God Is In Control Even of Changes

 

This week my neighbors had to move to a care facility.  They have been my neighbors all my life.  We were friends.  We understood each other. They helped our family all the time.  Our family shared the gospel with them numerous times.  My parents jumped in to support them in the last few years as we watched their health decline. We prayed daily for them.  It is sad to not see them or evidence that they are there.  It is sadder still to not have them make a clear decision for Jesus.  However, I do not give up hope!  I pray we will still have opportunities to share the love of Jesus. I pray they remember Jesus loves them.  I pray they trust Jesus.  I must still trust God to do what is right.  I must remember God is good.  I must remember God is still calling them to Himself.  I miss them.  But God is still in control.

Is This Spring?

 

Today is a day that feels like spring.  I think of it as a “tease day”.  A day that makes you think spring is here. But I am not fooled.  Spring does not come this early.  At the park I see plum blossoms bravely blooming in anticipation of spring.  But I am not fooled.  In the store I see spring clothing displayed in anticipation of spring.  But I am not fooled.  Tomorrow will come and it will be wintery and cold.  There are still many days for winter to play its final act.  So, I keep my winter clothes out and ready.  For you see I am not fooled.  Instead, I will choose to enjoy winter to the end.  In His time, God will usher out winter and bring in the spring.  I will wait for that with anticipation, for I like spring.  But as I wait, I will enjoy winter’s last hurrah.  For I am learning to rejoice always.  To give thanks in everything!

Get up and Grow!

 My mom and I walk together early in the morning as often as we can.  My mom is content to go to the park and march around it four times and come home.  I have always liked routine and doing the same thing.  Recently in an effort at growth, I have been trying new things. I try new colors of clothes.  I try new ice cream flavors, or new flavors of birthday cake.  So I have been taking my mom on new walking routes.  I see things I have not seen before, or experience new things.  It takes me out of my comfort zone, and even produces some stress, but if I want to grow, I have to step out and try.  The joy in this is I discover new things I like.  AND, I am aware that God is walking with me step by step.  So, get up and grow, Jeffrey!

Glasses

 

I have poor vision.  I must wear glasses.  I do not mind wearing them because they help me see.  The problem comes with the eye exam.  Because of my communication issues it is always difficult and stressful.  I have experienced a few really good technicians who work with me and help me get a good prescription.  I have also experienced some technicians who really did not care and think me incapable of cooperating.  So, when my dad said we were going to get my eyes checked, my stress level went to the roof like a fast elevator.  As we were going, we prayed that God would prepare the way.  And guess what?  He did!  The technician on duty was the guy I had before.  He has been promoted to head of the store.  He greeted me, looked me in the eye and spoke to me.  He confidently conducted the exam.  He watched carefully as I wrote the answers in my facilitated communication, so even before my mom said what I wrote, he knew the answer.  I can honestly say it was my best exam ever.  He helped me pick frames that were appropriate to my need yet pleasing to my eyes.  He insisted I pick up the glasses on a day he was there.  The prescription is much stronger than before, but he said he is sure it is better for me.  God provided this young man for me. He chatted with our family and felt like a friend.  He said come in often so I can adjust those frames and keep them in top condition.  I pray God will use me to show him Jesus.  “Mom, can we go see the glasses guy today?”

Change of Season

 

The change of seasons always is hard for me.  I find it hard to sleep and that does not set me up for a good day.  I want to moan and complain, but who is at fault?  God controls the seasons. So, do I have the audacity to complain to The God Almighty that He is not doing this to my liking?  I am afraid that sometimes I do just that.  As I read about the Israelites in the Old Testament, they did exactly that.  It usually got them in big trouble.  I guess I better find another way to cope.

I think first I need to cease fussing about and know God.  I need to know His character and realize I can trust Him.  Then I need to pray for His peace for this time.  Then I think I need to praise Him even if I cannot sleep, even if I am uncomfortable.  I may not sleep any better, but my heart will be lighter and have joy even if my eyes are tired.  It all comes down to trusting God who definitely knows what He is doing!

Back To Routine

 

The holidays are over, and regular activities are resuming.  As one who thrives on routine, in many ways this is welcome.  I like the predictable.  Knowing what to expect often brings comfort and stability.  But is life predictable?

 Absolutely not!  Each day there are unexpected things that just pop up.  They come and disrupt the clean plan I have for the day.  They interrupt my big plan and picture.  Someone calls my parents just as we are sitting down to do some activity.  I trip and fall while running.  Someone gets sick.  The grocery store does not have the brand of bananas I like.  I lose a sock.  I spill the glass of water.  The list is endless.  But what I am seeing is that My Plan is disrupted, but not God’s plan.  If I learned to really trust Him, I could be comfortable and stable no matter what.  This is a hard lesson to learn.  Not because God makes it hard.  I make it hard, because I am stubborn and want my own way.  Maybe I need to submit to God’s plan day by day.  Might be more peaceful!

That Nasty Word Change

 

The day was rainy and windy.  It  was a day I was to go horse riding, but due to the weather we agreed to pass on riding.  As an autistic man I abhor change.  I am known for my resistance to change.  I really think I function much better when everything stays the same and there is NO CHANGE!  I understand why we could not go, but I still do not like it. 

My mom has frequently told me she understands my feelings about change, but life is full of changes.  To survive I must learn to navigate change.  It is inevitable.  She has told me she expects me to learn to flow with life’s frequent changes with grace. I have come to see that accepting change with grace will be a mark of my maturity.  I confess, I have a long way to go in this area of my life. 

Contemplating how to grow in this area, my thoughts went to what God might say to me about this.  The Bible is full of references to Gods constancy.  He does not change.  He is the same every day.  He is our rock, shield and refuge.  He is always there, forever. 

In the midst of this constancy, his mercies are new every morning.  He creates new sunsets every day.  He changes the seasons and the weather. He gives us surprises that change our days.

I have decided I need to enjoy the changes as I walk safely in the shelter of the unchanging God.  Only then will I know true joy and peace.

See You Later, Daniel

 

Recently I had to relinquish a friend to his heavenly abode.  I have known him over thirty years.  I have daily prayed for his healing for most of those years.  You see, he was disabled, unable to walk, or talk.  We rarely saw each other, but we were friends, just the same.  His life was hard.  He had many physical limitations, as well as intellectual challenges.  Yet he did his best to fulfill the purpose God had for his life.  I have no doubt he is responsible for pointing the way to Jesus for many.  His life on this earth was short, but it was not a waste.  It was exactly as God planned it to be.  Like you and I his days were planned by a loving heavenly Father long before he took his first breath.  He did not have to fight all the distractions we live with.  He just lived as God had made him to live. I will miss him, I rejoice with him today because he is now completely healed.  No more limitations. He lives with Jesus.  I am so thrilled for you, Daniel!

Under The Shelter of His Wing

 

2020 is such a strange year.  I find myself puzzling over what will pop up next.  In Japan we were blessed with a long, very wet rainy season featuring no sun for a month.  The down side was mold, but the up side was cooler temperatures for July. Then rainy season vanished, and the sun poured out all the saved up rays.  The result has been sweltering heat which does not abate much at night.  Being outside is miserable and makes you feel exhausted. 

 

The virus continues to push its way into our lives.  It threatens us, and makes gatherings dangerous.  Our annual summer birthday party had to go on hold indefinitely. We have to throw out all the old customs and reinvent our days.  We are tired, but so is everyone else.  They get no relief.  Stress levels are high.  I am constantly being confronted with my inflexibility of lifestyle.  We all want times of the comfortable familiar, but it is not to be.  So what do I do?

 

I must remind myself that God is faithful and unchanging.  I have to burrow in closer and closer to Him where I find unchanging love and faithfulness.  There I can breathe and relax, and cling to the security of God’s timeless truths.  Focus on God.  It works! In the shadow of His wing I find refuge, and courage to face whatever comes, each day.  It is when I come away from the shelter of His wing that life becomes overwhelming.  So I am writing this in the shelter of His Wing.  We can shelter at home, but it is more secure to shelter under His wing! Care to join me?

Eternal Perspective

The last couple of weeks have been hard for me.  A dear friend has been diagnosed with cancer and entered hospice care.  I have prayed for his healing for years as he is also disabled.  From a human standpoint this stinks!  Big time!  I have had so many emotions pouring through my heart.  I want to scream at the enormity of this situation.  It seems more than he could bear.  More than his parents and family can bear.  More than I can bear!  But then I have to pull back and look at a more eternal viewpoint.  No one can bear this.  None of us can do this.  God is not asking me to bear it.  God is asking me to trust Him to bear it for me. He is ready to take this burden.  He sends friends to pray with me in my grief and pain.  He sent me a special cousin to share the burden, to understand.

But even more God is reminding me real, complete healing for my friend is near.  I did not think it would come like this, but God is answering my prayer.  For when my friend takes his last breath here, his next breath will be his first breath as a completely healed man.  No pain, no disability. Complete healing.

So Lord, help me keep Your perspective, and anticipate seeing my friend at the Throne someday!

Flexibility Chasing Me

I am a person who thrives on routine.  I do best when there is a strict routine that is followed exactly.  I like a set routine.  Do you get the idea?  Now we all know that life ALWAYS has changes.  They come flying at you causing you to be a flexible person.  I do not think I am gifted with flexibility. Therefore for me life can be so challenging. I am reminded about learning to be flexible as a part of maturity.

I am continually confronted with life situations that need me to be flexible.  If I am to function in life I must learn to be flexible.  It is time to wake up and know that life will not always go like I want it to go.  I must learn to take my plans more lightly and be joyful about putting my plans aside and embracing the change.

I am finding out that sometimes the change brings difficult things.  But sometimes the change may even make a trip for tea and a donut at Tully’s  an option.

Away We Go!

There is always excitement in taking a trip.  Going somewhere to see friends and make new friends.  Oh, and the car ride to the destination gives time to listen to music, stories, and conversation.  You see God’s handiwork in the interesting nature that glides by. You may even may get to take a nap if you are not driving. 

We took a short four hour trip over the weekend.  We were at a gathering of our network churches.  We had great music, good messages, and precious time with friends we see once a year.  Then there was good imoni, a potato soup that is so good.  There was time for discussion over dinner.  It was a fun-filled time with God’s family.  

The rub for me always comes when I must sleep at night.  My parents and I headed to our room, and I was tired.  I even slept a little bit at first.  Then I woke up and I could not sleep. I kept my parents awake, even though I did not want to do so. The more I tried to sleep, the worse it got.  I was excited about the next day’s activities.  I could not wait.  Of course the next day I was so tired that I could not really enjoy the activities.

The moral of this story is to rest in the Lord at all times, even on a trip.  Even when you are excited, or eat different food, or are in a strange bed it is always best to rest in the Lord. 

Imoni

The Winding Road of Change

Where I live it is autumn.  Autumn here is usually warm weather, cool nights, and a busy schedule.  It means we plan for Christmas ministry events so we can take the Gospel to as many as possible at a time of higher interest in Jesus.  I sometimes find it all overwhelming.  I thrive on routine and sameness, not change.  Change takes more effort.  I have to think more to navigate the torturous winding road of change.  I prefer to be lazy and float along on the same path, in the same rut.  Now that is neither healthy, nor scriptural. The Bible commands me to put the old behind me and press on to the higher calling.  I have to scold myself and say, “Wake up Jeffrey!  Reach for new exciting horizons.  Do not fight it, but embrace it.  See the thrilling surprises God has prepared for you.”  He has prepared beauty for me. He has prepared cool days for me.  He has prepared me to minister this season.   God says to me, “Do not be afraid.  I, your Creator God, have made this change, this autumn, for you.  Trust Me!  I am worthy.”  Hmmm, I wonder what is around that next corner. 

Adventure of a Lifetime

Here we are in a new year.  I am trying to establish a good routine for the year.  This is a time for setting goals, projecting what the year will be like.  I really want to grow in my abilities this year.  I want my ministry to expand.  I want to see fruit from seeds planted.  I want it to be a smooth year.  Just slide along with no bumps or turns.  I want it to be a good year. 

Now, what does God plan for this year?  I suspect from His vantage point He will not lay it out like I would.  He will put before me those things that will make me grow.  He will expand my ministry in ways I have not yet envisioned.  I also know there will be bumps and turns.  Yes, I will encounter some difficult things.  In fact, I already have. 

It is easy to make new year’s plans.  Then when those plans are thwarted to just give up because it does not fit the original image.  That is tempting because readjusting takes a lot of effort.  Maybe not making plans is best.  Just go with the flow.

As I reflect on this, I conclude that I should make plans.  I should work those plans.  I should be willing to revise plans, even daily.  Really, I should be ready to hang on for the adventure of a lifetime, every day.  As God maps out the way, count on being surprised with regularity.  And then know if it is in God’s hands it will be a good year!

 

BRRR, I'm Cold!

Cold weather has burst upon us!  I was enjoying warm days, cool nights.  Well, before I was near ready to face the cold weather, it came.  It actually came while Mom and I were shopping for dinner.  We put on a backpack and walked several blocks to the store.  When we left the store 45 minutes later, it was freezing.  I carried the back pack home gladly as it gave extra warmth.  I was wishing we had driven.  Oh, it was a beautiful walk as we saw the sun sink out of sight, but we were also greeted by a brisk wind.  By the time we reached home, I was ready for hot tea and soup.  Dad had run a hot Japanese bath for me, so after dinner I plunged in and could have stayed a long time.  Now, it is time to sort through the clothes.  Sweaters, where are you?  We have dig out the flannel nightwear.  We have to bundle up.  The bright side is Christmas is coming.  

Steps

We have been real busy this fall.  We go from event to event.  Each event is good and fun, but I have come to see that events take energy and time you would use for the not so fun but necessary routines of life.  We are not able to keep up with laundry and room cleaning, and writing.  It has increased my stress.  I am perplexed!  Which event would I have eliminated? 

If I cannot eliminate enough events, then I must find another answer.  Fussing, whining, complaining, being a brat is not the answer either.  Is there another answer?  I have decided there must be, but what can it be?  It is not a natural response for sure.  Well, then, what is it?

“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3.  As I ponder this I realize I am not able to cope with change.  I am not a flexible person.  Clearly the answer is not in me, but I know where it is.  When I am steadfast in my trust in Jesus, I have perfect peace.  When I am stubbornly focused on me, I have no peace.  I can choose peace or stress.  The circumstances have little to do with it.  I want to choose peace, so I must die to self and the habits and compulsions that keep me from steadfast trust in the Lord. This is easily written here.  Now, I must push back from the written page, back to real life, where the practice of steadfast trust is a slow process of steps forward, and failure, too. Lord, help me take the next step!

Change? Are you sure, God?

I must confess I am a person who detests change.  I think much of this is influenced by my autism, but I suspect some of it is just my nature – who I am.  I do like the changing seasons, but I also find discomfort in this as I must adjust my dress and sleep habits to suit.  It heightens my stress.  Changing furniture arrangements in the house makes me uncomfortable. Changing daily routines makes me irritable. Understanding this, you can only imagine my feelings at this time of change in my life.  My beautiful, exquisite, “tiny”, baby sister has grown up.  She has been led by Jesus to step into a ministry of helping a very small church for the next year.  These are exciting things.  I am happy for her!  I am proud of her!  I am devastated.  You see this wonderful event in her life means she had to move out of our house and lives about an hour away.  Now when I go to bed, the room across the hall is dark and quiet, and stays dark and quiet all night.  My dear soul mate is not here.  I know in my head this is a good step for Abi.  It is the next step in her growth.  She needs this.  But alas, my heart hurts at her vacant place in our home.  I prayed for her to come to our family when we were little.  I did not pray she would move away.

 

As I have thought about this I have come to see that not only is this the next step God has designed for Abi, but it is the next step God has designed for me.  Rather than rebelling against this maybe I would do better to trust my Creator.  He knew this day in my life would come.  He also knows my weakness.  However, I can say today, “Praise the Lord.”  Why?  I can say that because I can trust in the mighty strength of God who allows me to leap a wall.  Yes, even the wall of change.  And, in the bargain Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. So bring on the change; I am armed and ready.