Barefoot Path
Exploring childlike wonder and faith
April-July, 2005
Welcome to Barefoot Path, a quarterly e-zine exploring childlike wonder and faith. Stroll down the path with us and find truth, beauty, majesty, and love—messages to us from our Creator waiting to be discovered.
Contents
Articles
"O Those April Showers" by Rev. James L. Snyder
"A Microscopic View of Renewal" by Jeanne Gowen Dennis
Departments
Barefoot on Tiptoe "Just Like New"
Holy Ground "Heavenly Acceptance" by Stacy Rothenberger
Poetry
"The Shape of God's Heart" by Sheila Seifert
"Silent Flight" by Chris Roe
Roaming the Path Books, resources, and web links to help you relish the journey
"Right Field" by Benjamin Hummel
Submission Guidelines for writers, illustrators, and photographers
O Those April Showers
By Reverend James L. Snyder
April showers bring May flowers. At least that's what people say. It sounds good, and for all practical purposes, the saying is true. Think what it would be like if there were all sunshine and no rain. Where would those May flowers be without April showers—and where would we be without the "showers" that enter our lives?
Many people, myself included, complain when things don't go the way we planned. Like small children, we dance and play in the sunshine, but mope and complain when a little rain falls on our playground, forcing us inside. We hate delays, but often they are good for us. Being laid low for some period by illness, injury, or fatigue can be beneficial for us. It gives us the needed opportunity to reflect on our lives, re-evaluate our current activities, and readjust our priorities. If we do not do this periodically, we face the danger of a breakdown somewhere down the road—usually sooner than we realize.
One reason why so many people in our society today are sick and hospital-ridden is the fast pace we have established. We make no allowances for delay or times off. We go, go, go until we cannot go anymore. We get caught up in the rat-race instead of enjoying life to its fullest. The result can be physical and emotional breakdown. What is the answer?
The answer is simple, though not easy. Our lives must be adjusted to allow the "April showers" to bring "May flowers" in our lives. Or, to put it another way, we need to realize what it is that nourishes us. It all begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son.
Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10 KJV). He also said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Though "April showers" may come at any season, when we live a life of complete dependence upon Jesus, "May flowers" are sure to follow.
© Rev. James L. Snyder
The Reverend James L. Snyder is an award winning author whose writings have appeared in more than eighty periodicals, including Guideposts. Snyder's first book, In Pursuit of God: The Life of A. W. Tozer, won the 1992 Reader’s Choice Award from Christianity Today. Through thirty years of ministry, he and his wife Martha have been involved in three church-planting projects prior to their current ministry at the Family of God Fellowship in Ocala, Florida. They have three children and four grandchildren. You may visit his website at www.godspenman.com.
A Microscopic View of Renewal
By Jeanne Gowen Dennis
My husband, an entomologist, peered into the eyepieces of his stereomicroscope. "Do you want to see it?" he asked with excitement in his voice.
For the past month, I had been helping him with word processing on a scientific paper about the pupal cases of robber flies. This was my opportunity to view what I had been reading as I typed—spiracles, coxal sheaths, antennal processes, and the like. Steve moved out of the way, and I adjusted the eyepieces.
A delicate, golden-brown, opaque shell sat on the stage, bathed in light. I knew that its tissue-thin walls had once encased a developing adult robber fly that had lived and died over fifty years ago. Yet this pupal case still had a story to tell.
Every part of the case existed for a reason, perhaps for protection or mobility. The details of its structure—such as the numbers and positions of its bristles—identified it within a particular species. Its form reflected the shape of the insect that had developed inside from a fat, soft-bodied larva to a sleek, winged adult.
As I examined the specimen, I marveled at our Creator's care in designing this stage in the fly's lifecycle. In intricate detail, God had planned a time of growth, renewal, struggle, and then rebirth for a seemingly insignificant insect.
As Christians, we too, go through times of metamorphosis. First we are reborn as new creatures when we accept Jesus as our Lord, Savior, and Messiah (2 Corinthians 5:17). Then as we grow in our relationship with God and go through various difficulties, He changes us so that we become more and more like Jesus (Romans 8:28–29). Periods of growth require rest. Just as God planned rest for robber flies, He designed times of rest for us and set us an example by resting after He finished the work of Creation.
First of all, God gave us sleep. When we get the sleep our bodies need, we wake up refreshed and ready to face the new day. He also set aside a day for us to refrain from work and focus on Him, which the Bible calls the Sabbath. Other types of rest include conversation, contemplation, reading, relaxation, friendship, and laughter. Exercise can also be a form of rest. As it stretches our muscles and expands our lungs, moderate exercise gives us a sense of health and well-being. Rediscovering nature also brings renewal to our souls. However, we find the most refreshing rest of all when we spend time with God.
Yes, God planned rest for us, but we live harried lives that seldom allow time for rest. So we must give ourselves permission to take the time.
Will you give yourself that permission now? Will you make room for laughter, contemplation, friendship, and prayer? In your busy life, will you take time to enjoy the beauty of creation, to immerse yourself in Bible reading, and most of all to revel in your relationship with the One who loves you most?
God designed us for intimacy with Himself, and He planned for our growth and renewal in intricate detail. Let this be a season when you look through the stereoscope of your life and wonder in awe at God's provision for you.
© Jeanne Gowen Dennis
Jeanne Gowen Dennis is the editor of Barefoot Path and the upcoming Barefoot for Kids e-zine, which will launch in June of 2005. The author of several books, Jeanne makes her home in Colorado, where she enjoys discovering the wonders of Creation with her husband, Steve—with or without the benefit of a microscope.
Barefoot on Tiptoe
Just Like New
You probably own something that is worse for wear—perhaps a piece of furniture, a favorite keepsake, a car, a bike, a tool. This issue's exercise is to take that item and clean, polish, restore, or paint it. Do whatever it takes to make that item look good again. As you work on it, remember to thank God for the continuing work He does in your life—forgiving, renewing, restoring, and making you a new creation in Jesus Christ.
Holy Ground
Heavenly Accepance
By Stacy Rothenberger
". . . being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it." (Philippians 1:6 NIV)
"I can't do this! It's not perfect! I'm so stupid! I'll never be able to do this!" my seven year old son screamed as he belittled his handwriting.
How many times have I cried myself to sleep expressing some of those same condemning thoughts? "God, I failed again. I lost my temper with the kids. I wasn't very loving to my husband. I'm such a failure at this whole Christian life. I'll never be perfect."
But does God really expect me to be perfect? I love my son regardless of his ability to perform. I love him just because he is mine. Isn't that like the love of our Heavenly Father? He knows our weaknesses and is going to tutor us in those areas until we make the grade. He knows our potential and will keep pushing us until we can accomplish everything that He created us to do.
The Lord doesn't expect or demand perfection. When we fail, we can ask Him to forgive our childish outbursts of frustration. Then we can rejoice that His arms aren't on His hips in condemnation, but rather outstretched in love.
© Stacy Rothenberger
Stacy Rothenberger, from Lansdale, PA, is learning never to say never. Moving to the East Coast, marrying a dairy farmer, having five children, homeschooling, and sharing all of her difficult life lessons are just a few of the "nevers" God has given her to write about. Through the daily struggles and victories in her Christian walk God is teaching her the importance of never saying never.
Poetry
The Shape of God's Heart
By Sheila Seifert
Everlasting love, forever unfurled,
A rescue planned at the creation of the world.
For God so loved that He sent . . .
For God so loved that He went . . .
For God so loved that He gave . . .
For God so loved that He saved . . .
A fragrant aroma, a sacrifice,
Heavenly innocence, an offering for vice,
Fighting the fight, Setting the pace,
A living Valentine for the human race.
© Sheila Seifert
Sheila Seifert, an award winning writer and designer, is constantly amazed by God’s grace and love. To learn more about Sheila books, craft patterns, and free writing classes go to http://home.rmi.net/~seifert.
Silent Flight
By Chris Roe
In the silence,
The clarity of your voice,
Climbs high
Upon the eagle's wings.
The chains of doubt
That imprison my soul
Fall away beneath my feet.
In the freedom and majesty
Of the sentinel's gaze,
Faith is strengthened
And hope returned
To a weary heart,
Upon the silent flight
Of eagles wings.
© Chris Roe
Chris Roe lives and works in the rural county of Norfolk, England as a self-employed gardener. While most of his career has been spent in the agricultural industry in the UK, writing poetry has been his hobby for some years. He has had poetry published in a number of small press publications and magazines in the UK and on websites in the US. You may visit his website at www.silentflightpublications.com.
Roaming the Path
Here are some resources you might enjoy as you continue down the path of childlike wonder and faith:
In Quiet Places: A Woman's Guide to Personal Retreat by Jane Rubietta is the perfect book for women needing a bit of rest and renewal. With gentleness, honesty, and vulnerability, Rubietta leads readers away from the pressing cares of life to quiet places of love, forgiveness, inspiration, and stability, hideaways of refreshment where we can enjoy the company of the One who loves us best. You may buy the book directly from Jane's website at www.abounding.org or
If you are a teacher getting ready for some needed rest from the classroom or if you're looking for a great gift for a teacher you know, then consider Kisses of Sunshine for Teachers. by popular speaker Carol Kent and best-selling author Vicki Caruana. This collection of stories was written by teachers for teachers. A piece by Karen Allaman called "A Teacher, a Clown, a Friend" about how she befriended a sullen, troubled student is only one example of the inspirational stories that will produce laughter, tears, and joy as teachers reflect on the multiple facets of their profession.
Jim Robinson, a former alcoholic and drug addict who now operates a ministry to help free others from the lifestyle he escaped, has another winner in his new CD called Clean. Both a call to repentance and a celebration of God's forgiveness and regeneration, this collection speaks to all, from the hopeless sinner at the point of suicide to the seasoned believer already familiar with God's incredible love. Ranging from upbeat to mellow, the CD concludes with this reviewer's favorite, "Thirsty," which speaks about the Living Water that satisfies our souls so that we will "never be thirsty again." Refresh your soul with Clean. You'll want to listen to it again and again. Visit Jim's website at www.prodigalsong.com for information about his ministry and music.
About Our Cover
Our cover painting, "Right Field," is by Benjamin Hummel, an accomplished artist who depicts the charms and nostalgia of history and childhood in his detailed paintings. He is a student of history and works with various historical organizations to research the information necessary to recreate life as it once was. Benjamin's manner of layering his humor and wit into his original oil paintings has often been compared to Norman Rockwell's. Benjamin studied fine art in illustration at Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design. Since then, his paintings have received various awards from local institutions and have been featured in several books and magazines. His recent children's book release, What Would You Like to Do Today? (written by Larry Grizzell and co-illustrated by Cherish Flieder) is now available.
To view more of Ben's paintings or to purchase prints, please visit his website at www.paintingforlife.com.
Barefoot Path
Editor: Jeanne Gowen Dennis
Associate Editor: Sheila Seifert
Assistant Editor: Christine St. Jacques
© Jeanne Gowen Dennis. U.S. and Worldwide rights reserved.