Linda Roorda

Today is National Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. And this story is very close to my heart because someone I dearly loved would not have lived among us if the recommended abortion had taken place. With the 52nd anniversary of January 1973’s Roe v. Wade abortion decision, I again share the story of a mother-to-be who already had two healthy children, a girl and a boy. This time, she was very ill with her pregnancy. Vomiting frequently, not able to keep much food down, she steadily grew worse. Struggling to carry this new little life, her physician sought to obtain a “medically necessary” abortion. At that time, three doctors needed to sign documentation indicating the mother’s life was in jeopardy if the pregnancy continued. However, no third physician would put his name on the line to allow such an abortion. A Cesarean section was performed at 7 months’ gestation or risk losing both mother and baby. To the surprise of all, twin boys were born! After surgery, the mom nearly died from the effects of toxemia (now called pre-eclampsia), the result of high blood pressure and the demands on her body by not one but two precious little ones. With prayer and great medical care, she pulled through; but her little boys struggled. The largest twin at 5 lbs succumbed to an enlarged heart and died at two days of age, while the smallest little boy at 3-1/2 lbs was placed in an incubator for a month. This tiny preemie survived, albeit with health problems and extremely limited vision in only one viable eye. How do I know? The littlest twin was my husband, Edward. His blindness was caused by the incubator's pure oxygen and the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina. But we all praise God that no third physician was willing to sign papers to permit an abortion which would have taken the lives of these precious boys, against their mom’s wishes. Prior to 1952, major medical centers knew that high levels of oxygen in incubators led to infant retinal damage and blindness. But physicians at the tiny hospital in Goshen, NY, a small farming community, were not aware of those findings. As a toddler, Ed was taken to Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. There, his parents were told he was among about 2000 children seen in their clinic, one of seven children who had some remnants of remaining vision! The optic nerve to his right eye was damaged, causing total blindness, while his left eye had limited vision, 20/200 with later correction. Ed got his first pair of glasses at age 2. Three years later, with a new pair of stronger lenses, he stared out the car watching the world go by. Suddenly, he shouted, “I see them!” Kids were sledding down a nearby hill; though blurry, it was something he’d never seen before. Whenever his mom told this story, it always brought tears to her eyes. That one sentence was worth every cent of his care, she’d say. As Ed grew up, he was determined to do nearly everything everyone else could do. It drove him forward. Totally blind since 1998, we considered it a blessing he had limited vision for as long as he did. The renowned musician, Stevie Wonder, has the same condition. Then called retrolental fibroplasia (RLF), it is caused by high levels of oxygen in the incubator which contributes to abnormal blood vessel growth, damaging the retina. Now termed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), it still affects a small percentage of premature infants. At about 22 days, the pre-born infant’s heart begins beating. By 12 weeks, she is about 2 inches long, fully formed and recognizably human, able to feel pain. By 14-16 weeks, fully formed fingers and toes have fingerprints and nails; he sees and blinks, inhales and exhales amniotic fluid, kicks, sucks a thumb, sleeps regularly, and even has hiccups! At full-term, 39 weeks, your baby is ready for life outside the nurturing womb. Ed's retired dermatologist, a devout Catholic, always wore the tiny "Precious Feet" pin on her lapel as a testament to her beliefs, pleased we knew what it meant. Look up the pin name online for a physician's story behind this pin. Roe v. Wade was passed January 22, 1973, allowing for legal abortions in America. The numbers are staggering with an estimated 60.1 to 64.1 million pre-born children aborted since 1973. Some babies who survive saline or chemical abortions and left to die have often been given care by concerned medical staff. These survivors share their stories with a passion, promoting pro-life options as I listened to or read their stories online. One survivor, Gianna Jessen, was “bathed in a burning saline solution [which] she overcame to enter the world. Two months premature, weighing two and a half pounds, she spent her first couple of months in a hospital before entering the foster care system. The failed abortion also provided the “gift” of cerebral palsy, as Gianna says. “It allows me to really depend on Jesus for everything.” Sanctity of life issues reflect on each one of us because all life is sacred. I believe it extends to far more than the banner of the anti-abortion movement. It’s not a political issue, but one that affects our moral fiber. Today, churches around our nation will honor God’s gift of life, commemorate the thousands of lives lost to abortion, and commit to protecting human life at every stage. Yet, there are many difficult questions on both sides of the aisle. I’ve long pondered that, if we care so much for those in the animal world and carefully protect and preserve many other species from decimation, how much more precious is each and every human life – especially since we are made in the image of God? How can we destroy human life through abortion, i.e. murder in utero, because the pregnancy may be the result of rape, doesn’t fit our plan, or the pre-born baby is defective? Do we seek abortion because some pre-born infants are imperfect, and will become a supposed burden to society? Do we justify abortion because some parents are unprepared to care for their children, abuse them, or kill them? My cousin, Randy, intellectually challenged, grew up a kind and loving young man thanks to the love of his widowed mother. Despite his disabilities, he knew everything there was to know about his baseball team and the players! My step-sister’s late son, Cory, was born with DeGeorge syndrome due to a missing part of chromosome 22. Also having apraxia (an inability to perform certain purposeful actions due to brain damage) and diabetes, he developed cirrhosis a year before passing away Easter Sunday 2015. Like many with disabilities, Cory had an infectious joy for life and an unconditional love for everyone he met thanks to his mother, Janet. Life is sacred, and each pre-born child is a unique gift from God just waiting for us to open our arms and heart to this new little life. Even in our imperfect society, there is a viable alternative – adoption. However, with more stringent laws passed to prevent human trafficking, adoption has become an increasingly difficult option. As David wrote in Psalm 139:13-16: “…you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” What If… Linda A. Roorda What if… There was no God? Would we know how to love Or would hate rule our lives? Would we each decide What rules to live by Changing like the wind As our wants wrest control? ~ Would we violate The sanctity of life Simply because Life would not matter Except for the worth We each determine How best we can serve Our selfish ambition? ~ And yet, what if… Each life among us Was somehow meant To open the eyes Of our heart and soul To a higher purpose To show the value Inherent within No matter the wrapping? ~ And what if… We move toward each other And then extend Our outstretched hands? Would that not show Great caring and love From within the depths Of a heart overflowing? ~ For is that not like The hands of One Extended outward Nailed upon a beam To show us how We too should love And sacrifice self Our gift to each other? ~ Because… what if… There is a God Who really cares And Who truly loves Each for who we are For His life was a gift That we would know Just how we should love? ~~

With the arrival of new snow to admire yesterday morning, I was reminded of this poem and reflection written several years ago during a big storm. Within this peaceful blanketing of snow lies the image to me of stillness before God, and contemplation of His goodness, grace and mercy, and blessings to each of us. And my prayer is that you are each blessed in pausing to contemplate the love of God toward each of us on this path called life. As we gaze out at those white flakes floating down, perhaps your eyes track one flake from high up until it settles on top of another, each one gradually adding to the depth. And then you stand transfixed at the shower of multitudinous beautiful and one-of-a-kind flakes fluttering down… gently, softly, quietly… It’s such a beautiful, peaceful scene, isn’t it? Contemplating the peace and quiet of a gentle snowfall reminds me of a Scripture verse I love, “Be still, and know that I am God...” (Psalm 46:10) In the stillness, we see the majesty of His creation expressed all around us – in people and in nature. We hear His still small voice speaking to our heart. From His heavenly Sanctuary, He hears our prayers, guiding us as He gives us His peace. In the stillness, we consider how He would want us to handle situations we may face. And as we take time to ponder, we begin to see how various aspects of life fit together to help us understand His will in the overall picture… for with our Lord Jesus, “all things work together for the good of those who love Him.” (Romans 8:28) Be still… and know that I am God. He has it all under control. He is our fortress, protector and Savior, the great I Am. He loves each of us deeply and has our best interests at heart… even when we go through storms of great difficulty and upheaval in our lives. (Psalm 18) Jesus hears our pleas, and reaches down to rescue us… just like He did for His disciples. After Jesus had taught the crowds in His “Sermon on the Mount,” He and the disciples went out in a boat on the Sea of Galilee to get away from the boisterous crowds looking for more. Suddenly, a storm came up, rocking their boat as waves washed over the sides, almost flooding them out. Despite hearing Jesus preach all day about faith and trusting God, His disciples promptly began to fret and worry in the midst of the storm… so like us, aren’t they?! On waking the sleeping Jesus, they asked, “Don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus simply got up and said, “Peace! Be still!” The winds backed off and the big waves shrank right down to gentle calm ripples. Wouldn’t you have liked to have been there? Just like that, there was peace from His simple command! (Luke 4:35-41 NIV) Undoubtedly, it’s a challenge for us to “be still…” I know it’s hard for me to make quiet time to contemplate God’s goodness toward me… toward each of us. Life is so busy, so hectic, filled with so many demands on our time and energy. We need time to be still… time to stop and reflect… time to pause amidst the rush… time to get away from the challenges… time to just be still and listen to what God has to say within our heart… and time to quiet the fear and anxiety which so often grips our heart. I know I need to take time to be still… to read His word and pray… to ask for His guidance and wisdom amidst all that I face in this busy hectic world. Be still… enjoy the peace and quiet… know that He is God… and let Him be your refuge. Be Still and Know Linda A. Roorda Be still and know that He is my God. He is my rock, my firm foundation. Upon His word I stand secure Trusting the wisdom found only in Him. ~ Be still and rest in mercy and grace. For humble Love from heaven above Dwelt among us to seek and to save Whose blood was shed for me on the cross. ~ Be still and know He embodies Love He bought my soul with His precious gift That I’d find hope in His selfless act As He redeems with mercy and grace. ~ Be still and pause to contemplate thanks With grateful heart as blessings abound Knowing their source of heavenly love As God above graciously bestows. ~ Be still my soul within life’s tempests For He is my refuge, a shelter indeed He calms the storms, I rest in His arms To find His peace envelopes my heart. ~ Be still and gaze with reverence and awe On One whose sovereign grandeur is revealed Bring joyful songs of worship and praise For He is God and He alone reigns. ~ Be still and hear serenity’s voice Within my heart, throughout creation For in His will others we gladly serve That we might honor and glorify Him. ~ Be still and know our God is faithful He changes not though fickle we be His truth remains profound and secure That we may humbly His wisdom reflect. ~~ Linda writes from her home in Spencer.

Watching snow come down Wednesday afternoon, it resembled slushy raindrops that evolved into large flat white flakes that turned into a beautiful white covering Friday morning… and it reminded me of an old familiar hymn from childhood. “Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; I want Thee forever to live in my soul; break down every idol, cast out every foe; now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow, now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7 and Isaiah 1:18) Which in turn reminded me of this blog from 2017. But it’s that time again… a time when we tend to make New Year’s resolutions! Every year, many of us contemplate where we’ve been and where we’re going, and what to do about it. We make our New Year’s resolutions with every best intention; but all too often, the determination fades when enthusiasm wanes. As we head into a future of unknowns, we like to exchange some of our old habits for the new, whether they be the simple mundane issues of life or more serious life-changing alterations. Yet, there’s one resolution that’s always in vogue. Not in the habit of making an annual list, I’ve been confronted in my soul over the years with seeking and extending forgiveness. Pressing on my heart were ways I had offended others. Regretting foolish words said in younger days, I set about attempting to make amends with heart-felt apologies. Though apprehensive at how my messages would be perceived, writing them brought tears in admitting my wrongs, with relief for doing the right thing by apologizing. And then came joy and gratitude with the blessing of generous forgiving responses. We’ve all been hurt and wounded by the words or actions of others. We can be so hard on each other in this world, intentionally or not. Once we’ve been hurt, it doesn’t take much to be wounded even deeper. And we hold onto those grudges. Been there… coming from a dysfunctional family, it’s a difficult thing to admit. Writing a poem for my Dad, removing all traces of negativity by wording it in positives, we were especially close with forgiving hearts during his last years. Forgiving my mother and making her a quilt after her stroke brought us a closeness we’d not had before. I even heard my parents echo my “I love you” at every encounter, words I’d not heard while growing up. In the long run, grudges don’t do anyone any good… including, and especially us. They erode our joy from the inside. They take away our ability to see the blessings in someone else’s life. Sometimes we want revenge because of the pain we’ve allowed to fester. But, carrying a grudge for any length of time damages us, not the person we hold it against. They might not even know what they’ve done! Go to the person, explain the problem, and attempt to make amends. We also feel a release as we forgive the offender even if they don’t apologize or realize that their actions were wrong and hurtful... even when no one else knows or understands what really happened. Releasing the hurt through prayer allows God to take care of the situation. Our forgiveness of the offender’s injustice sets us free to love more fully… just as God loves us, because we sure aren’t perfect. I appreciate what Desmond Tutu wrote about forgiveness. He understands that “Forgiveness does not relieve someone of responsibility for what they have done. Forgiveness does not erase accountability. It is not about turning a blind eye or even turning the other cheek. It is not about letting someone off the hook or saying it is okay to do something monstrous. Forgiveness is simply about understanding that every one of us is both inherently good and inherently flawed. Within every hopeless situation and every seemingly hopeless person lies the possibility of transformation.”* Tutu further explained that “Forgiving and being reconciled to our enemies or our loved ones is not about pretending that things are other than they are. It is not about patting one another on the back and turning a blind eye to the wrong. True reconciliation exposes the awfulness, the abuse, the hurt, the truth. It could even sometimes make things worse. It is a risky undertaking; but, in the end it is worthwhile, because in the end only an honest confrontation with reality can bring real healing.”** As the old saying goes, hope springs eternal, and there is always hope that, in time, restoration will happen between you and another. For there is a much better path found in forgiveness… that of peace and joy. It happens when we each admit our errors, our faults, our sins… and apologize and seek forgiveness from the one we’ve offended, and from our Lord, as we live out the change in our heart. In this is found true peace… a joy-filled contentment that no one can take away. Yet, it is not always appropriate to return to a harmful relationship. That is between you and God, and no one else has any right to force or expect a reconciliation… because forgiveness does not always mean restoration of a prior relationship that you know was abusive. Elizabeth Esther, author of “Girl at the End of the World”, herself a survivor of spiritual abuse, sums it up well: “Forgiveness means I carry no more resentment. It doesn’t mean I tolerate more abuse… There is a difference, after all, between an apology and repentance. An apology is an acknowledgment of wrong. Repentance is marked by a dramatic change in direction, a noticeable change in behavior.” We need to set appropriate boundaries of respect. Forgiving someone does not mean they are given an open door to resume their old ways by condoning or enabling wrongful behaviors, especially if they continue to lie, refuse to acknowledge they did anything wrong, or that you were hurt. When you have repeatedly forgiven, tried repeatedly to reconcile and discuss the situation, and no conciliatory effort is made to understand how they offended you, nor a willingness to repent of wrongful behavior, apologize and truly make amends… it is time to walk away. Trust and respect are earned. We can try to cover up guilt with a façade of innocence, hiding our wrongs from others, but God sees… He knows the truth. The disciple Peter asked our Lord how many times he should forgive his brother who had sinned against him. Jesus replied that he should forgive “seventy times seven” - in other words, endlessly. (Matthew 18:22) As C. S. Lewis wrote, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” So true! However, in Ephesians 5:11, the Apostle Paul admonishes us to "have nothing to do with fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” The Apostle Luke wrote that “if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.” (Luke 17:3) Forgiveness does not mean that abuse should be excused, tolerated or silenced when true repentance is not evident. Forgiveness is a process when there has been consistent abuse in any form. And yes, it is appropriate to alert and warn others, even in churches. We should not shame the victim willing to come forward. An apology indicates an admission of a wrong to be corrected, with true repentance evidenced in genuine changed attitude and behavior. If the abuser is truly sorry for their actions, they will gladly give you time and space to process and observe them in action, allowing you to make the decision of whether to return to a former relationship or not. Otherwise, it is inappropriate to be forced by others into reconciling when they do not understand the extent of harm that was done, nor should the abuses be swept under the rug with a warning to never discuss them. The person who will not acknowledge their wrongs needs our Lord’s light just like the rest of us. The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are to “…clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love [and] let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:12-14) Forgiveness… it may be the last thing we want to do for someone who hurt us deeply… but, when we forgive, it leaves us feeling washed clean and ready for a new start. And our heart is filled with a renewed sense of love to eagerly share with others. What a great resolution to start a new year with! Wishing you a very Happy and Blessed New Year! Forgiveness by Linda A. Roorda Hurts of the heart that abound in life The pain inflicted, the soul that’s wounded The careless words and endless strife Erode our spirit and remove our joy. ~ Raging battlefield within our mind Waging havoc amid destruction Erecting walls with blinded eyes That limit our world and destroy us inside. ~ Offender at times, tossing out darts Offended the next with indignation We each share blame for wrongs committed As we nurse our wounds or savor victory. ~ Then my soul pours out transgressions I’ve made For You know my heart, my thoughts and my deeds Nothing is hidden, repentant I am As humbly I pray with face turned to You. ~ Your wisdom alone has pierced my heart You’ve caused me to see the wrong of my ways For within Your Word are Truths that shed light As I walk this path that draws me to You. ~ To cleanse my soul, forgiveness I seek To redeem the gift You’ve given for me Your life on a cross that I might be free The depth of Your love I cannot repay. ~ Then go and seek the one you’ve offended Make right the path you both must walk Follow the lead of our Lord above Lay down your pride, release your burden. ~ Forgiveness like oil my soul You anoint In comforting peace with mercy and grace Your blessings of love now cover my heart Redeemed am I, Your praises to sing. ~ For there is no peace like to that above When forgiveness reigns in our tender hearts Compassion to share as blessings abound Bring heaven’s joy to shine brightly down. ~~ Linda writes from her home in Spencer *Quote taken from * Desmond Tutu, “The Book of Forgiving: The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World”

As this year draws to its conclusion, I began pondering all that I’m thankful for… among the many blessings God has showered on each of us. It’s been a good year of making new friends and appreciating friends from the past, of joining a new-to-me Reformed church group and their band, able to use my aging voice to share a love of singing praise to our Lord, of treasured memories of loved ones who were a special part of our lives for a time, of family who grace our lives with their love and presence, of the students I sub for and care about, and so much more. But sometimes our blessings are taken for granted, because I, for one, forget to focus on the gift of those blessings while some days our hearts fill to overflowing with praise and thanksgiving for even the least of these. Those are the days we remember all that God has given each of us with love. And then we wonder how we can ever thank our great God enough for all He’s done for us, especially in the life of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, whose birth we just celebrated, who came to this earth with a purpose, ultimately going to the cross for our eternal salvation. (John 3:16) And that’s a blessing to forever be thankful for! My previously unpublished poem below was written several years ago as two separate poems during a particularly difficult year of Ed’s continued worsening health and my cancer diagnosis and treatments. Yet their poetic themes were similar enough that they seemed to flow as one entity of praise in alternating verses, fitting to end this year with and to welcome a new year. I also find it easier to write in the first person. From my own life experiences and feelings of my heart, words flow onto the page. Ed always said I wore my feelings on my face. But it’s also been said I’m too emotional, by someone in a leadership position who should know better. It’s true, but that’s the way God created my caring heart. And often when a poem is finished, re-reading it in its entirety brings tears to my eyes. For I know God has blessed me with words that often seem to come from somewhere deep in my soul… from someplace with which my consciousness is not always in touch… with words that have touched the hearts of others and brought healing to mine. Because yes, it’s my heart that rejoices, my heart that is saddened, my heart that gets angry at times, my heart that despairs, my heart that apologizes and seeks forgiveness for my wrongs and desires peace, my heart that looks up to the Lord for His loving forgiveness, asking for His hand to guide my path, and it’s even my heart that these poetic words lift up. For it’s also my heart that praises the Lord for all the blessings He’s given while allowing me to face hardships and pain, as He brings healing and peace, and joy amid tears from His loving mercy and grace. In all of life’s ups and downs, He knows best how to guide my heart and my steps… and may He use these words to touch your heart in turn… as I thank each of you for being a blessing to me. You’ve Blessed Me Linda A. Roorda Oh Lord, you’ve blessed me in ways beyond count At each new dawning to greet a new day With words of praise from depths of my heart Like birds taking flight are songs in my soul. ~ How do I begin my Creator to thank? For where life began barely touches the sum. But were I to try my heart could not name All the blessings of love and joy in my soul. ~ Your hand is my guide unaware at times Taking for granted simple joys of life, So may I pause and contemplate The myriad ways Your love covers me. ~ Through seasons of need joy and praise burst forth In testing and trial with hope I reach up For You always guide each faltering step To carry when I fall and ease heavy burdens. ~ Look upward my soul as life and stress deep Overwhelm to the core and deprive of peace. With hope the key to renew my heart I walk not by sight but by Faith alone. ~ Within this world You allow my struggles For an easy path was never promised. Yet You have vowed at my side to be Guiding me over life’s treacherous shoals. ~ For it’s You my Lord, to whom I will run Whose voice I hear, whose Word is my guide Directing my path, gently leading me on Guiding with light, Your Son in my heart. ~ You promised more if I will just seek Your grace and mercy since Your child I am, With a love and joy that knows no bounds And peace that passes all understanding. ~ And oh! the joy that blesses my soul! For since time began You’ve called me by name. And with thankful heart I praise You my God For blessings given in ways beyond count. ~~ Linda writes from her home in Spencer.

Thank you so much, Ann! Merry Christmas to you and Hal!

Christmas… the most wonderful time of the year! We all have special memories wrapped up like treasures from holidays past - the smell of fresh pine when just the right tree is brought in and set up, strands of beautiful colored or pure white lights, decorations from gorgeous and fancy to simple and elegant in an array of colors and styles, scrumptious cookies and candy being made with their aromas wafting through the house, busy days of shopping and either making or looking for just the right gift for each loved one on our list, the stores beautifully decorated like no other time of the year, gifts wrapped and topped with beautiful bows and placed gently beneath the tree, Christmas music filling the air as we sing favorite carols, a fresh layer of snow to reward us with the white Christmas we’ve been dreaming of, as children (and adults) wait in eager anticipation of Santa’s arrival… Ahh... memories! Aren’t they wonderful? But in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I long for quiet time to pause and reflect on why we celebrate Christmas. It’s too cold to sit out in one of my gardens to contemplate, so thoughts run through my mind as I sit in an old rocking chair. My antique wooden rocker reminds me of when my dad brought it home from one of his cousin Howard’s auctions in Nichols 50-some years ago. It was broken. Needed one of its rockers replaced. So, he fashioned a new rocker to make the chair whole again. Then, my mom lovingly restored the dark mahogany wood to its natural shining luster. There’s a second rocking chair I often sit in to be near my husband in his recliner. Outwardly, it looks new; nothing’s broken - but it squeaks if I rock too slowly. My in-laws knew how much I liked to sit in it over the years while visiting, so they blessed me with it. But why am I talking about rocking chairs, and a broken one at that? And at Christmas time no less! Because they remind me that that’s why Jesus left His heavenly home and came to this earth as a wee tiny precious baby to live among us. Our lives are broken… though perhaps not outwardly evident. We need someone to lovingly restore us… back to the luster and shine that we were intended to have, a broken beauty like that old rocking chair. Yet, there is Someone willing to come alongside us, to forgive us on our repentance, to walk with us… gently calling us to Himself… our Savior, ready to tenderly restore us with His gift of love… Jesus, the baby whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. I’ve often wondered what it was like to have been Mary and Joseph, having to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem with their first baby due soon. Caesar Augustus had decreed that every citizen should be counted in the entire Roman world, and Bethlehem was Joseph’s ancestral hometown since he was a descendant of King David. And so off they went. I cannot imagine Mary walking all that distance from Nazareth being heavy with child only to learn that they had arrived too late to find a clean, warm room. We tend to think Mary rode the distance on a donkey… after all, our Christmas cards often feature that image. But nowhere in Scripture is that ever mentioned. In fact, as I recently learned, Joseph and Mary were rather poor, while only the wealthy could have afforded donkey. So, when Joseph was turned away from the inn in Bethlehem because there was no room for them, he must have felt so frustrated. He couldn’t even provide a warm, clean room for his exhausted wife. Yet, the innkeeper took compassion on the couple and told them they could find shelter in his stable. Oh great! This was not exactly what they had hoped for; still, it was warm, dry and quiet. Well, sort of… There were all those animals they’d have to share the smelly stable with – perhaps donkeys, sheep, oxen, a few cats chasing mice hither and yon, maybe even a few roosting chickens – and animals at night are not exactly quiet. But at least it was warm and dry! And they didn’t have to deal with hordes of people rushing around, talking loudly and keeping everyone up all night. Yes, a simple stable would be good enough. Now, they could finally get some rest and a little peace and quiet… And there, in the dark of night, with perhaps a small torch for light, Mary gave birth to her first-born son. She wrapped him in swaddling cloths and must have snuggled him close. As he fell asleep, I imagine she kissed his precious little face while laying him gently on the hay in a manger. (Luke 2:1-7) And then came visitors, some local shepherds, who told them how they’d heard about their baby’s birth. The shepherds told Mary and Joseph that while they were out in the fields, watching over their flocks for the night, they saw the Angel of the Lord in all His glory. He shone so brightly that he lit up the world all around them! And they even admitted to Joseph and Mary how afraid they had been. Nothing like this had ever happened out on the hills before! What could it mean? But they also shared how the angel had spoken gently to them saying, “Fear not! For behold, I bring you tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in the manger.’” Then suddenly, a multitude of bright angels appeared in the heavens, surrounding them, praising God and saying, “‘Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.’” [Luke 2:8-14] Mary pondered all that had happened in her heart and soul during the days and years ahead. If we could only know what she was thinking as she watched her precious baby boy grow up, as she wondered about the life her Son would live… and ultimately give… for her… for us… just to make us whole again. ONE HOLY AND SILENT NIGHT Linda A. Roorda One bustling and boist’rous night A man sought a room, A special room for his wife About to give birth. ~ No room! No room at the inn! Joseph had heard, But go look for your shelter With cattle o’er yon. ~ A warm and pungent stable Mangers filled with hay, Peaceful, serene, inviting, Cattle mooing low. ~ A cry pierces the darkness Mary tenderly smiles, A precious babe is born Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. ~ Shepherds gaze up astonished As angels descend Amid dazzling-lit heavens Singing, Peace on earth! ~ To Bethlehem town they run Lowly stable to find, Promised Messiah to see, Savior of the world. ~ Would I have recognized Him, This new baby boy? Would I have known His purpose, My Savior, My Lord? ~ One holy and silent night God came down to man. In humility He served, His grace-filled plan to redeem. ~ Merry Christmas! God bless you all! ~~

During this holiday season, so many among us struggle with difficulties and losses. They seem to make the holidays harder to face as we perhaps miss the joy once shared with loved ones, struggle with losses from devastating storms, or were given a difficult health diagnosis. Yet, we don’t have to face life’s turmoil alone. There is one who will be at our side - Jesus, our Lord and Savior. He’s the very reason we celebrate Christmas. He brings love to our heart, guides our path, and gives us His peace and comfort to face those difficult days. Maybe you feel as though you're broken and scattered... like pieces of shattered glass. You're so overwhelmed by life, torn apart by one situation after another, perhaps in rapid succession. And you begin to feel like you want to run away from all the stress and responsibility. I have... and know I'm not alone... My poem below was actually written only days before another very difficult year for me and Ed... words God gave me to show me He was truly with us, that He had a purpose, and that He would be there in those hard days. We all get hit hard by life at times, like the disruptive years during the coronavirus pandemic. We all face losses. We all stumble and fall. We’re all broken… broken by our mistakes, sins, fears, pain, ongoing chronic illness, loss of precious loved ones, financial stress, or simply by the weight of life’s never-ending demands. But are we willing to admit we’re broken people? Do we think we’ve got it so together that we would never admit a failing? Do we lash out at others around us out of anger, hurt and resentment? Do we perhaps look down on those who might stumble in a moment of weakness? Or do we humbly apologize and ask forgiveness from those we might have offended? The damage from any trauma or abuse can be devastating, leaving us feeling raw and exposed, torn apart. Just the simplest things can take a toll when we’re overwhelmed by stress without relief. Long-term illness or disability can have the same effect. We keep hoping that one day… somehow… things will get better… but they don’t seem to. Reminds me of what it might be like sitting in a boat in the middle of a lake without oars, rudder or motor when the storm hits. We won’t get very far. In fact, the storm will toss us about unceasingly or capsize us without that rudder to steer and stabilize the boat, or the oars to row our boat to shore. And it’s so true that life’s challenges can blindside us when we least expect them and catch us totally unprepared, leaving us feeling like we’re unable to handle what comes our way. Certainly, we don’t feel like our brokenness is beautiful! God never promised us a life without problems and pain: “…in me you may have peace [for] in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”. (John 16:33) He promised to give us what we ask for when we ask in His will, and that He will always be with us. We just need to ask and trust Him as He “works all things for the good of those who love Him…” (Romans 8:28) He intends for our journey of difficulty to strengthen our faith. For James 1:2-3 reminds us to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance…” Yet each trial, or broken road, can sure seem long and tedious, and not something we readily rejoice in! Still, as we draw closer to our Lord in the difficulties, we realize He’s been drawing us closer to Himself. He’s at work putting our broken pieces back together to make us complete… to restore us… to give us a purpose. How often haven’t we felt His love surround us when the path is hard and long, and we seemed so alone? Haven’t we looked back to see He’s carried us at times when we’ve done all we could and felt as though we couldn’t take one more step? And isn’t He the one who sent someone to wrap their arms around us, with an ear to listen to our heart, words to heal, and arms to hold us up and help us stand… until we felt stronger and able to function again? Just like Paul wrote, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) Recently I read about the Japanese artform of Kintsugi (golden joinery), or Kintsukuroi (golden repair). These are terms for a special type of repair to broken pottery which began in about the 15th century. Artisans take gold, silver or platinum dust, mix it with a special lacquer or resin, and apply it to the broken pieces. As they fit the broken pieces together, the shattered pottery is made whole again. Typically, the broken vessel becomes even more beautiful in its new state of repair – broken beauty, in other words! No matter what we go through, God will bring comfort and peace to our heart when we look to Him for strength to face each trial. He is our salvation for eternity. We are why He came to this broken world as a tiny newborn infant. He has it all under control and even has a reason for taking us through the storms, allowing us to grow and heal through the difficult journey. He welcomes us as broken people, making something beautiful from our shattered pieces of life! Then comes the day when we realize we're healed... maybe not exactly as we'd wanted... but the pain no longer has a grip on us... for our brokenness has been used to heal a weakness. The difficult journey was worth every step from brokenness to a new wholeness... because it has given us a better understanding of life with a greater empathy for others, with peace like a comforting blanket... enabling us to come alongside someone else who is struggling and overwhelmed as we "encourage the disheartened [and] help the weak..." (I Thessalonians 5:14) For we know that God has used our trial in such a way that we now shine a light from within that we never knew we had... as we've gone from broken to beautiful in God's restorative eyes! Broken Beauty By Linda A. Roorda ~ Sometimes… Like a beautiful vase Our life is shattered Like so many shards Of broken glass Where once there was A vessel whole… And unbroken. ~ Because… Trials of life Came crashing down To take their toll Inflicting damage Leaving emotions raw Trying to destroy The joy from within. ~ But… There comes a day When it’s time To pick up the pieces And one by one To then reclaim The former beauty Of the vessel treasured. ~ So… An effort ensues To fit the pieces Back together In such a way That there will shine Illuminating brilliance Never before seen. ~ For… An inner strength Has taken hold So that the pieces Broken and scattered In coming together Now give the vessel A broken beauty! ~~ February 2014

I’ve shared this essay previously, part of a speech given at a local women-of-faith retreat. Yet, there are times my heart is lifted up by re-reading words from another time and place… reminding me anew of God’s unfailing love in difficult circumstances. As I wrote in my Christmas letter a year ago, I have felt so blessed by God in so many ways since Ed’s passing. I’ve also been blessed over the years by visions, words or nudges from God, including after our daughter Jenn passed with a vision of her surrounded by children in her heavenly home, saying “Be strong,” those words all throughout Scripture. But a few days after Ed passed, I was woken up by seeing Ed leaning over as I slept, giving me a gentle loving kiss… God’s way of reminding me that His love is always with me. Ed was in the ER multiple times that year, admitted just after Christmas and again in January 2023 for worsening congestive heart failure with pulmonary issues. Then, multi-tasking, running in a gazillion directions at once, I walked nose first in the dark into an open door I’d forgotten to close. Thankfully it wasn’t broken, just wounded. Initially, Ed was “ok” but continued to struggle with activities of daily living as shortness of breath and weakness took over, while learning to accept more limitations with his many diagnoses affected us both… until it was clear he would not recover, and he passed from this life into his eternal reward. Knowing we are never alone like so many others facing various trials and tribulations, I re-read the words below taken from my larger essay written in 2014 which I shared with my Dad a few months before his passing in April 2015. Nothing can separate us from the love of God when we deal with the difficulties of life… and I need to be reminded, too. For God is still here, guiding me, and you, each step of the way. ~ I was asked to speak at a local women-of-faith retreat in December 2014 on their theme, “Wise Men Still Seek Him.” It was an honor to have been asked to share my life’s faith testimony, but it was also a humbling experience to open my heart in a “public” venue. It’s entirely different from writing poems and reflections “behind the scenes” for my blog, Poetic Devotions. While God has graciously given me more understanding and wisdom gained over a lifetime of spiritual growth, He has also continued to draw me into a deeper faith throughout life’s ups and downs. This may not seem like a Christmas-type message, but without the birth of our Savior, who would we seek when times get tough? My prayer is that God will use these words taken from my larger speech to bless your heart. I’m the oldest of six children, blessed to be born into a Christian family, albeit a somewhat dysfunctional and fractured family, with my father divorcing my mother not long after I married. There was never a time I did not know about Jesus from church, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Christian elementary school. At 14, having moved 15 times, and to a new school district for the fifth time, saying I had no friends, my father reminded me that as a little girl I would say Jesus was my best friend. Ouch! I’d forgotten that! At 15, I recognized my need for Jesus as my Savior and asked Him into my heart. Still, I did not seek God and His will as I should have during my late teens. Yet, it’s in knowing that when I seek the Lord with my confession and repentance, He forgives me and wipes my slate clean for “…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Ps.103:12 NIV) I married Edward at age 19 on October 26, 1974, waiting until the fall crops were in. Celebrating our 48th anniversary the fall of 2022, I look back and see how immature I was. But I also look back and see how faithful the Lord has been, always beside me, guiding and drawing me closer to Himself, giving me a husband whose love, insight, and wisdom have met my needs. Like other young couples, Ed and I thought we’d live happily ever after without problems. Instead, like many others, our life together seems to have been one struggle after another, though it’s how we react and what we learn that makes a difference. There was a time years ago when I did not understand that… when I felt lost, questioned whether I was truly saved, not knowing how to accept or learn from problems sent my way. But the Lord took the wounds and scars in my life and turned them into blessings as He helped me grow spiritually through those tough times. Admittedly, it’s been the journey of a lifetime learning to seek God, to listen to His still small voice and nudges within my heart. Sometimes His message is loud and clear. Sometimes God is quiet and doesn’t seem to hear my prayers, with no clear answers, no direction, no healings. But it’s in those times that I remind myself to keep moving forward in faith knowing that God is with each of us through the tears and difficulties, not just the best of times, for “…we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV) Despite my share of struggles and failures when I take the reins instead of allowing God to have control, I can honestly say, as I look back, that it’s also been through the toughest days that God has blessed me in many ways. Sometimes I long for a quiet simple life, one without any difficulties. But that is not the life given to me. I need to rest knowing that God is in control. He uses our struggles to teach us, to draw us closer to Himself, and to reach others through struggles we go through. He understands what we face and allows our difficulties in order to help mold us into the person He wants us to become. And I can’t help but wonder if I would have grown spiritually if I had never faced the various trials sent my way. For God does not heal us of our problems the way we want just because we pray for healing. Literally being told that Ed was not healed of his blindness because we were not praying right, or that we should pray certain ways for healing, set dangerous tones of self-centeredness, not seeking or accepting God’s will. As we read through Scripture, we find that Paul sought the Lord three times to be healed of his “thorn in the flesh.” Instead of healing, he heard the Lord say, “’My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…’” and Paul responded by saying “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness… for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (II Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV) Yet, Ed and I knew how hard it is to live out those words of faith when we had not seen the healing we prayed for. So, it’s the Lord’s wisdom I seek to guide my steps, to direct my path, to cover me with mercy when I am weak and fail yet again. And when I was so often stressed to the max by life and its busyness back then, I find He is still here, even in the mundane. He’s teaching me to seek Him… to lean on Him… giving me peace and contentment in the turbulence. In this, I can find satisfaction doing what He expects of me even when it’s not the easiest path nor the direction I want to go. For our walk of faith takes us to new dimensions with Christ that we would not have known without those difficulties. As the Lord drew me and Ed closer to Himself, He strengthened our faith, taught us forgiveness and patience under his grace and mercy, and carried us when we felt so overwhelmed. He has been with us through days when we wondered why it seemed He wasn’t answering our prayers… when we lost our two unborn babies, later giving birth to three beautiful children; when Ed, a premature twin who was legally blind from pure oxygen in the incubator, went to an eye doctor for vision issues, told to quit farming that day, had 9-hr retinal detachment surgery three days later, and I had to find a job; long-term effects of my undiagnosed PTSD from past abuse; my Tourette’s syndrome since age 10; when our son was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart condition needing an implanted defibrillator at age 16; when our oldest daughter died at age 25 from an undiagnosed heart abnormality; when Ed went to The Carroll Center for the Blind for training, then lost his job as customer service rep after 9/11, telling God he’d tried everything he could to find work, putting it in God’s hands to find him a job – and God answered him with a new job when the company’s owner knocked on our door to ask what Ed could do for them! When I had multiple neck fusions, back and hand surgeries, an autoimmune disorder (pulmonary sarcoidosis) with severe IBS necessitating a very restricted diet, and breast cancer. When Ed had permanent statin drug muscle damage needing multiple surgeries to repair torn cartilage in knees and shoulder from struggling to stand from sitting, neck fusion, a brain shunt causing major grand mal seizures with concern he may not recover, unrelenting pain since 2008, severe life-threatening pancreatitis (he did not drink), severe congestive heart failure, COPD on chronic asthma, presenting in a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (a life-threatening complication of diabetes), unrelenting and untreatable dizziness, a genetic blood clotting disorder causing extensive clots in limbs and lungs, and even more that I’m not going to list… while taking care of my mother's affairs after her paralyzing stroke Christmas Day 2011. And now, having retired as a hospital medical/radiology transcriptionist in 2020, I’ve been blessed with a sub position in our local school system, hoping to make a difference in the lives of local youngsters… as I enjoy a respite of peace and contentment, and the blessing of a Reformed church and many new friends. Through it all, God showered us with love in answering our prayers in ways that best fit His plan. As my friend Natalie wrote, “God does not always reward faith with blessings. He allows our faith to undergo challenges - to be tried through a fiery testing.” Job, Paul and James all speak of God knowing our path through trials as we persevere in faith and wait on God’s timing, as hard as that may be. Because love means being there during all those difficult days, not just the happy times… for that is how much God loves us as we seek Him. And in seeking Jesus this Christmas season, may we each find Him in the humblest of places within our heart… not in the rich and colorful embellishments and trappings which boldly confront us, earlier and earlier each year it seems. May we find Him in serving others with a heart of love, even the least among us… in caring for the hurting souls among the noisy din of humanity. Then, wherever love is needed, may we reach out to reveal Christ among us, and know the gift of His strength and comfort, and hope and peace in the midst of life’s turmoil. For with that peace comes the gift of inner joy because in Matthew 6:33 we are told to “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” In this joyous Christmas holiday season as we celebrate the birth of our dear Lord and Savior, may we all remember to wisely seek Him first… whatever comes our way. Seeking You Linda A. Roorda Seeking you Lord, Your will in my heart Giving all thanks and praise to Your name, As Your loving hand with mercy and grace Guides through rough seas to calm peaceful shores. ~ Seeking you Lord, in the dark of night When sleep won’t come and dreams bring on fears, As I arise to the morning dews And greet the sun for a bright new day. ~ I’m drawn to Your side when cares overwhelm Teach me Your ways from words filled with hope. Grant me Your peace when life darkens doors Guide every step, Your wisdom impart. ~ With riches great we travel secure Thinking we have control of our life, But when troubles come we turn quick to you Pleading for strength to carry us through. ~ This strength I seek from Your loving arms Moment by moment to face new demands With head bent low my prayers rise to You To humbly shine Your light from within. ~ May I ever know You walk alongside Guiding my steps and the path that I take May words expressed show love to others From a heart that seeks your wisdom and truth. ~ Then may I know Your mercy and grace Covers my soul with comforting peace Granting wisdom from within Your word As I praise Your name and seek Your will first. ~~

I agree with you, sadly and unfortunately. The districts are shaped for the liberal cities to outnumber conservative towns.

I had a big disappointment as a kid one Christmas, but kept it a secret for decades. I’ve never forgotten that Christmas when I was 5-1/2 years old. We’d left a favorite Marion, NY farm to live in Clifton, NJ, again, the city where I was born. I was a big girl though, walking all by myself several blocks to kindergarten - PS#15 overlooking scenic Weasel Brook Park. My sister and I with our toddler brother loved to visit Grammy and PopPop (our Dad’s parents), and that Christmas was especially exciting ‘cause we were going to meet Santa!! And I knew aaallll about him… You see, I had a book, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, and knew that little story by heart… like another favorite book, “The Three Little Kittens Who Lost Their Mittens”. Just ask my kids… they’ll tell you not to get me started – ‘cause I still know that favorite story by heart, too! But there we were at the Christmas party with a house full of relatives. And who arrives amidst a big fuss? Santa Claus!!! No, not down the chimney, silly! After all, my grandparents didn’t have a fireplace, only radiators in their city house. No, Santa simply came in the back door, all dressed in red with white trim. He had a white beard, and a wide black belt around his big tummy – just like in my book! So, it really was him!! Then, while PopPop took movies, we girls took turns sitting on Santa’s lap, telling him what we wanted for Christmas - me, my sister Carol, and our cousin Susan. I honestly don’t remember who went first. But I do know that I was scared despite being the oldest cousin and in kindergarten. I didn’t know what to say! But cousin Susan? She wasn’t afraid of Santa! She talked to him just like she knew who he was… and I was jealous. Why couldn’t I have talked with Santa like that? But we were very happy with the big stocking full of candy that he gave each of us! As Santa left, Grammy took us three little girls to a window upstairs that overlooked the snow-covered street out front, the street side banks piled high with plowed snow. “See those lights? There goes Santa!” Grammy said. But you know what? I knew those lights were just a car’s red taillights. Under city streetlights, I could see there was no Santa’s sleigh! Where were all the reindeer? And Rudolph with his nose so bright? He was supposed to lead the way! I knew every word of that story from my book, remember?! Right then and there, I was so disillusioned that I never believed in Santa again! And dear Grammy never knew about my big disappointment… Writing this story, I had to find out who played Santa. From my Aunt Hilda, I learned that Richard Andela was our Santa. Richie actually worked with her husband, Roy Oostdyk, at his Gulf gas station on Main Street in Clifton… where my father also worked on Saturdays over the years when we lived in Clifton. No wonder Susan was so comfortable talking with him! Oh, the precious memories of childhood that we hold onto! Yet, there is someone I can believe in without disappointment… for eternity. It’s the baby whose birth we welcome and celebrate at Christmas… Jesus, the Light of the world, our Lord and Savior. “For God [our heavenly Father] so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 KJV) With the busy holiday shopping extravaganza, commercialization, and our hectic schedules, I think we sometimes lose a little of the joy and wonder that must have been felt on that very first Christmas… and perhaps we, too, forget to make room amidst the holiday hustle and bustle for this precious little baby. Like us at times, another youngster was once trying to find the right things to help him celebrate, but nothing seemed to go right for him either. “It was finally Christmastime, the best time of the year. The houses were strung with tiny colored lights, their windows shining with a warm yellow glow only Christmas could bring. The scents of pine needles and hot cocoa mingled together, wafting through the air, and the sweet sounds of Christmas carols could be heard in the distance. Fluffy white snowflakes tumbled from the sky onto a group of joyful children as they sang and laughed, skating on the frozen pond in town. Everyone was happy and full of holiday cheer. That is, everyone except for Charlie Brown…” “Charlie (to Linus): ‘I think there must be something wrong with me. I just don’t understand Christmas, I guess. I might be getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I’m still not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel…’” “Later, after a day of frustrations, Charlie said: ‘I guess you were right Linus; I shouldn’t have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster! I guess I don’t really know what Christmas is about. Isn’t there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about?’” “Linus quietly said: ‘Sure, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.’ [Walking to the center of the stage, Linus speaks.] ‘And there were in the same country Shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone ‘round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not! For behold, I bring you tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in the manger.’ And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.’” [Luke 2:8-14, KJV] * Did you notice that Linus dropped his security blanket while saying “Fear not” in the film? He knew Who to trust and believe! Like Ed’s cousin Kevin once commented, “Praise the Lord we have a Savior who has given His life so that our ‘branches and lights’ are beautiful in God's eyes!” For that’s what Christmas is all about. No Room Linda A. Roorda Is there no room, no room in my heart? Midst all the trinkets this world can offer, What do I value and treasure the most… Things that decay or things of the heart? ~ It seems I’ve filled my heart with worry Frets and concerns of every-day life. My wants and wishes each clamor for time Leaving scant room for what matters more. ~ Like the innkeeper from long ago He with no room sent seekers away Little did he know, the love they carried Was in the babe about to be born. ~ This babe grew strong and embraced the weak An emissary of love sent to our world. How else could He know what this life was like Except to become like one of us? ~ Tempted and tried amidst the world’s cares Unrecognized, despised and rejected. No room in their hearts to welcome salvation No room for love and gifts eternal. ~ Still, we are drawn to this man unique… One who went seeking the hopeless and lost, Forgiving our pasts, making new from worn He who has room in His heart for us. ~ Is there no room, no room in my heart, Midst all the trinkets this world can offer? Yes, there is room for the One I treasure… The precious babe, my Savior and Lord! ~~

Thanks-Giving Day… a time of reflection, appreciation, gratitude… recalling blessings even among the difficulties of a most unusual year… and memories shared from years past as we recall what touched our hearts deeply… remembering our loved ones who are no longer here among us… recalling extended family gatherings with delicious food and lots of it… endless football games (sorry, not my favorite)… hunting (let’s go!), especially if there’s fresh snow for tracking… all felt with grateful hearts! We really do have so much to be thankful for… like starting each new day with a heart that simply appreciates the little things of life… because it’s so easy to fuss and fret about those little things that annoy me/us… yet it’s the grateful heart that brings out the best in each of us! And simply thinking about being thankful got me pondering deeper. How grateful I am for the love of family and friends, smiles, cards, and encouraging words! With love, we lift each other up, strengthen, bring comfort in difficult times, and see the good in each other… reminders of hope and renewal to cheer us on. As I began to write this reflection a few years back, it was a cool, dreary, cloudy, drippy, fall day… much like it is now while editing this blog to repost. It was the kind of day that reminds me warm summer days have passed and the cold snowy winter is coming, as evidenced by the snow many of us saw arrive this past week. But then I realized that we were blessed with a good summer and rains during a warmer-than-usual fall, helping to overcome recent droughts and forest fires. Though they might seem an irritant to sunny days, the rain and snow are so needed to renew and replenish the earth and our water supply, and so I am thankful. A grateful heart also shares much love and joy. From our own thankfulness, we reach out to others. I have often admired those who give their time to serve holiday dinners at local missions. Yet, I have not volunteered as I also felt it was important to spend holiday time with my husband who could not go out and about… a way to make his day special. Family time and making precious memories are also blessings from God to treasure with a heart of appreciation. I also like the idea of a thankfulness jar, but never implemented one in my home. Throughout the year, family members can write notes about what they’re especially thankful for and put the slips in the jar. On Thanksgiving Day, or perhaps several days in a row, slips are removed and read aloud, reminding everyone in the family of all the ways we appreciated and blessed each other. And I’m determined to start that project this year. A thankful heart is at the root of the joy and happiness we so often search for. With a thankful heart, we praise the Lord for His many blessings each and every day, even for every breath we take. With a grateful heart, we express love for each other in a myriad of ways, and are open to seeing the hidden beauty among us and around us. With a thankful heart, we are more apt to focus on the good that can come from trials we face. And with a grateful heart, we see that which we tend to overlook, or take for granted, as the genuine blessing it truly is. For with a thankful heart, we will readily say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His love endures forever…” (Psalm 107:1) Happy Thanks-Giving Day! Thanks Giving by Linda A. Roorda For the dawning of each new day For the sun which shines its brilliant rays For the birds who share their sweetest songs… We thank you, Lord, for blessings rich. ~ For desperate pleas You hear with love For all the ways you meet our needs For answers to our many prayers… ~ For all the friends who grace our lives For the ones who left our arms too soon For tears and peace that fill our hearts… ~ For those who fight for freedom’s sake For those who protect our streets from crime For those who gave all that we might live free… ~ For each new season in the cycle of time For spring’s rebirth and summer’s bright sun For autumn’s harvest and winter’s rest… ~ For the joy of life in a newborn’s cry For hope-filled days as our youth pursue dreams For resilient smiles that greet a harsh world… ~ For our great bounty midst a world in need For each new breath in a day not promised For all the ways we love each other… We thank you, Lord, for blessings rich. ~

I love to sing, always have, since I was a kidlet. In my childhood, it was the old Hymns of Faith whether in Christian elementary school, church, choirs, in the backseat of the car singing with my sister as our family went for a drive, or as she and I sang an occasional duet in church. As a teen, I sang along with old country/western and then rock songs of the early ‘70s on 99.1, the WAAL. Yet, I’ve always enjoyed the old hymns, simply for the truth of the words and the joy of singing, though I also appreciate the upbeat contemporary praise and worship songs on Family Life Network, 88.5-FM. As I age, I still love to sing though my voice is not always as crisp and clear, nor even as loud as it once was. With pulmonary sarcoidosis, I just don’t have the volume or depth of air in my lungs anymore. As a retired member/leader of a church Praise Team, it was an honor to select music for the worship service - hymns, country gospel songs, or contemporary praise songs. Each week we brought a different set of songs, usually chosen in an attempt to mesh with the Scripture readings. Our hearts were touched when we chose music not knowing the Scriptures to be read and the songs fit perfectly, knowing God worked through us! Occasionally, we felt moved to change a song, unexpectedly needing “Plan B” with a different option. Time after time, we saw what could be looked at as a failure of our plans, but instead was intended by God for His purpose… to touch someone’s heart in a way we could not have foreseen. Now, as a member of a praise band, The Dry Bones, led by Paul Estro, I again feel the importance of the music chosen to sing – that which Paul writes or selects from contemporary musicians. For there’s something about singing that lifts the heart up… from sadness… from a difficult day… from the trials and wounds of life… from pains and losses in life that scar... to the joys and blessings in each day... and the friendships and value of each person... like a cleansing of the soul, bringing a sense of purpose to our singing and peace to our emotions… for God takes our brokenness and makes something of beauty from it… Because singing lifts the heart up in praise to God for all the goodness He’s blessed us with… for taking us through those difficult times to easier peaceful days… for working through our wounds and scars to refine us and use us for His purpose, for His glory… so that, with praise and joy for all He has done for us, we might touch another life along the way. After I wrote the poem below, its message reminded me of the old hymn, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” by Adelaide A. Pollard (1902), put to music by George C. Stebbins. This worshipful song has been a favorite since my childhood. “Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, while I am waiting yielded and still.” And the Scriptures from which both the above hymn and my poem’s messages are drawn reflect the Master Potter’s work in us: “So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands, so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.” (Jeremiah 18:3-4 NIV) Another prophet felt the same way as he praised our heavenly Father by writing, “Oh Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8 NIV) Our life is a continual process of growth and refinement through the years. As we stay focused on our God and His love, He refines our rough edges… our failures, mistakes, and sins… and works through them to bring out our best, just like the Potter, almost without our realizing it… Then, one day, we take a look back. As we ponder the path we’ve been on, we realize how our Lord took us through the difficult times to clear away the pain of wounds… to draw us closer to Him… to cleanse us from our sin… to refine and change our attitudes from within… to renew our life’s direction and purpose… and to bring joy to our heart… as we become a vessel of worth, more like Christ. And that’s something worth singing about! A Vessel of Worth Linda A. Roorda I’m like a clay pot, a plain earthen vessel Scarred and fragile, bruised and broken. What can I offer in this condition? What is my value, and what am I worth? ~ So I watched the Potter as he took raw clay Gray bland in color, an undefined block. Throwing the clay with fingers easing All the rough edges, the lump he refined. ~ Faster he pedaled, wheel turning smooth Humming a tune, his hands deftly worked. His vision emerged through design taking shape While gently he scraped imperfections aside. ~ Yet there in the clay for all to see clear Lay fissures and cracks now being exposed. Some faults ran deep, others lay shallow All marred perfection, casting doubt as to worth. ~ Swiftly he worked to shape and refine As beauty beneath was slowly brought forth. Heat up the furnace! the potter exclaimed. It’s only through fire refinement is made. ~ Purging the defects, molding and shaping Tempering through fire, perfection to find. For hidden from view in mind’s eye alone Lay His creation, a vessel of worth. ~ As I stood aside observing the skill Which molded and shaped a plain lump of clay, I thought of the One who had created me A vessel of value, made worthy by Him. ~~

I suspect we’ve all heard, “There but for the grace of God go I.” Truth be told, I think we all know how true those words are. This world has so much to offer with its many enticements… and how easy it is for any one of us to be swayed aside… but for the grace and wisdom of God. I’m thankful to God for preserving me from being enticed to follow a path that seemed so good, so right when young… which, in reality, would lead to destruction. Studying the book of Proverbs is an eye opener. Oh, I’ve read it before, but appreciate studying it closer verse by verse. Here, the wisdom of Israel’s King Solomon is directly before us as he speaks to his son(s) and daughter(s), his children… us… me. And, knowing his life’s story, the reading becomes even more poignant. When King David died, his son, Solomon, took over the reign. In a dream, God told Solomon to “ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (I Kings 3:5) Rather than great riches, the humble king asked for wisdom with which to rule. I can only hope I’d have thought to ask for that! In granting his request, the Lord gave Solomon not only great wisdom beyond compare, but also great riches. There was no one like him before or since. To know the rest of the story is to understand that, although Solomon began his reign intending to follow God’s precepts, he was soon swayed by the world’s enticements. From humble and wise beginnings, Solomon gradually took to himself 700 wives and 300 concubines, allowing worship altars to be built for all their various gods. And it wasn’t long before this worship by his wives of their pagan gods also contributed to an undermining of his own faithful worship of the one true God. In studying the great and powerful words of wisdom in Proverbs, I can’t help but be struck by the fact that at the end of his life, Solomon realized how far he had fallen. His had been a life of great riches with glory and fame following wherever his wisdom and searching soul led him, and he was left to ponder at what he had gained. Believed to have also been written by Solomon, Ecclesiastes begins: “The word of the Teacher, son of David, king of Jerusalem: Meaningless! Meaningless! says the Teacher. Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless. What does man gain from all his labor...? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever… I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 1:1, 2, 4, 13, 14) Yet with the same great wisdom, Solomon penned these verses we’ve treasured since, especially in song – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” (Eccl. 3:1-8) Understanding that he had pursued all which life had to offer, it appears the Teacher, presumably Solomon, was not afraid to admit it was all for naught… while also voicing the dichotomy of profound meaning found in every activity under the sun. Thus, his conclusion was that there was a purpose to be found in the relationship with his, and our, one true God. For, in the end, the Teacher concluded we should “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come…and the spirit returns to God who gave it… Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Eccl. 12: 1, 7, 13) These were the thoughts which came to mind as I reflected on my poem below well after it was written. Not one of us can say we are sin free. Assuredly, we haven’t committed major crimes. But, deep inside, in all honesty, our heart is not always pure and wise as we struggle in our human attempts to follow a perfect Lord. We, a product of this world, tend to seek our own way in our daily walk – and I know my own bent. But I am so thankful that He pursues me… each of us… with never-ending boundless loving mercy. May I learn from Solomon’s wisdom, and from his mistakes, and humbly bow my heart to our Lord. May I learn to follow His words of wisdom, and His will for my life, wherever He may lead… for “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105) Your Word Linda A. Roorda ~ Your word is like a comforting hand Within the midst of stress-filled days It calms the heart and soothes the soul To find a peace within Your embrace. ~ Your word is like a sharpened sword It pierces the soul with words brought to mind Causing a change when nothing else can Instructing me, Your wisdom to heed. ~ Your word is like a beautiful scene That greets my eyes, tranquil and serene It points to You, Creator of all Showing Your power and infinite might. ~ Your word is like a solid rock Unshakeable with its absolute truth Lasting forever, foundation secure Its wisdom gained to guide and to lead. ~ Your word is like the calm after storms After winds blow fierce and clouds gather dark As rain pours down to freshen this world So to the soul are Your words of peace. ~ Your word is like a beautiful bud Daily growing beneath sun and rain It opens wide with petals of silk To show the world its hidden glory. ~ Your word is like a fine sunny day With healing warmth down deep in my soul It broadens faith, shines light on wisdom And illumines steps to direct my path. ~~ Linda Roorda writes from her home in Spencer.

Life isn’t fair… or so we think. We see nothing but tragedies all around us… wars without end, killing of the innocents and young innocence... while evil seems to freely flourish. We struggle to converse with respect and an understanding of opposing points of view. We sow words of hate and distrust among friends for thinking or believing differently. Disease and death stalk our loved ones. What was once considered morally wrong is readily accepted as right. And we wonder where a loving God is among all of this. We look for answers to life’s problems in many ways. We need comfort. We want peace. Yet, there isn’t an era during this world’s existence which hasn’t had its difficulties. I’m sure many of us have asked the age-old question “why?” when trouble hits. I did as our oldest daughter lay dying, and God gave me His reply on a plaque in the Rochester International Airport – “13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139:13-16) It was exactly what I needed to be reminded of – God was truly in control of even our family’s deepest loss, tenderly answering my heartfelt cry, “Why God?” Another man was beset with life’s worst tragedies when everything he owned, including his children, was destroyed, killed or taken away. When his wife lashed out to at him to “curse God and die,” Job responded with “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:9-10) After Job’s friends castigated him for whatever he may have done to bring such calamity upon himself, Job questioned God. And then found his answer in God’s response, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand….” (Job 38:4) What we may not see when we face the hardships of life is that those situations often strengthen a deeper faith in our heavenly Father. These trials are allowed for us to “know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) And yes, I think we often forget that at times… I do. But our great God, in His infinite wisdom, uses the problems of this world to accomplish good in us, even using our difficulty to benefit others. As Joseph said to his brothers who had sold him into slavery, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20) Though I suspect these words may seem like nice platitudes to some, I can think of many who have been used to bless others because of their own trials. Friends and community members have told me they kept an eye on how we reacted in the many difficulties our family has faced, and found it helpful when they faced similar situations. Through our earthly journey, God brings us to a point where we can say, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” (II Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV) Through our own difficulties with Ed’s loss of vision, the death of our daughter, the loss of his health, and so much more, including Ed’s passing, our faith in God was deeply tested. Yet, in looking to our gracious God, we found renewed strength for our journey forward. In seeking the Lord, and relying on His Word, He gives us His blanket of peace and comfort… like the peace I literally felt He wrapped around me. In grief’s journey, God’s comforting peace is something we are then able to share with other hurting souls from our own experiences. These personal trials are meant to draw us closer to God and His word as our faith is grown with new, or renewed, strength and wisdom. We are reminded to “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3) Difficulties are not easy to face, but can point out where our heart may not be right toward God or others. The Holy Spirit may pierce our heart as we realize we need to work on some issues with the Lord’s guidance. Perhaps a trial prevented our headlong advance into something even more dangerous and harmful… like patience in backed up traffic which may have prevented our being involved in an accident up ahead. Perhaps His words prompt us to change direction to follow a better path. Or perhaps our hardship was meant to bring a blessing to others, to strengthen their faith, as they observe our response in facing major difficulties. In seeking our Lord when facing life’s seemingly insurmountable hurdles, it seems that so often the right verse appears at just the right time. That’s not a coincidence! God gently speaks to each of us in many ways. As I allow His words to guide me, I see the blessings and peace only He can give within the trials. God offers abundant love with mercy and grace in His gift of salvation. He wants to give us His peace and comfort that we might bless others, while we give Him all the glory in all we do. He wants to develop our character to become more like Christ, as we grow a richer, deeper and wiser faith through life’s vicarious ups and downs. No matter the difficulty we face, we can truly know He is with us just like Jesus said, “…I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20 KJV) Where are you Lord… Linda A. Roorda Where are you Lord when I need you the most When I’m all alone and no one seems to care, When the night is long, my thoughts perplexed, When there seems no answer to unending prayer… ~ Where are you Lord when the pain cuts deep Midst tragedy’s wounds and wars without end, When wrong seems right in a world confused When we wonder why our children are killed… ~ Where are you Lord when death comes early And life is taken from innocent babes, When the heart is stopped in a vibrant soul While the world goes on with its endless prattle… ~ Where are you Lord when disease strikes young When healing is elusive despite our strong faith, When the answer is no, but yes seems so right When we cannot see Your purpose ahead… ~ Where are you Lord when wrongs become rights And simple apologies cannot be uttered, When forgiveness is fleeting and grudges are kept And we miss Your grace that heals wounded hearts… ~ Where are you Lord when disasters strike And devastating storms destroy all we’ve built, When we mar the earth with our selfish greed As though we alone control our destiny… ~ Where are you Lord when we wrestle with life Seeking wisdom to guide every step? We’re desperate for answers, demanding them now Forgetting Your Word sheds light on our path… ~ Where are you Lord if not in our hearts… As You draw us close to show us the way. For we’ll be at peace knowing You have said, “Never will I leave. Never will I forsake.” ~~ Linda Roorda writes from her home in Spencer.

Thank you very much, Ann 🙂