Rebecca Carpenter

            Deuteronomy 6:6-7  And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

            Ashlyn’s parents, my son, Chris and his wife, Anne, have been diligent as they have instilled God’s word in her with daily prayers, Bible readings, and Christian songs which are all an integral part of her life.  This was demonstrated recently when we went shopping.

            I went shopping with Katelyn, my ten year old granddaughter, and Ashlyn so that Katelyn could purchase something with her birthday money.  I thought that we would make a brief stop at the store, but she kept wandering from aisle to aisle as she attempted to find just the right item.  Her tastes were too much for her supply of money so we continued looking.  I steered her to the book section hoping that she would find some books to her liking.  Ashlyn and I love books and could have found several, but Katelyn kept searching.

             Three year old Ashlyn quickly found a colorful book, picked it up, and opened it up. “Katelyn, here is a book that you could get.”

            When I saw the book that she had selected, I smiled and my irritation with the slow process disappeared. 

            “Katelyn, you could get a Bible and read about God,” she announced sweetly.

            “I already have a Bible,” replied Katelyn.

            Undaunted, Ashlyn answered, “You can always have two Bibles.”

            The result of teaching God’s word to a small child was exhibited that day as Ashlyn matter of factly presented the Bible to her cousin.  I was amazed that she had selected the Bible from the long aisle of books and that she knew it was a Bible since she can’t read yet.  The word of God has certainly been written on her heart at a young age and is already producing results. 

  Psalm 139: 13-14 (NIV)   For you created my inmost being: you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I was fearfully and wonderfully made: your works are wonderful.
 

While I sit comfortably in my rocker and gaze out over the dark, calm lake, I quietly sing, “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord.  I want to see you.”  As I study the lake, trees, and wildlife, I truly see Him in every aspect of His creation.
      Two tiny, faintly colored butterflies flitter from flower to flower lighting briefly to rest and gather pollen.  A small, brown lizard skims up the tall pine tree and stops to extend its red throat while searching for prey. Hopping along the trunk of the pine tree is a red bellied woodpecker snapping up insects with his long, sharp beak.  Loud squawking signals the presence of a long necked snakebird before he plops into the dark water in search of a tasty breakfast. 
     

A cluster of yellow cana lilies grace the area near the bird feeder adding color to the scene.  A small island of yellow lilies has formed in the dark water because of recent rains, but they survive well in both environments.  White and pink periwinkles sparkle as they peek out along the shore. 

  
Each element of God’s creation is unique and formed with special traits and abilities.  We should remember that if God created every plant and animal so carefully and with such precision, how meticulously he must have created us as part of His wonderful master plan.

     I was reading my morning devotions when I heard by husband, Alan, coming down the hall which surprised me since he does not usually interrupt me during my quiet time.        Holding the newspaper in his hand, he said, “Here is an interesting article.”

     I wondered why he would want me to see an article at that moment.  Then with a smile on his face he pointed to another article and said, “You should read this one too.”

     On the front page of the Travel Section of the Sunday edition of the Orlando Sentinel was an article that I had submitted about our mission trip to Cuba.  Even though I had received a letter telling me that my article had been accepted, I had forgotten about it. 

      It was exciting to see my writing in print but more exciting to know that my writings were being used by God to reach others.  I had mentioned our mission trip, Christianity, and the blessings of God in the article which will be read by many Christians and non Christians as they learn about the plight of Christians in Cuba.

     I realize from the kind words of encouragement about my writings that God has given me a gift that I must use to spread his words.  When I am not sure if anyone really wants to read my writings, someone stops me to tell me how much my stories have meant to them.  My goal is not to become rich or famous because of my writings but to use what God has given me to encourage and strengthen others.

       If you want to see the article, look in the Orlando Sentinel today or go online at Orlandosentinel.com    Click on today’s paper, travel, and then Having little, sharing much brings true joy