Wow, I'll tell you what, it's really hot this summer, isn't it? The only way to beat the heat is by finding the nearest shady tree, or a cold swimming pool.

This reminds me of another sweltering summer day many years ago when my children were very young... Our summer swim team decided to take a fun (a relative word) trip to Nashville Shores for the day. Since water parks give me the he-be-gee-bee's, I had no intention of getting wet; I was fully clothed, and my flip-flops were not coming off my feet. My mission for this hot day was to keep track of my four children amongst the rest of the hundreds of kids that had descended upon Nashville Shores.

I stationed my "post" by a small shallow pool where I could visibly see my younger two, Davis and Emmy, while Maggie and Bink were to check-in frequently. The attraction to this little pool was not only the water they were playing in, but also the anticipation of the water above them. Steadily and repeatedly, a HUGE bucket would fill to the brim, high above the children (and some grown-up kids). Once the bucket was full, it would then topple to it's side, and pour out all over those standing underneath. When this happened, the little children would scream with delight, their bodies would do jumping jacks, and then they would splash each other with glee. Sheer jubilation was experienced by all who were drenched from above. And, as I watched from my slither of shade that I found underneath a tall slide that was dripping luke-warm water down my neck, I became rather envious of my children's position...

Water--refreshing, rejuvenating, replenishing water--pouring out onto these children--anticipating, hoping, expecting children. Whenever I think of this scene, I hear the Lord say to my heart, "That's joy, my child." Now, listen to this truth about Jesus, our Living Water:

God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us... (Romans 5:8). And because of His death,

...the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5).

Just like the water saturated my children that day, the true Living Water can also drench you and me--with joy! All we need is a child-like faith in Christ Jesus. Then, through His word, we can be replenished on a daily basis. Don't stand on the perimeter spiritually, like I was physically, on that more-than-hot day at Nashville Shores. The only thing I was drenched in was my own miserable sweat. Joy belonged to the children in the Water, not me.

Hear Jesus say to you today: "... The water that I shall give you shall become in you a well of water springing up to eternal life." (John 4:14)

The Living Water has been poured out. Join me, "grown-up child," let's beat life's continual heat, and get joyfully drenched.

A few mornings ago, I set out for a long walk on the country roads near my home; I had a lot of thinking/praying to do about life and its "stuff." Not too far into my walk, however, I noticed everything was a little blurry. I cleaned my sunglasses, but to no avail. It was then that I realized that I had forgotten to put in my contacts.

Wow, what a deficiently far-sighted walk this was going to be: "Is that a rabbit or a squirrel... a butterfly or a leaf... a stick or a snake?" The trees were even making me a little dizzy due to their wind-blown massive movement.

These swaying trees made me think of this Scripture passage:

And they came to Bethsaida. And they brought a blind man to Him, and entreated Him to touch him. And taking the blind man by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting on his eyes, and laying His hands upon him, He asked him, "Do you see anything?"

And he looked up and said, "I see men, for I am seeing them like trees, walking about." Then again He laid His hands upon his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. Mark 8:22-26

Ok, first of all, what's up with the "spitting"? I guess we have to remember that Jesus is fully God and fully man, and men like to spit. I'm sure this kept the attention of all the tough guys in the crowd watching this restoration process. And secondly, what's this: "I see men... like trees walking about?" What an odd line of scripture to decipher.

I think this peculiar encounter with Christ teaches us about faith. First, we read that the blind man was brought to Jesus by friends. Then the blind man was willing to be led by Jesus Himself to an appointed place. Consequently, Jesus began His wonderful work, in His time and in His way. As the blind man waited on the Lord, his faith grew in the Lord. He didn't waver or run half-way through the process. He simply trusted the hands that held him.

What about you? Are you wondering what in the world God is doing in your faith walk? Do things just not add up, almost to the point you are dizzily confused? Be willing to be led, my friend, and believe He is always at work for your good and for His glory. And as you wait on Him, do not waver in the truths of His word. Because God's word to you, is just like Jesus' hands were to that blind man long ago.

The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130

How thankful I am for His word as I journey through this chaotic world with a simple faith. Likewise, how thankful I was to put my contacts in my eyes after that confusing country walk. Because I can see clearly now, they are one and the same.

Photographs have such a wonderful way of capturing a cherished memory. In the same way, my mind has recently taken in small "snip-its" of people that have crossed my path only briefly. These short encounters, however, have left me with long-lasting impressions. I would like to share three of these with you:

1. I have been trudging through the P90X workout program with my highly intense and determined daughter Maggie. In one of the videos (labeled "the mother of all P90X workouts"), a young man is exercising in extreme fashion... with a prosthetic leg! His ferver as he jumps up, down, and all around, and the overjoyed expression on his face is incredibly inspirational.

2. A few days after the tragic flood in Nashville, I was in Home Depot, standing in the check out line behind a country-guy wearing ragged jeans, a cut-off t-shirt, and unlaced work boots. He was filthy! I overheard him talking to the check-out man: "Yea, my house was flooded, but I am so thankful because it could have been so much worse... and I'm so glad I know how to make the repairs... and I am so thankful that I can help others who had more damage...". And then, with a smile and a nod, he hobbled out on his bum-ankle.

3. I was in San Francisco for a few days with my husband Mac. At one point, we sat in a taxi and listened to a Filipino driver tell us about his life. The fun part of it was that every other sentence, he burst out in bubbling contagious laughter. "I love my wife of 40 years... ha ha ha... we have four grown children, two are married... ha ha ha... one daughter has MS, but she lives with us and my wife cares for the children... ha ha ha... I love my yellow taxi; it is the best... ha ha ha!" I loved how he loved life!

As these "snip-its" come and go throughout my days, I realize that God Himself has put these people in my path to teach me something-- perseverance and joy in trial, thankfulness in all things, and contentment in every circumstance.

And then this thought occurred to me: I am somebody's snip-it. Wow, that's humbling. In a brief encounter with a stranger, what impression am I leaving with them? Do they see Christ in me? Am I an encourager or discourager, gentle or rude, becoming or bitter, kind-hearted or cruel?

The apostle Paul put it well when he said, "And they were glorifying God because of me." Galatians 1:24

Yes, these three strangers, whether they knew it or not, pointed me to an aspect and character of Christ. May you and I be the same as we are somebody's "snip-it" today.

I love the lines of this old song that I learned growing up:

"There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God's own Son; precious lamb of God, Messiah, h...o...l...y One."

In this short tune, the Good News is beautifully told: on the cross, Jesus, the Redeemer, exchanged His life for mine. God judged His perfect Son instead of me.

From the cross, my Redeemer was put in the tomb---crucified, dead, and buried. But the rest of the Good News is: the third day He rose again, conquering both sin and death! Yes, this I know, my Redeemer lives (Job 19:25). And I also know, my Redeemer is strong; the Lord of Hosts is His name; He will vigorously plead my case (Jeremiah 50:34). Indeed, He fought for me then, and He fights for me now. In Him, I now have eternal life instead of certain death.

After Jesus rose from the grave, He ascended into heaven, yet not without promising to send you and me a Helper. Another line in the same old song is: "Thank You, O my Father, for sending us Your Son, and leaving us Your Spirit 'til the work on earth is done." Because of my Redeemer, God has begun a new work in me, and I can now daily live the "instead of" life. My soul now possesses:

a garland instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the mantle of praise instead of a sprit of fainting...

a double portion instead of my shame...

and everlasting joy instead of humiliation. Isaiah 61:3,7

What an amazing exchange from my gracious Redeemer. And it doesn't stop there. He offers you and me peace instead of confusion, courage instead of fear, rest instead of weariness, hope instead of despondency... on and on and on.

Dear Jesus, precious lamb of God, Messiah... REDEEMER... how I do thank You for purchasing the "instead of" life for me.

I have four "babies." I blinked and they became four toddlers. I blinked again, and they are now four teenagers. Wow, it's been a wonderful whirlwind. I must admit, however, sometimes I feel like I am going to be blown away (or wish I could be!) as I attempt to oversee the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each of these "sweet ones."

With this in mind, I penned another devotional prayer that begins with the phrase, "God, You are...". I must remember Who really is in charge of their days, as well as mine. Please read this prayer and claim it as your own. Also, if time permits, look up the Scripture that I derived it from, and be blessed by God's promises.

God, You are the Overseer. For You are a great God, and a great King above all gods; in Your hands are the depths of the earth; the peaks of the mountains are Yours also. The sea is Yours; for it is You who made it; and Your hands formed dry land. Yes, You own and oversee it all--every star that shines, every raindrop that falls, and every flower that opens. You hunt the prey for the lion... You prepare the raven its nourishment... and observe the calving of the deer... You cause the grass to grow for the cattle, and the vegetation for the labor of man. Indeed, You are the Creator, Provider, and Sustainer of all Your creatures both great and small. I thank You, O God, that this truth includes me! I know You have numbered my days on this earth, and each one has been pre-planned by You. I thank You for consistently meeting me morning by morning in order to fill me with confidence; I do not have to worry about the day, for You have already laid it out. Yes, I praise You, Overseer of the Universe, for watching over every step I take.

Psalm 95:3-4; Job 38:39, 41, 39:1; Psalm 104:14; Psalm 139:16; Isaiah 50:4; Proverbs 5:21

Last Saturday morning, we watched the rain fall--another rainy Saturday, bummer.

... And keep falling--wow, that's a lot of rain.

... And keep falling-- goodness, our back yard has a fast flowing stream in it now. Drats, our barn is flooding.

... And keep falling-- there goes our newly planted vegetable garden... now that's what you call a "tossed salad."

We looked out front to see that our road was more like a small river. We counted our two horses in the field, our two dogs, our two cats... eight of us were in the house...arc?

On Saturday at noon, we could joke about it, but by that evening the rain was far from funny. Much of middle Tennesse was undergoing the "flood of the century." Wow... speechless. From this experience, however, I did have some overflowing thoughts:

1. A "for sure" Celebration. On Saturday, we were to give my daughter Maggie a Graduation/Birthday party. So for two days prior to this event, we all joyfully prepared. Many (and I mean many) ham rolls were made by both of Maggie's grandmothers, tasty dips were put together, and so on. The house was clean and ready for friends to enter. But of course, by 2 pm, the only way anyone could get to our home was by boat; needless to say, the party was canceled. My happy, hopeful thought from this disappointment kept running through my mind: I know of a future Celebration that will NOT be canceled, and it's a sure and beautiful thing.

Heaven is coming, my friend; Jesus is preparing a place for us right now, and it will be eternally delightful! He has said, No eye has seen, no ear has heard... all that God has prepared for those who love Him (I Corinthians 2:9).

2. Never in vain. My biggest concern about the cancelled party was the abundance of food. Well, God had a purpose that we party-planners did not presume. Little did we know, that the labor of love done on Friday was going to be food for flood victims on Monday. Ham rolls (and company) were distributed to neighbors, to different families, and to a devastated church site.

How delightful to be used unexpectedly by God who had prepared this work beforehand, that we should walk in it (Ephesians 2:10).

Christian brother and sister, know that your labor here, no matter how menial, is never in vain.

3. Advance Notice. This thought is a little more sobering, but just as true. If I had known in advance that the flood was coming, I would have called every person that I knew to tell them about it. Get ready; move your stuff upstairs; don't drive this way or that...

I know that something far worse than a flood is coming; for the Bible tells me so. The refusal to believe in Jesus Christ, God's Son, will result in certain eternal separation from God, (which would be hell). In His word, He pleads over and over and over again, "Come to Me." Mohammed can't invite, Buddha can't invite, neither can Gandhi or Mr. Good Works; these are mere men and ideals. But Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature (Hebrews 1:3). He IS God who came down to rescue us. And He has invited you to be with Him forever.

I pray these thoughts will flood your heart like they have mine. Let's look forward to our future celebration; but while we wait, let's labor here with God's love and give all those around us advance notice so they can join us... "Upstairs."