For the week of: Monday, December 18th 2006

"Surrounded by Riches"

Did my last posting really say September 4?  Oh dear, I do apologize.  A few of you have kindly asked where the articles have gone and I’d have to honestly say, “They’re all right here.” (Picture my right hand, palm down, covering the area on my chest that houses my heart.) 

I cannot begin to number the times over the recent months that I have tucked away an observation, learning or an experience with the delicious thought of sharing it with you.  And then the next event or obligation rounded the corner, stared me in the face and whispered, “Later.”  And now we’re at “later” only it’s much, much later than I intended!

I have had the most marvelous fall, I truly have.  It’s been jam-packed with speaking events and ministry privileges that I will share in future times together and is culminating in my favorite time of year…Christmas.  The tree is up, the lights are on the house, wrapped gifts are starting to accumulate in hidden nooks and crannies (a very inquisitive seven year old grandson got a twinkle in his eyes yesterday when I told him we wouldn’t be able to play hide-n-go-seek until after Christmas because I had gifts hidden), and the first round of holiday guests came over yesterday…our 2007 Honduras Mission Team.

I am sitting in my home office that my husband lovingly vacated when we felt led to launch Captured Heart Ministries.  And I am surrounded by riches.  May I tell you about a few of them…

…on my desk there is a purple construction paper mailbox that Dylan, our eight year old grandson, made for me.  It is home to some index cards filled with scripture cards that I call Lifelines,

…there’s a ceramic giraffe from our like-a-daughter, Jen. (There are also at least a dozen other items from her as well, but the giraffe is the first thing my eyes connected with.)  I collect giraffes because they remind me of God’s incredible creativity and I often need to be reminded that He has enough creative flair to handle my problems.

…the computer desk I’m working at now is the very first desk my father was ever given when he began preaching over 60 years ago.  What a legacy of faith I’ve been given.

…my very favorite scented candle, Pear Pomegranate, is burning. It is a gift from one of very oldest and dearest friends, Bobbie,

…an elegant pen and pencil case is engraved with Captured Heart Ministries.  It was a gift from a sister of my heart, Mary Ann, when I first shared that I was going to start a draft to a book by the same title,

…my working desk is a gift from my husband, Rick.  When I told him I wanted a desk that resembled a dining room table more than a desk, he took me at my word and found an incredible large wooden dining room table that fits my spread-it-all-out-while-you’re-working-on-it style

perfectly,

…the same mini-blinds are on the windows that were here when this room was our eldest son’s bedroom years ago.  I like knowing that I still look through the same windows that his young, innocent eyes did at one time,

…there’s a “wild woman” candle holder in my window sill from my very favorite woman to be wild with, Sarajane,

…the comforter that once warmed the bed of our middle son is now the covering of a well-worn wingback chair in the corner.  I like cuddling up in it and being reminded of the warmth of the relationship he and I shared when he was young,

…an Eyeore (you know, from Winnie-the Pooh) ceramic photo holder is on my bookshelf.  It was a gift from our youngest son years ago when he went on a high school trip and spent a chunk of his money bringing back a gift to his mom.  I look at it and am reminded of the blessing of an honoring son,

…a pine swag handmade by our daughter-in-law, Rebekah sits atop my bookshelf.  I remind her that she was an answer to the prayers I prayed for a wife for our firstborn.  She is a gem, and anyone who knows her will tell you so.

My eye has only scanned a portion of the room as I’ve written this.  There are so many more riches that surround me.  I am overwhelmingly blessed, abundantly spoiled!   Who would consider construction mailboxes, mini-blinds, Eyeore statues, and old comforters riches?  I do.  They represent a wealth of love and relationships that no amount of money could ever, ever buy. 

Dear one, I don’t know your specific circumstances this holiday season.  You may be grieved over a difficult relationship, coping daily with an illness, challenged with financial stress, hounded by overwhelming temptations, floundering in the guilt of your sins, you fill in the blank.  May I ask you to pause, please just for a quiet moment, and think of the people in your world that bring richness to your life.  They are your true gifts this Christmas.  Do as your mother taught you and remember to say, “thank you”, for the presents under the tree, but do as your Father taught you and say ,”thank you”, to the people who are your richest gifts…”by this will all men know you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.”

From One Captured Heart To Another,