Thank you for your prayers.
I am in Streator, Illinois, which is two hours south of Chicago. St. Paul's Lutheran Church aired the morning service on Streator's Christian radio station. First Baptist Church videotaped my concert onto video and DVD, to show at nursing homes and for shut ins.
I was blessed this trip with two drummers! Mark Nettleingham, from Little Silver, NJ, made his conga drums sing! Roy Frank, who now lives in Illinois with his wife, Georgette, reflected his love for God, playing drums with sensitivity and excellence.
Roy and Georgette shared Phil Stories, stories about their beloved son, Phillip, who was killed in Iraq. Roy said that he could not believe that anything good could come of such a tragedy. But he and Georgette said, on the contrary. Instead, many beautiful stories blossomed! Something good came out of something tragic. Here is one story: Phillip's former teacher contemplated suicide -- the same day, she heard of Phillip's death. She said she felt embarrassed by her feelings, after hearing how this young man gave his life for her, and for our country. She no longer wanted to commit suicide, and accepted a new teaching position. Her life was changed, transformed....
Streator is a small town, and reminds me of how our country began,our humble roots. When we lived and worked in the same town, when we knew everyone's name. Here in Streator, I was surprised that the streets are empty on Saturday. Because the community lives and works in the same town, they can do their errands all week long. On the weekends, they stay home. Imagine that! In our commuter society, we all seem to scramble to get to the stores, run our errands, and catch up on the weekends!
I shared my music ministry at two worship services at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and gave a concert at the First Baptist Church. The attendance was great! The whole town knew I was coming. When I heard stories about President Reagan's humble roots here in Illinois, I could not appreciate it, until I experienced it myself. There is a strong sense of community here; where you are a name, not a number. Where the pace of life is slower. For miles and miles, you see nothing but open space, where farms and cornfields abound. I want to remember these humble roots, and take a piece of it home with me, to cherish and to hold in my heart. Slow me down, Lord, to appreciate what You have given us, and to live with a thankful heart.
Thank you for reading my story.
God's blessings to all of you!
Nancy
Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."
As I reflected on the year that has passed, I remembered a special concert I
gave in North Carolina. Before the concert began, a member of the church
approached me, and said that a family was waiting to speak to me. They
apparently knew me. I was confused, because I did not know anyone in
Hickory, North Carolina. I was not able to speak to them before the
concert, but as I entered the room, I was thrilled to see my friends from New
Jersey! I gave voice lessons to the daughter, and the rest of the family
also came! They had read about my concert in my newsletter. What made this
concert so special, was that the mother, Darlene, got to see her uncle one
last time, before he died. She had been putting off the trip to North
Carolina, until she read my newsletter, and found out I was giving a concert
in Hickory, where he lived. Darlene decided to surprise me, and also visit
her uncle. It was God's plan that Darlene traveled to North Carolina. At
the time, her uncle's illness was not serious. But when she and her family
arrived, his condition got worse.
At the concert, Darlene prayed for her uncle. Later, she told me that she
believed the Lord used my concert as a way to unite Darlene and her family,
and to spend time with her uncle, who soon died. It was God's timing - - in
this season of Darlene's life, He made it possible for her to see her uncle
one last time. She no longer put off her trip to visit him - - she read
about the concert in Hickory, and made her plans.
My heart was touched, when Darlene shared her story with me. I had only seen
her and her family at my concert. It was not until weeks later, that I
learned what had happened.
Thought for the Week:There is a time for everything in your life. Cherish
every moment with your family and friends. May you be open to His timing,
and His plan for your life, and your loved ones. Take time to share your
experiences of faith with others. Tell others about the times God has used
your life, your talents, and your resources, to help others. In every season
of our lives, the Lord is alive, and guiding us every step of the way!!
Resources: The Quest Study Bible, Zondervan Press;
From Psalm 85: 6 & 7 - "Will You not revive us again, that Your people may
rejoice in You? Show us Your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us Your
salvation."
While reading this psalm in The Quest Study Bible, I came across a
description of what the word "heart" refers to, throughout the book of
Psalms. The word "heart" refers to the center of the human soul or spirit.
From this center flows our emotions, thoughts, and attitudes. An "undivided
heart" means that these expressions reveal a heart that is pure and unselfish.
There are many signs in our world today, of a "revival of the heart." Even
though we are bombarded with ads and commercials, to buy and consume, many
times beyond our means, at the same time, we also receive E mails and
informative articles that touch our hearts. Technologically, we are
advanced, yet we crave the heart of God. I read E mails every day that
reflect how God is active in the lives of His people.
Families spending more time together; volunteers reaching out to those in
need in hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons; church members welcoming the
unchurched into their churches and communities - - all are signs of the
revival of the heart. Responding to human need, out of a sincere love and
concern for society, is growing each day. It is our Lord who revives us, and
makes our hearts pure, and undivided.
Radio programs, such as "Slice of Infinity," written by Ravi Zacharias,
highlights the renewed attention that religion is getting, even in unlikely
places, such as the Presidential race. I again viewed this as a sign of a
revival. Psychology professor David G. Myers writes: "We now have massive
evidence that people in active faith communities are happier and healthier
than their unchurched peers. Recent studies reveal they even outlive their
unchurched peers by several years."
Yet, the most important issue is truth. Jesus Christ offers us His truth - -
that He walked among us, to show us how to love, to live, and to forgive.
In the words of Mr. Zacharias: "He alone satisfies both the demands of the
intellect and the cries of the heart."
We are realizing our need to slow our lives down, and open our hearts to the
Lord. We long to take more quiet walks with loved ones; to hug a troubled
child; to embrace the sick and the lonely; to stand up for justice. The
yearning of our souls to reach out to a hurting world, contradicts the desire
for more material wealth. An undivided heart, striving to serve God, seems
to be a priority for more and more Christians, in this complex and fast paced
world.
May your hearts be open to Christ - - only He can sustain us, and show us
the way to His Heavenly Kingdom. May we continue to build His Kingdom here
on earth.
Thought For the Week: Take time for the little things in life -- show your
love to family, friends, and neighbors. Take time to smile, to give hugs, to
lend a hand, and to help those in need. Let's have a revival of the heart,
and share the love of Christ with everyone we meet!
Resources: The Quest Study Bible, Zondervan Press; "A Slice of Infinity", by
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries:
http://www.sliceofinfinity.org
From The Message, by Eugene H. Peterson: Psalm 92:12-14
"Good people will prosper like palm trees, grow tall like Lebanon cedars;
transplanted to God's courtyard, they'll grow tall in the presence of God,
lithe and green, virile still in old age".
My friend helped me with a Bible study on "Growth." In the book A
Christian's Secret of a Happy Life, by Hannah Whitall Smith, the book the
Bible study was based on, the chapter on growth is inspiring.
Hannah writes
that to help us grow in grace, we need to completely put our growth into the
Lord's hands, and not think about it. Sometimes we may feel like a desert,
and wonder how we can grow and bear any fruit for the Lord. But He can take
our weaknesses and transform them into our growth.
If we put every moment of our lives into His hands, He will nourish us - -
the dry desert will become fountains and springs, flowing with His promise of
love and grace.
The hardest part, is to learn to trust the Lord, always,
and
completely, so that we can become rich, fertile soil.
Than we will "grow
tall in the presence of God."
I hope this song will help you, as you grow in His grace:
Thought for the Week: Put yourself into His hands this week, and every day
of your life. The Lord loves you and will help you. Reach out to others --
they may need your encouragement to help them grow in grace. Together, we can
bear fruit, and build His kingdom here on earth, with love, kindness, and a
gentle spirit, in a world crying out for the Lord's love and grace. "If I
can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; if I can ease one
Life the Aching, or cool one pain, or help one fainting Robin unto His nest
again, I shall not live in vain."
(Emily Dickinson - Chicken Soup For the
Woman's Soul)
Thank you for reading Inspiration Haven! May the Lord bless you always!
I came across a beautiful reading in the narration of our
church's Christmas cantata, entitled, "Canticle of Joy".
The theme is "We
Are His Gold." I was so inspired, I wanted to share it with all of you:
"Kings from the East also came,
bearing gifts of frankincense, myrrh, and gold.
Consider why the Son of God
would leave the riches of His kingdom
to be born into the household of a poor carpenter.
He came in search of the greatest treasure of all,
a treasure He would one day lay down His life to purchase.
This is the great mystery:
We are the pearl of great price.
We sparkle like jewels in His crown.
And our praises rise to heaven like incense,
their perfume fragrant and pleasing to God."
(From:" Canticle of Joy", Joseph M. Martin, BMI )
Here is another reading, by a medieval mystic and theologian. I found his
writing quite up to date in thought, as if it was written today, in our time:
"We are all meant to be mothers of God," wrote Meister Eckhart, a medieval mystic and theologian. "What good is it to me," he said,"if this eternal
birth of the divine Son takes place unceasingly but does not take place
within myself? And, what good is it to me if Mary is full of grace, and if I
am not also full of grace? What good is it to me for the Creator to give
birth to His Son if I do not also give birth to Him in my time and my
culture? This, then is the fullness of time: When the Son of God is
begotten in us."
Thought for the Week: To bring the love of Christ to someone who needs Him -
- perhaps a neighbor, a friend, a relative, or even a stranger. During this
busy season, may we take the time to help others find Jesus, the Savior, so
He may be born in their hearts.
Have a blessed Christmas, and a happy, safe, and healthy New Year! God bless
you!
Last week, I returned from my trip to Hawaii. I gave concerts and sang at
church services for three churches - - two on Oahu, and one on Maui. In this
pristine place, many call paradise, I experienced love all around me -
"Aloha," is what the Hawaiian's call it.
In my reading one day, I came across a wonderful quote, by The Reverend
Abraham K. Akaka, from his speech, on the day Congress granted statehood to
Hawaii in 1959. "Aloha" has many definitions, and no single one:
"Aloha ke Akua, God is Aloha...We do not do good only to those who do good to
us. One of the sweetest things about the love of God, about aloha, is that
it welcomes the stranger and seeks his/her good. A person who has the spirit
of aloha loves even when the love is not returned...the real Golden Rule is al
oha."
When I first arrived in Hawaii, my heart was still heavy, having heard the
news about the shootings in Honolulu, and then the Egyptian airline crash in
New York. Tragedy was all around me, and I tried not to think about it, or
allow it to weigh me down. God was in control - - I knew that in my heart,
but my mind could not let go of the events taking place.
As I began to unwind, and shared my music ministry with the churches, I could
feel the Lord's presence all around me. His signature was everywhere - -
countless rainbows of breathtaking beauty; magnificent mountains and
volcanoes; spectacular sunrises and sunsets; moonlit nights, under the canopy
of God's awesome universe. Just as Scripture promises, out of the darkness,
comes the light of Christ. Nothing can separate us from His love and Truth -
- despite tragedies and sorrow, the sun will continue to shine, rainbows of
hope will always be abundant, and the wonders of His love and mercy will
conquer all evil in our world. For my entire trip, I felt the comfort of
God's love and peace. The people around me, expressed their aloha's, with
sincerity and grace.
Even in the face of danger and fear, we need to trust the Lord. In Him, we
are healed. Mahalo, (Thank you, in Hawaii), dear Jesus, for Your constant
love and forgiveness.
Thought for the Week: Take time out this busy Christmas season, to reflect
on the true meaning of Christmas. Extend your "Aloha," your love, to
everyone you meet along the way. It is a challenge today - - waiting on long
lines, sitting in traffic, trying to keep up with the demands of the season.
It's hard to be cheerful and positive in such a whirlwind of activity! The
other night, I took a walk in my neighborhood, gazing at the decorations and
beautiful lights. After about ten minutes, I realized I had not seen one
decoration or display about Jesus. Then, I turned the corner, and there was
one lovely Nativity scene, all lit up, right ahead of me!
May we all
remember to "turn the corner" this hectic season, and see the baby Jesus,
lying in the manger. May He be the focus of Christmas - -"the reason for the
season." Aloha, and Merry Christmas!!
Thank you for reading Inspiration Haven!! God bless you!
Bible source: The Quest Study Bible - New International Version
I love the summer months! Whether I'm on a vacation, or just taking a day
trip somewhere, it's a chance to relax and reflect on God's creation. Last
week, my friend and I took a day trip to a beautiful and unique town in New
Jersey, called Ocean Grove. Founded by the Methodist Church, it is a place
reflective of God 's spirit, love, and His passion for music. In one day,
you can enjoy the sand and surf, walk the boardwalk, eat nutritious food, and
in the evening, attend spiritual, uplifting concerts!
Feeling rejuvenated by this experience, I returned to Ocean Grove a few days
later, to walk the boardwalk. As I passed by a machine containing bottled
spring water, I noticed a phrase written across the front, which read
"Replenish the Source Within"
- - Wow!
My friend and I, just a few days
before, were discussing how we can take something secular, and make it holy
and spiritual. Here was an example! What joy, what fun!! I thought about
our relationship with our Lord, and how He is the source within - - and I
needed to replenish the source within. The following poem I wrote, expresses what I was feeling that day:
"Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows..."
(Holy Bible,King James Version)
The Source of the Soul's Water: The value of sorrow, grief and suffering.
"Just as you cannot escape life's problems, you cannot avoid painful feelings
and emotions. What can you do with sorrow and grief? You can accept them
into your life the way water is accepted into the ground and taken up by the
tree. Let these emotions become a part of your life without asking why.
Accept life and death, experience the rituals of grief and sorrow, and free
yourself to live. Grief and sorrow bring forth the tears that are the water
the soul needs to survive. If you feel no sorrow or grief, you will dry up
and wither away as the tree does in a time of drought..."
Thought for the Week: We do draw closer to the Lord in troubled times. But
we also need to work on our relationship with Him in good times, too!
During
your quiet time, begin a long term project of reading the Bible, from
beginning to end.
My friend Karen and I, have decided to read the entire
Bible, reading one chapter each day. We found a wonderful study Bible that
helps you plan your reading. As you read the chapters, there are excellent
explanations on the side of the pages that clarify what you are reading.
It
makes Bible reading a lot of fun! Here is the name of the study Bible: The Quest Study Bible - New International Version, Zondervan Press.
Special thanks to Pastor Bill Hanson, who lent me the book by Bernie Siegel.
Thank you, friends, for stopping by Inspiration Haven!!
Three Simple Words That Changed the World For All Time:
He Is Risen!!
The Crucifixion - Matthew 27:32-66
From Matthew 27: Verse 54
-"When the centurion and those with him who were
guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were
terrified and exclaimed, "Surely He was the Son of God!"
The Resurrection - Matthew 28:1-20
From Matthew 28: Verse 6 - "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.
Come and see the place where he lay."
Happy Easter, my friends!!
I'd like to share a quote from a book entitled, HE
IS RISEN, by Bonnie Harvey.
"The dauntless crocuses poke their emerald tips through the last of the
winter's snows, and the saffron daffodils sway in the chilly breeze. Glorious
forsythia bushes dot the greening lawns, and bold tulips splash their varied
colors in carefully tended beds. Rosebush stems bulge with the promise of
their first buds. After the long dreariness of winter, our spirits are
refreshed by the kaleidoscope of colors displayed among the spring flowers."
When I read this beautiful description, I compared the coming of spring to the
long winter journey we just experienced during the Lenten season. Lent began
in the cold of winter, as we reflected on Christ's journey to the Cross.
After 40 days, we have gone through the full range of emotions - - on Good
Friday,
we will weep, as we remember our Lord's cruel death on the Cross. We
will rejoice in the glory of Easter, as we celebrate Jesus rising from the
dead!!
As spring comes alive in all its colorful
splendor, we, too, come alive, knowing our Lord lives with us, and within us.
We don't have to fear death anymore!! He has given us Eternal Life!!
Activities for the Week:
During Holy Week, write down Bible verses leading up to Easter. Place one
reading per day in a plastic Easter egg. Place the eggs in a decorated Easter
basket. Just before or after a meal, family members can select an egg, and
read a verse out loud.
Other Activities for Families
- Watch a video on the life of Christ
- Attend a passion play or musical, such as Godspell or Jesus Christ
Superstar
- Attend Easter services and concerts
- Play your favorite Christian CD's that focus on the Easter theme.
Have a Blessed Easter!! He's Alive!!
For Fun! Scripture Cake
4 1/2 cups 1 Kings 4:22(flour)
2 TBLS 1 Samuel
14:25 (honey)
1 cup Judges 5:25, last clause,(butter)
1 pinch Leviticus 2:13(salt)
6 Jeremiah17:11 (eggs)
2 cups Jeremiah 6:20(sugar)
1/2 cup Judges 4:19(milk)
2 cups 1 Samuel 30:12 (raisins)
Seasonings,2Chronicles 9:9(spices)
2 cups Nahum 3:12 (figs)
2 cups Numbers 17:8 (almonds)
This is a simple butter cake, but with little leavening except the air and
eggs.
Bake it as a loaf at 325 degrees for about 50 minutes.
When it tests
done, turn out onto a rack until cool. Slices best after a few hours.
Special thanks to my friend, Karen Brennan, who gave me the book,
HE IS RISEN,
by Bonnie Harvey.
Bonnie's words and recipe helped inspire this Inspiration
Haven.
Special prayers: Dear friends, Please pray for the family and friends of Lea
Adler, who died suddenly on March 21st of a rare and deadly cancer. Thank
you!
From: Romans 8:28 (Bible source: The Quest Study Bible, Zondervan)
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to His purpose."
A few days ago, my friends from Texas E mailed me a list called "God's Survival Kit for 1999." In this list, I highlighted the Bible reading, Romans 8:28, above. One of the items in the survival kit was a rubber band,
reminding us to be flexible. Things may not always go our way, but the Lord will work it out. Even in the face of negative events in our lives, we need
to believe that God does work things out for good, when we love Him. He can take a bad situation and transform it into something good. His love for us is
that strong and powerful.
Here is "God's Survival Kit" listed below. In addition to the rubber band, there are eight other items, with Bible readings. I enjoyed reading them, as wonderful reminders for the Lenten season. I hope you enjoy them, too! Pass the list along to your family and friends!
1. Toothpick -To remind you to pick out the good qualities in others. (Matt7:1)
2. Rubber Band - To remind you to be flexible, things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out.(Romans 8:28)
3. Band Aid
- To remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else's.
(Col. 3:12 - 14)
4. Pencil - To remind you to list your blessings every day. (Eph 1:3)
5. Eraser
- To remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay!
(Gen 50: 15-21)
6. Chewing Gum - To remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything with Jesus! (Phil 4: 13)
7. Mint
- To remind you that you are worth a mint to your Heavenly Father.
(John 3: 16 - 17)
8. Candy Kiss
- To remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug every day.
(1 John 4:7)
9. Tea Bag - To remind you to relax daily and go over that list of God's Blessings. (Thess 5: 18)
May this Lenten season continue to be a time of personal reflection, as we focus on our Lord's journey to the Cross. God bless you!
From: Philippians 4:6-7
(Bible source: The Message, by Eugene H. Peterson)
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
My close friend shared the following poem with me, called "Slow Me Down, Lord." I was so moved by the words, that I set the poem to music for my friend Karen to hear. It reminded me how much we need to slow down, so that we can bring all our worries and concerns to the Lord, and pray to Him about everything. If you would like a recording of the song, "Slow Me Down, Lord," just click my E mail address below and let me know your name, address, and
phone number.
As the hymn "What A Friend We Have in Jesus" says, "What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer."
Slow me down, Lord,
Let me look upward
into the branches of the towering oak.
Slow me down, Lord,
and know that it grew great and strong
because it grew slowly and well.
Inspire me to send my roots deep
into the soil of life's enduring values.
That I may grow toward the stars,
Of my greater destiny,
That live in my memory.
Slow me down, Lord...
Thought for the week: Find a prayer partner, and be accountable to each other
to pray for them, their families, friends, and their concerns. I have found
this helpful in focusing on my prayer life. Before I know it, my prayer
partner and I pray for many other people and causes, in addition to our own
family and friends! Prayer becomes more enjoyable, as we grow closer to the
Lord and to each other!
May God bless you this Lenten season, as we reflect on our Lord's journey to the Cross.
Thank you for reading "Inspiration Haven." I pray that this Lenten season will be a time of personal reflection, as you grow closer to the Lord. I, too, struggle to slow down enough to spend quality time praying to God,reading His word, meditating, and listening to Him.
Verses 12 &13: "And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making
between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all
generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the
sign of the covenant between me and the earth."
Thought for the week: Try writing your own "Joy Book". Each day, write down
all the joyful experiences you have. I just started doing this myself, and it
helps me to focus on the all the wonderful things God is doing in our lives.
I become more aware of His presence.
God bless you and keep you in His care!