A Very Divine Connection Reflections by the Sea ©  Betsy Glass June 06, 2012

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. –Ephesians 2:10 NIV It was a place that I had visited with God so many times before in the past. You may think it was on top of the tallest dune with swaying sea oats or during a stroll near the water’s edge or even on a bench sitting alone on a pier. But no, the place was actually a hospital chapel. Over the years I had become too familiar with this little chapel in this big hospital. This cozy room was bathed in rich dark wood, a few rows of hard uncomfortable pews and a couple of fake stained glass windows that were backlit with fluorescent bulbs. The velvet kneeling cushion at the altar was worn and frayed. It needed replacing long ago but it still served its purpose. I always sat in the same place, second row, center pew. It was the only quiet place I could go and be with God at the hospital. The thick walls kept the customary hospital sounds out and for that I was grateful. And here I was again. I was just here a month ago and now back again. Just too soon. On this particular night it was Saturday evening at 9pm and I was praying for my loved one and just resting in His Peace. After a while and feeling content with this brief respite, I decided to leave and call it a day. But I couldn’t move. So I thought maybe it was more praying I needed to do, so I did. A while later I went to get up and felt like weights were on my legs. I didn’t have the strength to stand. I was puzzled. Why couldn’t I get up? I knew that I was tired and reasoned if I sat a while longer maybe the feeling would pass. It had been a long day. So I decided just to sit and wait some more. My mind was blank; the prayers had been said so I just bowed my head and breathed a big sigh. And then the door to the chapel swung open. A little girl came in and sat down next to me. She sat so close she practically crawled in my lap! With our legs touching as she grabbed for both of my hands, I looked at her and thought for a moment that either she was an angel or she thought I was an angel and this was the reason I couldn’t leave earlier ….God was putting us together and I quickly realized He was about to give me an assignment. This precious girl was 12 years old and said her grandfather was upstairs in ICU and he was minutes away from dying. She said her whole family was upset and crying but she didn’t understand why she wasn’t crying. She wondered out loud that maybe something was wrong with her that she wasn’t upset and crying too like the grownups. But what did upset her was that she didn’t know how to help her family. She was desperate to help. I hugged her tightly and held her close. I assured her nothing was wrong with her. I asked if she would like me to pray for her and she said “Oh yes”. She said she knew God. So I prayed a simple prayer as we were clutching one another. And then she prayed too. Simple. Innocent. Childlike. Beautiful. I asked her if she knew “The Lords’ Prayer”. And she said, “Do you mean the one that goes ‘Now I lay me down to sleep’”? Smiling at her innocence, I told her it was a grown up prayer and she would hear it again until one day she could memorize it too. So I said the prayer as she was still holding on to me. The minute I said “Amen”, she grabbed my hands and started to pull on me. I could see in her eyes how distraught she was and how intent she was to do something good. Begging me, she asked me to go with her to help her family like I had just helped her. I didn’t hesitate. God was now revealing His assignment. While we were walking the back halls of the hospital, arm in arm and taking the elevator to ICU, I prayed my own prayer that if this is God’s work that He would give me His words to say and pray, and that He would be present. I would just be the messenger for Him. Let these words be God’s words, not mine. This precious child took me to her mother standing outside of the room and I explained why I was there at the request of her daughter. She hugged me and said this is definitely a divine connection. I was then taken into the small room at grandfather’s bedside where about 15 family members of all ages were standing surrounding his bed. They greeted me with hugs and great love and were most appreciative of a prayer. (God must have known that these hugs would comfort me as well.) I made my way around the room speaking quietly, hugging and shaking hands to each person and finally I reached my hands out to the grandmother. I asked her if this prayer was something she would like for her husband and her family and she said, “ Yes”. I shared that “I understood this moment in time for their family. In this same hospital, just three years ago my father went to be with the Lord. I believe God has brought me here tonight to let you know He loves you and He is with you.” And then I prayed. God gave me beautiful words of comfort. We were holding hands in a circle around grandfather in unity and in unison we ended with “The Lord’s Prayer” and together we all said, “Amen”. I turned to the little girl and said, “I believe God used you and me tonight so together we could bring comfort to your family. So God must have very special plans for you in your life. Just keep following God and He will take you many places and maybe one day you can help another family like you helped your own tonight. I believe you will go far and you will be a leader. Set high goals for yourself.” I hugged the grandmother one more time and touched the grandfather at his feet and said “God bless you grandfather”. I left the room and walked to the elevator. I never got their name. I don’t know what happened to him in the following hours. We had prayed that God would heal him whether it was on this earth or as he walked the streets of gold in Heaven, that the chains of sickness would be broken from him. What I do know was that grandfather and his family was held tightly by God’s loving arms that Saturday night. And I was humbled to be used by Him. I went back to the chapel. I had been with my loved one for a week and that Saturday morning I was to fly back home. But my loved one took a sudden turn and I had to cancel my trip home. I wasn’t supposed to be in that chapel earlier in the evening. I should have been a home with my own family in another state. But God intervened and put me where He needed me. And He will use you too. It could be in the line at the grocery store, the pier, walking the beach, anywhere. Or yes, like me, He could find a way to cancel your trip so He could put you where He wants you. God’s plans are bigger than our own. God knows when we need comfort and He brings it. There is no doubt in my mind that God is everywhere, sees everything and is over us all. We can depend on Him. I wonder if that little girl I met will let those encouraging words I spoke stick on the inside of her. Maybe her life will be different and her family will see her in a special way now. All things are possible and He gets the credit for all good things. And oh yes, my family member was touched by God too and we were able to leave the hospital a few days later in better health than when we arrived. God is so good!

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.