TRICKLE-DOWN EFFECT

TRICKLE-DOWN: 

• a situation in which something that starts in the high parts of a system spreads to the whole of the system
• relating to or being an effect caused gradually by remote or indirect influences

Oh my, mention trickle-down and you can start one really big political argument.  This is not a political post, but I want to look at a recent movie using the trickle-down effect.

I love the Kendrick brother’s movies.  It all started at the Sherwood Baptist Church, in Albany, Georgia.  Two brothers wanted to make movies.  The church said, “Sure.”  The rest is history, as they produced Flywheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, Courageous, War Room, and their current movie, Overcomer. 

DISCLAIMER:  If you plan on seeing Overcomer, please stop reading now.  Go to the movie and then read the rest.

Trickle-down

• Major employer closes its doors -- therefore
• People start moving to other locations for jobs -- therefore
• Students move out of the school district -- therefore
• There are less jobs and teachers take a pay cut -- therefore
• Stores close -- therefore
• The main character is a coach and no longer has a basketball team – therefore

Trickle-up

• He agrees to coach cross country -- and
• Only one girl shows up -- and
• She meets her father – she had been told he was dead -- and
• She becomes a believer -- and
• She wins the state race (of course) -- and
• Goes on to influence others with her faith

I believe there is a trickle-down effect in our lives.  Some we have no control over and the effects ripple out into the community – sometimes, even into the world.  In the movie, an employer closing their doors forced the community to redefine itself.  Friends moved away taking their children out of the school system.  A community that gathered every Friday for football or basketball, no longer had anything to cheer about.  Income drops and stores close.

I also believe there is a trickle-up effect in our lives.  One man agrees to coach one girl.  One girl learns she was lied to, but also learns she has a Heavenly Father that never leaves her and never lies to her.  She accepts being forgiven and then forgives others.  And the ripple begins.  Once more, a community gathers and they cheer as one girl crosses the finish line.  And one girl goes to college and shares her story and her faith.  The ripple spreads further.

All this made me think.  The way I live my life – Do my actions have a trickle-down effect or a trickle-up effect? 

GO

God says go.

• Noah, go take the animals and your family for a boat ride.
• Abram, go away from your homeland, because I have big plans for you.
• Moses, go take a very long walk and do not worry about the Red Sea.  I have you covered.
• Jonah, go to Nineveh and be careful or you will end up in the belly of a big fish.

Even today God is telling people to go.  Go to Haiti or Africa or China or America.  And sometimes God says, “Go to those young girls.”

Our daughter and I were standing outside Cleveland Clinic waiting for the shuttle back to our hotel.  The weather was good and it is always fun to people watch.  Then I saw them -- two young girls talking quietly, tears in their eyes, and making phone calls. 

We continued to observe people, talk about the controlled chaos of picking up/dropping off patients, and watch the fountain.  And glance at the girls.

Then, the one girl put her phone down and began to cry.  And God said, “Go.”

“Are you okay?” 

“No.  Our friend from our dorm is here and she has no family close.  Her mother called us to see if we could sit with her.”

“How is she?”

“She was found in a pond and has not regained consciousness.  We don’t know.  We are not family.  And we are missing classes, but will worry about that later.”

They continued, “There is nothing we can do but be here and pray.”

“I am sure her mother is very thankful you are here.  Her daughter is not alone.”

After they talked a bit longer, I asked, “May I pray with you?”

=   =   =   =   =   =   =   =   =

Have you ever had the thought, “I should call ___?___?”

Or, “I should pray for ___?___?”

Have you ever passed a stranger and wanted to tell them everything would be okay?

Did you do it?  If you are like me, the thought or urge passes and is quickly forgotten.  Except this time.

The thought or urge passes and is quickly forgotten -- except this time --- and, know what?  It was easy!  I was not self-conscious.  I am not the best prayer in the world, but the words came. 

We talked.  I prayed.  I went back to waiting on the shuttle.  The girls went back inside.  And I wonder what happened. 

=   =   =   =   =   =   =   =   =

What happened is up to God.  I only had to comfort and pray.  But what if I had not?

Sooooo – The next time you get a feeling you should call a friend, call them.  Or pray for them, pray.  Or tell that stranger everything will be okay, do it.  Because, what if you don’t?

MEME

No, I did not forget a space.  The word is “meme” and Merriam-Webster describes it this way:  it is an amusing or interesting item (such as a captioned picture or video) or genre of items that is spread widely online especially through social media.”

How would I describe myself in memes?

 I really, really do like my morning coffee. 

“Normal” is rarely used to describe me.

 I am a bit outspoken.

I have days when I am trapped between Do Not Enter and Do Not Exit.

When I saw this picture, I swore they were my two youngest grandsons.  They denied it, but I am not sure I believe them.  (No, I do not find this picture in bad taste.  My goodness it is funny!  God has a sense of humor.  After all, He created me.)  I put this picture in because I am a grandmother.  I must be prepared for anything.

A true friend

I hope this is my outlook on life.

I hope I will always hold this scripture in my heart.

I pray this is how Jesus reacts when I arrive and he shows me to my room in the mansion.

I am a mix of emotions.  Experiences.  Memories.  I have my good side.  Silly side.  I have parts of me that need worked on…big time!  I cannot be described in one word nor summed up in one meme. 

One thing is for sure – there is no one else quite like me!  (And for that all God’s children said Amen.)

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Psalm 139:13

My goodness, God does good work.  He created me and know what?  He isn’t done with me yet!!!

Question:  What memes would you use to describe yourself?

Reminder:  God created you and he does good work.  He is not done with you yet.  He has plans for you – unique plans. 

SATAN – YOU WILL NOT WIN

I love this and I have needed it this month.  Satan – Devil – whatever you call him – has sure tried to get a hold of me.  News Flash -  AIN’T GONNA HAPPEN!

THE STORM

My goodness, where shall I start?  August has been and is going to continue to be a storm. 

1. 15 year old grandson had a biopsy to determine the outcome of a suspect ultrasound the 6^th – Biopsy was clear - AMEN
2. 20 year old grandson had surgery on his arm the 13^th – Surgery went good -- AMEN
3. After battling Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last year, a very good friend had a stroke the 16th – Motor skills good and ability to speak coming back -- AMEN
4. My brother-in-law is having serious back pain issues and will find out the results of his test the 23rd
5. Our daughter is going for tests the 29th to find answers to why she has pain (and this girl has a pain threshold at like … 20)
6. ???? – I have no idea what else that sneaky snake will throw in the mix

I AM

On my own, I am at risk.  On my own, I would falter.  BUT, I am not on my own.  The prayers, of my family, my church family, friends, and people I have never met, have surrounded and supported me.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people

Ephesians 6:18

On my own, I am at risk.  On my own, I would falter.  BUT, I am not on my own.  I am a Child of God and I am strong.

God is striding ahead of me.  He’s right there with me.  He won’t let me down; he won’t leave me.  I will not be intimidated.  I will not worry.

Deuteronomy 31:8 – The Message – made personal

I AM THE STORM

Bring it on you ole sneaky snake.  You may think you will win.  YOU ARE WRONG!

I AM A CHILD OF GOD!

I am ready with truth and righteousness.

A WOMAN OF FAITH!

My faith will shield me.

A WARRIOR OF CHRIST!

My helmet of salvation will protect me and I will use the sword of the Spirit.

Bring it on, if you dare, Satan.  But be prepared, because --

I AM THE STORM!

FOCUS and RESPONSE

There is a video of a father, comedian DJ Pryor, talking to his young son, Kingston.  They are having a very deep conversation.  The father asks a question and the little guy answers.  What he answers is unknown.  The world does not have an app to translate baby chatter.  I hope they never do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY35eXTKVLY

This video became such a hit, they have made more.

Another video is about a father trying to explain why his little one cannot come outside.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMR2aFyt86Q

/   /   /   /      \   \   \   \

Often my blog will use a dialogue with God to make a point.  Usually, the dialogue came from one of my talks with God. 

Yes, I often have conversations with God.  I wonder how a video of those conversations would turn out?  Would it make people laugh?  Would it make people think?  Would they hear God answering me?  Would I really want others to watch?  To hear what I say to God?

What would I sound like?  Would a person hearing me think I was babbling?  Would they need an app to understand words I use like forgiveness, mercy, hope, faith, and grace?  Would they comprehend when I say, “All is well with my soul?”

FOCUS!!  RESPONSE!!

I hope you watched the videos because they have two things in common.  FOCUS!!  RESPONSE!!

The father is 100% focused on his child.  The child is responding to the father. 

1 JOHN 3:1

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God?

And that is what we are!

Our Heavenly Father is 100% focused on us -- HIS children.  But, do we respond to the Father?

WHY I GO TO CHURCH

Our Sunday School class discussed going to church.  It got me to thinking – exactly why do I go to church? 

Because:

• I want to
• I like the sermons
• I like the prayers
• I like taking communion
• I like the music
• I like to talk to the church members

I think that covers it.  Or  maybe not.  Last Sunday, the pastor used Psalm 107:28-32 and it helps answer the question.  Let me put those verses this way:

Then I cried out to the LORD in my trouble, and he brought me out of my distress.

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.

I was glad when it grew calm, and he guided me to my desired haven.

Let me give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for me.

Let me exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.

Haven – a place of safety, a shelter, a sanctuary.  I need a haven.  A haven would be a place where I can breathe, relax, rest.  A place where I can have a feeling of trust and hope and security.  A haven needs to be a place that is solid.  A place that is there 24/7.  A place where I can be honest and open and myself.  A place where I do not have to fit in … rather a place where I am welcomed and valued.

Why do I go to church?  Well – my final haven will be heaven.  I am totally confident in that!!!  Until then, I go to church.

I want to go to church!  It is a desire deep inside me.

I want to hear a sermon!  I want to hear the Word of God preached.  I want to hear a message that makes me think and, occasionally, makes me feel uncomfortable.

I want to join others in prayer!  I want to share joys and I want to unite as a congregation to lift up those with special needs.

I want to take communion!  What an honor to be allowed to take the Bread and the Cup.  How humbling to understand Jesus died for me.

I want to hear the music!  I want to hear hymns that were written 100, 200 years ago and those that were written last week.

I want to greet and talk with people!  People who are believers.  People who are doing the best they can.  People who I trust with my deepest fears and my greatest triumphs.  People who will respect my privacy, while offering prayers on my behalf.  People who realize I will do the same for them.

I attend church because I do not want to forget how to care!

The world is going crazy and we are no longer shocked.  We read a headline and turn the page.  We hear the news and never shed a tear.  The most horrendous acts are part of the latest TV show and we calmly change the channel.  As a town, as a county, as a state, as a country, as a world…we just go on. 

I attend church because I do not want to forget how to care.

WDJS

I was sitting on the deck, snapping beans, and enjoying the world.  The birds were chirping away.  The neighborhood was noisy with the sounds of lawn mowers, kids, and cars.  And I got to thinking.  WDJS?

Do you have one of those WWJD bracelets?  Or maybe a coffee mug with WWJD, in bold letters, reminding you how to start your day?  WWJD is everywhere. 

I want something that says WDJS.

WDJS – WHAT DID JESUS SEE?

Well – Jesus saw

Ø  Satan, evil spirits, and demons

Ø  the disciples, the crowds, and the hungry

Ø  the man with leprosy, a paralytic, the blind, the lame, the dead, and the ill

Ø  the poor and the rich

Ø  the children

Ø  the Canaanite woman, the widow, the crippled lady, and the Samaritan woman

Ø  the money changers, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and a tax collector

Ø  his mother

WDJS come before WWJD

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  …  “Come, follow me,” Jesus said,...  Matthew 4:18, part 19

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.  Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes.  John 9:1, 6

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.  As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late.  Send the crowds away so they can get to the villages and buy themselves some food.”  Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away.  You give them something to eat.”  Matthew 14:14, 15-16

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”  From that time on, the disciple took her into his home.  John 19:26-27

Jesus saw and then Jesus did.

WDIS and then WWID?   

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WHAT DO I SEE and then WHAT WILL I DO?

THE PHONE RINGS -- AGAIN

Hubby picked fresh green beans so I was preparing a meal our ancestors would approve of.  (We often laugh and comment that our grilled cheese and tomato soup would not be considered a proper meal.  The main meal was to include meat, potatoes, at least one vegetable and dessert.)  Today would be a proper meal!

The hamburger was thawed and I began making the meat loaf.  The phone rang and, since it was a local number, I answered it.  “This is credit card services…” 

I finished the meat loaf and began snapping green beans.  The phone range and, since it was a different local number, I answered it.  “This is credit card services…” 

Our meal was over and, if I do say so myself, it was extremely tasty.  Left overs were cooling, the table was cleared, hubby was doing the dishes (Bless his heart.) and --- YUP!  The phone range and, since it was a local number, hubby answered it.  He kept saying, “I cannot understand you.”  He hung up.  A determined telemarketer tried again.  Again, hubby hung up.

Those dreaded scam phone calls – We have received calls telling us:

• You have won one million dollars.  Send $895 to process your winnings.  The next call was:  Did I say one million dollars?  I am sorry, it is five million.  Send $895 to process your winnings.
• There are new terms on your credit card.
• This is google services.
• This is Microsoft.
• This is Apple.
• This is Marriott.
• You have won a cruise.
• You have won a week’s stay at a resort.
• Silver is a good investment.
• Gold is a good investment.
• Do you need windows?  Siding?  A new driveway?  A pool?
• You need to call this number immediately to verify a credit card purchase.

WHAT?  You want my Social Security number?  My bank account number?  The three digit code on the back of my credit card?  I am ready to rip the phone off the wall!! 

HELP!! We are drowning in scam calls!

I WANT SOMEONE TO STOP THESE CALLS!!  And no one does. 

I started looking up scriptures and Psalm 108:12 sure fits the comment above.  Smiling, I read:  Give us aid against the enemy (telemarketers), for the help of man is worthless.

WHERE DO WE TURN FOR HELP

Okay.  In the grand scheme of things – the big picture – the long run – considering the universe, telemarketers are but a mere annoyance.  There are so many important things in our lives which cause us to yell, “HELP – please help.”  We each have a different reason for seeking help, and the Psalms give us direction.

David cried for help and God heard him. 

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

Israel turned to God.  Israel turned away from God.  Enemies threatened Israel.  BUT God was always there.  AND GOD WINS!

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ….. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:1, 10

God heard David.  God watched over Israel.  GOD HEARS YOU AND HE WATCHES OVER YOU.  (Note:  Watching over does not mean your life will suddenly become a piece of cake.  What it means is you are not alone.  There is a power surrounding you.  There is a strength that will not fail.  There is help for every fear and every situation.  That presence, that power, and that strength is God!)

PSALM 121 – made personal

I life up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let my foot slip – he who watches over me will not slumber.

Indeed, he who watches over me will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over me – the LORD is my shade at my right hand;

the sun will not harm me by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep me from all harm – he will watch over my life;

the LORD will watch over my coming and going;

both now and forevermore.

There are so many important things in our lives which cause us to yell, “HELP – please help.”  We each have a different reason for seeking help, but the source of our help is the same:  God. 

Do versus With

It seems I have been very occupied lately.  I have been doing a lot for God.  Well, maybe not for God, but what I have been doing is … Maybe it would be easier if I explain.

DO FOR

I do love spending time on the computer.  I like to google and I can research for hours.  I like to use power point to create fun pictures.  All this led me to work with our church’s Facebook page and set up a new website.  There is cartoon each Monday and songs each Wednesday, on Facebook.  They do not appear on their own, which means I have looked at cartoons and videos – all Christian – to find just the right fit.  And I have had fun.  I have spent many hours putting together a way to spread the word about God.  Hey, this is the age of social media,   Social media – a way to connect and interact with the congregation and a way to spread the word about our church.  A way to inform those seeking where we are, what we believe, and what we do.  Yes, I have been very occupied lately.  Of course, this is all for God.  It must be a good thing.  Right?

My time is used to encourage others to come to church.  My time is used….

But, in the back of my mind, I get this nagging feeling I am missing something.  The feeling makes no sense.  I go to church and Sunday School.  I listen to Christian music.  How can I be missing anything?  But the feeling is still there.  It will not go away.  Something is missing!

WHAT IS MISSING?

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?  Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”               Luke 10:38-42

“Does this scripture help you, Mary?”

Yes … but, if I don’t …

“If you don’t what?”

Honestly!  Which way do you want it?  We are to serve!  Didn’t you like the food Martha prepared?  Wasn’t it nice to have her home opened to you?   Do you think it cleaned itself?  Someone had to sweep the floor and get the groceries.  That cheesecake she has ready for dessert did not magically appear.  It is not like when you changed the water to wine.  She could not look at the pan and say, “Fill with cheesecake.” 

“Mary …”

And ..

“Oh, you were not done?”

No I am not!  We are to follow Matthew 25:  feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, invite the stranger in, give away clothes, take care of the sick, and go visit those in prison.  How are we to do that and sit at your feet and listen?  You do know there are only 24 hours in the day, don’t you?

“A rhetorical question – good one.  I see you still have a sense of humor.  Let’s figure this out.  Start with the word balance:  to keep something in a steady position so that it does not fall.  So?”

OH!  (Light bulb moment.)  This nagging feeling is because I have not balanced do for and be with?  The something missing is time with you?  That seems too simple.

“Final question:  What happens when you spend time with me?”

My spirit calms.  My Soul listens.  My path is easier to see.  Yes, time with you is what I am missing.

BE WITH

Jesus had a lot to do, but he took time to be with God. 

After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.

When evening came, he was there alone,     Matthew 14:23

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.     Mark 1:35

After leaving them, he went up on the mountainside to pray.     Mark 6:46

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.     Luke 5:16

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.     Luke 6:12

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed …

for himself, for his disciples, for all believers     John 17

Balancing to do and be with means to keep my life in a steady position so I do not have a nagging feeling that I am missing something.

How do you balance doing for and being with God?

Instagram, a Frog and a Friend

I have told you about my stuffed frog, Norman, and his Instagram account.  Today I want to tell you about a friend we never met.  Pieter lived in The Netherlands, with his brother.  The first time I saw Pieter, on Instagram, I wondered who would put a picture of someone in a hospital bed, with stuffed monkeys hanging all around.  Then I read his story – the story of his family.

At age five, Pieter had a brain tumor which caused many physical problems and a rare syndrome.  Jump forward to 2015, when his brother realized Pieter was not doing well in the care facility he had finally had to enter.  A hospital bed was placed in the middle of a very busy household, filled with children, music, cooking, and noise.  And, along with all the medical paraphernalia, Pieter had a new home!  Home – what an amazing word.  Home – where miracles happen.  Home – where love can rescue a brother.

Pieter thrived on the noise and the activity and the music and the coffee.  He watched children draw, so he drew.  He watched people feed themselves, so he fed himself.  He sat in a chair.  He loved getting mail.  Did I mention he loved coffee?  He loved the stuffed monkeys.  He had a smile that made the world light up.  Everyone on Instagram loved Pieter, his family, and those monkeys.

I never met this family, but from them I learned:

• Families make sacrifices – Having a hospital bed, in the middle of the living room, would require change.  Not only a change in the arrangement of furniture, but a change in the arrangement of many lives.

• Surroundings do affect life – The noise, the activity, the music, the coffee, and, yes, the monkeys stimulated Pieter and he responded with joy and a smile.

• People care – Pieter looked forward to receiving mail, but the mail also encouraged his family.  Each stamp, each envelope, -- each card was a way for people to say, “We care.” 

In our day to day lives, we meet people who influence us – they are examples of how to live (or not to live).  But sometimes -- sometimes a person we have never met changes our heart. 

Pieter and his family changed my heart.  Pieter died July 5, 2019.

I would like to share the family comments with you:

We have to announce that our beloved Pieter passed away on the 5th of July; he died Peacefully after being very ill. We believe that he is in Heaven now, without pain and sorrow. We will miss him badly but we have comfort thinking about the Love we felt for each other, the Fun we had in spite of his Illness. ….We are so grateful and feel so blessed about the 4 years he lived in our home and we were allowed to take care of him. I know this news will make a lot of people sad, and a lot of people will miss Pieter and his famous Smile. But I will ask you to remember him as the Happy Person he was, enjoying the little things of life! …. 

This is the front of the Mourning Card we made to make the Announcement of Pieter his passing to our Family and Friends. We asked our daughter to make a drawing of a Photo of him and she did a really great job capturing his Happy Face and Wonderful Smile so well. Behind him you see a sheet of Music Paper of the opening chorus of the St John Passion from Bach, which was one of the favorite Choral Works of Pieter. In the past he was a member of many different Choirs and Music was his life! Unfortunately he became deaf and had to quit singing for public. But he never stopped singing in private, and even sang the beginning of this choral in the past week; very soft and flawed but with his whole heart! We like to think of him singing this choral in heaven now; loud and clearly! He also wears his favorite hat on this drawing..... The people who get this card will not only become sad because he left us, but we hope they will smile too seeing him Sparkle. We look at it all day; this drawing of Pieter makes us feel happy and proud of him!

But sometimes -- sometimes a person we have never met changes our heart.

Pieter and his family changed mine.

YOU SEE IT EVERY SUNDAY

I have been working on a church website.  I stopped by the office, talked to the pastor a bit, and showed him a picture.  He looked at it and asked, “Where is that window?  In our church?”

The answer was, “Yes, in our church.  You use that door every Sunday morning.”

This window is on the door to the Prayer Room.  It is a beautiful window.  Those involved in Sunday Worship gather, in the Prayer Room, to pray for the service.  And yet, pastor did not remember the window. 

Or, had he seen it so often, it became a part of the door.  This beautiful window – became invisible.

How often do you drive the same road?  How often do you say, “When did that house get there?”  Then realize it was built about 100 years ago.  It happens all the time.  We become so used to seeing something, we no longer see it. 

God’s blessings often fit into that category.  We forget:

• Trees
• Flowers
• Laughter
• Eyesight
• Sound
• Imagination
• Strawberries
• Touch

The list could go on and on and on and on.  Do not feel like you are the only one with eyes that do not see –

When he (Jesus) was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.  Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.  Luke 24:30-31

(Later in Jerusalem) While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.  …. Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.  Luke 24:30-31, 45

The disciples did not see Jesus.  They were so used to seeing the MAN; they could not see the SON OF GOD.  Of course, the man who really had blinders on was Saul.  Acts 9 tells us:

Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples

…if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners

As he neared Damascus … a light from heaven … heard a voice

“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

… when he opened his eyes he could see nothing

For three days he was blind

BUT THEN ---

(Ananias) Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord – Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here – has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.  Immediately something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.

The secret is to open our minds so we can understand and our eyes so we can see.

Today … Tomorrow … Always – do not allow God’s blessings to become invisible.  Savor a strawberry.  Laugh loudly.  Be blessed by a flower.  Close your eyes and hear the waves and the breeze rippling the leaves.  Allow your imagination to create a masterpiece or the next great invention.  See hope for the future, as you touch the hand of a child, and see a life well lived, as you shake a hand that is calloused or wrinkled. 

Today … Tomorrow … Always – do not allow God’s blessings to become invisible.  You might just miss a very beautiful window, as you enter a room to pray.