety, the beauty, the wonder. God made us for forever. You and I are invited to have a forever home with God by accepting his invitation. It is for whoever believes in him. I am excited to see what my room is like!

“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2

God made us for forever.

We added decals to make it a fun forest friends room.
Another view:)
Adina checking out her bed (no more crib!).
Senna was so excited for her sister!
A very special birthday celebration dinner for Mike at Buca di Beppo with the whole family. How I love them all!