God’s Faithfulness | From the Inside Out

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Take Heart!

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Courage, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Provision, Praise, Uncategorized, tagged Courage, Faith in God, God's Goodness and Grace, Hope in God, John 16:33, Psalm 31:24, Standing Firm in Faith on October 8, 2026| 42 Comments »

Life is full of setbacks and stress, dilemmas and disappointments, conflicts and crises:

The new dishwasher springs a leak and damages the adjacent cabinet before it’s discovered

Your new boss consistently demands more than you can deliver without overtime, but there’s no extra pay since you’re salaried

The company you work for is looking to sell; everyone is anxious how the sale will impact employees

Your sister and her husband seem headed for divorce; he won’t go to counseling

Your daughter was just diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes

If it’s not one thing, it’s another. How can we “be strong and take heart” as the imaged scripture above encourages us to do?

The psalmist King David tells us where to begin in the very same verse:

HOPE IN THE LORD

And how do we do that?

We keep our eyes open for God’s encouragement as he gives light to our path, provision for our needs, and blessings to lift our spirits. (A previous post, “Sacred Hands Behind the Scenes,” provides a few examples.)

Watchfulness often leads to amazement, and noticing what God is doing now fuels our hope for what he will do in the future.

Also good to remember? Some of the most beautiful and sacred encounters with God occur during the difficult seasons of life.

Christina Gibson observed, “In positions of flux, in the horrible disappointments, I usually have the greatest opportunity for a sacred encounter . . . I don’t know if it’s because I’m more malleable or if God has a soft spot for suffering” [1].

We’d also be wise to:

EMBRACE GRACE

“The greater your knowledge of the goodness and grace of God in your life, the more likely you are to praise him in the storm”[2].

And praise has a way of cheering and strengthening the soul.

We mustn’t forget to also embrace grace for ourselves. We’re human, with physical, mental, and emotional limits.

God has provided the grace of sleep, rest, food, relationships and more to replenish us. We’re wise to take time to do so—and set aside the false guilt for doing so.

ACT KINDLY TOWARD OTHERS

A strange phenomenon occurs when we care for others and ease their burdens—even through small acts of thoughtfulness. Our own heavy hearts grow lighter.

Kindness produces a number of benefits by reducing unhealthy self-focus, fostering joy and gratitude, contributing to spiritual maturity, and growing our dependence on God.

RESOLVE TO STAND FIRM

First, stand firm on truth (Ephesians 6:14a).

“It’s important to rehearse the lovely, rich truths and promises that remain when other things change. Keep telling these truths, in all their many-sided glory, and one day, walls already cracked will crumble and fall”[3].

Second, stand firm on praise (Psalm 147:1).

“No exercise or medicine will cure the ill of discouragement like praise. Depression and praise cannot long live in the same heart. They are absolutely incompatible roommates.

“Praise brings the consciousness of the presence of God and liars from the pit cannot effectively market their wares in the atmosphere of praise”[4].

Third, stand firm in expectancy (Psalm 5:3).

TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME

We mustn’t allow our thoughts to run ahead into the swirling “what’-ifs” that spiral us downward. Instead, we focus on what needs to be done in this moment, remembering it just might be rest.

Know also that even in suffering “there is enough beauty to get through the minute and then to get through the hour and then to get through the day”[5].

Practice these strategies and find the H.E.A.R.T.—the courage—that Kind David urged:

H = Hope in God

E = Embrace grace

A = Act kindly toward others

R = Resolve to stand firm

T = Take one step at a time

“Trouble is our common lot. The big difference is the people who follow Jesus get to add this tiny little hand grenade of a footnote to our bumper sticker:

“But take heart! I have overcome the world”[6].

[1] Soul Bare, 94.

[2] Matt Chandler.

[3] Jim MGuiggan, quoted by Beth Moore in Praying God’s Word, 138.

[4] Jack Taylor, quoted by Linda Dillow in Satisfy the Thirsty Soul,191.

[5] Cara Sexton, contributor to Soul Bare, 198.

[6] J. D. Walt, quoted at https://wrestlingwordblog.wordpress, 11-7-2020.

Image credits: http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.dailyverses.net.

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Everywhere We Look

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, Obedience, Seeking God, tagged God's Benevolence, God's help, God's Provision, Pareidolia, Remembering God's Faithfulness, Seeking Truth, Self-Examination on September 24, 2026| 41 Comments »

There’s a name for it: pareidolia.

You’ve no doubt experienced it, when discovering a cloud that resembles a bushy-bearded old man, or a house with windows and a front door that look like eyes, a nose and mouth, or a car with headlights staring ahead and a grille grinning at you.

We seem to be wired to find faces everywhere we look.

Similar to this ability in the physical realm, we’ve also been gifted with eyes of the heart that can see truth in the spiritual realm–everywhere we look—if we seek it.

For example:

“LOOK AT the birds of the air,” Jesus directed. “They do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them” (Matthew 6:26).

The perfections of God’s provision are on display everywhere we look in creation, reminding us that out of his goodness, he’ll care for us too.

LOOK BEHIND:

King David wrote, “I LOOK BEHIND me and you’re there” (Psalm 139:5 MSG).

He was likely remembering what God had accomplished in the past–the problems resolved, the blessings provided, the satisfying moments spent with God that quieted his spirit.

We too can LOOK BEHIND for such indicators of God’s presence in our lives and his work on our behalf.

LOOK FOR:

“Beg for knowledge; plead for insight. LOOK FOR it as hard as you would for silver or some hidden treasure” (Proverbs 2:3-4 GNT).

Pastor/Bible teacher, Charles Swindoll would have us understand:

“Hidden in the scriptures are priceless verbal vaults. Silent. Hard to find. Easy to miss if you’re in a hurry. But they are there, awaiting discovery. God’s Word, like a deep, deep mine, stands ready to yield its treasures”[1].

It’s been a joy of my life to LOOK FOR the treasure of truth in the Bible. You too?

LOOK FORWARD:

“Let your eyes LOOK FORWARD; fix your gaze straight ahead,” advised King Solomon (Proverbs 4:25 HCSB).

Why? We need to focus on the goal of glorifying God and enjoying him forever [2], avoiding those distractions that might lead to the compromise of our faith, or into the evil of this world.

LOOK TO:

“I LOOK TO the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2 GNT).

Begin the day with the affirmation, “My powerful God created the universe! With that same power He’s promised to help me” (Psalm 46:1)!

Then seize the day with confidence, knowing that nothing can stand in his way.

LOOK UP:

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will LOOK UP” (Psalm 5:3 KJV).

And when we LOOK UP, what do we see? A God who loves us, desires what’s best for us, and works through events, relationships, challenges, and blessings to bring that best into fruition.

LOOK WITHIN:

LOOK WITHIN as you “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine” (2 Corinthians 13:5a NLT).

Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”

So here are a few questions to guide us as we LOOK WITHIN to take a spiritual inventory:

Am I living a life of obedience out of heartfelt gratitude for what Christ has done for me?

Am I relying upon the Holy Spirit to produce his qualities in my life—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and more (Galatians 5:22-23)?

What do my reactions reveal about my faith? How do I respond to criticism, unkindness, or anger?

“Self-examination does not imply sinless living. Rather it implies Christlike growing”—Randy Smith [3].

Finding faces everywhere we look in the physical realm can be a fun past time.

Finding truth everywhere we look in the spiritual realm is a necessity because . . .

“. . . As we delight in the truth of God’s Word and live out the truth of God’s Word, it truly becomes a lifeline to our souls”—Lysa Terkheurst, Embraced, 309-310.

[1] Come before Winter, 230.

[2] From the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

[3] From a sermon, “The Basis for Spiritual Growth,” May 22, 2022, https://gracequotes.org/topic/self-examination/.

Image credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.publicdomainpictures.com.

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Fast Lane Fantasy

Posted in Uncategorized, Blessings, God's Goodness, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, Joy, tagged Attentiveness to blessings, attentiveness to God, blessing others, Bring Joy to Today, Compassion for Others, God's Blessings, Risk-taking Motorcyclists, Vehicle Accidents, Ways to Enjoy the Day on September 17, 2026| 51 Comments »

Years ago and for the span of a decade, I commuted a half hour each way to and from the school where I taught.

Needless to say I saw all kinds of drivers: the speed demons and poke-alongs, the weavers and squeezers, the distracted and multi-taskers—each one an accident waiting to happen, each one confident that he or she was not.

One day a young man on a motorcycle whizzed by, darting between vehicles left and right in search of the fastest lane. This was not in near standstill traffic; it was on a stretch of Florida Turnpike where the speed limit is seventy.

Oh, Lord, I thought. Talk about an accident waiting to happen. That boy has no idea the danger he’s creating for himself and everyone else in his path.

A few minutes later I reached my exit and gasped aloud. Lying in the grass in the middle of the cloverleaf turn-off was that young motorcyclist, far separated from his twisted bike.

A few people were already hunched over him, perhaps from the nearby tollbooth area. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw his leg move.

Every now and then that scene comes to mind. I imagine that young man as he straddled his cycle that morning, anxious to be on his way for another exhilarating trip of engine revving, speed, and clever maneuvering.

No doubt a trip to the hospital never even crossed his mind.

The young often do live in a fantasy world of invincibility. And those of us with a bit more life-experience shake our heads at their carelessness.

But fast-lane living isn’t the singular domain of speeders and teenage boys on motorcycles.

Even a retired schoolteacher like me can forget: life is fragile.

Not that I drive recklessly or take foolish chances.

But I am very capable of rushing through a to-do list and missing an opportunity to provide joy in someone else’s life. I can breeze right past the blessings-of-the-moment because I’m focused on something down the road.

I can even forget the values I hold dear, including attentiveness to God and loving compassion for others.

It is downright foolish of me to live in a fantasy of invincibility, as if there will always be plenty of tomorrows for attentiveness and compassion, while cruising along in the fast lane of frenzied activity.

Instead, I’d rather cup my hands around each day and:

Find wonder in the common. “The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribable, magnificent world in itself” (Henry Miller).

Take note of the everyday miracles. “Looking is the beginning of seeing” (Sister Corita Kent).

Hug often. “Hugs are one of the reasons God gave us arms. So stretch out your arms to someone today . . . It will warm the heart of the giver and give light to the soul of the recipient” (Unknown).

Laugh easily.

Value every person. “The way we treat others is more about who we are, not who they are” (Unknown, emphasis added).

Forgive quickly. “Forgiveness isn’t about letting the other person off the hook. It’s about keeping the hooks of bitterness from getting into you” (Gabrielle Bernstein).

Avoid negativity. “Beautiful things happen when you distance yourself from negativity” (Unknown).

Choose joy. “True contentment is the power of getting out of any situation all that there is in it” (G. K. Chesterton).

* * * * * * * * * *

Lord God, I have so much to be thankful for, including this cloudy, cozy day and the welcome chill in the air. I thank you for this moment, complete with winking candle, hazelnut coffee, and soft music to keep me company as I write.

Thank you also for the designated purpose you ordain for each person. Because I am still alive, you still have plans to fulfill through me, especially to bless others. For that I am also grateful.

Keep me mindful, I pray, that fast lane living is not only foolish, it is dangerous to my soul.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18; Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 19:21; Ephesians 2:10)

What will you cup your hands around today? Tell us about it in the comment section below!

(Revised and reblogged from September 14, 2017 while my husband is in the hospital after a small stroke. We’re awaiting test results that will determine the way forward. All is well; God is good!)

(Art & photo credits: www.commons.wikimedia.org (2); www.needpix.com; http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; Nancy Ruegg.)

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Way Beyond Peanuts and Pretzels

Posted in Blessings, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Provision, Intimacy with God, Obedience, Seeking God, Uncategorized, tagged Abundant Living, Blessings of Relationship with God, First Class Airline Travel Advantages, God's Grace, John 10:10, Knowing God, Obedience to God, The Abundant Life on September 10, 2026| 50 Comments »

“Will Nancy Ruegg please come to the gate counter,” a voice announced over the airport PA system. My one-track mind was deep into a book but fortunately I heard my name.

What could they possibly want with me? I wondered, while gathering my belongings and approaching the counter.

“Mrs. Ruegg,” began the attendant, “we have a favor to ask of you. Would you mind changing your seat so a father and son can travel together? You’d still be in an aisle seat.”

“Sure—I can do that,” I responded. She thanked me, changed my ticket, and I returned to the waiting area. Sometime later, they called my name again and asked the same favor. Though further back in the plane, I’d still be on the aisle so I said yes.

And then, just before boarding they called me up a third time: “Mrs. Ruegg, because you’ve been so kind, we’d like to put you in first class. We happen to have an empty seat.”

Now imagine if I’d responded, “Oh, no thank you. I’d much rather stay in the main cabin.”

How silly! I would have missed:

the relative peace and quiet of first class
the blessings of more leg room and a wide, cushy seat that actually reclines
the attentive care of the flight attendant, who even addressed me by name
the privilege of a full meal and delectable snacks—way beyond peanuts and pretzels

That’s a lot of benefits to pass up, if I’d said no. Yet that’s exactly what we’re prone to do in day-to-day life. We forego a life of satisfying upgrades and settle for a lot of frustrating futility, because we don’t avail ourselves to the benefits Christ offers.

‘Remember what he said?

Many versions of the Bible use the term, “abundant life,” indicating a surplus, a super-abundance of a thing [1].

Of course, Jesus wasn’t promising a trouble-free life, any more than sitting in first class that day solved all my problems. Rather, the abundant life consists of knowing God and experiencing the fruit of that relationship—into eternity [2].

What might “the fruit of relationship” with God include? Some qualities share characteristics with first class on a flight:

Peace and quiet—of mind and spirit
The delight of many blessings
The attentive care of a heavenly Father who knows each of us by name
The privilege of access to God’s Word, providing rich soul-sustenance [3]

But that’s not all; the list continues. (No doubt these are familiar to many of you, but seeing them altogether rekindles the wonder, I think):

An intimate relationship with the God of the universe
His unfailing love
Inexpressible and glorious joy
Wisdom to choose the best means for the best end
Guidance for the way forward
God’s help and strength
Freedom from guilt and worry
Fulfilling purpose
Contentment [4]

It’s a magnificent list, isn’t it? So why aren’t we availing ourselves of these benefits?

Instead, we’re sitting in the main cabin of life with the constant rumble in our minds of nagging worries and worthless trifles, the crush of responsibilities pressing in on all sides, and a lack of sustenance to feed our hungry souls.

What will usher us into the abundance of first-class living? We follow the judicious instructions of our Maker—and move toward obedience.

These three steps offer a start:

Get to know God through frequent study of his Word, the Bible. (See A Feast You Don’t Want to Miss/.)

Avail ourselves through prayer to his “abundant provision of grace.” (See Undeserved-Goodness-Part-1/).

Start the day alert for God’s guaranteed blessings and end the day with gratitude for his benevolent goodness. (See Balancing-the-Scales/).

We’ll soon discover: “A life of holiness is a life of real happiness—happiness for time and for eternity” (John MacDuff).

‘Anyone still interested in peanuts and pretzels?

[1] William Barclay, The Gospel of John, 69.

[2] https://insightforliving.ca/read/articles/finding-balance-between-abundant-life-and-challenges.

[3] Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 23:5; Psalm 121; Isaiah 43:1; Jeremiah 15:16.

[4] James 4:8; Psalm 86:15; 1 Peter 1:8; Proverbs 2:1-11 and J. I. Packer, Knowing God;

Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:1; Philippians 4:6-7; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 4:11-12.

Image credits: http://www.picryl.com; http://www.commonswikimedia.org; http://www.easy-peasy.ai; http://www.canva.com; http://www.easy-peasy.ai.

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Crowded with Happiness

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, God's Provision, God's Strength, Meditation, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Devotional about God's Attributes, Ephesians 1:11, God Demonstrates His Character, God's Attributes, God's Blessings, Nahum 1:7, Psalm 116:5, Revelation 4:11 on September 3, 2026| 26 Comments »

Such a quote sets my mind to reminiscing the many delightful blessings that have crowded our family’s lives with happiness over the years—all manifestations of his awe-inspiring attributes.

And the thought occurred to me, what a gratifying exercise it might be to list a number of God’s traits and name an event to illustrate each one.

Perhaps this list will trigger memories of your own refreshing joys.

WATCHFUL CARE

It was my responsibility to disarm the alarm at church for our Women Connect meetings. After opening the door, a timer ticked off thirty seconds until the alarm sounded. But one morning I couldn’t find the new code in my wallet.

More than a few tense moments transpired while I rummaged, and then, just in the nick of time the slip of paper with the code appeared, and I quickly punched it in.

About half an hour later, our pastor came by and asked, “Do these belong to anybody?” He held up my rubber-banded charge cards, license, insurance cards, etc. They must have popped out as I grabbed the paper with the code, and in the dark hallway I didn’t see them.

PROVISION

I just happened to come across pertinent ideas in Jesus Always (by Sarah Young) that fit perfectly with what I was preparing to share as a devotional for the Mother’s Day Brunch at church. Such a lovely discovery.

CREATIVE POWER

Perhaps you too have stood amazed on the shore of Reflection Lake in Washington State, gazing up at majestic Mt. Rainier, whose peak reaches 14,410 feet and whose base covers approximately one hundred square miles. How mind-boggling to contemplate God’s creative capacities!

COMPASSION

Countless times over the years, when feeling apprehensive about the future, we’ve received God’s comfort through such scriptures as: “Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?” (Judges 4:14b). He’s proven everything is under his capable control.

GOODNESS

Indeed, my cup overflows (Psalm 23:5)! I enjoy the delight of a loving family, wonderful friends, a vibrant church community, Steve’s continuing health after a liver transplant nearly eight years ago, and SO much more.

WISDOM

In hindsight we see God’s astute engineering of events for our benefit. One outstanding example: in 2001 Steve just happened to be assigned as pastor of a church that just happened to maintain a scholarship fund, thanks to a generous endowment and successful fund-raising.

Our younger son just happened to be preparing to enter the ministry. He received a full scholarship to attend seminary, and has now served as a pastor for more than fifteen years.

NURTURING

All my life I’ve been blessed with spiritual teachers and mentors who’ve guided and inspired my experience with God and contributing greatly to my growth in biblical understanding. The instruction of his Word continues to give me much pleasure.

PROTECTION

Another purse story! One day I left my purse at the outdoor student-dismissal area where I taught school. An hour after I’d returned to my classroom from that duty I suddenly remembered. God watched over that purse until I retrieved it, saving me from a heart-sickening and time-consuming setback.

ENCOURAGEMENT

Sometimes spiritual refreshment comes through an experience rather than words.

One morning on my way to school I reveled in a scene worthy of a painting: dark green trees and vegetation reflected from the calm surface of a pond as a great egret gracefully winged across just above it. His brilliant white feathers against the dark foliage provided a breath-taking sight.

The moment felt like a special gift.

RIGHTEOUSNESS

SO many times over the years, circumstances or decisions we’ve been concerned about have turned out “just right,” thanks to God’s leading and provision. One example: our home in retirement, close to our older son and his family, perfect in size and layout.

There you have it: ten of God’s attributes, demonstrated in personal blessings. My heart is indeed crowded with happiness as I remember the wonderful works he has done (Psalm 105:5a).

Now it’s your turn. Please share in the comment section below an example of a “refreshing joy” that has crowded your heart with happiness!

Images credits: http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.easy-peasy.ai; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.canva.com; http://www.unsplash (Aaron Burden); http://www.easy-peasy.ai; http://www.canva.com.

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What Lies Beneath

Posted in Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Provision, Intimacy with God, Maturity, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:10, God's Restoration Process, God's work within us, Presence of Jesus, Psalm 19:7, The Night Watch by Rembrandt on July 23, 2026| 41 Comments »

A large team of specialists—scientists, curators, conservators, computer and AI specialists—began their research in 2019. Two and a half years later, they finally moved into Phase Two. The assignment? To restore a 12’ x 14.5’ painting titled The Night Watch (1642), by Rembrandt.

Example of equipment used during research phase, while museum visitors watched.

In 2022 a team removed the painting from its wooden stretcher (applied in the 1970s) and re-stretched it on an aluminum frame with springs, to keep the tension evenly distributed.

Beginning in November 2024 and still in process, conservators work to remove the varnish layers from the 1970s and 1990s, clouding the painting with a yellowish cast, muting the colors, and obscuring details. The task is accomplished with microfiber fiber tissue prepared with solvent.

Imagine the resplendence of Rembrandt’s work when the restoration is complete!

Once these layers are removed, the team will determine whether older layers of varnish can be removed, and what solvent will work best. They’ll also switch from the tissues to cotton swabs, and slowly but surely reveal the beauty that lies beneath.

What details might conservators discover for this soldier?

They’ll also address damage caused by knife attacks and deterioration of the paint. The team expects to conclude in 2027-28.

The world is filled with masterpieces in need of restoration—and not just ancient works of art. These masterpieces include you, me, and all mankind. Scripture tells us we are God’s workmanship–“his own master work, a work of art” (Ephesians 2:10 AMP).

But like The Night Watch, our true selves are clouded and discolored by self-centeredness, discontentment, unforgiveness, and more. We too need restoration, and God himself has engineered the way for us to be made new:

Those layers of the old life include harmful actions like a quick temper, unhealthy thought-patterns like worry, and unwholesome choices like holding a grudge. As they’re removed, the lustrous colors of the fruit of the Spirit begin to shine through—love, joy, peace, patience, and more.

And just as conservators are finding new details in The Night Watch, we find newness of life in our relationship with God—new perspectives and purposes, new desires and motives, new goals and passions, new hopes for the future and new power to face whatever comes.

The process does take time, as if God works with a Q-tip. But that’s because he works with gentleness and patience to mature us.*

I suppose if a painting could feel all that rubbing (gentle as it may be), there’d be discomfort. But it wouldn’t take long for hope to settle in—hope for the day when the beauty of what lies beneath becomes visible— when every lovely detail is revealed and the colors glow with vibrancy.

Surely the painting would decide: the results are worth the process. How much more should we welcome the restorative work of God, knowing that submission to him turns:

Deafness in our spirits to sensitivity for God’s voice
Blindness to God’s involvement in our lives to seeing the evidence of his work nearly everywhere
Disinterest in the Bible to hunger for truth
Immature understanding to growth in wisdom
An appetite for material possessions to a desire for spiritual depth
Anxious thoughts to faith-filled affirmations from scripture

How do we begin to experience such restoration? It begins with time—time set aside most days to spend in the presence of our Restorer.

We can also learn to practice God’s presence all day long—with frequent whispered prayers, moments of praise, and words of gratitude.

Slowly but surely what lies beneath is exposed, because:

It is impossible to be in the presence of Jesus and not be changed.

–Joanna Weaver, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, 9.

* Romans 2:4; Isaiah 40:11; Psalm 103:8, 13, 14 HCSB.

Image credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.picryl.com (2); http://www.heartlight.org (2); http://www.commons.wikimedia.org.

Sources of information for The Night Watch restoration:

https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/whats-on/exhibitions/operation-night-watch

https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/stories/10-things/story/10-things-about-rembrandt-s-night-watch

https://www.france24.com/en/20181016-rembrandt-masterpiece-night-watch-be-restored-live

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Lillian Trasher: Mother to Thousands

Posted in Courage, Excellence, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Provision, God-Given Abilities, Godly Character, Heroes of the Faith, Perseverance, Uncategorized, tagged Assiut Egypt, Lillian Trasher, Lillian Trasher Orphanage, Lord Maclay of Scotland on July 9, 2026| 36 Comments »

“Please come—a young mother is dying!” cried the young man at the door.

Twenty-three-year-old missionary, Lillian Trasher, grabbed her medical kit and followed him to a dirty hovel. The poverty and stench that greeted her didn’t surprise Lillian. After three months in Assiut, Egypt, she was growing accustomed to the deprivation.

Lillian had no means to save the young woman. Her sickly, scrawny infant mewled with hunger.

“You must keep the baby,” family members insisted. “There is no one here who can care for her.”

So Lillian took the infant back to the mission house. A few days later the director insisted Lillian return the child, explaining, “Her incessant crying keeps everyone awake at night.”

“I can’t take her back,” Lillian protested.

Her only alternative: spend the few rupees she had to rent a little house and purchase a bit of furniture.

But living on her own meant no further support from the mission station. Lillian prayed for God to supply, and begged from her neighbors. Day by day God provided.

Before long, other orphans were brought to Lillian and the Assiut Orphanage came into existence. The year: 1911. Lillian must have smiled to trace the events God had orchestrated, leading to this outcome.

Lillian Trasher

Four years earlier she’d traveled from home in Brunswick, Georgia to Atlanta, to interview for a newspaper job as a sketch artist. On the way she just happened to meet Mattie Perry, an orphanage director from North Carolina.

Mattie described the work and “how they lived by faith, believing each day that God would supply all their needs”[1]. Mattie invited the would-be sketch artist to come work with her. Lillian declined.

But it just so happened the sketch-artist position went to someone else by mistake, after Lillian had supposedly been hired. She decided to work at the orphanage after all.

For five years she handled all sorts of tasks and learned the many facets of orphanage administration. She also attended Bible School, pastored a church for a short time, and even traveled as an evangelist.

In 1910 Lillian became engaged. But, as it happened, ten days before the wedding, she heard a missionary from India speak passionately about his work. Lillian felt strongly God was calling her to mission work–in Africa. Her fiancé, however, felt no such call, and Lillian broke off the engagement.

Next, Lillian just happened to attend a Christian conference where she met a missionary working in Assiut. He invited her to join their team; Lillian accepted.

Assiut, bottom right corner

Her family expressed concern, but older sister Jennie volunteered to go along, just until she was settled. Jennie never left.

By 1915, the two women were caring for fifty orphans and needed more space. Miraculously, a large property was supplied across the river in Abnub for just $250. She and the older children made a kiln and baked their own bricks to construct the needed buildings.

Lillian and her children, 1920

1919 brought political unrest and British authorities required everyone at the orphanage to evacuate. The boys were sent to a Presbyterian school in Assiut, the girls to a hospital.

Lillian and Jennie returned to America and spent the year raising funds for the work. When they returned in 1920, Lillian began taking in anyone in need, including widows and the blind. They helped with the work of the orphanage, and by 1923, 300 lived on the compound.

God continued to meet their needs, sometimes in spectacular ways. One time an anonymous donor sent a truckload of foodstuffs. And when Lord Maclay of Scotland visited the orphanage, he gave Lillian $5,000 for her work. Later he sent another $25,000 [2].

As World War II began, the Assiut Orphanage housed seven hundred people. Once again, food and supplies became scarce.

In April of 1941, the American ambassador shared incredible news. A Red Cross ship had been enroute to Greece when that nation fell to the Nazis.

The captain had received orders to dump the supplies and return home. But a soldier on board knew of Lillian and persuaded the captain to unload at Alexandria.

“Believe it or not,” announced the ambassador, “you have a warehouse full of clothing, blankets, towels, hundreds of kegs of powdered milk, many sacks of rice–and that’s not all! It’s just waiting for you to pick it up”[3]!

By the 1950s, the orphanage included sixteen buildings: dormitories, a hospital wing, chapel, school, nurseries, bakery, sewing rooms, carpentry workshop, and more. Over a thousand children resided on the grounds [4].

Of course, throughout the years, Lillian and Jennie made sure their charges knew about Jesus. Thousands committed their lives to him [5].

Now, 125 years since its founding, the legacy of Lillian Trasher (and Jennie) lives on in the still-functioning facility. However, in 1961, shortly after Lillian’s death, the name became the Lillian Trasher Orphanage.

[1] https://oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/60957/student/?section=19

[2] https://christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/heroes-of-the-faith-lillian-trasher/

[3] https://oercommons.org/

[4] https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/story-lillian-trasher/

[5] https://oercommons.org/

Other Sources:

She Pursued The Purposes Of God

Lillian Trasher

https://www.gc.cuny.edu/sites/default/files/2021-12/Beth-Baron%2C-22Nile-Mother-Lillian-Trasher-and-the-Orphans-of-Egypt-22.pdf

Image credits: http://www.look and learn.com; http://www.commons.wikipedia.org; http://www.itoldya420.getarchive.net; http://www.digitalgallery.bgsu.edu; http://www.canva.com.

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Food for Thought This Independence Day

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Faith, Generosity, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, Independence Day, Uncategorized, tagged America's Foundation, Appreciation for America, Faith in God, Freedom, Independence Day, Liberty, Patriotism on July 2, 2026| 34 Comments »

Ask a number of people what we celebrate on July 4^th, and many will surely mention FREEDOM or LIBERTY.

Rightly so.

They’ll likely agree with Rev. Robert J. McCracken (1904-1973) who wrote:

We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls.

–Rev. Robert J. McCracken (1904-1973)

But, we need to remember, with FREEDOM comes responsibility.

Freedom is like a coin. It has the word privilege on one side and responsibility on the other. It does not have privilege on both sides. There are too many today who want everything involved in privilege but refuse to accept anything that approaches the sense of responsibility.

–Joseph R. Sizoo (1884-1966), pastor and professor at George Washington University

And former chaplain for the U. S. Senate, Peter Marshall, (1902-1949) would have us understand:

Even though Christianity is not as prevalent in our society as it once was, most Americans have a sense of what’s right, naming these qualities as important to them: respect, trustworthiness, kindness, integrity, and fairness [1].

Would some be surprised to know all of those qualities are set forth in the New Testament? In fact, since the founding of our nation in 1776, FAITH in God and respect for his commandments has provided a strong foundation for our nation’s ideals.

The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.

—Calvin Coolidge, 30^th president of the United States

Imagine a country where most people couldn’t be trusted, kindness was rare, and hardly anyone treated others with integrity and fairness. Such circumstances would severely limit “the pursuit of happiness,” and the opportunity for prosperity.

Now consider America, where most of us (!) show respect to others most of the time. We can be trusted to stop at red lights, for example, and stay on the right side of the road. (If you’ve visited a third-world country, you’ve likely witnessed disrespectful driving.)

In America, it’s not unusual for strangers to kindly help someone in trouble. And we’re still among the most generous nations in the world [2], with our time and resources.

Volunteers help with clean-up after a tornado

In America, most of us pay our taxes, because it’s the right thing to do. And in America, most jury-members seek fair decisions in the cases they hear.

Yes, America has its flaws and problems, but she’s still a great place to live. Just ask the enthusiastic Europeans visiting here for the World Cup!

America is worthy of our PATRITOSIM.

Patriotism is not about blind loyalty, but about recognizing the greatness and potential of your country.

–Charlie Kirk

As for the flaws and problems, it’s been asserted that Christianity is part of the solution to our difficulties—by a man well-known for his wisdom and discernment:

As Lincoln walked the streets of Richmond (the capital of the Confederacy) shortly after it was captured by Union troops, a slave ran to meet him and fell to his knees before the president.

“Don’t kneel to me,” Lincoln responded. “Kneel to God only, and thank Him for the liberty you will enjoy hereafter” [3].

We’d do well to do the same, and to pray for God’s holy protection of our nation.

“Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just;

And this be our motto: In God is our trust.”

(Francis Scott Key, from the fourth verse of “The Star-Spangled Banner”)

[1] https://news.gallup.com/poll/691964/family-top-value-americans.aspx_, April 2025.

[2] https://johnsoncitypress.com/news/73107/americans-are-the-most-generous-people-on-earth/

[3] https://www.deseret.com/2015/5/4/20563998/lincoln-saved-a-nation-but-deflected-credit-to-a-greater-power/

Image credits: http://www.printerval.com (Letitia Grasshopper); http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.picryl.com (George Armstrong); http://www.pickpik.com.

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Choosing to Remember

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, Hope, Meditation, Obedience, Peace, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, tagged Faith, Hope, Isaiah 26:3, Memories, Memories and Relationship with God, Psalm 111:2-3, Psalm 77:12-13, Using Memories to Good Purpose on May 28, 2026| 46 Comments »

Mom, Dad, and great-granddaughter, about 2011

As he got older, my dad would occasionally quip, “My memory is so good I can remember things that didn’t even happen!”

Actually, Dad remembered accurately many past events, numerous jokes, a plethora of interesting trivia, and an impressive amount of Bible knowledge—well into old age.

Some years ago I happened to recall a fun song from my childhood, but a few lines of lyrics had escaped my memory. Dad was in his upper-eighties by this time, but I asked anyway.

“Do you happen to remember the lyrics to “Cheer Up, Cheer Up?”

He remembered them perfectly, and we enjoyed reminiscing about the Scottish pastor who’d taught us to sing the chorus with a Scottish accent.

Delightful memories are one of the joys of getting older.

In fact:

But God designed our memory-capacity for more than just enjoyment. He had in mind important purpose as we use this ability to foster our relationship with him.

For example:

Remembering God’s interventions contributes to our hope.

Looking back over our lives, we all can remember how God has brought us through challenging times, miraculously supplied urgent needs, and guided us in difficult decisions.

As a result, we can affirm: if he took care of those situations then, he can certainly take care of this situation now. And we find hope beginning to bloom.

Remembering God’s mighty deeds bolsters our faith.

Like the psalmist Asaph wrote: “I will ponder all your works and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?” (Psalm 77:12-13).

Remembering is a form of worship. And as we rehearse with him the miracles we’ve witnessed and experienced, our fears subside, doubts shrink, strength increases, and our confidence in God expands.

Remembering God’s faithfulness fosters gratitude and peace.

Brain research has confirmed that “engaging in gratitude rewires neural-pathways, combating anxiety.”

That means, with every remembrance of God’s faithfulness, we’re taking advantage of the ability he’s given us, to calm our stress and hard-wire pathways to peace. *

Remembering the past encourages personal and spiritual growth.

We find wisdom for the present from the lessons learned in the past.

One lesson I’ve learned along the way was actually proclaimed eons ago by a Greek playwright, Aeschylus: “Happiness is a choice.”

I can choose negativity and spiral downward into discouragement, or I can look for the blessings in my life and give my heart a good dose of cheer (Proverbs 17:22).

I’d rather do the latter.

Remembering the past contributes to obedience.

As we consider how God has provided throughout our lives, we’re more able to obey the instructions:

As we praise God for what he’s accomplished in the past, we’ll sidestep complaining about a difficulty in the present.

As we remember the joy of liberal generosity (Acts 20:35), we’ll avoid tight-fisted possessiveness.

And as we strengthen our faith by remembering God’s amazing deeds, we fight against spiritual complacency.

With the psalmist we can affirm:

We have no need for wishful thinking, remembering things that didn’t even happen. Pondering all the wonders God has performed for us will keep us happily occupied into eternity.

* https://cfc.sebts.edu/faith-and-culture/why-remembering-matters-and-how-it-shapes-our-lives-and-our-brains/

Image credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.easy-peasy.ai; http://www.canva.com; http://www.heartlight.org; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.canva.com.

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When God’s People Pray

Posted in Courage, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Power, God's Protection, God's Provision, Prayer, Seeking God, Uncategorized, tagged King George VI, Miracle at Dunkirk, Miraculous Answer to Prayer, Operation Dynamo, Psalm 124, Psalm 91, Winston Churchill, World War II on May 14, 2026| 40 Comments »

Harry Leigh-Dunmore listened to waves strike the shore and gulls shriek overhead. A year ago, he mused, I’d have considered this a lark, sitting on the beach under a sunny sky.

But this was May 25, 1940, and Harry found himself waiting on the French coast for rescue while dozens of German panzer tanks barreled westward toward him and more than 300,000 others of the British Expeditionary Forces gathering on the beaches of Dunkirk.

The Germans had blitzed through Belgium, Holland, and southern France, surrounding the Allied forces and leaving them stranded on the coast.

Rumors spread that ships from Britain would soon rescue them, but how could such an effort be mounted in time and for so many? Harry dared hope they’d find a way.

In the distance, he and every other soldier heard the rumble of the Luftwaffe (the German air force) approaching again from the east.

Quickly they spread out and hunched down small and tight, to make themselves difficult targets. There wasn’t enough cover to protect them all.

Meanwhile in England, in spite of predictions that only 20,000 to 30,000 men could be rescued, Prime Minister Winston Churchill had sanctioned Operation Dynamo on May 20, to begin on Sunday May 26.

Vice Admiral Ramsay called for every boat or ship owner willing to participate in the dangerous mission, to gather their crafts around Dover on the southeastern coast. More than eight hundred began to assemble [1].

The plan called for smaller boats to shuttle the soldiers from the shallow waters of Dunkirk to larger vessels and naval ships anchored further out, that would then transport the men back to Dover. French ground forces and the RAF would provide cover.

King George VI, a man of strong faith, received briefing of the plan and the dire predictions. On May 24^th he called for a National Day of Prayer to occur as evacuations would begin May 26.

Within hours of that call to prayer, Hitler halted that western-bound panzer assault, just ten miles or so from Dunkirk [2], in order to give the German infantry time to catch up [3].

German General Göring assured Hitler the Luftwaffe could decimate the beach-stranded soldiers, even though only one run per day was possible. (They had to fly from Germany and attack quickly in order to conserve fuel for the return trip [4]).

On Sunday May 26^th as the rescue mission began, millions of Britons overflowed the churches into the streets, praying for God’s intervention on behalf of their boys.

On Tuesday, more stormy weather grounded the Luftwaffe. Wednesday brought uncommonly calm waters in the English Channel, making it possible for the smallest of boats to participate in the rescue and make the crossings quickly.

When the storms subsided, fog rolled in. The Luftwaffe still couldn’t fly. In fact, for the ten days boats and ships crisscrossed the English Channel, the German pilots only had two and a half days of good weather for attack.

Even then their efforts were often stymied. One group of about four hundred men suffered machine-gun fire and bombing from about sixty aircraft. Not a single man was killed [5].

Another soldier related that many of his comrades knew Psalm 91 by heart. During the Luftwaffe attacks they shouted the verses together [6].

When each Luftwaffe attack subsided, the scattered men would return in orderly fashion to their places in the lines [7].

Meanwhile, a breeze took the smoke from the German bombs and protected from view the soldiers loading onto boats [8].

By June 4, the mission was complete. Yes, there were casualties, but the British had evacuated 338,226 soldiers, including approximately 140,000 French, Belgian, Dutch, and Polish troops [9].

“Battle of Dunkirk” (1940) by Charles Ernest Cundall

Harry Leigh-Dunmore was among them. After a three-hour crossing, he and hundreds of other soldiers were loaded onto a train. Harry promptly fell asleep; he awoke in Wales [10].

In fact, trains took the Dunkirk evacuees all over Britain. Women’s organizations provided food and drink at railway stations as the trains passed through.

Once each train arrived at its destination, the men were taken to barracks made ready to house and feed them—another divinely-engineered feat of staggering proportions.

God had answered their prayers; he’d brought about the “the miracle of Dunkirk.”

King George designated the next Sunday, June 9, a Day of Thanksgiving. Citizens and rescued soldiers stood side-by-side in churches across Britain and sang together Psalm 124 [11]: