THE NEW EWE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"

Luke 15:4-6

December 29, 2021

Happy New Year!

LIFE IN THE FOLD:

This thought has been going over and over in my mind for the past couple of days: "Sometimes we do things, not because we want to or it's the easy thing to do, but because it's what's right."

Of course, there is the spiritual aspect of this. There are times when it's not easy to always walk in obedience to God and His Word. There are times when it would be simpler to take the easy road, instead of the right road, through life. Sometimes we would rather do other things, besides reading the Bible and praying. There are moments when it seems easier to keep silent and not say anything, instead of standing up for righteousness and what God says is right or wrong; because we don't want to offend or hurt feelings or rock the boat. Hardships occur, or sickness/disease, or death and during those times it is sometimes difficult to trust God and hold onto our faith in Him.

But it is during those times when we should choose to do what it right, not because it's easy or what we want to do, but because it is the right thing to do. We do it out of love for Jesus and cherishing our relationship with Him; not wanting anything to come between us. We do it because pleasing Him is important to us; even more so than pleasing ourselves. We choose to do what's right, because we want to be an example to others and desire that all of our family and friends spend eternity in heaven with us. It's not always easy, but we do it anyway.

There is also the human aspect of this. Sometimes we choose to do what's right, even when we don't want to or are inconvenienced. We do it not only for our own peace of mind, but mostly to help and bless others. We do it, because we never know what our situation will be in the future, and we would want someone to be there to help us, if need be. But most importantly, we do it because that's what would please Jesus.

Here are a couple of personal examples. When Jon's dad was diagnosed with Alzheimers and then needed to be placed in a nursing home so that he could get the care that he needed, it was very difficult for Jon's mom. It was hard for all of the family, but after fifty-plus years of marriage, it was especially heart-breaking for her.

They lived about 30 minutes from us during this time. For the next couple of years, until Stan's death, Jon and I went every single weekend (if we couldn't make it on the weekend, we would go during the week) to visit his parents. We would go see Stan, then stop by and check on his mom; and Jon would help with any minor repairs she may have needed done at the house. We knew that both, Stan and Diane, needed to see family and that this was important for them. Stan needed that connection on a regular basis, to remind him that he was loved and not forgotten. Jon's mom needed encouragement and support as she was walking through this difficult time.

There were 2-3 times when Stan was in the hospital for surgery or a procedure, and Jon and/or I would go spend the nights with him. We knew that Diane couldn't stay there 24 hours a day, and she needed a break and rest. Stan wouldn't sleep in the hospital, would get confused, didn't where, when, or how to ring the nurse, and they didn't have enough nurses on duty for someone to stay with him at all times. He would try to get up by himself, and would have fallen and hurt himself had we not been there with him. He would get confused on where he was, which would cause him to get agitated. He would try to take bandages off. So for Diane's peace of mind and so that Stan could get the care that he needed, we chose to stay with him during the nights when he was in the hospital.

Honestly, there were weekends when Jon and I would have liked to have stayed home and not gone to visit his parents. There were some difficult visits with Jon's dad, which were stressful and heart-breaking. There were times it was upsetting for Jon seeing the changes in his dad and him not remembering how to do things that he had done for many years; or him arguing and becoming angry with us.

It would have been more convenient and easier for us to have stayed home, many times. It was exhausting when we stayed overnight at the hospital, because Stan wouldn't sleep. We couldn't say, "It's the hospital's responsibility to take care of him and keep him safe," because the nurses let us know how much they appreciated us being there, because they couldn't keep someone with him all the time.

It wasn't always what we wanted to do or what was most convenient, but life isn't all about us! We have to make the choice to put the needs of others above our own personal comfort, at times. We do so out of love.

In the years since Stan has passed away, Diane had to stop driving due to vision issues. Over the years I've taken her to countless doctor appointments. Thankfully, she moved close to us a couple years ago. Some of her appointments last up to two hours or more. She has some hearing loss, so wants me to go in with her so that I can hear what the doctors say. I know that she depends on me doing this for her and that it helps her greatly.

Again, to be honest, it's not always how I want to spend my time or what I want to do. Sometimes I think, "I don't want to take Diane to the doctor today and take up all of my morning!" But I do it anyway, because I love her and it's the right thing to do.

Occasionally, we may get a tad frustrated with one another, which I'm sure is normal when two people spend time together. But I still do what I feel is best for her health and eye-sight.

I do it because I love Diane and care about her. I do it because I know that she needs me to drive her and go in with her to the appointments so I can heart what's said and know what's going on. I do it because if I were ever in her situation, I would hope that someone would be willing to do the same for me. I do it because I would hope if one of my sisters were ever in a similar situation, they would have a daughter-in-law who would be willing to step up and help them out.

Life isn't always about us and our comfort and things being easy for us. It's not about only doing what we want to do, when we want to do it. Sometimes we have to make choices to do things, because it is necessary and right. In fact, our life is more fulfilling when it's not about 'ME' and my comfort.

In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus is speaking and said, "'For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' Then the righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me.'"

Sometimes we don't see or understand how impactful our actions and choices are. When we take care of parents or in-laws, we are doing it to Jesus. When we are working at a job that we may not particularly like or want to do, in order to care for our family, we are doing it to Jesus. When we help an individual or family who are suffering through hard times, we are doing it to Jesus. When we are exhausted and sit by the bedside of someone who is sick or has had surgery or suffering, we are doing it to Jesus. When we cook a meal for a family who has lost a loved one or who are sick, we are doing it to Jesus. When we pick up groceries or medication for someone with COVID, who can't get out, and leave it on their front porch, we are doing it to Jesus.

It may not always be what we want to do or be easy or convenient, but when we do those things with a right attitude and out of love, we are not only doing it for that individual or family, but it is as if we are doing it for Jesus!

In 2022, let us strive to do what is right, even when we may not feel like it or want to or it feels too hard. Life isn't all about us and our comforts and desires, but we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus reaching out and helping others. No where in scripture does it say that life will be easy, without hardships or difficult times. It doesn't say that we will never encounter trouble or suffer persecution. But it does promise that God will always be near to us and will never leave or forsake us. Let's show the world what Jesus looks like and loves like, through our words and actions during this coming year.

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

I know it is a tradition to come up with a resolution for the next year. We resolve with honest determination that we will lose 20 pounds in the next year. Then around October, after gaining 5 pounds, we need to lose 25. But with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, we lose the determination.

So this year, I suggest 12 resolutions, one for each month. They can be related, like losing one pound each month, or completely different. I think I'll resolve that in January, I'll come up with a good resolution for February. Maybe I'll really achieve that before October.

You don't need to come up with all 12 at once. Or you could change most of them as the year goes along. After all, circumstances change.

Some options might be to spend some time outside of church with that new couple who don't know anyone else. Or meet a neighbor.

You might want to learn the alphabet in sign language. That should take less than a month. Or learn to play chopsticks on a piano. Or learn just one song in Spanish.

Whatever your goal, it should be one that you definitely accomplish or fail, not something like "be nicer". It should be something reasonably easy to finish in a month, not "learn Latin". And perhaps the most important, check up often to make sure you are still on track instead of waiting till the last day of the month to start.

ON THE MENEWE:

Easy-Peel Shrimp and Baked Potato

In a 9x13 pan, place the large-sized easy peel shrimp (can adjust the amount according to number of people). Chop the onion and celery and pour over the shrimp. Either melt the butter and pour over the top, or place pats of butter over the top of everything. Use salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper according to taste. (You could also use some garlic powder, if desired.)

Cook at 400 for 20 minutes.

Bake potatoes.

Serve the shrimp with the cocktail sauce.

Use the drippings in the baking pan (butter, onion, celery) as a topping for the baked potato.

This is a quick and easy meal, but very tasty!

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

New Years day has always been very special to me. It's the beginning of a brand new year. It always feels kind of like getting a new start with all sorts of potential lying ahead; but, also, having no idea what lies in store.

Growing up, either our church or one of the area churches would have a New Years eve service and we would gather to bring in the new year with singing, eating, fellowship, and praying. It was always a good time, lasting until after midnight. There was something special about being with family and friends, ringing in the brand new year together in church.

New Years day was also my daddy's birthday. Not only did we get to celebrate a new year, but we got to celebrate the life of my dad, too. After my sisters all got married and started families of their own, it became more and more difficult to get together for Christmas; so we would often get together on New Years day at Daddy and June's home. It was a time of being together as a family; but also a time of celebrating Daddy.

As the years have gone by, much has changed regarding New Years traditions. I'm married and am no longer attending the church that I grew up in; and I think most of those churches have stopped having the New Years eve service like they used to have. People have become busy, families have grown, times have changed and that is no longer something that people look forward to and enjoy; having a service at church to ring in the new year. Also, Daddy passed away in 2007, so is no longer here for us to celebrate his birthday; and we no longer get together on that day as a family.

Yet I always look forward to a new year; not having any idea what it will hold in store for Jon and I. Some have surprises that are fun and exciting; while others have things happen that are sad and disappointing. This next year, I do know that our family has the wedding of my niece to look forward to in April. That is exciting! Regardless of what happens, I know that God is in control, He loves me, and I can trust Him!

Happy New Year and may you feel God's presence in your life each day in 2022!

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. - C.S. Lewis

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org