Baby, Oh Baby!!!

Baby, Oh Baby!
by Louise Bergmann DuMont

Baby Girl DuMont Is Coming – Hurray!
My son and my daughter-in-law are thankful its true,
especially this year – and the reason is HUGE.
Roni is growing a bit everyday,
with a precious God-Gift inside her today.
“Its a girl,” the Doc noted, “A girl?” JC queried.
“A girl,” Roni whispered. Then together they cheered!
Our family did mark this momentous event,
with prayer and feasting and heaven’s consent.

Yes, my son and daughter-in-law are having a little girl. Have you ever seen pictures of a developing embryo? The process (called embryogenesis) is amazing. Two haploid cells meet and a single diploid cell is formed. If everything proceeds on schedule, a child is born nine months later.
It sounds so simple. But how does that combined cell know that it should divide... and divide... and divide some more? And of those divided cells, how does one cell know that should be the beautiful blue iris of our granddaughter, another know it will become her healthy liver tissue and yet another know it should form magnificent muscle to produce the delightful sound of her beating heart.

Some adult cells duplicate (skin cells are washed away when we shower and new ones replace them each day) but once a person is born a liver cell can never change to become part of a hair follicle or vice versa. Yet God provides miracles every day. He instructed one very special combination of cells to become our granddaughter. He told that very first cell how many additional cells would be needed, where each cell should position itself, and exactly when they should get started. Nine months later, a daughter is ready for her mother’s and father’s (and grandparent’s) arms. This is amazing stuff!

Some individuals would like us to believe that an embryo is nothing more than a clump of nondescript cells. They talk about the initial embryonic stage looking like a tadpole – implying that it is a throw-back to humans emerging from ooze trillions of years ago. But researchers know (although they haven’t figured out how) that cells are “coded” with information. The joining of two human cells can not create a frog because only human information is coded into those cells. It already is what God ordained – a precious child.

God wants his children to know that they are no accident. He perfectly forms each child before their mother or father even knows the child exists. As much as I already love the granddaughter whose birth we await – it thrills my heart to know that God loves her even more.

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart... " Jeremiah 1:4-5b

God's Tattoo

God’s Tattoo
by Louise Bergmann DuMont

“Look at her. It’s disgusting!” the first woman said, as she tugged at her pristine white suit jacket.
The second woman adjusted her glasses and sighed. “Why doesn’t she just have those horrible tattoos removed?”

“They are awful,” the first one responded with a snicker. Then, pretending to shield her words from others, she added in a loud whispered, “I think the one around her neck has swear words!”

Her friend’s head shook like a bobble head doll – nearly knocking her glasses off her face.

“Caroline has been spending a lot of time with her. I don’t know how Caroline can be friends with someone like that.”

At that moment Caroline appeared in the doorway and stepped directly front of the two women. Although her words remained pleasant, her face echoed the steal that undergirded her tone.

“Hi, ladies. Did I hear my name? Was there something you wanted to tell me?”

“Uh... um... no... well, actually... um... we were wondering about your friend Miki,” stammered white suit.

“What were you wondering?”

“Is she a Christian?” asked the other woman trying to more firmly place her glasses.

“Yes. Yes she is.”

“So... um... why doesn’t she have those horrible tattoos removed from her neck and her wrist? They really aren’t very attractive.” The woman grimaced, reflecting her thoughts clearly in her expression.
“And doesn’t the Bible say something about not marking our bodies?” asked the other woman?

“I assume you’re taking about Leviticus 19:28. You have to understand why the Israelites were told not to get tattoos. The Israelites had begun to take on the customs of the people around them. These included marking their bodies with the names of heathen gods in hopes that they would find favor with the heathen gods. Have you actually looked at Miki’s tattoos.”

“Well, no,” the surprised women responded in unison.

“Well... the tattoo on Miki’s neck is a snake. She got that one before she became a Christian, but once she became a believer she had something added. It says, “Exodus 15:22-27 Jehovah-Rapha – The Lord that heals”. Every time she looks in the mirror, Miki is reminded that she’s been healed of her childhood abuse and her desire for alcoholic and drugs.”

Caroline smiled as at the open-mouth stares from the two women in front of her before continuing.

“Miki actually had the tattoo on her wrist put on recently. It is a rose of Sharon and the braid that winds around her wrist says, “Isaiah 49:15b-16 ~ But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on my hand.” She had this tattoo put on as a permanent reminder that even though her earthly father disowned her, her heavenly father will always be there for her.”

Silence fell on the women. When Caroline spoke again, her voice was kind but firm.

“You might want to get to know Miki. We can all use a few more Christian friends.”

Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 3 John 1:5

A Christmas Yet To Come

A Christmas Yet To Come
by Louise Bergmann DuMont

My assignment was simple – write a story entitled “A Christmas Yet to Come.” Visions reflective of a Charles Dickens tale raced through my mind. Stories that held ghostly apparitions and futuristic sagas with unexpected twists came in rapid succession. While I sipped my coffee topped with a mound of sweetened whipped cream, I wove the opening paragraphs of the manuscript.

It was set in the year 2052. It would take place just a month short of my 100th birthday, as four generations of family gathered at a Christmas reunion. The events in my story were both humorous and appropriately sappy for the season. I trashed the story shortly after I wrote a detailed description of myself fifty years hence. No previously written ghost of Christmas future ever scared me that much.

Yesterday evening I began a new story and God once again led me to fact rather than fiction.

***

Scott, our youth leader clutched his clipboard like a drowning man holds to a life preserver. When his words came, he spoke haltingly.

“Michael is 17. He’s a senior in high school and he asked me to share a prayer request with you. Last week he found out that he will most likely not be here next Christmas.”

Scott paused, hoping the truth of what he said would sink into the minds of the teens that surrounded him.

“So…where is he going?” one teen asked, taking a gulp of cola and popping a few Doritos into her mouth with practiced precision.

“He’s going to be with Jesus next Christmas. The doctors told his family that he has a very rare blood disorder and that there is no cure.”

Silence fell over the room like a thick blanket.

Scott continued, “I would like to pray for him and I want to ask that you pray for me as well. I’m going to see him tomorrow and…I really don’t know what to say to him.”

A low mummer replaced the silence. That night we prayed for Michael and for Scott but something gnawed at my insides. I kept seeing visions of old Ebenezer Scrooge with Tiny Tim perched on his shoulder. Scrooge’s step was light and snow flurries merrily danced about them. In A Christmas Carole, Ebenezer Scrooge saves Tiny Tim. When he purposes to keep Christmas in his heart, when he supplies enough funds, when he eases the burden of the poor and lame – Ebenezer is able to fix the problems of this world.

A dose of reality settles into my spirit as I think of Michael. His rare blood disease isn’t going away because someone donates a turkey and some presents. If Christ does not miraculously intercede, his parents will find an empty chair at their dinner table next Christmas.

For a brief moment I felt both helpless and hopeless. Then a scripture verse popped into my head. I don’t know when I memorized it or why but there it was – shedding hope where a moment before there was none. “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13 NRSV)

That in a nutshell is the story of “A Christmas Yet to Come.” The first Christmas was about Christ coming to meet us. The Great Christmas Yet to Come is when we, as believers, go to meet Christ. Whether we are here on earth for His second coming to this world, or we are called to meet Him on the other side of death – it does not matter. There will be a great reunion of Christ with His people…and that will be one heck of a Christmas party.

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13 NRSV)

©2007 Louise Bergmann DuMont. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Bio:
Louise Bergmann DuMont, is the author of two books Grace by the Cup: A Break from the Daily Grind (Revell) and Faith-Dipped Chocolate: Rich Encouragement to Sweeten Your Day (Revell). She includes among her loves and many interests; her precious family, Biblical archeology, gifted/learning-disabled children and fiction/fantasy writing.

Cafe Chocolate

Cafe Chocolat´
by Louise Bergmann DuMont

As I clutched my iced coffee, I peered into the display case at Café Chocolat´ and swallowed hard. Only my pride kept me from pressing my nose against the glass. The shelves were lined with dozens and dozens of the most decadent chocolate confections imaginable. Éclairs draped in their shinny chocolate coats and milk-chocolate mousse-filled cream puffs dusted with cocoa powder smiled at me. Enticingly strange were pyramid-like confections of chocolate mousse served on clouds of whipped cream. These stood in rows like a little soldiers awaiting their orders. Miniature raspberry tarts with white chocolate crusts and cakes that boasted names like Blackout Blizzard and Chocolate-Peanut Heaven bore their share of the acclaim.
But what finally seized my attention were the tiny individual cakes. One held a small placard with the name “White Carnation”. This dense, flourless, chocolate cake was covered in bittersweet chocolate ganache with a feathery white chocolate carnation festooning its cap. It looked deceptively simple – but my heart told me that breaking into this delight would reveal its wondrous complexity.
Like a child, I simply pointed to my desire and the clerk retrieved it. His eyes told me what I already I knew – this was the dessert of a lifetime. I sat at my little cafe stool awaiting the arrival of my treat like a queen awaits her coronation crown.
That morsel satisfied the depth of my culinary soul. I took great pleasure in each forkful and managed to savor even those crumbs that strove to elude my capture.
Oh God, that I would so eagerly await and passionately relish each portion of your precious Word.

Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.
Jeremiah 15:16

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Psalm 119:103-104

Free Coffee

FREE COFFEE
by Louise Bergmann DuMont

A bright orange placard boldly announced its offer from the entry of the pastry shop -- FREE COFFEE!

My friend, who loves coffee nearly as much as I do, froze in front of the sign with unpleasant smirk.

“Sure... they give you a free coffee but it probably tastes like yesterday’s dishwater.”

“My, aren’t we cynical?” I asked smiling. “You didn’t complain when the department store was doing free make-overs or when the grocery store handed out free samples of cold cuts.”

Marilyn did not return my smile. “That’s different. In those cases you were supposed to try a product so you could decide whether or not to buy it. The coffee shop is giving away coffee – no strings attached. That can’t be good.”

“But it might be great coffee! Maybe the shop is just saying ‘thanks for coming into our store.’”

My friend shrugged her shoulders and when she spoke there was no conviction in her voice. “Maybe, but I doubt it,” she said.

For a moment we stared at the sign, unable to stay or go. Finally I offered my comments.

“I think society is way too eager to trash a thing just because its free. Remember that old saying, ‘The best things in life are free.”

My friend’s hand flew out as if she were brushing away an annoying fly.

“I’m sure you’ve heard another old saying, ‘There’s no free ride.’ If the coffee is actually good, I’ll bet there are strings attached to this deal.” Her gaze moved down the street and she pointed in the same direction, “Let’s go to that other café.”

I made no move to walk away. “One of my friends at work had a yard sale last week. They put out a huge box of things that they felt were decent items, but not things that everyone needed, and attached a sign that read, ‘FREE – Help Yourself.’ Noon came and went and no one even looked in the box. His wife suggested they change the sign to read “Your Choice - 25¢.” The next two people who came to the sale looked through the box and both made an offer on the lot of it. They ended up splitting the contents and were happy as clams that they got a bargain.”

“So you’re saying that the things they bought were actually worth something, but somehow it didn’t seem that way until they had to pay for it?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. I know that a lot of people have trouble with salvation because it’s a free gift to us from God. They don’t realize its real value, simply because they aren’t the ones who have to pay for it. But that doesn’t make it any less valuable. The Father paid a high price for our salvation when he offered up the life of His Son. Even though we don’t pay for it, we are the ones who benefit from God’s love.”

“I see your point. Maybe this storeowner uses the best coffee beans in town and he’s being generous to his customers.”

My friend and I decided to give the free coffee a try. Turns out I was right – the coffee was EXCELLENT!!!

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift … of life.

Rev 22:11

Too Much of a Good Thing

Too Much of a Good Thing
by Louise Bergmann DuMont

This past winter a coworker began mixing small amounts of cinnamon with the ground coffee. The addition was minimal, but the coffee’s spicy flavor made our breakfast breaks especially pleasant.

This same coworker took a vacation recently and a different individual was called upon to prepare the morning brew. He must have felt that if a little cinnamon tasted good, a lot of cinnamon would taste even better. What started out as an interesting, flavor enhanced experiment turned into a bitter, dump-this-down-the-drain-quick elixir. Trust me – more is not always better.

A friend’s youngster pointed this out to me again just last week. His mom and I were having a cup of coffee when he came running into the house. His eyes sparkled like 4th of July firecrackers.

~~~~~~~~~~
“Mom, mom – I know a joke.”

“Really. Where did you hear this joke?”

“Kyle told it to me. Can I tell it to you... please?”

“Sure – go ahead,” his mom said smiling.

“How do you know that an elephant was in your refrigerator?”

The two of us grinned at each other as we recognized the age-old joke. Winking at me, his mother played along. “I don’t know, Andy. How would I know if an elephant had been in our refrigerator?”

Andy bounced up and down with unrestrained excitement as he delivered the punch line.

“You’d know because you could see his footsteps in the peanut butter!!!”

We both broke out in a laugh as my friend gave her son a hug. It was fun to see another generation delight in the same jokes we once enjoyed – but the story doesn’t end there. A few minutes later, Andy was back.

“Mom, Mom... I got a joke for you.”

“Another one?” she asked, raising her eyebrows.

Her son quickly launched into the same joke. My friend smiled patiently, patted her son on the head and shooed him off to play while we finished our discussion.

Not a minute later Andy was back and a minute after that he was back yet again.

“Mom, I got a joke for you.”

Tension rode my friend’s face. “Andy, is this the same joke you told us the last three times?”

His smile turned downward as he stammered his answer.

“Y-y-es…”

His mom’s face softened. “Honey, you can’t keep telling the same joke over and over.”

Andy’s eyes grew large and he turned his face toward hers.

“But you thought I was funny. It made you laugh!”

“Yes, but it isn’t funny when you tell the same joke over and over.”

“Oh.” The twinkle left his eyes.

How about we go to the library tomorrow and find some new elephant joke books. OK?” my friend offered.
“OK.”

His mom caught Andy’s arm before he could run back off to play. “Honey, you don’t have to tell me jokes to make me smile. All you have to do is give me a hug.”

Andy’s grin returned as he wrapped his arms around his mother’s neck.

~~~~~~~~~~

We all occasionally yearn for extra love and attention. This can lead us to think that doing more good will earn us additional accolades. It is only when we recognize that God’s love is never dependent upon what we do, that we can spice our words and life in the appropriately measure – adding enough to provide a unique and rich flavor – but not so much as to make everyone sick.

“It is not good to eat too much honey...” Proverbs 25:27a

Searching

Searching
by Louise Bergmann DuMont

Soup cans, pasta boxes, granola bars and water bottles lay scattered about our kitchen like wounded soldiers after a battle. With one hand on my hip and my foot tapping a frustrated beat, I stared at the now empty shelves of my pantry.

“Where could it be?” I faced the bare walls with a wrinkled brow.

“What are you looking for?” my husband asked as he came into the room.

“That bag of gourmet coffee beans we bought a few days ago. I know we didn’t use them.”

John leaned over and rummaged through a stack of items in front of the dishwasher. From under the macaroni and cheese he pulled a can of store brand coffee.

I wrinkled my nose.

“That is definitely not it.”

“I know, but it looks like this is all we’ve got.” John put the can down next to the coffee maker and walked away.

I looked at the mess and allowed my gaze to drift out the window. The sun had risen to an azure sky, a small wren chipped to his friend in our cedar tree, and a squirrel ran madly about gathering who-knows-what. For just a moment, I imagined giving up the search for my special coffee. I could easily settle for a pot of canned coffee and spend my Saturday puttering in the backyard.

An unwanted sigh escaped my lips as I began placing items back on the pantry shelves. How could I settle for something of lesser quality, when the best was somewhere within my reach? It took about a half hour to restore my pantry to its former self. Then my thoughts returned to the task at hand.

OK, girl – think! Where did you put that coffee???

I opened each cabinet in my kitchen and poked through its contents – eventually arriving at our appliance cupboard. I no sooner opened the door when I saw the coffee bag.

Of course! I put the beans next to the coffee grinder!

The bean’s russet wrapper welcomed me into its presence like summer sunshine. I pulled the coffee and the grinder from the shelf and had a pot of rich brown liquid brewing on my counter within minutes. Its scent drew my husband right to the kitchen.

“Wow. That smells great. I guess you found the gourmet beans.”

“Yes I did – but only because I kept looking.”

A grin grew on John’s face as he filled a large mug with the fragrant brew. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing for both of us that you didn’t give up.”

Some things in life are worth pursuing. Good coffee ranks high on my list. A trust worthy friend is another significant quest. But at the very top of my list, is my search for God’s will. When I’m walking with God, I know He’ll stand by me no matter what circumstances come my way.

The Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded. He went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law. But in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, and he was found by them.”

II Chronicles 15:1-5a