Author: marycatherinethomas

M. Catherine Thomas is a published writer, speaker and teacher. Mother of two and grandmother..

Wednesday Night WOW

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Each Wednesday night our church has a service. It is a precious time of fellowship with the people who come. A different person teaches weekly, so each week is a delight and a discovery. I love this time together.

Tonight as we were getting ready to drive to the church I mentioned to Dale that I thought I would rather just put on my jammies and head to bed. I felt cold and tired and done with the day. I should have known better.

The woman who taught tonight opened with a bang and kept going. To say my heart was blessed is an understatement.

She opened with how the Lord talked to her, she merely said, He called me by name. Just in that statement I could have gone home refreshed. Our Lord does call us by name. He knows each of us intimately and He knows our name. He has called me Cathi numerous times and I smile. He has called me Mary and somehow it sounds endearing and intimate. My name from His lips is beautiful. It strips away all the angst I have with my first name. To hear Him call me by my name is at once reassuring and safe.

This woman went on to say that after calling her by name, our Lord spoke to her and urged her to use her time well. I know these aren’t her exact words, but, this is what seeped deeply into me. Use my time well. Do I do that? Sometimes, but sometimes not. She urged those in the sanctuary to ask the Lord for divine appointments, you know when you run into someone and somehow the conversation turns toward heaven and you know the Lord is in the middle of the conversation.

After she finished there was a discussion time and I continued to be moved by the words spoken by others around me. Our pastor encouraged us to not think of our lives as insignificant. That hit me directly in my heart. I have always viewed and relayed to others that my life, my words on a page are not major, that I, in the midst of all the more educated and seasoned writers am pretty tiny. I have yearned to do great things for my Savior. I long to reach so many with words of encouragement and words of salvation in our Lord.

Pastor continued saying that we are not insignificant, because we are living now, in one of the hardest and darkest times in the world. I was reminded how in the book of Esther, her uncle Mordecai requested that she go to her husband, the king and ask for deliverance for her people, the Jews. She hesitated and her uncle said this to her, “13 Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:13 (NLT)

When we were chosen to be alive for this time in the world, it was for a time and a purpose. We may not understand what the purpose is, but God, who calls us by name, knows.

I walked out of church this evening with tears in my eyes and joy in my heart. No matter how small and insignificant I may feel, the Lord has a purpose for me, that perhaps I AM here for such a time as this.

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

I am going to ask the Lord how to wisely use my time that I am here, ask for those divine appointments, those conversations where our Lord joins in.

After all, He knows my name. He knows your name also.

Pain

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I have many friends who are currently experiencing some sort of pain. Emotional, physical, mentally, and grief.

I would like in each case to just pray and see it all go away. POOF! It’s gone. But, the Lord does not work that way.

I saw a meme today about changing the past, but if you do that, you do not learn the lessons given through our previous experiences.

Our Lord has a purpose and a plan for our lives. We don’t always understand. We question and we wonder.

But God…

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 (NLT)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. 5 You go before me and follow me.
    You place your hand of blessing on my head.” Psalm 139: 1-5 (NLT)

Church Family

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Tonight (October 31st), our church hosted a trunk or treat. Of course, on the way to the church we could barely see three feet in front of us for the pouring rain. Our parking lot event turned into a fellowship hall event.

As usual, our church family went full in for this event. Tables instead of cars were decorated, and bowls of candy overflowed. Hotdogs were grilled and chips and water were available.

At first kids and parents trickled in. Soon, we saw a crowd. It was a delightful evening. Kids were polite and were taking only a piece at a time. Our church family was so generous in donating candy that those of us manning the tables encouraged kids to take handfuls at each bowl of treats. Their delighted faces were wonderful. Of course we all knew that the parents needed treats too, so we made certain extra went into the buckets and bags for Mom and Dad.

This is our second year of doing this event. I am always amazed at how everyone dresses up to come, but the older kids do not take candy. Tonight I encouraged an older boy to take some candy. He politely thanked me and left his younger siblings to fill their bags. I asked if he liked candy, he sheepishly affirmed he did, and finally his parent said put some in your pockets. A smile filled his face and all of a sudden a teen trying hard to be grown up became a little boy again.

Everyone who visited tonight was precious. Each had sweet conversations and we enjoyed each family that attended.

As I sat at a table I looked around at those who were there helping run this event. I love our church family. This group of people have taught me love, care and friendship. I am grateful for them.

As we begin November, I thought I would begin to thank God for all the blessings in my life, especially my church family.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 (NKJV)

My Sweet Girl

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“Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.” Proverbs 17:6 (NKJV)

Dale and I are blessed to have two grandchildren, two bonus grandchildren and two bonus great grandchildren. Each one bring us joy and laughter.

Today, our granddaughter turns eight. Little Miss came as a surprise to us. She is always filled with surprises. Her middle name was given in honor of her aunt, our youngest. Like her namesake, she comes up with the wildest things. Also like her parents, she is full of the energy of them. She is blessed with a history and genetics that provide gasps and more gray hair for me. I love that about her.

My daughter did not want to give birth on Halloween. She was adamant about that. She vowed that she would hold off until November. I smiled and asked if she talked that over with the Lord. She now often quotes that we make our plans and the Lord laughs at them.

Our Little Miss came at just the perfect time. Her life has been ordered of the Lord. She is our pumpkin. Her zest for life astonishes me. Her caring and kindness oozes from her. Yes, I am bragging a bit, grandparents are allowed to do this.

So, precious one, have an awesome birthday. May you always have a zeal to meet and conquer whatever is before you. May you greet each challenge with the boldness of your Daddy. May you love unconditionally like your Mommy. Most of all may you continue to love your Creator who blessed us with you.

Thank YOU for our sense of smell

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It’s mid afternoon Saturday as I write this. Dale is in the kitchen now finishing up making homemade pasta. He hasn’t done this in a few years.

It will hang to dry out a bit before I cook it for dinner this evening. Earlier I made sauce. It is gently bubbling in the pan, cooking down to a thick deliciousness. I am looking forward to dinner this evening.

The aroma in our house is delightful today. It makes us anxious for dinner time. I am grateful for the ability to smell and anticipate our meal.

“I will accept you as a sweet aroma when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you have been scattered; and I will be hallowed in you before the Gentiles.” Ezekiel 20:41 (NKJV)

There are several verses in the Bible about sweet aromas before God, the above verse is just one.

As I have smelled the sweet aroma of the sauce today, I have prayed that likewise, I may be a sweet aroma before our God.

Out of Nowhere

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Dale’s Dad was born in 1911. He often told the story of he and his brothers and I believe a sister piled into a Model T and drove out west. I guess somewhere in Oklahoma they picked up a goat and strapped it onto the running board of the car so they could have fresh milk. He was filled with wonderful stories like this. We would laugh until our sides hurt and tears were rolling down our cheek.

Dale and I have often talked about all his Dad saw in his lifetime. The first production line of cars, two world wars, the riots of the 60’s, space travel, telephones and right before he passed away Dale and I had bought our first computer. In one lifetime, so much was witnessed.

Granted, in my lifetime, I also have seen much, read much, experienced much. It’s the way life happens as none of us live in a bubble.

What prompted the above is a random memory that somehow, out of the dark recesses of my mind, came rushing up to the front of my brain today.

I believe I was in 7th grade and I had gone to camp for our school. It was May. Camp Glinodo was a camp run by the Benedictine Sisters. There was a pool on the property and we swam all day on Saturday. Of course, I burned, badly. I usually do that. This time there were blisters forming, which is also common for me. The nuns were checking on us for the last time. I was in the top bunk and I was crying. The nuns took me into the kitchen and figured out what to do with the burns. Eventually they decided to put milk on my sunburn. I was given something to drink and Sr. Patricia sat and talked with me.

The true reason for the tears came out at that time. My older sister was going to her prom and I wasn’t there to see her. I told the nun how beautiful her dress was, and I was so sad I couldn’t see her all dressed up. The thing I most remember from that is she had long gloves with pearl buttons on the wrist. I thought she was so elegant. I related to the nun that I was allowed to try them on and that someday, I would have long gloves like that.

After talking she took me back to bed and I slept.

I haven’t thought of that in decades.I have thought of the gloves, though. This was a time when young ladies wore gloves. When we went to church, you put your gloves on. Same with any outing. I had lacy ones with ruffles on the edge. I also had plain ones.

When I married and went to the commissary (grocery store on base), it was required to wear dresses, closed toe shoes and gloves to enter. I don’t know when gloves went out of fashion, or were no longer a requirement, but they disappeared. I never owned a pair of long gloves.

Such a random thought today. It amazes me when memories hit you. It’s like a random shot out of nowhere.

The Lord created us for things like this. Memories that make up a life. Memories that bring smiles and reminders of where you came from. Memories that are etched on our hearts and in our minds.

The Bible talks about remembering. We are encouraged to remember

“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands.” Psalm 143:5 (NKJV)

Change your Perspective

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November is coming soon. Yes, the calendar says so, but the weather is also telling me that it will soon be November. The pile of leaves on my side porch keep growing, and the blanket of new leaves on our front yard tells me this also.

Today, while walking, it was raining leaves. The backyard was filled with the fluttering of leaves raining onto the ground. The blustery wind blew leaves down our driveway leading them to a place where they could land.

I looked around, fascinated as I always am this time of year. The gazebo is framed with yellow and red leaves, the fall sun shining on it from above. I thought to take a picture and realized I have so many fall pictures already and they basically all look alike. I sighed, and common sense took over. In six months I would not be able to tell which year I took the picture since I am bound to take the same shots over and over.

After walking, I took Dale a cup of coffee while he was working in our loft area. I glanced out the window because there was a brightness coming in through our windows. I walked over to look. In front of me was beauty, and yes, I did take a picture.

I take pictures from the ground. I see the same perspective. My pictures do not convey the beauty my eye is beholding. This image is taken from our second floor. This is what we see when we take time to look while upstairs.

We live basically on one floor, the entry floor. Everything we need is on this floor. We did this so that as we grow older, we do not have to climb stairs since everything is ready on the entry level floor. The upstairs is a sit down office area, another bathroom, an extra room for guests and our toy room for the grands.

As I looked out the upstairs window today the Lord spoke to me about changing my view. Sometimes, if we venture and take the step, we can see a beauty that our God created and we miss by not looking out. The Lord’s artistry, and His hand is everywhere. We can see Him in His creation.

He just doesn’t give us things on the ground level where most of us are safe and contented. If we trust in His Word, His promptings, and through answered prayers we can have a mustard seed sized faith and step up to see a whole new aspect of what God would like to do in us, through us, or in spite of us.

Today, I am glad the sun burst through the trees to beckon me to the window. I am glad the Son gave me a new perspective and a challenge to take a step forward.

““My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)

Night

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“It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2 (NKJV)

This is one of my favorite verses. Often I cannot sleep, but for the past few months I have not had a sleepless night where I have gotten up and roamed around our home restless.

Tonight, the blankets are itchy, at least to me they are. The pillows I have don’t work either. Dale is peacefully sleeping, as usual about a minute after crawling into bed. I do envy him that.

I am always amazed on sleepless nights how uncomfortable the bed, the blankets and the pillows are. I know in the morning I will want to stay in bed, it being the most comfortable place in the house. The blankets will be the most snuggly blankets and I won’t want to leave their comfort.

I will feel this way because between now and the morning I will fall asleep. It will come quietly and I will succumb to it, unaware that I have fallen asleep.

In the morning my eyes will open and I will be rested. Rested because the Lord gives His beloved sleep. He can make a couple of hours of sleep feel like a full night’s rest. He can calm the mind and the parade of thoughts. He can take tired muscles from a day’s work and quiet them, giving them restoration while slumbering.

So, now I will try once more to sleep, assured that my God gives me sleep.

Ruffled Feathers

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“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV)

I would like to think that it takes a lot for my feathers to be ruffled, but I don’t think that is an accurate statement. We all have our points where we can feel our body tense up and before we know it our feathers are ruffled.

Being on social media, is sometimes a difficult place. You go online, just to relax and have some mindless conversations. Then, BAM! right in the middle of your news feed on facebook, there it is. A feather ruffler. You start to read and you know you should just scroll on by, but somehow you are drawn in. Like a black hole, you realize you are too far in to turn back. It happens daily, doesn’t it?

I have often said that my facebook page is vanilla. I have hidden, blocked and unfriended anything that I know will get my feathers in a twist. I have pages that I love and my friend list is people I enjoy chatting with or keeping in touch with. I say that my page is all puppy dogs and butterflies and church. And, personally, I like that.

In the past few weeks I have seen a change in the tone on some of my very favorite pages. The admins and moderators are doing a great job at keeping peace and keeping the pages under control. It’s an easy group page. I eagerly go to that page knowing I will laugh and smile and be pointed to the Lord.

Although the admins and the moderators are doing an outstanding job, there is a faction that keeps stirring the pot. It’s not just that page, there seems to be an undertone going on. It’s like people are looking to push buttons and once they have an opinion, everyone else is not right.

This spirit seems to be hovering in all areas of life. It concerns me. The scripture above comes to mind often. I see families dissolving over minor things. Communication is strained. It’s not like anyone has done anything, it is like the enemy of our souls is meddling.

In the end days we will see more and more of this. It can cause fear and misunderstanding. I choose to look up in anticipation. To know that soon, and very soon, we are going to see our King. (sounds like a great song there).

I have thought of ruffled feathers throughout today. Maybe it’s because I allowed my feathers to be ruffled a couple of days ago. I simply stated my opinion and went on to another notification. Today, I received back lash from it. Usually when this happens I can feel the anger rise up within me. My nerves start to quiver. I shake as I try to reinsert my views. Today, I merely restated my opinion and walked away. I have a feeling soon, this will be the norm for us all.

The one positive of ruffled feathers, though, is you are forced to examine your own thoughts and opinions. Do I really believe such and such? Why is that my belief?

It’s a good thing while your feathers are ruffled to look closely at them, smooth them down and be rational. I hope someone else needed to see this like I needed to write it.

Peaceful

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“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT)

The past few weeks I have had several conversations with people going through difficult times.

Each person is experiencing a time that would like to rob you of any joy, peace or knowledge of the Lord.

I have tried to be a good listener and to respond how I think the Lord would have me respond. What I have concluded is this world is not pleasant. Yes, the scenery and artistry of God is present everywhere in this world, but, living here is filled with troubles.

Each of us experience things that can tear our heart out. Sickness, cancer, death, isolation and loneliness can drive us to the brink of wondering where our God is and if he is actually listening or caring about us personally.

It is easy to look at the situation looming towards us. It is easy to say that there is no possible way that God could be in the midst of things. It can be easy to look at the world and what it holds and be disillusioned. Personally, I have done this. I have lost joy before, I have questioned and yelled at God.

What I learned is that God is big enough to yell at Him. He can take it. He, like the loving Father He is will allow us to scream, holler, yell, roll on the floor, pitch a fit, kick and fuss. He allows our tantrums, and again, like the good Father He is, He will gently pick us up and hold us.

The situations may not have passed, but He is watching over us. It could be days, weeks, months or years later and we look back and marvel that the Lord was in the midst of that season. Ever faithful, ever watching, ever caring.

Today was a day that would have liked to rob several people of their peace, it was an unsettling day. But, God. He was in the middle of it all. He was not distant. He was not taking a nap. He was not ignoring cries from hearts. He was in the center, watching and supporting.

This morning a young man in our church ran through the gates of Heaven and into the arms of a waiting Savior. As he rushed into Heaven, I know he was greeted by our Lord, His arms wide open and waiting to hug this man. He met him and greeted him with a “Welcome Home Son, I have been anxiously waiting for you.”

“Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b (NKJV)

This scripture has run through my mind this afternoon. The joy of our Lord is my strength. I do have the joy of the Lord. He gives it in abundance.

We may want to falter, and hesitate, and give up. Between the peace of God so freely given, and the joy of the Lord, which is our strength, there is nothing we cannot conquer. So, I will continue to have difficult conversations with friends. I will continue to pray how to respond. Most importantly, I will pray for them.