20/20 Vision

Throughout this past year, it was more and more noticeable that the cataracts on both of my eyes were distorting my vision and making it difficult to read and decipher small print as well as see things clearly.  After an eye appointment, the doctor recommended having the cataracts removed as well as considering lasik to correct my vision.  It is amazing how much clearer and easily I can see since the procedures.

As grateful as I am for improved physical eyesight, I also want to make sure I am desiring that for my spiritual eyesight as well.  Whereas I had no control over what was happening to my physical eyesight, I do have choices to make daily about what I view, read, and the ways I look at people and situations.  I want to learn to see and respond to life through God’s eyes and to keep my eyes focused on Jesus. 

“Father’s Eyes”

By Amy Grant

And on that day when we will pay for all the deeds we have done,

Good and bad they’ll all be had to see by everyone.

And when you’re called to stand and tell just what you saw in me,

More than anything I know, I want your words to be,

She had her father’s eyes,

Her father’s eyes;

Eyes that found the good in things,

When good was not around;

Eyes that found the source of help,

When help would not be found;

Eyes full of compassion,

Seeing every pain;

Knowing what you’re going through,

And feeling it the same.

Just like my father’s eyes.

May 2020 be the year that we have 20/20 eyesight, a heart and eyes that clearly see things from God’s point of view, and an obedient spirit and response. 

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Psalm 119:18

Turn my eyes from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

Psalm 119:37

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.”

Matthew 6:22

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:18

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Hebrews 12:1-2a

I lift up my eyes to the mountains –

     where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,

     the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Ephesians 1:18-19a

Christmas 2019

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15

For over 50 years, A Charlie Brown Christmas has been a part of Christmas Season viewing.  Whereas Charlie Brown is recognized by his zigzag shirt, Linus is most often characterized by his light blue security blanket.  Although the other characters have been trying, for years, to get Linus to give up his blanket, it is to no avail, until the momentous time in the movie where he begins to quote Luke 2:8-14.  As Linus gets to the words, “Fear not” he drops his blanket.

Jason Soroski, a writer and musician in Houston, recounts lessons he thinks Charles Schultz was conveying through Linus’ drop of the security blanket.

* The birth of Jesus separates us from our fears.

* The birth of Jesus frees us from the habits we are unable (or unwilling) to break ourselves.

* The birth of Jesus allows us to simply drop the false security we have been grasping so tightly, and learn to trust and cling to Him instead.

Soroski continues, “…in the midst of fear and insecurity, this simple cartoon image from 1965 continues to live on as an inspiration for us to seek true peace and true security in the one place it has always been and always still be found.”

After reciting the Christmas Story, even when Linus has experienced true security, he once again picks up his blanket.  The Peanuts gang then begins to sing “Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Glory to the Newborn King.”  It is at the time around the tree that Soroski notes that Linus lays his blanket down “for good at the base of that beautiful Christmas tree, just as we should strive to not just lay our blanket down just anywhere, but leave it forever behind us at the foot of that cross, for our own good and the good of others.”

Like Charlie Brown, Linus, and their friends, once we have read, heard, experienced the story and worshiped, may we respond to God’s truth and infinite love by sharing His love story with others so they can do the same.

Merry Christmas from the Bertrands!

 Mary (7)    Ryen (6)    David (9)

Della (3)    Sawyer (4)    Daniel (4)

Giver/Gifts/Thanks

Our youngest grandchild, Della, is three years old!  It has been a week full of celebrations and activities at home, school, and at her family party.  As she opened gifts, Della would often squeal with delight.  Apparently, several of Della’s gifts were attractive and enticing to her three older siblings as well.  They were more than happy to play with her gifts with her.  Because she received so many outfits for her doll, Della let Ryen and Sawyer each choose two that they could have for their dolls.  All four are enjoying the doctor’s kit, piano, and microphone, as well as other gifts, morning, noon, and night.  With all the sharing, there came a point where Della wanted to play with a gift that was already in use by someone else.  She reminded them that it was “Mine!”  Appreciating the gift was great, but it was also important to recognize and thank the giver.

Watching this little scenario reminded me of how much God continues to lavish on us each day.  Our gifts overflow.

Do I acknowledge and thank God as the Creator and giver of all?

Do I remember to express thanks for my gifts?

Do I claim and hold on to God’s gift as my own or do I remember that they are His to give and use as He purposes?

Do I enjoy and willingly share with others?

Am I a good steward of that which I have been entrusted?

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

1 Timothy 6:18

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.  Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:13

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 13:16

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17