Half the fun of a trip is in the planning. However, when you have only two days notice, scramble is the word that comes to mind. Jim and I just finished an eight-day trip to the Netherlands to celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary. We met wonderful new friends, tasted the local cuisine, saw the one million bicycles in Amsterdam, walked on cobblestone streets, and rode the rivers between Holland and Belgium.

This trip reminded me of the great trip that is promised in the Bible. It is one that will be “in the twinkling of an eye.” Yes, planning is necessary. Our hearts must be right and committed to Him. Instead of cobblestones, we will walk on streets of gold that cannot be compared to anything in this present world. I want to be ready!

     Did you make a New Year’s resolution? I stopped that years ago when I realized that most do good for about two weeks and then fizzle out. Then, you are stuck with disappointment.

     This year I am trying to do something special each day, even if it is small. I just read a saying: “If you have to eat an elephant, start with the tail. Eat a little bit each day.” Consider the things that have been procrastinated this past year. Maybe it is writing thank-you notes, getting physicially fit, or that endless pile of mending. Begin with something small, and before you realize it, the job will be done. That’s my goal…yes, I might not make it every single day, but I am going to try. I challenge you to try the same!

Today we celebrate a national holiday, Veteran’s Day. Thank you to all the men and women that gave their lives so that we might experience freedom and liberty.

Yes, America may have its woes, but it is still the greatest country in the world and we can worship freely.

Have you ever read about the story behind the lyrics of the “Star Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key? It is one of the most poignant and compelling videos I have seen on this story and its heroism will go down in the annuals of history.

Nine short minutes will increase your appreciation of our military! 

     http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=luk_lSVqA1M&vq=mediium

Every morning I am greeted by a beautiful, lucsious, green China Doll plant that sits on my kitchen table. The cheery yellow and red pottery teapot that houses this plant gives my day a lift. The morning sun radiates its blessings on the shiny, petite, green leaves as it welcomes each day. 

As I was watering it, I was shocked to see ugly, dried, brown leaves hiding under  the leaves. It was just a little clump. How long had they been there? Disgusted, I reached and removed all the offending debris.

This reminded me of how we need to examine our daily walk with God. Sometimes without even realizing it, ‘things’ can creep unseen into our hearts and spirits. Psalm 19:12 says, “Cleanse thou me from secret faults.”

Lord Jesus, clean out all the unwanted debris in my life and let me prosper for you!

     How many high moments have you ever experienced? Remember the excitement of that first day of school? The night before seemed to drag and sleep was sketchy. Then the day you came home from school and told your mom about your first boyfriend. Eighth grade graduation was a biggie, but didn’t compare to the senior commencement. Twelve years you worked toward that goal and it finally arrived. That was a big high. The first job after graduation was exciting, even though it was just a summer job until college started in the Fall.

     College arrived and you mingled and rubbed shoulders with all those upperclassmen. Before you realized it, another commencement appeared. Another high.

     The night you became engaged you were floating on clouds. Then came the wedding day and all its glory. Next you became a mother, one of the world’s most important roles.

     All the above are wonderful experiences of a high. However, none can compare to the high you get from meeting and knowing Jesus on a personal day-to-day basis. I still remember the night my twin sister and I were born again of water and Spirit. I felt so free and light. This was a high I never knew before and could not be compared to anything else in my life. 

     For fifty-six years I have none and experienced the high that comes from serving the Most High. Some people would say that drugs give the best high but they are wrong. That is an artificial high…a substitute that does not last. The high that comes from knowing Jesus Christ is matchless and cannot be duplicated by any articial means. He is the Most High!