June

June


Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
June 2, 1012 

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest”.–Exodus 33:14 NIV


The month of June has come quickly this year. It’s been a favorite month of many for a lot of reasons. The children love it because it signals the end of school and the beginning of summer. Families pack up for vacations that they have saved all year for. Neighbors gather together for fireworks and a backyard hot dog. Picnics, grilling out and paper plates become the norm. Watermelons are sliced and shared outdoors. A good time has been had by the younger set evidenced by kool-aid stains on t-shirts in colors of cherry, orange and lime. Band-aids cover the scraped knees from bicycle mishaps. Fathers labor over their lawns in a battle against the weeds and Moms brace for whatever the summer brings knowing she must be adaptable. Summer becomes a chance to enjoy family, slack up a little and enjoy the tastes and joys of it all. 

But in all of our busyness, I think God would have us not forget Him. A small child was asked what did he pray for that day and he replied, “nothing, I didn’t need anything”. We seem to have a tendency to only go to God with our requests when we are in crisis or have a real need. When things are going great for us, He can be easily pushed aside. As summer begins, we should invite God to be present in all we do, plan and enjoy. God is more important than ever as we pray protection over our loved ones that are on the go this summer season.

Celebrate Life

Celebrate Life
Reflections by the Sea ©

Betsy Ore Glass
May 20, 2012

The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him! -Lamentations 3:22-24 (NASB)

It is so much fun to sit on the dunes with my long zoom camera lens and watch the birds walking along the water’s edge. Watching the pelicans in the distance as they dive into the sea. Noticing the clouds overhead that take the shape of things as they move slowly by. I love being a spectator from my perch nearby. Seeing everything up close, yet not being an active part of it.

The opposite of spectator is being a participant. It is equally fun to play with kids in the water, build sandcastles, collect shells and enjoy a picnic together. Being in the moment and enjoying life to the fullest is truly the act of participating.

It occurs to me that we have a choice in life. What side of the fence are we on? We can choose to be a spectator or a participator of life. We can become fully engaged in our life and the lives of those around us or stand back, in the shadows, living life through other people, watching their celebrations and milestones. My husband and I made the choice years ago to be a family that celebrates. We make the birthdays, anniversaries and holidays special. Even the dogs get birthday presents! Carrying around a camera for most of my life, I have been able to catch big moments and little ones too, so the memories of our celebrations have not been lost or forgotten.

Occasionally, I hear folks describe their days with the words, “didn’t do much today” or “we’re not planning anything special”. I used to be one of those people long ago. We stood at the front door many times and watched a neighbor family pile in their old car and drive off to enjoy life by going to ballgames, the beach, picnics and camping. Even backyard barbecues were special to them. I learned an important lesson from that family. Seize the moment. When the day is over, it is lost. The young mother of this family passed in a car accident when her children were small. No time for goodbyes, one more picnic or one last moment. But I can say that family had far more memories to carry forward than some people have in a lifetime. And it wasn’t because they had unlimited resources or an abundance of time. No, they simply made an effort and chose to celebrate their life. To make something of each day. They learned that ever important balance of working, playing and praying. They made time for it all.

Part of being a participator in life is a way to honor oneself and the family and friends that surround. It honors God showing Him we treasure the life He breathed in us and the gifts He surrounds us with. It is true that health, finances and obstacles can keep us from doing the things we want to do sometimes or it can limit us greatly, but we can choose our attitude about our life and what we do with it. For example, a budget meal of tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich can be presented like a feast. Celebrating the first cucumber from the garden can bring a big smile. The dog bringing back the ball in a game of fetch can be cause for praise, kisses and hugs. Everyday things can be a series of small celebrations and before long we begin to realize that joy resides within. It is taking hold on the inside. It starts with having an attitude that promotes joy and happiness combined with the act of “doing” instead of “watching” that keeps many people celebrating daily life to a ripe old age.

Honoring Parents

Honoring Parents Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass May 16, 2012

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”— which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1- 3 This time between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day reminds me of that great commandment that tells us to honor our Mother and Father. If we need an incentive to do this, the Bible says that by doing so, we will have a long life. While my Father went to be with the Lord three years ago, I still have the honor to enjoy my Mother. And I know I am blessed. But not everyone seems to feel that way about their parents. I see disrespect, unkind comments and irritation all around me when people close to me talk of their aging parents. In particular, elderly parents often have special needs and their fears about their own health and mortality often show up in their impatience or their demands for comfort and assistance. The wise child understands this and honors their parent at all times no matter what. As we get older we may be in need of help, assistance and most of all love too. It is often easier to understand a situation if we can put ourselves in it…it fosters more compassion. So we give now when we can and consider it a privilege and an honor. We are God’s earthly arms and legs to act and to do what is pleasing and kind to Him and beneficial to our parents. We are his angels on earth to be extensions of his Love. This is one of the ways God uses us. And with God’s grace, when we are elderly and in need of help, we will trust God to surround us with earthly angels to help us as well. To the caregivers and children of those parents that need a little extra right now, the Lord is your strength. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7 NIV.  Caregivers and families have the best of intentions but it is a job that gets old quick if the attitude is not rooted in God’s Love. Some days are harder than others and offer daily challenges but are easier to get through on God’s strength rather than our own. If you are blessed to be a child or a caregiver of an elderly parent or person, be grateful for the opportunity to show God’s love through your caring hands, gentle words and tender heart. God sees everything. He wants us to live in love, peace and to give honor. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:13-15

A Mother

A Mother Reflections by the Sea ©  Betsy Ore Glass May 10, 2012

My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life, -Proverbs 6:20-23 NIV Rarely is she appreciated for what she does. She is often overlooked for her contribution. But her love lasts for a lifetime and her devotion never wanes. She is a Mother. As I looked in the dictionary for a profound description of what a Mother is I was disappointed. It simply said “a female parent”. A mother is so much more. She tends to, raises up, loves fully and provides limitlessly. When I think of a Mother, I visualize a woman holding the Bible in one hand and the hand of a child in the other. Being a Mother myself, the job description changes as the children mature over the years. From diapers to wedding bouquets there is so much of our heart that lies between the two. The Bible says in Psalm 127:3 “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” Completely true. Children are a gift from God. In about a month, our new grandson will make his first appearance to the world. He is truly a gift to our family and I pray that he will be given every opportunity by his parents to know, love and serve God in his lifetime. Proverbs 22:6 says,”Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it”. My own Mother lives today basking in the love of her three daughters. She considers herself blessed. God has allowed her opportunities to walk through valleys during her life and in doing so, she has shown her daughters what it means to be strong. I have had the occasion recently to join my Mother in her bedtime prayers. What a blessing to see the passion and love she has for Jesus when she talks to Him. There is always something a Mother can teach her children at any age.   Giving birth to a child doesn’t mean a person automatically possesses the right characteristics of a good Mother. There are many different layers of character that makes a Mother. She is like a rose bud that opens slowly over time as she learns to nurture her family with God’s guiding hand. God takes years to perfect her and she evolves into a radiant rose, a masterpiece with each rose petal representing a learned lesson from her life. It is the woman that shows love, sacrifice and exhibits constant faith and uses her influence wisely that can be called a good, godly Mother. As I write this, I pray that I have had a good influence on my own children. That is a daily thing. Our phone conversations, the words we use, how we handle our own challenges, how we relate to others and so much more. At all ages, our children are watching and learning. Just like I was so tenderly touched to listen to my Mother pray out loud, I realize my own children are taking it all in too, whether consciously or unconsciously. Words and actions take root so we must model good and honorable behavior. On the occasion of this Mother’s Day, if you have a Mother that is alive, it would make her day to let her know you care or contact someone in your circle of love that gives you wisdom and unconditional love and thank them for it. And if you yourself are a Mother, give God thanks that you were chosen for one of the highest jobs in the land. Let us use this Mother’s Day as a chance to recommit to Him and to our families to use our influence in a way that honors God. Happy Mother’s Day.

Waves

Waves

Reflections by the Sea ©
Betsy Ore Glass

April 30, 2012

For I am the Lord your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves roar – The Lord Almighty is his name. -Isaiah 51:15
Waves are formed across the surface of the ocean by winds. The stronger the wind, the larger the wave. Isn’t it amazing that an ocean can roar like a lion with waves crashing onto shore one day and then the next day, not even a ripple is present on the surface of the water? I love to scurry to the beach to see what the waves are doing. It is a fact that the sea cannot be controlled. However, it is within our control to build a house on pilings to allow waves to go under it rather than through it in rough weather. It is also in our control to construct walls of sand to protect a dwelling that is too near the ocean’s edge. But it is not in our control to hold back the wind that powers the waves of the sea. That’s God’s business. Surfers flock to where the waves are big enough to enjoy the ride on their surfboards. But on the other hand, an oceanfront resident may helplessly standby as the same crashing waves and pounding surf possibly threatens his property. Each person’s joy is reflected upon the choices they make.
Do we experience joy in our days? Is it long- lasting or just for the moment? Do we seek the way of the Lord? Choosing to live with Him at the helm or do we choose the other way, by living to please ourselves and gain pleasure at the expense of our spirituality and walk with God? Our parents may have christened or baptized us with hopes we would walk a godly life, but it is truly a personal decision that each of us must make at some point. If we make that choice to accept Him, it’s then that we can count on His joy, goodness, mercy and protection all the rest of our days

Faith

Faith Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass April 27, 2012

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done.-Matthew 21:21 NIV Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. I once heard it said that it is faith that is the light that guides us through the darkness. A boat captain understands the importance of light to guide his vessel back to safety at night. Equally, a small child tucked in to his bed at night depends on the glow of a nightlight to comfort him if he wakes. Then sometimes we just feel the light fading in our life and our faith slipping away at the same time. It has happened to many of us. We want so hard to believe in God’s power and provision but our natural eyes can’t see anything supernatural in front of us, so our faith wanes and our unbelief builds. Thoughts and words come in like waves in a storm like “God will never heal me”; “my circumstances will never improve; “my child is never going to amount to anything” and so on. We can chase away our thoughts, but when we give our own voice to these thoughts by speaking them out loud or telling others, we are feeding the unbelief in our hearts and spirit so that it can take root on the inside of us.   So many times I have prayed to God to give me more faith, when actually I should have asked Him to bind the unbelief. The unbelief is not from Him. By not agreeing with those thoughts that come in our heads that rob of us our hope, we can be overcomers. There is always hope. This week a friend called to say they were going to close their business after a long struggle. It was taking its toll. They didn’t believe that it could work anymore. God has the answer but my advice was for them to seek God’s light. That He would shine light on the path they should take, to either stay the course or move on. How do we know it is God and not just us exercising our own will? God confirms it by the words spoken by a friend, the way circumstances are shaping up, or most of all, He uses His Word to speak to us. While we are waiting for God’s confirmation we can do what a wise man once said…“As you practice counting your blessings, you will find your faith is being suddenly revitalized.” This is the first step in being positive towards getting out of unbelief and back into faith living.

Ship's Wheel

Ship's Wheel Reflections by the Sea   Betsy Ore Glass April 19, 2012

The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. -.Acts 27:15 NIV The wheel of a ship actually turns the rudder, which then changes the direction of the vessel. Over the years, the steering mechanism has changed somewhat, but the concept remains the same: a ship simply needs a wheel to direct it on its proper course. A ship’s wheel is quite a nautical find in an antique store. To see a ship’s wheel that has been restored and transformed into a table is a real conversational piece Recently, I was walking along some docks and could peer into the boats that were tied up. I was surprised and delighted to see the ships’ wheel in today’s photograph was still functional and relied upon. If our life is thought of as a ship, then who is steering us in our journey across the sea? I find myself taking the wheel out of God’s hands and I often try to steer my life alone. It isn’t anything conscious that I do…it just seems to be an old habit. When I lose my direction and seem to go in circles, God who has patiently stood by, steps in and gets me back on course. It is silly really that we often think we can go our own way. The tendency is to go to God only when there is a crisis. We are all probably guilty of that at some time in our life. We should really go to God for everything; our health, our relationships, our families, the finances, work, school and more. I know that some might think that they shouldn’t bother God with the little things. That He has enough to do already. But God can handle it and He delights to be in daily, constant fellowship with us over the big things and the little things. If we are on the move with our life, learning, growing and doing, then we need direction. We are not as wise as we think we are sometimes. Best to leave the steering up to Him. That way we know our steps are anointed and we are never alone when we turn the wheel over to Him.

Daily Walk

Daily Walk Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass April 12, 2012

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. -James 4:7 NIV A daily walk is a good thing to do. It exercises our bodies and it promotes good health. A walk can be taken early in the morning, during a lunch break or at the end of the day. It doesn’t matter when. What does matter is that it is not forgotten. There is another daily walk that is important too and that is our daily time with God. But, somehow it is often the first thing that is shelved when a day becomes busy and overbooked. Everything else becomes a priority and God is left to wait for us to show up later. A daily dialogue with God is not only the most important time we will spend each day, we should try to make that time first before anything else. But, what happens if we become lazy and put God off day after day? No longer seeking God’s help and protection, we unknowingly open the door to the enemy. Fear, bitterness, anxiety, resentment and anger are just a few of the things that can come upon us and they are all destructive and harmful to our minds, bodies and souls. Our attitude and outlook turns sour and negative. Our vision is clouded. We become oppressed and find it hard to shake things off.   So, what is the benefit of this daily walk with God? One of the benefits of spending daily time with God is that it keeps us in dialogue with Him. We will begin to discern His Voice inside of us giving us guidance and direction. He is our protection and our shield. In our daily time with God we should repent of our mistakes and failings and be sincere and genuine. It means that we start off each day forgiven with a new heart and a new start. We learn that we can live in a place of blessing. While a daily walk exercises the body, a daily walk with God engages our faith. Why not do both? Each day can be a new beginning, knowing God is on our side in all we do.