Labor Day

When I was a kid I had chores that needed to be done every day, sometimes weekly. Our family was large and it was necessary for all of us to pitch in with what needed to be done. A country needs to work that way too. America has been a nation of hard workers who have accomplished much in our short existence. Labor Day celebrates the workers who have labored for the good of all.

I will be out of town on Monday and so I want to thank our Labor Force today! Thank you, Mothers and fathers who care for our children. I appreciate our spiritual leaders who lead us in seeking God. There are many workers in many fields caring for our needs for food, clothing, health and shelter. Have I forgotten any one? Oh, maybe I still need to thank God for those who govern us. God has said we should even when we do not agree with their ways. So, yes, I recognize their work and ask God to lead them into wisdom.

This Labor Day let us remind ourselves of the accomplishments of our labor force. Our workers are not always paid. We have many who volunteer, working diligently to improve the lives of our citizens and increase the output of accomplishments of the whole. Monday, let's evaluate our own contribution to the greatness of our nation. Maybe it is time to also make a new resolution to not just work for ourselves, but to work as a team!

Triune God, You are One and yet share Your work with each other and with us. You understand the usefulness of working together as a team. We in America have wandered far from Your ideal. We work for ourselves and greedily use what we have for our own enjoyment. Forgive us! Thank You for giving us this great country and the heritage of Labor! Thank You for blessing the work of our hands. Turn us back to our roots and make us be the nation where dreams come true because our individual dreams give back to everyone! God, please bless America and her labor force.

Pregnancy and Labor

I have two grandbabies on the way. They will be born later this year and I am very excited. Maybe that is the reason God spoke to me in a metaphor of pregnancy and labor. Maybe it is just what is happening!



I was in prayer last night asking for forgiveness for being crabby, grumpy, irritable, well you can name it what you want, but I wasn't being loving and so I was needing forgiveness. In God's revealing way, He spoke to my heart saying that I am in the middle of labor and under alot of pressure. He knows that knowing what is happening and understanding where I am helps me to accept and behave in a kinder way. He knows me so very well!



I agreed with God that I am under pressure. I can see why He used the idea of the end of a pregnancy and beginning of labor. Things are changing for me and my family. The onset of labor pains has begun. I cannot know how long the labor will last, or how difficult it is going to be, but I can prepare and depend on God, the Father as my coach through it all.



I need to rest in him and His word. Breathe deeply and let the natural process of change ordained by God happen. I must move with it not struggle against it.



Father, I am ready and even eager to birth the new life you have for me. You are the my Father, my Lord and my source of wisdom, understanding and strength. I know that alone I cannot do this your way. I need You! Thank You for being with me every step of the way and for completing the good work You have begun in me! Teach me what to do and when to do it! I trust You to be there for me if I cry out to You!

A Graced Labor Day

I watched my two grandaughters put on a water show for Labor Day. Tricks, jumps, and Shamu splashes brought smiles, laughter, and much praise! It was a delightful show!

We, the audience, were not the only ones to be delighted. Paige and Brooke were delighted to be the focus of our attention. They grinned, laughed and tried to think up more tricks to keep us from calling it a day. Their enthusiasm for celebrating every day can sometimes be tiring, but today it was inviting. They brought us into their fun and even allowed us to do our own "tricks."

Memories were made today. Brooke calling out to Marley, the dog as he ran out to the back yard, "You're free!" Paige running over to baby Scott over and over and asking "How is Scott doing?" Uncle Joe and Momma Erin doing cartwheels with the girls. Pappy touching his nose with each finger as his trick. Grommers touching her toes, and the rest bowing out of the games. Being together was a treat for the heart and a lift for our spirits.

Tomorrow promises to be a day of prayer. It will be a day when our faith will be tested. But today was a day of unity and sunshine and blessing. We will be strong tomorrow because we have had our Labor Day graced with the simple faith of children!

Thank you, Lord, for whatever You bring us tomorrow. You are good all the time and we place our hope and trust in You alone!