If you sew or are a crafty person like I am, then you understand the tingly feeling I get when I enter a fabric store.  Through the years I’ve sewn clothes for myself and my children, made shower curtains and window valances, and have pieced together a quilt or two.  When I walk into the fabric store and gaze at all the lovely fabrics with their various patterns and designs, I just get giddy with sewing excitement.  Sadly, I do not sew much anymore.  The feeling is still there, though, as my inner sewing goddess gets tempted by all the possible sewing projects I envision.

My daughter Kristen caught the sewing gene from me.  I am thrilled when she takes on a project.  She is good.  She may even sew better than me!  She recently took on a quilting project and, as you can see by the picture she sent, her work looks quite impressive.  I can’t wait to see the finished project.

Yesterday at church we had a guest preacher, Pastor Dave Maier, the Michigan district president of the LCMS.  His message came from Mark 5 and was the story of the woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years.  Under the care of many doctors, her condition only worsened.  She heard about Jesus and decided to find him in the crowds that were passing through her town.  She thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”  How beautiful is that!  The fabric Jesus’ clothes were made of could not have been fancy.  And of course, it wasn’t magic fabric either.  It was Jesus himself who was the miracle maker here.  The story in Mark 5 tells us that she indeed did touch his garment, and was instantly healed.  The really cool part is that, even though there were all these people pushing and crowding around Jesus, Jesus knew that this woman had touched His clothes.  He knew her needs and he felt her clutch of faith as she reached for Him.

I don’t know about you, but there have been times in my life when I’ve held onto my sanity and my faith by my fingertips.  You can read more about that in my book, “Amanda, Perfectly Made.”  But I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.  Those tough times in life where you are so challenged, beaten down, worn out, and at the end of your rope and you have barely enough strength to keep your grasp on your faith. I think the lesson here is to know that God is always there to take our hand.  He knows when we are seeking his steady strength.  And even when we feel like we are falling and grasping at air, He senses us reaching out – just like the woman who simply touched his garment.

Continuing on my fabric theme here, I must include this fascinating scripture from Numbers 15:37-39 The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eye.”  What a wonderful reminder for the Israelites to daily notice that blue thread that just doesn’t match the rest, but having its presence be a reminder to them of God and His commands.  Fashion design today will probably never have us putting tassels on the corners of our clothes, but it’s a good vision to keep in mind.

Next time you are struggling and reaching for God, remember that God recognizes us as we grasp for the firm clutch of His hand.  Life may have you beaten up and trampled on the ground, but you can always catch the hem of His garment.  He’ll know you are there!

Just Laurel

Have you purchased body lotion lately?  In the old days, I remember Vaseline Intensive Care lotion in the light yellow plastic pump bottle.  There weren’t many choices beyond that.  Today there is a whole section in the store stocked with body lotion choices.  Some of them list ingredients that sound good enough to eat:  Cocoa butter, almond oil, avocado seed oil, and even olive oil.  Other greasy moisturizers include shea butter, vitamin E, aloe, and baby oil.

Oils were very important in biblical times.  Olive oil, especially, could be used for baking, as a spread on bread, as a gift, fuel for lamps, for anointing, for offerings and sacrifices, as well as for healing.  Anointing with oil was common on joyous occasion.  I can only imagine the value of olive oil on a hot, tired body.  Back then people did not and could not hop into a nice hot shower every day.  Lord knows how long they sometimes went without bathing.  After several days or weeks in the hot dusty climate of the Middle East, I am sure your skin got pretty scratchy and crusty from the heat and dirt.  Imagine what pleasure it brought to have the dust rinsed off your feet and then to have olive oil rubbed in.  Mmm –Mmmm.  Somebody massage my feet please!  The oil probably softened dry skin and helped control hair that had been dried and frizzed by the scorching sun.

Some of you who know me really well may be aware of my search in the bible for humor.  I want to see and hear Jesus laugh!  I mean – I don’t think he walked around all calm and pious, speaking in heavenly monotone and gliding slowing as if on a cloud.  I think there were times He laughed out loud at his dear naïve disciples as He tried to get them to understand something.  I can picture Him explaining to followers through His parables and suppressing a smile, almost tongue-in-cheek, while using simple and familiar examples to clarify His point.

As I believe that the bible is God’s inspired word, I must share some words from Hebrews that made me laugh – and will bring this whole olive oil story full circle!

Hebrew 1:9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

That just made me giggle!  Keeping in mind how wonderful it was for believers back then to enjoy a little rub down with olive oil, well how about being doused with joy?  It makes for a fun picture.  Imagine having this tickle of joy splash you in the face and send itself to the tips of your fingers and the ends of your toes?  I want some of that oil!  Rub some on and feel the joy.

Oh Lordy if I could make and bottle some of that I’d be rich!  I wonder if it would work on salads, too.  “Would you like Ranch, Italian, or our house dressing – a raspberry vinaigrette made with Joy Oil?”

Oh no – don’t get me started!  Joy oil with raspberries????

Have a joyous day.

just Laurel

In my last blog I talked about clinging to faith and how my wise little cucumber plant reached out with a tender tendril to grasp firmly to the chain link fence.  I didn’t expect to be writing this ‘continuing saga’ of the life of my cucumber plant!

Two days after planting my little cucumber plant we were threatened with a frost.  Well, I wasn’t going to allow Jack Frost to victimize my young cuke.  I literally wrapped my cuke baby in blankets, first wrapping one around the base and then securing another one to the wire fencing I had put around it.  The next morning I unbundled my plant and saw that the leaves were limp and drooping and the strong brave tendril had lost its grasp.  🙁   There still seemed to be some strength in the plant because it was still standing.  Certainly, if it was a withered limp mass on the ground, I probably would have bid it farewell.  I decided to continue to nurture it and give it time.

All I can say is that cucumber must have had some strong roots!  A week later, you can see the withered limp leaves and tendrils of the frost-bitten plant, but in the middle of the stalk you can clearly see an eruption of fresh green leaves and even the beginnings of a blossom!

Oh the things we can learn from nature!

The cucumber plant survived because it had put down strong roots.  The part you could see above ground had been beaten up pretty bad, but the unseen strength of its roots continued to keep the plant alive and growing.

What kinds of ‘frosts’ have you endured; a broken marriage, loss of a job, declining health, a shattered friendship, a disappointing life event, or countless other painful and chilling circumstances?  Many people crumble when life tests them.  But if you are strong in your faith, you have girded yourself with knowledge of God’s word, surrounded yourself with friends who share your faith, and have surely prayerfully sought God in simpler circumstances, then your roots will hold you strong.

Colossians 2:6-7  As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Ephesians 3: 17-19 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Like my little cucumber plant, we are sometimes hit with the storms of life and we will feel like we just can’t hold on any longer.  Those storms will make us feel like we just can’t live through another day.  But if we have rooted ourselves in our faith, God will give us the strength to keep going.  The warm sun and quenching rain will help us with new growth and life!

Lessons from my cucumber 🙂

Just Laurel

(Blog 10 as I continue with stories from our trip to St. Kitts.)

We visited Jill and Andy on St. Kitts Island during Jill’s break from studies at Ross School of Veterinary Medicine.  This curious mother here had to see where her daughter has been studying for the past four months.  Although the school was on break, Jill was able to take us on a tour of the grounds and buildings.  We saw the small student housing accommodations where Jill and Andy had been living.  (They now live off campus in part of a house that they rent.)  We saw classrooms, the library, barns that house animals, the small on-campus convenience store, and many other different buildings.

Then she showed us the anatomy lab.

P U

There was a nasty smell that permeated the anatomy lab.  I believe the smell was formaldehyde – you know – the nasty stuff that is used to keep organic body parts preserved.  Animal body parts.  It didn’t help that there was half a butchered donkey in the lab.  According to Jill, it was the model for some final test.  “And what is this stringy slimy tendon here called?  And what is this bulbous bloody part here?”

(cough cough gag gag)

There were two huge walk in refrigerators in the anatomy lab.  Of course I took the refrigerator tour.  Inside were these huge bathtub shaped vessels filled with more nasty preservative liquid and …

… animal body parts.

Oh Lordy it was nasty.  In one vat there was a horse’s head sticking out.  Like a big slimy trophy.  Just the head.  In another vat there were dog legs and dog parts.  Then there was the vat with goats … and … you get the picture.  Between the disgusting visual assault and the nauseating rotting yet preserved flesh smell, I did not enjoy this part of the tour and quickly asked to move out of this building and on to the next.  I had had enough.

Today I was reading Hebrews chapter 5.  Verses twelve through fourteen caught my attention and brought to mind the animal anatomy lab:

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.   For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.   But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

The book of Hebrews was originally addressed to early Jewish converts to Christianity who were tempted to rejoin Jewish groups.  They were showing spiritual immaturity.  The author of the book of Hebrews was describing them as yet babes who were still drinking milk when they really should be on solid food by this time and showing strength and maturity in their new faith.  This made me think of the veterinary anatomy lab.  It was not for the weak.  For every young person who simply adores cute kitties and puppies, and plasters their room with animal calendars and photos, and have dreams of becoming a vet and working with animals someday … well … you better make sure you are ready for the anatomy lab!

Jill was quite comfortable with the sights and smells of the anatomy lab.  She showed strength and maturity.  She laughed at my weak stomach over the whole thing.

Likewise, Christians need to get into the nitty gritty of God’s word and ways so they can be ready for situations that may take courage, strength, or even a strong stomach!  I myself have been trying to explore God’s word a little more every day and, I promise you, it is much easier than a walk through the anatomy lab.  Smells a whole lot better, too!

Not everyone can become a veterinarian.  But you can become an educated follower of Christ.  Get into His words folks, and start chewing!

just Laurel

(Blog 9 as I continue with stories from our trip to St. Kitts.)

During our stay on St. Kitts Island, we were fortunate to have a lovely room at the Marriott Resort – thanks to the ‘student rate’ that Andy got for us.  The Ross Veterinary students provide for a lot of business and income on the island (hotel rates for visitors, fuel for their cars, groceries, and bar bills of course) and are generous to provide discounts.  The Marriott was gorgeous.  Our air-conditioned room was very comfortable and included a king size bed, TV, and bidet-equipped bathroom.  There were three pools to choose from and several stores and restaurants to handle any of our needs.  It was good enough for us.

Most of the natives on St. Kitts live in cement block houses.  The homes are not air-conditioned but get fresh air circulation by means of louvered window coverings.  Life is simple, hot, dusty, and tropical.  Any backyard space available is used for a vegetable garden or roaming space for chickens.  No backyard pools.  They are probably too costly and, besides, there is always the ocean to jump in to if you get too hot.

Besides the local housing, there is a newer crop of luxury housing popping up.  The locals do not live there.  These expensive new townhouse developments are being purchased by investors from other countries who want a place in paradise.  Literally.  If you buy property at the minimum cost of close to half a million dollars, you are granted automatic citizenship of St. Kitts.  There are many resort pieces of property hidden around the island.

On our day trip to Nevis Island, we walked the beach to the property of the Four Seasons Hotel.  Oh my.  It was so serene.  Remember the show, “Fantasy Island?”  It was so tropical, exclusive, relaxing, and tranquil.  The price tag was way beyond our reach and I understand people like Oprah and Justin Bieber have stayed there.  The exclusivity of the Four Seasons along with the first-class attention I am sure is given there must make it a heavenly and relaxing place to stay.

Another place we visited was Ottley’s Plantation on St. Kitts.  After a twisting and turning drive up the dirt road and above the dusty little towns that dotted the coast, we arrived at paradise!  Ottley’s is an old sugar plantation from the 1700’s that has been renovated into a luxury resort.  The tropical grounds were breath-taking and the main house looked like something out of an Ernest Hemmingway novel.  We had dinner at the The Royal Palm Restaurant which is nestled on the old stone grounds of the original sugar factory.  To say dinner was expensive is an understatement.  But dinner was outstanding and could easily be showcased in Gourmet Magazine.  It was worth it.

John 14:1-3 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.   In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

I have no idea what heaven will be like.  But I believe in God and I believe God’s word is true.  I believe He has a place prepared for us when our earthly lives are done.  I might suggest that heaven be like a tropical paradise.  Hmm … comfortable beds, tranquil breezes, relaxing ocean waves, soft sand, good food, exclusive privileges, and once we get there we can have automatic citizenship!

I am sure heaven will be heavenly.

But for a heavenly earthly destination, I do recommend the Caribbean.

just Laurel

(Blog 8 as I continue with stories from our trip to St. Kitts.)

When I hear a man preach, I like to see him act as if he were fighting bees. (Quote by – Abraham Lincoln)

Two islands make up what is known as The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.  Both islands are formed by the peaks of sleeping volcanos.  St. Kitts is the larger of the two islands, double the size of Nevis.  On one day of our St. Kitts trip we sailed on a catamaran and were able to go ashore on the beaches of Nevis.  Oh my, what a beautiful island!  (More on that in a later blog.)

The beach upon which the catamaran took us had sand that was warm and soft as the lightest brown sugar.  Several bars and restaurants dotted the beach.  We were told of a famous drink, the “Killer Bee” that was served at one particular bar.  Now, I am not a drunk or a heavy drinker of any kind.  One drink is usually enough for me, and two drinks put me to sleep for the night!  Allow me to back up for a moment to our British Virgin Islands trip we took a year ago.  The drink we discovered that year in the Caribbean was called a “Pain Killer.”  Oh it is a lovely drink of rum, pineapple juice, Coco Lopez, orange juice and grated nutmeg.  We were all hoping the Killer Bee would be just as tasty.

All the honey a bee gathers during its lifetime doesn’t sweeten its sting. (Quote by – Italian Proverb)

We found the Killer Bee bar.  We ordered a round of Killer Bees.  I watched as rum, some juice blend, some ‘bitters’, and I’m not sure what else was mixed for us.  One sip and … ehh … not as pacifying as the Pain Killer.  And rather bitter (oh yeah – the ‘bitters’).  Not liking my drink and not wanting to waste my money by throwing it out, I finished it quickly.  Jill did not like hers at all.  I finished Jill’s drink, too.

All the while we lingered at this bar, I kept contemplating this Killer Bee drink.  Were there killer bees on the island?  Oh my.  I was sure that must be the reason for the named drink, although I certainly didn’t want to meet any killer bees.  What other reason would they name a drink like that?

I have since searched on line for the whereabouts of killer bees, aka Africanized Bees.  I cannot find evidence of them being on Nevis.  Hmm?  I drank the drinks, we walked the beach for a while, I felt really numb and rubbery in the legs … and when we stopped to walk around the Four Seasons Hotel, I sort of sunk myself down into a cushioned chair and …. Zzzzz … oh yeah I was buzzed.

Buzzed?  Haha

Like a bee.  Now I get it.  The presence of killer bees was in no way related to this drink.

I got stung!

Sorry folks, but I couldn’t put my bible-spin on this story.  It was just a ‘funny thing that happened on Nevis’ story.  I suppose it could be a lesson of how you should stay away from evil.  You might think that you won’t be affected but if you play with bees, you’re gonna get stung!

Like bees, they must put their lives into the sting they give. (Quote by – Ralph Waldo Emerson)

just Laurel

(Blog 7 as I continue with stories from our trip to St. Kitts.)

During our visit with Jill & Andy on St. Kitts, we spent one afternoon at Brimstone Hill Fortress.  Built primarily during the 1700’s for British use but by black slaves, the fortress sits 800 feet high.  It was constructed of dense black volcanic rock and limestone.  Because of the valuable tobacco and sugar cane grown on St. Kitts, the fortress was necessary to protect the rich bounties of the island.  The fortress is a magnificent sight to see as one wonders how the British were able to figure out the engineering puzzle of building such a structure on the sloping hillsides of a volcanic island.  It also offers breath taking views of the Caribbean waters below.

Naturally, a visit to a ‘fortress’ brings to my spiritual mind the song, “A Mighty Fortress is our God.”   Written by Martin Luther in the 1500’s, this song is one of Luther’s best known hymns.  It is said to be a paraphrase of Psalm 46, although the word ‘fortress’ is not even in Psalm 46 (as least not in the bible version I read!).  However, the word fortress is used many times in the Psalms.

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 31:2 Bow down Your ear to me, Deliver me speedily; Be my rock of refuge, A fortress of defense to save me.
Psalm 31:3 For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me.
Psalm 71:3 Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.
Psalm 91:2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

The definition of “fortress” includes the following:  A fortified place, especially a large, permanent military stronghold that often includes a town; a fort or group of forts often including a town; citadel; any place of exceptional security; stronghold.  The definition fits Brimstone Hill Fortress.  I hope the photos shared with you show how impressive this historic landmark is.  But it is the last definition that fits the Psalmist referral to a fortress.  God is our stronghold and it is with Him that we can experience a place of exceptional security.

As I stood 800 feet high on the grounds of Brimstone Hill Fortress, I was in awe at the quiet.  There were no noises of cars, motors running, or any hums of civilization.  It was quite serene with just the sound of the wind blowing through the tropical foliage.  The air was so clean and clear.  Perched high above the level of the Caribbean waters below, I felt almost a little closer to God.  The amazing view was both glorious and revealing – like the soldiers of long ago, they had a clear view of any enemies who dared to come close.

And thus it is when we choose to trust God.  Within His presence we can feel serene peace.  We can feel safe.  Perhaps, by staying close to His side, we also have a clearer picture of what God wants for us or desires of us.  Keeping close to God our fortress also keeps the enemy at bay.

A might fortress is our God.

just Laurel