My Daddy Can!

/ Patsy Kuipers / Leave a comment

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?”
Jeremiah 32:27

Confident Granddaughter

Several years ago, I was spending the day with my grandchildren when one of their toys broke. As 2-year-old Emma watched my futile attempts to fix it, she proclaimed, “My daddy can fix it!”

“I’m sure Daddy can fix it. He’s a good fixer,” I concurred.

“My daddy!” she replied adamantly. Yes, Emma was, and still is, confidently possessive of her people and their abilities.

A recent Bible study lesson reminded me of this conversation and the importance of being equally confident in the abilities of our heavenly Father.

The Story

The fifth chapter of the book of 2 Kings recounts the story of Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Syria. Although Naaman was a mighty man of valor, he had a troublesome skin disease.

God providentially placed a little Israelite girl in Naaman’s household. She had been carried off to Syria in a raid and was serving Naaman’s wife. Aware of Naaman’s predicament, she told her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” (2 Kings 5:3)

Naaman made the proper arrangements to travel to Samaria, laden with gifts and a letter of introduction and supplication from his king to the king of Israel, who thought the whole scenario reeked of intrigue. He tore his clothes upon reading the letter, declaring, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy?”

Elisha, the prophet the little girl had referred to, heard about the misunderstanding and told the king to send Naaman to him. However, instead of greeting him personally, Elisha sent word directing Naaman to wash in the Jordan seven times, thus insulting him. Naaman’s servants prevailed upon him to follow Elisha’s instructions. He was healed and returned to Elisha, proclaiming, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel.”

I hope you’ll take the time to read the full account (2 Kings 5:1-27). There is much to glean from this short story, but I want to focus on the little girl’s faith in contrast to the attitudes of the king of Israel and Naaman.

Child-like Faith

We know very little about the servant girl, but from what we are told, we can draw some conclusions. Someone, possibly her parents or grandparents, had taught her about the God of Israel before she was separated from her people. Perhaps her family was one that had faithfully passed down the mighty deeds of the Lord who rescued His people from Egypt (Psalm 78). Regardless, she remembered and had confidence that His prophet could heal Naaman.

It is also interesting to me that she didn’t hesitate to share this information. Despite being taken captive, it appears she didn’t bear a grudge against those who took her but instead sought their welfare. Her willingness to share underscores her confidence in Elisha’s abilities, since there likely would have been serious consequences for her if Naaman had made the gift-laden trip and no cure had been forthcoming.

Faithless King

Contrast the little girl’s confidence with the response of the king of Israel, who should have been the nation’s spiritual leader, depending on God for guidance. He tore his robes and lamented the arrival of the foreign contingent, thinking they were out to trick him instead of inquiring of the Lord, which he could have done through Elisha, the same prophet the servant girl referred Naaman to.

Sadly, by this time in Israel’s history, the kings had long since strayed into idol worship, disobeying God’s commands, discarding His word, and leading His people astray.

Prideful Commander

Elisha’s dismissive behavior – not greeting Naaman personally, but sending directions by a messenger – offended the mighty warrior.  Still, Elisha knew there was no room for pride if Naaman was to receive physical and, more importantly, spiritual healing.

Children come humbly, aware of their great needs, while adults often must overcome their self-confidence, self-reliance, and pride. Even Naaman’s comment about Syria’s rivers reflects a prideful attitude (2 Kings 5:12), whereas you can imagine a child eagerly following Elisha’s instructions, happy that the cure was so simple and accessible.

Fortunately for Naaman, his servants convinced him to do as Elisha directed. He was healed, just as the little girl knew he would be, and he returned to Elisha, humbled and grateful, ready to make a profession of faith in the one true God (2 Kings 5:15).

Spiritual Amnesia

Pride isn’t the only thing that hinders our faith walk and delays our approach to God’s throne of grace. Like the Israelites who experienced God’s deliverance and witnessed His mighty miracles in the wilderness, yet still doubted His ability and willingness to fulfill His promises to them, I sometimes “forget” all He’s done for me and my family. When a foreign contingent of challenging, unexpected circumstances appears on my doorstep, my first inclination is to wring my hands and wonder what I’m going to do instead of confidently asserting, as Emma did, “My Daddy can fix it!”

Fortunately, the spiritual amnesia is usually short-lived, as I intentionally remind myself of God’s past faithfulness and His promise to never forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6). When exceptionally trying events assail me, I’m thankful for faithful friends who, like the little girl and Naaman’s servants, point me to the truth and encourage me to follow God’s instructions – ask, seek, knock (Matthew 7:7). I am a beloved daughter of the King. My Daddy can provide, protect, and guide through the darkest valley or on the sunniest mountaintop.

Heavenly Father, please help us to have the faith of a child, the unwavering confidence to know that nothing is impossible for You! Thank You that You never lose sight of us, and Your ears are ever attentive to our cries (Psalm 34:15).

Twelve Years

/ Patsy Kuipers / Leave a comment

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24

Dear Readers,

July 1 marked the twelfth anniversary of my start in the blogging world. Buoyed by a lifelong love of writing, years of journaling, and a desire to tell others about God’s faithfulness, I began Back 2 the Garden. I wasn’t sure if anyone would be interested in reading what I wrote or how long I would continue. All I knew was that God had given me a lifetime of examples of His goodness and the ability to craft stories, an ability I longed to use for His glory.

I soon discovered that writing is a lonely endeavor. There have been many times when my words were met with silence, and I wondered whether they mattered or whether I should even keep writing. Inevitably, during those times, the Lord would nudge someone to comment that one of my posts had helped them, giving me the incentive to stick with it. I often remind myself that I’m responsible for using the gift God has given me, trusting Him for the outcome, even if I never know how He chooses to use my efforts.

So, here I am, twelve years and more than 300 posts later, still plugging along. I hope my writing has improved over the years, as I’ve taken classes, honed my craft, and labored to find the right words to convey the message behind each post. Regardless, my original objectives in launching Back 2 the Garden – to glorify God and encourage others – remain the same.

Some of you have been reading my posts from the beginning, while others are more recent visitors. Regardless of your tenure, thank you! I pray you’ll always leave feeling glad you stopped by, having found at least one seed of hope-filled truth to plant in your spiritual garden. 

Here, with a few edits, is the post that started it all on July 1, 2014:

Consider it pure joy

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
James 1:2-3

It was February 1998, and I felt anything but joyful. Ten months earlier, my beloved husband, Ray, had died of a massive heart attack a few weeks after his 39th birthday. Even though I was a rational person and knew all too well the details of what had happened, on some level I maintained a protective mantle of denial. I couldn’t accept or fathom how he could go to work on a sunny spring Saturday and never return home to our two young daughters and me. But bit by bit, the reality seeped into my soul, leaving an underlying sadness that colored many of my days.

In preparing for Ray’s funeral, I wrote a letter to him, which one of our pastors read during the service. Among other things, I stated that he’d left a lasting legacy not only in the lives of our daughters but also in the beauty of our garden. You see, Ray had a degree in horticulture, and he planted many interesting things in our yard. He would tell me about the special plants he selected and teach me their names. Although he didn’t shun better-known plants like pansies and daffodils, he also liked unique specimens. When several of his horticulture colleagues visited and walked the garden with me after Ray died, oohing and ahhing over various plants, I took note, all over again, of how special that part of his legacy was. I also recognized how important it was for me to learn to take care of it; otherwise, it would only be a matter of time before it was gone.

And so that February day found me outside, preparing to remove the blanket of leaves still enshrouding the planting beds, with an ache in my heart as I longed for Ray and wished he were there to help me. As I started clearing the beds, I noticed several of the perennials Ray had planted were beginning to emerge from the soil. Seeing those plants, knowing they had persevered through the cold, dark winter, gave me a glimmer of hope. If they could make it through that stark season, maybe I could survive my season of darkness.

Little did I know that gardening would become my passion, providing many moments of hope and healing, as well as a very real connection to Ray. Not only has God faithfully provided for my family and me since Ray’s death, but He has also ministered to me again and again through the beauty of His creation. While “playing in the dirt,” I’ve been reminded of His promises, seen tangible examples of Scriptural principles, and found solace for my soul.

This blog is born of a desire to share some of what I’ve learned spiritually and horticulturally. I hope you’ll come back to the garden with me.

Father’s Day Reflections

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Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.
Psalm 68:5

Fatherless

I’m thankful for the steadfast love of my ever-present heavenly Father, who provides us with earthly fathers, and reserves a special place in His heart for those whose fathers are no longer with them.

I joined the ranks of the fatherless three years ago. My dad lived to 92, so I was blessed to have him in my life for more than six decades. I know many, including my daughters, lose their fathers much earlier. No matter how old we are when our fathers die or what our relationship with them was like, their passing leaves a void. The space he once filled with tales, advice, and shared activities is now empty.

Except for our memories.

Earthly Father

I would like to say that Dad and I had a close relationship like the one I had with Mom, but that wasn’t the case. I will save that story for another day. Despite the challenges we faced, I knew Dad always had my back. He was my defender, protector, and provider. A few examples:

  • As a teen, I was studious, socially awkward, and not particularly attractive. On the few occasions I gathered up the courage to go to a school social, I spent most of my time on the sidelines, hoping someone would ask me to dance, though that rarely happened. If the band was still playing when Dad came to pick me up, he would ask me to dance.
  • Dad bought me my first car, a bright yellow VW Rabbit, and taught me to drive a stick shift. When I took it in for service, they didn’t treat me with the respect Dad thought I deserved. He called the service manager and made it clear he didn’t want his daughter treated that way again. I expect Dad used a few choice words, some I wouldn’t use, but he got the message across. When I showed up for service again, they knew I wasn’t just some random teenager. Dad’s clout was behind me.
  • Dad put a high priority on education. He paid for me to go to college, something his father wasn’t willing or able to do for him. Years later, when my daughters were born, he set up college funds for them.
  • When my husband died at 39, leaving me with two young daughters to raise, Mom and Dad graciously moved from their home in North Carolina to one just two miles from mine in Georgia. Having them close by provided the love and stability we would have sorely lacked without them.
  • Dad planned carefully and invested wisely, leaving an inheritance that not only makes my life more comfortable but also enables me to share with others, including his granddaughters and great-grandchildren.  

Heavenly Father

Although Dad was an imperfect father, as all fathers are, I have a perfect heavenly Father who shows great compassion to those who fear Him, including children and fathers alike. He knows how we are made and remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:13-14). Furthermore, God holds a special place in His heart for orphans and widows and admonishes His people to care for them.[1]

Not sharing the same Biblical worldview and foundation of faith contributed to the distance between Dad and me. I longed for him to know the unconditional love of our heavenly Father, but I was careful not to push my beliefs on him. I learned early on that such an approach creates resistance, if not outright resentment. I prayed instead. In the last few weeks of Dad’s life, after nearly 50 years, God answered my prayers.

Though Dad’s faith was still the size of a mustard seed, I believe it became sight the moment he breathed his last and God welcomed him Home (Luke 17:6; 1 Corinthians 13:12). I rejoice in knowing I will see Dad again. Our relationship will be fully healed and restored because God has promised to make all things new (Revelation 21:5).

Until then, I will be grateful for the way God exhibited His care for me through my earthly father, who protected and provided for me.

[1] See, for example, Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 10:18, 24:19-21. 27:19; and Zechariah 7:9-10.

Encouragement for Weary Souls, Encore

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Dear Readers,

I originally wrote this post to encourage friends who were navigating serious health issues with loved ones. Their journeys reminded me of the challenging paths I walked with Mom and Dad in the final months of their lives. Yet the memories were also laced with Scripture passages that sustained me during those trying times.

Now, over a year later, several friends have lost those loved ones, others are still caring for theirs, and some have received news that has placed them on the path of prayerful watching, waiting, and wondering more recently. Thus, I decided it was time to share these powerful promises from God’s word again, promises that I not only clung to as I walked Mom and Dad Home, but also return to when other difficult situations arise.

I expect some, maybe many, of you are on an arduous journey of your own. It is my prayer that one or more of these passages will offer the hope you need in the days ahead. 

New Mercies

But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23

I was often mentally, physically, and emotionally spent by the time nightfall arrived each day, but every morning I would imagine the Lord had refilled my bucket overnight, so it was overflowing with His mercies for that day. 

Eyes Fixed

For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you (2 Chronicles 20:12b).

There were so many decisions I needed to make regarding Mom and Dad’s care, some of them downright gut-wrenching. I thought of the decisions being the great horde coming against me, and I prayed Jehoshaphat’s prayer – Lord, I don’t know what to do, but my eyes are fixed on You – repeatedly, sometimes multiple times a day, seeking wisdom from the Lord.

Light and Momentary

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

When we’re in the midst of trying circumstances, the affliction doesn’t feel light or momentary, but for those who love the Lord, we know He’s working all things together for our good and is fitting us for our heavenly Home (Romans 8:28-30).

Weary

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).

Sometimes the journey feels so long. You don’t know if you can keep going, at least not in the right spirit, without becoming frustrated or resentful. I asked people to pray that I wouldn’t grow weary in doing good, so I could honor my parents and God, who entrusted their care to me. I longed to reap the harvest of helping them finish their earthly lives with dignity.

Gentle Savior

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).

We are blessed to have a gentle Savior who understands our frailties and offers rest for our souls. He has promised never to leave or forsake us (Matthew 28:20b).

Comfort Others

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

As citizens of Heaven sojourning in a world marred by sin, there will be instances when we or our loved ones don’t get the diagnosis or outcome we hope for. At such times, we can rest in the assurance that Jesus is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). He comforts us so that we may comfort others and point them to the hope we’ve found in His steadfast love and faithfulness.

Ultimate Hope

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 21:1-6a).

Whenever I read this passage, I want to shout, “Hallelujah! I can’t wait!” No more tears or death or mourning or crying or pain – that’s what God’s beloved children have to look forward to because He will indeed make all things new!

It has been five years since the Lord called Mom Home and almost three since Dad joined her. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss them, but I wouldn’t wish them back from Paradise. Instead, I look forward to spending eternity with them in the presence of Jesus. Until then, I will cling to God’s promises and strive to keep my eyes fixed on Him. I pray you will do the same. May you find great hope in these and other passages.

Selfless, Take 2

/ Patsy Kuipers / Leave a comment

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4

Whose Pace?

A recent Saturday morning found me in a familiar setting – waiting near the finish line of a race. Though the location has varied over the years, I’ve reveled in cheering on my daughters and granddaughters to finish strong in 5ks, 1-mile fun runs, and tot trots.

On this particular Saturday, my daughter, Mary, and her daughters, Lyla (12) and Emma (10), were running in a 5K to benefit a local charity. Though Emma has a lot of heart and enthusiasm, she usually completes a 5K by walking, running, and skipping, with Mary matching her pace.[1] But this time, Mary wanted to run the entire race, so her son, Joshua, planned to walk the course as Emma’s “sweeper.”

I kept checking the time clock, my gaze shifting between it and the course. As the minutes ticked by, I grew concerned. Even if she wasn’t keeping a PR pace, Mary should have finished. Then I saw her, rounding the corner with Emma. It turned out Emma didn’t want to risk being alone on the course, even though her brother was close behind. As they approached the finish, Emma sprinted across, leaving her mom behind. Mary graciously put Emma’s interests above her own and walked/ran the race with her, even though Emma made it clear she was going to cross the finish line first, which she did.

Imperishable Medals

Much to our delight, Emma came in first in her age group and was awarded a shiny medal for her efforts. When the winners in Mary’s age group were announced, my daughter and I exchanged a knowing look. If Mary had run the race as she’d planned, she, too, would have received a medal. Her willingness to accompany Emma cost her the medal, but Mary earned a better prize, namely her daughter’s confidence in her support.

When I saw her later, Mary mentioned that Emma said her medal belonged to both of them. I’m glad she recognized that and hope Emma will acknowledge and appreciate her mother’s sacrifices and care more often than not.

Mary wasn’t the only one who put someone else’s needs before her own. Lyla, a capable and accomplished runner, chose to run with a friend and even paused as they neared the finish line so they could cross together. That decision cost Lyla a medal, too, but her friend’s wide smile and warm embrace as they slowed to a stop were Lyla’s reward.

And Joshua faithfully walked the course, bringing up the rear in case anything happened to his little sister, though he would much rather have been at home helping his dad put the finishing touches on their entries for the BBQ contest later that day. By the time he finished, all of us were assembled at the finish line to cheer him across.

I’m proud of each one of them. They may not have received a tangible medal, but they made deposits into their heavenly accounts of imperishable treasures (Matthew 6:19-21).

Mothers are Like That

As I thought about the events surrounding the race, the phrase “mothers are like that” came to mind. I vaguely remembered it was from a commercial from my childhood. A quick Google search confirmed it was a 1963 commercial for Bayer’s children’s aspirin. A little boy named Mike went to see if his friend Josie could come out and play. When Josie’s mother said Josie wasn’t feeling well but should be better soon because she’d given her the aspirin, Mike said, “That’s what my mother gives me.” Josie’s mother replied, “That’s because she loves you. When you feel better, she feels better.” Her statement prompted the famous line, sweetly spoken by little Mike, “Mothers are like that. Yeah, they are.”

Taking that stroll down memory lane reminded me of one of Mom’s statements, “When you hurt, I hurt,” which in turn brought to mind a description I read soon after Mary was born: “Being a mother is like having your heart walk around in another person.”

A Greater Love

Becoming a mother helped me begin to understand God’s great love for me. Yet even the most selfless mother would stop short of sacrificing her child for another. The mere thought makes me shudder, yet that’s exactly what God did for us (John 3:16).

I’m not naive enough to believe all mothers are kind, caring, and selfless. If yours isn’t, remember that God loves you. If she is, remember that God loves you even more. In either case, God loves us so much that He sent His only Son, our selfless Savior, to die for us so we can be with Him forever. Remember!

Dear reader, if God blessed you with the gift of a godly mother, thank Him. And, if she’s still alive, be sure to thank her, too!

[1] Please see “Chief Cheerleader” for additional details:https://patsykuipers.com/2023/11/19/chief-cheerleader/

Selfless

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Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

Missing Mom

Mother’s Day is next Sunday. The floral department at the grocery store I frequent is already filling with balloons, cards, and flowers for the occasion. No matter how prepared I think I am to face the cheerful display, the knowledge that I won’t be buying anything for Mom makes sadness well up as I pass by on my way to the bread aisle. You see, this will be my sixth Mother’s Day without her since she went to be with the Lord a few days before the holiday in 2021.

I was blessed to have a godly mother who was my best friend, life-long cheerleader, and prayer warrior. There are numerous adjectives I could use to describe Mom – petite, patient, kind, loving, giving – but the one that tops them all is selfless. Whenever I read the passage above from Philippians 2, I think of Mom.

A Servant Heart

When my husband died suddenly at the age of 39, leaving me with two young daughters to raise on my own, Mom and Dad graciously moved from North Carolina to a house two miles from mine in Georgia. Though Dad sometimes lamented the loss of what he thought their retirement years would be like, Mom never did. She wholeheartedly came alongside me to help raise Mary and Jessie. There was no, “Look at me! Aren’t I great for making this sacrifice?” Instead, when I would thank her and tell her that I didn’t know how I would have made it without her, she would reply, “I couldn’t have stood it if we’d stayed in North Carolina, knowing you and the girls were here by yourselves.”

Thus, my daughters and I, and years later my grandchildren, were blessed by her loving care and presence. A few examples:

  • When my daughters were tiny and spent the night with my parents, they would sometimes become fretful or afraid. Mom would comfort them, then lie down by their crib until she was sure they’d fallen back asleep.
  • When I was working full-time and traveling, Mom would occasionally clean my house so I could relax on the weekends. When my daughters were old enough, she enlisted their help during the summer, teaching them the importance of helping others.
  • Mom prepared countless homemade meals, not to mention pound cakes and cookies that she shared with friends, doctors, and service folks, including appliance repair techs, mechanics who worked on my parents’ cars, and emergency responders who worked to restore power in their neighborhood after Hurricane Hugo blew through Charlotte.
  • Whenever Mom shared something – fresh fruits and vegetables from the produce stand she and Dad frequented, fragrant flowers from her gardenia bush – she chose the best for the recipient rather than for herself.
  • Each time Mom accompanied me to spend the day with my grandchildren, she made sure to have a small surprise for them, ranging from stickers and coloring pages to a sweet or salty treat.

A Humble Heart

Mom had no aspirations of greatness. During her long career as a bank teller, she had opportunities to become a manager, but she was content to remain at the counter serving customers, some of whom would wait in her line even when other tellers were available.

Similarly, Mom was satisfied to serve at home, out of the spotlight, cheering her family on in their endeavors.

Ironically, “Eulogy for a Godly Mother”[1] is my most widely read post by far. I don’t know how much of the post people read, but I hope they read at least a few of “Mom’s Mottos” and decide to put some of them into practice. I smile, thinking about how much Mom’s influence may have spread through that article.

Our Savior’s Heart

After the Apostle Paul instructs his Philippian readers to put others’ interests before their own, he goes on to say:

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8).

Mom was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. Selfless and generous, she delighted in serving and giving to others. I think of her whenever I read Philippians 2:3-8. Mom humbly put others’ interests before her own. Though she never would have been bold enough to say, “Be imitators of me as I imitate Christ,” as the Apostle Paul did (1 Corinthians 11:1), nor did she hold herself up as a godly role model, she nonetheless set a beautiful example for me to follow.

The best way to honor her memory is to follow her, as she followed Jesus, the One who demonstrated ultimate selflessness. Though I often fall short, one of the greatest compliments anyone can pay me is to say that some aspect of my character resembles Mom’s.

Although Mom didn’t receive many worldly accolades, I know her reward in heaven is great. She stored up much heavenly treasure during her earthly life (Matthew 6:19-21). Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren rise up and call her blessed (Proverbs 31:28). I will be forever grateful for the gift of a godly mother.

[1] https://patsykuipers.com/2021/05/09/eulogy-for-a-godly-mother/

Transformation

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And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18

I was invited to share some thoughts at our women’s brunch yesterday about how God has transformed me since calling me to Himself. The timing was fitting, as one of the most transformative events of my life occurred 29 years ago today, when I became a widow at 38.

This post is based on the comments I made at the brunch.

Looking Back

There are challenges that come with getting older, but there’s one thing I truly cherish: gaining a long-term perspective. I was baptized and made a public profession of faith shortly before my 16th birthday, just over 51 years ago. I didn’t know much theology back then, but I knew I was a sinner in need of a Savior, that Jesus loved me and died for me, and that I wanted to live a life pleasing to Him in gratitude for all He’d done for me.

When I consider the habits and attitudes that characterized my teen years, I cringe. God had replaced my heart of stone with a heart of flesh, yet I still had a long way to go when it came to looking like Jesus.

Gains and Losses

God blessed me with a mother who embraced and embodied her faith and was my prayer warrior. He also gave me a godly husband, grounded in sound theology and more mature in character, to help me grow in the faith. God brought me to Georgia nearly 34 years ago, where I came under Susan Hunt’s sound teaching on Biblical womanhood. Each of these people and relationships was key to my spiritual transformation.

Equally important are the hardships and losses God providentially placed in my life:

  • God called my husband, Ray, Home on April 19, 1997, leaving me a widow with two elementary-aged daughters to raise.
  • Years later, after my daughters were grown and on their own, my 30-year career ended when my position was eliminated.
  • More recently, my parents have gone to be with the Lord.

To borrow a phrase from a friend’s husband, each of those losses further unbolted me from my love affair with the world, transforming me from a woman too driven by immediate circumstances into one who embraces an eternal perspective (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Those hardships have also drawn me closer to God and deepened my awareness of His faithfulness and enduring love.

Whose Strength?

As I’ve persevered through challenging times, various people have said, “You’re so strong. How do you keep going?” My reply? “It’s not my strength!” If God’s power had not been made perfect in my weakness, I would have crumbled long ago (2 Corinthians 12:9). His grace is sufficient, and He’s never forsaken me.

Sometimes I wonder if Ray would recognize me if he came back, not so much because of the wrinkles and other effects of physical aging, but because of the changes God has brought about through the power of His Spirit at work within me. Would Ray see a gentler, quieter spirit, more patience, peace, and selflessness than when he last saw me?

I think he would. Ray always thought more highly of me than I did of myself. During premarital counseling, we filled out various forms, including one that asked us to list the top five strengths we saw in our future spouse. Ray’s list included, “She’s serious about her faith.” He saw the potential and what I could become in time as the master Potter shaped and molded me (Isaiah 64:8), and he was willing to marry me, even though I had plenty of flaws.

Mighty Makeover

Even more significantly, God knows who He created me to be and has been patiently transforming me into the image of His Son. Sometimes, especially during times of great loss, it’s felt like He was using a sledgehammer. At other times, it’s been more like fine-grained sandpaper and a polishing cloth. Regardless of His method, His commitment has never wavered.

God knew every sin and flaw in me, yet He chose me before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), sent His precious Son to die for me (John 3:16), and has promised to complete the good work He began in me when He calls me Home (Philippians 1:6). That’s true for every one of His children.

All of us are at different stages of transformation, and God will use diverse means to bring about the desired changes. We can be confident He will do so, because those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers (Romans 8:29).

We are being transformed from one degree of glory to another. We will be like Jesus when our faith becomes sight and we see Him as He is (1 Corinthians 13:12).

To God be the glory!

Rejoice!

/ Patsy Kuipers / Leave a comment

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.
Matthew 28:6

Happy Easter, dear readers! Easter is my favorite day of the year. Joy fills my heart as I wake up thinking, “He is Risen!” I pray that you, too, are filled with joy knowing Jesus is alive and seated at God’s right hand, interceding for us (Romans 8:34).

The beauty of springtime adds to my delight as all creation reawakens and joins the chorus of praise to our Creator. Bright green leaves, colorful flowers, baby birds – signs of new life that remind us of our new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Thus, I will let Scripture and a few photos do most of the talking in this post, a tribute to our Risen Savior. (Please note: the added emphasis in the passages is mine.)

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words (Luke 24:1-8 ESV).

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words (1Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV).

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true” (Revelation 21:1-5 ESV).

God promised to send a Savior (Genesis 3:15) and He did (John 3:16).

Jesus promised to return and take us to be with Him (John 14:3). He will.

Because God always keeps His promises. Therein lies our hope. Let us remember His words and encourage one another with them.

The Impostor, Encore

/ Patsy Kuipers / Leave a comment

[Satan] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:44

Sprinkle, sprinkle

My garden is home to a stand of native columbines, offspring of plants my late husband started over 30 years ago. Like many other gardening tasks, ensuring the columbines survived was something I had to learn through experience after Ray suddenly passed away one warm April evening. When I cut back the spent flowers later that spring, seeds spurted out, dotting the ground and decorating my shirt. I decided to sprinkle more around for good measure. And sprinkle I did, shaking one dried pod after another!

Months passed. Raising two young daughters alone and trying to find my footing in a world that had turned upside down consumed much of my time and energy. But winter waned, warmer days returned, and the garden beckoned me. A leisurely stroll yielded several encouraging finds – tiny plants emerging from their winter slumber.

“Hmm,” I wondered. “What could all those leaves springing up in the front bed be?”  Then I remembered scattering columbine seeds everywhere. It worked! I’ve continued the sprinkling tradition ever since, and each year I’ve been blessed with a bumper crop.

What’s That?!

When I first took stock of the returning plants, I noticed some leaves that resembled columbine foliage and had a similar growth habit. Not wanting to pull up desirable plants, I decided to let them develop until I was sure. Big mistake! By the time I figured out they were weeds, they had already taken root, matured, and produced seeds.

The impostors return each spring alongside the columbines, hiding out, hoping I won’t spot them. But after nearly three decades of careful observation and informed scrutiny, I can quickly detect the difference, even when the plants are still small. I pluck the weeds before they have a chance to get established and take over valuable garden space.

Fake Friend

Like my early dealings with the weeds, it’s easy to let questionable behavior or ungodly thoughts take root. We rationalize, “Looks like a good thing. I’m not sure, but it won’t hurt to try it out, at least until I’m certain. I can redirect later if need be.”

By the time we recognize the situation for what it is, it’s much more challenging to handle than if we had been spiritually vigilant from the start.

Unlike the weeds, which aren’t actually out to get me, we have an adversary bent on our destruction. Although Satan knows his ultimate defeat is certain, he prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone to destroy (1 Peter 5:8). He masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), tempting with promises that seem oh-so-reasonable, all while discounting potentially deadly consequences. He has used the same tactics since he first appeared on the scene (Genesis 3:1-5).

Practicing Discernment

Fortunately, there is a way to resist him. We must draw near to God, making use of the mighty armor He provides for us. Ephesians 6:17 describes the Word of God as the sword of the Spirit. We are to use it to protect our thoughts and to fend off Satan’s tempting lies. In doing so, we will be following Jesus’ example. When Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, he responded to each temptation with, “It is written,” followed by an appropriate passage from Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11).

When we meditate on God’s powerful Word, we are increasingly able to test and approve what His will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2) – and to refute lies with Truth.

As the colony of columbines has become increasingly dominant over the years, there’s less room for the annoying intruders. Those that do appear don’t get to stay around long since I can now readily identify them. Just as I’ve consistently sprinkled columbine seeds and studied the resulting plants’ appearance, let us liberally sow God’s truth in our lives and cultivate its teachings. In so doing, may we more easily recognize the father of lies and weed out his wily temptations before they can entice and entangle us.

Thank You, Lord, for Your mighty Word, which is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Please help us to study it deeply and frequently so that we’re able to discern the difference between truth and deception.

Training for Godliness

/ Patsy Kuipers / Leave a comment

Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:7b-8

Watching the Winter Olympics last month reminded me how fitting the Apostle Paul’s comparisons of spiritual and physical training are.

Helpful Analogies

Like millions of other people around the world, I watched countless hours of coverage. I caught myself holding my breath multiple times, as athletes went hurtling down hills at speeds comparable to those I drive on the interstate, and did flips and tricks that left me mesmerized and marveling that human bodies can even perform such stunts.

As I viewed the various events, I kept thinking about how hard the athletes had to work and how many years they trained to reach the Olympics. You don’t just wake up one morning and master triple toe loops and backflips on an ice rink, or develop the stamina for cross-country skiing and speed skating overnight. 

All this pondering reminded me of Bible passages that call us to apply the same discipline and dedication required of elite athletes to our spiritual development. These two came to mind in addition to the introductory verse:

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

Key Parallels

There are several parallels between physical and spiritual training:

  • Discipline: Just as athletes need ongoing physical discipline in areas like diet and exercise, those who follow Jesus also require discipline in spiritual practices such as prayer, Bible study, and worship. Serious athletes wouldn’t think of eating a steady diet of junk food or going for days without practicing. Likewise, we must feed on God’s Word, pray, and participate in corporate worship, not occasionally or when we “feel” like it, but consistently.
  • Endurance: The Christian life is often compared to a marathon. Having seen my daughter train to run that distance several times, I know it requires not only physical preparation but also mental toughness. Jesus is our ultimate example of endurance. He persevered through all of the trials set before Him, including death on the cross, remaining focused on the joy that awaited. Because of His work on our behalf, we can be confident that we, too, will finish the race and be seated in the heavenlies (Ephesians 2:4-6).
  • Fans: Athletes receive support from devoted fans and enthusiastic followers, including fellow athletes who have competed in the past. Believers have a great cloud of witnesses who testify to God’s faithfulness (Hebrews 12:1). Their lives serve as examples of what faith and perseverance in hardship look like. I imagine them cheering us on toward certain victory in Christ (Philippians 1:6).
  • Coaches: Skilled coaches who know their sports and can teach and motivate their athletes are priceless. Similarly, those who are further along in the Christian walk can exhort and encourage those who are younger in their faith; in fact, they are instructed to do so (Titus 2:1-8), and there are multiple examples in Scripture, such as Moses and Joshua, Naomi and Ruth, and Paul and Timothy. What’s more, we have the Holy Spirit, the ultimate coach, who counsels and empowers us (John 14:26).

Key Differences

  • Effect: Because of the Fall, our physical bodies will wear out over time. No matter how much training we do, fitness and strength will decline. Not so with spiritual training, which helps us become more and more like Christ and produces eternal fruit (2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22-23).
  • Prizes: In sports competitions, only one athlete or team wins. Even then, the medals and trophies will eventually tarnish and decay. But every child of God will receive an imperishable prize of far greater value than a gold medal: eternal life with Him!

Though we will never achieve perfection in this life, we must continue practicing, training, and pressing on toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12-14), knowing that we do not strive alone. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, empowered by the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, and accompanied by a perfect Savior who has promised never to leave or forsake us.