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Devotional readings focused on Psalms about Christ for the third week of April. Meditation Skip to the Bible readings and reflection questions Thanks for joining this devotional series during Easter week! Easter is one of my favorite holidays--always has been. But as I think back on Easters past, it's interesting to see how age and perspective has shifted my own experiences of the holidays we celebrate in the United States. Take Halloween, for instance. This used to be the highlight of the fall for me and my brother when we were little. We would carefully plan our costumes and our route to ensure maximum candy! Such joy! At this point in life I dread having that much candy in the house for fear I'll eat it myself. I suppose that makes me a Halloween humbug! Easter is a different story. As a midlife person, I find Easter to be much richer than when I was a child or even a young mom. It used to be all about dyeing the Easter eggs, Easter baskets, a new dress or suit for Easter morning for each child, and husband Jack's ingenuity in hiding the eggs after Easter dinner. But at my current stage of life, Easter speaks louder of the deep hope I have in the grace of God. I still love the trappings and traditions, but the meaning behind them shines through more brightly each year. This year, I happened upon the word hosanna , a curious expression shouted by the happy people of Jerusalem during Jesus's ride from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem on the day we now call Palm Sunday. According to some scholars, this word had two meanings. The first comes from one of our psalms this week: Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! Pslam 118:25, NIV Psalm 118 would have been sung leading up to and during Passover, so the people of Jerusalem already had it on the tips of their tongues. Thus it is no surprise that this is what they sang as Jesus rode into Jerusalem. But the word itself had developed a new meaning by Jesus's day. We see that in Matthew 21:9 as the people waved branches before Jesus and laid their coats in the dust for the donkey he rode to step on: The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Matthew 21:9, NIV The passage describing Jesus's entry into Jerusalem doesn't record cries of supplication, but cries of rejoicing. Over the years since the psalmist penned Psalm 118, the meaning of hosanna had changed to one of praise for what God had already done and for the salvation He had already wrought in their lives. The Entry of Christ into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, oil on wood, 63 x 91 cm, after an engraving by Adriaen Collaert after Maerten de Vos. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=112167153 I find this dual meaning of hosanna so rich to meditate upon during Easter week. I have good reasons to cry out, " Hosanna! Lord, please save us!" right now in my life. But at the same time, I have every reason to sing " Hosanna! Praise you for the salvation you have already given!" Isn't that just exactly where we live in these midlife years? We are no longer able to step in and solve the problems in our children's lives; we are less hero and more mentor in their stories now. Our parents may have problems too complex for us to solve as well, leaving us with prayer as the only viable option. So we cry out to God, " Hosanna! Lord, intervene in this situation." But at the same time, He has already answered. If we know Jesus as savior, we can see past the problems in our present and near future to the eternity He has promised us together with Him. Because of His sacrifice on the cross, He has defeated death and sin and suffering. So we say "Hosanna! Praise you, Jesus, for the salvation You have provided for me and my family! You have made the way!" In this liminal space between our present plight and the promised wonders of eternity with Christ, Easter takes on a richer meaning for me. Will you join me this week as we read through the psalms that speak of Christ? Together we will explore what He has already done and what He has promised to do. A Soul Brought to Heaven – William-Adolphe Bouguereau, c. 1878, oil, canvas Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's reading : Psalm 118 , Matthew 21:1-9 , and Acts 4:8-12 What lines of Psalm 118 are found in Matthew 21 and Acts 4? In Matthew, did the people understand who Jesus really was? How does Peter describe Christ in Acts 4? Tuesday's reading : Psalm 22 , and Matthew 27:32-55 Psalm 22, while describing David's own experiences of suffering, also prophesies about the sufferings of Christ. What similarities do you find between the psalm and the passage in Matthew? What promise is made about the results of Christ's sufferings in verses 22-31 of the psalm? Wednesday's reading: Psalm 16 , Acts 2:19-31 , and Acts 13:31-38 While we have already read Psalm 16 in this Daily Focus series, it doesn't hurt to review it because it is known as the "Resurrection Psalm." Both Peter and Paul used this psalm to support their teaching on Christ's resurrection. What promises are made to the one who believes in Christ in Psalm 16? According to Paul in Acts 13, how does the forgiveness of sins relate to the promises of resurrection? Thursday's reading:  Psalm 11 0  and Acts 2:29-39 Psalm 110 celebrates Jesus as the believer's priest and king. Read Psalm 110 and think about the power Christ has to rule over all. How does this change how you think about your own challenges? In Acts 2, Peter explains to the people how Psalm 110 applies to Christ. What is their immediate reaction. Why is repentance the best response to who Jesus is? Friday's reading: Psalm 72 and Revelation 5:5-14 Psalm 72 describes the right and just reign of Jesus over all creation for all time. What are the characteristics of His leadership? In Revelation 5, who acknowledges Christ as King? What will your song be to the King when you see Him face to face? Weekend reading: Psalm 45 , Revelation 19:6-16 and John 14:2-3 Psalm 45 is a song for a royal wedding, but not just for the Jewish kings of old. It also speaks prophetically of the reunion of Christ and His Church in heaven at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Compare the Psalm to the passage in Revelation. What similarities do you see? Where do you see yourself on that day? In John 14, Jesus explains to His disciples that He will return to bring them into His heavenly kingdom. How do these words bring comfort to you this Easter?

Devotional readings focused on Psalm 18, 23 and 118 for the fourth week of March. Meditation Skip to the Bible readings and reflection questions I anticipated that the empty nest years would be a season of freedom, renewal, and creativity. This wasn't just my imagination. Books with titles like . . . Life Reimagined: The Science, Art, and Opportunity of Midlife or Empty Nest, Full Life: Discovering God's Best for Your Next or The Wonder of Aging: A New Approach to Embracing Life After Fifty . . . promised excitement and fulfillment in this stage of life. I'm not saying that hasn't occurred, but sometimes I feel more squeezed than liberated by this season. Maybe that's why we are called the sandwich generation. We are trying to balance the demands of our own lives with the needs of our children and our parents, while still finding time to enjoy the grandchildren (if that blessing has been bestowed) and our spouse. We may even feel that the top and bottom buns of the sandwich get all our attention, but the middle--us!--is falling to pieces, squished out, and dripping everywhere! Midlife Distress The feeling of being pressed into a small space where freedom of movement and choice is restricted shows up in Psalm 18 when David uses the word distress in verse 6. In Hebrew, the word translated distress literally means "in a tight spot." In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into His ears. (Psalm 18:6, NIV) Since Psalm 18 is David's recounting of God's faithfulness throughout his life--he was likely in his late 60's when he wrote this song--David probably meant both literal and figurative tight spots when he used the word distress in this verse. He certainly had experienced many physically tight spots while hiding in caves from King Saul. But later, as king of Israel, David experienced the kind of emotional anguish that squeezes the hearts of parents and leaves them frozen by grief: the rebellion, sin, and even death of his own children. A cave may be a tight spot, but nothing presses the life out of a parent more than watching their child walk a path of recklessness and self-destruction. Relief! What did David do when he found himself in distress? Over and over in his life, he consistently cried out to God for relief. Throughout the next 39 verses, David recounts the response of God to his pleas for help. In extravagant metaphors, David pictures God responding with elemental chaos, riding furiously on a cherubim to come to David's rescue. Here's just two verses to whet your appetite for more: Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. (Psalm 18:12-13, NIV) Interestingly, in the last half of the psalm David circles back to the sense of distress, of being in a tight spot, that he began with. In verse 36, he declares that the result of God's intervention in his life is space and freedom: You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. (Psalm 18:36, NIV) In other words, God answered David's prayer and provided him a place where he could walk easily without any impediment that could trip him up. His steps are unhindered and sure, "like the feet of a deer" (verse 33), capable of climbing to great heights with no danger of slipping. That sounds like freedom to me! Finding Freedom How do we find for ourselves this sense of freedom and surefootedness, especially when we find ourselves in a season of midlife that chokes the life out of us? I see a few principles in this Psalm that may help us to find respite and liberation in the Lord. First, we must know who God is, not just objectively, but who He is--or offers to be--to us personally. David recounts this in the beginning verses of Psalm 18: God is his rock, shield, and stronghold, and he declares his personal love for God. Secondly, we must cry out! We must admit that we can't rescue ourselves. We are well and truly stuck without an intervention from above. Thirdly, we must remain faithful and humble toward the workings of God in our lives. David describes himself in proper perspective to God in verses 25-29, and from his description we can infer that David didn't resent the challenges that God brought into his life. Instead, he accepted them as God's good plan and depended on God's strength to see him through. To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. (Psalm 18:25-27, 29, NIV) Finally, we must intentionally maintain an attitude of praise. According to David, all dramatic rescues and subsequent successes are clearly attributed to God and not himself: He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me, who saves me from my enemies. (Psalm 18:47-48a, NIV) I don't know what you are feeling today, friend. You may be enjoing the wonder of aging or the excitement of reimagining your life for a great second half. Or perhaps you find yourself in a season of mundanity where you can't quite put your finger on what's less than satisfying about your life. However, you may be going through an unimaginable ordeal right now. What I do know, and what we will dive into this week, is that our God loves us and hears us when we cry out. He is just waiting to ride to our rescue--we have only to ask. As you peruse the Bible readings this week, reconnect yourself afresh to the God who loves you. Let Him know what's troubling you. Praise Him for His greatness, and then watch to see Him move. He will deliver you as surely as He delivered David. Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's reading : Psalm 1 8:1-29 Reflection Questions: How would you describe your relationship with God. Would you use the same words as David does in this song? Write down some of the phrases that are similar to how you relate to God, and then choose a few phrases that you would like to work toward. Take some time to pray through these phrases and ask God to draw you into a closer relationship with Him. Tuesday's reading : Psalm 18:30-50 Reflection Questions: Read through this passage, God’s instructions to the people of Israel on how to stay faithful to God down through their generations. Which warnings might apply to you? In what ways are you teaching the words of God to your children and grandchildren? Take a moment to brainstorm a few creative ideas for sharing more of God’s word with your family members. Wednesday's reading: Psalm 118 Reflection Questions: This psalm recounts God's victory over the enemy nations that surrounded Israel. Notice verses 5-7. What precedes freedom according to this psalm? Now focus on verse 17 and 18. Can you relate to feeling like you have been spared from death? Continue reading, and write down what grateful people do after being rescued. Spend some time in praise to God, either through singing, praying, or writing. Thursday's reading: John 16 Reflection Questions: In this passage, Jesus is teaching about the tight spots the disciples will soon find themselves in because of their loyalty to Him. Who does He promise as a guide through these difficult circumstances? Make a list of all the things the Holy Spirit offers to believers in verses 7-15. What does Jesus teach about the love of the Father in verses 23-28? What promise does Jesus make in verse 33? Friday's reading: Galatians 5:13-26 Reflection Questions: Paul gives us a stern warning in this passage on what not to do with the freedom we have in Christ. What are some of the activities and attitudes listed that can send us back into tight places with sin as our captor? What are the attitudes and activities that align with spiritual freedom? How does the Holy Spirit guide us into these practices? Weekend reading: Psalm 23 Reflection Questions: Savor the words of this familiar psalm. How do you relate to the word picture of green pastures near quiet waters? Have you ever been in a place like that or is there another metaphor you would use to describe being shepherded by God if you were writing a psalm like this one? Verse 4describes what could be a tight place: the valley of the shadow of death. What does God provide (verse 5) in the middle of that awful place? How might you experience the provision of a banquet table of God during a hard time? What feeds your soul? Sources: Gurion, Michael. The Wonder of Aging: A New Approach to Embracing Life after 50. 2013. Available here. Hagerty, Barbara. Life Reimagined: The Science, Art, and Opportunity of Midlife. 2017. Availble here. Savage, Jill. Empty Nest, Full Life: Discovering God's Best for Your Next. 2019. Available here.

Devotional readings focused on Psalm 17 and 78 for the third week of March. Meditation Skip to the Bible readings and reflection questions My family has a standing joke that comes up nearly every time we are together. Please don’t be offended, because our collectively warped sense of family humor finds this funny, but the kids always tease us about needing to be frugal so that they can inherit our vast wealth. “Vast wealth” is in itself laughable, but we always respond with, “We have a plan to spend every last penny and enjoy ourselves in our old age! There will be nothing left for you, so you had better plan ahead!” While we may have a little something to bless the kids with when we go, there is another treasure trove of vast wealth that we would like to bequeath to our children and grandchildren. It is not a hoard of material wealth; it is a spiritual heritage. Psalm 17 may not be the obvious passage to choose when discussing a spiritual heritage, but as I read through it, a contrast emerges between two types of people and the legacy they leave their children and grandchildren. David begins (verses 1-5) with a statement about his own integrity and walk with God in which he declares that, although not without sin, he was led a life of faithfulness and virtue before God, and he calls on God to attest to that fact: Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed. Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded. My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled. (Psalm 17:3-5, NIV) Just to be able to say what David says—and have your children agree—is an incredible spiritual heritage. A life like that creates ripples of goodness down through the generations to come. My own grandparents’ stories served that purpose in my life. In their eighties, my father’s parents wrote out their life stories, printed and bound them, and gave them to their grandchildren to serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness. Can I do the same for my children and grandchildren someday? If I hold fast to Jesus, I can! But if I don’t, if I wander off and live only for my own pleasures, there is no spiritual heritage in store for my descendants. David discusses this in verse 14, one of those difficult passages for translators to put into English. According to Warren Wiersbe in his commentary on the Psalms, this verse might be better translated “‘May they have their punishment in full. May their children inherit more of the same, and may the judgment continue to their children’s children.’” In other words, the effects of sin can trickle down through the generations as a legacy of negative stories and consequences. This idea of generational sin can be found in Exodus 34:7 and Numbers 14:18 as well. The idea isn’t that God punishes children and grandchildren for their ancestors’ misdeeds, but that personal decisions always create by-products. Even if I think that a particular decision only impacts me, the wrong decision sets a spiritual butterfly effect in motion for those around me. Of course, the opposite is true as well: if I choose to follow God faithfully in one small thing, the trickle down effects of that decision can bless my family for generations to come. In fact, in Psalm 17 David doesn’t claim that his greatest achievements are his most valuable legacy for his descendants. He could have mentioned his forty year reign, his restoration of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, his unification of Israel as a nation, or God’s promise that his descendants would always reign on David’s throne. What is David’s most important accomplishment in Psalm 17? He tells us in the final verse: As for me, I will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied in Your presence. (Psalm 17:15, BSB) David’s legacy is simply this: that when he dies, he will enjoy being in the presence of God forevermore. What better inheritance could we leave our own families than a relationship with God and the hope of an eternity with Him? As we read through this week’s passages, let me encourage you not to think of big accomplishments that you can point to in your own life. Most of us have few of those. Instead think small, think gentle, like the brush of butterfly wings. God Himself speaks to us in a still, small voice, and we can follow His example as we speak or model His truths to our family members. Who knows what multitudes of blessings a life of consistent small obediences can generate for our children and our children’s children? Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's reading : Psalm 17 Reflection Questions: Take a moment to evaluate your walk with the Lord in this midlife season. Are the effects of your daily decisions passing down good things to your children and grandchildren? Verses 1-5 offer us a good list of categories for this evaluation. Tuesday's reading : Deuteronomy 6 Reflection Questions: Read through this passage, God’s instructions to the people of Israel on how to stay faithful to God down through their generations. Which warnings might apply to you? In what ways are you teaching the words of God to your children and grandchildren? Take a moment to brainstorm a few creative ideas for sharing more of God’s word with your family members. Wednesday's reading: Psalm 78:1-39 Reflection Questions: This Psalm extols the blessings of passing our faith along to the next generation, by telling the story of God’s people, Israel. Verses 6-8 list the benefits of generational transmission of faith. List out the benefits, then mark the ones that your family needs most right now. Write out a prayer asking for God to bless and develop your family in those areas. Thursday's reading: Psalm 78:40-64 Reflection Questions: These verses describe God’s judgement against Israel when they forgot about Him and how He had miraculously saved them from Egypt. How have you seen the hand of God work in your family to bring family members back to Himself? Write out a prayer for those family members who need to turn to the God who loves them. Friday's reading: Psalm 78:65-72 Reflection Questions: In this last section of the Psalm, Asaph describes the golden age of Israel under the rule of David. What characteristics of family leadership did David display? How could those characteristics apply to your role in your family? Weekend reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Reflection Questions: Paul opens this chapter with a discussion of Timothy’s spiritual heritage. Who does Paul mention in Timothy’s spiritual family line? Who is in your spiritual family line? Paul instructs Timothy in passing on the faith to his own spiritual descendants in verses 6-14. Which of Paul’s instructions resonate with you and the needs of your family members? Sources: Wiersbe, W. W. Be Worshipful (Psalms 1-89): Glorifying God for Who He is. Available at https://www.amazon.com/Worshipful-Psalms-1-89-Glorifying-Commentary/dp/1434767396

Devotional readings focused on Psalm 16, 37 and 131 for the second week of March. Meditation Skip to the Bible readings and reflection questions There is something special about wrapping up in a fuzzy blanket in front of a roaring fire and just soaking up a moment of contentment. Husband Jack and I love to escape to a cabin in a snowy wood and enjoy a weekend of coffee, stars, and conversation because it restores our sense of peace and well-being. I always bring a big velvety blanket along so we can warm up after a hike or a star-gazing session. Those weekends away do us so much good! But at some point, we have to pack up and drive home, back to the big city bedlam. On the way home we often discuss how to find contentment in an environment where we aren’t innately comfortable—we both grew up as free range children in small towns and we love the wide open spaces. We have brainstormed quite a few city survival techniques: walk at the nearby park, bike some of the trails, take advantage of the multicultural dining options, visit the free museums, appreciate the convenience of nearby shopping centers and the variety of entertainment options. There is much to be thankful for and to celebrate about our particular city, and we take seriously God’s direction to His own exiled people in Jeremiah. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. (Jeremiah 29:7, NIV). In the end, however, the best technique we have found for city survival is cultivating the Christian discipline of contentment. David’s Psalm 16 paints an idyllic picture of contentment for me: Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. (Psalm 16:5-6, NIV) When I read this Psalm, I picture myself sitting on my broad front porch and looking out over a spacious, grassy field where birds and butterflies flit about under a blue sky. But that’s not even close to how I live at the moment! My view from my tiny backyard balcony is of a busy road with honking horns, screeching tires, and muffled music from cars waiting at the traffic light. How do I find these boundary lines pleasant and delightful? David tells us the secret further on in the psalm: I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices. . . (Psalm 16:8-9b, NIV) Contentment starts with our focus. If we look around at what we dislike, or seek what we think we are missing, we will never find contentment. But if we keep our eyes on Christ, we can live lives of steadfast fulfillment and joy. I’m finding that the practice of pursuing contentment in Christ is even more essential in the empty nest years. It is really easy to picture a midlife season that I think I would like more than the one the Lord has ordained for me. I always imagined our kids living within a few hours’ drive so I could babysit the grands and serve up hearty Sunday dinners on my big front porch. While that’s not the life I am living at the moment, I know that the God who is always with me also knows what’s best for me. This week, as we explore together the practice of contentment, pay special attention to how the presence of God in our lives is the key characteristic of a life of peace and fulfillment. You probably had your own expectations of these midlife years. When those expectations aren’t met, can we respond with faith and trust in God’s good plan? Yes! We can because He is our faithful guide and companion on the way He has mapped out for us. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11, NIV) Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's reading : Psalm 16 and Psalm 37 Reflection Questions: How are you feeling about the boundary lines that God has drawn for your life in this season? Psalm 37 addresses some of the circumstances that might cause us anxiety and discontent. Which ones are currently affecting your ability to find contentment? What encouragement do you find in Psalms 16 and 37? Tuesday's reading : Ruth 1 Reflection Questions: In this passage, Orpah decides to return to what is familiar but Ruth chooses to follow Naomi’s God into an unknown future. Which woman do you relate to in this season of life? How could you rephrase Ruth’s declaration in verses 16-17 to reflect your own commitment to follow God? Wednesday's reading: Philippians 4:4-13 Reflection Questions: This passage is Paul’s manifesto on contentment. What daily practices is Paul recommending for developing inner contentment? Which ones are you already practicing? Which ones do you need to work on? Thursday's reading: Matthew 6:19-34 Reflection Questions: In this passage, Jesus discusses some of the things that cause us anxiety. Make a list of all the things Jesus says we should not worry about. What does Jesus say we can trust God to provide? What should we focus on instead? Friday's reading: Colossians 3:15-17 Reflection Questions: What does this passage say about the peace of Christ? The message of Christ? The name of the Lord Jesus? How might focusing on these three things help us cultivate contentment? Weekend reading: Psalm 131 Reflection Questions: How might you rediscover or develop a child-like faith in God and His sovereignty in your life?

Devotional readings focused on Psalm 14 and 15 for the first week of March. Meditation Skip to the Bible readings and reflection questions This week, many Christians will celebrate Ash Wednesday. If you were to attend an Ash Wednesday service, you would likely sing a hymn about repentance, participate in prayer and scripture reading describing the forgiveness and restoration offered through Christ, and finally you would go forward and kneel while the pastor drew a small cross on your forehead with a paste made from oil and the ashes of last Easter's palm fronds. I didn't grow up in a church denomination that observed Ash Wednesday or the subsequent days of Lent, but I have learned to appreciate the meaning and purpose of such traditions, especially those leading to reflection on how I am doing in my walk with Christ. However, personal reflection isn't something that we do only when a certain date rolls around. In fact, many women find the midlife season to be a season of introspection. Maybe it's because midlife is such a dramatic departure from the hubbub of household management with kids at home. We finally have time to ourselves, and many of us tend to spend at least little of it evaluating our progress and performance in life thus far. How might you do that this week as we begin the season of Lent? Well, our Psalms this week can provide us with a measuring tool we can use to evaluate our walk with God and recommit ourselves to following Him faithfully. Psalm 14 describes the actions of one whose heart is turned against God: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. (Psalm 14:1, NIV) Hopefully, we look pretty good compared to that description! But take a look at the standard of righteousness the psalmist David describes for the one who abides with God: Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart. . . (Psalm 15:1-2, NIV) I know I don't quite live up to that standard! But as I think about the meaning of Ash Wednesday, I realize that God is always inviting me to come to him humbly with the ashes of my own attempts at right living and surrender them at the cross of Christ. There I receive forgiveness and encouragement to keep steadfastly following Jesus. What better time to do that than in midlife? In this season, we have the best view of both our past and future. We can see our successes and failures up to this point, and we have a clear and realistic picture of our own ability to make changes in the time we have left. Life transitions like the midlife season provide us with great opportunities for some honest evaluation, so this week, let's take some time to look carefully at our walk with Christ. Each day, the reflection questions below will guide you through careful reading of the scripture and an evaluation of your own heart and life. Be both honest and realistic with yourself, and then bring Christ the ashes and ask Him to make them beautiful again. He is our Redeemer, and He will be overjoyed to do that for us. Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's reading : Psalm 14 and Psalm 15 Reflection Questions: Constrast Psalm 14:1 and Psalm 15:2. What is said in the heart that makes a difference in a person's life? Now contrast Psalm 14:5 and the end of Psalm 15:5. What is the difference between the righteous and unrighteous person according to these verses? What might it mean to " not be shaken" in the season of midlife? Tuesday's reading : Isaiah 61 Reflection Questions: This passage is a prophecy about Jesus. What does Jesus want to do for people according to this passage? Read verses 4-9 carefully. What are some practical outcomes of being God's people? How could you experience some of those outcomes in your life right now? Wednesday's reading: Proverbs 29 Reflection Questions: Proverbs 29 contains 14 verses that contrast foolish and evil people with the righteous and wise. Which of these contrasts are most relevant to you in your season of life? How could you personally use the guidance in these verses to bring more righteousness and wisdom into your family or community? Thursday's reading: John 3 Reflection Questions: Mark the word "but" in this passage, or make note of the verses containing the word on a separate piece of paper. What contrasts is Jesus describing between those who believe in Him and those who do not? How do these contrasts relate to what you learned by reading Psalm 14 and 15? Friday's reading: Ephesians 5:1-21 Reflection Questions: In this passage, Paul gives a checklist of characteristics that every Christ-follower should be developing. Identify each character quality and it's contrasting negative quality. Take some time to pray over areas that you would like God to help you work on. Weekend reading: Psalm 26 Reflection Questions: Read through this psalm and evaluate how your attitude toward God aligns with the psalmist's description of a blameless life. What are some areas that need work in your life? Where are you doing well? Read through the psalm again as a prayer of commitment to walking with God faithfully.

Devotional readings focused on Psalm 7 for the second week of February. Meditation Skip to the readings and reflection questions Do you ever feel like evil is winning? Everywhere I look—in the news cycle, on social media, in the lives of family members and friends, and in my own heart and mind—I see a real-life, lived out conflict between good and evil. And is that evil ever strong. This is the problem David confronted in Psalm 7. He felt as though he was surrounded on every side with villanous and ungodly people who were trying to tear him to pieces. David recorded his visceral cry for justice and salvation in the first two verses of Psalm 7: O LORD my God, I take refuge in You; save me and deliver me from all my pursuers, or they will shred my soul like a lion and tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me (Psalm 7:1-2, NIV). Let me add a caveat, here. I cannot relate exactly to David's situation. When he penned Psalm 7, he was being hunted through the wilderness by King Saul and his soldiers. While we read verses 1 and 2 as metaphorical, David meant them literally. Those who pursued him would indeed drag him away and tear his soul from his body if they could catch him. Nevertheless, I understand this description figuratively as a mamma. Nothing in my life gave me a clearer perspective on the intention of evil to destroy lives than having four little ones to protect. When the children were teenagers and I was desparately trying to screen movies, TV shows, music, websites, social media, and friendships in order to guard their innocence, I felt like the proverbial lion at the gate! Now, as an empty nester mom of four adults, I am no longer on guard duty full time, but I'm no less aware of the dangers of sin to them and to my husband and myself. So I pray with David, "Save us and deliver us from all our pursuers!" Why do we need deliverance? Because sin is deadly serious business. In verses 12 through 16, David described God's justice and the awful truth that those who choose evil are choosing self-destruction. Sometimes in modern Christendom's emphasis on the love of Jesus, we overlook the catastrophic effects of evil. But we can see it all around us if we are brave enough to look honestly on the state of the world. So where is the hope in Psalm? I find two reasons to hope in David's song. First, David reminded us in verses 9 and 10 that God is for us if we cling to His righteousness. If we are in right relationship with God, He will establish us, shield us, and save us. We can pray those verses for ourselves and those we love. The second reason to hope is in David's reference to the assembled people, a subtle reminder that we are not alone in our weary battle against evil. This is a theme echoed in Psalm 9 and 10, too (in the list of suggested Bible readings this week). Let the assembled peoples gather around you, while you sit enthroned over them on high. Let the Lord judge the peoples. Vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High. Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure— you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts (Psalm 7:7-9, NIV) Our hope while living with the fallout of evil is strengthened by meeting in the assembly of God's people. "Let them gather!" says David because he knew there is strength in convening with those who worship the Lord. Having a community of faith makes the righteous secure! How will you combat sin and the powers of darkness this week? It's not optional--all of us will encounter both evil and good in the week ahead. But with God's people by our side and His strength to surround us, we can know that God will vindicate us and make us secure as we surrender our lives to His purposes. Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's reading : Psalm 7 Reflection Questions: Where in your community do you see the after effects of sinful choices or evil perpetrated on the innocent? How is your church or community of faith responding to that? How are you personally responding to bring healing to broken lives? Tuesday's reading : 1 Samuel 24 Reflection Questions: What this passage doesn’t tell us is that Saul went back on his promise and was soon pursuing David again, as soon as chapter 26! Do you think David would have been justified to take Saul’s life after a similar event occurs in chapter 26? Why do you think David refused to touch Saul even though it could potentially cost David his life in the future? How could this attitude apply to you when you feel as though you are being singled out for ill treatment? Wednesday's reading: Proverbs 18:1-10 Reflection Questions: Verses 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 9 describe the results of bad or immoral decisions. How do these verses align with Psalm 7? How might the name of the Lord be a strong tower for the righteous as described in verse 10? Thursday's reading: John 15:18-27 Reflection Questions: Why do you think Jesus says that if He had not come to earth and spoken to people, they would not be guilty of sin? Why do you think some people hate God? How does the Holy Spirit help us navigate the troubles we face? Friday's reading: 2 Timothy 3 :12-17 Reflection Questions: In this passage, Paul talks about the tools we have for navigating a sinful world. What is Paul’s main tool? How well are you utilizing that tool in your personal life? Weekend reading: Psalm 9 and Psalm 10 Reflection Questions: Who is the Lord for those who love Him? Make a list of all He is and does for the righteous.

Devotional readings focused on Psalm 10, 11, and 12 for the fourh week of February. Meditation Skip to the Bible readings and reflection questions Stumbling stone:  these brass plaques are embedded in German sidewalks as a remembrance of Jewish people who were persecuted in the Holocaust. As I am writing this week’s meditation on Psalms 10 through 12, the news coverage on TV and on X.com is centered around the tragic deaths of the Bibas family, whose bodies were paraded back to their homeland by children singing “death to Israelis.” Another story circulating—but almost exclusively in Christian media—is the beheading of 70 Christians (including women, children, and elderly) by terrorists who had held them captive in a church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Such horrific suffering abounds in the world today. As a young woman, I would read the imprecatory psalms and feel like they were describing a sentiment left over from a less civilized era. Surely the world had outgrown such barbarism! But the wisdom that comes with age and experience has informed my viewpoint: We need to be praying these psalms over our families and our world because evil is real. From a church burning incident in Nebraska https://www.klkntv.com/man-found-not-responsible-for-burning-down-nebraska-church/pic/439181/ Do you notice the burning question David asks in Psalm 10:1? Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? (NIV) This verse goes straight to the age-old question of how a good God can allow evil. I am hardly capable of addressing that definitively, even if you were gracious enough to let me try to do that in this short meditation. But one way of looking at that question does stand out to me in light of this week’s readings: God’s grace. If we truly want evil to be judged and dispensed with, what are we really asking for? Do we want judgement for ourselves given our own failings? Do we want judgement for those we love? Possilby some of us empty nesters have children who are straying from the Lord. Do we want God to "rain snares, fire and brimstone and burning wind" upon our children (Psalm 11:6)? Or could it be that we just have a short list of people we have hand picked for judgement while we give those we love a pass? As I ponder this question, I can see where the patience of God is a blessing. While God waits, there is time for repentance for all who share this world with us, but especially for those we know and love. But God's patience offers yet another benefit. While God waits, we can act. How can we ask God for justice if we are not willing to be the answer to another's plea for help? This week, we will read about Moses. When his people cried out for help from God, Moses was the answer God sent. Is God sending you, too? The good you can do with your life experiences and wisdom is more than you can imagine. You can be the touch of God's grace in your community, a visible representation of God's love in a sick and suffering world. Let's not be afraid to ask God, "O Lord, do You see?" But at the same time, let's pray, "O Lord, open my eyes to the needs all around me." Readings and Reflection Questions Monday's reading : Psalm 10, Psalm 11 , and Psalm 12 Reflection Questions: Psalm 10:17 says that God will strengthen the hearts of the humble. How has God strengthened you through suffering? How do you take refuge in God when you experience oppression? Psalm 13 mentions the words of the Lord; how has He kept His promises to you? Tuesday's reading : Exodus 3:1-4:17 Reflection Questions: This rather long passage describes the call of Moses to act on God's behalf. What strikes you about Moses's response? Is God asking you to do something that seems to difficult for you? How does God's response to Moses in Exodus 4:11-12 suggest how God might respond to your fears? Wednesday's reading: Ecclesiastes 4 Reflection Questions: Ecclesiastes was written by David's son Solomon as an argument for the futility of life apart from a relationship with God. This fourth chapter discusses how the human desire for achievement when selfishly focused leads to injustice and meaninglessness. Take a moment to evaluate if the things you are working on are selfishly focused and lead to injustice or meaninglessness. How could you focus your energies on more significant and life-changing results? How could you focus on bringing more glory to God? Thursday's reading: Matthew 10 Reflection Questions: What were Jesus's instructions to His disciples when He sent them out? What were they to expect on their journey? In verse 28, Jesus suggests that death is not the worst thing that can happen to us. What is worse than death? How might verse 39 change your midlife focus? Friday's reading: R omans 8 Reflection Questions: What does it mean to live in the spirit rather than the flesh? Verses 18-23 discusses the condition of all of creation because of the burden of sin and evil. What is creation experiencing now, and what will it experience when it is finally free from sin? What does this chapter tell you about the difference Jesus makes in our lives if we "love God and are called according to His purpose" (vs. 28)? Weekend reading: Revelation 6 Reflection Questions: Read through this passage and then return to verse 10. What is the question the martyrs ask God? What is God's response in verse 11? Read Revelation 7:9-12. Do you think God delayed judgement to allow more people to turn to Him? How does this change your viewpoint on God's reluctance to bring judgement on the world? What could you do personally to make a difference while God continues to give people time to repent?

Devotional readings focused on Psalm 5 for the fourth week of January. If you are a parent of young adult children and you are worried about the proliferation of really bad life choices available to your kids in today's culture, this devotional is for you! Psalm 5 gives us a blueprint for praying for the spiritual protection of our children and grandchildren every morning. Let's dig in! Skip to the meditation Monday's reading : Psalm 5 Reflection Questions: Verses 1-3 express David's commitment to daily entrust his life to God's care. How committed are you to daily devotional practices? To praying for your adult children and other loved ones? Tuesday's reading : Proverbs 6:12-19 Reflection Questions: We are comfortable with the idea of God as perfect love, but these verses describe what God hates. In what ways does this make you uncomfortable? Think for a moment about the innocent victims of evil in this world. Does that help you relate more to these verses' description of God's sense of justice? Are there some ways in which you think God would have you stand up for the plight of the innocent? Wednesday's reading: II Kings 18:1-19:37 Reflection Questions: This is a long passage, but it illustrates the effectiveness of prayer against evil. As you read through it, take note of the conflict between good and evil. What actions turned the tide of evil and led to victory for God's people? Thursday's reading:    Isaiah 61   Reflection Questions: Isaiah 61 describes the results of God's holiness and justice worked out in the lives of His people in the future. What does this future look like? Make a list of its attributes. What part does rightousness and justice play in shaping this vision of the future? Friday's reading: Luke 18:1-8 Reflection Questions: In this parable Jesus shared with his disciples, who is Jesus comparing to the unjust judge? What point is He making about God's justice? How does this parable encourage you in your prayer life? Weekend reading: Romans 8:31-39 Reflection Questions: Paul wrote these verses to encourage us in those times when we face unfair treatment or difficult situations. How does the love of Christ encourage us in those times when we are the recipients of injustice and hardship? Make a list of all the things which cannot separate us from the love of God. How might this list be an encouragement while we wait for God's justice? Meditation Before you read any further, take a moment to examine Psalm 5. I'll wait while you get your Bible--it's a quick read! It's easy to relate to the first three verses, but moving into verse four, did you begin to feel uncomfortable with David's description of God's attitude toward evil people? Verses nine and ten are even more disturbing. They explicitly call for God's judgement. Does that make you squirm a bit? It did me. Are you the defendant? Most likely, many of us struggle to reconcile the condemnation of wrongdoers in Pslam 5 and similar psalms with our own experience of God's mercy, forgiveness and love. In fact, C. S. Lewis suggests that our viewpoint as sinners who have the assurance of Christ's forgiveness is exactly what makes these types of psalms difficult to identify with. When we read a psalm calling for judgement, according to Lewis, we see ourselves as the defendant in a court of law with God as the supreme judge. Of course we can't imagine asking with David, "Declare them guilty, O God!" (Psalm 5:10, NIV). We crave God's grace and forgiveness for ourselves and for those we love as well. The reader as a plaintiff But this is not how the ancient Israelites would have read this psalm, nor how David intended it. Lewis suggests that we should instead view ourselves as the plaintiffs in a civil court. Imagine this: You are a retired, widowed school teacher whose sole retirement savings was stolen by a corrupt investor and now you are suing to get back what is rightfully yours. You can't live without that money, and you are asking the judge to rectify an egregious injustice. From that viewpoint, it's much easier to say "Declare them guilty . . . By their own devices let them fall!" Laying out your case With that scenario in mind, read Psalm 5 again, and picture yourself pleading to the God of the universe against those who would lead your children astray. Suddenly the harsh nature of some of the verses in Psalm 5 makes sense! We rightly ask God to destroy those who would lie to our children (vs. 5) and to keep them far away from us and our loved ones. This week, as you explore the idea of God's justice and how we might pray for the protection of our children, grandchildren, and all those we love, try praying Psalm 5. Picture each face as you read the words of Psalm 5 over their lives and plead with God as the righteous judge to keep evil far from each one. Sources Lewis, C. S. (2025). Reflections on the Psalms. (Kindle). Retrieved from Amazon.com .

Devotional readings focused on Psalm 4 for the third week of January. Jesus says in Matthew, "Come to Me; all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" (11:28, NIV). But for many of us in the midlife season, the idea of actual restful sleep seems like an impossible dream. . . Skip to the meditation Monday's reading : Psalm 4 Reflection Questions: Think about verse 4. What troubles your thoughts at night? What truths could you meditate on that would turn your thoughts from worry and stress to trust? Tuesday's reading : Mark 4:35-41 Reflection Questions: What kind of day would you have to have in order to sleep as soundly as Jesus did through such a fierce storm? Why might Jesus have been able to sleep so soundly? How might you aquire the same attitude of peace and security? Wednesday's reading: Acts 12:1-11 Reflection Questions: The night before Herod intended to execute him, Peter slept soundly though chained between two guards. If you were in the same situation, what would your sleep quality be like? Why might Peter have been able to sleep in peace (see Psalm 4:8)? Thursday's reading: Isaiah 40:21-31 Reflection Questions: What is the primary question being asked by God in verses 21-28? How does God's declaration of His power in verses 21-28 increase your faith in His promise of renewed strength in verses 29-31? Friday's reading: Philippians 4:4-9 Reflection Questions: What commands did Paul include in these verses? Make a quick list. What are the outcomes of obeying these commands? How might the principles in these verses be worked into a sustainable bedtime routine? Weekend reading: Psalm 121 Reflection Questions: Make a list of all the things the Lord has promised to do for you in this Psalm. Can you do any of those things for yourself? Write a prayer thanking God for His faithful love for you. Meditation According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 67% of middle-aged women experience sleep disturbances and difficulty sleeping. Whether it's hot flashes, night sweats, bladder issues or just stress, most of us aren't regularly getting a great night's sleep. Interestingly, a 2020 study of the effectiveness of prescription sleep medicine for middle-aged women showed no improvement in sleep quality after two years of usage, indicating that the medicine is likely ineffective for us longterm. If sleep medicines won't help, where can we turn? With any health problem, a visit with a caring doctor is a great place to start in order to rule out other health issues. The internet is also full of great ideas for improving sleep quality. It is healthy to work on our " sleep hygiene " practices, but what if some of the problem is spiritual as well as physical or mental? A spiritual prescription God's word is so pratical that it even speaks to our sleep quality! Our Psalm of the week, Psalm 4, was likely written when David was running for his life, chased from his palace and throne by his own son Absolom (long story, but you can read it in II Samuel 13-19). Hiding out in the wildernss with a small band of attendants, David pens this song as a reminder to himself and his loyal followers that God is trustworthy even in uncertain circumstances. David praises God for putting joy in his heart even though it looks like he has lost everything, and he ends with this declaration: "In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety" (vs. 4, NASB). What a declaration of confidence in God! David knows that God is in control and nothing is gained by worry and sleeplessness, so he releases his anxieties to God and lays down to rest. Hearing the voice of Jesus I know I can learn from David's example. There is nothing to be accomplished by staying up late and ruminating on my troubles, but there is much refreshment to be had from releasing my troubles to God and trusting Him to take the night watch! One way husband Jack and I have been doing this lately is by reading a passage from the gospels right before we go to sleep. There is something powerful and reassuring in hearing the words of Jesus as we drift off. Maybe that's what Peter was thinking about when he was sleeping in an uncomfortable position (we will read about that incredible night on Wednesday) in Acts 12. Did he drift off to sleep remembering Jesus saying, " I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NIV)? Maybe so. He certainly slept soundly. And that is the goal for each of us this week: to study the Word of God and find the comfort we need to lie down in peace and sleep, no matter our circumstances. My prayer is that after this week's study, we can have more confidence that God will watch over us and those we love while we get some rest. Sources Solomon DH, Ruppert K, Habel LA , et al. Prescription medications for sleep disturbances among midlife women during 2 years of follow-up: a SWAN retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2021;11:e045074. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045074 12 Healthy Sleep Hygiene Tips https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-hygiene

Devotional readings focused on Psalms 2 and 3 for the second week of January. Is midlife a time to be bold or to fade away? Society often overlooks the value of middle-aged women, but God never does! He wants us to stay strong in this season. This week, we will explore the power of God in our lives and how He equips us to speak truth and hope into our world. Monday's reading : Psalm 2 and Psalm 3 Reflection Questions: What evidence of anger and rejection against God do you see around you? How might God's response to evil increase your boldness in proclaiming God's Word in your family and community? Tuesday's reading : Daniel 3 Reflection Questions: How did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego view the consequences of their stance for God? How do you view the consequences of being bold for God? Wednesday's reading: Acts 4 Reflection Questions: Who needs to hear you speak God's truth with boldness right now? Consider the prayer for boldness the church prayed in verses 24-31. Write out a prayer like theirs asking God for the courage to speak with truth and love. Thursday's reading: Proverbs 12:1-7 Reflection Questions: According to the verses in Proverbs 12, what is the general outcome for righteous people in comparison to evil people? How have you specifically seen seen these truths play out in your own life? How could you use those experiences to enourage the people in your life? Friday's reading: Ephesians 6:10-20 Reflection Questions: We are told to put on the full armor of God so that we can stand firm, but who or what are we standing firm against? What personal spiritual practices help you put on the armor of God so that you are able to stand firm? Weekend reading: Psalm 57 Reflection Questions: Being bold is not an easy task. How do the first three verses of Psalm 57 offer you personal reassurance of the love and presence of God? What is God calling you to do in this season of life that will require supernatural boldness rooted in the trustworthiness of God? Meditation When I was a child, my dad took me climbing on Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon. We started at low tide and picked our way carefully around deep tidal pools and over slippery boulders to the far side of the 235 foot tall rock formation. Once there, we took shelter in a cleft just above the reach of the waves and watched as the tide began to roll in, beating against the rocks beneath our feet. We didn't stay long--the ledge on which we stood would soon be submerged by each incoming wave. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon When I read in Psalm 2 "Why do the nations rage . . ." my mind sees those waves crashing incessantly against the immovable rock. The waves may try to dislodge the rock, but they "plot in vain." Haystack Rock still stands as it has stood for years in the relentless Pacific Ocean surf. The Solid Rock No wonder Jesus tells us to build our lives on the Solid Rock! God's character and Word do not change with the shifting tides of human opinion. He alone is sovereign and He alone is mighty to save us. As we will read this week, God's children will find God to be faithful in the most difficult of circumstances, but especially when His children boldly take a stand for God's truth. Live boldly! What might taking a bold stand look like in your midlife season? Could you mentor, teach, encourage? Take on a leadership role in your community? It sure is tempting to avoid ruffling feathers, especially when you are a woman of a certain age (ahem)! But our seasoned midlife voices sharing God's wisdom might be just what our families and communities need. Those we love need to hear truth from our lips and see it lived out in our lives so that they will have confidence to follow God boldly themselves. Let's explore this week what it means to trust in God and proclaim Him boldly even when the tides of culture rage against us! I am confident that God will show Himself to be our shield, our glory and the One who lifts our heads above the waves.

Devotional readings focused on Psalm 1 for the first week of January "Blessings in 2025!" Has someone bestowed that wish on you in the last week or so? Maybe you have expressed it to friends and family members, too. Being blessed is a good thing! We want it for ourselves, for our husbands, children, grandchildren, parents and friends. In these early days of 2025, let's start by exploring through the lens of Psalm 1 what we are asking for when we seek the blessing of God. Monday's reading --this week's Psalm: Psalm 1 Tuesday's reading --an historical background: Exodus 20:1-21 Wednesday's reading --wisdom about what we focus on: Proverbs 3:13-26 Thursday's reading --a prophet's perspective on the blessed life: Jeremiah 17:5-8 Friday's reading --Jesus describes a life of blessedness: Matthew 5:1-12 Weekend reading --encouragement for challenging situations: James 1:1-17 Meditation Blessed is a familiar word in our culture. We use it as a way to say a friendly good bye or to bestow a desire for God's divine intervention in the life of a hurting friend. We use it as an exclamation--"bless your heart!"--both sincerely and slightly sarcastically. It can even be used as home decor to offer a visible reminder to be thankful. These popular uses of blessed speak to an appreciation for all the good things that God has bestowed on us. Counting our blessings is a life-affirming practice. Even non-religious people utilize gratitude journals as a means of focusing on the positives. However, the biblical use of blessed takes us beyond a positive mental attitude and speaks to a way of life. In this week's Psalm, the writer tells us what a blessed person doesn't do: she doesn't steep herself in an irreverent culture that opposes God. Then we learn what the blessed person does do: she steeps herself in God's word. The results of blessedness As we will see in this week's readings, the results go beyond a positive mental outlook and an attitude of gratitude. God's word acknowledges the gritty and grim parts of our lives as well as the happy ones, and shows how even in the worst of times we can still consider ourselves blessed. While you read through this week's scripture passages, consider how the words might apply to this season of life. Midlife can be a challenging season because we lose some control over what happens in our families. Our parents have new needs that demand our attention, our children are forging their own lives and making their own decisions, and our own lives are changing as we meet the demands of aging. If those changes collide with our desires and expectations, how do we maintain our status as blessed ? The readings this week will remind us to anchor ourselves in God's word and our relationship with Him. When our roots go deep, we can weather the storms and droughts of life. Stressed . . . and blessed! I don't know about you, but I'm thankful that God's word explains that even when I am stressed, I am still blessed. Even when the storms and winds shake me about, I am still God's child and His love and blessing rest upon me as I anchor my soul in Him. Happy reading and meditating this week, dear friend! May you be truly blessed in 2025 as you rest your soul in the word of God and His love for you! Reflection questions I invite you to take a moment to meditate on these questions or journal your thoughts as you read each day's passage. Monday: What could fruitfulness in my season of life look like in 2025? What would I like to see God do in and through my life this year? (Psalm 1:3) Tuesday: The people of Israel responded with fear at the presence of God as He gave the law to Moses. What is my response to the presence of God and to His desire for me to live a holy life steeped in His word? Wednesday: This passage describes the benefits of searching out and applying God's wisdom to life. What are some practical methods I could use to seek wisdom for life this year? What sources of Godly wisdom are available to me that I could incorporate into my daily practice or routine? Thursday: Considering the metaphor of the bush and the tree found in Jeremiah 17, how would I describe myself? What is the condition of my "root system": where do I go for spiritual and mental nourishment? What sources of encouragement could I tap into more often to help me grow in my faith? Friday: Which of Jesus's categories of "blessed" do I fall into? How have I seen God work in my life to bring about the blessing Jesus promises me in these verses? Weekend: What is one way my spiritual walk has been strengthened through experiencing life's challenges? What is one way my heart has been encouraged through receiving God's good and perfect gifts? (Feel free to reflect on more than one for each question!)

Husband Jack and I recently moved into a smaller home closer to where he works. While we immediately loved the short daily commute, we soon became frustrated with playing moving box Tetris! We thought we had downsized enough before the move, but when the moving truck arrived, our new garage quickly filled with things that wouldn't fit in the house. Over the last two months we have sorted, sold furniture on Facebook, dropped off hundreds of items at the thrift shop, and driven pickup loads to the local trash facility. However, deciding to sell an extra uncomfortable couch was the easy task. The more difficult struggle has been dealing with sentimental items. As I talk with friends, I realize I'm not alone in this struggle. Many of us carry the blessing--and the burden--of family heirlooms through much of our adult lives. For years I have had a large teacup collection. Some were gifts, some were souvenirs, some were family heirlooms, and there were enough cups and pots for 24 people to sit down to tea. Once, when moving into a new home some years ago, I came downstairs just in time to hear this conversation: Daughter: What are we going to do with all these tea things someday? Are either of you going to take them? Daughter-in-law 1: Not me! Daughter-in-law 2: Me neither! Me (laughing): Hey! I'm not leaving earth anytime soon! Hands off the tea cups!! I stil have fun teasing the girls about planning for the distribution of my teacups, but the overheard conversation also provoked some deep thinking about who or what I was collecting the tea things for. I’m sure there are exceptions, but Millenials and GenZ largely don’t value sentimental objects the way older generations do. We can debate whether this is a positive or negative development, but it's still something we will eventually need to grapple with as we age and find we need to downsize. Not only that, but a leading narrative in our culture right now is minimalism, a concept of living simply and less expensively in order to prioritize bigger experiences outside the home. In a minimal or simple life there is less room for heirlooms, both in terms of space and in the time required to care for them. I understand this idea if only on the basis of housekeeping: I hate to dust and long ago eliminated most of my knickknacks! But I have kept a few special items with stories that link me to my childhood or significant life experiences. Some I am willing to dust and are kept out on a shelf, and others are put behind glass in a cabinet. Of course, the challenge is choosing what to keep and what to let go. I have read a lot about this in books and articles on minimalism, and each one has a slightly different perspective. So, for what it's worth, here's my metric for making tough decisions about curating my favorite things: You have permission to lighten your load. One of the beautiful things that happened while moving in to our latest home was that my mom came to help with the unpacking. She was emptying a box that contained some heirlooms, and while unwrapping her own childhood doll that I had inherited as a little girl, she said, "I give you permission to get rid of Polly Pigtails!" I'm thankful that she was able to express that to me personally, and I have been able to extend that permission to other items that I found in the process of unpacking. But the reality is that we already have permission to decide what to do with things we own. Because they are things! They aren't people. Yes, they represent people and memories and good times with family, but if they become a burden that keeps us from making new memories with people right now, then it is a good thing to let them go. For me, the emotional burden of owning too much stuff that I didn't regularly use was a valid reason to let some go. Keep things you can enjoy now rather than holding onto everything that represents past joys. My teacup collection is down from twenty cups to four favorites: two are gifts from my husband, one is from my mother, and one is inherited from my grandmother and was handpainted by a relative years ago. There are just enough cups for me to have tea with my grandchildren or a few close friends. If more grands come along, I can always add more, but that is all I need right now. Since I can't keep hold of the past, I have found it freeing to choose to keep a few representative items rather than to trying to accomodate all of the mementos of the past in too small of a space. I've extended this practice to things like good dishes. My take? If I'm not using it now, it needs to go if there's no plan on the calendar to use it in the future. A friend recently pointed out that the good silver I inherited from my grandmother could actually go through the dishwasher. Grandma probably used it five times in her life, and I hadn't improved on that record since I received it. But when we moved into our new place, I put the good silver in the silverware drawer, and we are using it in our daily lives. Rewrite your vision of the future to focus on time rather than treasure. Like my grandma who lived through the depression, I used to squirrel away useful items for "someday": jars, craft items, party decor, you name it. Now I recycle and donate because I realize I can't plan the future down to the level of detail where I use all those little scraps in a meaningful way. Instead, I'm planning a future where I stockpile time and energy to spend with people, especially family, because my time is the greatest gift I can give. The gift of time comes without an obligation to find a place to store something or a need to dust or maintain an object. But it does build memories and a shared experience of life. And if we need some dishes or crafts or decor items in those moments, I'll happily go borrow or buy them! How do you make decisions about what to keep or let go? Let me know in the comments below!